Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: The Cobra & The Concubine
Author: Bonnie Vanak
Publisher: Dorchester - Leisure
E-ISBN: 0-8439-5529-5
Release Date: May 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: Late 1800's Egypt and England
Stand Alone but connected: 3rd book in a series but can stand on its own
Overall rating: 4.5
Sexual content rating: Sensual
Bonnie's Website:
www.bonnievanak.com
Badra, a former concubine, has a painful past she's deeply ashamed of. The life of a slave and concubine at a very young age. Rescued by Khamsin warriors, she is adopted into the tribe. Though treated well, she continually lives in fear and shame, her past haunting her.
Cobra (Khepri), was adopted by the Khamsin tribe at the age of four after an attack on his family's caravan. Now a warrior, he's entrusted with Badra's safety. He's to guard her with his life. A duty he takes to heart as she's captured his.
But soon both lives will be torn apart and more hurts and pain inflicted. Cobra learns his grandfather, the duke of Caldwell, is alive and has come to take him home. He must go to London to reclaim his place in society. One last ditch effort to remain with the Khamsin is refused. Khepri, now Kenneth, leaves the Egypt desert to take his place among the ton of London.
Badra's life gets complicated. Her past comes back to haunt her. She's being blackmailed. What she has to do will take her to London and hurt Khepri, but she has no choice. Or so she feels.
Intrigue abounds as plans unravel, attempts on lives lurk around corners, lies and betrayal put relationships on shaky ground, and secrets are slowly revealed. Nothing is as it seems. Not in London or in Egypt where they return and things escalate.
Personally I had difficulty grasping one aspect of the story. Badra's thinking when it came to her secrets and fears. At times, for me, it was a bit much, especially her knowing Khepri/Kenneth as she did. But I know it was an integral part of the plot and without it the story wouldn't have been able to go in the direction it did.
That aside, The Cobra & The Concubine will enchant the reader. It's a full-bodied romance and will leave you wanting more. I have to say, I had a hard time putting the book down. It's a tale sure to sweep you into its pages.
Bonnie Vanak seems to have the ability to take a few threads and weave her magic with them, turning them into a rich blend of action and intrigue, and of love and healing. Her way with turning a phrase is unique.
Please take the time to read The Cobra & The Concubine. I recommend you do so. And if you're able to get your hands on them, read her other two books, The Falcon & The Dove and The Tiger & The Tomb.
Connie
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