Paula Quinn, Lord of Seduction

Lord of Seduction

Paula Quinn

Warner, Dec 2006, $6.50

ISBN: 0446617822

In 1084 England, Lady Tanon Risande is to marry her childhood bully Earl Roger de Courtency in a few weeks as a political move arranged by her father Commander Brand Risadne and King William. However, just before a tournament, her childhood rescuer, Welsh Prince Gareth ap Owain arrives to claim her as his bride based on a peace agreement between the Welsh King Rhys and William. Roger is irate and so is Brand as he does not trust the Welsh. Still a deal was struck and William, like Rhys, wants peace at the Borders. Showing his skill at the tournament, Gareth claims his prize a reluctant Tanon as his wife.

In Wales, several people prefer blood to flow between the two nations; they see Tanon as a useful pawn since she is an outsider, a hated Norman. Gareth has loved Tanon since they were children and vows to gently prove how much he cares for her and win her heart as he did as a kid. However, though he makes some progress, the schemers not caring innocents will die manipulate the couple so that he must choose between his love and vow to protect her and war.

Paula Quinn's latest Conqueror romance (over a decade past since LORD OF TEMPTATION and LORD OF DESIRE) is a delightful tale starring a heroic lead male and a courageous female. The villains are a bit stereotyped as their Macbeth-like thirst for power is their only trait. However, no one will care with this exciting story line. Readers will wonder what love Gareth will choose as he must select between his love for his wife and his love for his people.

Harriet Klausner