Lord of Vengeance Book

Gunnar Rutledge, the mysterious and valiant knight who saved Raina d'Bussy from the unwanted and ruthless advances of her childhood friend wins Raina's gratitude, but goes even farther when he earns her repect and admiration on the jousting field during her father's infamous tournament. At the same, Gunnar is attracted to Raina in a most unchivalrous way and is stirred into a passion he has not felt for a very long time. That is, until he learns she is the daughter to his mortal enemy, the very man he has come to exact revenge from in payment with his life. Gunnar then denies and fights his unwanted desires, focusing solely on the vengeance he has come to attain. When his attempt to claim his enemies life is thwarted, he devises a much more sinister way of ensuring his vengeance by kidnapping his enemies beloved daughter. Gunnar is sure that by holding Raina as hostage, he will force his enemy to meet him in a one-to-one battle in order to ensure his daughter's safety. What Gunnar does not know is that it is his heart which will be held hostage instead.
Raina d'Bussy has been raised by her father since the death of her mother at the young age of 5, and knows only the kind, loving man who has always taken care of her and showered her with affection. She cannot believe the story the young knight, Gunnar Rutledge, reveals to her. The man he speaks of cannot be the father she knows, and she will never believe the lies. She must make him see he has the wrong man. While she is overwhelmed by compassion for the heinous crimes committed against Gunnar in his childhood, she is certain it can have nothing to do with her father. Yet, Gunnar is blinded by his search for vengeance and cannot see the truth in what she claims. Raina's attempts to right a wrong will uncover the ulitmate truth and shed light on her own blindness, but at what cost?
Lara Adrian writing as Tina St.John has done a wonderful job with this historical romance. I have known her as the author of some wonderful paranormal romances, but this is the first historical that I have read by her and it is very close to being a 5-star rater. The hero and heroine were fairly flawless in their character portrayals, and the passion and sexual tension were superbly done. Involved with the high drama of the story was unforgettable tragedy which rounded out the story adding a wonderful balance with emotional electricity on both sides of the meter. If you are a fan of historical romances, put this one on your TBR list. It is one amazing read!