"A Warrior In Chains, A Lady in Charge"

Isolde MacInnes has been chieftain of the clan MacInnes on the isle of Doon since the death of her father. The only other clan on the island is the MacLeans, longtime enemies of the MacInnes clan. Peace between the two clans has recently been achieved by the marriage of Isolde's younger sister Lileas to the younger MacLean son Iain. But somebody has murdered Lileas, and Donall MacLean as chieftain of his clan has returned her body to her family. The older warriors of clan MacInnes, including Isolde's uncle Struan, believe Iain murdered Lileas. They have imprisoned Donall, and plan to make him pay for Lileas death with his own life.

Isolde has a plan to keep peace on Doon, and to prevent her unwanted betrothal to the leader of the MacArthur clan. She will seduce Donall MacLean and hopefully become pregnant so that the MacArthur laird won't want her, and the MacLean's and MacInnes' will make peace around the child she hopes to conceive. Her biggest problem will be to keep herself from falling in love with Donall, while she keeps her clan from executing him. Unfortunately, her first attempts at seducing Donall meet with anger and feigned indifference. But Donall will soon be trying to keep himself from falling in love with Isolde at the same time she is failing to resist her heart's attachment to him. Now Isolde is running out of time and Lileas' murder is still unsolved.

Ms. Welfonder has written a riveting book, with a well-crafted plot and engaging characters. It is fun to watch innocent Isolde trying to practice the art of seduction as she has been instructed by the local "Lady of the Night", but the sexual tension is intense and is spread out over several encounters. As with most romances, we know that Isolde and Donall are destined to fall in love, but we can still enjoy the twists and turns that finally seal their fate.

Reviewed by Cynthia Meidinger
Posted April 26, 2002

Summary

WARRIOR IN CHAINS, A LADY IN CHARGE, AND A SEDUCTION TOO HOT TO HANDLE!

"I WANT YOU TO TAKE ME," SHE SAID SOFTLY.

Donall drew in a sharp breath, not as prepared for the expected answer as he'd thought. "Take you?" he mimicked, knowing he sounded like a simpleton, but unable to stay his tongue. She nodded. "I wish to forge an irrefutable union with you in the hopes of ensuring lasting peace."

Donall's jaw still hung embarrassingly slack as he gaped at her. She stood firm, her lifted chin declaring her strength of purpose.

She wanted peace.
He wanted out of her clutches.
And he wanted her.