Casey was once a kind-hearted young girl full of life and ideals who was also shy and awkward around men. The exception was her best friend Doug whom she'd known since infancy and who had always protected her from those who would not leave her alone. In her youth Casey had fancied herself in love with him, later realizing it was merely a youthful infatuation.She reconnects with Doug after ten years and discovers he is the captain of the tall ship Katie Lady. That same night she is raped and hides from her rapist and his cohort aboard the Katie Lady after reporting the attack to police. While on board she meets Doug's friends Dave, Jack, Edmund and Dan and continues to be pursued, and later attacked, by the two dangerous men. The friendship and protection offered by Doug, his friends and his crew help Casey's confidence grow and her fears are slowly dispelled as she brings about a positive change in the normally stoic Edmund with whom she falls in love and begins a passionate affair. It is through his kindness, patience and support that Casey regains her trust in men as she recovers within and heals emotionally. Follow Casey through a series of misadventures and tribulations aboard the Katie Lady as she evolves from a self-effacing, fearful wretch with no self-esteem into a kind-hearted, confident and resolute woman with cheek.