Sword of Rhoswen

Although they've never met, Brienna and Brogan have given a blood vow to marry each other in order to ally their two kingdoms against a shared adversary. Despite the betrothal arranged by their fathers, Brogan is in no hurry to wed Brienna, nor does he even wish to meet her, believing only the most undesirable women would be subject to arranged marriages. Not only that, but Brienna bears the name of his sworn enemy - Rhoswen, and is rumored to be a Mystic Healer in a time when magic is greatly mistrusted. When Brienna finds herself suddenly crowned Queen upon the untimely death of her father, she realizes the time has come to cement the alliance between the two kingdoms and determines to present herself in person to her wayward fiancé. Disguising herself as a handmaiden to the Queen for security, Brienna meets none other than Brogan on her journey, whom she believes to be a warrior in the service of her betrothed. Brogan and Brienna fall in love while believing their love is forbidden, but can they overcome the obstacles of mistrust, prejudice, and a most formidable enemy determined to have Brienna for his own wife? What can I say? This story had everything: a dastardly villain, a dashing and dangerous hero, a strong and noble heroine, and plenty of action and steam to satisfy anyone. There was just nothing wrong with this story! Sword of Rhoswen is the second book of Williamson's that I've read, and it is my favorite. The hero and heroine of the story match each other in their self-sacrificing nobility, and their heartbreak in what they believe is a forbidden tryst is tear-jerking. The author weaves a compelling story with surprising plot twists and secrets that I find her so adept with. I understand it is Williamson's intent to follow this one up with a sequel in the future, and I will be buying it the day it is released!

Queen Brienna Rhoswen is tired of waiting for her betrothed husband to come to her. It's been a year since she added her blood to the contract binding her to the eldest Torrick heir from the Kingdom of Kylemore. With the recent attacks on her lands, she needs this alliance to protect her Kingdom. Besides, Brienna needs an heir. She can't provide that all by herself. Brogan Torrick is the heir of the Kingdom of Kylemore. His father bound him to Brienna in an attempt to gain an ally against their enemy. Brogan has heard rumors of Brienna's mystic abilities. He chose to avoid his duties to her because of preconceived notions. Of course, with so many lovely lasses willing to indulge in his carnal desires there's no real hurry to finally meet his bride. Brienna and her handmaid, Medora snuck away from the castle through the catacombs beneath it. They even dress far beneath their true station in order to try to pass for peasants. When Brienna realizes that they are about to be accosted, she tells Medora to not divulge her true identity, instead they will pose as couriers for the Queen. Of course, that is only if the thieves succeed in their purpose. Brienna climbs on top of the cart and uses the weapons she'd stored there to attempt to subdue the attackers. Eventually she was left with only one weapon left, a mystical sword that her father had given her. It had been beyond normal repair but somehow the healing powers in Brienna's hands were able to mend it to its former glory. The leader of the attackers enjoys the bold fight Brienna presents. Once he believes he has her subdued, he kisses her, only to realize seconds after releasing her that she had more fight left in her. Brienna is one woman who should never be underestimated. When Brogan learns of the women's destination, he believes that Princess Rhoswen is growing tired of waiting for her husband. He has no knowledge that Brienna's father has died or that she is now Queen. Neither of them are aware of the other's true identity. Brogan agrees to escort the lass to Kylemore. It's a journey fraught with hidden dangers, magical discoveries, and very hot passions. Brenda Williamson creates the perfect blend of history and fantasy with her novel, SWORD OF RHOSWEN. This story is action packed from beginning to end. The main characters both have strong personalities that make it truly a joy to watch the passion ignite between them. Brogan and Brienna's relationship is compounded by the fact that neither of them knows the other's true identity, but that doesn't stop them from falling in love. Even the villain had me enthralled. He's just so vile that I would have loved to been able to kill him myself. Brienna's power of healing is a huge part of my fascination with her. It's so much a part of her and yet it's something that she's been forced to keep hidden because of ignorance and fear. I love Brogan's reaction once he learns of her skill. The SWORD OF RHOSWEN is so

Queen Brienna of Avalbane is traveling with her maid to Kylemore to finally meet her betrothed; she needs him as an ally to defend her people from her cousin Thane. Along the way Brienna and her maid are stopped by a group of men on horseback and Brienna bravely fights their leader. Brogan has no intention of hurting the fiery tempered woman he's waylaid, he's impressed with her skill and very attracted to her. Brienna demands to be taken to Kylemore using the rouse that she is a messenger of the queen and Brogan agrees to take her. As they travel, Brogan's attraction to Brienna continues to grow; Brienna tries in vain to fight her attraction to Brogan as well. Soon, they're stealing moments of passion wherever they can; all the while Thane's men attack them at every turn. Brienna is not only hiding her true identity form Brogan, she is also a magical healer and is afraid he won't accept her abilities. Brogan is hiding a big secret from Brienna as well. After reaching Kylemore, they discover that their attraction is not forbidden. When Brogan is told that Brienna has left to save him from Thane, he storms after her, unwilling to let the woman he loves come to harm. Will Brogan and Brienna be able to save themselves and the kingdoms from Thane's evil plans? When Brogan and Brienna first meet the sparks fly both in combat and in lust. Brienna's fiery personality has Brogan craving her. Brogan seems to have a girl in every village and Brienna does not like it. As a result, their relationship throughout the first half of the book is full of jealousy and arguments as well as searing hot passion. Brogan is very handsome, as well as a good man. Brienna is delightful, beautiful and strong. I particularly enjoyed the final chapters of the book where the mysteries are revealed and the action and drama kick into high gear. Throughout the story, Brogan and Brienna's feelings for each other grow, but the end is where they really blossom. After all they go through, the conclusion is very satisfying. Brenda Williamson has written an exciting and erotic story with Sword of Rhoswen and I look forward to reading more from this author. Nannette Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

action packed from beginning to end. The main characters both have strong personalities that make it truly a joy to watch the passion ignite between them. Brogan and Brienna's relationship is compounded by the fact that neither of them knows the other's true identity, but that doesn't stop them from falling in love. Even the villain had me enthralled. He's just so vile that I would have loved to been able to kill him myself...Chrissy Dionne, reviewer for ROMANCEJUNKIES.COM

...action packed from beginning to end. The main characters both have strong personalities that make it truly a joy to watch the passion ignite between them. Brogan and Brienna's relationship is compounded by the fact that neither of them knows the other's true identity, but that doesn't stop them from falling in love. Even the villain had me enthralled. He's just so vile that I would have loved to been able to kill him myself...Chrissy Dionne, reviewer for ROMANCEJUNKIES.COM