A Southern debutante falls in love with a headstrong gambler

In the unforgiving heat of the Deep South, the cotton barons of Mississippi have created an idyllic playground for their wives and daughters—a playground that Kathleen Beauregard is dying to escape. Trapped in her father's mansion, she spends her days dreaming of being rescued by a handsome Southern gentleman. Unbeknownst to her, there is a striking young man who has long worshipped her from afar. But though he may be charming, Dawson Blakely is far from a prince.

Kathleen meets the well-traveled gambler at one of her father's interminable parties. Blakely has rough manners and a hot temper; and though she knows he is wrong for her, Kathleen cannot resist him. When these two star-crossed Southerners connect, Dixie will burn before it keeps them apart.