Champion of the Heart

Rating:
Summary: A good book for an afternoon read
Review: I though this book was easy to read and finish in just one afternoon. The story starts when the hero and the heroine are both children (13 or so) and Fox Mercer's father is dishonored and looses his title, his money and his lands because he will not tell who really killed a baron who was a close friend of the kings. The h/h are best friends but are torn from each other only to meet up again 10 years later when she is to be the prize for a tournament and he shows up even though he has now become the outlaw known as the Black Fox. He wins but is thrown in the dungeon but escapes and takes Jordan, the heroine, with him. He tries to keep his anger at her betrayal 10 years before but he finds he still cares for her as she does for him.

The characters don't really stand up and impress the reader but the secondary characters are quite amusing.All in all a good book.

Rating:
Summary: Dark secrets revealed -- Very highly recommended
Review: In fourteenth century England, Lord Mercer gives up everything, including his lands and title, to protect the identity of a murderer. His lands were forfeited to Lord Vaughn, whetting a desire for revenge in his son Fox, because Lord Vaughn is the father of his best friend Evan. Indeed, Fox believes his friends, both Evan and Jordan Ruvane, have turned their backs on him.

Ten years later, Fox becomes known as the Black Fox, in the tradition of Robin Hood, robbing the neighborhood to feed his people. His antics are specifically aimed at annoying his former friend Evan. Despite the fact that he's perceived to be an outlaw, a thief, and an outcast, Fox disguises himself and enters a tournament for Lady Jordan's hand. Fox's unexpected win results in his capture and imprisonment. When he escapes, he takes Jordan hostage, promising her release only in return for his family's title and lands.

Jordan's unexpected courage and compassion, especially for children, touches Fox's heart. While he wants to harden his heart against her, he can't the resist the temptation she presents. Unfortunately, Fox refuses to believe her protestations that she never turned her back on him. As they fall in love, however, they both must face the past and devastating truths of betrayal, greed, and cruelty. As dark secret comes to light, Fox must forget revenge if he wants Jordans.

CHAMPION OF THE HEART captures the reader's heart from the first page and never lets go. With rich characterization and motivation carefully revealed, the novel recreates an era of passion and cruelty, of vengeance and turmoil, and of secrets exposed. While the plot echoes traditional formulas, the fresh details and depth of characterization present a unique twist resulting in a memorable tale. A keeper, CHAMPION OF THE HEART is very highly recommended.