Seeking Persephone

To save her destitute family, Persephone Lancaster accepts a marriage proposal from Adam Boyce, the mysterious Duke of Kielder, the most feared man in the kingdom. Isolated in the duke's foreboding castle, Persephone searches for what happiness she can find. But Adam's determination to keep his new bride at a distance makes a future between them precarious.

Though Adam is still confusing and distant, glimpses of the good man behind the frightening facade give Persephone some hope for their future. Word arrives of a deadly battle at sea, bringing Persephone's world crashing down around her. Adam is at a loss to know how to ease her suffering. He is called away on an urgent rescue mission.

Attempting to connect with the woman he has begun to love, Adam offers to bring Persephone's brother to Falstone, as well as host a ball. He wants Falstone Castle to feel like home to Persephone. The tender affection growing between them gives Persephone hope, but she cannot seem to get past the walls he has built around his heart.

A horrible riding accident in the dangerous forest leaves Persephone badly injured and drives home for Adam just how deeply he has come to love her. But loving someone means not keeping them prisoner, and Adam doesn't know if he is strong enough to let her go.