Betina Krahn’s THE LAST BACHELOR: Hilarious Victorian Romance!

This is one of my favorite Victorian romances. Betina writes detailed, well-crafted stories, all wonderful.

 

Set in London in 1882, this is the story of a beautiful young widow, Antonia, Lady Paxton, who occupies her time by saving widows and trapping gentlemen into marrying them by using their own perfidy against them. When a bachelor seeks to take a young widow's virtue--albeit a woman he's ostensibly been courting--Antonia follows them and, interrupting, forces the man to do the gentlemanly thing and marry the girl.

 

With 13 marriages to her credit, the men of White's club in London become concerned. They decide they must see “The Dragon Lady of Matrimonia” brought down, and what better man to do it than Remington Carr, Lord Landon? A confirmed bachelor, handsome as the devil, who advocates the vote for women and sending "surplus women" off to work to earn their keep, he is definitely against marriage. Antonia, on the other hand, believes marriage is a noble state and the salvation of many a widow.

 

Antonia offers Remington a wager...two weeks of women's work to change his mind about a woman's place. And if his mind isn't changed, she will do two weeks of a man's work. He accepts the wager, thinking to seduce her, but Antonia has her own plans.

Krahn had me laughing out loud when Remington put on a corset (after all, how could he do work as a woman does without having to bear the restrictive garment?). You will be amazed at the history contained in this seemingly light romance. It isn't really light at all. It's a meaningful tale of what widows suffered in Victorian times, when they were raised to be wives and mothers but were left bereft with no way to earn income.

 

Remington is an intelligent rake you will come to love and Antonia is a woman we would all want to know...a woman with a kind heart and a good mind who crafts devious plans to prove the damn men wrong. Even Queen Victoria supports her. Remington and Antonia are well matched and in an ironic twist will end up advocating each other's positions. The story is detailed, historically accurate and charming. I highly recommend it.

 

 

Mary Jo Putney’s SILK AND SECRETS – An Exciting Victorian Adventure in Uzbekistan

This is book 2 of the Victorian Silk trilogy and tells the exciting story of Lord Ross Carlisle, younger son of the Duke of Windemere, and friend to Mikahl Khanauri (now Connery), the hero in book 1. Ross is a world traveler and adventurer and now returns to Central Asia.

 

Though it is set in Bokhara, Uzbekistan in 1841, it begins in Constantinople where Ross learns that his brother has died and he is now the Marquess of Kilburn, his father’s heir. And it is there we discover that Ross is actually married—to Juliet Cameron, daughter of a Scottish diplomat. They married young and Juliet left him six months later feeling that she could not handle London Society. When Juliet’s mother asks Ross to go to Bokhara to find her son, Ian, he agrees, never knowing he will soon find his estranged wife.

 

Juliet is an adventurer in her own right, winning the respect of the Persians where she rules a people. Ross, a splendid hero everyone seems to love, admires her as she admires him. They seemed perfect for each other and Juliet’s leaving a man she clearly loved was a bit mystifying. They do have a “big conversation” at the end but it wasn’t that surprising as Putney dropped large hints as the story developed.

 

Putney has done much research for this story and she brings the culture of Central Asia to life. It is rich in historical detail—the sight, sounds, dress and food. The scene of the Uzbek equivalent of polo, played with the body of a dead goat, was thrilling. Lots of action here as we dive into the mystery surrounding Juliet’s missing brother and Ross and Juliet together fight off the bad guys who are trying to kill them.

 

An exciting adventure and a dive into a truly exotic locale.

 

The Silk Trilogy:

 

Silk and Shadows

Silk and Secrets

Veils of Silk

Lillian Marek’s LORD EDWARD’S MYSTERIOUS TREASURE – Romance and Treasure Hunt in Victorian France

 

Set in Brittany in 1871, this is the story of Lord Edward Tremaine, an Englishman summoned to the Chateau Morvan on the coast of Brittany by his friend Antoine (“Tony”) who claims there’s a treasure to find.

 

Ned travels to France where he discovers a strange collection of people. The old vicomte, who appears to be dying, insists Tony and his two cousins search for the treasure. One young cousin, Delphine, beautiful and captures Ned’s attention but, as time goes on, he notices there is something wrong with her. The other cousin, Marguerite, an accomplished pianist, appears stern and withdrawn. In truth, she worries about Delphine and providing for little family. Ned’s friend, Tony is worried about funding his steel factory and only seeks the treasure for what it can give him.

