Having gotten her two sisters safely married, Sybilla Foxe is the lone impediment standing between King Edward and Fallstowe, her family home. Bound by a vow given to a dying woman, she refuses to yield against accusations of treason, though it may very well cost her life. The king has sent a most persuasive man (backed by half an army) to pry her from the ancient walls, but she knows she has few options left save the loyalty of those she protects and her own formidable wiles.

Julian Griffin has but one more task to accomplish before obtaining the secure home he must have for his child. Simply bring a stubborn woman before the King and a profitable estate shall become his. He has done his research, he knows as much about Lady Sybilla Foxe as any man living yet when they finally meet, the essence of her strength and beauty overwhelms him. Not that he lets her see his weakness; no, he presents his case as he has planned, offering to stand for her with the king and see that she receives a just hearing.

Heather Grothaus is among the best historical romance authors today. Her wry take on the realities of medieval life infuses her entrancing love stories with immediacy and timeless motivations. Whether in the thirteenth century or today, any woman can understand Sybilla's entrapment between the truth only she knows and the need to protect those under her care. Her male characters have a warmth and whimsical nature belied by most depictions of that brutal time period.

Julien's clear love for his infant daughter is delightful and endearing, and tempers his alpha male tendencies to make him a man any reader might love. Although Grothaus does a magnificent job tying up the storyline with NEVER LOVE A LORD, the third and perhaps best of the Foxe Sisters series, I can't help but feel a little wistful that the trilogy is at an end. I have fallen in love with the Foxe sisters and the people of Fallstowe, and plan to re-read the books again when I need a bit of medieval magic in my life.