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Book Review of Betrothed (Montagues, Bk 3)

Betrothed (Montagues, Bk 3)
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From Literary Times
Baron Guy of Montague intends to reclaim Halford Hall and while he is prepared to fight for it, he prefers to negotiate. Guy travels to Lonsdale Castle to meet with Baron Lonsdale, who now controls it, and there he sees Lady Claudia Chiavari, Lonsdale's niece. Guy, enchanted by the beautiful Claudia, seeks her out in the garden, and after one kiss, he is bewitched. Claudia, who has learned to trust no one and depend only on herself, is enamored with this English knight. Lonsdale agrees to sell Halford Hall for an extraordinary sum, but he has one problem - it doesn't belong to him. Lonsdale plots to force a marriage between Guy and Claudia, and later he schemes to kill Guy and frame Claudia. Claudia overhears the conspiracy and she tells Guy of her uncle's plan, but Guy distrusts her. Since his arrival at Lonsdale Castle, Guy finds himself bewitched and betrothed to Claudia, then he suspects that she betrayed him! Guy takes Claudia to Montague and tries to convince her to be his mistress, but she steadfastly refuses to go to bed with him. Yet she cannot deny him and herself forever. Passion existed from the beginning, but it is ignited as they surrender to it. Though their families are enemies, Claudia and Guy have come to trust each other, yet their love and trust is tested when their brothers enter their lives and place huge doubts in their minds. When Guy is poisoned, his brother blames Claudia. Her brother, Dante, blames Guy for her imprisonment and he lies to Claudia, convincing her to leave with him, yet Claudia has doubts. Guy doesn't believe that Claudia went willingly and afraid for her, he sets out to find her. He is more determined than ever to have Claudia as his wife, but when they are reunited, a poisoned knife could put an end to any future they might share. A good plot and strong characters made this book an enjoyable read as the characters love and trust, though sorely tested, triumphs.A wonderful medieval romance with a flowing, imaginative plot that continually tests her characters love, Betrothed is true to Elliott form! A relative newcomer to medieval romances, Ms. Elliott writes like a seasoned pro! Once again, Elizabeth Elliott delivers! Betrothed is another winner for Elliott!Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved