New Bedford, Massachusetts. The year 1844

When brothels and taverns lined the seaport's cobblestone streets and brawny seamen solicited bawdy wenches before long whaling voyages, an honorable gentleman of indeterminate background lusts after a female servant of questionable repute...

Captain Joshua Kane made his fortune on the high seas. While working his way up from cabin boy to wealthy ship-owner, he developed a taste for exotic artifacts from far-off places. Recently, he added a new object d'art to his collection — a fiery redheaded whore-thief from the wharves.

Harriett Clark is easily Josh's most beautiful possession. She's also his most frustrating acquisition. For while agreeing to trade her wanton body to escape a locked jail cell, the lusty conniver stubbornly refuses to barter the key to her heart. . .