A Dove At Midnight

In Rexanne Becnel's *A Dove At Midnight*, Lady Joanna Preston, born into a world of savagery and sorrow, sought refuge behind hallowed convent walls, vowing never to love or take any man. Yet, she becomes an unwitting pawn in a dangerous game when Sir Rylan Kempe, Lord of Blaecston, arrives to claim her. Driven by a vow of eternal vengeance against a royal enemy, Rylan seeks Joanna, the sole heir to Oxwich Castle, as the key to his worthy cause. He finds not just a means to an end, but a virtuous enchantress who stirs a forbidden passion within him, even as she defies him at every turn. Their forced union, brought about by the treachery of kings, sets the stage for a battle of wills where Joanna's liberty and her heart hang in the balance, a precious prize he is determined to make his own. A prime example of Becnel's mastery, *A Dove At Midnight* firmly earns its place on any 'Best Books' list for the author by perfectly encapsulating her signature strengths. It masterfully employs the beloved 'forced marriage' and 'enemies-to-lovers' tropes, showcasing her ability to craft emotionally charged narratives from challenging beginnings. Lady Joanna and Sir Rylan are quintessential Becnel characters: a spirited heroine who finds her voice and strength against overwhelming odds, and a formidable hero whose hardened heart is gradually softened by unexpected love. The novel delivers compelling historical detail, intense emotional conflict, and a satisfying arc of redemption and enduring passion, making it a standout example of Becnel's evocative medieval romances.