Life would be perfect if she could be rid of her tiresome virginity...
While living with her guardians, the Breton brothers, on their Mississippi flatboat, Cyrene saves an infamous rake and womanizer from drowning. It's an accident: she thought him dead and meant to rescue the valuable silver lace on his coat. Yet there is something René Lemonnier can do to repay her. He can relieve her of her innocence so she may escape the Breton's kindly interference.
René may play the part of a rogue, but he isn't without principles. The lovely Cyrene will surely become prey to every lowlife in New Orleans once he does as she asks--unless he appoints himself her protector.
Intrigue, corruption and betrayal are rife in the brilliant court kept by Louisiana's French colonial governor, and no one is immune to their threat. In this dangerous hot-house atmosphere, love is a fool's game that few can win--no matter how exquisite the passion of the moment...
A National Bestseller
Doubleday Book Club Selection