 

The story is well written but moves along rather slowly with a fair amount of repetition in motives and introspection. The romance between Ned and Marguerite develops only after he precipitously asks her to marry him. Marguerite is happy to share Ned’s bed but resists marriage because she is a commoner and he’s an aristocrat. (Ned and his family think nothing of it.) All that seemed a bit strange for the Victorian era.

 

The story picks up when a few secrets are revealed, Ned has an idea of how to find the treasure and his parents show up to find out what’s behind their son’s letters. All the threads come together for a satisfying end.

 

Meredith Duran’s A LADY’S LESSON IN SCANDAL - Captivating Victorian…My Fair Lady with a Twist!

It’s Victorian romance month on the blog and I’m starting with a good one. Meredith Duran’s writing is unique, detailed, word intensive, impeccably researched, and so captivating I couldn’t put this story down.

 

A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal is a Victorian romance, a sort of My Fair Lady with an inheritance twist. It introduces us to Cornelia (“Nell”), who was born a twin, the daughters of the Earl of Rushden. As a young child, Nell was stolen by a nanny who was half crazy, and hidden away in the East End of London. Raised in poverty, she became a factory girl, though she loved books, and in that, was well educated. She survived by her wits and her determination, but suffered terribly from too little food and too little care.

 

Just before the woman Nell called “Mum” died, she told Nell her father was Lord Rushden, and encouraged her to find him. Nell goes in search of the man she thought did her Mum wrong, intending to shoot him. But she finds instead a new, young Lord Rushden (the earl’s heir), Simon St. Maur, who is her 3^rd cousin. Simon, a handsome rake who has inherited the title and lands but no wealth to support them (all the money was left to the earl’s two daughters), recognizes Nell for who she is immediately. He offers to wed her, thereby helping her to become a lady and regain her rightful place and wealth, enriching both their coffers. Nell agrees, realizing only too late she has given Simon her heart.

 

Simon is fascinated by Nell who is so different from the superficial ladies of society he is used to, but if he cannot persuade the court to accept her as the lost twin, he intends to annul the marriage.

 

Duran weaves a suspenseful, believable romance, a story of two people caught between a life of wealth and a life of poverty, neither one comfortable in the other’s world, yet perfect together.

 

Best Medieval Romances!

 

Who among us ladies hasn’t dreamed of a knight in shining armor? A valiant hero living in a time when honor prevailed and a woman of character who loved him. (I did say we were dreaming, right?) These historical novels will take you there.

 

Since the medieval period in European history spanned the 5th century to the 15th century, all the stories on my list take place during that time; however, some Scottish, Irish, and Viking historicals not listed here can be found on those specific “Best Lists” (links on the right side of my blog).

 

All of these listed below have garnered 4, 4 and ½ or 5 stars from me:

 

A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

Autumn’s Flame by Denise Domning

Baron of Godsmere and Baron of Emberly by Tamara Leigh

Betrothal by Jenna Jaxon (the first part of a 3-part story)

Bianca by Bertrice Small

Blackheart by Tamara Leigh

Blue Heaven, Black Night by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)

Bond of Blood by Roberta Gellis

Bride of the Lion by Elizabeth Stuart

By His Majesty’s Grace, By Grace Possessed and Seduced by Grace by Jennifer Blake

By Possession, By Design, Stealing Heaven, By Arrangement, The Protector and Lord of a Thousand Nights, 14^th century London series by Madeline Hunter

Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd

Come the Morning, Conquer the Night, Seize the Dawn, Knight Triumphant, The Lion in Glory, and When We Touch from the Graham series by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)

Crimson Secret by Janet Lane

Damsel in Distress by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)

Desire Lines by Elizabeth Kingston

Desire of the Heart by Katherine Vickery (aka Kathryn Kramer)

Devoted by Alice Borchardt

Enchantress, Kiss of the Moon and Outlaw, Welsh trilogy by Lisa Jackson

Everlasting by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Fair, Bright and Terrible by Elizabeth Kingston

