In 1206 A.D. Lady Alinor, ruler of Roselynde, loses her beloved husband due to long illness. Before his death he confides to his best friend that Lady Alinor will be in grave danger from King John upon his demise. Sir Ian de Point has long loved his best friend’s wife and after Simon dies, Ian decides the most efficient way to save her is to marry her. Unfortunately, this only adds to the King’s ire for he has been waiting years for his revenge upon her.

Alinor is loved by her people and they will do anything for her, including defying King John and apprehending his messenger so that she and Ian can be wed. The messenger shows up the day after the wedding in front of all her guests with two unsavory choices for her next marriage. She writes that she is sorry but already wed to Ian. Of course this just serves to raise the King’s hackles even more and King John starts planning more evil things for both Ian and Alinor.

Alinor is no shrinking violet, unlike her contemporaries. She is quick-witted, intelligent, and bold. She is no damsel in distress, although she causes much of Ian's, only trying to help him.

This book is actually from a series. You do not, however, need to read the rest to read this one. It is funny, fast-paced and well written. The battles, tournament, and wedding, all were described beautifully, but not overly. I was so caught up in this story I accomplished nothing else until it was read. I will definitely be looking for the next book, Joanna, and its predecessor, Roselynde.

Unbelievably, through research, I have found that this book is actually a reprint from 1978. Had I not found this, I would have gone on thinking this was a new book and I still have every intention of reading the others.

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Publisher:Harlequin Reprint edition (May 9, 2006)
ISBN: 0373837046
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