Set in medieval England, this book contains all the essentials of a semi-historical romance- handsome, chivalrous knights, beautiful, fiery maidens, magnificent castles and the intrigues of court.
For those who enjoy reading about the era when men used swords and lances to fight, there are meticulous descriptions of lists and jousts.This is the story of Royce Westmoreland, the Duke of Clayborne, otherwise known as the Wolf, and Lady Jennifer Merrick, a Scottish countess, who is abducted by the fearsome Duke. Each has heard tales about the other and they are surprised when they meet. The Duke finds her wilful, courageous, and unpredictable and she discovers a thread of gentleness underlying his fierce exterior. Jennifer’s refreshing candour and honesty gradually melts the ice surrounding the Wolf’s heart.
However, this is not just an insipid romance. There are other elements to capture the reader’s interest. Jennifer’s father, a Scottish earl and the Duke are sworn enemies. Thrown onto the equation are the two monarchs, King James of Scotland and King Henry of England who try to forge a truce between the two warring nations through a wedding- that of Jennifer and Royce Westmoreland. There are turbulent times for the couple as they hover on the brink of happiness only to have it snatched away by a cruel mistake.
In the end, however, the reader is not disappointed. Jennifer and the Wolf find their own kingdom of dreams.
What one enjoys most in this book, as in all other McNaught books, is the combination of wit, humour, history and romance, all woven together skillfully in an unputdownable story. One is constantly surprised by the sensitivity with which she draws her characters so that one feels keenly attuned to their joys and sorrows so much so ghat one feels that one is very much a part of her plot and characters.