Love Romance Passion » Medieval http://www.loveromancepassion.com Because Books Don't Fall Asleep Afterwards! Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Review: Wicked (Medieval Trilogy, Book 3) by Jill Barnett http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-wicked-medieval-trilogy-book-3-by-jill-barnett/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-wicked-medieval-trilogy-book-3-by-jill-barnett/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:46:40 +0000 Lynn Reynolds http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=13409

Reviewed by Lynn Reynolds

Sofia Howard is seen reading a book that was written by Queen Eleanor. When the book was written, Sofia didn’t want a husband and went to any lengths to make sure that didn’t happen. At least until she met Sir Tobin de Clare.

Sofia appears to be a women’s libber of her time. She has certain beliefs and doesn’t like to be told she can’t. Her king wants her to wed but she wants to have a say in who she chooses. Her friend, Edith, makes a good comic foil for Sophia.

Edith is the one that introduces Sofia to Sir Tobin. But Sofia doesn’t realize that they have met before. You will definitely want to read their reunion. Then we get to see that grown men still like to play childish games. You also get to see why “payback’s a bitch”.

Sofia and Tobin’s story reminds me of The Taming of the Shrew. I loved the movie version with Elizabeth Taylor and her husband Richard Burton. I can definitely see those two in the parts of Sofia and Tobin. It will be interesting to see who will outwit whom.

Our author has a wicked sense of humor. She also makes our couple very prideful – neither wants to give an inch. Our couple exists at a point in time where women don’t have the freedom we have today. There are also consequences for their actions.

The story then jumps to when Sofia spends time at a nunnery. You have to laugh how Sofia’s mind works. But we also have to remember that she is a young lady and is probably just acting her age.

She wants something specific from Sister Judith. She starts out a workout routine that would impress any athlete. Tobin and Sofia are reunited and you will love their reunion. I was starting to get worried that certain things were never going to happen.

But when you read, sometimes you just have to be patient – like the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait”. Their interactions are what makes this a page turner. The ending will surprise you, even though it probably shouldn’t. The only downside was I couldn’t figure out how the title came to be.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Buy: Wicked

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-wicked-medieval-trilogy-book-3-by-jill-barnett/feed/ 0 Review: Princess Mine by Brindle Chase http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-princess-mine-by-brindle-chase/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-princess-mine-by-brindle-chase/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000 Sandra Scholes http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=13271

Reviewed by Sandra Scholes

Forbidden lust is the one thing the heroine of this story needs. For many years Princess Briareth’lianna has been hunting powerfully handsome wereling, Daeven just for the thrill of it, of watching his strong limbs leap around the forest of Drearwood, but she wonders what would happen if she allowed him to catch her.

The reason her love for him is forbidden is that she is an Elf and he a wereling, and the two should never be together, yet she yearns for the night he takes her in his arms and makes wild, passionate love to her. There is the chance he could turn on her though, and make a meal of her delicious body, but she hopes he won’t do that.

Daeven is just as much in love with her as she is with him, and he can’t bear to see her run from him any more. Daeven would love nothing more than to catch her and make love to her – claim her as his own even, but a love like theirs has no place in the world for an elf and a human shape-shifter like him. Sooner or later others would find out, and worse could happen to her.

I have liked Ellora’s Cave titles for a while now, and appreciate their different outlook on paranormal romance. They tend to go further in their erotic content than some, but they still don’t come across as obscene. Daeven and Briar is the perfect match, but it is his reluctance and her defiance that could lead them to dangerous territory, but not from Daeven, from her family.

One night she plays prey to the hunter Daeven, and this time after so long, he finds her and catches her – his prize is to have her and she lets him take her. He wonders why she is so willing to sacrifice herself to a man who can change into a wolf, but she tells him she has waited as long as she for the moment when he will take her in his arms and make love to him. He mentions how much it has pained him to see her escape his clutches for such a long time, but he has to remind her of what mating for his people really is. He does make love to her, yet he does not finish it – she is confused as to what he means by mating in his own native language and once he tells her she has to decide.

As the crown princess of the elf people, she would be an outcast if Daeven ever gave her his wolf mark, and her father would surely have him and his kin hunted down and killed. They would not understand what he feels for her, and to her astonishment, he feels more for her than to give her his bite and curse her forever. For him this is real love, and he is content just to see her and make love to her – if he ever finishes their copulation, he will have such a raging need that he will hurt her and cause more trouble than he thinks he is worth.

