At a masquerade ball, Lady Jane Guthrie sees her childhood friend, Seth, across the room and wonders if he'll recognize and speak to her. Her love for him grew throughout childhood and adolescence even when he made an offer for her sister's hand, who rejected it. After that, she had not seen him again.

In the meantime, Jane's parents arranged a marriage for her with an arrogant philander. At his premature death in the arms of a courtesan, Jane's life took a turn for the worse. Her brother-in-law and his family took control of her finances and used her as a servant in her own home. Tired of the servitude, Jane plans a night out at a masquerade ball. Spying Seth, Jane realizes she still has feelings for him.

Seth Ruthledge, the Earl of St. Claire, left England when his father bought him a commission in the Navy. After the tragic accident that left his sister blind, Seth's father blamed him and could not stand to look at him. Seth only returned after surviving war and pirates to assume the title, planning to marry and give his sister a home and security. Love is not considered in his search for a bride. The one time he fell in love it was with a faithless woman who humiliated him. He refuses to go through that pain again.

At the ball, Seth seduces a sensual woman who declines to identify herself. When he learns it's Jane, Seth's fury at the deception devastates her. He wants nothing to do with her or her family after the humiliation he suffered because of their rejection years ago. However, Seth and Jane cannot dismiss the passion between them, but it cannot grow into love unless they remove the barriers around their hearts.

Ms. Jordan delivers a passionate and engaging love story that keeps you turning the pages. She excels in writing memorable characters who carry heavy emotional burdens. The secondary characters are also intriguing. Hopefully, they will get their own stories.