For the King’s Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick

Forever and a Lifetime by Jennifer Horsman

His Fair Lady by Kathleen Kirkwood

His Stolen Bride by Shelly Thacker

Honor & Roses by Elizabeth Cole

Impostress, Temptress and Sorceress, Welsh trilogy by Lisa Jackson

Keeper of the Dream by Penelope Williamson

Knight’s Honor by Roberta Gellis

Lady of Fire, Fire and Steel and The Fire and the Fury by Anita Mills

Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson

Lady of Valor by Tina St. John

Laird of the Wind by Susan King

Lespada by Kathryn Le Veque

Lie Down in Roses by Heather Graham

Lily Fair by Kimberly Cates

Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman

Lord of Desire, Lord of Temptation and Lord of Seduction by Paula Quinn

Lord of Vengeance by Tina St. John

On a Highland Shore and Rivals for the Crown by Kathleen Givens

Princess of Fire and Knight of Fire by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)

Prisoner of My Desire by Johanna Lindsey

Red Adam’s Lady by Grace Ingram

Rose of Rapture by Rebecca Brandewyne

Sense of Touch by Rozsa Gaston

Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale

Siege of the Heart by Elise Cyr

Silk and Steel and the sequel Desire and Deceive by Cordia Byers

Silverhawk by Barbara Bettis

Sisters of Kilbride by Jayne Castel

Spellbound by Nadine Crenshaw

Sword of the Heart by Maureen Kurr

The Angel Knight by Susan King

The Bedeviled Heart by Carmen Caine

The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux

The Breaking Dawn by Jayne Castel

The Bride Gift by Sarah Hegger

The Christmas Knight by Michele Sinclair

The Conqueror, Promise of the Rose and The Prize, trilogy by Brenda Joyce

The Deepening Night by Jayne Castel (7^th century Britain)

The Devil to Pay by K.C. Bateman

The Dragon Tree by Marsha Canham

The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize, the Plantagenet trilogy by Virginia Henley

The Irish Princess by Elizabeth Chadwick

The King’s Pleasure by Heather Graham

The King’s Rebel by Michelle Morrison

The Last Knight by Candice Proctor

The Lily and the Falcon by Jannine Corti-Petska

The Lion’s Bride by Connie Mason

The King’s Man by Elizabeth Kingston

The Knight’s Scarred Maiden by Nicole Locke

The Outlaw Knight (aka Lords of the White Castle) by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Raven and the Rose by Virginia Henley

The Rose of Blacksword by Rexanne Becnel

The Swan Maiden and The Stone Maiden from the Maiden trilogy by Susan King

The Unveiling by Tamara Leigh

The Warrior’s Game and Spring’s Fury by Denise Domning

The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Through a Dark Mist, In the Shadow of Midnight and The Last Arrow by Marsha Canham

Uncommon Vows by Mary Jo Putney

Unforgotten, and the Sisters of Kilbride series (not stand alones) by Jayne Castel

Untamed, Forbidden and Enchanted, trilogy by Elizabeth Lowell

Warrior Poet by Kathryn Lc Veque

Warrior’s Song, Fire Song, Earth Song and Secret Song, medieval series by Catherine Coulter

When Love Awaits by Johanna Lindsey

Where Love Dwells by Elizabeth Stuart

Wild Moonlight by Miriam Minger

Winter’s Heat by Denise Domning

Wonderful, Wild and Wicked, trilogy by Jill Barnett

 

I hope you will also consider my own award-winning medieval novels: 

 

The Medieval Warriors series: The Red Wolf’s Prize, Rogue Knight, Rebel Warrior and King’s Knight. On Amazon.

 

The Refuge, An Inspirational Novel of Scotland, on Amazon

 

And the award-winning Clan Donald Saga: Summer Warrior, 12^th century Scotland,  Bound by Honor, 13^th-14^th century Scotland and The Strongest Heart, 14^th-15^th century Scotland. See the series.

Jayne Castel’s UNFORGOTTEN – Well-written first in a Connected Highlander series

 

Set in the mid 14th century on the Isle of Skye, this is the story of Gavin MacNichol and Annella (“Ella”) Fraser. They were once lovers, despite that he was betrothed to her sister. When his family tells him he must marry his betrothed, he does his duty and abandons Ella. She flees to a nearby Cluniac nunnery where she takes vows. Eighteen years later, her sister has died and Gavin, now chief of his clan, suddenly appears at the convent to take Ella back to see her dying mother.

