Karen Robards’ DESIRE IN THE SUN – A Handsome Sea Captain, a Forbidden Love and a Tropical Isle—Formula for a Lasting Love!

Set in 1792, this story tells of Delilah Remy from the British island of Barbados who visits her great aunt in Virginia with the hopes of finding a suitor she actually wants (having previously turned down two dozen proposals and not being very thrilled with her father’s choice).

 

One night she encounters Joss San Pietro, the first man she’s ever been attracted to. He’s tall, dark and terribly handsome and much more mature than the fops who she’s been exposed to and better that the oh-so-dull man her father would see her marry on Barbados where they have a plantation. But the night they meet, Lilah and Joss learn a terrible secret about him that means they can never be together: Joss is not entirely white.

 

Robards deals well with a sensitive issue at a time when England had no slaves but America did. Joss is an educated businessman, a merchant sea captain with his own ships, but his one drop of African blood rules him out as a suitor and throws him into slavery.

 

On the voyage south to Barbados, where Joss accompanies Lilah as her slave, they will be shipwrecked on a tropical island for months where none of the rules apply.

 

Robards tells a great tale with wonderful characters and a deep romance that defies the rules of the day. It kept me turning pages.

 

Rebecca Hart’s CALL OF THE SEA – Unusual High Seas Romance with Pirates, Privateers and a Selkie!

Set in the 17^th century in England, Gibraltar and on the sea, this is the story of Elysandra (“Ellie”) Winters, the young daughter of a ship’s captain who has always wanted to join her father in his life at sea. Daniel O'Rourke, who lives part of his life in the sea as a selkie, upon seeing the love between the 10 year-old Ellie and her father, decides to take a job with Ellie’s father on his ship, Siren's Call. However, his first assignment is not as the cabin boy he will become, but to protect the captain’s daughter.

 

Soon, Ellie’s father sends her away to school. After five years, Ellie decides she’s had enough, and at 15, disguises herself as a boy and runs away to sea on a competitor’s ship, much to the dismay of her mother.

Years later, after Daniel has been at sea with Captain Winters and promoted to First Mate, and Ellie has become a favored crewmember on another ship, the leader of a band of bloodthirsty Corsair pirates murders Captain Winters off the coast of Gibraltar. Ellie’s captain saves her father’s ship, and Daniel and Ellie are thrown together to seek vengeance for the death of the man they both loved.

 

Hart weaves an intriguing tale and seamlessly integrates the fantasy element so it seems a part of the reality. Daniel is a worthy hero who accepts his lot in life but works hard to attain the approval of Ellie’s father—and Ellie’s love. One had to feel sorry for Ellie who lost years of her father’s love thinking he did not understand her. But, alas, such is life. The story has some great action scenes and some tender moments. I do think that the ending seemed a bit rushed and would have liked an added last chapter, but all in all, it was very enjoyable. I recommend it.

 

Sally Malcolm’s THE LEGEND OF THE GYPSY HAWK - Pirate Saga with a Compelling Hero

Originally published in 2012 as Beyond The Far Horizon (the Historical Note at the end presumes that title), this is a tale of pirates trying to preserve their dying way of life.

 

The story begins in 1848 when a midshipman hauls aboard a chest with a lock carved with a dolphin and a hawk and realizes it must be from the ghost ship the Gypsy Hawk, captained by Zachary Hazard who loved Amelia Dauphin in the prior century. So unfolds the story.

 

In 1716 off the coast of Africa, there is a pirate haven called Ile Sainte Anne, an island kingdom of pirates that has existed for some time. There the pirates see themselves as freedom-loving people and justify their robbing wealthy merchant ships with a sort of Robin Hood philosophy. Still, for all that, they are pirates.

 

Capt. Zach Hazard likes women, dice and rum. His father is one of the island’s leaders and protector of “the Articles”—the written pirate’s code. Years ago, Zach left the island after a fight with his father. Now he returns to warn the islanders, Amelia included, that the English, French and Dutch are coming to destroy their way of life.

