Unfortunate name, but marvelous prequel to Georgette Heyer's Devil's Cub...

This is the story of Leon/Leonie and the Duke of Avon. Just wonderful...wit, rogues, and redemption. Most of Heyer's stories entertain me well; this one actually brought tears to the surface. Set in both Paris, France and England, the glittering court of Louis (the Sun King?) is portrayed in minute detail.

There are too many plots and subplots for me to give a decent summary.  From Chapter One, the race is off.  A very bored and depraved (wealthy!) Justin intercepts a runaway youngster from a bullying sibling. The adventure begins.

This is pre-Regency--a time when men wore wigs, heels, and as much powder and paint as the women.  Wealthy men had mistresses, women dealt with realities of life as well as they could.  If you loved Devil's Cub, you'll thoroughly enjoy this prequel.