I thought about how to review this book for a few days because I don't like to have 'secrets' revealed in a book. I like the story to unfold and slowly be revealed to me. That said, there is a predominate 'secret' in this book that is at the heart and soul of this book and I really don't know how to review the book without mentioning it. So my advice is, IF this sounds like a book you'd like to read, buy it and stick in near the bottom of your 'to be read' list so that by the time you get to it, you will have forgotten my review and the secret revealed! *grins*

***Spoiler Warning***

I have to admit the beginning of the book was not calm waters for me. The "secret" was well kept...so well kept that for a while I was wondering if the book was going to make sense at all. But it did.

Lady Cathryn of Greneforde was in poverty as were her people - the small handful of people who are still left that is. War has taken its toil on the land and people. Cathryn has done her best and can do no more. She knows what Greneforde needs is a protector and provider. She is willing to marry whomever the new King sends, but she is not willing to reveal her secrets or her pain. William le Brouillard is named Lord of Greneforde and all its property and lands. After years of battle and war, the knight is ready to settle down and take over his own lands. He's not so sure about wanting a wife, but for the land and a place to call his own he will marry and be done with it.

The moment he sees the beautiful Cathryn she captivates him and suddenly the land and home he's desired for so long takes a back seat to the woman who will be his wife. But things aren't well. William and his knights can tell something is going on at Greneforde. The people act strangely and they are filthy. William suspects a betrayal and is on high alert. His suspicions are confirmed of sorts on his wedding night - someone has been between his new wife's legs before him and he's enraged.

Cathryn is terrified of being intimate with William - because her secret is that she was repeatedly raped. She refuses to speak of it and instead allows William to think she willingly gave herself to another man before him. William and Cathryn must come to terms with the rape once William finds out and Cathryn is confronted with the fact that William isn't going anywhere. She's his wife and he wants her.

William at first seems a brute, but once he learns of Cathryn's suffering and rape the man turns himself inside out to show her he is her husband in every sense of the word and will do whatever he needs to do to earn her trust and love.

This is the first time I've read a historical romance were a rape or getting over a rape was the main plot of the book. It was a surprising good plot read. I felt for both the hero and the heroine as they dealt with the rape and the effects it had on Cathryn and her people who remained loyal to her and were willing to keep her secret to protect her.

This was an emotional and serious read as well as a good romance story and even had some great steamy love scenes as William slowly wooed his wounded lady into trusting him and loving him. Good sexual tension between them as they worked their way to being intimate with each other.

Review on my blog: http://moonlighttotwilightblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/holding-by-claudia-dain.html ( )