A battle-weary barbarian escorts a runaway princess through dangerous territory in ancient China in this historical romance debut.Winner of the Golden Heart Award, Best Historical Romance"A fresh new voice in historical romance . . . Butterfly Swords rocks!" —Mary Jo Putney, New York Times–bestselling author of Never Less Than a LadyDuring China''s infamous Tang Dynasty, a time awash with luxury yet littered with deadly intrigues and fallen royalty, betrayed Princess Ai Li flees before her wedding. Miles from home, with only her delicate butterfly swords for defense, she enlists the reluctant protection of a blue-eyed warrior . . .Battle scarred, embittered Ryam has always held his own life at cheap value. Ai Li''s innocent trust in him and honorable, stubborn nature make him desperate to protect her—which means not seducing the first woman he has ever truly wanted . . ."If Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon merged with A Knight''s Tale, you''d have the power . . . of Lin''s dynamic debut. The action never stops, the love story is strong, and the historical backdrop is fascinating." —Romantic Times"The especially vibrant writing describing the culture, clothes, and countryside saves this from being just another tale of impossible love." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)