Helen Kirkman, Untamed

Untamed

Helen Kirkman

Harlequin HQN, December 2006

ISBN: 0373771657

In 876, Lady Aurinia lives by herself at Wytch House on the coast of England, because her father disowned her. At first she tried to help the nearby villagers of Wareham with her healing powers, but her payment for her kindness was fear that she was a witch. She stopped visiting the village, leaving her only human contact with those inside of Wytch House, mostly her steward Huda.

The Vikings and King Alfred's troops fight nearby, but Aurinia fears nothing as no one will reach her isolated home, whose only path is through wolves that protect her; that is if someone even finds the path. No one has until now, as Lord Macsen has accomplished the impossible and not only found the path, but journeyed through the wolves to reach Wytch House, as if he was guided by someone else. When Macsen sees Aurinia he is shocked, as she is the beauty who has haunted his dreams for months. Though they have just met, both agree to marry right away, even as each has doubts. He wonders if she has bewitched him with a love spell, and she distrusts all men except Huda and the wolves. Their love will soon be tested when his enemy captures his beloved.

The witch, the warrior, and the dark ages - what more could historical romance readers want? UNTAMED is a fine tale of love, starring two heroic protagonists struggling to trust their hearts, even as treachery makes each question whether their feelings for the other masquerade a betrayal. Fans will enjoy this fun ninth century tale.