Bored with what she considers the silly customs of Regency society, Antonia longs for adventure. Unfortunately, she couldn't have foreseen that her ambitions would result in a forced marriage and a sea voyage exposing her to situations that would have horrified her straitlaced mother. Never one to back down, Antonia learns to cope with pirates, kidnappings, and life on a Caribbean island, but she has no idea how to deal with her husband, especially after she discovers she's falling in love with him.

Damien might be heir to an English duke, but he has no desire to step into his uncle's shoes. Nor does he feel he possesses the traits necessary to take on a duke's responsibilities. In fact, he feels much more at home at the helm of an American privateering vessel than in a London ballroom. Then, suddenly, he finds himself married to Antonia, who is courageous, intelligent, and a magnet for trouble. Despite his plans to leave her behind, she somehow manages to insinuate herself into his life and soon-it seems-into his heart as well. Now if he can just figure out how to woe and win her.