 

Amelia is the captain of one of her father’s pirate ships (though we don’t really see her acting as such) and is smitten with the handsome Zach as he is with her. But Amelia sees him as a risky choice and to save her island, she agrees to marry a Frenchman named Luc who persuades the leaders that trade with their enemies is the way to go.

 

Noble Zach tries and fails to persuade the island to leave behind the past and run. He is betrayed by treacherous Luc, which Zach expected, and by naïve Amelia, which Zach did not expect. The author portrayed the betrayal very well in an exciting, cliff-hanging scene at the end of “Part 1”. Years later, Amelia is to be hanged. Will Zach save her?

 

This is a well-written tale of adventure, betrayal, treachery and love with a little melancholy thrown in and a bit slow in the middle. Malcolm brings you into the 18th century in a fictional exotic setting with superb descriptions and well-nuanced emotional scenes. Zack is a splendid hero, hurt by his love for a woman who did not appreciate his character. And Amelia is a rather tainted heroine (the word adultery comes to mind).

 

If you love adventure stories set in exotic locales with a hero to die for and don’t mind a tainted heroine and the pirates’ morality, then you’ll like this one.

 

A few minor notes: There would be no crow’s nests on ships of this period and no “ceilings” on the ships, but the shipboard scenes are nevertheless very good.

MaryLu Tyndall’s THE REDEMPTION –Christian Pirate (well, sort of) Finds Love

Set in 1665, this is the story of Charlisse Bristol, who leaves England for the Caribbean, looking for a father she has never known. She thinks him a gentleman but she will be oh, so wrong. Before she gets to Port Royal, she is shipwrecked on an island where she is saved by a band of pirates led by Captain Merrick, a Christian and a privateer for the Crown.

Charlisse is both attracted to and confused by the pirate captain. When she tells him of her search to find her father, Merrick agrees to help even though the man is a horrible pirate, the ruthless Edward the Terror Merrick once served under.

 

There’s lots of adventure in this one with battles at sea and on ship. Tyndall’s descriptions are vivid and the pirate fights realistic. Charlisse seems a bit clueless at times but then she is an innocent. Lucky for her, Merrick is a gentleman in disguise, who tries to keep his band of pirates together while holding to his higher standards and assuring Charlisse’s safety. Her father is, initially at least, a blackguard.

 

You’ll be glad when they finally dock at Port Royal but the tension doesn’t end there as Charlisse becomes entangled in her father’s world and discovers a kind man of God in Thomas. For inspirational romance lovers who long for a pirate story, this is a great choice!

 

Karen Robards’ DESIRE IN THE SUN – A Handsome Sea Captain, a Forbidden Love and a Tropical Isle—Formula for a Lasting Love!

February is Pirates and Privateers month in which I feature books with love on the high seas! So let the adventure begin with this story by a great author.

 

Set in 1792, this tells of Delilah Remy from the British island of Barbados who visits her great aunt in Virginia with the hopes of finding a suitor she actually wants (having previously turned down two dozen proposals and not being very thrilled with her father’s choice). One night she encounters Joss San Pietro, the first man she’s ever been attracted to. He’s tall, dark and terribly handsome and much more mature than the fops who she’s been exposed to and better that the oh-so-dull man her father would see her marry on Barbados where they have a plantation. But the night they meet, Lilah and Joss learn a terrible secret about him that means they can never be together: Joss is not entirely white.

 

Robards deals well with a sensitive issue at a time when England had no slaves but America did. Joss is an educated businessman, a merchant sea captain with his own ships, but his one drop of African blood rules him out as a suitor and throws him into slavery.

 

On the voyage south to Barbados, where Joss accompanies Lilah as her slave, they will be shipwrecked on a tropical island for months where none of the rules apply.

 

Robards tells a great tale with wonderful characters and a deep romance that defies the rules of the day. It kept me turning pages.

Best Viking Romances!

