Vengeance ruled his days . . . and nights.

An infamous sea captain of the British Royal Navy, Devlin O'Neill is consumed with the need to destroy the man who brutally murdered his father. Having nearly ruined the Earl of Eastleigh financially, he is waiting for his moment to strike the final blow. And it comes in the form of a spirited young American woman, the earl's niece, who is about to set his cold, calculating world on fire.

Pride inflamed her spirit

Born and raised on a tobacco plantation, Virginia Hughes is determined to rebuild her beloved Sweet Briar. Daringly, she sails to England alone, hoping to convince her uncle to lend her the funds. Instead, she finds herself ruthlessly kidnapped by the notorious Devlin O'Neill. As his hostage, she will soon find her best laid plans thwarted by a passion that could seal their fates forever.

Love conquered them both

Against the backdrop of a turbulent war between England and America, Devlin and Virginia are torn apart by duty, pride and honor. Their private battle is one that Virginia must win-for at stake is Devlin's heart. But as the war rages ever closer to Sweet Briar, each must make the ultimate sacrifice-and surrender to the healing power of their consuming love.