Joanna never expected much from life. She'd had too little affection to believe anyone but her father could ever love her. How could she, when her brother hated her and her mother treated her with scorn?

Then she met Jack. She'd come from privilege, planning on following her father's academic career. Jack came from poverty and abuse, escaping both by serving in the army. A relationship between them would never work. Everyone told her all he wanted was to use her, to get his hands on her father's house. Would he be able to prove them wrong and win her heart? Was she right in trusting her own instincts? If she did, would she be able to hold on to what they would build?

Could she survive what fate would throw her way? War and death, violence and greed, and an attempt on her life would test her strength.