Susan Krinard, Lord of the Beasts

Lord of the Beasts

Susan Krinard

HQN, October 2006, $5.99

ISBN: 0373771398

In 1847 England, Donal Fleming can easily talk with the animals, but struggles to communicate in any way with humans. Donal understands what animals say, and he has used his talent by becoming a veterinarian to ease their aches, pains, and somewhat concerns. This need to ease the burden of the beasts places Donal in consistent trouble, especially with those mortals who mistreat animals.

Cousins Theodora and Cordelia Hardcastle tour the new Zoological gardens in Regent's Park, along with other Zoological Society fellows. While most visitors including Theodora are in awe, Cordelia is concerned as she has seen the animals in their natural habitat. When Cordelia calms down a rogue elephant at the same time that Donal also soothes the maligned beast, they meet for the first time. The attraction is obvious, but it is their mutual love and respect for the animal kingdom that brings them together. Now Donal must choose between human love and his destiny as the LORD OF THE BEASTS.

The sequel to THE FOREST LORD, LORD OF THE BEASTS is a superb Victorian romance, with some fantasy elements that delightfully enhance the prime storyline of two animal lovers falling in love. Donal and Cordelia are wonderful protagonists, but ironically as their love grows it brings out the beast in him, forcing the hero to choose between his "powers" and his desires. Susan Krinard provides an enchanting historical with a touch of the whimsical to the delight of readers.