LORD OF DESIRE
PAULA QUINN
ISBN# 0-446-61594-3
August 2005
Time Warner Books Group
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Paperback
$6.50
327 pages
Historical Romance
Rating: 5 Cups

Lady Brynna Dumont is a headstrong young woman who will protect her home, her way of life, and her people at any cost, even if it means marrying a dreaded Norman. She possesses a passionate, fiery nature to match her red hair. Like her warrior father, she will fight for what she believes in, especially love.

Lord Brand Risande is known as “The Passionate” for the way he lives, loves, and fights. He has become a warrior to the core, a fierce fighter undefeated in battle, with a heart of ice. When he wins one particular battle against Lord Richard Dumont; however he is destined to lose another, the battle for his heart to the fair Brynna.

When Brynna comes upon a man swimming, her imagination and heart are immediately enraptured. He becomes the merman of her girlish dreams and fantasies filling her nights with dreams of his passion. Imagine the horror when her merman turns out to be the very man who defeated her father in battle. In doing so, he won her beloved home, Avarloch. To prevent war, she will marry the handsome stranger. When she meets him, the passion she so admired from before is shielded is the same that she fears she may never be able to breach.

This story is set just prior to the Battle of Hastings and William of Normandy is a heavily featured character. He is portrayed as a large, domineering figure full of charisma much as he must have been to lead his people to victory. The ribbing and banter between Brand and his brother, Dante are some of the more hilarious moments in this book. The scenes between Brand and Brynna are no less vivid, written with wonderful warmth, both sexual and verbal. The two blaze in defiance of their growing feelings for one another, battling against past hurts, jealousy, and the return of an old flame. Written with exceptional skill and depth, this book is a must read for those who love a good romance, no matter what the era.

Jenn
Reviewer For Karen Talk About New Books
Reviewer For Coffee Time Romance