Kate and Magnus each have what the other needs. She has the land and water, but he has the money her farm needs to survive. When they meet he also realizes that he wants her body. Desperate situations call for desperate measures and Kate agrees to be his mistress. Initially I felt that Magnus was a selfish jerk, but a glimpse of his past reveals there's more to him than meets the eye. The sizzling chemistry between them is the spark that opens the door to something more. I loved the evolution of the storyline as Magnus and Kate move toward their HEA. The past hurt suffered by Magnus brought tears to my eyes and understanding to my heart. I loved that Kate was willing to sacrifice and put herself on the line to save the livelihoods of those on the farm. Kate was no shy, retiring country girl. She went with the passion and wasn't afraid to maximize her opportunity for love and pleasure. Great characters, great story, and an overall great read