Historical romance was born when Kathleen E. Woodiwiss gifted the world with the groundbreaking The Flame and the Flower . Now, twelve New York Times bestsellers later, "The first lady of the genre" ( Publishers Weekly ) returns with her most breathtaking masterwork—a glorious celebration of a secret love that is dangerous, irresistible, forbidden, and . . . Everlasting Handsome and kind—a black-haired Scotsman with vivid blue eyes—Raven Seabern is an emissary for his king, and unlike any man Abrielle has ever encountered. From the moment their eyes meet, he intrigues and mesmerizes her—and dancing in his arms at a royal banquet leaves her weak with the desire to surrender. But their love can never be, for Abrielle is betrothed to a "monster." And the well-being of everyone she cares for demands that she honor her promise. Still, the fire lit that night will not be doused. Raven knows he has found the true one and must never let her go—though secrets, deceptions, dishonor, and unimaginable peril will surely be their fate if they follow the dictates of their hearts.