"fun fourteenth century romance"

In 1344 Mariota Macnicol catches her lover Hugh Alesone with another woman, the alewife Elizabeth Patterson. However before she can confront him she finds him also dead. Elizabeth takes Mariota's knife from her while the woman is in shock and plunges it into Hugh's heart. She next slaps Mariota in the face making it seem like a struggle ensued. Then she climbs out the window where Hugh left an exit carved onto the walls like steps. Hugh's men catch Mariota and assume she killed their liege so they lock her away in the dungeon.

Mariota's friend Nessa helps her escape. They flee to currently empty Cuidrach keep, but not long after their arrival the new Keeper of Cuidrach Kenneth Mackenzie and his men arrive. Kenneth and Mariota vowed never to marry as neither trusts the opposite sex. However, as they battle one another and even more their growing attraction to each other, the past shows up putting their relationship in jeopardy.

Sue-Ellen Welfonder's latest Knight tale is a fun fourteenth century romance starring two individuals afraid of commitment falling in love. Mariota is a fascinating protagonist who was framed, but that is irrelevant as the victim's men figure case closed. Kenneth is her ideal counterpart as he has no interest in a wife yet finds he admires and desires Mariota. Though the plot device has been used before, readers will enjoy this solid historical starring two never me in love individuals falling for one another.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 8, 2006

Summary

earless and outspoken, Lady Mariota MacNichol must run for her life. Accused of murdering the unworthy rogue she once loved, she boldly takes possession of deserted Cuidrach Castle, the one place her enemies would never look. Then the new laird of Cuidrach unexpectedly arrives... Sir Kenneth Mackenzie is a fierce knight well experienced in bawdy pleasures and willing wenches-though his last liaison left him wounded in pride and love. Chivalrous enough to open Cuidrach's portals to a lady-in-distress, he keeps the path to his heart well-barred. But now the strong- willed Mackenzie is living with a fiery, passionate woman unafraid of his formidable reserve. Eating at the same table, warming themselves by the same fire...how long will it be before these two share the same bed?