American heiress Kate Rose concedes to her parent's wishes that she marry an English lord she barely knows, after the man she truly loved left when her father refused to relinquish her inheritance. Brokenhearted, Kate watched him marry another heiress. So, Kate weds the Marquess of Falconridge uncaringly, until he enters her bedroom on their wedding night. All her frustration burst forth and she refuses to consummate the marriage until her husband takes the time to get to know her and not just see her as a means to pay his debts. Since her father taught her money management, he gave her control of her inheritance to dole out to her husband as needed. Finally, Kate has the upper hand and she plans to use it to get her husband to appreciate her.

Driven by desperation of financial ruin, Michael, the Marquess of Falconridge, contained his pride and put himself on the auction block before the wealthiest Americans. He accepted Mr. Rose's offer, not realizing the man's shrewdness. Mr. Rose bypassed English law and tied up the money, so Kate will have to dispense it to her husband. Michael's humiliation continues as quiet Kate erupts into a ruthless woman who demands he earn her love. Having always employed mistresses, Michael does not know the first thing about winning Kate's affection without funds for expensive gifts and trinkets.

It should have been a simple task for them to become friends, but because of past emotional injuries, the path is tortuous. Michael must learn to desire Kate more than money, and Kate needs to discover the differences between infatuation and love.

Ms. Heath exceeds expectations in this richly emotional tale of awakenings and new beginnings. The story is hopeful and compelling and will make readers laugh and cry as Michael and Kate struggle to find their happy ending.

Book Summary

Desperate for riches, penniless Michael Tremayne, Marquess of Falconridge, is willing to auction away his only possession of any value--his title--to the highest bidding American father. But Kate Rose was the last daughter he had in mind to marry. The willful and headstrong Kate requires from marriage the one thing Michael is unable to give-- powerful, unending love..

Kate refuses to give into her husband's sensual demands until he has earned her love. Michael is not one to back down from a challenge, but neither does he believe in playing by the rules. While he is unfamiliar with love, he is extremely intimate with passion. He is determined to convince Kate that one can substitute for the other. And what better way to convince her than by patiently and skillfully seducing her?