The Black Swan

The Riordan Brothers #1

by Ana Seymour

It was hardly a typical thing for a new husband to do. But Cormac Riordan never had much patience for tradition—and had no qualms about abandoning beautiful Claire O'Donnell on their wedding night. Heartless as it may have seemed at the time, he knew it was the only way to save her life.

Because of the curse that has haunted Cormac's family for generations, Riordan brides are doomed to die young—and usually in childbirth. Cormac is convinced that by not consummating his marriage, he is averting disaster. But when Claire's brother—furious about the tragic circumstances of her ill-fated wedding—kills Cormac's father, Cormac returns. To face the consequences of fleeing a union meant to end a centuries-old feud between families. And to confront his deepening desire for the bride he left behind.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Fiction, Irish Literature, Historical Romance

294 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

About the author

pseudonym of Mary Bracho
Ana Seymour's romantic adventures have been published in 11 languages and sold in over 20 countries. Minnesota native Ana Seymour lives in the country near one of her state's fifteen thousand lakes. She was recently named Midwest Fiction Writer of the Year.

Reviews

[re · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great historical romance! Main characters have great chemistry and the history is really interesting. I liked all of the side characters too. Wish more people knew about this!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me hooked from the beginning! Great, easy read for when you just want to relax and go brain dead.

[penelopewanders]

For some reason I was a bit hesitant to pick this one up - I have been a bit wearied of the wildly macho atmosphere of the middle ages, and suspected this would be more of the same. Here the heroine was strong and determined, and good at just about everything, so she won me over. The male characters were fun too, in an almost puppyish sort of way. I was not familiar with this author, but enjoyed this story set in Ireland.