Jessica Trapp, Master of Desire

Master of Desire

Jessica Trapp

Zebra, May 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0821778625

In 1487 Lady Ariana willingly would die or kill to keep her young son Jason safe. When her abusive husband threatened the life of her seven year old child, Ariana acted like a lioness and killed him. However, instead of a haven for her and Jason, she has been blackmailed into becoming the Spy of the Night, working for the Lancaster side against the crown.

Bounty hunter Gabriel goes after the Spy of the Night whose actions led to the murder of his half-brother. He captures Ariana and plans to take her to London to face justice for her seditious actions and the killing of his sibling. He also knows that with the Spy of the Night facing the King's justice he and his family will gain ownership of her estate. However, as he spends time with Ariana, he finds he desires her and that she is an honorable courageous person trying to keep her son safe. As they fall in love, neither see any way out of their predicament except marriage, but she has learned the hard way not to trust men.

The lead duo makes for a passionate fifteenth century romance that will thrill fans of the sub-genre. The story line is action-packed, but clearly belongs to the protecting lioness and the hunter as the audience will wonder whether love is enough. Adding to the tale's depth is though the Wars of the Roses is over with York the victor; the intrigue continues leaving outsiders like Ariana in precarious situations. Jessica Trapp provides a wonderful late medieval romance that historical readers will enjoy.

Harriet Klausner