While Colin and Julianna were in London visiting King Henry, Bonnie was abducted and disappeared without a trace. You might remember from Claimed by a Charmer that Julianna and Baby Kevin returned to the MacKinnon keep in Scotland while Colin remained in London searching for their little girl. Brendan was called home from Douglas' keep to protect Julianna until Colin returned. The whole clan was in mourning over the loss of little Bonnie.

Lady Kaitlin Stanhope had been having visions of a scowling warrior since she was very young. Madam Serena told her she was about to take a long journey and that when she found the child, she would find her warrior. Then she received news that her father, Lord Hawke, had been murdered for a medallion. He sent her a missive telling her to beware of the friend with the black heart. Lord Richard DeMorris argued with her father about the medallion right before he was discovered dead. Hawke had secretly sent the medallion home to Kaitlin with his young page, Manik.

Kaitlin received word that King Henry had betrothed her to a Highlander, Brendan MacKinnon, who would come to rule her father's lands. Lord Richard came to her home claiming to be her guardian and took her away to his keep. He questioned her about any trinkets her father might have sent before he died. At DeMorris' holding Kaitlin met a small girl. She was dirty and had been beaten and starved. Kaitlin took over her care. She arranged their escape and returned Bonnie to her home.

As you can imagine, the adjustment to courtship was a difficult one for Brendan. He couldn't admit it even after he realized he loved Kaitlin. The only thing that went right for them was their irresistible attraction and even better sex. Brendan had so much to deal with that he went off into the forest and didn't even say goodbye when Kaitlin left with Henry to go back to England. Brendan refused to live in England and Kaitlin couldn't desert her people, so she had to return. Things seemed pretty hopeless for a while. But only if one discounts the power of true love.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Karen H.
July 20, 2006