Book Reviews (XXIX)

Fires of Destiny

Linda Barlow

Book Description from Amazon

Publication Date: November 24, 2013

Love endures, even in the face of danger and death.

As a child, Alexandra Douglas adored her wild friend Roger Trevor, a troubled lad who turned his back on his family. Ten years as a sellsword and pirate have transformed Roger into an enigmatic stranger. His return to his father's castle in the wake of his brother's mysterious death ignites a passionate uproar in the bookish, sensible Alix.

Dangerous to know...

Surprised by his unlikely desire for his childhood friend, Roger is determined to encase his heart in ice. Haunted by his past and trapped in a lethal web of intrigue at the Catholic court of Queen Mary Tudor, he fears entangling Alix in a plot that could doom them both.

But destiny has set them on colliding paths, and Roger can no more resist the fire in Alix than she can turn away from his increasingly ardent touch.

New, revised edition of a classic, award-winning novel

When the original version was published in 1986, Linda Barlow received the Romantic Times award as New Historical Romance Author of the Year. Fires of Destiny was also a finalist for the Rita Award from Romance Writers of America. This special new edition has been revised and edited by the author, but her beloved characters and their sensuous, suspenseful adventures remain the same.

Accolades

"Linda Barlow's sexy, suspenseful page-turners are pure pleasure to read." Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

"Linda is a wonderful story-teller. She grabs you on the first page and plunges you straight into the tumultuous lives of her fascinating characters." Jayne Ann Krentz.

"Fires of Destiny is a bold and clever tapestry, provocative and seductive." Catherine Coulter.

Romantic Times said in their 1986 review: "Weaving together a strong historical background, an intriguing mystery subplot, along with a touch of mysticism, Ms. Barlow crafts a marvelously textured novel that mesmerizes the reader on every level. The timeless magic of this outstanding romance will guarantee recognition of Linda Barlow as a powerful writer with the talent to surpass all genre boundaries."

Don't miss this chance to grab a copy.

My Review

The story follows characters Alexandra Douglas and Roger Trevor. Here’s a small quotation from the book: …”He tipped her chin up with one sun-browned finger and kissed her upturned mouth in a lusty manner that was new to her. It happened so swiftly that she hardly had time to note the unfamiliar tingle that shivered along her nerves at the feel of his lips pressing on hers. It was pleasant—very pleasant—“ so that you could make an idea.

If you are looking for a book that has characters with depth and a storyline with great meaning, Fires of Destiny is it. This novel teaches the reader not to give up hope in the person you love and trust. Linda Barlow wrote this book with passion. I love how she introduces her characters, and how the story unfolds. I would recommend this to anyone who loves being taken back in time and treated to a love story that has depth. This story wraps you up in interesting people and places. I couldn't ask for more. It's a historical romance that peaks over and over again with every chapter. The characters are real and vibrant. You come to know each of them personally through Linda Barlow’s  talent of bringing them to life. The storyline is remarkable and believable. The author will make you laugh, turn you on with her incredibly seductive heroes and of course, make you fall in love with her story. Reading her book was truly a pleasure.  

If you haven't grabbed your copy of the historical romance Fires of Destiny, what are you waiting for?

                                                I rate it Five Stars