This is effectively a prequel to Whitney My Love in the Westmoreland Dynasty Saga. This story deals with the first Duke of Claymore, and is the only medieval romance by McNaught.
Set in 15th Century Scotland and England, it tells of two Scottish sisters of noble blood who are abducted by an English warrior earl, Royce Westmoreland, the Earl of Claymore (aka the Wolf) in service to King Henry after battles at Cornwall. The sisters are abducted by the Wolf’s brother from the abbey they were sent to by their father, the Scottish laird of Clan Merrick, whose only uses for his daughters are pragmatic (marrying them off to enhance clan relationships). The heroine (one of the sisters), Jennifer Merrick ("Jenny"), is a countess in her own right.
As a girl of 17, Jenny was betrayed by her clan, based on lies told about her by a jealous half sibling. She feels (correctly) that the clan doesn’t want her, but even so, she still tries to do right by them. In her “Kingdom of Dreams” she believes they will one day come to disbelieve the lies and love her. She has a creative and rebellious yet humble spirit, and yes, a strong will and a courageous heart. I loved her. The Wolf, having captured her, is drawn to her spirit, which is evidenced by her successful attempt to escape and draw a blade on him, feats no one else has ever accomplished. But mostly he wants her in his bed and will use her love for her sister to force her there. He doesn’t love her but thinks to make her his mistress, all the while he is planning to marry another. And just when he considers deigning to marry her, her clan rescues her. When Jenny and the Wolf are forced to marry to assure peace between Scotland and England, the Wolf is bitter, believing Jenny duped him (he always believes the worst of her). And when a tragedy happens, she blames him. Everyone over reacts, nearly continuously
In typical McNaught fashion, the “hero”
is a cad.
Despite her wretched heroes, McNaught writes exceptionally well. She serves up
witty dialog, humor, sexual tension, great character development and a great
plot. However... it was difficult to finally see Royce in a good light when the
great “turnaround” came. First, he shamed her in front of his men, making his
lust and dishonorable intentions apparent. Then, he takes her virginity (repeatedly
seducing her) without so much as a care for her honor which she values. He shames
Jenny in the eyes of two countries, making it is clear he’s ruined her and then
disavows any interest in her. For many, many pages, I hated him. And when his
own people, reflecting his sentiments, call Jenny “the Merrick slut”, I wanted
him to suffer.
If you can handle the fact the “hero”
is dishonorable, it’s a well written romance. It will definitely tear at your
heart!
The Westmoreland Dynasty Saga:
A Kingdom of Dreams
Whitney, My Love
Until You
Miracles
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