There are few novels that feature a wereling and an elf, but this one shows the finer points of their personalities. Daeven is a powerful young man, but he is kind and attentive with the woman he loves. He would never hurt her, or let anyone else hurt her, but he has the foresight not to doom her to be hunted as he would be if he ever made her his true mate. He has to deny all his instincts as a wereling in order to save her, yet she doesn’t see his point of view. Briar is young too, and defiant to her father and all he represents. She wants to be free, yet being a crown princess, she has little choice but to do as her family wishes. There is also the risk of death should she encourage the man she loves to make her his wereling love mate.

I was hooked from start to finish with this novel. The characters seemed real to me as the scenery of the fantasy itself. The sex scenes left plenty to be thought about, and the love between the two of them showed that a bond could be forged between man and elf.

Rating: ★★★★★

Buy: Princess Mine

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-princess-mine-by-brindle-chase/feed/ 0 Review: Defiant by Kris Kennedy http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-defiant-by-kris-kennedy/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-defiant-by-kris-kennedy/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:34:07 +0000 Aggie S. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12577

Reviewed by Aggie S.

Would you be interested in reading a book that started off with “At first, it appeared they were both after the same cock.”? I wasn’t so sure it was going to be the type of book I usually like to read. lol ;) As far as opening lines it was pretty catchy.

Summary: Jamie was on a hunt for a priest on orders from the King of England. This particular priest had information regarding some heirs that were thought to have been killed. The keeper of many heirs, also working for the king, is also chasing these same heirs, as they escaped from him before and he wants them back. Eva came back to England with Roger whom she has rescued as a young babe when his parents were killed.

This story takes them all through England heading towards Scotland to get away from the King's henchmen. Eva throughout the story is protecting Roger as she loves him as her own son. As all romance novels go Jamie eventually falls in love with Eva although throughout the story his loses his patience with her more times than one can count. He realizes he loves her when she lands in the clutches of the King and could possibly die unless he rescues her.

Factoid: Most of the story is based on a true plot to assassinate King John in 1212. A lot of the history is true although the author does add a few characters to make the story more interesting.

I recommend this book for fans of unusual plots and historical intrigue. It's a little hard to get into but once you do it is not so easy to put it down.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Buy: Defiant

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-defiant-by-kris-kennedy/feed/ 0 Review: Irish Warrior by Kris Kennedy http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-irish-warrior-by-kris-kennedy/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-irish-warrior-by-kris-kennedy/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:39:19 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=8375

Kris Kennedy's writing is very engrossing. The Irish Warrior was a page turner from start to finish. It’s a story of an Irish warrior slated to be king and an English widow struggling to run a business. Both get trapped by the evil Rardove, a man promoted by the English King Edward to the aristocracy. A journey that must end in the purest of joys or deepest of sorrows begins when the young widow frees the warrior from the prison and together they escape in the dead of night for their freedom and their very lives.

Finian O'Melaghlin is everything one could ask for in a hero. He’s noble, compassionate, capable, and honorable. He has his pride and his strength. He is a man other men will fight beside because they know he’s on their side. And if rumor is true, he’s also got a way with the ladies… but don’t take my word for it, just ask the ladies or really just ask the heroine.

Senna de Valery is a beautiful widow and very young. Her first marriage was at age 15 and it did not go well or last very long. There’s implied evidence to rape in her background and it’s made her people shy (though she doesn’t realize this until later that she is so and she certainly doesn’t seem it, but that’s part of the transformative power of love in this novel). When confronted with danger and cruelty, she’s defiant, strong, and smart. Senna is a heroine to root for.

Rardove has ties to both of them in ways that are equally obvious and concealed. Kennedy gives readers one right off the bat and hints at the other until it’s revealed late in the book. Rardove delights in torture and pain and power and the pictures Kennedy paints are vivid if not comprehensively detailed.

The lovemaking scenes are burn your fingers hot and are told so beautifully that you will probably count them as part of your all-time favorites. The intrigue and politics that make up the suspense half of the story are heart-pounding. In short, you could not go wrong picking up a copy of this book.

Rating: ★★★★½

Buy: The Irish Warrior

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-irish-warrior-by-kris-kennedy/feed/ 0 Review: Heart of Vengeance by Tracy Cooper-Posey http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-heart-of-vengeance-by-tracy-cooper-posey/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-heart-of-vengeance-by-tracy-cooper-posey/#comments Sun, 04 Sep 2011 09:10:39 +0000 Susan S. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=8139

by Susan S., guest reviewer

High praise for Cooper-Posey’s Heart of Vengeance. A touching love story of two lovers willing to risk it all (titles, lands, imprisonment, torture, even death) just to be together.

