Captured by Desire

I adore Glynnis Campbell's novels. Captured by Desire, set in 1548 Scotland, is Glynnis writing as Kira Morgan. The story features Florie, a woman who is a talented goldsmith. In these times women were often denied access to guilds, so Florie is mostly known merely as a member of her father's shop. Rane is the huntsman for a local nobleman, but the plight of the poor has gotten to him. He now poaches on his own lands in order to keep them fed. When Florie flees through his woods, he shoots her by accident, and is quickly drawn into protecting her.

I treasure stories that delve deeply into the details of a situation, and Glynnis shines in this area. Florie spends her life working with metals and gemstones, and it shows in everything Florie does. At one point Florie looks at Rane ... "she gazed tenderly into his chrysolite eyes shot with spikes of aquamarine, more precious than any gemstone". It is lyrical beauty to see the world through Florie's eyes. This is how life appears to her, and we are treated to a view. The details about Florie's skills and expertise are deftly woven into the plot.

In the same way, Rane views his world through the filter of his ranger skills. He's concerned about Florie and thinks, "a lass so beatiful, lame, and helpless was as tempting a target to an outlaw as a crippled fawn was to a wolf." He thinks in terms of hurt birds, of fawn-colored clothes, and catching an elusive scent.

The details about how one sought sanctuary in a church were intriguing, as was the interplay of the different levels of society. It makes sense for Florie to be sure of herself, given how she's been living life for so long. It makes sense for Rane to be so confident, given how women have fallen into his lap up until now. Florie poses a new challenge which throws him completely off his stride - for a while.

There were a few minor issues. Rane goes looking for the "quarrel" he shot at Florie - but he was using a bow, and earlier he referred to the arrow. A quarrel is a bolt used in crossbows. Also, at one point Florie is torn by "the anxiety of deceiving a priest" - but then later she vows "she couldn't lie to a priest". Clearly she could :).

This next part is clearly my own personal preference. I prefer men who are not "full of themselves" and who expect every woman to instantly fall in love with them. I understand that Rane has the "curse" of being a stunningly handsome man that women are crawling over. He's simply gotten used to that over the years. So it makes sense in his world view. I just don't get drawn to that sort of hero. Clearly that is a failing of mine ;).

So with that being said, I did enjoy the story immensely. I love "ranger" characters. I loved the metal working and gemstone talents of Florie. I loved all the little touches, the loyal cat at the church, the insightful priest. It was a sheer joy to read.

Highly recommended.

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