When he escorts Sister Ella home (alone with no escort, mind you), he realizes that the feelings he once had for her still persist. And, before long, she realizes it, too. The characters are well-drawn and there's some good action with outlaws.

This is a well-written story and I was enjoying it until it cut off abruptly, leaving a villain not dealt with and many other loose ends. (For example, Leanna MacDonald, the heroine in book 2, is a character in this story but we only get her problem, not the solution; Sister Coira the heroine of book 3 is also a character in this story, as is Drew MacKinnon, the heroine in book 4.) So it’s not a stand-alone. It’s a series that needs to be read as a whole.

There were a few negatives for me that might not bother some readers. There are several graphic sex scenes (which I skipped and they weren’t necessary for the story). There were a few historical anomalies that popped out at me: colors, such as pink and turquoise, not recognized as colors until later centuries, plaids of red and green, which came into being much later (they had muted plaids but not tartans as we think of them), and married women taking their husbands’ surnames (only their children did). Still it’s a good read and for any willing to commit to the four books, it’s a complete tale.

 Sisters of Kilbride series

 

Unforgotten

Awoken

Fallen

Claimed

Penelope Williamson’s KEEPER OF THE DREAM – Enthralling Welsh Medieval Romance!

Set in the mid 12th century when England was at war with what would become Wales, and the "marcher lands" were a battleground, it tells of Raine, bastard son of the Earl of Chester, and Ariana, a Welsh woman who becomes part of the conqueror’s spoils.

 

Raine’s father was a Norman nobleman who treated Raine cruelly (beating him when he asked for a pony on his birthday, confining him to work in the stables, turning him over to their enemies). Raine overcomes his rude beginning and all he has suffered to become The Black Dragon, a favored knight of King Henry. Raine returns to Rhuddlan, a castle in Wales where he was once held captive, now held by Owain, lord of Gwynedd. When Raine takes the castle, only a young son of Gwynedd and his daughter, Arianna, remain. Arianna witnesses Raine kill her brother and hates him for it. (She is a seer and had a vision of a Black Dragon and realizes Raine is the one is she dreaded.)

 

As the story develops, Henry allows Raine to keep Rhuddlan and gives him Arianna to wed. She hates the Norman who has killed her brother and the start of the marriage is a disaster.

 

I cannot begin to tell you how well woven this complex tale is, but suffice it to say it is very well done and you will be glad you read it. The characters are well developed (and there are some wonderful ones, not the least of which is Taliesin, the wizard who is weaving his own story). The history of the period so well presented that you feel you are there, which is one of the author's great talents. She takes time for details that make it real. You become a part of the world she has created and it's wonderful. Needless to say, the love story will tear at your heart.

 

Notwithstanding all the good I can say, there were a few things that bothered me about the story:

--Raine is supposed to be honorable, yet he took Sybil when he knew she was betrothed to his brother Hugh and also knew he would be leaving for years to try and become a knight, thus dishonoring both Sybil, who loved him, and his brother. He also set Sybil up for the heartache she endured her whole life.

 

--Raine effectively raped Arianna on their wedding night and she cries herself to sleep without his comfort. Yet the next day she is happy not to be beaten for using a knife on him. Seemed a bit odd. When Arianna is asked to describe Raine to her father, she lists a lot of flattering adjectives (“hard but fair”, “brave, generous, gentle”) but she forgot “mean and bitter” for he was clearly that. There were many examples of his cruelty to Arianna. She gave her one treasure to buy cloth to make him a banner for his birthday to try and make up for the birthday beating he got from his father as a boy and Raine spurns both her and her gift, ordering it to be burned. When he realizes she’s had visions of him that allowed her to share his pain, instead of loving her for it, he gets angry and mean and then ignores her. He was always willing to believe a lie about her and never trusted her though Arianna was perhaps the only honorable one in the story.

 

--Finally, the wizard Taliesin (a wonderful character) at times seems to have great power (to cause a storm, to heal, to transport himself instantly) yet he needed Hugh to help rescue Raine, which didn't make sense.

 

All these issues aside, it’s a fabulous read and you will enjoy it.

 

Kathleen Kirkwoood’s HIS FAIR LADY- Excellent Medieval Romance!

