Was society’s reigning beauty in love with adventure – or with England’s most notorious adventurer?

Lord Richard Wells, Duke of Crewe, had shocked the Regency world by sailing off to darkest Africa. Now, five years later, his lovely daughter, Julianne, returned to London with a story of her father’s tragic death and her own miraculous rescue by the notorious English adventurer, John Champernoun.

Little did aristocratic society suspect what really happened in Africa, nor did Julianne want the truth revealed. For Julianne was determined to leave her perilous past far behind, and find happiness in a supremely safe marriage to the splendidly handsome, wealthy, honorable and adoring Lord William Rutherford. But Julianne was about to learn that she knew more about the heart of the dark continent than she did about her own – when John Champernoun reentered her life to wake memories and desires as sharp-clawed as leopards and even more dangerous.


Joan Wolf is a USA TODAY bestselling author, whose acclaimed Regency romances have earned her national recognition as a master of the genre. Her many historical and contemporary romances have been highly praised by reviewers and authors alike. Publisher's Weekly reviewed one of her novels as "historical fiction at its finest." Joan was born in New York City but has lived most of her life in Connecticut with her husband, two children and numerous pets. An avid rider and horse owner, she enjoys featuring horses in her novels.

Endorsements for Joan Wolf''s Writing ...

Joan Wolf never fails to deliver the best.
NORA ROBERTS

Joan Wolf is absolutely wonderful. I've loved her work for years.
Iris Johansen

As a writer, she's an absolute treasure.
Linda Howard

Joan Wolf writes with an absolute emotional mastery that goes straight to the heart.
Mary Jo Putney.

"A master storyteller."
Publisher's Weekly