"Exceptional medieval romance with a touch of magic."

At the age of seven, Florian of Venya is rescued from certain death when King Richard attacks his country and lays ruin to all including his family. Now, 18 years later, he intends to make good on his promise to return and take back all that once belonged to him and to set his people free. But those years have been filled with lies and rumor; Florian now faces a people that may no longer follow him against Richard. Could Rose of Valinor be the answer to his problems?

Rose has come to him begging for help in fleeing her ruthless uncle, King Richard. To Rose, Florian is a hero, the only man able to challenge her uncle and win. But once she meets him, her dreams vanish amid his true character. He is no hero, no savior. His heart is stone cold and he is unmoved by her requests. He wonders if she is indeed insane as is rumored, or worse, a spy sent to discover his plans and lead him to his death. Not until they must join forces against Richard do they begin to trust and see the strengths and goodness each possesses. And though neither has ever been touched by love, will not a bit of Venyan magic gently nudge it within their reach?

This story begins with gripping detail as the child hero is swept away from certain death. Next, the heroine is introduced in the same riveting style as she flees her ruthless uncle, King Richard. Although time is never exactly specified, and Venya is obviously a mythical place, the reader will have no trouble visualizing the scenes. The plot is simple, but the exceptional dialogue and distinct, well-defined characters carry this story. If you like your medieval romance with just a touch of magic, this one's for you.

Reviewed by Margaret Ohmes
Posted October 20, 2004

He was the hero of a hundred songs and stories, the sorcerer pirate whose name struck terror into every captain on the nine seas. Bold and dashing, wily and clever, the Prince of Venya was as deadly to his foes as he was to his followers. A single smile from him had the power to melt a woman's bones within her flesh. And he was her only hope...

Summary

Alone, desperate and fleeing for her life from her murderous uncle, Rose of Valinor seeks help from the one person who could outwit her uncle—the man he forced into exile, the legendary Prince of Venya. But the man Rose finds is nothing like the stories—rather than a chivalric ideal, the real Prince is cynical, hardened and cool—and refuses her plea.

Florian of Venya's one goal in life is to free his people from the despotic rule of the usurper King Richard—and he has no intention of letting Richard's niece distract him from his goal. Especially since he suspects her of being not only a madwoman, but a spy as well. But when they're forced to work together or risk being trapped by Richard, they're able to see beyond to the souls beneath—and find in each other a love neither believed possible...