Every now and then I love a good Viking story. Not fantasy, not paranormal, just straight up historical love stories from the time of the raiding Northmen. The Viking Age was that part of the medieval period from the end of the 8^th century to the middle of the 11^th century, although there are Norse pirates still around beyond that. It was an age of valiant and sometimes ruthless warriors and raiders.

 

There’s nothing like a Viking raid and a strapping tall warrior to get your blood boiling, right? Well, of course, it must be well done and we want a strong heroine to give the guy some grief. And a little history thrown in doesn’t hurt either. If you like ‘em, here’s a list of those I’ve rated 4 and 5 stars!

 

Blind Allegiance and Blind Mercy by Violetta Rand

Breton Wolf and Ivar the Red  by Victoria Vane

Dawnfire by Lynn Erickson

Dream of Me, Believe in Me and Come Back to Me, trilogy by Josie Litton

Edin’s Embrace by Nadine Crenshaw

Fires of Winter, Hearts Aflame and Surrender My Love, trilogy by Johanna Lindsey

Forbidden Passion by Theresa Scott

Golden Surrender, The Viking’s Woman and Lord of the Wolves, trilogy by Heather Graham

Kept by the Viking by Gina Conkle

Lord of Hawkfell Island, Lord of Raven’s Peak and Lord of Falcon Ridge, trilogy by Catherine Coulter

Lord of the Runes by Sabrina Jarema

Love’s Fury by Violetta Rand

Loveweaver and The Maiden Seer by Tracy Ann Miller

Maidensong by Diana Groe (aka Mia Marlowe)

Norse Jewel by Gina Conkle

Northward the Heart by Maureen Kurr

Odin’s Shadow, A Flame Put Out and Oath Breaker, 3-part story by Erin Riley

Raeliksen, Mac Liam and The Temperate Warrior by Renee Vincent (re-edited and re-released as Sunset Fire, Emerald Glory and Souls Reborn)

Sea Jewel by Penelope Neri

Season of the Sun by Catherine Coulter

Storm Maiden by Mary Gillgannon

Tara’s Song by Barbara Ferry Johnson

The Bewitched Viking by Sandra Hill

The Enchantment (first published as My Warrior’s Heart) by Betina Krahn

The Norse King’s Daughter by Sandra Hill

The Pagan’s Prize by Miriam Minger

The Valiant Heart, The Defiant Heart and The Captive Heart by Kathleen Kirkwood (aka Anita Gordon)

The Viking by Marti Talbott

The Viking’s Defiant Bride by Joanna Fulford

The Viking’s Sacrifice by Julia Knight

The Viking Warrior’s Bride by Harper St. George

To Find a Viking Treasure by Gina Conkle

Twin Passions by Miriam Minger

Viking Captive by Emma Merritt

Viking Gold by Nadine Crenshaw

Viking Passion by Flora Speer

Viking Rose by Ashland Price

Viking Sword: The Stranded One by Mairi Norris

 

For stories that include a Viking attack, consider my own Rogue Knight and Rebel Warrior in the Medieval Warriors series. http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/medieval-warriors.html

 

Summer Warrior, the award-winning first in my Clan Donald Saga has Norse pirates! http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/summer-warrior.html

 

Kathleen Kirkwood’s THE VALIANT HEART – A Great Viking romance!

Set in 912AD in Valseme, France, part of Duke Rollo’s Normandy where the Norsemen have settled, this is the story of Rurik, a Northman whose father, Gruel Atli, made Baron Valseme by Rollo, is given the Valseme’s heiress, Brienne, to wife. It seems King Charles desires to cement his relationship with the Northmen and Brienne has been biding her time in a convent. But just after the wedding, Atli suffers a heart attack and dies.

Even before her new husband dies, Brienne fell in love with his oldest son, Rurik. So when Duke Rollo grants Rurik’s request to give him Brienne’s hand, she is thrilled.

The story has an intriguing beginning as Rurik sends his brother, Lyting, disguised as a monk, to the abbey at Levroux where Brienne is in training to be a healer. And it was a good thing, too, since Brienne’s French brother-in-law has designs on her to make her his mistress. Soon Brienne realizes it’s the Northmen who seem to be honorable.

