Lord of Desire

The Norman knight’s lover had cut out his heart but his Saxon bride will fight to get it back…

Brynna could not help but stare in awe as she spied on the handsome man bathing and skylarking in the river. Even when he was joined by his lover, Byrnna’s enchantment did not diminish. He was her merman; she would remember him fondly, and often.

Years later, Brynna’s Saxon father is defeated by a Norman knight. Her father’s life was spared and Brynna has been promised to the Norman victor, in order to spare Avarloch, her home. As the daughter of a warrior, Brynna is willing to do her duty for her people. She has heard rumours that the Norman has no wish to wed her, yet meets him bravely.
It is her merman, but his heart is now cold and his gaze now icy. Lord Brand Risande was cruelly betrayed by his beautiful lover and he will never again be duped by a woman. He will only wed at the King’s decree and he has no intention of ever loving his bride. Brand makes this very clear to Brynna.

Any other woman would try to tempt him with her feminine wiles, but this is not enough for Brynna. She feels the blood of her warrior father run strongly in her veins and knows that she will win the battle for her husband’s heart through her own valour or die trying. She has seen Brand’s passion and she is determined to find a way to unleash it.

Lord of Desire is an unforgettable outstanding debut romance novel. Readers will not want the tale to finish; the plot is as enthralling as the characters. I have thoroughly enjoyed the story, from the delicious and innocent introduction to Brynna to the fast paced climatic conclusion.

The heroine, Brynna, is full of high hopes and determination; even when faced with the most difficult challenge of her life she remains brave enough to let loose her passions and her vulnerability. Brand has hardened his heart to protect his sanity, making him numb to emotions and almost at the cost of his will to live life. The author conveys this clearly and yet creates a man who has many hidden depths and potential. Many of the secondary characters will begin to feel like old friends as the story progresses. The erotic moments are long-awaited and desperately passionate. These sensuous scenes give an insight to the heights of pleasure and pain that Brynna is willing to endure to win back the spirit of the man that she loves.

Lord of Desire has already received many glowing reviews and I am pleased to add Fallen Angel Reviews’ voice and highest recommendation to these. This medieval romance is a definite keeper for your historical collection. Paula Quinn’s next release, Lord of Temptation will be released in February, 2006 and is on my list of must-have new releases.

Reviewed by: Naomi