8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful Sequel to TEMPTED, July 9, 2001
We first met the Kennedy's in TEMPTED when Flaming Tina Kennedy stole the heart of Ramsey "Black" Douglas set to the brackdrop of the Border turmoils of 17th century Scotland before the Battle of Flodden. Tina's half gypsy brother Heath plays an important role in helping his sister find her heart desire and was deserving of his own story.Well... in THE BORDER HOSTAGE, Ms Henley doesn't disappoint.
Heath is living with his sister and her husband some months after the horrendous battle at Flodden which about distroyed all of the "Flowers of Scotland". Heath ignored by the rest of Kennedy Clan as their father's by blow, has found his place with the Douglas clan as a horse trainer. Thru his Celtic gift of magic he senses his sister, who is swollen with child, is in dangers and he rushes to her tower room. Here he is captured by border reivers who mistake him for his brother in law Ramsey" Black Ram" Douglas,and in true hero fashion he willing is captured to keep both Tina and Ram safe.
Across the border in England, Raven Carleton has found her own unigue niche, she trains raptors, much to her mother's dismay. Seems mother sees titles/money/status in her daughter's future and will do everything to rise above her own meeker border beginnings. Including linking with a border family's who job is to secure peace on the Enlglish side of the Borders. But Raven wants to be left alone to make her own choices both in how she will act and who she will choose for a husband, despite her interest in local "catch" Chris Dacre. Yet, she has a magical link to her Celtic heritage when she is inducted into the CRAFT by her grandmother. When the couple first meet, it seems in a case of mistaken identity again as Heath has been taken across the border and left for dead. Yet, he survives and finds himself at the mercy of Raven who calls him a filthy Scots bastard. Yet in true Scots Revier fashion he gets her out her clothes only to take her shirt(one of her brothers she wasn't supposed to have on) and wears it to escape. leaving her virtue intact and her being in outrage. Thru this first encounter they share an inkling of a shared magical link, but both are too concerned with their own problems to delve into what the magic might hold for them.
In Heath's determination to find out who wants Black Douglas dead, he meets with Raven head on as they clash over border disputes. Yet, thru this Celtic magical bond our couple to begin a journey of love and self discovery: a highly charged senual link as only Ms Henley can provide.
What makes this such a fun read is the hero is a man of courage, honor and pride. To compliment him Ms Henley has given him a heroine who like the hero is searching for self and when she must, she listens to her heart despite what others expect of her: another Flaming Tina who can't obey when her man is in touble.
Readers who have read TEMPTED will enjoy meeting up with the Kennedy Clan, as they too must share a journey of discovery, forgiveness and acceptance, but this clearly Heath Kennedy's story. Although each book stands alone, if the reader hasn't read TEMPTED, buy it now along with THE BORDER HOSTAGE, you won't be disappointed. It was a delight for this reader to see Ms Henley return to her classic historical romances. The pace is measured and the story is exceptional with loves discovery at the forefront and history in the background giving it depth, until the final page,
Here is hoping we readers get Duncan's story in the near future. THE BORDER HOSTAGE is worth the hardcover price and is classic historical romance.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Just bearable, November 3, 2004
This was the first Virginia Henley book I tried reading. I was drawn by the summary at the back of the book, it sounded intriguing and sexy. But after reading the first few pages of this book, I could guess what kind of a story it would be like and how the author was likely to write it out. How can you begin a romance by description of two horses mating? Ms. Henley's choice of words also leaves a lot to be desired. Does everything have to be sexual?
No romantic depth here. And I don't get the ravishing each other in their dreams thing either. There's a lot of sexual teasing in this book, which made it seem more lustful than romantic. I didn't exactly feel like the stones they carried around (phallic for Heath and hag for Raven) brought much weight to the story, it just made it seem strange, not adding a thing to the magical or destined feel.
However, I must say that the storyline and plot are not that bad though. And Heath's character was a definate plus to it since I always enjoy it when the hero falls for the heroine first; I cannot say the same for Raven. She seemed too impulsive and silly most of the time, not a likable heroine. The dialogue between characters is not too well written, it doesn't flow naturally and is not a joy to read their bantering since it is predictable and without humour.
If you don't mind a nit-wit heroine, a hot hero and a so-so storyline then get this book. Otherwise, you won't be missing out on much at all.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Flawed yet enjoyable., July 22, 2001
The border lands between England and Scotland are dangerous places for anyone, especially a woman. Raven Carleton is unimpressed with the wild nature of her English home, for it closely mirrors her own temperament. Heath Kennedy thrives in his Scottish home, raising his horses and protecting his clan. In retribution for the theft of his prized herd, Heath takes Raven and her betrothed hostage. He has no intention of returning Raven, for she has captivated him. Raven finds herself unwillingly attracted to the rogue. In their tumultuous surroundings, love is not as easy as declaring feelings and living happily ever after. Virginia Henley has written an enjoyable story despite some flaws. The most glaring transgression is the use of words that were not part of the English language in Medieval England or using words that were in existence but had yet to take on the meaning she conveyed. This caused a "jerking away" from the story. Raven's thought process as she lingered between the English lord and the Scottish man leaned toward confusing at times. For a woman who flaunted convention at every opportunity, she was willing to give up true love to conform to expectations. Regardless of its problems, it still catches the interest and begs to be completely read.
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