Book Review: The Border Hostage

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Border Hostage     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Virginia Henley
Class/Genre:   Romance   Historical
Dell, Jul 2001, $22.95, 368 pp.

In 1514 in the Borders, six thugs abduct Heath Kennedy thinking he is Lord Douglas. He barely escapes, but soon meets Lady Raven Carleton, who is mulling over her expected marriage to Christopher Dacre, son of a Head Border Lord. Not withstanding her connections, Heath steals her horse anyway. Not long afterwards, Heath recognizes his own horse stolen by the thugs but now possessed by Christopher.

As an act of revenge for the attack that he cannot prove, Heath kidnaps Christopher and Raven. He sends the former back for an insultingly low ransom, but decides to keep the latter with him a little longer because he already is falling in love with her. Heath knows that he must somehow persuade Raven that he is the right man for her in spite of his half Gypsy blood. Raven is unable to resist her attraction to the dangerous Heath and neither can he to her, so they make love. However, a deadly conspiracy centering on the three-year-old King of Scotland plus the insulted Dacre clan make a permanent relationship between Heath and Raven seem impossible.

THE BORDER HOSTAGE is the typical entertaining Virginia Henley historical romance with the twist of gypsy and Celtic powers to add depth. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action that paints the conspiratorial atmosphere of the times with fascinating colors. The lead couple is a fabulous duo while the royal machinations adds suspense and excitement to a very strong sixteenth century romance.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner