"An incredibly gifted author whose writing sparkles." --Literary TimesA rough-and-tumble warrior and an innocent intellectual embark on a dangerous mission to expose the scheme of a corrupt churchman and save England from civil war. But their plan may be cut short and their lives endangered by the undeniable, irresistible force of passion flaring between them.Praise for Patricia Ryan:"Fresh, swift and sexy." --Mary Jo Putney"A wildly romantic love story from an incredibly gifted author." --The Literary Times"A superb medieval romance." --Affaire de Coeur

"King Henry's most valued spy, Hugh of Wexford, likes his wine, his women...and above all, his freedom. Scarred by a brutal upbringing, Hugh vowed long ago to make his own way in the world, unhindered by ties of any kind--especially those of love. Oxford scholar Phillipa de Paris is learned, enlightened...and painfully innocent in the ways of the world--especially the lascivious intrigue that she encounters when Hugh recruits her for a critical espionage mission. To expose the schemes of corrupt churchman Aldous Ewing and save England from yet another civil war, the rough-and-tumble warrior and the innocent intellectual embark on a dangerous ruse as bored husband and wife. As Phillipa tempts and teases the traitor, will she be able to convince Ewing to share his confidences? Or will Hugh and Phillipa's lies be revealed and their lives endangered by the undeniable, irresistible force of passion flaring between them?"--Back cover.

Hugh has never had any trouble avoiding ties of the heart ”until he recruits a beautiful young Oxford scholar to pose as his wife for an espionage mission. Inspired by Hitchcock's Notorious, this medieval romance won a Romantic Times Award. Originally published by NAL. "Once you start this nonstop read, you won't go to bed until you've turned the last page." Romantic Times