When Deborah Woods meets American oil magnate John Parvin III at a London party, her world is thrown into confusion. Having just ended her long-term relationship and handed in her notice at work, she readily accepts an invitation to stay at his luxurious renovated castle in the Orkneys.

But once there she learns his desires, and those of his friends, are more complex and bizarre than she had realised. What looked like being a romantic holiday soon turns into a test of sexual bravery where wanton behaviour is rewarded with exquisite pleasure. Overwhelmed by new desires, Deborah wonders how she will return to her previous way of life.