As the Earl of Everingham investigates a bloody political confrontation called the Perloo Massacre, he is criticized in scathing broadsides published by a Captain Spindleshanks. Once the Earl takes the Captain as a captive, however, he finds that his enemy is actually a beautiful woman. Although both harbor dangerous secrets, they are irresistibly drawn to each other. Linda Needham's romances are best-sellers and have won numerous awards for their vivid characters and historical details.