Married at sixteen to the sensual, powerful lord Nicolas de Rochambeau, the fiery Johanna de Pomeray defied her husband... who presumed to buy her obeisance with precious silks and jewels. By day the castle resounded with his demands, and with her bold protests. But by night he wooed his dark-haired beauty, who could not resist the depths of his molten passion.

Only Nicolas knew how much he needed Johanna's love...even as he rode away to join a dangerous Crusade. Captured by the enemy, he battled his way to freedom, enraged that she had not sent ransom for him.

when he returned in triumph to England, his lady stood before him, her green eyes flashing with fury and desire. Now Nicolas vowed to unravel the mystery of his wife's defiance, and to win her at last...heart and pride and soul!