Helena is determined to stop her younger sister from marrying a despicable Norman. Her plan is simple: kill the Norman Lord while he sleeps and eliminate the threat. What she doesn’t count on is his man at arms, the handsome Sir Colin Du Lac, awakening at just the wrong moment. Sure, she could blame her risky scheme on the wine she’d consumed, but she can’t blame her unwanted attraction to the man who has no compunction in holding a knife to her throat on drunkenness - she can only blame herself for letting her guard down. So when the chance arrives to turn the tables on the sensual and stubborn warrior, she takes it.

Colin’s first sight of Helena bathing in a secluded pool sparks his curiosity and kicks his sexual awareness toward the warrior maiden into high gear. All of the Rivenloch women are beautiful but this one spears a flame of desire straight to his heart and loins. He uses the threat that she could hang for the attempted murder of Rivenloch’s new Lord to keep her amenable until the vows are spoken, but he would be the first to stay the hand of any who would harm Helena. A worthy vow but when she kidnaps and holds him hostage, Colin can’t decide who is protecting whom.

A thoroughly enthralling romance that brings back characters readers we have met and loved previously. The sizzling blaze Colin and Helena ignite is second to the tender emotions both try to hide. The addition of an invading army is riotous with humor, courage and despair on the parts of the Lord of the Manor and Colin when their women do what they do best - fight for their home and loved ones.