By Starlight (Berkley Sensation) [Mass Market Paperback]

I don't usually read medieval romances but for some reason I was interested enough to pick up this one since the backcover started off the tale with the heroine being burned....I thought it had to be interesting with THAT kind of beginning.

And I wasnt wrong. I haven't read this author's first book and am going to remedy that soon but this one is outstanding. It can be read by itself and the story doesn't lack continuity. The hero, Luke Le Noir is yummy...a strong, gentle warrior who learns to love the bewitching nun he rescues from a burning at the stake. It has that extra special something (can't describe it) that's been missing from romance novels for a long while. I read the book in one sitting (never mind the laundry and two year old baby) and thought it was good enough to recommend here. I especially like how the author develops Luke's and Merry's growing love.

Altogether a good book.

Merry asks him to take her to Heathersgill, home of her mother, but he thinks her brother-in-law, the Slayer, is a better choice to protect her from Agnes' wrath. They reach Heathersgill where they are greeted by her mom and her new stepfather, who explain that Merry is unsafe here as Agnes has offered a reward for the return of the witch. Luke takes her to the Slayer, but first stops to complete his mission for Prince Hal to tear down non-chartered fortresses. As they continue their journey, Luke and Merry fall in love, but she has no haven and he is engaged to his liege's cousin.

Medieval romance readers will take pleasure from this exciting tale that brings to life the vulnerability of an individual with limited or no protection from the powerful in crowd. The plot engages the audience because of the likable lead couple. Though his fiancée is too evil (ask his grandfather) to take seriously, Marliss Moon has written a fine sequel to her charming DANGER'S PROMISE, whose lead couple make a return engagement.

Harriet Klausner