Lady Kyla Warwick was once betrothed by King Henry's command to Lord Roland Strathmore, known throughout England as the Hound of Hell for his fierceness. When scandal strikes the Warwicks, King Henry himself declares the betrothal contract invalid, and Kyla and her family flee to Scotland. When tragedy takes Kyla's family, leaving her the sole survivor, Lord Roland obeys his king's request to lure Kyla from her hiding place in the Highlands and take her captive for her own protection. Kyla wants to hate Roland but discovers that the attraction she feels for the powerful knight grows stronger with each hour spent in his company. Lord Roland finds in Kyla a shield against the darkness of his soul. Her dignity, courage, and beauty bring out his own warmth, compassion, and concern--emotions he thought long dead. Can he turn her over to his King and certain confinement in the Tower, or will he choose to save her? And if he claims Kyla as his own, will he be able to keep her safe and win her heart? The Promise of Rain offers the winning combination of endearing characters, a thrilling adventure, and a romance worthy of royalty. --Lois Faye Dyer