Sandy M’s review of Her One Desire by Kimberly Killion
Historical Romance released by Zebra 1 Jul 08
I enjoyed this book. The main characters are both have their crosses to bear, they do what they think should be done, right or wrong, and fall in love along the way. I liked the storyline enough to keep reading. There’s just something holding this book out of the keeper range for me, however.
Lizbeth Ives has finally made the decision to run away from her life as the high executioner‘s daughter. She has written proof that Lord Hollister, an evil bastard if I’ve ever read one, is in on a conspiracy to poison King Edward IV. Her plan is to get the letter to the Duke of Gloucester so he can save his brother. In her rush to escape she tries to see her father one last time, but he’s in the midst of doing his job on two Scottish spies, one already dead and the other at the end of his whip.
She saves Broderick Maxwell from her father’s hands and in return she wants his protection until she reaches York and the Duke. Though Broc is taken with the young woman, learning about her letter interests him more since he’s in England to take proof back to James III to have Scotland forge an alliance with France against England. But on their journey feelings between them rise, and when Lizzy finds that Broc knows what he’s talking about concerning Englishmen and their politics, she agrees to go with him to Scotland, a place where she can perhaps start a new life, where people won’t fear her because of who her father is.
Lizzy is the more interesting of the two characters. She has more baggage to carry along with her because of her father’s profession. She’s shunned by all who’ve known her her entire life, but she’s kept hope in her heart that things will one day be better. I didn’t care as much for Broc’s character because he seemed to covet what his older brother always had — the future lairdship and a beautiful betrothed. Of course, with his brother dead, all will be his now. It’s Lizbeth who has thrown a wrench into part of his plans. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants her, but he has to honor his clan’s agreement to wed for strength and protection. He vacillates too much between telling himself he won’t touch Lizzy but he does, he won’t marry her but he wants her. He does in the end do what’s right, but it was an irritating way to get there.
The dangers they face on their journey were the best parts of the book, along with the villains this time around. Those bastards keep throwing twists and curves that you thought the bad guys might win one time, so I had to give the author props for that. Broc’s mother is a fascinating character too, along with others in his family. I do have to say the love scenes are hot and spicy, one last plus for the book.
I vacillated myself on the grade for this book, changing it down, then up, back down and up again. This happened several times. Thank goodness I finally made up my mind. There’s no going back now.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Astride a stolen horse, encircled by the shackled arms of Broderick Maxwell, a Scottish spy escaping certain death in the Tower of London, Lizbeth Ives rides to the north, hidden by the merciful darkness. By stealth and by cunning, the daughter of the Lord High Executioner has undone her father’s cruel work, compelled to save the innocent man with her. There is no turning back—they are bound as one in his iron chains. Consumed by mortal fear, driven by passion, they disappear into the night…
A single raven follows them. Is it an omen? Or only the first of those who would capture them? They must ride on. If captured, they will face death together. But if they reach Scotland, he will claim her for his own…forever.
Read an excerpt.
