Leona Montgomery travels to England, determined to finish her father's mission of discovering the group of nobles who were supporting the opium trade. She hopes and dreads seeing the man who touched her heart and then left her seven years before.

Unfortunately, she almost immediately runs across Edmund, only to find that isn't his real name. He is Christian, Marquess of Easterbrook, and the sizzling attraction that fired between them has not lessened. Leona, however, is not a woman to be sidetracked. She may indulge her feelings for Christian, but she will not give up on her desire to find the men who destroyed her father and harmed his business.

The questions she is asking are putting Leona's life in danger, and Christian is determined to protect her; even if it means venturing into the public eye -- something he typically abhors. In fact, there is speculation that he's half-mad, and sometimes Christian wonders if that isn't so. But with Leona, he can tame the gift that does make him feel crazy. He must keep her safe, and if possible, keep her with him.

I love Madeline Hunter's books. I rarely read historical romance any more, but I never miss one of her novels. She's an expert at creating characters who grip your heart and imagination. Christian is a wonderful example of her skill -- and Leona's spirit practically sets fire to the pages. A very well-done book.