Under the Spell of Grace - The Three Graces Trilogy 2.

ONE OF THE THREE CURSED GRACE OF GRAYDON: IF SHE DOESN'T MARRY FOR LOVE, DEATH WILL CRUSH HER Fiancé When Lady Catherine Milton falls behind her party on a hunting trip, she is attacked by bandits. Ross Dunbar, the fierce Scotsman, comes to her aid. The young man is staying at the English court as a guest - and in effect a hostage - of Henry VII: the king wants to ensure that Ross's father gives up his favorite pastime, border raiding and pillaging. Although they manage to drive the bandits away together, the young people are forced to spend the night alone in the forest. Customs and decency would require that they marry immediately, but neither of them is willing to do so. Cate, to avoid the curse, would rather accept the stain on her honor, and Ross would feel it would be a betrayal of his family and people if he married an English woman. However, they cannot disobey Henry's orders. When news comes that a claimant to the throne has landed in England with the support of Irish and German troops, the king orders the couple to the altar, giving Ross as a wedding gift estates along the Scottish border, where he can prepare for defense. Ross's fate seems destined: if the curse does not kill him, then the enemy's sword - in a war he does not even feel is his own. No one can dispute Jennifer Blake's title as the queen of the romantic historical novel; the pride and care with which she creates her heroes shines through in every story. - Romance Reviews Today