Book excerpt: Medieval England springs to life in a romance that “transcends its basic formula with a convincing setting integral to the tale and believable characters” (Publishers Weekly). Fulk de Jobourgh is a knight of the court of King William, commanded to oversee the lands of a noble who was hanged for treason. He is also instructed to marry the dead traitor’s rebellious daughter and ensure her loyalty to the king. He brings her to the altar, and to his bed, before galloping off once again to command in the King’s war. Although Alwyn, his unwilling bride, is barely able to remember the face of Fulk, she cannot forget her response to his touch. At every turn, she thwarts his efforts to take control of her father’s estate and finds herself enslaved by her passion for him. Will she be able to resist the sensual pleasure of his touch in order to save her rightful legacy and family honor?