"fine Roselynde Chronicle"

After leaving his loveless home in Normandy, Alex journeys to England to ask his uncle Sir Simon Lemagne for a position with him. After training, Alex is knighted and sent to prosperous Exceat whose ailing lord Sir Frewyn is probably dying. With Richard held for ransom, the coastal estates prepare for an invasion by the minion of Prince John.

The Lady of the manor, Desiree appoints Alex as her castellan. They are very attracted to one another, but neither acts on these feelings out of respect to Sir Frewyn. Alex shores up the defenses at Exceat while keeping a close eye on his brother Vachel who is on a mission for Prince John. Vachel intends to kill his uncle, his uncle's wife, and his brother so that Nicolous of Lewes can have Desiree and her estates while John can have is vengeance on Simon and his wife. Though aware of his sibling's perfidy, Alex, lacking proof, will have to use skill and intelligence to keep his beloved family and lady safe.

Readers rejoice! The latest Roselynde Chronicles is out and Roberta Gellis shows she remains one of the most brilliant historical romance writers of the past decade or two. This novel occurs between ROSELYNDE and ALINOR, which leads the audience to feel a homecoming with friends they have not seen in over a quarter of a century. The sexual tension between Desiree and Alex runs at high levels throughout the book as both ethically refuse to cuckold Frewyn. This spices up the story line that concentrates on readying the keep for invasion while surviving Vashel's machinations.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 8, 2005