Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it's a blessing when she's widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She's lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry - that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town. Devan Farris--charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon's son's guardian - is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn't have to meddle in her affairs; he's not one to trod on a woman's independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she'll have nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation - even though he's never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside - a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?