England/Scotland, 1400s

The Lancastrians destroy her home…twice. The first time she was just six years old. Her parents were staunch supports of King Edward who, according to the Lancaster clan, was not the rightful king. So they decided to make an example of her family by killing them all and burning their home. With the help of her nursemaid, little Adair escaped with her life. Before her parents died, they told her to seek the protection of King Edward, who is her natural father. Their journey to the palace is difficult, but they make it unharmed.

Ten years later, Adair learns that Stanton, her childhood home, has been rebuilt. She leaves the safety of the palace behind and returns as the rightful Countess of Stanton. Some of the villagers survive that bloody night so long ago and rejoice at the return of their mistress. This time Adair knows that she must strengthen the stronghold of Stanton. Ever aware of her obligations to her village, she accepts that she must find a husband who can protect them from another siege. She marries Andrew Lynbridge and, in time, grows to love him. Before she can settle into her new life, Andrew is killed in battle along with newly appointed King Richard. Shortly afterwards, the Lancasters return to finish what they started so long ago, to destroy Stanton again for supporting [whom they believe to be] the wrong king. To make sure that the keep is not rebuilt like before, they cart away the stone before completely burning it to the ground. Not that it matters to Adair, since the new king strips her of her title and lands and labels her a traitor. Before she can start over yet again, Adair is captured and sold into slavery. She is eventually purchased by Conall Bruce, the laird of Cleit, who buys her intending to make her his mistress.

A DANGEROUS LOVE is an example of Ms. Small’s talent and writing abilities. She has a knack for superbly delivering a story that keeps your attention until the very last page is read. Adair is a strong character who adjusts to accommodate the changes life shoves her way. When she is captured and sold, understandably, her strength waivers. For a moment, she doesn’t think she can handle any more despair. After a while, her spirit returns, and once again she becomes the strong woman life forces her to be. Conall, the man who purchases Adair, appears to be a gruff clansman. He is kind and attentive, but by no means is he a gentleman. When the relationship builds between these two strong willed people, it is not gentle either. Theirs is a fierce love that will have readers completely enthralled. I often wonder how much time Ms. Small spends developing her characters because they are so well defined. They all have distinct personalities and roles to play.

A DANGEROUS LOVE is full of political unrest that is discussed at great lengths throughout the novel. Unfortunately, after awhile I found myself just thumbing through these parts. I was more concerned about Adair’s life and loves and found the politics an unwanted distraction. But, despite the politics, I really enjoyed the story. I highly recommend A DANGEROUS LOVE to anyone thirsting for a good book to read.

Anthonette Dotson