The entire country had just gone through the plague and about fifty percent of the people were dead. That meant single young men were already scarce; the court was deserted after the King told Murie she must marry. After all, who wanted to marry a brat and be responsible for her forever! The King did, however, agree to allow her to pick her own husband. The only good thing about marrying Murie was that she was incredibly rich! Balan, Lord Gaynor, needed to marry rich and quickly! His father had died and most of his servants either died or left, and his home and people were desperate. Balan and his cousin, Osgoode, had specifically come to the court ‘wife hunting!’

Balan was not the only man who wanted to marry Lady Murie; that fact, in addition to the superstitions Murie was so addicted to, certainly made courtship interesting. On their trip home, murder attempts on Lord Balan started; someone was determined that he would die and they had no idea who wanted him dead, or why?

The book is so surprising in many ways, and I was totally surprised with the ending. Ms. Sands has done a wonderful job of creating and describing the characters and making you feel as if you are part of the plot. So much is going on in this book that you will find it hard to put down. I recommend this book for anyone! You will not be sorry to read it.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
May 21, 2007