"Exiting, dramatic detail with tender romance and humor."

Stranded in the Cairo desert with her pregnant sister-in- law, Brianna Donally survives by sheer stubbornness and strong-willed determination. Brianna, the youngest in an Irish family that regularly defies convention, shocked her own family by her radical ideas on social reform. After her arrest for promoting aid for prostitutes, they exiled her to Egypt. Traveling in a caravan, Brianna and her sister-in- law barely escape a massacre. They flee into the desert with assassins on their trail. Luckily they encounter the legendary Major Fallon.

Maj. Michael Fallon is a man without illusions. Twelve years ago his father destroyed his idealism by betrothing the woman he loved to his elder brother in order to form a powerful alliance. Michael and his brother fought, and Michael almost killed his brother. Michael fled to China and eventually landed in Egypt. Angry at the world, he fights injustice, beginning with the opium traders and slavers. He disregards the dangers, not caring about his fate. Rescuing Brianna from the desert proves to be a life- changing moment.

Drawn to Brianna's unpredictability and passion for living, Michael cedes to her wish that they become lovers. Brianna loves her freedom, but Michael tempts her beyond belief. When a killer is added to their volatile love affair, Michael and Brianna face a challenge that could result in their deaths.

This story contains exciting and dramatic scenes filled with touching tenderness and biting humor. The tale is rich in detail and gives readers a sense of place in Egypt's tumultuous time. Ms. Thomas is an exciting new writer reminiscent of Judith McNaught. If you missed her first novel, IN MY HEART, do not delay buying it. You won't regret it!

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted November 17, 2004

Summary

To want him was madness ... Far from home was the last place Brianna Donally ever imagined she'd find the one man she'd desire above all others. When Major Michael Fallon, the dangerously seductive British officer, rescues the bold beauty from certain doom, Brianna discovers a reckless passion she is unable to resist. But a fiercely independent female photographer could never make a proper bride for the grandson of a duke. And a bitter betrayal has locked love away from Michael's heart forever. ... to deny her was impossible. And yet ... Michael cannot disregard these sensuous stirrings. Could it be the moonlight that has bewitched him ... or the intoxicating scent and touch of this remarkable, infuriatingly "modern" woman? Scandal would be the least consequence of their consummated passion -- there would be perils as well. For Michael will never settle for anything less than a true, intense, and all-consuming love.