Cornwall: 1786. Fate has denied Adam Loveday his birthright: the family estate, Trevowan, and the boatyard that his father is struggling to maintain. St John, Adam s competitive elder twin, has become a dissolute wastrel but Adam has fierce family pride in Trevowan and the yard, and a talent for ship design. He is also keen on seductive Meriel Sawle, whose violent family are infamous in the smuggling trade. Meanwhile, St John, aware of his father s increasing disapproval, fears that Adam will be given the Loveday yard and puts into motion a plan to ensure that Adam will never get what his heart desires: the boatyard - and Meriel...