Master of Surrender by Karin Tabke

The year is 1066. William, bastard Duke of Normandy, has claimed the English throne by right of conquest. To quell the Saxon unrest, William sends out his most trusted knights to secure the land. One of those knights is his cousin, Sir Rohan de Luc, known far and wide for his bloody deeds as The Black Sword. . .

Bold and courageous, Saxon maiden Isabel of Alethorpe is the only one left to protect the people of the manor and its lands. When Rohan de Luc seizes Alethorpe, he offers to spare the life of Isabel’s young squire in exchange for her willing gift of the charms of her body. Betrothed to another, she vows to that while he may take her maidenhead, her heart will remain her own. But even as her lips say no, Isabel’s traitorous body is awakened to desire by the seductive attentions of this potent invader. Can she remain true to her own people, or will Sir Rohan’s skilled touch capture her unwilling heart as surely as his prowess with his sword captured her father’s lands?

My Thoughts:
Rohan de Luc and his fellow knights,having survived a tortuous captivity, learn of the Blood Sword Legacy as they are escaping the dungeons in Iberia. While it is not thoroughly explained, these Christian Knights were betrayed and led into a trap. Each bears a sword on his chest and a half moon scar on their chin. They have banded together and become William of Normandy's most trusted knights.

These knights are hated and feared. With the tenants fleeing to the woods and raiders stalking and killing them Rohan must figure a way to gain their trust in order to secure the land for William.

Isabel is holding out hope that her father and brother will return from battle and oust these knights, but until then she must lead her people by example and show courage while doing everything in her power to protect them. In exchange for one boy's life she trades her only possession left to her... her virginity. In a twist of fate she is saved from losing her maidenhead but must still allow liberties of her body to Rohan.

Her courage and wit keep her and her people safe and earn the respect of the most feared knights.

The Blood Sword Legacy is beginning and each of these knights play a role. Master of Torment follows this tale with Wulfson and another strong willed maiden.

Rating: 4.5