Gaston battled for duty and honor—until Ysmaine tempted him to fight for her love… When the Templar knight Gaston unexpectedly inherits his family estate, he knows he needs a wife and heir. A marriage of convenience to a widow in need of assistance is a practical solution and the newly-wed pair leave Jerusalem, entrusted with the delivery of a package for the Templars. Away from the life he has known for years, Gaston quickly realizes that little is following his plan—especially his mysterious wife, whose presence awakens an unexpected fire… Twice widowed, Ysmaine doubts she will ever wed again, let alone have a marriage of merit—until she is charmed by the gruff knight intent upon defending her. Ysmaine weds again, not only by her own choice but to a warrior whose honor she admires. She is determined to show Gaston that marriage has more to offer them both than an heir, but first she must win the trust of the wary man she has impulsively wed… Neither realize that Gaston has been entrusted with the treasure of the Templars—much less that someone in their small party is intent upon claiming the prize at any cost. In a company of strangers with secrets, can Gaston dare to trust his new bride? Can Ysmaine convince Gaston to confide what he knows? Can they solve the riddle together before the villain’s plan comes to fruition and all is lost?

Wulfe knew his place—until Christina taught him to hope for more… An orphan and a man who has fought for his own survival, Wulfe is a Templar knight sworn to the order for life. He will defend the order and his brethren to his last, but protests when he is included in a mission to deliver a package to Paris on the cusp of an attack on Jerusalem. The assignment so vexes him so that he seeks distraction in a Venetian brothel. Wulfe does not expect to encounter a courtesan of beauty and wit, her appeal for his assistance—much less his own desire to fulfill her request… Christina recognizes immediately that the grim knight offers the chance to escape a despised life and reclaim her legacy. All she has to do is convince Wulfe to accompany her out of the city, a challenge that demands more than the power of her touch—when Wulfe is attacked, she seizes the opportunity to prove her value to him and his quest, uncertain whether her wits will be sufficient. As attacks mount and danger engulfs the small company, Christina is the one who guesses the contents of the Templar package—and holds the key to its successful delivery. Wulfe is shocked to realize that she has awakened the heart he forgot he possessed—and when she risks herself to see his mission completed, he must choose between his duty and his newfound love…

A company of knights chosen to deliver a sealed trunk from the Templar treasury in Jerusalem to safekeeping in Paris. A group of pilgrims seeking the protection of the Templars to return home as the Saracens prepare to besiege the city. A mysterious treasure that someone will even kill to possess… His dream of becoming a knight achieved, Bartholomew heads home to avenge his parents—only to find himself hunted and in need of the assistance of a most unlikely and unpredictable ally. Anna seeks justice with a disregard for the law that shocks Bartholomew, but the bold maiden’s tactics are as effective as her kisses are seductive. Does she truly wish to aid him in regaining his legacy, or is she using him as a pawn in some scheme of her own?

Fergus’ heart was broken forever—until Leila tempted him to love again… Returning home to Scotland triumphant and entrusted with the precious relic of the Templars, Fergus is stunned to learn that his beloved Isobel has wed another man. He knows he will never love again, so a marriage of convenience to his friend and comrade, Leila, seems a fitting compromise. At least it will give Leila the security of a home and husband, even if it offers far less than Fergus desired of marriage… Leila fears her past will pursue her, compelling to return to her former life, until Fergus offers the ideal solution. She yearns for more than a practical match with the valiant Highlander, but hopes to win his heart before revealing the love she has kept secret from him. All might end well, if Fergus’ former betrothed would just relinquish her hold upon him… When those who hunt the Templar treasure in Fergus’ possession identify its location, both Fergus and Leila could lose far more than their marriage. Will they triumph over the past and trust each other in time to find happiness together?

Duncan loved and lost—until Radegunde convinced him to surrender his heart again. After the loss of his wife, Duncan has earned his way as a warrior-for-hire, certain he will never have a home of his own again. Merry Radegunde convinces him to celebrate the life he has and Duncan finds himself unexpectedly beguiled—though he knows the difference in their ages means any match is doomed… Radegunde has never cared for the rules of others and sees no reason to deny true love. She vows to win Duncan’s reluctant heart and convince the honorable warrior to not only love again but hope for more than mere survival—and Duncan is seduced. He takes her hand in his, vowing a match for a year and a day, hoping he can build them a future in that time… But possession of the Templar treasure imperils those they serve and love, compelling Radegunde and Duncan to choose between their own desires and the greater good. Duncan’s own legacy holds the key, but can he claim his birthright without sacrificing his dream of a future with Radegunde?