Great writing and a story that will draw you in make this a wonderful Viking romance. The inclusion of real history reflects deep research, just like Kirkwood’s other stories (I read book 2 first not realizing it was the second—I do recommend reading the trilogy in order). Rurik is a worthy hero and Brienne does have a “valiant heart”.

If you’re looking for a worthy Viking trilogy of romances, this is the place to start.

 

The trilogy:

 

The Valiant Heart

The Defiant Heart

The Captive Heart

 

 

Sandra Hill’s THE NORSE KING’S DAUGHTER – Fanciful yet based on good research…a Viking Adventure!

 

This is the story of King Thoval’s (a Norse king) last unmarried daughter, Drifa, and Sidroc Guntersson, a Viking warrior, who needs a wife and a mother for his infant daughter left him when his wife died. Unfortunately, Sidroc never told Drifa of his need for a mother for his babe as he courted her. When she found out, she was less than pleased and bashed him on the head. When he awakes, he learns his daughter has disappeared and fears she is dead. Now, years later, Sidroc and Drifa are reunited in Miklagard where Drifa has come to study flowers. Sidroc is one of an elite guard who is assigned to Drifa. He means to have his revenge.

 

Hill weaves her solid research into her fanciful story, presenting the Vikings’ way of life and the great city of Miklagard (the Viking name for Constantinople) in a realistic manner. Yet it is still a fanciful, often humorous tale. The sex is pretty graphic.

 

Hill will draw you into the characters’ lives. Though I soon realized this was part of a series, it can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone. In fact, Hill has eleven books in her Viking series, all worthy reads and some as much fantasy as historical.

 

Violetta Rand’s LOVE’S FURY – Powerful Norseman Claims a Saxon Slave

Set in 867, beginning in York, this is the story of Konal the Red, a Norseman drafted by the Danish prince to fight in Northumbria. Once his military contract expires, Konal intends to return to Norway and his family. But his conquests have earned him lands and he wants to see them first The prince has also given him one of the captives, an educated girl named Silvia, to be his slave.

Silvia, the educated daughter of the church undersecretary, vows to avenge her father’s death in the raid that lost her their home, however, she has little choice but to follow Konal as he leads her away from York.

 

Silvia constantly challenges Konal, all the while being weak to his kisses. Konal is a most unusual Northman, allowing her to do as she wants, believing he can woo her to his bed.

 

This is a well-written story in the true Viking romance tradition of a powerful Norseman taking an alluring Saxon to be his slave, never intending to keep her in such a position. Can Silvia leave her home forever? The two clash as they find romance.

The Strongest Heart...FREE on Kindle to the 5th!

Book 3 in the Clan Donald Saga is FREE Jan. 1-5 on Amazon to get you ready for my newest in the Saga, Born to Trouble. 

In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.
 
A man of keen intelligence and strategy, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow a traitorous royal thug to rob him of his legacy. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota Leslie, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.
 
What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to become the Hero of Harlaw.

 

Born to Trouble, book 4 in The Clan Donald Saga, is here!

In the turbulent landscape of 15th-century Scotland, Alexander of Islay, Lord of the Isles and heir to the earldom of Ross, welcomes King James home after a long captivity in England. Yet behind the façade of royal approval lies a web of treachery. Alexander’s father triumphed at the Battle of Harlaw, securing for his son the title Earl of Ross, but Alexander must navigate a perilous court where loyalty is a fleeting shadow if he is to keep it.

The nobles defeated at Harlaw, threatened by Alexander’s growing power, whisper in the king's ear, urging him to curb the formidable Lord of the Isles. Once an ally, King James turns against Alexander, imprisoning him in the grim confines of Tantallon Castle. Yet Alexander holds the unwavering loyalty of the Highlanders and Islesmen, who will rise in rebellion for the wrongs done to their beloved lord.

