author "Judith McNaught comes close to an Edith Wharton edge" (Chicago Tribune) in this sensual and sweeping romance of two former lovers who mix business with pleasure.

Ruthless corporate raider Matthew Farrell is poised to move in on the legendary department store empire owned by Chicago's renowned Bancroft family. In the glare of the media spotlight, it's a stunning takeover that overshadows the sizzling chemistry between Matt, once a scruffy kid from steel town Indiana, and cool, sophisticated Meredith Bancroft.

Their brief, ill-fated marriage sparked with thrilling sensuality but ended with a bitter betrayal. Now, locked in a battle that should be all business, dangerous temptations and bittersweet memories are stirring their hearts. Will they risk everything for a passion too bold to be denied?