Devlin "Devil" Varcoe, a notorious smuggler, braves winter weather and revenue men to fetch the contraband on which Porthinnis depends for survival. Drawn to Jenefer Trevanion - whose father finances the smuggling operation - Devlin is seduced by beautiful wild-child Tamara Gillis. When fire destroys her home, Jenefer is forced to work in the pilchard cellars. Craving Tamara for himself, Thomas Varcoe plots to kill his rogue brother, and after being rejected by Devlin, a pregnant Tamara is pressured to marry Tomas. It is only when he faces death that Devlin finally recognizes the love he never believed he deserved. When disaster strikes, he must choose between loyalty and freedom.