Darius Lindsey is the son of an earl, but he makes his own way in the world. He does things he's not proud of to take care of his farm and his make-shift family -- but he does have limits. Then Lord William Longstreet comes calling. The aging lord's last heir has died, and he offers Darius a fortune to help him get a new one.

Vivian Longstreet took care of William's wife, and when he was widowed, he took care of Vivian, by marrying her. When he asks her to spend an intimate month with Darius, she sees it has her duty. It soon turns into a labor of love.

Author Grace Burrowes has populated DARIUS with many-layered characters, both good and bad, that bring the story and settings to life. She's given Darius and Vivian dark pasts and family secrets that threaten any hope of happiness. As the story develops, it's hard to see how they will ever overcome the obstacles to have a future together. They're so well written, it's easy to care about them and worry about them as they deal with circumstances that are spiraling out of control.

I highly recommend DARIUS to readers who enjoy Regency romances with troubled heroes and strong heroines.