Daisy Drake is an unconventional heiress from an eccentric family that includes a pirate and a former courtesan. Roman history and archeology thrill her far more than obtaining a husband. In her search through artifacts, Daisy stumbles upon a childhood friend, Lucian Beaumont, who she pestered relentlessly as a child. At 10 years of age, Daisy had been a rambunctious tomboy who tagged along. When Lucian dismisses her offer to fund and help with the dig, Daisy refuses to take no for an answer. She obtains her aunt's journal, which includes intimate details of her life as a celebrated courtesan. Daisy plans to masquerade as courtesan Blanche La Tour.
Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland, bears a heavy load of responsibility. His father is descending into madness leaving the family in financial ruin. Society has no idea of their problems and Lucian intends for it to stay that way. Lucian has uncovered Roman artifacts that lead him to believe there is a treasure of gold hidden nearby. Upon meeting the beautiful Blanche La Tour, his quest is temporarily interrupted.
Using the journal, Daisy plays the coquette falling into a web of sensual delight with Lucian. Poor Lucian has his hands full as he contends with naughty Blanche at night and then Daisy in the daytime as she captures his attention during their search for the treasure.
Ms. Bryan entertains as she brings readers an additional story of an ancient Roman thief and weaves it through Daisy and Lucian's story. The plot hinges on the premise that perception is controlled by what Lucian wants to see. Ms. Bryan carries it off while adding layers of interesting history to the tale.
As children theyβd sparred with play swords. Sheβd scarred
his chin, and he broke her heart. Now, more than a decade
later, the true battle was only beginningβ¦
Daisy Drake needed Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland.
Tired of being labeled βon the shelf,β she craved
adventure. And Lucian held all the clues to a long-buried
Roman treasure. Surely her desire to join his search had
nothing to do with his dark curls and seductive Italian
accent. Too bad Lucian wanted no help from herβuntil she
donned the disguise of an infamous French courtesan and
promised to teach him all she knew about the pleasures of
the bedchamber. Of course, she only knew what had been
written in naughty books. But Daisy had always been a
quick learner. And night by naked night, theyβd discover
tereasure neigheter expected to find.
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