cover image Mistress of the Storm

Mistress of the Storm

Terri Brisbin. Kensington/Brava, $14 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-0-7582-3520-6

Brisbin's fourth Storm paranormal historical (after 2010's A Storm of Pleasure) conjures up mythical elements of 11th-century Scotland. Isabel is forced by her stepfather, Sigurd, to prostitute herself as protection for her sister, Thora. When Duncan, a powerful landowner, meets Isabel, he's shocked to realize he can feel her touch despite being afflicted with a power that dulls his senses. Isabel travels with Duncan to his home and finds that keeping her distance from him is nearly impossible as he seeks to learn more about the woman within the emotional walls. After Isabel witnesses his healing powers and the toll they take on him, she becomes conflicted about her duty to spy on Duncan at Sigurd's request. Frequent, explicit love scenes and emotional turmoil lend drama en route to a powerfully moving conclusion. (July)