Reviewer: Lori Graham
Title: Falcon's Heart
Author: Denise Lynn
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 0-373-29433-6
Release Date: January 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical
Year/Setting: 1143/England
Overall Rating: 4.75
Sexual Content Rating: Sexual
Language (Profanity) Rating: Mild (time period based)
Violent Content Rating: Mild (time period based)
Denise's Website: www.denise-lynn.com
Marianne of Faucon is of marrying age and her brother, Rhys, is currently working on just that avenue. Now the good thing is he isn’t pushing her into some loveless situation but Marianne is really starting to wonder if just the right person is out there for her. She just isn’t getting excited by any of the prospects being offered. Of course, very few…okay, none have made it past Rhys but on the other hand there were none she wanted to fight Rhys for. So, she waits (notice I didn’t say patiently 
)
Bryce of Ashforde is a man of action. He is currently supporting Empress Matilda and she has given him Ashforde as a reward for services rendered. When he arrived at his home, however, it is only to find it burned to the ground. The only evidence of how this might have happened is a sword found in the ashes which bears the falcon seal. Bryce is determined to make them pay for this deed. The best way he can think of is to kidnap Marianne and use her to get Rhys just where he wants them.
What Bryce didn’t count on was someone getting there ahead of him and him having to win Marianne in a dice game. Thankfully, her captors had realized just what a handful she was and were anxious to get rid of her. It also helped that Bryce was quite lucky in most things. Once he has gained his prize, he has to work to keep her. This means protecting her from others who want her and protect himself from her – both physically and emotionally.
In spite of, at first, attempting to gain her freedom, Marianne is beginning to discover why her sisters-in-law act the way they do around their husbands. For the first time, a man is stirring her heart and she is left with the dilemma of how to handle those feelings especially when she should be afraid of the man.
Falcon’s Heart is more than just a woman developing feelings for her captor and vice versa. I know there are all kinds of theories written about which explain these types of feelings. In Denise Lynn’s version of kidnapping, however, both the reader and Marianne discover a man of great honor and integrity. I know that doesn’t quite fit with a kidnapper, does it? In spite of that, however, Bryce treats Marianne with great respect and compassion. She never really wants for anything and the danger to herself is minimal. What is surprising is the depth of character in Bryce especially since he hasn’t had a particularly easy life. Denise writes with great passion and flair throwing around humor, a bit of suspense, a lot of romance and just a bit of psychology.
Well done.
Lori
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