Public scandal and private tragedy force "free-love" author Veronica Cooper into a marriage of convenience with Talbot Bowdoin, a gentleman of mystery.

Talbot has every reason to be secretive. Furthermore, the book publisher intends to keep the young lady he wed in the dark about himself. Because the sad truth is - though he'd give her the world gladly — he's more comfortable with his inventions than he is with people. He's always kept anyone with a beating heart at arm's length.

Not Veronica. Her heart pounds...with lust...and she refuses to tolerate her standoffish husband's neglect in the bedchamber.

To satisfy his beautiful bride, Talbot touches a human being for the first time in years. He also allows Veronica the freedom she craves.

But will he allow her to love him?