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The Earl's Entanglement
Cecelia Mecca, author
Garrick Helmsley, an earl in both England and Scotland who is forced to secure his claim in Linkirk, agrees to marry the daughter of a powerful border lord. But no sooner does he agree to the arrangement than he meets Lady Emma Waryn—the impulsive and irresistible sister-in-law of his old friend, the Countess of Kenshire. Before he knows it, he finds himself escorting Lady Emma to Scotland. The last thing Lady Emma has pledged never to marry a powerful, domineering man. Yet the Earl of Clave is both of those things—and he immediately stirs her passion. Garrick might not be the husband she thought she needed, but she soon realizes he’s the only one she wants. Unfortunately, Garrick’s unwanted betrothal stands between them.
Reviews
Mecca’s formulaic fifth Border medieval romance (after The Scot’s Secret), set in the turbulent northern region of England and nearby Scotland, is redeemed by the chemistry between its protagonists. Garrick Helmsley, a recently returned Crusader who’s heir to two earldoms (one on each side of the border), does not want a wife but is persuaded by his mother that he will forfeit his Scottish title and property to a jealous uncle if he remains unwed. He agrees to marry the daughter of a powerful chieftain to help solidify his inheritance. Then he inconveniently meets lovely Lady Emma Waryn, who wins his heart. Emma is single by choice; after a lifetime of rules imposed by her father and brothers, she has no interest in a man telling her what to do. Nonetheless, she’s captivated by the handsome knight. The 13th-century setting is unconvincing and the conflict posed by Garrick’s betrothal drags on interminably, but fans of romantic passion will forgive much when sparks fly between the lovebirds. (BookLife)
