Jordan has seen hell on earth and he wants to go home, find peace, and forget the horrors of war. But first he has a duty: recover the bones of his dead comrade and give them a blessed burial. A beautiful Amazon woman aids him in his efforts. He is enthralled by her reserved-but-feisty manner, but her skill with a whip and martial art ability surprises him. Who is this woman, and why does he feel such emotions for someone he’s barely met? Reservations aside, Jordan agrees to help her on her quest, but her habit of protecting him soon wears thin.

Kelley expands on the drama of her selected time period and broadens horizons by giving her heroine traits that were highly unusual for the eleventh century. The hero is a bit too downtrodden at first, but rebounds when it counts as he comes to the rescue of Isabella and discovers that life is worth living if you find true love.