A devil who won't be denied... Too powerful to care for such petty things as morals, the Duke of Thorington lives as he pleases. And it pleases him to be known as a cruel, heartless blackguard -- one no sane woman would dare to marry. But when his fortunes suddenly crumble, he must find a way to save his family from ruin. To succeed, Thorington must secure an heiress for his younger brother. There's only one problem... A lady who can't be contained... Bold, daring Callista Briarley has survived riots, plagues, and revolutions while building her own privateering enterprise, but the sharks of English society are an entirely new challenge. It will all be worth it if she wins Maidenstone Abbey -- a house her ancestors spent centuries killing each other for. To succeed, Callie needs a husband -- preferably one who can be easily controlled. There's only one problem... Two hearts destined to ignite... During the most infamous house party of the summer, Callie and Thorington have one chance to secure both their futures. But falling in love with each other was never part of the plan -- and Callie's need for freedom is directly at odds with Thorington's brand of control. When her past puts them both in danger, will their unexpected love be enough to conquer all?