Romance Book Reviews
Her Norman Conqueror by Malia Martin
Avon, August 1998.Paperback, 377 pages.
ISBN: 0380798964.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
In 1066 England, there are few estates which pass through
the female line of descent. Seabreeze Castle is one such
estate. Its owner, the lovely Aleen, is determined not to
marry her cruel stepbrother, as ordered by King Harold
in order to assure that Seabreeze Castle is strongly defended
and will not fall into the hands of Norman conquerors.
In order to avoid the hateful marriage ordained for her,
she impulsively marries a witless, dirty poacher found
on her lands. To her immense surprise, he cleans up
quite well -- in fact, he's downright handsome, and
compellingly attractive. But,
he doesn't speak and while docile, seems slow in
his thinking, although at times she sees flashes of
intelligence in his compelling eyes. Naming him Lord Cynewulf, Aleen
settles into married life. But Cynewulf may not
be quite what he seems, and the King is extremely
unhappy with her actions and decides to take Cynewulf
away with him to war. Soon, Aleen is in the
middle of the political intrigue surrounding the days before the
Battle of Hastings while realizing that she loves her
husband -- who may die in the battle ahead. Will she be
able to find her husband and keep her beloved Seabreeze
Castle in the midst of the Norman invasion?
Malia Martin has taken a much-written about time period and infused it with new life. This rousing tale of an independent woman who was abused as a child will resonate with modern readers. The romance is fresh and unique and the passion is intense. The historical background is interesting and is interwoven nicely with the romantic elements of the story. An excellent historical romance from a talented author.
Highland Scoundrel by Lois Greiman
Avon, September 1998.Paperback, 374 pages.
ISBN: 0380794357.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Lord Roderic McGowan (known as the Rogue in his
heyday) has decided that it's time for his fiery,
independent daughter Shonna to settle down with a
husband. Towards that end, he invites every eligible
bachelor in the countryside to his castle for the
highland games. A terrible flirt and sometime tomboy,
Shonna leads her suitors a merry chase, while privately
vowing never to wed -- until she meets the dashing Dugald
Kinnaird whose kisses leave her longing for more. But Dugald
has his own agenda; he is convinced that Shonna is a spy
connected with the assassination attempts on young King
James because of her close friendship with him and
her frequent visits to Court when the attempts occurred.
Pretending to be a suitor, Dugald sets out to win her heart;
what he doesn't count on is his own growing passion for the
lass which will force him to choose between his heart and
his sworn duty.
This is the second entry in Lois Greiman's Highland Brides trilogy which follows the lives and loves of three cousins who, as children, made a solemn vow on the magical Dragonheart amulet to always come to each other's aid in time of trouble. Shonna, the current holder of the Dragonheart, is a spirited and devious young woman whose antics are always entertaining. The mysterious Dugald is a powerful and enticing hero and his interactions with the passionate Shonna and her father are quite funny. With a touch of magic and political intrigue, Greiman's second entry in the trilogy is a must-read for lovers of historical romances.
The Last Highlander by Claire Cross
Jove, August 1998.Paperback, 339 pages.
ISBN: 0515123374.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
In 1314 Scotland, the Scots have just re-taken Edinburgh
Castle. Warrior Alasdair MacAuley, a loyal and trusted
follower of Robert the Bruce is celebrating in the castle when he meets
the notorious witch Morgain le Fay who dares him to participate
in a spell. He takes the dare and is hurled into 1998 Scotland
where he meets American illustrator and tourist Morgan Lafayette.
Convinced that Morgan is the infamous witch who enchanted him, and that modern
day Scotland is Faerie, he demands to be sent back. Of course Morgan,
who has not exactly been lucky in love, has no idea what he's talking
about but does decide this handsome stranger is strangely compelling.
As they spend time together, it becomes clear that Alasdair is telling
the truth and that his coming forward in time has somehow
changed history -- for the worse. Morgan and Alasdair must
find a way to right the wrongs the time travel has wrought and
somehow find a way to be together forever.
With gentle humor, a bit of sorcery and a dose of grand passion, Claire Cross has crafted another spellbinding tale of love across time. Fans of the time travel subgenre will love this book.
Return to the January 1999 issue of The IWJ.
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