Dangerous Favor: Poitevin Hearts Book 4 by Joyce DiPastena

When the beautiful Lady Violette hosts a tournament, Mathilde de Riavelle attends hoping to find some brave knight who can help her prove her father innocent of an accusation of theft. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams. Mathilde is determined to win his love. If she can just stop thinking about his friend, Etienne, who is too charming to be trusted with anything, especially her heart.

Etienne de Brielle has neither wealth nor connections, but he is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. Unfortunately, his eager attempts to capture her attention misfire, convincing her that he wants to seduce her. If he can win glory in her name on the tournament field, perhaps he can change her mind. He tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, to wear in the mêlée. But instead of honoring her, he is wounded by an unknown knight trying to steal her ribbon from him.

What secret does Mathilde’s favor hold? Is it related to her father’s crime? Their search for answers gradually opens Mathilde’s eyes to Etienne’s true worth. But before he can prove himself the true hero of her dreams, he must rescue her from a nightmare from her past.

The Poitevin Hearts romance series is linked together by recurring characters, but each title is written as a stand-alone novel. They can be read and enjoyed in any order.