Seven years ago, Lady Chelsea Campion was banished to a remote English island for a rebellious act that resulted in her social ruin. She did not perish from the disgrace; instead, Chelsea has thrived in pursuing her creative writing and enjoys her freedom. While on a walk along the beach, Chelsea stumbles upon a naked, unconscious man. When he awakens, he remembers nothing of his past. Visiting with the handsome and intelligent stranger, Chelsea realizes how much she's missed interaction with people. After concocting a risky scheme to produce an heir with the stranger to save her family's home, Chelsea knows her exile will become permanent. She plans to enjoy every moment spent with him.

Lord Blake Sinclair awakens injured with no memory. He's a stranger to himself and unaware of family or friends. His only link to the present is the unconventional beauty who cares for him. He develops a friendship with her that quickly becomes intimate at her urging. Not knowing if he is betraying a wife or a fiancée, they agree to a no- strings-attached relationship. However, Blake loves Chelsea's enthusiasm and quickly falls under her spell, until he overhears that she's using him for her own appalling reasons.

Fury at her betrayal almost overwhelms Blake. Chelsea was his lifeline when he had no control over his mind. She will pay for her deceit. Chelsea begs for forgiveness, but Blake refuses to believe her protestations that she's fallen in love with him. She rejects his dismissal as she attempts to win his heart.

Ms. MacLean tackles characters who undergo emotional upheavals of losing control over every aspect of their lives in this thought-provoking read. Filled with anguish and reflection on their past actions, Chelsea and Blake gradually reveal their true selves in order to achieve their dreams. The third in the Pembroke Palace series continues the high standards set in the previous books. It can stand-alone but readers will want to read the other rich Sinclair stories.