Summary:

Ah, Lady Helena of York, beautiful daughter of the late Earl of Wessex. Pretty Saxon maiden with the most beautiful blue eyes-you’ve ever seen. While she may look angelic, this is a knife carrying, strong heroine who can expertly yield a bow and arrow. She’s going to find her father’s killer come hell or high water! And when she does…well, you’ll have to read the novel to find out.

The plan: Helena (heroine) will pose as Lady Isobel of Brittany; a Norman. Lady Catherine and Sir Hubert Fitzwarren will be sponsoring her return to court. Nothing! Absolutely nothing, will stand in Helena’s way. She simply must find the man responsible for all her anguish. That the Fitzwarren’s plan to marry her off, well…she’ll cross that bridge when she gets there.

Who’s Stephen, Count of Dinan, Earl of Northumbria, often referred to as the Black Baron? Stephen, yes, he’s what I like to call, the law of unintended consequences. The one’s Helena didn’t foresee. When their paths cross, a continued acquaintance would be foolish, not to mention deadly. She’s posing as someone she’s not, and he’s seen as trouble to be avoided. A medieval bad boy, no wonder he appealed to me! Helena has a bit of a trilemma on her hands: 1. How to keep her real identity concealed/ avoid drawing the present king’s ire 2. Steer clear of marrying a repugnant man named Savaric/ circumvent the future king’s wrath, and the most troublesome of the three 3. Can she stay away from a noble knight who’s stolen all she had left…her heart?

Who said a woman’s life was easy?

Recommendations: Do you fancy stories with dashing knights, beautiful maidens, and forbidden love? Did the characters and power plays in The Lion in Winter appeal to you? In the movie Romeo & Juliet (the 1968 version, of course) did the clandestine meetings between lovers make you gush? If so, I recommend you pick up a copy. Same goes, if you read romances in “any” subgenre, but more specifically historicals, romantic suspense, and medieval love stories.

Historical Elements: I’d like to touch on a key point; accuracy. 1. King Richard’s use of kingdom’s resources to support his crusade (check). 2. King Richard married Berengaria (check). 3. As well as Richard’s use of Château Gaillard (check).

My Thoughts: Reading is subjective, yes. But, I’m convinced the author’s beautiful story, coupled with historical accuracies intertwined in such a way, you couldn’t possibly debate its winning outcome.

Complaints: Yes, I have them.

Number one, it’s a single title. I want a Vengeance Series! Can’t I get Marked by Vengeance? Where William of Worcester is the hero; all grown up. Secondly, Robert of Loxley (my goblet clashes against the table) I want him. Sorry, I forget myself, strikethrough. Replace the word him, with more. Or, more of him!?

Comedic Element: Stephen doesn’t know Isobel’s real identity, and she’s not telling, so he calls her not-Isobel.

Where shall I place this novel? In my re-read pile, of course!

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: Heart of Vengeance (Kindle), Heart of Vengeance (Paperback)

eBook, 2010, Cerridwen Press
Medieval Historical Romantic Suspense, 227 pages.
ISBN# 978-141-992-4040

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-heart-of-vengeance-by-tracy-cooper-posey/feed/ 4 Review: Legacy by Jeanette Baker http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-legacy-by-jeanette-baker/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-legacy-by-jeanette-baker/#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 09:41:55 +0000 Aggie S. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=10572

by Aggie S., guest reviewer

Summary: Christina Murray recently divorced decides to go to Scotland after receiving a letter from Ellen Maxwell asking her to come. She had been visiting various parts of Scotland throughout the years and this was an invitation to come to the oldest manor in Scotland that has survived 800 years. Upon her arrival Ms. Maxwell dies without telling Christina why she invited her. Christina learns that she is to inherit Traquair House.

Traquir House is open to the public for tours, but Christina decides to cancel those for a brief time after she starts having dreams of being back in the 13th century. The one servant, who lives at the house, seems efficient enough in her job that Christina lets her stay. She meets one of the neighbors and falls head over heels for him right from the start. He apparently feels the same way. She shares her dream with him and they decide to pursue the meaning of them. Kate, the servant and Ian are working together to uncover and discover truths behind Tranquair House and it's curse.

Review: This book is interesting, but not one I would consider to be a steady read. There is so much bouncing between the dreams and reality it is hard to sometimes differentiate between the two and the dreams seem to be dragged out more than necessary. What finally worked for me was that the end of the story was not quite what I expected.

