Iliana is desperate to find a way of escape for herself and her mother from a vile baron who desires her lands for himself. So she agrees to marry a stranger and a Scot. When she first arrives she is shocked to discover the place is a disaster zone, and her future husband stinks like he hasn't bathed in six months. She wonders if she has made a mistake but knows for her mothers sake she must stay true to the course that she has set, and must marry this man that seems to live in a pigsty and is totally fine with it. However Iliana is determined to turn her home into something livable even at the wrath of her husbands fury. When he wants to consummate their marriage however, she has a trick up her sleeve, because she refuses to make love to someone without him bathing first so she puts on a 'chastity belt' with the key hidden from him. Here begins the test of wills between the two which will turn into the battle of true love.The Key is the second book in the Deed trilogy. I had previously read a historical by Sands but didn't like it that much, but The Key totally changed my mind about Sands historicals. I just fell in love with this one, even though there were parts of it that would never really happen, but turned out to be humorous and flowed really well with the story. I just loved how creative Iliana is throughout the story, and how blunt Duncan is and at times how much of a hunk he is. I also loved the spark that flies between Duncan and Iliana, there were many moments I was laughing out loud.....a very engaging story, and I have to say as much as I liked Duncan, I was secretly cheering on Iliana's side. I really loved how even though she is shy and reserved, she has a inner strength to be admired, and is a lot tougher than she looks. Overall a fun and witty read, with a magnifiscent plot that engages the reader, and a love story that will bewitch you....A JEWEL OF A ROMANCE!!!