"An Amazing Second Effort!"

Nicholas FitzTodd is Baron of Crane and a past hurt has colored his feelings about marriage and besides he enjoys the pleasures of court too much to consider changing his life. Then at a social gathering he meets Simone DuRoche and his life changes whether he wishes it or not. Their moment of impropriety results in a marriage he feels trapped into. If that's not enough, he's forced to admit that perhaps the whispers questioning Simone's sanity may be true, after all what sort of person talks to themselves? This all falls to the wayside when he is forced to realize that Simone means more to him then he's comfortable with and that she could be in danger. Nicholas protects what is his and Simone...is his.

Marriage to the guarded Nicholas is not easy for Simone who is torn by the passion she feels for him and the secrets that seem to keep them apart. When she learns the truth about her brother's death and the secrets her family has kept buried finally see the light of day, she knows whatever progress she has made in securing the marriage neither of them wanted from the beginning but has become very important to her is in jeopardy. Nicholas makes her want things she never thought possible and she will do what she must to make sure he never suffers from being forced to marry her. Will these two people find the love and happiness they both so richly deserve or will evil take it all away from them?

This was an amazing follow up to "THE WARRIOR!" Ms. Grothaus has crafted another set of characters the reader will instantly fall in love with. Secondary characters are a fine addition and readers will love the fact they get to reacquaint themselves with Tristan and Haith. This is a stand alone read so fear not if you have not picked up her previous title, although you will find yourself looking for her backlist. The setting, time period, and characters all blend together into a seamless tapestry of romance and magic. Ms. Grothaus is a very talented writer and I can hardly wait for her next effort. I highly recommend that you add this to your summer reading list...you won't be sorry.

Reviewed by Kristi Ahlers
Posted January 20, 2008