Charlie was married to the 6th Earl of Calverton but he died in a fire that destroyed their home and the world thought she had died also. Charlie goes to London after the fire and becomes the owner of a brothel. Her girls are highly prized and Charlie tries to make things better for her girls. She meets Colonel Jordan Lyndhurst when he comes to her brothel after learning there is an Asian girl who can give massages that will ease the pain in his back. She has left Madame Charlie's but taught Charlie how to do the massage. When Jordan meets Charlie there is no one else he wants but he cannot get Charlie to see it his way. Charlie has to relook at her past and discover that it does not keep her from having a future with Jordan. I liked Charlie and Jordan. She is very reserved. Jordan is the more openly emotional one but both have deep emotions. I liked how Jordan teases Charlie and how Charlie opens up to him because of the gentleness that he shows. I also liked the supporting cast. I liked that Charlie had Matty through her difficult past. I also liked that Charlie was able to make new friends such as Elizabeth. I would also like to see Elizabeth in her own story. Good read. ( )