"Wonderful debut novel"

Denise Lynn's first Medieval Romance in her Falcon series is a delightful find, written with great sensitivity. Rhys of Faucon is one of Anne Stuart's bad boys. He has a dreadful reputation that stems from all believing he killed his wife and child. Of course, the reader soon senses poor Rhys bears a bad rap for this evil deed. Now he stands sentenced to death for the murder of a peer of the realm. Dragged before King Stephan, another man once his allay intercedes and secures Rhys the chance to prove he is falsely accused once again. He must find out who did murder Guillaume du Pree or face his own death for the crime.

Lady Lyonesse of Taniere was betrothed to the murdered Guillaume. Where Lynn shows her deft crafting of character, instead of going to the "old detested fiancé" stereotype, Lyonesse actually cared for the dead man. He was her childhood friend and she truly wants revenge for her friend's death. Naturally, she sees Rhys as responsible, so when she learns the man has been set free to find Guillaume's killer she thinks the knight is on a fool's errand. She sets out to kidnap him and keep him prisoner. She had planned, at the back of her mind, just killing him, but once she meets him, senses there is more to the man that the black tales that follow him, that maybe he is telling the truth about being innocent. If he didn't kill Guillaume, then who did? Attraction sizzles between the two from the start and that reaction soon deepens into full-blown passion as they join forces to run to ground the true killer.

Lynn spins a delightful tale, with a strong medieval flavour for the period. It's charming, witty, full of suspense and adventure, with two very vivid characters that stole my heart. Followed by FALCON'S DESIRE is FALCON'S HONOR, look for one more in the series to come.

A Reviewers International Organization Award of Excellence Winner for 2003, the whole series is highly recommended.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted October 31, 2005

Summary

Emboldened by grief, Lyonesse of Ryonne had done the impossible by ensnaring the infamous Rhys of Faucon, the blackguard who had shattered her dreams. But now imprisoned in her castle's tower, the Mighty Falcon posed an even greater threat, for his slightest touch made her heart take wing and sent her soaring...straight into his powerful arms!

The Devil Faucon, they called him, yet Rhys was pleased, for it kept his enemies at bay. Unfortunately the lovely Lyonesse counted herself among them, despite the desire that flared between them. And their uneasy truce would soon be destroyed when she learned a newfound alliance bound her to him as his bride.