Four years ago, devilishly handsome Devon Sinclair rescued Lady Rebecca Newland from her runaway coach. In her isolated existence, Rebecca has dreamed and fantasized about that wonderful moment ever since. In her imagination, she's idolized Devon and made him into the perfect man. When her father forces an unwanted fiancé upon her, Rebecca flees with her aunt to the man she believes can protect her -- Devon. She attends a ball with the intention of catching his eye. Having not been in society and uncertain on gaining a man's interest, Rebecca uses knowledge gained from an old, explicit and wicked diary to lure and entice him.

Three years ago, Devon Sinclair, the future Duke of Pembroke, left England after betraying his brother. He failed miserably at behaving honorably and left his family. After letters from his mother, Devon returns to find his family in disarray. His father is slowing falling into madness with hallucinations and violent rages. To appease his father, Devon agrees to marry. He chooses the one woman at his mother's ball who catches his eye -- Rebecca -- the young lady he met years before his exile who tempts him with a curious combination of innocent and coquette.

Very quickly, Rebecca and Devon discover they are strangers with different expectations -- and misunderstandings occur. Devon refuses to be anyone's hero or protector. Rebecca learns to fight for what she wants, but an unwanted suitor could sabotage her plans.

Ms. MacLean begins a fascinating new series where the inhabitants' lives are riddled with scandal. She leads with Rebecca and Devon's tale. Rebecca is a wonderful heroine who learns to discard her childish fantasies and to accept Devon as a man with faults. The erotic diary Ms. MacLean incorporates into the plot adds to the sensual intensity. The other Sinclair family members, with their interesting foibles and passions, make it difficult to wait for the next book in the Pembroke Palace series.