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Returning from a battle lost, an already dispirited Magnus MacKinnon receives a further shock when told he’s been wedded by proxy and to the beautiful and well-endowed Amicia MacLean. He’s even more dismayed to learn that the bountiful dowry her loving brothers had provided her with has been rapidly spent on restoring his poverty-stricken clan and their dwindling fleet of ships to their former splendor. Torn apart by pride and desire, Magnus is neither able to accept or send away Amicia.
Having loved Magnus from afar ever since childhood at which time their clans had been bitter enemies, Amicia’s badly hurt at her noble husband’s quick rejection. Fearful of it being due to both her wealth and voluptuous figure, the poor lass struggles to quell her jealousy as other beauties hover about him but with typical MacLean determination, vows to win over her reluctant lord’s heart using all her womanly wiles.
And only when danger insidiously begins to strike at the heart of their household that Magnus realize how precious Amicia is to him. Someone or something is out to destroy the newfound prosperity and happiness of Magnus and his people. Is it an ancient curse that’s about of befall them, is it truly something supernatural which plagues them or is it an enemy secretly determined to ruin everything? Can Devorgilla, that all-knowing magical old crone help before its too late? Will these two ever find happiness and love together?
Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s love for all things Scottish, especially Scottish history, legends, folklores and overall it’s people shines through with this book. By neatly incorporating Scottish brogue in the conversations, readers are made to feel as if they’re standing there listening as things happen and the Scottish countryside is described equally luminously. Characters from previous Welfonder tales such as the brawny MacLeans and the inimitable Devorgilla, all put in intriguing appearances, adding a sense of continuity. Magnus with his internal dilemmas, is one mixed-up character and it’s interesting to observe how his feelings undergo a gradual change as the story progresses. Amicia is also one plucky lady and her attempts to downplay and later flaunt her beautiful, voluptuous figure are alternately hilarious and sexy. The unacknowledged passion that simmers between them continuously, adds an undoubtedly erotic edge to the tale which is further spiced up by a relentless feeling of danger stalking and observing as other characters innocently go their own ways. This medieval tale replete with authenticity and attended by a host of interesting characters, intriguing situations, imbibed with plenty of historical ambiance, and an overall irrepressible sense of romance, will long remain in readers’ memories as one of Welfonder’s best efforts yet.
Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
for The Road to Romance
August 5, 2004
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