Her first secret: She is not a widow.

Elizabeth Ashburton has never even married, and at this rate, she never will. But pretending to be a bereaved young wife was the only way she could escape her horrid fate - being forced to marry the man who destroyed her father.

Her second secret: She is not a prim young lady.

Her third secret: She's willing to risk all.

Elizabeth knows she is playing a dangerous game, for her dreaded suitor will not give her up without a fight. Now she needs Rowland more than ever - to rescue her from a life of desperation, to drive her wild with desire, and to make her his scandalous bride.