Lady Isobel of Dornei can't forget that first kiss. Her feelings for Richard Werefeld can come to nothing because she's betrothed to his eldest brother, and for reasons no one knows, a year past, Richard fled to the nearest abbey to become a Benedictine monk.

Time and circumstance can be cruel. With the death of Isobel's father, she has no protector, and several of her father's knights are determined to wed the rich heiress. Isobel flees to the abbey for sanctuary. In a short time, she learns her betrothed and younger brother are both dead, leaving Richard his father's only heir. Lord Robert has the betrothal agreement rewritten, and Richard is now forced to marry Isobel.

The marriage will not be recognized as legal until it's been consummated, and therein lies the problem. As much as Isobel still loves him, Richard will do whatever he must to avoid the marriage bed and remain chaste to his calling. What will it take to finally bring Isobel and Richard together?

Claudia Dain takes a different approach to romance in this medieval novel. Isobel and Richard each have to face their own torments and deal with them. Richard shows he has the makings to become a promising young knight, but why does his foster father, Henley, single out the young squire for special attention? How can Isobel marry a man she hardly knows, when it's his youngest brother she loves? Both are faced with situations which will alter their lives and perceptions.

Some secondary characters are devious as they vie for Isobel's inheritance, and others are supportive of the hero and heroine. Along the way, Richard and Isobel must face the consequences of past actions and face some hard truths about themselves.

The unusual theme for this story is sure to hold fast your interest until you reach the last page. Fans of historical romance will not be disappointed... Claudia Dain knows how to write unique romance.