"Complex, fascinating characters"
Beautiful Mira Holcombe doesn't lack for suitors, men seem
to fall in love with her as soon as they meet her. But Mira
will never marry. She harbors deep dark secrets that can
never be revealed, and an inherited physical deformity that
could be passed on to her children, so she knows she is not
fit to be any man's wife. Mira spends her time caring for
her invalid father and plotting revenge against the man who
has taken her home, crippled her father and destroyed her
life. Somehow she must find a way to kill the Duke of
Tallant if she is to gain her revenge and protect her
father from the Duke's evil plans. Michael Keynes, brother to the Duke of Tallant has spent
many years in India, doing whatever he can to ruin the
Duke's finances. Even though they are brothers, there is no
love lost between them. Michael has witnessed the
despicable and criminal acts Tallant is capable of, and he
is determined to destroy him before he can hurt anyone
else. It is time to go home to England and do what he
should have done long ago, kill his brother. When Michael and Mira meet, there is an instant attraction.
Michael wants her, but he knows he can't have her for
himself. What he can do is ensure her safety and that of
her father by keeping a close watch on them until the
opportunity presents itself for him to kill Tallant. Mira
is at first repulsed by Michael's resemblance to his
brother, but oddly drawn to him also. She sees beneath the
rough, dangerous exterior and occasionally gets glimpses of
something uncertain and vulnerable in his eyes. Still, her
course is set on murder and she won't be swayed from her
purpose. HEART OF THE TIGER is the second book in a trilogy by Lynn
Kerstan. Although I had not read the first book (THE GOLDEN
LEOPARD) I did not feel that I had missed enough back story
to subtract from my reading enjoyment. I appreciated the
complexities of the characters of Michael and Mira. Their
lives were greatly influenced and shaped by one powerful,
evil man but they managed to hang on to their own senses of
honor and justice. Michael's hidden vulnerability was
touching and Mira's coldness was softened by her concern
and insight into his character. The incorporation of
Indian culture and fables into the plot added depth to the
story. The only discordant note for me worth mentioning
was that I thought Mira had sufficient tragedy and
difficulties in her life to obtain my sympathy and make the
inclusion of a congenital birth defect not only
unnecessary, but distracting. Otherwise, this was a very
entertaining tale.
Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted May 21, 2003
The Golden Leopard was the first book in Lynn Kerstan's
powerful new trilogy. Now, she continues her mesmerizing
saga with an unforgettable tale of vengeance and forbidden
passion...
SummaryOne of the most beautiful women in all of England, Mira
Holcombe has been presented with countless marriage
proposals—and has turned down every single one. Ever
since she was brutalized by the vicious Duke of Tallant,
she has no trust to lavish upon any man. All she wants is
to destroy the duke, but first she must resist the fiery
passion stirred by Michael Keynes—the brother of the
beast who has ruined her life...
What Mira doesn't know is that Michael, who has just
returned from India, is intent on the duke's demise. But
nothing prepares him for his encounter with the beautiful,
tormented Mira Holcombe—or for the way she makes his
blood burn with desire. He will do anything to protect
her, but can he make her feel safe enough to surrender to
the heat that burns between them—and reveal the dark
secrets with which she guards her wounded heart?
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