Lady Alissende de Montague, a wealthy widow, has only one hope of escaping another marriage to a violent and evil man. She must swallow her pride and arrange for a proxy marriage with Sir Damien de Ashby, the lover she publicly jilted five years ago. Ruled by immaturity and panic, that disastrous decision robbed her of any peace within her life. When she saw Damien banished in disgrace, Alissende didn't have the courage to admit her love. Now needing Damien's protection, Alissende agrees to the marriage.

Sir Damien de Ashby joined the Templar Knights and served the brethren faithfully after being cast aside by the woman he loved. When the King of France decreed the Templar Knights guilty of heresy, he ordered them imprisoned and tortured until they admitted their crimes. After his capture, Damien loses his faith in God and humanity while in the bowels of the dungeon. When Alissende's forged Writ of Absolution arrives, he's nearly half dead. Nursed back to health, Damien appears at Alissende's side with demands of his own. His mind and heart dead, he will protect her for six months, until she can find another defender.

Consumed by guilt for her previous actions and still in love with Damien, Alissende vows to heal his tormented soul. This time, she will have the courage to acknowledge her love and fight for the man she loves.

SINFUL PLEASURES is steeped in historical details, and the rich layers of the tournament scenes make this a memorable read. Ms. McCall excels at evoking the era and delivering a poignant tale.