Defiant
Kris Kennedy
Pocket, Apr 26 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9781439195901

In 1215 English King John directs his fearless knight Jamie Lost to kidnap exiled priest Father Peter. Without questioning the task having sworn his allegiance to his sire, Jamie, who knows a rabbi hides Father Peter, sets off to bring the priest and his documents to his king.

A decade ago Eva fled England. Now she is back seeking Father Peter to keep him safe just like he did to her and her companion Roger. Jamie catches Eva stealing, but she escapes to his amusement. When a third party abducts Father Peter; Eva and Jamie team up in pursuit of these kidnappers. Though neither trusts the other, they are attracted to one another even as the danger mounts while a civil war seems imminent.

Although this is a medieval romance, the incredibly fast-pace and the witty teasing exchanges between the lead couple are rarely part of the sub-genre; in fact the verbal war brings a modern feel that is counterbalanced cleverly by Kris Kennedy including plenty of early thirteenth century history. Action-packed with fascinating escapes from danger, readers will be spellbound by the exciting adventures of Jamie and Eva.

Harriet Klausner