ROSE IN THE MIST By Ana Seymour Jove Historical Romance - Irish Eyes Series February 2002 ISBN # 0-515-13254-3 {Click here to buy this book} This is Ana Seymour's second book in the Irish Eyes series and another historical. Set in 1565, Seymour pits Ireland against

This story begins in 1558 and Catriona O'Malley's family home is burned to the ground before her eyes. The only thing that keeps her from being murdered along with her family is her friend Bobby Brosnihan who she'd been walking the hillsides with that day. He convinces Cat that as the sole surviving member of her royal family that she can have more impact on freeing Ireland from England's grasp by teaming up with the rebel Irish group that he's involved with than rushing into the fray and getting herself killed. Her role in the plot is to be captured by the enemy to glean information that she can filter back to the rebels through Bobby himself. Instead of finding herself a prisoner, Cat finds herself as part of Lord Wolverton's household as his ward. By 1565 Cat has assimilated quite well into the household, made friends, lost her Irish accent but well into knowing the secrets of what makes Court tick.

Niall Riordan is sent, along with friend Dr John Black, to talk about a peace treaty with Lord Wolverton who acts on behalf of the Queen during the peace negotiations. Neither Niall nor John can understand why they were chosen for the negotiations as neither are negotiators. John is a physician and Niall a warrior. And as such, Niall finds it difficult to fit in once he's at Court. It's Lady Catriona Sherwood he finds hospitality.

Niall's obvious fascination for Cat leads them both into temptation. Cat uses Niall's affection for her to set him up but her plan backfires when she's discovered and is forced to marry Niall and she's exiled to Ireland with Niall, the Queen unaware that Cat is Irish thus sending her home.

Niall finds it hard to keep his distance from Cat, and she finds it hard to push him away. Cat always keeps her friend Bobby in mind, and the cause. In turn Niall believes that Cat and Bobby are lovers, thus experienced in the arts of intercourse. To his horror, once he gets Cat in bed with him, he finds that she's a virgin. This brings about new feelings for both Cat and Niall to explore.

"Rose in the Mist" is my first Ana Seymour story and I found myself with mixed feelings about it. First and foremost I wasn't prepared for a political intrigue with an Irish Eyes books as it goes against the guidelines that the publisher set up. I have to say it was a nice change, though, to see an Irish Eyes story with a bit more depth.

The character of Cat as the ward of Lord Wolverton puts her into the center of the plot. She manages to keep her identity secret from those closest to her while still being able to meet with Bobby in secret. I just didn't understand what skills Bobby possessed that allowed him to infiltrate a well guarded Court and estate homes. Bobby manages to control Cat for years, which I found contradictory to a strong heroine's role.

Niall's role in the story seemed convenient. He certainly wasn't an alpha male as he was easily manipulated by Cat and John alike. As I read the set up scene between Niall and Cat I hoped that Niall wouldn't have been so distracted by Cat's attention not to know that he was planting evidence on him. That wasn't the case.

Dr John's position in the story gives the story some depth and intrigue, though a bit predictable. I also found his many disappearances through the story convenient. By the time he told Cat and Niall what he'd been up to I knew before I read it what he was on about.