Mary Barnes has had it with her cruel stepmother who's hoarded the family inheritance... with her two privileged stepsisters... and with feeling unloved and unappreciated. Her one desire is to flee her stifling world, but it doesn't seem possible — until a mysterious peddler offers her an elixir and a promise: one drink of his tonic and the first man she sees will be hers. Though she is too much of realist to believe in potions, she accepts. As if by magic, a stranger crosses her path and steps into her life. 

He's Jordan Winthrop, scoundrel, viscount, and desperately bankrupt heir to the Earl of Sunderland. He's also meant for Mary's stepsister. Thrilled by his advances, and intoxicated by their secret affair, Mary finds herself falling for a man who's already unmistakably engaged — to her sister's fortune. As for Jordan, he can't help but wonder if Mary is the woman to change his roguish ways — when he is spellbound in a sensual destiny spiraling beyond his control. 

To read an excerpt, click HERE.

Cheryl Holt is a lawyer, mom, and best-selling novelist.  Her hot, sexy, dramatic stories of passion and illicit love have captivated fans around the world, and she's celebrated as the Queen of Erotic Romance.  Due to the ferociousness of some of her characters, she’s also renowned as the International Queen of Villains.  Her books have been released to wide acclaim, and she has won or been nominated for many national awards.  She is particularly proud to have been named, “Best Storyteller of the Year” by Romantic Times BOOK reviews magazine. Currently, she lives and writes in Los Angeles, where her teenaged son is pursuing his dream of becoming a Hollywood movie star.