The Conquest

Adelstan Cawdor was hired to escort Lord Malgor's betrothed to him and he thought that would be an easy job, till he meets Rhiannon for the first time. He is absolutely bewitched by her, but he doesn't want to act on his attraction because he is honor and duty bound even when his heart demands something else. Rhiannon always knew that she had to marry a man of her father's choosing, that was her duty as the daughter of the Laird of Clan MacKay and so far she has always done her duty, till she meets Adelstan. Both of them try to fight their feelings, but true love can't be ignored. Will those star-crossed lovers find a way to be together? In THE CONQUEST we also meet the hero & heroine from THE BARGAIN again, but you can read the book easily without reading THE BARGAIN prior to it, because they play a short but important role. THE CONQUEST's hero made his first appearance in THE BARGAIN, too. Since than he has matured and become a loyal warrior. I was already intrigued in his character and was very curious about his story and I have to tell you that I wasn't disappointed. THE CONQUEST is a sensual story full of action, that will sweep you away to the time after William the Conquerer's invasion. Ms. Templeton is on her best way to make herself a place among the best medieval historical romance authors. It's a wonderful story that really enchanted me and I was more than a little sad when I reached the last page. I really hope that Ms. Templeton is going to write more historical romances. Courtesy of Loveromances and More!

In 1080 at Castle Mackay in the Highlands, Rhiannon waits for her betrothed Malgor de Cion to arrive and take her back to his Castle Almerson on the English border. She does not want to marry this much older stranger as she fears the fate of her mom; her dad locked her away until she died and has since remarried Deirdre, who Rhiannon detests. Lord Wulf sends his brother-in-law Adelstan Cawdor to escort Malgor's bride as he was hurt allegedly while hunting. Rhiannon mistakes Adelstan as Malgor and is excited as she is attracted to him. Adelstan is also stunned by that first encounter as he is attracted to her too. When Adelstan leaves the castle, Rhiannon and Elspeth follow him. He strips and swims in a pond. Both women are stunned as he is quite a hung hunk. Their horse is missing, but Adelstan has it. He rides back with Rhiannon sharing his horse. Rhiannon holds tight and when a chance occurs she kisses Adelstan; he kisses her back as he desires her, but duty prevents him from acting on his feelings. Rhiannon makes it clear she wants Adelstan and tries to seduce him; he flees. She tells him she wants him as her husband taking her maidenhead. He tells her she is desirable, but he will deliver a virgin to her betrothed though he loves her. The lead couple is a terrific pairing as they are in heat at first sight though both know she belongs to another; their ethical dilemma battling their desire makes for a fine tale. Additionally the return of the lead couple from THE BARGAIN in a short but critical appearance adds to the overall fun. Although why Rhiannon's dad allowed Adelstan to escort his daughter to her betrothed when he caught her sneaking into his room makes no sense, fans will enjoy this fine Conquest romance. Harriet Klausner

Readers yearning for the sequel to Julia Templeton's THE BARGAIN need not wait any longer. THE CONQUEST is Adelstan Cawdor's story and it is truly a historical worthy of any keeper shelf! Adelstan Cawdor has been hired by Lord Malgor to escort the Norman baron's betrothed to him. He figured that this job would be simple - arrive at the Laird MacKay's home, escort the Laird's daughter to Lord Malgor, job complete. Upon first glance at Rhiannon, Adelstan, much to his dismay, is completely bewitched. Adelstan refuses to act upon his attraction; his honor demands that, much to his heart's disappointment. When Rhiannon expresses her desire for Adelstan, he refuses to betray her fiancé, no matter that his heart aches for what cannot be. Rhiannon MacKay has always known that she would have to marry a man of her father's choosing. Being the offspring of the Laird of Clan MacKay isn't without certain sacrifices and Rhiannon has always done her duty. But the arranged marriage to an old baron is more than she can accept, especially since the man she truly wants is the man hired to escort her to her marriage and betrothed husband. Adelstan fights his feelings for Rhiannon. However, when the woman he secretly loves is threatened, he can deny himself no longer. With one touch Adelstan and Rhiannon's lives are irreversibly changed forever. Now all Adelstan has to do is figure out how he is going to be able to let Rhiannon marry someone else. Adelstan Cawdor was first introduced to readers in Ms. Templeton's release, THE BARGAIN. In the years since THE BARGAIN took place time wise, Adelstan has grown and matured into a loyal vassal and warrior. He knows his duty and is prepared to carry it through. For these reasons, I fell in love with Adelstan and my feelings never wavered - they were just as strong for Rhiannon. All of her life she knew and had done her duty to her family and her clan. Her forbidden love for Adelstan was her one true act of rebellion after a lifetime of obligation. Her spirit I loved most of all. Never would I have had enough guts to thwart my destiny as she was able to do. Filled with sensual passion and gripping action, THE CONQUEST holds its own as single handedly being one of the best historical romances I have read in a very long time. Of course, it WAS written by Julia Templeton which means she could write the same word over and over and it would be wonderful. THE CONQUEST is definitely a worthy sequel to THE BARGAIN and a much loved addition to my ever expanding keeper shelf!