Maura is astounded. Marry the king? She doesn’t even know where to look. And before she and Langbard can set out to find him, Langbard is murdered, and Maura is left in the company of Rath, an outlaw. She only has until midsummer’s moon to find the king, and only a few cryptic directions to guide her. Rath and Maura unwillingly join forces, and they set out on a journey of discovery that will bring them closer together. Maura, however, knows her destiny lies with the king. She cannot fall in love with an outlaw.

Maura and Rath have plenty of adventures on their journey, and both of them act with intelligence and maturity. Rath, particularly, is torn. He grows to love Maura, but knows that her hand must be given to the king for a higher purpose, and outlaw or no, he still has a deep loyalty to Umbria. Maura fears what lies ahead when she does finally find the king, but like Rath, accepts her destiny in order to bring peace to her land. This thread runs through the book and once established, isn’t belabored, but it does provide a foundation for the characters’ actions.

This “look but don’t touch” aura frees the author to deepen her characters’ friendship and build their love story on a sturdy foundation of its own. The best and most believable romance comes from two people who really get to know and understand one another, and Maura and Rath have that kind of romance. Their mutual attraction is plenty steamy, but the longing is palpable and increases the tension.

Rath does not, thank goodness, spend half the book rescuing Maura, though he does provide protection when needed. These two are equals. Maura’s talents as a healer come into play as much as Rath’s ability with a weapon, and they are partners as well as emerging lovers. Maura isn’t dragging Rath along, and Rath isn’t pulling Maura behind him. They work together in their quest, which felt exactly right. The ending isn’t a big surprise, but it’s very well done and brings a satisfying happy ending to these two.

Deborah Hale has made a name for herself with historical romances such as The Wedding Wager and My Lord Protector. If The Wizard’s Ward is any indication, she has a bright future ahead in fantasy romance. If you haven’t tried one of the Luna offerings yet, this would be a good place to start. With its lovely romance and evocative, slightly mysterious setting, this is one novel that’s sure to please.

--Cathy Sova