The wild landscape and warring factions of medieval Wales come to life in this first of a new trilogy. Ambitious Randulf Fitz Hugh deeply resents being sent by King Henry to the remote Welsh coast, where he is to build a castle and subdue the locals. Determined to do his duty quickly and return to London, he resists his growing passion for the niece of a local chieftan, Josselyn ap Carreg Du, who serves first as his cook and translator and soon becomes his sensual captive, a pawn with which he intends to settle political alliances. But Josselyn, equally determined to resist English domination, sees no choice but to deny her passion for Rand and unite the Welsh against him by marrying a brutal Welsh warlord. Well-drawn secondary characters--especially a tart-tongued girl and a rebellious son who will appear in future books--add to this vivid tale of tough, passionate people pursuing their desires no matter what the consequences.


From Booklist
Becnel's old-fashioned, plot-driven romance takes place in 13th-century Wales. It is a captor-captive story, with the captor being an English noble sent by King Henry to build a castle and suppress any Welsh opposition to the throne, and the captive being a patriotic Welshwoman with a fierce hatred of the English. Josselyn's captivity is made all the more difficult by her attraction to her captor, which culminates in a night of passion. However, she is betrothed to Owain, a ruthless Welshman from a neighboring village who will stop at nothing to destroy the English castle and usurp power. The pacing is quick, the passion is hot, the tone is intense, and the characters are larger-than-life. The plot contains enough twists, turns, and betrayals to keep the reader thoroughly engaged and looking forward to the planned sequel. Becnel's tale will please Woodiwiss admirers. Ann Bouricius


Review
"Rexanne Becnel writes stories dripping with rich, passionate characters and a sensual wallop that will have you reeling!" --The Belles & Beaux of Romance on Dangerous Love

"Ms. Becnel creates the most intriguing characters and infuses them with fiery personalities and quick minds." --The Literary Times



Book Description
Bestselling, award-winning author Rexanne Becnel brings the glory, intrigue, and breathtaking passion of the twelfth-century Wales to life in this spellbinding tale of loyalty and love...

In the name of the English King Henry, Rand Fitz Hugh has arrived to claim rebellious Wales. A fierce and loyal warrior, he is prepared for war, but boldly seeks peace, never imagining the battle that will rage within his own heart.

Josselyn ap Carreg Du is prepared to marry a man she loathes in order to unite Welsh lands against the hated English. Before she can do so, Rand makes her his captive-and pawn of his politics and ambition. She fears him, not because he is her mortal enemy...but because he has the means to make her forget that. In a time of strife and treachery, when enemies give no mercy and desperate choices mus be made, love may prove the greatest weapon of all...



From the Publisher
Praise for Rexanne Becnel: "Rexanne Becnel writes stories dripping with rich, passionate characters and a sensual wallop that will have you reeling!" -THE BELLES & BEAUX OF ROMANCE on DANGEROUS PASSIONS "Ms. Becnel creates the most intriguing characters and infuses them with fiery personalities and quick minds!" -THE LITERARY TIMES


From the Back Cover
Bestselling, award-winning author Rexanne Becnel brings the glory, intrigue, and breathtaking passion of twelfth century Wales to life in this spellbinding tale of loyalty and love... In the name of the English King Henry, Rand Fitz Hugh has arrived to claim rebellious Wales. A fierce and loyal warrior, he is prepared for war, but boldly seeks peace, never imagining the battle that will rage within his own heart. Josselyn ap Carreg Du is prepared to marry a man she loathes in order to unite Welsh lands against the hated English. Before she can do so, Rand makes her his captive--and pawn of his politics and ambition. She fears him, not because he is her mortal enemy...but because he could make her forget that, taking what she traitorously gives: her free will, her woman's body...her Welsh heart. In a time of strife and treachery, when enemies give no quarter and desperate choices must be made, love may prove the greatest weapon of all.


About the Author
Critically acclaimed romance author Rexanne Becnel has written eleven previous novels, including Dangerous to Love, The Maiden Bride, and A Dove a Midnight. Ms. Becnel is a multi-award winner-her work My Gallant Enemy won the Waldenbooks First Time Romance Author Award and the Romantic Times Best Award for Best Medieval Romance by a New Author. She lives in New Orleans with her family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the name of the English King Henry, Rand Fitz Hugh has arrived to claim rebellious Wales. A fierce and loyal warrior, he is prepared for war, but boldly seeks peace, never imagining the battle that will rage within his own heart.

Josselyn ap Carreg Du is prepared to marry a man she loathes in order to unite Welsh lands against the hated English. Before she can do so, Rand makes her his captive -- and pawn o fhis politics and ambition. She fears him, not because he is her mortal enemy...but because he has the means to make her forget that. In a time of strife and treachery, when enemies give no mercy and desperate choices must be made, love may prove the greatest weapon of all...

FROM THE CRITICS

Romantic Times

Rexanne Becnel combines heartfelt emotions with a romance that touches readers with the magic and joy of falling in love!

Literary Times