"A story of love and hope."

After Lily's village was destroyed in the war with Zaltana, the survivors went to live in the mountains. The conflict cost her husband's life. Even though it was an arranged marriage, Lily cared very much about him. Now, her infant daughter is sick. One of the survivors tells Lily that she should go the village of Tanek, which is 20 miles away. Tanek has managed to hold off the Zaltanian soldiers. They also have some Knights of the Ruby Order there. Lily knows that all the Knights of the Ruby Order are trained healers, as well as warriors, and decides to go.

When she finally manages to get there, one of the Knights directs her to a building. The air in the building is foul, there are too many bodies packed inside, and it reeks of blood, sweat and death. The Knight directs an apprentice Knight, Crag, to take care of her sick child, Vina. Crag tells her that he has seen this fever before and that it isn't good.

Lily begins to help in the building and with the sick as she takes care of Vina. She brings in water and helps with the baking. Crag comforts Lily in her grief; Lily can't believe that this huge man who is hardly getting any rest is taking the time for her. When they do succumb to a hot and heavy lovemaking session, Lily can't believe she actually did this! She demands that they keep this a secret and not tell anyone else. For the first time in her life, Lily is by herself and has no idea what she wants to do with her life.

This is a great fantasy series! I love the glimpse into the Knights of the Ruby Order society and how they interact with the people around them. The scenes are portrayed so realistically that you will find your nose curling when you read the description of the longhouse. The characters are very believable, right down to Lily's doubts about Crag, and Crag's doubts about his future. But under it all, this is a story of love and hope. My favorite part of this whole story is when Lily and Crag deliver the baby and they realize that the birth of the child signifies hope for the future. This is definitely a story that I recommend.

Reviewed by Chere Gruver
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted September 7, 2003

Summary

With her village destroyed and her child ill, Lily's only hope is to seek the aid of the Knights of the Ruby Order. What she finds is a disillusioned trainee who matches her in desperation.

Crag has learned the hard way that Knighthood isn't about glory. After nearly two years of hellish service, his faith has disappeared. Then he meets Lily, a woman who has lost everything except her will to survive. Touched by her inner strength and seized by passion, Crag learns the true meaning of Knighthood and love.

Sexual Content: Hard-R/Borderline NC-17. Genre: Fantasy.