When youthful Clare Carradale beards the ogre in his den, she is instantly smitten with Sir Rupert Wolverley's raw and powerful attraction. In an attempt to prevent her brother eloping with Sir Rupert's niece, Clare is herself compromised. She must either marry his young cousin, Lord Ashendon, whom she detests, or Rupert himself.Can Clare's hopes of a radiant future be realised in this uneven and improbable match? Both Fate and Ashendon conspire against her. But Clare's true battle lies in overcoming Rupert's inner demons, if she is to save her marriage and win through to a promise of happiness.