In a life fraught with conflict and trouble, Alexander captures the hearts of three women—each vying for his affection. But only one truly holds his heart. As alliances shift and passions ignite, can Alexander claim his rightful title and the woman he loves while navigating the treachery surrounding him?

 

See it on Amazon!

Favorite Heroes & Heroines!

It’s that time of year when I share my favorite heroes and heroines from the novels I have rated 5-stars. Noble men, who overcome tortured pasts, flaws and the odds against them to pursue great deeds and love, and heroines who persist against overwhelming obstacles to be with the man to whom they would give their heart—strong, intelligent women of character. Every one a worthy hero and heroine. The best are set deep in history.

 

Here are my favorites, my Christmas gift to you! This just might be your next year’s reading list!

 

Heroes

 

Francis from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Graham from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Justine from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Hugh from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Garr from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Christopher from A ROSE IN WINTER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Houston from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Ruark from SHANA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Beaumaris from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Summerton from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Jacob from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Night Hawk from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jamie from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Thomas from HOME BY MORNING by Kaki Warner

Jason from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

Alasdair (“Dair”) from LADY OF THE GLEN by Jennifer Roberson

Brigham from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Bret from WITHOUT WORDS by Ellen O’Connell

Ethan from MOOD INDIGO by Parris Afton Bonds

Sean from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Domenico from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felipe Tristan from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Fulke from THE OUTLAW KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick

Roger from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Alex from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

Tade from BLACK FALCON’S LADY by Kimberly Cates (formerly NIGHTWYLDE by Kimberleigh Caitlin)

Devon from THE WINDFLOWER by Laura London

Gabriel from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Gannon from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Alex from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

Cord from EYES OF SILVER, EYES OF GOLD by Ellen O’Connell

Anthony from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Trevor from LIONS AND LACE by Meagan McKinney

Simon from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Ethan from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Derek from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Rory from BROKEN VOWS by Shirl Henke

Hawk from CAPTURE THE SUN by Shirl Henke

Simon from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Shane from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Christian from DECEPTIVE HEART by Maureen Kurr

Drake from PIRATE’S ANGEL by Marsha Bauer

Adrian from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Cougar from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Derek from INNOCENT FIRE by Brenda Joyce

Johnny from THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson

Julian from THE DUKE OF SHADOWS by Meredith Duran

Wolf from LOVE, CHERISH ME by Rebecca Brandewyne

Jesse from ONE WORE BLUE by Heather Graham

Zack from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Shay from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

McCady from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Jamie from OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

Brandon from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Callum from LAIRD OF THE MIST by Paula Quinn

Lucas from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Daegan from RAELIKSEN by Renee Vincent

Roc from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Francis from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Olaf from GOLDER SURRENDER by Heather Graham

 

Heroines

 

Philippa from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Sophia from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Leonie from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Mahelt from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Annyn from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Amelia from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Arabella from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Venetia from VENETIA by Georgette Heyer

Caroline from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Catriona from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Sarah (Flame) from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jassy from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Anna from TOUCH OF LACE by Elizabeth DeLancey

Chess from FROM FIELDS OF GOLD by Alexandra Ripley

Tess from THE BLACK ROSE by Christina Skye

Katherine from CLANDARA by Evelyn Anthony

Cat from LADY OF THE GLEN by Jennifer Roberson

Anne from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Margaret from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Mary from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

Miranda from ONCE MORE MIRANDA by Jennifer Wilde

Oriana from ORIANA by Valerie Vayle

Serena from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Briar from SLEEP IN THE WOODS by Dorothy Eden

Lysistrata from RANGOON by Christine Monson

Catherine from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Juana from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felicia from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Lissa from WHEN ANGELS FALL by Meagan McKinney

Jamelyn from SILK AND STEEL by Cordia Byers

Eleanor from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Elspeth from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

Sarah from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Fallon from PRINCESS OF FIRE by Heather Graham

