SEDUCED BY DESTINY – Kira Morgan
Grand Central
ISBN: 978-0-446-54817-5
March 2011
Historical Romance

Scotland, 1561

All of her life, Josselin Ancrum has dreamed of avenging her mother's death on the Ancrum battlefield at the hands of the savage English. She spends her entire girlhood learning weaponry rather than needlework, and battle tactics rather than cooking. When Mary is crowned Queen of Scotland, Jossie finally sees the chance to employ her unique skills in the service of her Queen and Country.

Andrew Armstrong is an Englishman also bent on revenge after his father killed a young woman on the battlefield of Ancrum Moor, and then committed suicide for having committed such a heinous act.  Although trained by his uncles to become an expert swordsman, Drew's heart is not engaged in shedding Scots' blood, but rather in taking Scots' coin. Instead of wielding his broadsword on the battlefield, Drew chooses to impersonate a Highlander in order to wield clubs on the golf course!

“Drew seldom lost. He's earned his reputation on the tournament field as a master. He was lithe, strong and intimidating. His arm was powerful and his aim deadly. He's left his last two opponents gasping on their knees and the one before that cursing in the dust…” (Excerpt from p.8 in uncorrected galley proof)

This passage (referring to golf) took me completely by surprise. I never would have envisioned the game of golf (a legendary sleep inducer) as a subject for a romance novel, but the author somehow manages to pull it off.

SEDUCED BY DESTINY is a rather unique take on star-crossed lovers, with an interesting twist on the characters. Although trained as a warrior, the hero desires freedom from the vicious circle of vengeance, while the heroine of the tale is set on becoming a bloodthirsty warrior (although Jossie's credibility as a warrior and spy often comes into question). Drew is completely captivated by this girl's spirit, but after falling in love, their common past is revealed, forcing them to choose between family honor and love.

The chemistry between Drew and Jossie is very strong and their relationship “lusty” without being particularly graphic. SEDUCED BY DESTINY is a light romance read recommended for golf fans, and those who enjoy Scottish romance and the Elizabethan era.

Victoria