Lady Eldswythe of Crenalden wears the label of a "horsewitch" because of the way she can translate horse's needs and even heal them. Sir Robert Breton doesn't care for the house of Crenalden but Prince Edward desires for Eldswythe to care for Robert's horses before he, and her father, leave on the Crusade. Dutifully, Eldswythe does as requested never realizing Sir Robert is a man who makes her weak in the knees and her heart melt by just one look. No matter how much she craves his touch, she will do everything in her power to fight the attraction she feels for Robert. Sir Robert needs his funds and strength restored so he agrees to join the King's Crusade. It doesn't help his cause when his horses happen to fall ill. If it means trusting the man's daughter whom he hates, he will do what it takes first, to care for his horses. One look at the beautiful Eldswythe and it is like he is under a spell. She entices him like no other woman he has been near. She is all he can think of, by day, she is in his mind, and by night, she is in his dreams. When Eldswythe explores the passionate possibilities with Robert, it appears both wish the same advances toward the other, but are they both willing to act upon them, no matter what the cost?

When I started reading Dark Rider, I was so spellbound by the rich flow of conversation and the magnificent drawn characters that I felt as if Kathrynn Dennis had transported me back into time. The strong voice she uses in this phenomenal tale is breathtaking. The passion and romance between Eldswythe and Robert is so captivating, I hated saying goodbye to them. The other well-rounded secondary characters are quite believable in their actions and added just the right elements to season the story into a splendid read. Ms. Dennis pens an overwhelming medieval romance with strong chemistry, a panorama of bravery, and an imagery of beauty that is quite impressive and very well-written.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Linda L.
October 22, 2007