With a vile Russian Prince and Cossacks on her heels, Rebecca Ward flees her home in Yorkshire and tries to locate the mighty Duke of Westland to tell what she witnessed that fateful night on the moors. Becky prays the duke will remember her from his stay years ago at the hunting lodge where she and her mother lived. Becky's mother, the disgraced daughter of an earl, was banished to the farthest house of his estate, where they enjoyed a happy life. After the death of her mother and grandfather, a distant cousin, Prince Kurdov, arrived as her guardian. She refused to submit to the lecherous demands of the prince and witnessed him committing murder. Avoiding the Cossacks, Becky stumbles upon a rake who mistakes her for a trollop.

Lord Alec Knight's bad luck is finally changing. Finding a delectable woman asleep on his friend's doorstep, Alec and his friends awaken her for their pleasure. Instead of a willing woman, they awaken a termagant, who tries to geld one and loosen another's tooth. Alec uses his legendary charm to coax the frightened woman back to his home. Something about her stirs the libertine's almost forgotten conscience. Born in scandal to the woman known as Hawkscliffe's Harlot, Alec's behavior rivals his mother's life. His last affair cost him his brothers' respect and his own.

Realizing she needs help, Becky accepts Alec's aid. While evading the Cossacks and developing a plan, Becky falls in love with Alec, despite her misgivings regarding his character. Trying to prove himself worthy, Alec transforms into a warrior to battle for justice and Becky's heart.

This is an absolutely fabulous romance! Ms. Foley pairs a dark and tormented hero with a spitfire heroine, engaging in a dark and sensual relationship that will engross readers. Don't start this tale late in the day, or you'll be up all night finishing it.