His Wicked Promise

When young widow Glenda MacKay learns of her uncle's death, she decides to leave her in-law's home in the Scottish Highlands to return to the place of her childhood in this medieval romance by the author of His Wicked Ways. Though Glenda is sad to leave the people who have become her family, she must return to maintain Blackstone Tower, her family's land. The chieftain of the MacKay clan sends his truest friend and warrior, Egan MacBain, to protect her on her journey. Bound by loyalty to her dead husband, Glenda has vowed never to love another man, never suspecting that Egan has loved her from afar for years. When they arrive at her home, the keep is in disrepair and the tenants have deserted the land due to raids from mysterious marauders. When the Earl of Whitley visits to collect the rent, he gives her time to repair Blackstone to its original prosperity but insists she must choose a husband--or have one chosen for her. Reluctantly, she accepts Egan's proposal, telling herself she has no choice but unable to ignore her growing passion for him. With excellently drawn, complex characters and a moving plot, James delivers a delicious and exciting romance. Well-written and touching, this novel is a beautifully wrought love story, as steamy as it is tender. (Sept.)