In 11th century Normany, a passionate story of romance, chivalry, and forbidden love. Beautiful Eleanor of Nantes is pursued by many great noblemen, including the evil Robert of Belesme and charming Prince Henry, son of William the Conqueror. But it is the dashing Roger FitzGilbert, born a bastard with no title to his name, who sweeps her off her feet. Their love may be forbidden, but their passion is undeniable...

Forced to wed the daring Norman lord Guy of Rivaux, proud and beautiful young Catherine de Brione vowed never to give him her heart. Catherine was sure she loved dashing Brian FitzHenry, who had held her in thrall since childhood. But she had no inkling of the fire her bridegroom could rouse within her. As the turmoil of intrigue and battle, danger and deception erupt around her in 11th century Normandy, Catherine finds that the daring and passionate man she was so eager to leave is now the man she can't bear to lose.

"I like what you do to me, Richard," she whispered, as he explored the softness of her skin with his lips and his hands, until she thought she would shatter into pieces... Fiery-haired Gilliane de Lacey was as proud as she was beautiful. She defied the King of England himself when he commanded her to wed a lord she despised. The one man she did want she could not have as a husband. Richard of Rivaux's passion for her had ignited her burning need, but he was honor-bound to wed another. Yet as he defied death to rescue Gilliane from royal wrath...and as he drew her into the perilous swirl of conflict between England and Normandy, Gilliane and Richard knew that nothing would ever stop them from risking all for love and giving all to desire...

Immersed in England's dynastic war, the Rivaux family is making a dangerous move by abandoning Stephen of Blois to back the empress Matilda. Elizabeth of Rivaux, a 22-year-old widow, will do her bit by defending her father's castle Harlowe. Attacked on her way to the castle, Elizabeth is rescued by the Scottish Sir Giles (aka "the Butcher") of Moray. Safely delivered to Harlowe, Elizabeth expresses her gratitude by arresting Giles for being an "impertinent lout," but he is prudently released by Elizabeth's grandmother. Giles remains miffed, but attracted to Elizabeth, he treks back from his Scottish home to claim her as his bride—whether she likes it or not. No simple marriage this: Giles, a supporter of Stephen, must settle personal and political differences with Elizabeth and her menfolk as well as contend with problems from her first wretched marriage before they can all become one big, happy medieval family.

Abandoned by Elias of Woolford and left to raise on her own the infant Elias has refused to acknowledge is his, beautiful Arabella of Byrum soon finds love with another, more worthy, lord, but rumors of her past threaten their union.