The Warlord’s <br>Woman

In The Warlord’s Woman Tracy Ranson transports the reader back to the Scotland of Robert the Bruce. Duke Alexander has been sent by his grandfather, King Edward I of England to kidnap, wed, bed and get a child with Princess Catherine of Scotland. Obeying his grandfather’s wishes Alexander is able to take Catherine from her people despite her own cunning plan to avoid detection and capture. Within hours of her capture she finds herself wedded and bedded by Alexander. Alexander makes no bones about the fact that he detests all Scots without question or exception. He is known as the Butcher of the Isles because of his relentless pursuit of the Scots. It is not long after Alexander captures Catherine and brings her to his home that he realizes he is more drawn to her than he has ever been to any woman, even his deceased wife Raina. Yet he does not tell Catherine of this, only that he will not let her escape. When Catherine is able to persuade him that she intends to remain with him in England, he proceeds to court to advise his grandfather, yet Catherine has no intention of staying and at the first chance, she flees her husband and his home. Her immediate destination is the local convent where she has had prior experience with Mother Superior Margaret. Unbeknownst to Catherine, Margaret is Alexander’s dear aunt and in her absence she has been crowned Queen of Scotland. When Catherine learns that she is Queen she must choose between her growing affection for her husband and her homeland.

Ms. Ranson treats her readers to some delicious court intrigues not only within Alexander’s household, but within the Scottish and English courts. Emissaries spying on other spies, stolen missives and greedy crown seekers attempt over and over to use Catherine and Alexander as their pawns. As one conspiracy begins to unwind another is woven keeping the reader turning the pages in anticipation of the next mystery.

Enjoyable as well is the introduction of Robert the Bruce and his rise to power in Scotland. One is never sure if he is in it for himself or for the good of Scotland.

A costumer’s delight unfolds as Ms. Ranson describes each dress worn by the ladies of the piece and period. One need only close their eyes to imagine how the richly colored velvet dresses would feel.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Reviewed by: Regan