Rating: ★★½☆☆

Buy: Legacy

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-legacy-by-jeanette-baker/feed/ 0 Review: The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-return-of-black-douglas-by-elaine-coffman/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-return-of-black-douglas-by-elaine-coffman/#comments Sun, 24 Apr 2011 22:00:06 +0000 Aggie S. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=10387

by Aggie S., guest reviewer

Time travel romance is not the same thing as sci-fi romance or sci-fi time travel. In The Return of Black Douglas, there is no bouncing back and forth between different times, but there is a ghost. Twin sisters Isobella and Elizabeth Douglas, go to Scotland to trace their ancestors and learn about their past relatives as a trade off for a honeymoon that never took place, because Isobel's fiance took off with his dance teacher instead.

This story starts in present time as the girls are starting their day exploring tombs of Douglas ancestors. They find the effigy of The Good Sir James of Douglas and Isobel is so overcome with emotion that she cries. That night Isobel dreams about a medieval dark haired man who wanted to make love to her. The next day the sisters plan on visiting Beloyn Castle and the portrait of the Black Douglas, who died in the fourteenth century. They are in awe of the painting and Isobel touches the bottom of his boot then everything goes black.

The ghost of the Black Douglas has whisked them from the present day, to the sixteenth century to the Isle of Mull, Scotland. They have absolutely no idea where they are and he is not giving them any straight answers. Do ghosts ever give straight answers? ;)

As for the hero, Chieftain Alysandir Mackinnon, he and the rest of the Mackinnon clan are on their way back from delivering their sister to a nunnery, because she does not wish to wed a Maclean when they are ambushed by the Macleans. During the battle the Douglas girls are noticed by the men. Fighting stops and the Macleans look as if they are leaving but then four men on horseback go after the girls. They run but Isobel falls into a crag and the Macleans sweep up Elizabeth and ride off with her. Two of the Mackinnons give chase to save her from them and Alysandir Mackinnon goes after Isobel.

The story continues on with Isobel at Marrach Castle while Elizabeth is with the Macleans at Duart Castle. The ghost of the Black Douglas appears occasionally to answer (but not really answer) Isobel's questions and he gives no indication as to when or if they will return to their own time, only saying that the answers will be appearing when the time is right. The girls fear being called witches at first and then find some acceptance as to their being there. They are some interesting things that happen throughout the story but you must read it to find out what happens.

I think The Return of Black Douglas is a great book to cuddle up on the couch. The use of current English, Gaelic and old English makes this book an interesting read and gives an idea how they spoke in Medieval times while the translations to current times help understanding.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Buy: The Return of Black Douglas

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-return-of-black-douglas-by-elaine-coffman/feed/ 0 Review: The Devil’s Temptress by Laura Navarre http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-devil%e2%80%99s-temptress-by-laura-navarre/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-devil%e2%80%99s-temptress-by-laura-navarre/#comments Fri, 22 Apr 2011 21:13:50 +0000 Carla F. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=10296

by Carla F., guest reviewer

Summary: With the popularity, of romances in the Regency and Tudor time periods, books set during the Plantagenet era gets short shrift. The Devil's Temptress is set during the reign of Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. It begins in 1174 when Eleanor is under “house-arrest” for encouraging her and Henry’s children to rise up and take the throne from Henry.

This story is about Lady Alienore of Lyonstone who is Eleanor’s privy chancellor (for personal matters/correspondence only).  When we first meet Lady Alienore, she has disguised herself in armor and is about to defend the honor of her cousin who was wronged by a knight known only as le Corbeau - the Raven. She was trained in sword fighting and she fights well against Raven, but he ends up walking away after throwing her from her horse because it is a “small pleasure to trounce a half-grown boy.”

Raven has actually come to court because of Alienore. Henry believes that Alienore is a spy for his wife and he wants Raven to stop her without letting Eleanor know Henry is behind it. However, Raven has other reasons for looking for Alienore. She has come to court to escape a betrothal to the Duc d’Ormonde who wants her back.

Review: It was fun to read the court intrigue and the political maneuverings of Henry, Eleanor, and Richard. However, the main story was not as engaging.

Generally, I liked Raven and particularly liked that he had a Muslim mother. Also you could understand the pain he had suffered while fighting in the crusades.

It was difficult to believe that Alienore had survived court life because she seemed to believe whatever anyone told her (particularly Eleanor and Richard). She was wrong about people’s personalities and motives quite often. I also thought her too prideful. I did like she had the Raven’s back when he was fighting off enemies.

