American heiress Sophia Wilson leaves Old New York for a Season in London. Her goal: to marry into the English aristocracy and help improve her family's social standing in America. Sophia knows her marriage will be a business transaction—her father will provide a generous financial settlement in exchange for a title—but secretly, what she desires most of all is to marry for love.
Love is the last thing on James Langdon's mind. The darkly handsome Duke of Wentworth comes from a menacing past and has learned to avoid his passions at all cost. But his castle in the north is falling into disrepair and what he needs is a swift cash infusion, not to mention an heir. A business transaction with a beautiful American heiress seems the perfect solution.
All goes according to plan until James finds himself enchanted by his spirited new wife, who demands far more from him than the title of duchess. Sophia wants his heart, but his heart is hidden away, shrouded in the darkness of ominous family secrets. James will go to any lengths to protect the dukedom. Soon, he and Sophia must choose between the marriage they thought they wanted and the passion-filled union that could change them forever.