"Exciting medieval romance"

In the twelfth century, fourteen years old Juliane of Stanora marries a man selected by her father. However, before she is bedded her spouse dies. Juliane earns an unfair name as Lady Frost.

A few years later, womanizing Ulrich of Caen arrives at Stanora with plans to enhance his reputation by defrosting Juliane "le Gel". However, she considers him a handsome loser, the "Lord of Nothing" as he has no property or anything else. When Juliane's dad becomes ill, he worries about whom will protect his beloved daughter so noticing the attraction between his guest and his child beyond the face of their war, he arranges a marriage between his daughter and Ulrich. However, on the way to the ceremony, Juliane is abducted leaving Ulrich to risk his life to save the woman he loves.

Fans will appreciate this fine medieval romantic rendition of The Taming of the Shrew (though Lady Frost is actually a nicer person than Kiss Me Kate is). The story line starts slow until the lead couple turn into enemy combatants. From that moment the tale never looks back as the fine duet turns into Beloved Enemies. Though a late twist adds suspense, the tale belongs to the gender warring warriors.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 27, 2004