Dark Heart

the long version

***In 12th century England, as King Henry sets his sights on conquering Normandy, a valiant knight and a beautiful thief discover a powerful desire that will lead them to the utmost peril...*** Six Gareth de Hugues has built a formidable reputation as a warrior. Now, eager to prove himself off of the battlefield, he plans to manage his family's Devon estates - only to be ambushed en route by a brazen robber. Furious, Gareth sets out in pursuit, and discovers his assailant to be a stunning courageous young woman struggling to provide for her brother and ailing mother. Neither his conscience nor his sudden deep attraction will permit him to let her go, but brining her family to his castle could endanger them all. Growing up in the stews of London, Zerra had two paths pen to her - harlot or pickpocket. She chose the later, and she survived using only her quick wits. Her other's fate taught her that trusting a man leads to ruin, yet Gareth's tender courtship exerts an irresistible pull. But when Zerra's beauty earns the attention of the king, she and Gareth are drawn into a web of ambition and greed - and only the boldest hearts will survive.