A sword for his lady is a period romance novel set in the Crusades. In a time where King Richard the Lionhearted has left for the Crusades with Prince John is plotting to take the throne. King Richard leaves his most trusted knights, Ramon de Segrave to protect the throne in his absence. The King also charges him to protect the borders against the Welsh and encourages him to marry the widow in charge of the Keep, Lady Isabel of Camoys.

I had enjoyed the Crusades setting for the novel but was very disappointed with the characters. Especially Isabel, she was a strong-minded character but not once did they let her hold a sword like a title says. She began with such promise holding down her own and her borders. I felt that she could have been stronger even after falling for Ramon.

I really liked this book. It was a little slow for the first half of the book, but the second half took off like a rocket and didn't slow down until the very last page.

Both Ramon and Isabel have been married before and neither is anxious to remarry. King Richard elevates Ramon to a baron and gifts him land adjacent to Isabel's. While he doesn't demand that they marry he hints that it would be a good idea. The land he gifted Ramon has no keep and Isabel's keep has no men to defend it. The king also elevates Isabel's former brother-in-law, Jacques to a baron. Jacques has been charged by his father to reclaim the land by marrying Isabel.

While Ramon doesn't want to marry again, he definitely doesn't want to lose that land or the bride to Jacques. So, let the courting begin!

At first Isabel steadfastly refuses to remarry, but eventually she realizes that in order to protect herself and her people she must.

Once Isabel and Ramon marry, the story really takes off. The chemistry between these two is riveting. I, as the reader really felt them falling in love. It was sweet and hot at the same time!

Mary Wine writes amazing love scenes and this book was no exception - whew, still feeling warm :)

The twists and turns in the second half of the book were really well done - edge of your seat, bite your nails, can't turn the pages fast enough - well done.

I would highly recommend this book and hope that Ms. Wine continues with this series!