The Jewel and the Sword

Betrayed by those he trusted most, Devlin’s weakness would never again be a woman…

Lord Ravenstone, Devlin Barnett, has no illusions about the nature of women. As a young knight, he had bravely offered his life in service to King Henry. Whilst tortured and beaten by his unknown captor, the thoughts of his sweet wife were the thread of life to which Devlin clung. Devlin felt pain for his new bride, sure that he would never return to her. After his rescue his youthful hopes were shattered when he leant that his own wife had been the traitor who had betrayed the king. Devlin had fallen for her charms like a gullible fool and she had delivered him to his enemies.

The treachery continued when Morven, Devlin’s half-brother, raided their castle and stole a jewelled sword that belonged to their late father. Morven had gone to the Scots and was now laird of the Clan Douglas. In a twist of fates, Morven is himself betrayed, then put in the Ravenstone dungeon. Devlin lies mortally wounded at the steps of the Douglas keep after his failed attempt to retrieve the sword. He awakens bound to a bed, lovingly tended by Morven’s daughter, Meghan. She stirs the lust of his body, but Devlin vows that he will never again be duped by a woman. Her sweet innocence is a lure that repulses him.

Meghan saved the unknown knight so that she could bargain for her father’s release. She never expected her sexual awakening at the sight of her captive’s virile muscular body. Meghan senses that his spirit bears similar scars to the ones on his back, and knows that he despises her. Yet, he is always in her thoughts and she feels compelled to help him. Can her strong undaunted persistence and maidenly charms crack the icy core of his heart?

Readers who love historical settings are in for a treat; this romance is compelling from the opening pages to the fiery action-packed conclusion. I was unable to put this book down until I knew whether or not Meghan would claim her man. The author successfully keeps readers on the edge of their chairs as each small resolution between Devlin and Meghan introduces increasing obstacles and misunderstandings. The cast of secondary characters, including companions, family and foe, are well-developed and will draw readers further into the tale when concern for their fates is realised. Devlin’s deep sense of honor and love, instilled by his parents, has kept him sane even through his deepest desperation and shame. Meghan knows that he is a dangerous man, yet her naively optimistic nature refuses to be downtrodden by his vile hatred. She is confused by the mixed messages of his body and words, but is patiently sure that she is safe with him. Bedrooms scenes are briefly erotic, leading to a build up of emotions and tensions that set the pace as battlelines are drawn. The Jewel and the Sword is one for the keeper shelf, and an impressive debut for Marjorie Jones. I look forward to her next release.

Reviewed by: Naomi