A Promise Given

James, whose last book (Every Wish Fulfilled) was set in 1835 England, returns to the Middle Ages here. Perceived betrayals, secrets, and a villain who is sublimely evil confound trust between Sabrina Kincaid and Ian MacGregor. If the lead characters are a bit stereotypical--a feisty heroine, a hero with an air of danger--James still manages to give readers something to hold on to, whether they connect with Sabrina's unhappy past or sympathize wit Ian's attempts to prove himself. James overuses the I-don't-trust you-let's-have-sex"" scenario but because she writes such sensual love scenes, she can be forgiven. (Jan.)