A murderous assault on the village of Vaux leaves “Ana” an orphan. She alone is rescued from the burning wreckage by a young squire traveling to the Holy Land with knights. He delivers Ana to a peasant couple’s care at a neighboring village. Before departing, he gave her the silver cross from around his neck, engraved with his family’s motto.

After a decade of fighting in the east, Sir Royce de Warrene returns to England a celebrated knight. But he soon discovers the terrible mistake he made on that long-ago night. The orphan girl was no peasant child, but an heiress of noble blood — Lady Juliana Mandeville. King John charges him to find her and restore her to her aging grandfather.

 

This is the story of Sir Royce’s quest and his relationship with now beautiful Ana who, once found, refuses to believe she is not the daughter of the peasants who raised her. He is a noble knight and suffers her antics with good grace. Meantime in England, she meets her grandfather and confronts her real heritage.

 

Kirkwood does an excellent job of presenting the medieval setting, the history of the early 13^th century, and the characters who dwell therein, both real and fictional. I loved her detail and the slowly evolving relationship between Ana and Sir Royce. A really well-told tale. 

Grace Ingram’s RED ADAM’S LADY – Medieval Romance with a Likeable Hero and a Strong Heroine

Set in the 12^th century, during the reign of Henry II when “the young king” was aspiring to usurp his father’s throne, this is the story of Lady Julitta, a young lady without dower and seemingly without prospects until she encounters Red Adam, lord of Brentborough. Red Adam, so called for his red hair, in a drunken state, takes her for a tavern wench and decides to take her back to his bed chamber and show her a good time. He doesn’t seem to understand she is a virtuous lady who will not be trifled with. So she bangs him over the head with a wooden stool, keeping her virginity. But since he has “ruined” her in the eyes of all, he does the right thing and marries her.

 

Red Adam, a likeable guy, is loyal to the king and won’t hear of plots to take him down, thus drawing the ire and vengeance of his enemies. And once he weds the smart and savvy Julietta, he becomes the perfect gentleman.

 

The introduction by Elizabeth Chadwick might suggest this is historical fiction. It’s not, nor is it comparable to Chadwick’s work. This is romance, albeit good historical romance. It’s a story of civil war in England, of border raids by villainous Scots, scheming plans of aristocrats and daring escapes across the moors. There is a lot of blood and guts; it’s not for the squeamish. And sometimes I had to read a sentence twice to get what she was trying to convey. Still, it’s a fast paced tale based on considerable research for historical details. I enjoyed it.

 

Tina St. John’s LADY OF VALOR – 1st in her Warrior trilogy, a Moving Medieval Story, Rich in Historical Detail

This was my second medieval by St. John (Lord of Vengeance was the first), and I thought it an amazing read. She has a great medieval voice and has meticulously recreated life in 13^th century England while drawing the reader in to a compelling story of a tortured hero and a lady trying to maintain her independence in a world that leaves women few choices.

 

Sir Cabal, known as “Blackheart,” the fiercest of King Richard’s warrior knights, is commanded to return to England from the Crusade to hold Fallonmour castle until the king can name a new lord and find a husband for the young widow, Lady Emmalyn. Cabal cares nothing for the assignment, but he is a dutiful knight so he goes. He is not prepared for the beauty that greets him. Lady Emmalyn is not sorry her cruel husband is dead. In the three years he’s been away the keep has thrived under her care. Now she dreads what this new guardian will mean for her people—and for herself.

 

The characters are richly drawn, the story convincing, the emotion real. Cabal is a hardened soldier with an ignoble past who lives with regret for his brutal life of killing though it is all he has ever known. He falls in love with the beautiful, tenderhearted Emmalyn, but knows he can never have her. She returns his love and tries desperately to convince him he is a worthy hero—just the kind of heroine we love—but to no avail.

 

The dowager Queen Eleanor is a character as well as her son, Richard the Lionheart, adding realism to the story.

 

I wholeheartedly recommend this one.

 

The Warrior trilogy:

 

Lady of Valor

White Lions Lady

Black Lion’s Bride

Susan King’s LAIRD OF THE WIND – Worthy Hawk-Themed Medieval Romance

 

This was my first by Susan King and I really enjoyed it. She paints rich visual images of the times and the places and the characters are well described and memorable.

