Daphne Pembroke was forbidden to study Egyptian writing while her husband was alive. Now that he's dead, it's frowned upon by society. While doing her work, she lets her brother, Miles, take the credit, and he becomes a respected scholar. But when Miles disappears, Daphne will go to any length and expense to get him back. Since there are no available English gentlemen to help her, her only choice is to pay to get a dumb ox of an Englishman out of a dungeon.

Rupert Carsington was born a fourth son. To keep him out of trouble, he was sent to Egypt and had only been there six weeks when he ended up in a dungeon. While awaiting his release, he's intrigued by the voice of a woman bargaining for his freedom. From the moment Rupert sees Daphne, he can't get her out of his mind. Although keeping Daphne safe is his first responsibility, seduction is becoming his obsession. As days become weeks and the dangers become greater, Daphne realizes how much her late husband held her back in life, while Rupert is setting her free.

It takes the words of another to make Rupert understand that what he's feeling for Daphne is love, not just lust. Now he has to convince Daphne that he loves her and wants to marry her, not only for her beauty but also for her mind.

This was one of the sexiest stories I've read in a long time. Rupert may have been considered a dumb ox, but he oozes with sensuality. It was wonderful watching Daphne rediscover herself with Rupert's assistance.