First published 2012
Captain Ivan Vorpatril leads a quiet life as a Barrayaran staff officer. But when an old friend asks him to protect a young woman, Ivan's heroic instincts take over. Tej Arqua and her half-sister Rish are fleeing the violent overthrow of their clan, pursued by shadowy forces who seek to exploit Tej's hidden secret. As Ivan becomes entangled in their plight, he must use his wits and courage to shield the distressed ladies from harm - even if it means risking his own hard-won freedom.
Genres: romance, adventure, contemporary, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, heroic-instincts
Setting: Barrayar
426 pages · Hardcover · Baen