"Great medieval"

In 1371, Merlyn Lammergeir goes to see his estranged wife Ysabella, but she rejects him as she has done for the past five years since she learned he peddled religious relics. Ysabella works extremely hard as an ale maker to provide food and shelter for her sister and brother. The next day she finds out that her spouse died and she inherited his estate Ravensmuir. She moves into the hold.

That night she dreams of making love with Merlyn only to awaken in the morning and know he still lives as her dream was real. When she confronts him, he admits he faked his death because he was framed for murder. Merlyn believes that Ysabella will uncover the culprit and so set in motion his plan by giving her the property. Unbeknownst to Ysabella is the fact that Merlyn has a second objective to reconcile with his spouse.

THE ROGUE is an exciting historical romance that lives up to its title through the dynamic charming Merlyn. Ysabella is a fine lead character, but at times one must wonder about the cost of her obstinacy on her relatives so that she can comply with her so-called values. The intrigue is cleverly handled so that the audience receives a wonderful fourteenth century tale as expected from the gifted Claire Delacroix.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 15, 2002

Summary

Merlyn, the eldest, as dark and enigmatic as a new moon, is the first of whom we shall hear. His wife, Ysabella, fled his side five years past when she learned the truth about him. She thinks the matter resolved, when Merlyn comes to her again, entreating her aid. Shocked by her response to his presence, she does the only sensible deed, and declines to aid the thief and murderer who is still her spouse.

And the very next day, word comes to Ysabella that Merlyn has been murdered...and worse, he has willed his every possession to her. This includes the family keep of Ravensmuir....but does it include Merlyn's notorious trade?