Search - Enchanted

This is the third of 3 books that are connected.

Untamed is Dominic le Sabre and Lady Margaret of Blackthorne (Norman-Saxon match)
Forbidden is Duncan (Meg's brother) and Amber the Untouched (she is a truthsayer)
Enchanted is Simon the Loyal (Dominic's brother) and Ariane

These can be read in any order but are more fun if you read them in story line order. The level of "mystical" increases through the three books.

Ariane the Betrayed is raped by one of her father's soldiers the night before she is to meet her betrothed, Simon the Loyal. To add to her pain, this same soldier accuses her to her father of seducing him and her father believes him. Ariane goes into the marriage despising all men. She can't bear anyone to touch her, especially her husband, nor will she discuss how her father and his men betrayed her. Ariane is especially fearful that Simon will find out that she is no longer a virgin.

Simon is distrustful of women because a woman he loved betrayed him. Her betrayal nearly cost his brother's life and he can't forgive himself for it. Her betrayal forced an oath from him: That he would never again give his heart to a woman. He, however, desires Ariane almost the moment he lays eyes on her and can't understand her coldness toward him. Simon eventually finds out Ariane's secret but doesn't believe that she was raped.

Ariane's father is a shrewd man. He decides to use Ariane's treachery to make war against Simon and his brother. After all, Simon will most likely murder his daughter once he finds out that she's no longer a virgin, and that would be a perfect excuse for him to make war on them and take their lands.

4 stars. Ariane and Simon contract a political marriage that she is terrified of consummating because of a past rape. While the love story in this novel is almost overwhelming, there is a great fantasy plot in the background that keeps things moving. The excellent characterization and writing are what make the book in my opinion. Ariane is a surprisingly strong heroine, and Simon is easy to fall in love with. The only negative for this book was the final 2 scenes, which I thought fell a little flat.

I had read this series years ago and liked it so well that I wanted to read it again. Now that I am older, wiser..haha...the dialogue is a little too flowery for me, but I still love the story and I love the ummm...good parts!!!

Very good historical romantic suspense story.

Historical romance set in Scotland. Good read but a typical 90's romance.