When she arrives at the castle, she is immediately intimidated by the gruff and grumpy Lord Sebestyen, but at the same time, she wants to please him in order to remain at the castle. She doesn't count on developing tender feelings for him.

Sebestyen has a problem and he is hoping Katarina will finally be the woman to solve it for him. Ever since his wife's death, he has been unable to perform sexually. He feels like less and less of a man each time he is rejected and has become somewhat cold and unfeeling in the process. But Katarina may just be the woman to finally break the curse and maybe, to melt the ice around his heart.

The Dark Lord has a very Gothic style feel to it, making Sebestyen an intimidating presence for Katarina. However, her warm personality compensates for his cold demeanor and the reader can see how he gradually opens up to her. Kelli A. Wilkins manages to bring these two very different two characters together despite the odds stacked against them, despite their different pasts and different social statuses. Sebestyen proves to be a very romantic man, wooing Katarina in the hopes that she will come to trust and care for him. His courtship will definitely endear him to readers and make him seem much less cruel than originally presented. Overall, The Dark Lord is a charming tale that will please most readers.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Sarah W
July 2, 2005