|
The ladies of Rathburn had faithfully preserved their family tome, and religiously passed it from mother to daughter for generations. Only this was no ordinary book, it was said to grant special requests to those who possess it. As the last lady passed away with no female heir, she enlisted the priests aide to keep the ancient tale alive. With a warning –the recipients must choose their words carefully before they enter their prayer into the book. War descended in 1153 England. Fearful of the outcome, the priest turned to God for council. Instinct and deep faith lead him to the book for answers. And he carefully devised a prayer.
Jacqueline Frazier was no ordinary woman. Born with a special forces soldier for a father, she trained with the best. More than statuesque, Jacq delighted in being the best at everything she tried. At a Renaissance Faire, she excelled at the mock sword battles. Yet, when a friend asked her to fill in as a storyteller, Jacq balked before she ultimately caved. The story she selected was out of an old family book she received from an aunt who recently passed away. By the time the tale was complete, a mist enshrouded the whole stage. And out of the nowhere a knight on a charger swept her up and kidnapped her. At first she thought it was an elaborate hoax put on by her friends. As time passed, Jacq’s feared she had actually been swept back in time. What was worse? She was stuck with Lord Rate-Face, the man who rescued her and now thought he owned her.
Rufus, Lord Rathburn didn’t know what to think when he found a lone woman in the midst of battle. After rescuing her from certain death, he expected at least a thank you or some gratitude for his effort. Instead, she acted liked he was the enemy. She defied him at every turn, even to the point of trying to join the battle! Raised as a gentleman, it was his place to protect women and those weaker than himself. Yet, it seemed no one bothered to tell her. As much as he wanted to deny it, her independence terrified him … and made him burn for her as no other women ever had. With war ravaging England, one strong willed woman and one determined man must battle the outside forces and themselves, before making a decision that could change not only the past but the future as well.
This is a sweeping tale that easily spanned time barriers and completely grabbed my attention. The humor, the misunderstandings between characters and the devious minds of both Rufus and Jacq, brought the past alive. Each character stood out and so realistic, I was captivated from page one. The story had just the right amount of details to keep the tension high and make a believable story. I found Jacq’s Warlord so enjoyable, I easily read it in one sitting. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a moving tale of lovers to rival that of the great classics.
Reviewed by Stacey Brutger
for The Road to Romance
July 18, 2006
|
