Sandy M’s review of Dark Rider by Kathrynn Dennis
Historical romance published 01 Sept 07 by Zebra
Blurb:
When Lady Eldswythe is summoned to tend the prize steeds of the dark and solitary Sir Robert Breton, a rival of her family’s house, Eldswythe is not prepared for the powerful feelings he evokes in her. His smoldering eyes alone could make her forget she is betrothed. Although her heart desires Robert, Eldswythe does not trust him. But when a violent siege erupts on Eldswythe’s estate and Robert saves her life, she wonders if her misgivings are wrong.
Robert does not know what strange spell has been cast over him. During the day, he can think of no one by Eldswythe, and at night, the beautiful maiden comes to him in his dreams. But what secrets does she hide? Eldswythe has intrigued him like no other woman ever has — and now he has vowed to make her his.
Meeting Lady Eldswythe of Crendalden for the first time is not what Sir Robert Breton expects of a horsewitch, a woman who can heal horses of most any malady, and she is an enemy of his family. She’s beautiful and headstrong and she did save his horses. He is then commanded by the king to give up his journey for the Holy Cause and is now to protect Lady Eldswythe and her properties from being overtaken since her father has left for the war.
Being promised the lands the Earl of Crenalden stole from him is more than enough incentive to endure the time spent with the daughter of the man who murdered his father. But it is his also his physical reaction to the woman that takes him by surprise. He has vowed never to trust a female again. He’d come close to dying because of that kind of trust before.
Eldswythe is suspicious of Robert’s motives. He only wants her dowery land and he’ll do anything to achieve that goal, even seduce her though he loves another. She hates being called a horsewitch, but she soon realizes she has more power over horses than she ever thought when Robert keeps telling her to acknowledge her gift and use it if necessary. Being with Robert makes her yearn for things she can never have. The houses of Crenalden and Breton have always been enemies, so how can she trust Robert and his kindness even though her heart tells her something different.
Dark Rider is full of mystery, secrets, treachery, war, and, of course, love. Robert and Eldswythe are alike in so many ways and that keeps them butting heads at every turn, which makes their relationship that much more interesting. When their secrets are finally discovered, they each have doubts about the other, all the while fighting a truly nasty and evil villain. If you love a good medieval romance, this book is for you.
Grade: B+
SQUEE!
WANT!
MUST HAVE!
Holy crap, this sounds so freakin’ good, Sandy! If for no other reason than it combines a medieval romance with a unique storyline and my childhood obsession with horses.
And all wrapped up in a dreamy cover, too! LOL!
This is one of the many books in my to be read pile. I think she has another coming out in 08 as well.
This sounds awesome! I love medieval romances! I’m def. adding this to the list.
Syb, you crack me up. What DON’T you have in your TBR mountains (Made that plural because I know you have more than one)?
uh… no comment
Holly – Sybil’s whole house is one big TBR pile. Trust me.
That really doesn’t surprise me. And I’m not just saying that, either. I mean it. I’m really not surprised. LOL
You haven’t even been in my apartment, have you? Shush lawson
My favorite is when you describe your TBR catalog system. The dining room has Mount Harlequin, the bedroom has… wait… or was that the bedroom that had the Harlequins? Oh, poo, I can’t remember which room holds which TBR mountain. 😀
You’re going to love this one, Bev! Especially the horses. Dennis does a great job with the “horsewitch” aspect of the book. Both characters love their horses and they’re a big part of the book.
LOL, Sybil’s house sounds like mine with books covering every extra square inch! The other half of mine are in a storage unit!
no no no the dinning room is the ARCs and books for review that need homes. The two book shelves in the bedroom house (most) of the Harlequins.
And the to be read now is in two paper boxes… there are tradesize novels growing up the side of the wall behind the door to my closet. And ok fine Gwen is right. The livingroom almost has the books back on the shelves.
Thank you, Sandy M., for your kind review of DARK RIDER. I am so glad you enjoyed the book!
Wishing you all the best for the holiday season.
With warm regards,
Kathrynn Dennis