This tepid follow-up to Anton's Midnight Magic
picks up her 12th-century tale of three orphaned English sisters with Lady Emma de Leon, who has a peculiar gift: looking into a pool of water, she is able to see events before they happen. One such vision shows her the image of a man, all bronze skin and dimples, who will one day become her lover—but that happy knowledge doesn't curb Emma's shock when she finally meets her dream man, Darian of Bruges, a lowly Flemish mercenary who stands accused of murdering an English noble. Believing him innocent, Emma bravely and scandalously offers herself up as Darian's alibi for the night of the murder, ruining her reputation while saving Darian from the noose. Instead of granting Darian's freedom, the king orders Darian to marry Emma and forces both into exile. Though attracted to Emma, Darian secretly plots to abandon her, return to London and find the man who framed him. Emma persuades Darian to take her with him, and the two embark on a dangerous journey made even more perilous by growing desire. Restrained and conventional, this bland romance remains unredeemed by its appealing characters and playful repartee. Anton's fans will be sated, but new readers will probably seek out steamier, more enchanting fare. (Dec.)
