When the veiled girl dances, Fane can see the passion in her, and he wants to experience it with her. He orders her to his chamber, not knowing who she really is. But once he discovers Rexana's plot, and the fact that she's a highborn lady, Fane decides he can still have her, and with even more bonuses. The nobles all think he's a barbarian, but perhaps a marriage to a woman of breeding could help change their minds, if he can convince Rexana.

Dance of Desire was a little different from the typical medieval romance. It may have been because of Fane, who was probably the most patient hero I've seen in any romance, especially medieval romances. Despite Rexana's continued defiance and plots to help her brother, Fane stubbornly kept the belief that she would ultimately give him her loyalty. That was both a bit irritating, and profoundly sweet. Fane wasn't the sweet hero, but his actions gave truth to his words more so than any other character. Rexana was an interesting heroine, but often I felt she needed a good slap. She had moments of intelligence and determination, but often her actions were incredibly stupid by either putting herself in harm's way, or by being so determined to defy Fane that all she accomplished was to drive a wedge between them. Despite that, I wasn't really surprised by Rexana's character. Had she acted with more logic (such as knowing leaving her guards behind could leave her vulnerable), I may have been a bit suspicious considering the time period. But I really enjoyed this story. The flow of it was very smooth and easy to read, and the plot, rather or not Rudd was a traitor and what proof their might be in either direction, kept the story going. It was the romance that really made the story, though. Fane and Rexana had a sometimes chaotic, but always genuine, love story in this book. Dance of Desire is one of the reasons I love Medallion Press so much.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Tara Black
January 20, 2005