"Lovely Medieval Romance"

Once again Welfonder returns the reader to her beloved medieval Scotland to give her fans a dose of romance and intrigue amongst the heather, lochs and crags of the land and people she clearly loves.

Lady Mariota Macnicol defied her family to become the lover of Hugh Aleson, Bastard of Drumodyn thinking he loved her and would take her to wife. Instead, he lived right up to his name the moment Mariota discovered him fornicating with the local alewife. So shocked at being discovered Hugh died of a heart attack, but the alewife so angered at losing a hefty source of income, stole the stunned Mariota's dirk, plunging it into Hugh's chest and escaped while Mariota was found and accused of killing the liege lord of the castle.

Imprisoned in the dungeon, Mariota was rescued by her companion Nessa and they escaped to the vacant ruin of Castle Cuidrach. Unfortunately, for the two women the newly made knight, Sir Kenneth MacKenzie has just arrived to take possession of his inheritance. Mariota boldly claims she is the lady of the keep awaiting her husband but quickly changes her story when Kenneth informs her -- the keep in now his. Both have vowed to never love again, but chemistry and the meddling Devorgilla of Doon would soon be working her magic to have them both singing a new tune and to help them face the danger of besting those who sought to tear them apart.

*** This was a bit slower in pace than Welfonder's previous titles but resonates clearly this authors love of Scotland through the vivid imagery of her prose. I also found the suspense and intrigue to be a tad bit less developed in this and focused more on the character development of both Kenneth and Mariota and their burgeoning romance. Lady Mariota, was ashamed of her affair with the knave Hugh and to have witnessed his betrayal of her in the most shocking manner after going against her beloved family to be with him was a tremendous burden to carry. Kenneth lived with the stigma of his bastard lineage and had always steered clear of 'fallen women'. These were two wounded souls whose physical attraction to another disguised the 'love' that neither cared to admit to. Secondary characters were all colorfully brought to life and I was thrilled to see Devorgilla reappearing to add that delightful bit of magic I've found to be immensely satisfying in this series. Jamie "the Small" was a darling and I certainly hope to see more of him in future offerings. Well written, nicely sensual love scenes combined with a sweet ending that will melt your heart and mist your eyes are all in store for the reader.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO -- Reviewers International Organization

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted July 13, 2006

Summary

earless and outspoken, Lady Mariota MacNichol must run for her life. Accused of murdering the unworthy rogue she once loved, she boldly takes possession of deserted Cuidrach Castle, the one place her enemies would never look. Then the new laird of Cuidrach unexpectedly arrives... Sir Kenneth Mackenzie is a fierce knight well experienced in bawdy pleasures and willing wenches-though his last liaison left him wounded in pride and love. Chivalrous enough to open Cuidrach's portals to a lady-in-distress, he keeps the path to his heart well-barred. But now the strong- willed Mackenzie is living with a fiery, passionate woman unafraid of his formidable reserve. Eating at the same table, warming themselves by the same fire...how long will it be before these two share the same bed?