"Enjoyable historical Scottish romance"

In 1455 Scotland Fergus Thurkettle incarcerates Sir Revan Halyard who is investigating a plot to overthrow King James. His jailer's niece Contessa Tess Delgado frees the imprisoned Revan, but before he escapes Fergus arrives. Realizing that Fergus will kill even his own blood, Revan abducts Tess for her own safety.

Revan and Tess travel to the King to warn him of the treachery, but Fergus and his seditious comrades pursue. As the intrepid duo journeys closer to their goal, they fall in love. However, though cherished, love must remain on hold for first they must survive the traitors chasing after them and second inform His Highness that perfidy is rampant among some of the nobles.

Fans of historical Scottish romances will fully enjoy this reprint of a Hannah Howell tale written under the name of Sandra Dustin. Though almost a decade old, the tale retains a freshness in spite of remaining inside sub-genre plot lines. The key to the crisp story line is the lead couple whose courage and love shine throughout the novel. Readers will enjoy this story and want to read Ms. Howell's delightful Highland trilogy (note that this novel is not part of that miniseries).

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 22, 2002