The Earl’s Entanglement: Border, Book 5

Mecca’s formulaic fifth Border medieval romance (after The Scot’s Secret), set in the turbulent northern region of England and nearby Scotland, is redeemed by the chemistry between its protagonists. Garrick Helmsley, a recently returned Crusader who’s heir to two earldoms (one on each side of the border), does not want a wife but is persuaded by his mother that he will forfeit his Scottish title and property to a jealous uncle if he remains unwed. He agrees to marry the daughter of a powerful chieftain to help solidify his inheritance. Then he inconveniently meets lovely Lady Emma Waryn, who wins his heart. Emma is single by choice; after a lifetime of rules imposed by her father and brothers, she has no interest in a man telling her what to do. Nonetheless, she’s captivated by the handsome knight. The 13th-century setting is unconvincing and the conflict posed by Garrick’s betrothal drags on interminably, but fans of romantic passion will forgive much when sparks fly between the lovebirds. (BookLife)