"Creative and sexy medieval romance."

When Lady Eleanor "Lea" Whitehurst's father dies, she is left alone. Her brother has just been killed on the battlefield and her father's land and title will go to her cousin. Before the Baron Whitehurst passed he was able to arrange a marriage for Lea to "Alain" the Earl of St. Vincent, who is rumored to have murdered his father, brother, and recent fiance. At first Lea is frightened but when she meets Alain she is captivated and agrees to marry him. Shortly thereafter they leave for his estate in Cornwall.

Alain is a new Earl and believes that his family is plagued by a five-generation curse that is part of his lineage. The only way to break the curse is to participate in the Winter Solstice rite with his wife. As Alain and Lea travel to Cornwall they consummate their relationship along the way and Lea begins to fall in love with him.

However, when they arrive at his home Lea hears rumors about the Earl being a murderer, and strange things begin to happen that make her question her decision to marry him. For instance, why is his mother locked in the tower under guard? Why does his younger brother dislike and fear him? Is Alain responsible for the deaths he is suspected of causing?

Although the prologue was distracting due to overlong sentences and unclear prose, the rest of the story was fine. This is not a vampire story but has a vampire element with a different creative angle.

Also, given the time period (14th Century England) I questioned Lea's reactions to Alain's sexual requirements. He introduced far too much too soon to a virgin from a wealthy family who was most likely protected from anything sexual. Other than that, Ms. Jacobs has done a good job weaving medieval English history throughout the story.

Rating: Erotic. Sensuality: group sex, anal sex, MM (extreme), light BDSM bondage, voyeurism, oral sex.

Reviewed by Angela Black for Sensual Romance.

Reviewed by Sensual Romance
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted February 26, 2004

Summary

A dying man's last wish: Protect Lea. Make her your bride.

Marrying the lovely, sensual Lea will be no hardship for Alain, newly Earl of St. Vincent. Keeping her safe may be another matter all together.

For a curse lies upon the St. Vincent lands, and unless Alain can convince his new bride to trust him, join with him in the fertility rites of the Winter Solstice, her life and his lands may be forfeit.

Rumors, of murder and mayhem laid at Alain's feet. Legends, of giants and piskies and ancient Druids come to life. Seers and magic and sexual excesses. Thrust from her sheltered life into the midst of a nightmare, Lea must rely on her instincts.

Alain's dark passions seduce her heart. She craves his touch, but it will take more than passion to bring St. Vincent back from the Dark Side of the Moon.