"Merry" Mary Smith, the late vicar's daughter, is in a very bad predicament. Her half brother is gambling and drinking her inheritance away and has decided to sell her to the highest bidder who happens to be a devastatingly handsome man who seems to be ill. Little does she know she is in for the adventure of her life. "So much for her prayers".

Alasdair Thornham, Marquess of Datchworth, is in an opium laden state when he sees the man auctioning off a beautiful woman in the local tavern and feels compelled to save the damsel in distress. Little does he know he will have a handful to deal with after coming out of his stupor. "Welcome to hell, Alasdair, he reminded himself".

This is a suspenseful and romantic adventure of two lost souls who are destined to torture and love each other no matter what the outcome. I find Ms. Frampton's style very clean and refreshing and her characters are playful as well serious. The issue of opium addiction with soldiers of war is a new twist and very probable.

Thank you to Ms. Frampton, Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept Series and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.