I read the first several pages with alarm because the Earl in those pages is thoroughly unlikeable and I wasn't sure how he could morph into a hero. Then I realized he was the villain (thank goodness) and we haven't yet met the hero. Astrid and her sister Isobel were orphaned and raised by their aunt and uncle who, of course, burned through their future. Astrid is 25 and was ruined by words by the villain. He's back and wants her now 16 year old sister. To protect her sister, Astrid is willing to do anything. The first several pages included high drama and feeling; I'm interested in what happens next and whether I Will like the hero of the story.