This novel would have been all about comedy if it hadn't had such an impact on the life of a young woman trying to keep her mother from destroying herself and putting her future at risk by the behavior of two old elderly women with one thought in mind: where to get their next fix. Lista is ashamed of their appalling behavior and yet she is still protective of them, given that her mother is grieving the loss of her son and husband. Julian may well be a feared warrior on the battlefield, but when upbraided by a feisty young woman about the actions of his troops, he nevertheless sets out to keep her safe, albeit at his own mother's command. The opening chapter of this novel is sad but it does provide the setting for the rest of the book. I loved Julian and his gentle approach towards Lista, and when she comes under attack, he is more than willing to provide the skills he has acquired in the battle, but when he discovers that the woman he has fallen in love with seems to have a different agenda, he backtracks with speed. It takes the wisdom of his own sister and mother to make him realize that he is making an ass of himself. This romance is entertaining and has one rooting for Lord Julian, hoping all the while that he will put aside his defenses and see what is right in front of him. This book comes to a delightful conclusion, a copy of which I received as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.