Synopsis
Desperate for coin, Lady Mariel Crawford enters an archery contest as a boy but despite her unmatched skill she loses in a tie to the intriguing, frustrating, and very handsome Earl of Huntington. Robert of Huntington seems like any other young philanderer and Mariel, fleeing a cruel father, trusts no man. Yet Robert proves to have a softer side that threatens her resolve to remain alone and unattached.
When Robert bests a young woman at a tourney, his curiosity deepens when he realizes she is the daughter of the ruthless Beast of Ayr. And when he learns that Mariel’s father conspires with the Sheriff of Nottingham Robert is compelled to protect her. Even if it means lying. Even if it means the only way he can save her is by marrying her. He’s willing to lose everything to guard the Scottish wildling who has pierced his heart.
When Robert bests a young woman at a tourney, his curiosity deepens when he realizes she is the daughter of the ruthless Beast of Ayr. And when he learns that Mariel’s father conspires with the Sheriff of Nottingham Robert is compelled to protect her. Even if it means lying. Even if it means the only way he can save her is by marrying her. He’s willing to lose everything to guard the Scottish wildling who has pierced his heart.
Review
It's one of those books which grab your interest right from the beginning, and you can't help but give it your full attention. The story is very engaging, and it kept me engrossed until the very end. Mariel and Robert are a perfect couple, both living outside of society's rules. Mariel doesn't want to be controlled by men and Robert has no intention of controlling a woman.
Mariel ran away from home to avoid marriage to an English brute. Also she is tired of her father's abusive behavior. Now she must learn to survive on her own, a woman in man's world fending for herself. But so far she is doing just fine. She has avoided being captured by her father, and also kept herself fed. Next step is to get enough money so that she can go far away and never has to fear her father, or any many, ever again.
Robert is intrigued by the woman who claims to be entering Archery contest on her brother's behalf. Soon he finds out her secret but he is even more attracted to her afterwards. He hopes that he can convince her to stay with him. He can provide her with shelter and much more.... but will the stubborn woman agree or not is another question entirely....
I loved it and would be recommending it to all historical fans. It's definitely something worth reading.
Mariel ran away from home to avoid marriage to an English brute. Also she is tired of her father's abusive behavior. Now she must learn to survive on her own, a woman in man's world fending for herself. But so far she is doing just fine. She has avoided being captured by her father, and also kept herself fed. Next step is to get enough money so that she can go far away and never has to fear her father, or any many, ever again.
Robert is intrigued by the woman who claims to be entering Archery contest on her brother's behalf. Soon he finds out her secret but he is even more attracted to her afterwards. He hopes that he can convince her to stay with him. He can provide her with shelter and much more.... but will the stubborn woman agree or not is another question entirely....
I loved it and would be recommending it to all historical fans. It's definitely something worth reading.