The Graistan Chronicles Series by Denise Domning

A PROUD WOMAN AN ARROGANT MAN A BRUTAL TIME Her years in a nunnery taught Rowena of Benfield many things, but not how to be a wife to the powerful lord who claims her as his bride. She vows never to submit to this aloof and ruthless man. Rannulf of Graistan has been a woman's fool once before and has sworn to never be again, but he cannot refuse the rich estate that this marriage brings him... moreA PROUD WOMAN AN ARROGANT MAN A BRUTAL TIME Her years in a nunnery taught Rowena of Benfield many things, but not how to be a wife to the powerful lord who claims her as his bride. She vows never to submit to this aloof and ruthless man. Rannulf of Graistan has been a woman's fool once before and has sworn to never be again, but he cannot refuse the rich estate that this marriage brings him. But a tide of treachery is rising around them and their only hope lies in daring to trust and to love unconditionally. less

In a world where folk are either common or noble, Temric FitzHenry, bastard of Graistan, is neither and both. Only too late does he meet his equal, Philippa of Lindurst, also a bastard raised to noble expectations; Philippa is already married. When Temric discovers the abuse Philippa endures, his heart demands that he steal her from her husband. As he does so, he promises that she'll never know pain with him... moreIn a world where folk are either common or noble, Temric FitzHenry, bastard of Graistan, is neither and both. Only too late does he meet his equal, Philippa of Lindurst, also a bastard raised to noble expectations; Philippa is already married. When Temric discovers the abuse Philippa endures, his heart demands that he steal her from her husband. As he does so, he promises that she'll never know pain with him. Philippa cherishes each day she spends with the him, knowing her husband will someday find them and they will die. If Temric is ever to be truly hers, Philippa must find the courage to defy death and escape a heritage that makes her love of Temric the deepest of sins. Set in the late twelfth century, Summer's Storm takes place in the time of King Richard the Lionheart and Robin Hood. Denise Domning's first medieval novel, Winter's Heat, received the Romantic Times award for Best First Historical Novel of 1994. Spring's Fury, Autumn's Flame, A Love for All Seasons were respectively nominated by Romantic Times for Best Medieval Novel of 1995, 1996 and 1997. Her first Elizabethan novel, Lady in Waiting, was recommended by Publisher's Weekly as well written, and researched, with an accurate portrayal of Elizabeth. less

Nicola of Ashby bravely wielded a sword to fight for her father's fiefdom. Bravely but futilely, for her castle keep lay charred and the battle was lost. A woman warrior, Nicola had chosen her proud independence over a husband's rule. Now she swore to kill Gilliam FitzHenry—murderer of her father, destroyer of her home—the man who would wed her in a forced match... moreNicola of Ashby bravely wielded a sword to fight for her father's fiefdom. Bravely but futilely, for her castle keep lay charred and the battle was lost. A woman warrior, Nicola had chosen her proud independence over a husband's rule. Now she swore to kill Gilliam FitzHenry—murderer of her father, destroyer of her home—the man who would wed her in a forced match. The powerful young knight, weary of battle and blood, had made Nicola his prisoner, and he would make her his wife, though their marriage be born in hell. Gilliam needed this fierce, fiery woman as he never had another. Her people adored her, and she alone could help him bring peace to these war-torn lands. Amid treachery and tragedy, rival knights and the pain of past wounds, Gilliam knew he must win Nicola's respect. Then, with kisses and hot caresses, he intended to win her heart. less

A MAN'S FIRE Released from an unhappy marriage by her husband's sudden death, Lady Elyssa of Freyne hoped she and her young son were safe at last. The arrival of Geoffrey FitzHenry dashed her hopes. Tall, golden-haired, his battle-scarred face still handsome, the sheriff of the shire looked like a warrior angel. Yet Elyssa heard he was the devil's own spawn. Now the law decreed he was her keeper and sent her frail son away to be a knight's squire... moreA MAN'S FIRE Released from an unhappy marriage by her husband's sudden death, Lady Elyssa of Freyne hoped she and her young son were safe at last. The arrival of Geoffrey FitzHenry dashed her hopes. Tall, golden-haired, his battle-scarred face still handsome, the sheriff of the shire looked like a warrior angel. Yet Elyssa heard he was the devil's own spawn. Now the law decreed he was her keeper and sent her frail son away to be a knight's squire. A WOMAN'S HEART Elyssa's temper, as fiery as her copper-colored hair, flared. She swore to fight him and vowed to hate him. So why did her breath come faster when she saw him? Was it fear or passion? Was this to be a journey to elm dangerous side of desire, or would Geoffrey beckon Elyssa to discover the truth about their feelings for each other --- and the wondrous force of their love ... less

A handsome apprentice falls in love with his master's breathtaking daughter, a young woman promised to another. The conflict between honor, duty and undeniable love slices with a razor's edge, bringing them ever closer to disaster, and bringing the reader back for more. Johanna of Stanrudde despises her husband, a man her dying father pressured her to wed. Robert of Blacklea is the man of her heart, a man who cruelly abandoned her yet still haunts her dreams... moreA handsome apprentice falls in love with his master's breathtaking daughter, a young woman promised to another. The conflict between honor, duty and undeniable love slices with a razor's edge, bringing them ever closer to disaster, and bringing the reader back for more. Johanna of Stanrudde despises her husband, a man her dying father pressured her to wed. Robert of Blacklea is the man of her heart, a man who cruelly abandoned her yet still haunts her dreams. When he finally returns, it is too late. Johanna is a wife and mother—any hope of love she might harbor for him is not only foolish, it's dangerous. But there is too much passion behind her pain—a passion that matches his own. Defying those who would forbid their love, Robert and Johanna will choose death rather than give up the dream that heaven is within their reach. less