Marliss Moon's first novel is a passionate, dramatic medieval romance. Only Lady Clarise's wits and wiles could save her family. Her stepfather's orders were clear: Within two months she must poison the man known as the Slayer, or her mother and sisters are doomed to die. Fate offered the flame-haired beauty an unexpected opportunity to enter Christian de la Croix's defenses in the guise of that nursemaid that recently widowed warrior needed desperately for his motherless infant son. In that role, she soon lost her heart to tiny Simon, and came to realize that his bold father, the Slayer, was more sinned against than sinner. Despite the frightening rumors that surround her planned prey, Clarise is soon convinced that Christian hadn't killed his young wife—and that, while he was truly a fearsome warrior, he had never wantonly slain helpless men. With those realizations came the understanding that it is her monstrous stepfather who is the true danger, and that Clarise is in desperate need of an ally and a new battle plan if she is to save everyone she loves—including the man she has come to kill.

As the roaring flames rise to engulf her, Merry Duboise struggles against the ropes that condemn her to burn for witchcraft. Moments away from certain death, she finds salvation in the form of a handsome angel who sweeps her off the stake and into his arms. But Sir Luke le Noir is no angel. A fearless captain of the Royal Army, this warrior offers the safety Merry has sought for years...but at what price? Though Luke has sworn to save this skilled herbalist from her superstitious persecutors, he is betrothed to another who will ensure his birthright. Yet from his first glimpse of her, he knows he cannot abandon the fiery-haired beauty to her doom. It doesn't take long for Merry's dark past to catch up with them—or for Luke to realize that this woman who incites such lust in him has captivated his hardened heart. Will love be enough to procure Merry her freedom and grant them eternal happiness?