After the death of her husband, Edwina de Moreville travels with Richard the Lionheart on the Third Crusade. When she meets up with her first love she is an emotional mess, and needs special care and attention, for which Stephen the Comte de Chalais is only too pleased to assist her with. Acts that she once found distasteful with her husband are thankfully most pleasurable with Stephen!

At the wishes of Richard, it is suggested that Stephen care for her, but this wonderful romance is fraught with problems arising from Stephen’s position as a Templar knight. When he is sent on a quest to search for the Holy Grail, their time spent together is precious.

Whilst accompanying Princess Berengaris, the King’s betrothed, Edwina is now one of her ladies-in-waiting, which she finds is only marginally less restrictive than her husband was. She does, however, find ways around this in Stephen’s absence. What she doesn’t realise is that she is much closer to royalty than it would at first seem. And she can’t get much closer than sharing a bed. Or can she?

With enemies Salah ad-Din, and the devious young knight Armand de Mirabel on the warpath, Deanna Ashford has produced another fine historical romance, which boasts a sensual and detailed plot. Our heroes are definitely put through their paces, but it’s not all bad news for them. There are some kind people such as Leila, a young moslem girl and sister of an influential Saracen Leader, who does try to help.

All in all the narrative in Templar Prize captures the period perfectly, whilst the romance is in the forefront of this riveting, well researched historical. Makes me want my very own knight in shining armour! Any takers? Applicants must come on horseback, dressed for knightly success!

Templar Prize by Deanna Ashford
(Virgin Black Lace, Dec, 2007; ISBN-10: 0352341378)
Available at:Amazon.com / Amazon UK

© 2008 Angelika Devlyn. All rights reserved.