The prequel to Wild Wind. A young Saxon widow enters into an arranged marriage to the notorious Black Dragon, a Norman knight with a ferocious reputation—and a terrible secret. Originally published by NAL. The paperback edition made the Ingrams A-List of Top 50 Requested Titles for three weeks.

"Having lost her first husband to the Normans, Faithe of Hauekleah is given in marriage to a Norman knight known as the Black Dragon. Faithe has no choice but to accept her new husband or lose Hauekleah. She bravely awaits her new husband, hoping that perhaps he will tire of farm life quickly and return to being a soldier. But... she cannot stop thinking about her handsome husband and how he refuses to consummate their marriage until she can trust him. He is a man of honor and honesty—and Faithe falls in love with her husband. Luke de Perigueux is happy at Hauekleah... As the Black Dragon he was expected to be a warrior, but as Luke of Hauekleah he can be the man his wife sees in him. When the truth about Faithe's first husband comes out, Luke will have to face his violent past. Treachery and deception threaten to tear apart the lovers and Luke will risk losing Faithe forever if he tells her the truth. Patricia Ryan is a masterful author of medieval romances. Without question, Secret Thunder is her best work to date. ...The tale is rich in history and romance. Luke is a tortured hero, maintaining his bloodlust during battle only because of the herbs he chews... As is typical of Ms. Ryan's heroines, Faithe is a strong woman devoted to her home—and to the husband she comes to love. Secret Thunder is a magnificent love story and Patricia Ryan has surpassed this reviewer's highest expectations. This is as good as it gets! A marvelous love story from the queen of medieval romance. If you read only one historical romance this year it should be Secret Thunder!" Kristina Wright — Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved — From Literary Times

"Patricia Ryan continues to create superb medieval romances that capture the atmosphere and tenor of the time. Ms. Ryan breathes freshness into every page and enthralls readers with the power of her characters' emotions and their intelligent handling of the complex situations. She is a wonderful writer whose talent continues to enchant readers." Romantic Times

"Secret Thunder is a superb medieval romance that is so well written it will not remain a secret amongst the genre's fans for very long. Patricia Ryan brings startling freshness to this historical period." Affaire de Coeur

"Ms. Ryan has penned a totally absorbing tale with complicated situations and complex, compelling characters. The poignant relationship between Faithe and Luke is achingly beautiful, as a woman's love redeems a tortured man. I loved everything about this book—it's full-bodied, like vintage wine. Brava, Ms. Ryan. It's the best book yet!!" The Old Book Barn Gazette

"Patricia Ryan is a master, blending rich historical detail and poignant emotions, making the era come alive in an honest, seamless story. Brilliant!" RomEx Review

About the Author:

Patricia Ryan has written more than two dozen novels, which have garnered rave reviews and been published in over twenty countries. A RITA winner (for Silken Threads) and four-time nominee, she is also the recipient of two Romantic Times Awards and a Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination for the second book of her historical mystery series featuring Boston governess Nell Sweeney, which she wrote under the name P.B. Ryan. Pat's Evil Twin, Pamela Burford, is also a published romance novelist. Visit Pat's website at patricia-ryan.com