After waiting eight years for Pierce Brandon - the well-traveled Marquess of Granville - to set the date for their wedding, Clio Whitmore lost her patience. Having inherited a castle, she musters all the pride she has left and decides to break off their engagement.
However, this is not going to happen as long as Rafe Brandon has a say in it. Rafe, a ruthless professional boxer notorious for his debauchery, is determined to marry Clio to his brother - even if he has to organize the damned wedding himself.

So, how does a tough boxer change the mind of a bride-to-be who is ready to break off her engagement?
- He starts with flowers. The more flowers a wedding ceremony has, the better. Or harps. Or cakes.
- He makes her believe she will be a wonderful, desirable bride – while trying not to fantasize about her as his own.
- He doesn't kiss her.
- In case he does kiss her, he doesn't kiss her again.
- If all else fails, he dresses her in a magnificent wedding gown. And he vows not to be around when she takes it off.
- And, no matter what happens, he doesn't feel a devastating, hopeless love for the one woman he can never have.