Dr. ara Smith has enough troubles – trying to save the King of Silvershire’s life or lose her career – the last thing she needed was explosions around her. As she tries to save the King’s life, her own is put in jeopardy as the room erupts into dangerous instruments and deadly weapons. Throwing herself on the King, she’s struck in the head and her world goes black.

Waking, Zara finds herself in the midst of danger in the royal palace as an unknown enemy seeks to complete his mission. With hit-and-run mishaps, poisoned princes, nightmarish visions and secrets that will destroy, Zara can’t remember who she is, or why anyone would also want her dead.

Dr. Walker Shaw seems to be the only one who can help her. As a top specialist in his field, he’ll be able to help Zara regain her memory, but he, too, has ulterior motives for being in Silvershire. He’s been searching for Lady Sarah, a woman he had a weekend tryst with years ago but she disappeared.  When he sees Zara for the first time, he’s shocked but pleased to also find his Lady Sarah.

Knowing how damaging too much information all at once can be, Walker opts not to tell Zara about them, hoping she’ll recover her memories in time. But as danger circles around Zara and secrets begin to come undone, is there enough time for Walker to spend with Zara and hopefully find a way out of scandal and subterfuge?  What secrets lie within the walls of the Royal Palace in Silvershire?

Ms. Bruhns has once again pens a story that draws a reader in and they are held helpless to finish it in one sitting. Royal Betrayal is a steamy romance with a delectable hero and an intriguing heroine. Zara and Walker are volatile characters and sparks fly instantly upon their meeting again. Though the fourth book in the Capturing the Crown series, this is a stand-alone title. Ms. Bruhns holds her own and brings readers everything they love in her romances --- intrigue, danger, powerful attraction, great characters and the ability to sweep a reader away by the end of the first chapter.

Royal Betrayal is the perfect summer read this year. It has all the ingredients to keep a hot summer day sizzling.

Reviewed by Tracey West for The Road to Romance

June 11, 2006