"Fairy tale story"

King George and Queen Leonora have arranged the marriage of their daughter Princess Esmeralda of Snowwhere to Prince Arnulf of Scotia. Princess Esmeralda does not want to marry the prince -- who's older than her father and abusive. She is so angry about her parents' decision that she takes a reckless horse ride outside the boundaries of her land and is attacked by outlaws. During the attack a handsome knight known as the Black Knight rescues her and she promises him anything he wants as a reward -- but what he wants shocks her.

A few nights later the Black Knight attends a masked costume party at Princess Esmeralda's home and requests a private conversation with her. He is masked but Esmeralda senses something familiar about the stranger and agrees to talk privately with him. When the meeting gets a little hot they are caught in a compromising situation by her parents. Although it was not what she planned, Esmeralda sees this as a way to get out of her engagement.

Prince Arnulf only wants to rule the kingdom of Snowwhere and he insists that her parents keep to their agreement or loose their lives. Will Princess Esmeralda have to marry this evil man she does not love, or is there a way to marry the Black Knight and avoid the prince's threats against her parents' lives?

Although the fairytale plot is well developed, I did not like the characters. At times their actions were not believable and some of their attitudes were too melodramatic. I though Esmeralda did not have enough common sense. For example, no matter how angry she becomes, I can't see her charging off into an area known to be full of outlaws and enemies and not consider it a stupid action. She also has a fear of sex because she once witnessed her maid having sex and it appeared painful. Of course when she meets the Black Knight she's ready to immediately forget her tightly held beliefs about sex and let him do whatever he wants to her.

This is the first book I've read by Anita Verkerk so perhaps it was developed as a satire and if that's the case she's on target. Hopefully other readers will enjoy this book more than I did.

Sensuality: spicy/carnal.

Reviewed by Angela Black for Sensual Romance.

Reviewed by Sensual Romance
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted August 14, 2004

Rating: Contains graphic, explicit sex and language not suitable for anyone under 18 and contains instances of voyeurism, anal sex, exhibitionism, and paranormal elements.

Summary

When love and passion are cast aside in favor of Michael's career, he forces Samantha to take fate into her own hands.

Craving the long nights of love they used to share, she lures Michael to France to spend one scorching night in The Enchanted Castle....