Review -- Vow of Deception

Vow of Deception
by Angela Johnson
Publisher: Zebra
Release Date: November 1, 2010





After the death of her demented and abusive husband, Rose Harcourt, Lady Ayleston, vows never to allow another man control over her life. Determined to provide her young son with a loving environment sans an overbearing man, Rose decides to take a vow of chastity. Her plans are quickly ruined when Sir Rand Montague, a knight for King Edward, arrives at Ayleston Castle with orders from the King for Rose to appear at Westminster Palace posthaste. Nervous about the King’s plans, Rose’s mind and heart quickly turns to the man sent to escort her. Rand is not some random knight sent on the King’s errand. Oh no! Rand is the man she turned to for a night of passion . . . while she was still married to her barbarian husband.

The images of the deaths of his mother and sister still haunt Sir Rand Montague. Vowing never to love another person and lose them in tragedy, Rand is surprised when King Edward informs Rand he must escort Lady Ayleston to court. Warm memories of a loving night have Rand eager to see Rose again, until he learns of the King’s plans to marry Rose to Sir Golan de Coucy, a man Rand does not trust for good reason.

Once Rose discovers the King’s plans for her future, she is beside herself with worry and anxiety. Those emotions are only magnified when Rose is attacked by her betrothed, Sir Golan. Ever the heroic knight, Rand arrives “just in time” and saves Rose from the vile attentions of Sir Golan. Determined to give Rose and her son a safe environment, Rand proposes marriage, which Rose agrees to with the stipulation their marriage will be in name only. The King orders a jousting match between Sir Rand and Sir Golan with the winner taking Rose in marriage. Rand is victorious in the match, and he and Rose are married quickly. But that is not where the story ends. No, it is just the beginning of this wild ride. With more than a few twists and turns, Rand and Rose have quite a bumpy ride to happily ever after.

Vow of Deception is Angela Johnson’s second book and one to be proud of. Not only is the emotional tie between Rand and Rose strong, but the sexual tension between the two is thicker than London fog. Rand is a man afraid to love for the fear of eventual loss. Rose is a woman who has been beaten and battered (physically and mentally) and wonders if there are any good men in the world. As these two slowly break down their own walls of grief and mistrust, the rays of love, trust and hope begin to shine in their hearts. It is a beautiful journey to witness!

As a side note, I must say that I fell in love with Rose’s son Jason from the very first scene. Maybe it is because of my own two little ones, but this little boy stole my heart. My maternal, protective instincts immediately went on alert anytime this little boy appeared in a scene.

If you adore medievals as much as I do and enjoy a story full of betrayal, suspense, shock, love and passion, then I would highly recommend you purchase Vow of Deception.

~ Buffie