Set in Scotland in the early 14th century, this is the story of Isobel of Aberlady who has a gift of visions that describe events to come. Her father and the family priest guard her gift and take notes when she has the visions as she remembers nothing afterwards. Believing he will protect her, her father betroths her to a strong knight, Ralph Leslie, but Ralph is not a man she would choose. One of her visions is of a man she calls the Laird of the Wind...a hawk of the forest...who will betray William Wallace.

James (Jamie) Lindsay, who was once a Scottish knight and laird, is now living as an outlaw and has lost his lands because he was accused of betraying Wallace. It seems Isobel's vision, which has become widely known, had something to do with that. He has become known as "the Border Hawk" who with a few of his men lives in the forest and raids the English. When Isobel's castle is besieged by the English because the King wants Isobel for her visions, the Border Hawk comes to her rescue, but he does so only because he wants to exchange her for his cousin Margaret who is being held captive.

It is in the forest where Isobel and Jamie recognize each other as soulmates. Ah love....

The story is "hawk themed" in many ways, not only the hero and villain both being described as hawks, but there are two hawks prominently featured, a red tailed hawk kept by Jamie's aunt and the goshawk that Jamie trains with Isobel while they are living in the forest.

The story held my interest and the characters were both likeable and believable (some quite delightful). The love between Jamie and Isobel develops naturally.

Jennifer Blake’s BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE – Worthy Medieval Read from Tudor England

By His Majesty’s Grace is set in 1486 when Henry Tudor was king of England. Lady Isabel Milton is commanded to wed Sir Randall of Braesford, as reward for his loyalty to his king. Isabel would be wed by now but it seems all the suitors for her and her two sisters have been dying off. Isabel, wanting to allow them to stay single, perpetuates the myth of the Graydon curse, that only a man who loves them can claim them without mishap. All potential suitors are put off and the girls stay free until Sir Randall who doesn’t believe in the curse.

 

Rand is under a shadow, accused of murdering the child of the king’s French mistress. There is much court intrigue and politics and various agendas working as Isabel helps to sort out the real facts while Rand is held under house arrest (in the Tower of London).

 

Blake’s stories always have a good plot and historical detail. And this one has clever twists, a rich medieval feel and enough history to make you feel like you were there (and don’t forget to read her Author’s Note). King Henry is a character, as is his wife, Elizabeth of York, and there are interesting tidbits about each. It is a very worthy medieval that will satisfy the historical romance lover’s craving for a virile, strong hero, a clever heroine and a tapestry of fast moving events. I recommend it.

 

Three Graces trilogy:

 

His Majesty’s Grace

By Grace Possessed

Seduced By Grace

Alice Borchardt’s DEVOTED –A Worthy Medieval Romance Set in 10th Century France

 

At the time when Vikings were a threat to all in France, Owen, the young Bishop of Chantalon, rises as a hero of the people. At his side is the brave Elin who he freed from the Vikings’ clutches. This is a fascinating historical that features authentic elements as well as genuine faith, mysticism, mystery and magic. The descriptions are vivid, the characters well developed and the story compelling.

Elin becomes Owen's lady and would defend him and his city though it will cost her much. Their budding love comes to a sudden end when Owen is captured, leaving the defense of the city to Elin and Godwin, a warrior who stands by her side.

 

Owen represents the growing Christianity even as the brutal Northmen rape and pillage, led by the villain Hakon. The Forest People who worship pagan gods are disappearing but they come to Owen’s aid when Elin summons them, for she was raised among them, a princess of her people.

I enjoyed this story as it has great depth and I wanted to know what happened to all the characters who come to Elin and Owen’s aid. The author has captured the different factions in France at the time and the emerging future while bringing us a winning love story.

 

The sequel is Beguiled.

Jayne Castel’s THE LASS HE LEFT BEHIND – A Sensual Scottish Romance Set in the Hebrides in the 14th Century

October is medieval romance month and I’m starting with one set in Scotland on the Isle of Mull. This is book one in the Rogues of Mull trilogy. It’s the story of Loch Maclean and Mairi Macquarie who were lovers at one time. When Loch, the eldest son of the Maclean chief, went off to fight with Robert the Bruce, he left Mairi behind, without a backward glance, breaking her heart.

