LORD OF SIN

Author: Susan Krinard ISBN: 9780373773985 9/2009 HISTORICAL/PARANORMAL Publisher: HQN
Time Period: 1889 Victorian

One act of passion. An eternity to pay... Nuala is descended from ancient witch folk, eternally bound to help others find love. But after the death of her husband, she harbors no such dreams for herself. Then she meets, Sinjin, the Earl of Donnington, and feels something stir within her for the first time in centuries... Handsome and scandalously tempting, Sinjin has never met a woman he couldn't seduce. Yet from the moment he sees the stunning young widow, he knows he wants more than just one night of sin—and even the discovery of the dark secret they share won't stop him from trying to possess her forever. But first he must free her from her immortal bondage, which means robbing her of her magic for all time.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Susan Krinard's LORD OF SIN is darkly magical, at times frightening enough to make the heart thud. This is a redemption story, one whose heroine seems destined to atone for her sins for eternity.

Nuala is part of a small group called the "Widow's Club," who vow never to marry again. A new member, younger and obviously destined to find romance a second time, joins the club on a provisional basis, and Nuala becomes her protector. While the ladies are at a social function, Deborah and Nuala both claim the attention of handsome men—each with a different motive in mind. While Deborah's admirer wants only to become more closely acquainted with the young woman, Sinjin knows Nuala from the past and has a mind to make her pay for the grief she caused him. Unfortunately, Nuala's transgression, using her magical powers for evil rather than good, has left her entirely powerless and at the mercy of one who would do her harm.

This story is character driven, with Sinjin moving the action forward in such a powerful way, it seems he sweeps every obstacle to the side in order to achieve his goal. With a malevolent ghost spurring his actions, there are moments when he is less than likeable. No, I have to amend that...he seems horrible, and Nuala looks to be no more than a victim. Fortunately, there is more to this witch than even she believes, and somehow, these two manage not to kill each other; but just barely.

Well written and eerily poignant, LORD OF SIN is sure to please readers who enjoy their romance with just a touch of evil mixed in.

Kay James