AN HONORABLE ROGUE

Author: Carol Townend ISBN: 9780373305384 2/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Time Period: Medieval - 1067 Brittany and England

CHARMED AND SEDUCED! Benedict Silvester is a rogue and a flirt! His skill as a musician means he is always travelling...and he charms women wherever he goes. Yet he is on a special mission: to accompany Rozenn Kerber to England. Rose is frustrated with Ben's frivolous behaviour and annoyed that his wicked smile continually occupies her thoughts for he can never offer the stability she craves. But on their travels, Rose begins to suspect that he may have a serious side, that Ben is more than he appears...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Carol Townend is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. It may be because she writes with apparent ease about a time in history that greatly intrigues me. I love knights, castles, maidens (intelligent ones, mind you!) in distress, political wrangling and turbulent times. This author's stories offer all of those things, and so much more.

When I read AN HONORABLE ROGUE I became totally immersed in the lives, drama and romance of two childhood friends, Ben and Rose. Had they lived at another time, their story might not have been as intriguing. But, fortunately for all of us, they lived a medieval existence, with all that that implies.

When Rose's period of mourning for her husband Per is over, she is pulled toward finding true love by the well-meaning around her. But Rose already knows who she loves, although she would rather kiss a giant than admit it! But Ben, the lute player who has caught the eye of so many of Brittany's fairest, shows up at Rose's home on Witches' Night, setting events in motion that will certainly change both of their lives.

I loved AN HONORABLE ROGUE for so many reasons. As I said, Ms. Townend's impeccable attention to detail and lush, vivid images bring this time period to life. I can hear the minstrel's music, see within castle walls and feel the steady rhythm of Piper as the pair journeys. Too, I admire the way she makes her heroines a fine mix of softness and strength. Rose is smart, and knows Ben's secret long before she forces him to admit where his allegiance lies.

Anyone who enjoys medieval tales will love AN HONORABLE ROGUE by Carol Townend. It is historical romance at its best!

Kay James