Lord of Vengeance [Mass Market Paperback]

"Lord of Vengeance" is Tina St John's first novel and for a first one it's really good. I've read her second novel "Lady of Valor" first and I must say she is getting better and better.
The story is set in 12th century England before the rein of King Henry II. Those years were very disorganised and full of marauding band attacs, unlawful sieges and lots of cruel killings.The story is about Gunnar Rutledge and his vengeance against Luther D'Bussy who killed his parents, destroyed his home and future when he was a young boy.Gunnar grows into a powerful battle-hardened stone-faced knight who has no emotions only his hatred for his family's murderer. There is nothing in the world what interests him, nothing gives him hope , happiness and reason to live for until he meets Raina his enemy's daughter. Raina D'Bussy is beautiful, brave and strong but she is also shocked and alarmed by Gunnar's behavior. She refuses to accept Gunnar's accusations about her father because the father she knows has never killed anyone.In order to force D'Bussy to confront him, Gunnar takes Raina to his unkept castle and keeps her hostage for a while.They spend some together and they fight their growing attraction for each other. Gunnar is helpless against his feelings for Raina. He fights them and her all the time but at the end his love for her prevails. She is his soulmate, his other half and she fills up the void in his heart and soul what he thought never ever existed. Raina has a hard time to understand Gunnar and his reasoning. She is a compassionate woman and she understands him and she also falls in love with him because she sees behind his mask and she touches his heart.She also loves her father and realises that she would never be happy if Gunnar killed her father. She wants to find a peaceful way between her two beloved men to sort out their differences. Gunnar accepts his love for Raina and he agrees to a peaceful settlement. Unfortunately things are not so smooth for either of them. They go through different emotions, emotional and physical sufferings until their love unites them in peace.
Tina St John is a very talented young medieval romance writer. She knows the period of the Middle Ages very well. She writes about life in those times with much accuracy and lots of feeling.
LORD OF VEGEANCE is a beautiful medieval tale of two star-crossed
lovers and their finding their happiness together. The author uses a very good language and it's easy to follow the story.
The pace is fast with lots of action and interesting bits of medieval castle life.Ms. St John proves to the readers that love is the strongest power and it always gives and never takes away.

I simply cannot say enough about how wonderful this book made me fee. It's a beautiful medieval tale in every sense in that the hero, Gunnar Rutledge, so brimming with hatred and vengeance and angst, especially in the beginning of LOV, changes his destructive path because of the gentle, sweet as well as fiery love of his heroine, Raina, his enemy's daughter. The writing is excellent and so is the story. I don't want to give away the plot, but if you're looking for a fun, exciting historical romance told with a fresh voice, LORD OF VENGEANCE will sweep you right off your feet, your toes, your whatever! Ten stars for Tina St. John! I can't wait for her next book!

I read this book in August 1999, and i still can't stop thinking about it. The two characters are so inthralling, it just makes you feel as if you know them. The settings are wonderful, the passion that the two felt for each other really makes you want to cheer and say wow that's a match made in heaven. I still can't stop thinking about this book. And i cannot wait for the one to follow. If you love true romance,a nail biting twist to the story, and beautiful settings, then this is a MUST READ. Tina St John is a wonderful writer. i have spoken to her on e-mail. And she is amazing.