"Very emotional and compelling historical."

Lady Aveline Stoddard risks her reputation by approaching the arrogant Lucien DuFeron. Since her wastrel father gambled away the last of their money, he stupidly challenged Lucien to a duel. Aveline believes her only recourse is asking Lucien to forgive the debt and ask for his mercy. After all, when she explains their impoverished lifestyle, why would he want to beggar them?

Lucien DuFeron has not known any softness or kindness in his life. The bastard son of a duke, Lucien was raised in the duke's cold sterile home with his legitimate son. The duchess, humiliated by her husband sheltering his bastard in her home, focused her hatred on Lucien. Unfamiliar to family devotion and love, Lucien does not comprehend the cost to Aveline when she appears at his door. He feels no guilt when he offers to erase the debt if she spends three nights in his bed.

Aveline accepts his proposal for the secret rendezvous and quickly succumbs to Lucien's devastating charms. However, when Aveline is inadvertently exposed, she feels society's wrath and is heartbroken when Lucien does not appear. Lucien's own problems are multiplying, as he is kidnapped and impressed into a smuggling vessel by unknown enemies. Fate has not been kind to Aveline and Lucien, and they face tremendous odds as they battle for their chance at love and happiness.

This is an intensely emotional and compelling read. Ms. Mullins' storytelling abilities continue to grow with each new novel. Readers will treasure this latest offering.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 16, 2004

Summary

Three nights of passion... With a turn of the cards, her father is ruined -- and innocent Aveline Stoddard is lost. To honor the gambling debt, she agrees to submit for three nights to Lucien DuFeron's every desire, three nights of blistering sensuality and unparalleled ecstasy in the arms of the dashing, dark rogue they call "Lucifer." But the time passes all too quickly...and when the debt is paid, the handsome devil vanishes. An eternity of desire Treachery delivered Lucien into the hands of evil brigands. Now five years after his abduction and imprisonment he has returned to London, searching for the enemy responsible -- and finding instead the beauty who still haunts his dreams. Aveline has grown more alluring since those unforgettable nights when she melted beneath his touch. Yet Lucien's need for vengeance must be satisfied. If the trail leads to someone close to Aveline, will it destroy forever the one love powerful enough to free his tormented heart?