Starr Reynolds is determined to fight her way out of a life of poverty and violence, and she's not above using her beauty and feminine wiles. But when she marries into wealth and position, she discovers the path leads to despair for a love she can never have, as well as a growing awareness of the ruthlessness of her new family's patriarch. Starr will do as he dictates or find herself thrown out to once more fend for herself. Charismatic, darkly fascinating, Captain Barret Madison has earned his place as commander of a fleet of merchant ships, but no woman has ever tamed him. With the presence of Starr on his ship, his emotions are stirred, but she is promised to another. When she becomes the wife of his employer's son, how can he do more than wish them well?