"A delightful "Taming of the Shrews" romance"

In 1173 England, King Henry would prefer warring with the French rather than deal with another protest from either Lady Tiernay or Lord Holden. The two neighbors are always squabbling even if the latter has been fighting on the continent. Now both have the audacity to send letters of complaint to His Highness. Henry has enough on his plate without having to deal with this troublesome twosome. However, the clever King decides the easiest way to end this neighborly dispute is to order the two combatants to marry one another. Thus the war becomes internal.

Lady Tiernay rejects her monarch's plan. She uses a variety of ruses to force Holden to plead with King Henry to stop their marriage. Lord Holden quickly comprehends the trickery of his betrothed and tries to trump her so that she begs off with His Highness. Love blossoms so that neither one wants to entreat King Henry with repealing his edict.

BLISS is a refreshing tale that provides plenty of amusement to readers due to the antics of the enticing lead couple. Sub-genre readers used to medieval romances containing action-packed save the estate story lines will find this plot as a fresh change centering on an amusing battle of the sexes. Though a subplot involving subterfuge on Holden's estate is exciting and well written, it feels as if it does not belong with the overall humorous theme. Lynsay Sands will become a household name to those fans seeking a beautifully crafted historical romantic romp.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 24, 2001

Summary

If King Henry receives one more letter from either of two feuding nobles, he'll go mad. What Lady Tiernay needs is . . . well, she is a beauty, but whoever marries the nag will truly get a mixed blessing. And Lord Holden--can all the rumors regarding his cold heart be lies? The man certainly has sobered since the death of his first wife. If he were smart, Henry would force the two to wed, make them fatigue each other with their schemes and complaints. Yes, it is only fitting for them to share the bed they'd made--'til death do them part! Perhaps they will even find each other suitable; perhaps Lord Holden will find in his bride the sweet breath of new life. Heaven alone knows what will happen when the two foes are the last things between themselves and the passion they've never known they wanted.