Finished! I did enjoy this novel and love the idea that a woman can make a man become his true self, but I had a hard time getting involved in the story. Some parts I started feeling whiplashed in and out of the romance. Until about the midway point, I was sure I wasn't going to like this novel in the end, but I was wrong! A huge ending to the many jarring turns. ( )

Lady Emmalyn has enjoyed 3 glorious years of freedom away from her abusive husband Garrett. While her husband was away on Crusade, Emmalyn ran Fallonmour and oversaw its prosperity, including the famed wool crop, which she is particularly proud of. Suddenly a single knight appears on horseback to shatter her hard earned independence. Thankfully, it is not her viscous husband returning, but another potentially cruel knight. She learns that Garrett has been killed and Sir Cabal put in charge of all that she has worked for by King Richard. She could be stripped of her home and married off yet again. Worse than that, the tenants of Fallonmour could suffer.

Emmalyn quickly tries to get rid of the interloper, but soon discovers that Cabal is nothing like her dead husband. He is a decidedly gentle, caring man, one worthy of her love. The problem is that Cabal doesn’t believe he is a worthy human being. His violent and lonely time as the feared warmonger Blackheart is difficult for him to put into the past. He is constantly beating up on himself and trying to drive Emmalyn away. Still their love develops and grows, despite challenges together from thieves, an evil brother in law, a jealous seneschal and tormented secrets.

The reader will enjoy the forays into medieval life from the holiday festival, the market place and even an appearance by the Dowager Queen Eleanor. You will find a passionate and sensitive tale filled with vivid descriptions. Emmalyn fights for her man and does indeed become a, “Lady of Valor”. ( )