The Rose and the Warrior [Mass Market Paperback]

In this passionate story played against a backdrop of clan rivalry and family loyalty, we meet two different kinds of warriors. Melantha of the Clan MacKillon is a beautiful young woman fiercely determined to protect her people. Disguised as a thief, she preys on the men of Laird MacTier, the very forces that attacked her clan and left them nearly destitute and starving. Not knowing he hunts a woman, Roarke of the MacTiers is sent to capture the daring thief known only as the Falcon, but finds himself her prisoner instead.

Although the MacKillons are supposed to be his enemies, Roarke finds himself sympathetic to their plight. Their goodness and honor make him question a lifetime spent warring in his laird's name. His growing attraction to Melantha compels him to protect not only her, but also the people she holds so dear.

For her clan to survive, Melantha must overcome her bitter hatred of all things MacTier and trust Roarke on his own merits. For love to grow, she must also learn to trust the dictates of her heart.

Once again, Ms. Monk succeeds in creating a dynamic, multi-layered novel where emotion and action embrace and love is the grandest adventure of all.

As usual, like every other books of Karyn Monk that I have read, her characters are always well defined. Tired, battle-scarred Roarke and the capable, courageous Melantha are both very interesting couple. In my opinion, there is no lacking in character description or development. You will see through them and will have different views of what they are and what they've been through. However, I did wish they would spent more time together to develop their relationship or their love for each other. I guess base on their circumstances, it is essential to create it as it is...that's just a small niggle on my part. This is not a simply love story book, there is lots of dishonorable acts yet with reasons you can comprehend as u read through it. I did feel sad reading what Melantha have been through in her short life...the McKillon's hardship especially the hungry children squeezed my heart. It'll make u despise the over-bearing and the selfish McTiers but then again, it's all part of the "war", part of what it use to be. Sadly, the weak becomes weaker while the strong becomes stronger. Ms. Monk words will also make u see the viewpoint of a warrior who have attacked clans for their own advantage. A warrior who swore fealty to his Laird and simply follow orders without really looking into the circumstances until he was force to see it firsthand...it's truly heart warming. The situation and the conflicts of this book is very well written. It will involved you thorougly! I also enjoyed the secondary characters immensely. They are definitely a comical spice to this book. No doubt, the "elders" will truly bring smile to your face. I also love Roarke's warrior friends, Eric, Myles and Donald. I wonder if Ms. Monk will write a book for Donald. I may have rated this book a 4 stars but overall, this book is once again a delightful read.