Desire's Promise

The Duke of Wales
Kendrick, The Duke of Wales, has come up with a plan to put his brother Edmund, Prince of Wales, back into their father's good graces. They decide to conquer the small country of Castile as a gift to the king. The brothers enter into a side bargain. Kendrick must seduce the lovely younger Princess, Isabeau. Kendrick has been hurt by love, badly. He no longer wants a woman at his side, only to fill a need. He sees nothing wrong with seducing an innocent and casting her aside. As long as he provides her with a home and income, what else is needed?

The Princess of Castile
Isabeau had heard rumors of the Dukes prowess on and off the battlefield. It was said that women had killed themselves for want of his attention. The feisty beauty had no intention of falling to the back of the long line that awaited Kendrick's attention. Yet there is no denying the pull she feels towards him. Isabeau will have to guard her heart zealously against the charming rake, Kendrick of Kent.

When her beloved father is killed in the first battle, Isabeau vows not to rest until she has her revenge on Kendrick of Kent.

Kendrick is sure that he has died and gone to heaven when he sees the lovely Isabeau in head to toe battle gear leading her troops to the second battle. When he is taken as a prisoner of war, Isabeau realizes that normal means of torture will not work on this battle hardened warrior. She devises her own form of torture. She has him chained, where she can toy with him at her whim.

When the tables are turned Isabeau can do nothing but acquiesce to the Dukes commands. He holds the life of all her people in his hands. This does not mean however that she will give in gracefully. During her months of captivity Kendrick has found a way into her heart. The jealousy of an ex-lover will turn his newly found love upside down; and may prove fatal to Isabeau.

Desire's Promise is a wonderful read. Ms. Ranson delivers passion, romance, intrigue and treachery. Taking the reader back to the days of Lord and Ladies, conquering heroes and women who are never truly conquered. Isabeau is a true leader, donning armour and heading off into the heat of battle. The fact that Kendrick respects her ability to truly rule a country was a bit of a surprise to me. Most often when reading of strong warriors you see them belittling a womans right to be in battle also.

Gardana, Kendrick's ex-lover, gives new meaning to the phrase: Hell hath no fury like that of a women scorned. She becomes the type of villian that we love to hate. The secondary characters in Desire's Promise are well thought out and complimentary. Kendrick and Isabeau are both so strong willed, they make you want to grab them and shake some sense into them. It takes them so long to complete their battle of wills and come to an understanding, surrendering to love. Desire's Promise is an excellent story where love truly does conquer all.

Reviewed by: Joletta