3.5 rounded up to 4 stars ( )

The beginning of the book was somewhat disappointing to me. I probably should have read “My Lord’s Desire”, the prequel, before beginning this novel. My fault. The story line at first seemed less than compelling and reminded me of some of Moore’s previous novels, with the too handsome male and the not especially pretty female. However, Moore is an excellent writer and she slowly wheeled me into the story line with her deep characterizations of Gillian and Bayard and their promise of an undeniable love.

At the request of his brother, Lord Armond, Sir Bayard de Boisbaston arrives at D’Averette Castle with a message of warning and some very shocking news for the chatelaine, Lady Gillian d’Averette. First, she finds that her sister Adelaide has married Bayard’s brother. Gillian finds this hard to believe because she and her two sisters had pledged never to marry; as men were not to be trusted. Their father instilled fear into the sisters with his desire for a son and his constant rages. Lady Gillian, whose is plain in comparison to her sisters has always wanted to live out her life at Averette and administer the estate. Her father’s death and her sister’s absence have finally given her the opportunity to govern Averette. Second, Bayard delivers the message that Gillian is in danger from unknown, treasonous plots to remove King John from the throne. The biggest shock she learns, is that Bayard is to stay at Averette until the danger passes as her protector.

Gillian eventually discovers that Bayard is telling the truth and is relieved that her new brother-in-law has no interest in ruling Averette, but that knowledge doesn’t prevent Bayard from ensconcing himself into the daily running of the castle, an act that doesn’t set well with Gillian. Gillian has worked hard to earn the respect of her people and is not about to let Bayard ruin everything. Also Bayard’s reputation as a heartless rogue nicknamed, “Gypsy Lover” does nothing to endure himself to her. Gillian tries to go about her daily routine with brisk efficiency, all the while trying to dispel her growing attraction to Bayard. She discovers that he is nothing like his notorious reputation says he should be. Gillian is amazed as his actions unveil a truly remarkable man. She can begin to understand why her sister Adelaide broke their vow and married.

As Bayard watches Gillian manage Averette, he finds in her a woman with an inner beauty that he can respect and admire. Unlike the frivolous women he knew in his past, Gillian didn’t treat him like a toy. He also began to enjoy the fact that Gillian could look past all the rumors, which had given him his detested nickname. Before long, Bayard and Gillian find they have more in common than they would ever have guessed. Their friendship is what opens up the possibility of love. When problems start to arise at Averette they work together for the good of everyone. One thing I like about Moore’s writing is her ability to create characters not caricatures. The reader can relate to their flaws and their struggles.

Slowly and shyly their love develops and builds to a point that neither one can deny it’s inevitability. As siblings by marriage though, medieval church laws say they can never marry. Gillian and Bayard try to keep their love a secret. But soon, the losses of reputations become minor inconveniences compared to murder, betrayal, danger, and war, all of which loom closer and closer to destroying them. Love is the only thing that just may keep everything from spiraling out of control. As usual Moore manages to bring it all together in one knock out punch. ( )