Recommended: For those who like to read about Henry, Eleanor, Richard, and Geoffrey Plantagenet.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Buy: The Devil's Temptress

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-devil%e2%80%99s-temptress-by-laura-navarre/feed/ 2 Review: Healing the Highlander by Melissa Mayhue http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-healing-the-highlander-by-melissa-mayhue/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-healing-the-highlander-by-melissa-mayhue/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:52:15 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=10011

Heroine: Leah (Noble) MacQuarrie doesn’t belong in medieval Scotland though she’s determined to do so. She’s actually from the future, but has lived in Scotland now for 12 years. Coming to Scotland was the best thing for her because it got her away from the Nuadian Fae who tortured her and planned to use her as a breeder for powerful half human/half fae babies. Life with the MacQuarries has been good, but then with the return of estranged Richard (Dick) everything goes downhill. He imprisons his father in a quick bloodless coup and Leah is the only one able to get out of the keep to find help… from the fae MacKiernan clan.

Hero: Andrew MacAlister has lived in pain ever since a horrible fae attack. His leg is badly messed up and requires a lot of physical work to keep it loose. A trip to find a cure is put on hold when he pulls Leah out of the water and hears her story to reach Dun Ard, he agrees to take her without telling her it’s his home. English soldiers escort them all the way there and a fabricated marriage is the only thing keeping Leah from being captured and returned to her uncle, Richard.

Review: You don’t necessarily have to read the other books in the series to pick this book up and enjoy it, but I think you’ll be able to follow characters/relationships/cameos better and make connections otherwise lost to you. I managed to pick up a lot after reading a bit even though I haven’t read any of the books prior to Healing the Highlander. It’s clear there are intricate relationships and histories (several characters in the past are from the future) and extensive world building that were built up through the previous books.

Favorite Scene: The ending sequence where Drew realizes just how Leah’s fae power works. Angsty and fabulous.

Daughters of the Glen Series:

  1. Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband
  2. Highland Guardian
  3. Soul of a Highlander
  4. A Highlander of Her Own
  5. A Highlander's Destiny
  6. A Highlander's Homecoming
  7. Healing the Highlander
  8. Highlander's Curse

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Buy: Healing the Highlander

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-healing-the-highlander-by-melissa-mayhue/feed/ 0 Review: Choices Meant for Gods by Sandy Lender http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-choices-meant-for-gods-by-sandy-lender/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-choices-meant-for-gods-by-sandy-lender/#comments Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:26:12 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=3366

bookreview1

Choices Meant for Gods is a fantasy adventure romance, the first of three parts. Medieval overtones color the epic tale following a young twenty-year old heroine. Her name is Amanda Chariss. She has long auburn tresses, violet eyes, and holds the Geasa’n, the natural ability to perform magic. Chariss is an orphan, protected and raised by an old wizard named Hrazon.

For sixteen years, Hrazon and Chariss have been on the run from the sorcerer Jamieson Drake. Drake killed Chariss’ mother, Vertigo, and seeks to finish his revenge by obtaining her death as well. She does not trust stability in any form, for life has taught her it disappears in a blink of an eye. Hrazon has done his best to train his ward, but even a powerful wizard and protégé need help.

Meet Rothahn, the Master. He is the head god. His father before him selected Rothahn for the throne before moving aside. Rothahn however is far from holding ultimate power, a fact which annoys him as he thinks it would be useful… at least if only to kill off Godric, his daughter’s husband, and hid the blame.

Nigel, the twenty-eight year old man and our hero also holds the Geasa’n. He is Godric’s son, and Rothahn’s grandson. He, like Rothahn, holds no love for the man who sired him. Noble and kind, Nigel spends his time looking after his family and their holdings. When he meets our heroine for the first time he knows something is about to change in his life.

Julette is an evil goddess known as The Dragon. When her husband gave up the throne she was incensed that he would dare pass the power and glory to Rothahn. Was she not Queen? In league with Drake, Julette is determined to bring about a new world order that would have all mortals bow to her and pray for her deliverance.

Below are my two favorite passages between Chariss and Nigel as they discuss love:

“I fail to see how these simple things tell you you’re in love. Kaylin enjoys my company. Mia enjoys arguing with me. Master Rothahn says I’m compassionate to a fault. I saved Sorne’s life once. Jake told me I’m beautiful. Does this mean they’re all in love with me?”

“If love could be explained that easily, it wouldn’t be real.”

…

“Nigel, let me give you some advice. You don’t want to marry for love because people fall out of love, and then there’s nothing left between them.”

He stared at her in shock. “I believe that’s the most cynical statement I’ve ever heard in my life.”

Watch him break down her walls... sigh.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Choices Meant for Gods

choices-meant-for-gods-banner-copy

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-choices-meant-for-gods-by-sandy-lender/feed/ 3