"Passionate Historical"

Fourteenth-century Scotland is revisited in this passionate tale of enemy clans sparring to avenge the death of a young woman. When Lileas, wife of Iain MacLean, is found drowned on the legendary Lady Rock, the MacLeans and the MacInneses are quick to blame one another. As Lileas was born a MacInnes, her clan takes for its prisoner Donall MacLean, laird of the Clan MacLean, when he journeys to return her body to her childhood home of Dunmuir Castle.

But Isolde, chieftain of the Clan MacInnes, has plans for Donall. To prevent her betrothal to Balloch MacArthur, she schemes to seduce Donall and become pregnant with his child. As both Isolde and Donall believe that each other's clan is responsible for Lileas' death, they are unwilling to trust one another. Will Donall succumb to the lady's charms despite his mistrust of her?

Colorful characters breathe life into this tale of the rough and tumble world of long-ago Scotland. Devorgilla, an old woman with the taste for potions and psychic premonitions, provides Isolde with an anti-attraction potion to keep Isolde's heart intact. Evelina, the local temptress, aids Isolde in her attempts at seduction. And protagonists, Isolde and Donall, are the most enigmatic characters of all, especially as they capture the reader's attention in their spicy love scenes.

With a strong heroine and a dashing hero, this latest from Ms. Welfonder is a wonderful romantic adventure. While some heroines show their appeal in their weakness and reliance on the hero, Isolde is refreshing in her strength and self-reliance. As an intelligent clan chieftain, her plan to establish peace between clans is a brilliant one. And the love scenes are more meaningful than some, as Donall loves her as much for her brains as for her beauty.

Reviewed by Sheri Melnick
Posted April 17, 2002

Summary

WARRIOR IN CHAINS, A LADY IN CHARGE, AND A SEDUCTION TOO HOT TO HANDLE!

"I WANT YOU TO TAKE ME," SHE SAID SOFTLY.

Donall drew in a sharp breath, not as prepared for the expected answer as he'd thought. "Take you?" he mimicked, knowing he sounded like a simpleton, but unable to stay his tongue. She nodded. "I wish to forge an irrefutable union with you in the hopes of ensuring lasting peace."

Donall's jaw still hung embarrassingly slack as he gaped at her. She stood firm, her lifted chin declaring her strength of purpose.

She wanted peace.
He wanted out of her clutches.
And he wanted her.