This series is linked to the Lords of Vice series before this one. Those books were about the Duke of Wyndmere and his family members, with the O'Malleys and their cousins as secondary characters providing security. In this series, the main characters are the guards, their work for their employers, and the love they find along the way. I loved looking at events from the commoner's point of view.

This book centers on Michael O'Malley, the head of the Guards assigned to protect William, Viscount Chattsworth, and his family. Michael is an O'Malley through and through - tall, handsome, quick-tempered, loyal, and protective of all. He also has one of the family "curses" - the gift of sight, visions of the future that could come to pass if something isn't done to change it. The book opens as Michael experiences a vision of two men during a duel. He can't tell who they are, leaving him struggling for the ability to prevent it.

Next, we meet Harriet "Harry" Mayfield and her son Bart. Harry is a widow trying to keep their farm going after the death of her husband. She is beautiful, stubborn, and independent to a fault, refusing to ask for help. But she's first to respond when someone else needs help, and we see her and Bart race to help a neighbor who has been attacked. When a second attack occurs the next night, Michael and others arrive to investigate.

Michael and Harry are drawn to each other from the start, but it isn't an easy connection. Michael's protective instincts are aroused when her farm is attacked, but Harry doesn't react well to being told what to do. I had to laugh at many of their encounters as he would state his expectations, and she would counter with her own. Seeing the smitten Michael deal with his feelings was amusing, especially when his cousin Garahan teased him about them. Michael's protectiveness ramps up even further when Harry is injured during one attack. The sparks between them are undeniable, but Harry's stubborn independence seems impossible to overcome. There were times I wanted to shake her because she couldn't see how her attitude affected the people around her, especially her son. I felt a little sorry for her at the end when her intransigence caused Michael to be very blunt with her about her attitude. It was quite a wake-up call for her, and I was happy to see her learn from it. The ending was great, as another Duke's Guard finds what he didn't know he was looking for.

The action and suspense of the story were excellent. The Duke has many enemies, and they frequently attempt to use his family members to get back at him, which is why he has spread his Guard among his relations. In this case, Chattsworth is a cousin who falls under the duke's family umbrella. When the attacks on Chattsworth's tenant farms begin, the first questions are why and who. The identity of the person behind the attacks is discovered early in the book, but sufficient proof must be obtained. The attacks on the farms are intense and violent, leaving the viscount furious and determined to protect his people. I loved following the plans for that protection and seeing Michael's talents as the head guard. I also liked seeing the tenants' roles in their defense and security. As the final confrontation drew closer, I could feel the tension build. When it came, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it would all work out.

I enjoyed the variety of secondary characters. The tenant farmers and family members were unique characters with their own personalities, and I liked how they banded together for support. My favorites were the sons, Bart, Robbie, and Matthew, who were still young (mid-teens) but also mature enough to be essential parts of their families and the story. I especially liked Bart, who had a close relationship with his mother. He was at the age where he constantly fought against her tendency to still treat him as a child, even though he was doing the work of a man. I loved the connection and developing relationship between Bart and Michael.

I loved getting to know more of the Duke's Guard. Michael is definitely an O'Malley, as I could see the similarities in looks and attitudes with Patrick (The Duke's Sword) and Sean (The Duke's Protector). I also enjoyed seeing more of James Garahan, who knows what buttons to push to wind Michael up. A few times, their head-butting gets them in trouble with their boss, but they are always ready when needed. No matter how much trash talk goes on, there is also great love and respect among them.

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