After the recent loss of her husband in battle, Lady Katherine of Stanfield has just given birth when news of an enemy breaching the gates forces her to flee.  Her mission is to seek assistance from Nicolas de Lauren, her former betrothed.  Though her love for Nicolas never diminished, the broken betrothal agreement lay with her insistence to marry another.  Now he is the only man who can help her to save her people, her keep…and her son. 

De Lauren never again sought a wife after devastated hopes with his neighbor’s daughter.  His trust of her crumpled with that betrayal.  With her beseeching his aid, he demands an immediate marriage thereby giving him Stanfield.  Their combined lands greatly increase his consequence, yet he had never sought the riches and power of Stanfield in their initial relationship.  All he had wanted was the woman he loved.   

The bitterness of their history makes the future uncertain and secrets both past and present work against the pairing.  Treachery lies in wait for an opportunity to strike.  Will this marriage cost our Lady the only good thing to have come from her previous marriage or is this the chance of lovers frustrated to finally find happiness. 

The plot is of the heroine hiding the true heir away for safety and then having to keep the baby a secret from her new husband.  Misunderstandings and lost opportunities to reveal the truth in a timely manner felt somewhat contrived but each budding hope and setback moved the story forward nicely. 

The villain of the piece Ranulf of Warbrook is introduced with little preamble and his is a ruthlessness that is truly vile.  Intent to gain that which he desires actions are set in motion without conscience.  One only wonders how it is that he has not been murdered long ago with a stab in the back from one of his own. 

Nicolas is a tempting hero for his strength in character and in body combined with a lack of defense in fighting his regard for Katherine.  Even when he feels he must be on alert against her he cannot bear to see her hurt.  Evidence of his Lady’s kindness and loyalty are clear in her dealings with her people and you can see his longing for an acceptable reason for her suspicious actions and prevarications. 

Ms Fenech gives us a story of romance that teases with suspense and danger.  A mother pressed to desperation to save her child, a love that has survived betrayal, and the possibility of a happy ending competing with the possibility of a tragic one.  Readers will enjoy watching this dance of love, subterfuge and revelation.

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