Dance of Desire

When Lady Rexana Villeaux learns that the new High Sheriff of Warringham has a document that names her brother Rudd as a traitor to the Crown, she knows she must do everything in her power to find and destroy it. She disguises herself in the revealing costume of a desert courtesan and dances before the man most claim to be a barbarian himself, while others search for the missive. Although her dance is not authentic, it is captivating.

Fane Linford is fascinated with the dancer - her beautiful body, her abandoned dance. When he discovers that she is the accused traitor’s sister, it doesn’t matter. He must have her! Fane uses all of his influence with the court, as well as intimidation with Rexana in order to convince her to become his wife. But the marriage complicates things further, for Rexana cannot submit to a man who would see her brother tried for treason and Fane needs an unconditional love to make up for his painful past. Can they find some way to resolve their differences and learn to trust each other?

Dance of Desire is a lush, fast-paced story of love and lust, as well as trust and betrayal. Rexana and Fane are two characters irresistibly drawn to each other but with definite issues that need to be addressed. Ms. Kean does a wonderful job developing them, their backgrounds and personalities. Rexana is a feisty, headstrong, yet loyal woman who will risk everything, even a newfound love, for her brother. At times, you’ll wonder how and even why she can keep her faith in him when faced with almost irrefutable evidence of his treason, but her loyalty remains. As for Fane, his anguish is almost a living, breathing thing. Everyone in his past who should have cared for him has betrayed him but he gives Rexana the benefit of doubt until she also betrays him. Dance of Desire is a well-rounded story with a pace and tempo that will keep you on the edge of your seat, a suspenseful plot and characters that evoke your emotions. Enjoy this sensual medieval tale.

Reviewed by: Trang