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 they’d sparred with play swords. She’d scarred
his chin, and he broke her heart. Now, more than a decade
later, the true battle was only beginning…
Daisy Drake needed Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland.
Tired of being labeled “on the shelf,” 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 her—until 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, they’d discover
tereasure neigheter expected to find.