 

He returns a decade later to find his father, the chief, dead and Mairi still single but angry at his betrayal. He shrugs and goes on about his business, assuming his role as the new chief. After all, he has treacherous MacKinnons and their raids and cattle thieving to deal with. But he continues to see Mairi, who runs the local inn, and can’t get their past lovemaking out of his mind. One night, she gives in and takes him to her bed. But in the morning she regrets it.

 

As for Loch, he will have to face the consequences of his actions and the ache in his heart from the loss of Mairi. There are several graphic love scenes in this well-written story and a fair amount of angst. The characters who will be the leads in books 2 and 3 are introduced in this first tale, adding dimension to the trilogy. I liked the atmospheric background as Mull is a beautiful isle and Duart Castle, the home of the Macleans, a clan monument. The tension between the rival clans will keep you guessing as they are not resolved in this first story.

 

 

Best Georgian & Regency Romances

I have read many Georgian and Regency romances over the years, so it was inevitable that I should have a “best list” for the ones I've rated 4 and 5 stars. The Georgian era covers the period from 1714 to 1830, with the sub-period of the Regency, 1811-1820, when George, Prince of Wales (“the Prince Regent”) reigned during the mental illness of his father George III. All these stories are set in that era.

A Counterfeit Heart by K.C. Bateman

A Fallen Lady by Elizabeth Kingston

A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss

A Wild Hope by Celeste De Blasis

Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

An Indecent Proposition by Emma Wildes

Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer

Caledonian Privateer by Gail MacMillian

Come the Night by Christina Skye

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer

Crimson Rapture by Jennifer Horsman

Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer

Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase

Entwined, Fallen and Moonlit, Regency spy trilogy by Emma Jensen

For Love Alone by Shirlee Busbee

Forbidden Love by Karen Robards

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

Gabriella by Brenda Hiatt

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Hearts Beguiled by Penelope Williamson

Highlander’s Hope by Collette Cameron

Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey

Lovers Forever by Shirlee Busbee

Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey

Mine Till Midnight, Seduce Me at Sunrise, Tempt Me at Twilight, Married by Morning and Love in the Afternoon (the Hathaways) by Lisa Kleypas

My Heart’s Desire by Andrea Kane

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Once in a Blue Moon by Penelope Williamson

Once Upon a Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare

Someone to Watch Over Me, Lady Sophia’s Lover and Worth Any Price (the Bow Street Runners trilogy) by Lisa Kelypas

Rogue’s Honor by Brenda Hiatt

Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Slightly Married by Mary Balogh

Some Like it Wild by Teresa Medeiros

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Stealing Heaven by Kimberly Cates

Swept Away by Marsha Canham

The Black Rose by Christina Skye

The Christmas Knot by Barbara Monajem

The Discerning Gentleman’s Guide by Virginia Heath

The Divided Heart by Beppie Harrison

The Foundling by Georgette Heyer

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

The Irish Duke by Virginia Henley

The Lady and the Laird by Nicola Cornick

The Lost Letter by Mimi Matthews

The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

The Rake by Mary Jo Putney

The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer

The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter

The Storm and the Splendor by Jennifer Blake

The Thief’s Daughter by Victoria Cornwall

The Toll Gate by Georgette Heyer

The Wicked Marquis by Barbara Cartland

The Wild One by Danelle Harmon

Then Came You and Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman

Till Dawn Tames the Night by Meagan McKinney

To Taste Temptation, To Seduce a Sinner, To Beguile a Beast and To Desire a Devil by Elizabeth Hoyt

To Tempt a Saint by Megan Bryce

Trials of Artemis by Sue London

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale

Until You by Judith McNaught

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris

When the Duke Was Wicked by Lorraine Heath

Whisper to Me of Love by Shirlee Busbee

Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught

With His Lady’s Assistance by Cheryl Bolen

 

I hope you will read my own Georgian and Regency romances:

 

The award-winning Donet Trilogy: To Tame the Wind, Echo in the Wind and A Fierce Wind.

 

The Agents of the Crown Regency series: Racing with the Wind, Against the Wind, Wind Raven, A Secret Scottish Christmas and Rogue’s Holiday. They are all related but can be read as stand alones. You might also like my holiday Regency novellas: The Twelfth Night Wager and The Holly & The Thistle, which follow Racing with the Wind in time, and The Shamrock & The Rose.