"A well told tale"
Irish aristocrat Lord Edmund Neville Fitzgerald wears a
mask to cover a scar that mars his visage. However, at
night he wears a mask, stealing money from his peers and
giving it back to the poor like a Robin Hood hero. The
local aristocracy loathes Gentleman Niall. In a card game
with Lord Wentworth, Neville wins the Kilmara estate, but
must marry his opponent's daughter Elizabeth, to whom the
land is entailed, to gain the land. Lady Elizabeth travels from her home in Ireland to meet
her new betrothed Neville in Ireland. Nasty highwaymen
attack her coach, but Gentleman Niall rescues her from the
vile thugs. Elizabeth finds herself attracted to her
savior, but knows she must marry her intended Lord
Neville. When she meets her fiancé, Elizabeth realizes he
is Gentleman Niall, who does not trust his new spouse as
his enemies have hired a bounty hunter who believes
Elizabeth can identify Gentleman Niall. To his chagrin,
Neville wants his wife who loves him with all her heart. The lead characters and the support cast feel genuine
and the fast-paced story line is loaded with action.
However, the attraction between Neville and Elizabeth takes
a long time to start and even longer to connect, leaving
the audience to wonder if the novel is historical fiction
with a touch of romance instead of historical romantic
suspense. Still, the tale is well written for those
historical fans that enjoy a strong plot with the romance
serving as a secondary vehicle. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted September 13, 2001
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