Kelsey Langton has been left penniless by her parents' death, and as the sole provider for her younger sister, Jean, she needs to find them both a home and a future. There seems to be only one way to ensure Jean's well-being, and that is by sacrificing her own - Kelsey decides that she must sell herself to the highest bidder. With fear and trepidation she enters the House of Eros, resigned to become the plaything of some well-heeled gentleman. The man to win her is Lord Derek Malory, a dashing rakehell from a family of harming London rakes. Enchanted by the stunning, dark-haired girl with flashing bright eyes, he purchases her for his mistress, sweeping Kelsey into a world of astonishing family secrets, perilous rivalries and unconventional loyalties.

But Lord Derek is unaware of the true worth of the prize he has so frivolously acquired - never dreaming that his proud, spirited mistress is a highborn lady blessed with grace, wit and intelligence as well as beauty. And he certainly never expected that he would fall in love with her.