Sebastian, an English gentleman, was determine to make a difference in a struggling country by helping to end slavery, he does the one thing that he knows will be needed — information. Little did he know that in starting the spy network, the Rakes of Liberty, he meets the one woman that he would not, could not live without.

Tara wanted to do her part in keeping the Union together. Being the daughter of a plantation owner, she has access to drawing room gossip. Given the sensitivity of the information, she writes her messages in an old code that she learned as a girl. Being in close contact with the Leader of the Rakes, she realizes that her heart has softened towards the man, which completely mystifies her.

Amongst raging battles and low times between them, Sebastian and Tara come across a plot to kill the Rakes and their families. Knowing that his family was in danger, Sebastian races back to England in an attempt to save them.

With a sea between them, can love flourish? Or will their foe win in the end?