Almost two hundred years before Johnnie Wise entered the seedy underbelly of 1950s New Orleans, her ancestor, Lauren Renee Bouvier, originally known as Ibo Atikah Mustafa, found herself having to navigate New Orleans in this historical romantic drama and action adventure book.
The year is 1791 and Ibo Atikah Mustafa and the man she plans to marry have been kidnapped by a Dutch slaver named Captain Rutgers. Bedlam breaks out as the Windward sails to the Isle of Santo Domingo. During the melee, Ibo saves Captain Rutgers's life, expecting nothing less than freedom for the heroic deed.
But freedom was not on the table. Instead, Captain Rutgers does her a huge favor by selling her to Beaumont Bouvier when they reach New Orleans, their final destination. Beaumont is a kind and fair closeted homosexual who treats his house-slaves well. But, tragedy strikes just two days later when the slave owner and his homosexual lover are brutally murdered.
After Beaumont's death, Ibo, now known by her French name, Lauren Renee Bouvier, inherits a considerable fortune. However, her newfound fortune does not guarantee her happiness. Lauren is determined to reunite with her long-lost love, Amir, who was sold on the Isle of San Domingo. Facing an impossible undertaking and a dangerous three-month journey from New Orleans, Lauren must find the strength to overcome the odds, carefully navigate the dangers of the New World, and discover a way to reunite with her beloved.