"A fast-paced sixteenth century border romance"

In 1542, while growing up her beloved father had never laid a finger on Fayth. After the deaths of her parents, her abusive brother Ridley Graham becomes the head of the family. He would beat Fayth, but never in public or where the bruises would show. Graham understands he must not damage the goods as he has arranged for his sibling to marry much older reprehensible Lord Ashton Carlisle

Fayth manages to escape from her family only to be caught by Alex "Red" Maxwell, a man she detests as much as she loathes Ridley. Alex sees the value in his new "guest" as he plans to use her as a negotiating pawn to buy land from Ashton. However, he soon finds himself placing a higher value on his prisoner as he falls in love with Fayth, but though his heart says otherwise he does not trust her with his back.

The second "Brides of the Bloodstone" tale TAMED BY YOUR DESIRE is a fast-paced sixteenth century border romance. The story line is exhilarating starting with the prologue that occurs six decades earlier until the soul-kissing finale. The tale contains bits of magic that provide an exotic fresh feel to an overdone era. The lead characters are heroic, intrepid, and firmly in love. However, the villains seem too odious to take serious. Still, Jen Holling has written a wonderful historical romance with a touch of enchantment that readers will find delightful.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 10, 2002

Summary

Refusing to marry a man she does not love, Fayth Graham is forced to flee her ancestral home. Her freedom is short- lived when she is captured by her most reviled enemy -- Alex Maxwell, who would never forgive her for teasing him mercilessly and then betraying him to her family. Now, as they search for the mystical Bloodstone, she fears he will use her captivity to avenge his savaged pride. But their heated encounters leave them both shaken and Fayth soon suspects that the force that burns between them might, after all, be love....