In 981, Merrick Mac Lochlainn is appointed High Chieftain of the Druzai people after his father has been killed by their ancient enemy, Eilinora, and the scepter of power stolen. Merrick's cousin Ana is the oracle of the family and advises him to journey into the future to 1826 by way of the astar columns and through the ancient time portals beneath the Coruain Sea to find the blood stones (brigha stones) to destroy Eilinora. Ana has foretold that Merrick must use his extraordinary powers and find the "Keating" in order to locate the stone.

Upon arriving in England, Merrick saves a young woman being attacked by blackguards. Jenny Keating is traveling to Carlisle in search of a pendant, a family heirloom, that's been stolen. Jenny has left Bresland School, where she's resided since the age of 10 when her parents were killed, attempting to escape Reverend Usher, an evil man.

In the battle to protect Jenny, Merrick sustains an injury and loses his memory. Jenny decides to pose as his wife to protect them, calling him Matthew Keating. A band of Gypsies allow them to join their journey to Carlisle.

Jenny possesses powers that she cannot explain and of which Merrick is unaware. By the time Merrick's memory returns, he's fallen in love with Jenny. Then Merrick realizes that the Keating he's been searching for is Jenny and her pendant holds the brigha stone. The enemy tries to prevent Merrick and Jenny from entering the portal back to 981. But will their combined powers be enough to overcome the enemy and preserve Merrick's people when the battle ensues after their return?

Margo Maguire's TEMPTING OF THE WARRIOR is a riveting suspense full of lots of excitement and an extremely interesting plot; a book you won't want to put down until the last page is read. The sexual scenes are very provocative and extremely detailed, albeit done in good taste. I look forward to more novels by this author.

Book Summary

A new land, a new time . . .

To protect his people from a great evil, Merrick Mac Lochlainn, newly crowned high chieftain of his clan, must travel forward in time nearly 1,000 years. But when he awakens in nineteenth- century England, he has no memory of his mission to save his race, nor can he recognize Jenny Keating, the spirited young beauty who calls herself his wife.

A new love . . .

Orphaned and on the run from a cruel headmaster, vulnerable and alone, Jenny never dreamed of being rescued by any man, much less a chivalrous and handsome warrior like Merrick. Drawn to his powerful physique and mysterious ways, she begins a dangerous deception and poses as his beloved. But her feelings of desire are all too real. Together they will battle a dark threat that jeopardizes their very lives, all the while tempting each other with a passion too powerful to resist.