Celtic Ireland – Medieval Times

Egan has left his home with the Dál Cais in search of the legendary prophetess, Oriana. As heir to his father who is chieftain, he seeks someone who will speak truth to his father and him, someone who can help guide the clan. A handsome blue-eyed warrior, he is not easily deterred, and the barriers he encounters to accomplish his goal he easily sweeps aside. He never expected to find a young beauty who glows with an inner fire, a strangely golden-eyed temptress who is reluctant to go with him, who issues commands as if she were royalty.

Oriana has spent her life in the shadows blending in. Her whole life, she has been close only to her mother, and lives on the promises of the god Lugh, said to be her father. Lugh told her mother before he left them that he would return for Oriana and she would become the bride of a god. Oriana lives in fear of capture by the Druids, who envy her skills at seeing the future. They would destroy her. Now she travels with Egan to his home, and when the one prediction she is able to make comes true, it is the beginning of a grand and dangerous adventure. Egan has returned home to find himself king, his father dead, his right to rule challenged by his stepbrother. Though he is angry at Oriana’s accurate prediction, he needs her help to find the truth about what killed his father and to consolidate his right to rule the Dál Cais. In spite of their beginning, the two fall in love and face all challengers together.

DAWN OF DESIRE is a medieval romance with a touch of the paranormal. Ms Conn creates a world where myth is accepted and believed. Egan is a confident warrior and a gentle lover. He has a quick and fiery temper; he needs and wants the beautiful prophet. Oriana is a mystery even to herself. She has never lived among men, always alone with her mother in the forest. Since her mother’s death, she has learned to take care of herself using her skills for prophecy, tempered by merciful lies when the truth is too harsh. When she finds herself among her enemies, the Druids, her growing love of Egan causes her to lose her gift of prophecy, but love (and life) encourages her to trust Egan with her safekeeping and her heart. DAWN OF DESIRE, with its touch of myth and fairy tale, will satisfy those readers, who love the legends of old.

Lisa Baca