World-building is an art.  Truly.  As I read each one of Le Veque’s over 60 novels, I become more and more immersed in her stories.  It’s like going home, time after time when I again encounter William de Wolfe, his sons, wives and offspring.  The author creates such noteworthy personalities, full of charm, honor and charisma you are compelled to understand the inner demons woven into a man’s soul. Even though set in days long gone by, human frailty and what pushes a man to react as he does, stands in good stead for these times.

Her characters with their challenges and emotion drive the story forward in a setting which has always captivated me.  If you haven’t had the chance to experience her world, make sure you begin this series. 

As far as Troy was concerned, twin brother to Scott, life ceased to exist when his wife Helene and his two children were swept away in a drowning.  For three years he’d only existed, but always obedient to his father, William de Wolfe.

A battle ensues, removing reivers from Monteviot Tower, property of Keith Kerr, a keep not far from his father’s outpost, Castle Questing.

Red Keith Kerr decides it is time to remove the English as a threat, although he hadn’t had a problem with the de Wolfe’s.  It is against the Scots makeup to want any English around to monitor their comings and goings. Keith’s a crafty man, but also a man with compassion buried beneath his haughty exterior and dirt. He cooks up the idea he’d like to have his daughter marry the son of de Wolfe, Troy. The English wouldn’t be enemies, but tied together in marriage. Crafty he is, as I said. 

Scenes follow where two fathers try to reason with their young.  William has an easier time of it, because Troy, as a knight, knows he must obey his father, and the girl did win the fight. But Rhoswyn is a little she-devil, escaping and fighting her own people, something like a mad woman.  But apparently, her da helped her see reason, also honor is at stake from her side. It all happens so fast!  I’m sure they are both in shell-shock.

Red Keith Kerr wanted a son from his wife, but a girl child was born.  Once his wife passed on, he molded his daughter, Rhoswyn, into a warrior.  She’s smart, clever and not above using surprise of her gender in battle as you’ll see when facing Troy in battle garb.  It’s just enough of a hesitation she needs to get the upper-hand.  She’s also exceedingly beautiful, that is, when she discovers there are such things as soap and a comb!  I so enjoyed seeing her transformation.  I loved Rhoswyn’s esprit de corps and determination to fit into Troy’s life after she finds Troy to be only kind and encouraging to her. 

You can take the warrior out of battle, but you can’t take the battle out of a warrior.  A another point, you’ll enjoy in this story.

Troy learns a lot about himself in this story.  He learns life does offer second chances, and love can be found again if you are willing to let it. 

As in any wonderful romance, the writer creates scenes which keep me teary-eyed and others all-out bawling.  I hope you’ll take time to discover the de Wolfe’s.  A family made of grand stuff!