Lady Tarian married a well known child molester of young boys. He soon died after they were married and she is still unsure if she carries his child. Her husband's uncle comes to her, expecting her to marry him so he will have control of the lands and the castle. Tarian refuses and he places her in the dungeon until she does what he wants.

Wulfson of Trevelyn is sent by King William to assassinate Lady Tarian. Even though she has the blood of English Kings running through her veins, that is not enough to protect her. When Wulfson arrives at the castle he is in shock to see that Tarian has been abused. He gives her aid and ponders her situation. Even under the circumstances, Wulfson finds Tarian to be very attractive and he wants her to live.

Tarian recovers and has no choice but to seduce Wulfson so she can be with child. She drugs him and goes to him one night and sleeps with him. The night between these two is passionate and Tarian hopes to make a child from the union. When Wulfson awakens the next morning, he thinks it is a dream until he puts things together and figures out that Tarian had him drugged for her own selfish purposes.

Now Wulfson has to decide if he to make Tarian his own and defy his king and liege.

MASTER OF TORMENT should appeal to historical enthusiasts, but I found the story dragging in some areas. The action wasn't as intense as I was looking for and the gritty atmosphere seemed a bit hollow. Tarian comes across as a strong and passionate woman but she also grated on my nerves after awhile. Wulfson is your typical hero who has a great way with a sword and a protective nature towards the heroine.

Wulfson and Tarian's relationship should please romance fans. The tension is thick and the outcome of these two is unknown. Karin Tabke seems to have done her research and for that she should be commended. MASTER OF TORMENT may not be the perfect read, but overall a story that most readers should enjoy.