Mary from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

Katherine from DANCING ON COALS by Ellen O’Connell

Anne from EYES OF SILVER, EYES OF GOLD by Ellen O’Connell

Kayleigh from MY WICKED ENCHANTRESS by Meagan McKinney

Cassie from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Isabeau from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Maddy from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Nicole from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Darcy from BEYOND THE CLIFFS OF KERRY by Amanda Hughes

Lauren from THE PRIDE OF THE KING by Amanda Hughes

Scarlett from SCARLETT by Alexandra Ripley

Eleanor from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Sara from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Summer from THE PIRATE AND THE PAGAN by Virginia Henley

Justine from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Flame from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Adair from A DANGEROUS LOVE by Bertrice Small

Clementine from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Emma from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

Jessalyn from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Heather from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Shanna from SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Aislinn from THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Jessie from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Whitney from THE PARADISE BARGAIN by Betina Krahn

Skye from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Katherine from THE GAME by Brenda Joyce

Kat from CHILDREN OF THE MIST by Aleen Malcolm

Erin from GOLDEN SURRENDER by Heather Graham

Amelia from THE VISCOUNT’S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Erica Ridley

 

And, from my own stories:

 

Ren and Serena from THE RED WOLF’S PRIZE

Steinar and Catriona from REBEL WARRIOR & THE REFUGE

Jean and Joanna from ECHO IN THE WIND (and the Donet Trilogy)

Somerled and Ragnhild from SUMMER WARRIOR

Angus and Aine from BOUND BY HONOR

Donald and Mariota from THE STRONGEST HEART

Anita Mills; LADY OF FIRE - A Favorite Heroine in a Great Medieval Romance set in Normandy!

This is one for the keeper shelf. I loved it. Set in 11th century Normandy and England, this is the story of Eleanor of Nantes, daughter of a Norman count. She is young and innocent, but oh, so courageous and spirited.

 

When King William first encounters her, she is defending her bastard half-brother, Roger FitzGilbert, fighting off the bullies who are after him. The king is taken with the 12-year-old girl and would betroth her to his own son, Henry. But fate takes a harsh turn upon her mother’s death and Eleanor is sent to a convent. All the while, another man swears he will have her for his wife, the rich, powerful and cruel Robert of Belesme. However, Eleanor’s heart belongs to Roger, who unknown to her, is not her brother at all which she discovers at 19 when she leaves the convent to be betrothed to Belesme.

Eleanor is a heroine to admire, consistent in her strength, intelligence and nobility of character. Roger is the kind of knight every woman longs for. He sees all Eleanor’s faults and loves her passionately and proudly, notwithstanding. Robert of Belesme, the villain who is obsessed with Eleanor, is terrible and cruel yet also strangely sympathetic (kudos to Mills to create such a complex character). The story is rich in historic details with an intricately woven plot, fast-moving dialog and suspenseful action.

It’s a page-turner and so well written. I recommend it!

The Fire Series:

Lady of Fire
Fire and Steel
Hearts of Fire
The Fire and The Fury
Winter Roses

 

 

Georgette Heyer’s THESE OLD SHADES – Wonderful Story of a Jaded Duke and a Feisty Urchin he “Buys” for His Page

This has to be one of my favorites by Heyer. Set in the 18^th century in the time of Louis XV, this is the story of Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, who, because of this reputation as a debauched rake, is dubbed “Satanas”.

Late one evening, the Duke stumbles across Leon, a red headed urchin fleeing a certain beating from his brother who is a tavern owner in a bad part of town. Finding the urchin of keen interest, Avon buys the boy and makes him his page. But it soon becomes clear to Avon that Leon is not what he seems. For one thing, 19-year-old “Leon” can read and write and he speaks very well. His features are refined, too.

The duke has a score to settle with an enemy and knows this redheaded page is somehow tied into that family. Avon must unravel the mystery. But the jaded duke doesn’t count on falling in love with the waif who turns out to be a beautiful young woman named Leonie.

 

A well-told, clever and, at times, funny story I really enjoyed. Witty dialog, intrigue and treachery abound. Great characters populate the pages. The only thing I kept asking myself is how everyone missed that Leonie had to be menstruating by this time in her life. (And what the title had to do with the story.) But, oh well, those are minor points. Highly recommended.

