Book Review: The Warrior's Touch

This weekend I read the 2nd in my friend's trillogy (all coming out through Harlequin this year - starting with Her Irish Warrior, then The Warrior's Touch, ending with The Warrior King, which comes out in December/January timeframe) of medieval Irish romances.

This is the story of Connor MacEgan, a man who defines himself through his profession as a fighter, and Aileen O'Duinne (I think I spelled that right, but I'm not positive and the book's not handy) a healer who grew up in the tribe where Connor was fostered. They meet again when Aileen finds Connor in a field, left for dead, his hands crushed as punishment for something he didn't do. She then sets out to heal him, even though she's been forbidden to do so by her chief.

It's a good story. Lots of little twists and believable characters. And unlike some romances that introduce problems into the plot simply for the sake of conflict (I guess that's so you're even more content when they end up together - but as usually the faux conflict could've been avoided if the characters hadn't become boneheads for a chapter or two, it generally just annoys me) the conflict in this book is reasonable and not over the top but still helps the characters grow together. (Without any boneheadedness on the part of either character. Or at least with a minimum of it.)

It's also very fun for me to watch Michelle really come into her own as these books get published. The writing in her first book was great, but I think this one surpasses it. I can't wait for Patrick's story in December!

If you're in the mood for a quick and rich historical romance, you can't go wrong with this one. 4.5 Swords out of 5.