THE QUEEN LADY

Author: Shannon Drake ISBN: 0373772319 11/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: HQN
Time Period: Mid 1500's

She desired him above all others . . . Would he now be her executioner? Lady Gwyneth Macleod has staked her fortune and her reputation to help Mary, Queen of Scots take her rightful place on the throne. But her struggle to guide the reckless, defiant queen has put her at perilous odds with Rowan Graham, a laird dangerously accomplished in both passion and affairs of state. And the more Gwyneth challenges his intentions, the less he can resist the desire igniting between them. Now, with her country in turmoil and treachery shadowing her every step, will Gwyneth's last daring gamble lead her to the ultimate betrayal—or a destiny greater than she could ever imagine?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Enjoyable! Lady Gwyneth Macleod is similar to a lady-in-waiting for her queen, Mary of Scotland. She joins Mary in a voyage from France, where Mary has been in exile, to Scotland for Mary to reclaim her throne. At port, she encounters Laird Rowan Graham, a sexy, intriguing diplomat. She is attracted to Rowan from the start, but does not like him. Plus, he's married. Obstacles must be overcome, but eventually, Gwyneth and Rowan encounter a passion that cannot be denied. However, they are forced apart by their monarchy and love may not be enough to bring them back together.

I liked this book. It had an element that I have not enjoyed in quite a long time—history. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed a good historical romance. It's not just about the storyline, but about how historical events unfold, even if an author is a bit liberal. This storyline fascinated me, maybe because it's Scotland and I have a deep love of all things Scottish. However, I think it's more than that. Drake is almost brilliant with her characters, and it's nice to meet a heroine from a historical romance who has a brain and can stand on her own without a man. It's also refreshing to meet a hero who loves his lady so deeply, that he will move heaven or hell to get to her.

I read THE QUEEN'S LADY in one sitting; I couldn't put it down. It's a serious read, which again is quite a change for me. I am usually chuckling over my novels, and while with this one I did not, that is okay. Regardless, THE QUEEN'S LADY was a great story, one that I will happily pass along.

Kym Oetting