Destiny brought them together in Spanish California. She is a New Orleans lady with a defiant thirst for adventure. He is a New Orleans scoundrel with a talent for seduction. Hot-tempered belle Laurette Allen gets more than she bargained for when she leaves the stifling confines of polite, southern society for the wilds of 1830s California. At her very first fiesta, she is nearly seduced by notorious Cade Caldwell, a fellow Louisianan whose reputation for swordplay is only exceeded by his skill with women. But soon Laurie's attention is consumed by threats to the local villagers, who are suffering under cruel tax collectors. If only there were an avenger brave enough to sweep in with blade in hand . . . a brave soul trained at riding and dueling, just as she is . . . Cade's desire for beautiful Laurie Allen is tainted by his memories of betrayal by another southern belle; he learned a hard lesson about trusting Laurie's type. He wants to possess Laurie, to own her body and soul but not to love her. What is the hint of danger around her? Cade suspects his competition for her affections might just be El Vengador-The Avenger-the masked rider who's been stealing from the corrupt tax collectors. But is The Avenger her partner in crime, or does Laurie need his protection? Virginia Brown is the author of more than 50 novels in romance, mystery and general fiction. She's the author of the bestselling Dixie Divas mystery series.