"Compelling, passionate love story with fascinating, complex characters."

Lady Aline Marsden, the Earl of Wescliff's eldest daughter, makes a grave mistake when she falls in love with her playmate and companion, McKenna, the stable boy. Her love doesn't decrease with time but only grows stronger. When her absentee father discovers her feelings, the earl banishes the boy and forces Aline to repudiate her feelings for McKenna or he vows to destroy him. Aline complies and watches afterwards as her life deteriorates into a downward spiral.

It's taken 12 years for McKenna to make his fortune in America, but revenge is a powerful motivator. Now he's back to even the score with the woman who broke his heart. McKenna plans to seduce and destroy Aline, for his love has turned to hatred. After their first meeting, he realizes something isn't quite right with Aline, but he can't put his finger on it. His seduction continues with Aline not attempting to dissuade him. In the end, McKenna must decide if revenge is the answer he seeks.

Ms. Kleypas pens a compelling, passionate love story with fascinating, complex characters. Readers receive an added treat with a romantic tale between secondary characters. A definite keeper.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted February 1, 2004

Summary

She gave him her innocence . . .Lady Aline Marsden was brought up for one reason: to make an advantageous marriage to a member of her own class. Instead, she willingly gave her innocence to John McKenna, a servant on her father's estate. Their passionate transgression was unforgivable -- John was sent away, and Aline was left to live in the countryside . . . an exile from London society . . .and he took her love. Now McKenna has made his fortune, and he has returned -- more boldly handsome and more mesmerizing than before. His ruthless plan is to take revenge on the woman who shattered his dreams of love. But the magic between them burns as bright as ever. And now he must decide whether to let vengeance take its toll . . . or risk everything for his first, and only, love.