The Queen's Guard: Rose

Hall highlights the romance and intrigue of the Middle Ages in the third chronicle of the Queen's Guard series (after Peony). Lady Mamille de Rou%E2%80%94Mamie to most, and Rose to her liege, Eleanor, Queen of France%E2%80%94is heartily tired of the current Crusade, now moving through the Mediterranean. While she would gladly follow her queen anywhere, this adventure seems to have been cursed from the beginning with betrayals, intrigues, a spatting royal couple, and the grim presence of the Knights Templar. One of them, Dominus, has her full attention%E2%80%94and he's taken an oath of chastity. Dominus holds on to his secrets and his duty, but his grasp on them is sorely tested by a determined Rose, while the two find their individual goals mesh well when it comes to serving their masters. This is a touch light on action, but fast-paced, detail-packed storytelling interlaced with humor ensures a satisfying read. (Apr.)