 

Judith James’ BROKEN WING - A Sweeping Shipboard Saga

Set in the late 1700s/early 1800s in France and England with stops in the Mediterranean and North Africa, this story is rich in the history of the times and will sweep you away with an enthralling story of love, hardship, inner strength, forgiveness, acceptance and the joy of life. I think the heroine may be my favorite of all time: beautiful, intelligent, creative—a rebel with a past. But the hero, Gabriel, is to die for. You will love him, I promise. They are both on my Favorite Heroes & Heroines list.

The story begins in Paris where a young boy, Gabriel, is left at a brothel, raised to pleasure both men and women. We learn in backstory that he was sold to a sick aristocrat, who educated the handsome boy and taught him music at which he excels. But when Gabriel tried to escape he was "disciplined" and returned to the brothel.

 

Years later, having become most attractive to both men and women, and one of the brothel's most prized possessions, Gabriel so hates himself he cuts his arms to remind himself he is alive. He has only one thing keeping him there...he saves another boy from ending up like him, protecting young Jamie against any who would rob the child of his innocence. As it turns out, Jamie is the young brother of an English nobleman who learns where the boy is and comes for him. With the nobleman comes his sister, Sarah, Lady Munroe, known as "the Gypsy Countess."

 

Sarah is a most unusual woman who thinks more like a man and often dresses like one. Thankful for Gabriel's protection of the boy, she and her brother contract with Gabriel to return with them to England for a year to help settle Jamie. During that time, the family comes to appreciate Gabriel's honorable nature, his intelligence and his character. Sarah, who can see into Gabriel's soul, longs to heal his many hurts. In the process, she and Gabriel share a love for the night sky, music and the ocean. And Sarah and Gabriel fall deeply in love.

 

Gabriel, who has trained as a seaman and a swordsman, decides to go with Sarah's cousin, Davey, a privateer captain, to the Mediterranean in order to earn enough money to one day support Sarah. And here a real adventure begins.

James is meticulous in detail and the historical setting is rich, accurate and absorbing. She tells the tale through many perspectives and I found that refreshing. I loved knowing what all the characters were thinking and she did it very well. The characters are well developed and varied. You will love Davey the pirate/privateer, Ross the older brother who is a pirate at heart...and so many others along the way.

 

I highly recommend this one.

 

Paula Quinn’s LAIRD OF THE MIST: From Enemies to Lovers in the Highlands

This may be my favorite by author Paula Quinn. And one of my favorite heroes can be found in Laird of the Mist, a worthy Highland romance and a great first in the MacGregor series. It introduces us to a fierce and proud clan, the MacGregors, who historically were officially denounced but eventually regained their position among the clans. Those MacGregor men who kept pride in their heritage and kept their name alive would be stronger than most and worthy of a woman's love.

 

Set in 17^th century Scotland, the story begins as Kate Campbell, a feisty heroine, who is good with a sword, rushes into fight alongside her clan when attacked by their enemies, the MacGregors. Ironically, her life is saved by Callum MacGregor, the man they call “the Devil”, when he sweeps her onto his stallion. From there two enemies become lovers.

 

I loved the authenticity of this tale and the character development and the way Quinn built the attraction and love between Callum and Kate, who would otherwise be enemies. Quinn brings the Highlands to life.

 

I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend it.

 

The MacGregors:

 

Laird of the Mist (Callum MacGregor and Kate Campbell) 

A Highlander Never Surrenders (Graham Grant and Claire Stuart)

 

The Children of the Mist (connected to and follows the MacGregors):

 

Ravished by a Highlander (Robert MacGregor and Davina Montgomery)

Seduced by a Highlander (Tristan MacGregor and Isobel Fergusson)

Tamed by a Highlander (Mairi MacGregor, Connor Grant) - reviewed in today's blog

Conquered by a Highlander (Colin MacGregor and Gillian Dearly)

A Highlander for Christmas