<p>Penniless and alone, Octavia Hadley finds herself forced to accept a position as governess to an orphaned girl living with her English diplomat guardian in faraway Russia. But when the diplomat abandons them as Napoleon's army marches into Moscow, Octavia is determined to get both herself and the girl to safety.</p><p></p><p>Fleeing for their lives, the pair embark on a perilous trek northward-but to Octavia's dismay, the only way to reach the safety of St. Petersburg is to join forces with a roguish Englishman she met on ship voyage to Russia. He, too, has a child in tow-his young Russian nephew whose life in danger from a murderous uncle and his henchmen who are chasing after them.</p><p>With the French army at her back and safety miles and miles ahead, Octavia must not let down her guard-but greatest danger just might be the infuriating Alex Leigh . . .and the unexpected passion that sparks between them.</p>