Bloodstone Castle; Dragone Castle; Savona Castle; Genoa, Italy – Medieval Times

Before she died, Contessa Vittoria Monterossa of Portovenere passed on a family heirloom to her newborn daughter. The pendant contained a Bloodstone of unusual colors. It was rumored to possess the ability to aid its owners in times of crisis. Secure in her father’s love, Morena learned to be the Castellan of Bloodstone Castle. Her only cloud is that she will someday have to marry and leave the place she loves best. She is anxious that her father, Duke Umberto, has disappeared and may not return.

Amoro Dragone is mourning the loss of his father, Duke Bartolomeo Dragone. Amoro was not with him when his father was ambushed on his way home. His only information about the attack comes from Roberto, Bartolomeo’s captain. Amoro barely contains his anger when he discovers that the only man who had been captured was slain by Roberto. His grief turns to stunned disbelief when Roberto tells Amoro of his father’s last request. Amoro is to wed the daughter of the Duke of Portovenere. This will atone for a broken betrothal between the two families years before. When Caterina, Amoro’s mother, confirms that the request is valid, Amoro does not quite know what to do.

Using stealth, Amoro gains entrance to Bloodstone Castle and hopes to convince Morena to marry him. But she is betrothed to Ernesto of Savona and will honor her own father’s wishes as to who will be her husband. Ernesto, an icky, creepy, despicable excuse for a man will never give Morena up. He will kill Amoro and destroy anything else in his path.

BLOODSTONE CASTLE is an adrenaline pumping, often dark, gritty, skin-scraping story. Mirella Patzer takes a time in history and brings it alive with descriptions of pain, grief, and bleak hope. Even as Morena denies feelings for Amoro, she can’t escape the desires he ignites in her. Only when she learns the extent of Ernesto’s treachery does she begin to see things for what they are, especially after Ernesto kidnaps her and Amoro. His cruel, dark sinister evil nature more than manifests itself in the treatment of Morena and Amoro.

On the good side are Massimo, Morena’s childhood friend and almost adoptive brother. On the bad side is Laria, Amoro’s mistress. Battered and bleeding, she was rescued by Amoro and she is determined to keep the young Dragone Duke. Less certain as to which side they are on are Morena’s maids, Cristina and Silvia and Amoro’s man, Roberto. All the characters seem alive. One more thing. Is there any truth to the rumor that Bloodstone Castle holds a fabulous Roman treasure? You will just have to read this mesmerizing book and find out.

Vi Janaway