Description:

They call him the Hound of Hell....

Lord Roland Strathmore has been ordered by the king to find and capture Lady Kyla Warwick, a noblewoman running from rumors of scandal and murder. One of England's fiercest warriors, Strathmore is torn between his loyalty to the king and his pledge to the elusive woman he has never met. For Strathmore was once betrothed to the fiery Lady Kyla--until her family's fall from grace halted plans for their union.

When Kyla is seized by Strathmore, she vows to seek vengeance against the man she considers a traitor. But she's surprised when her hatred for her newfound enemy is matched by a powerful attraction--a temptation at odds with her desire to reclaim her freedom. Fueled by his own unspoken passion, Strathmore is willing to risk everything to help his beautiful captive discover the truth about her shocking past--even if only the most desperate act will save her from further ruin...or perhaps even death.

Amazon.com Review

Lady Kyla Warwick was once betrothed by King Henry's command to Lord Roland Strathmore, known throughout England as the Hound of Hell for his fierceness. When scandal strikes the Warwicks, King Henry himself declares the betrothal contract invalid, and Kyla and her family flee to Scotland. When tragedy takes Kyla's family, leaving her the sole survivor, Lord Roland obeys his king's request to lure Kyla from her hiding place in the Highlands and take her captive for her own protection. Kyla wants to hate Roland but discovers that the attraction she feels for the powerful knight grows stronger with each hour spent in his company. Lord Roland finds in Kyla a shield against the darkness of his soul. Her dignity, courage, and beauty bring out his own warmth, compassion, and concern--emotions he thought long dead. Can he turn her over to his King and certain confinement in the Tower, or will he choose to save her? And if he claims Kyla as his own, will he be able to keep her safe and win her heart? The Promise of Rain offers the winning combination of endearing characters, a thrilling adventure, and a romance worthy of royalty. --Lois Faye Dyer

Review

Lord Roland Strathmore, Earl of Lorlreau, is on the hunt, for King Henry has ordered the Hound of Hell to find Lady Kyla Warwick and any of her family. Kyla's father was accused of murdering her mother and shortly thereafter died himself. Now Kyla and her brother are in hiding with her uncle in Scotland away from the King's wrath and court scandal. Then her brother and uncle are killed in a raid by the king's soldiers, stripping her of her remaining family and Kyla knows of no one to blame but Roland. Kyla is captured by Roland and taken before Henry, even as she becomes all too aware of her growing attraction to the Hound, and the seeming paradox he presents. For just as she is convinced of his ruthlessness he claims her as his bride to save her from being at the King's mercy. As Roland takes her to his island estate, she sees his other side, a caring, gentle man, who also carries a dark burden of guilt from his past. Then her mother's murderer comes looking for the one piece of evidence that would point to the real killer and Kyla is his next target. The Promise of Rain is a book that still haunts me even after finishing the final page. Abe's style has come into it's own with stunning writing and characters so real I feel I would recognize them if I saw them on the street. Kyla and Roland make such a strong romantic pairing -- both are equal to the tasks laid out for them in this nearly magical tale. There are a few historical inaccuracies, but with a strong cast of secondary characters and an Island setting that is like an Elven kingdom come to life, this is a book that promises to capture even more readers for this up and coming author! Abe's writing is unlike any other author's on the market today. With a strong sense of story and character complimented by prose that grips the reader, she is a fabulous, breathtaking change from the ordinary! A definite keeper! Abe delivers on her promise to entertain and enchant! A must read for romance readers everywhere! The Promise of Rain is a descent into the magical realm of what if that readers won't want to emerge from. Truly one of the most unique books of the year! Don't dare miss it! Phoebe Imel -- Copyright © 030199 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times