An aristocrat offers a convenient marriage to a woman he believes will be an obedient wife, but his bride is more spirited—and alluring—than he imagined.

Be careful what you wish for . . . .

Lord Havelock is in need of a wife. But with no time for a society wedding and no stomach for girlish fripperies, his options are limited. So with help from his friends, he draws up a list of qualities he does desire in a wife . . . .

When orphaned Mary Carpenter discovers her handsome new husband's list, she's hurt—and incensed. If he thinks she'll sit meekly by, be "compliant" and "a mouse," he's got another think coming! Is it perhaps time for Mary to make a list of her own, and change the rules of their relationship forever. . . ?