Bertrice Small’s BIANCA – Intriguing Love Story from Florence and the Black Sea in the 15th century!

Set in Florence and the area around the Black Sea, beginning in 1474, this is the story of Bianca, oldest daughter of Giovanni Pietro d’Angelo, a Florentine silk merchant. When his son’s indiscretion threatens to ruin the family, Giovanni is blackmailed into giving Bianca in marriage to the debauched blackguard Sebastiano Rovere. Rovere treats his delicate new bride abysmally and she loathes and fears him.

Her mother, appalled at what has befallen her daughter, helps Bianca flee to a seaside villa where she meets Prince Amir, grandson of Memhet the Conqueror. Two years later, Bianca’s husband is murdered (I couldn’t have been happier), leaving her free to find love with Amir. She wants no husband and would have him for her lover, but neither Amir (who wants her for his 3^rd wife) nor her mother (who considers him an infidel) accepts that decision.

Ms. Small never holds back on the evil of others, so the beginning of the book shows in vivid terms the perversions of Rovere. But once we are at the sea cliff villa, beauty is restored. Amir is a gallant, romantic man who loves Bianca. And Bianca has changed from the docile, obedient daughter to a strong woman bent on her own destiny.

It’s a fascinating look at the culture of the day in both Florence and in the world of the merchants of the Black Sea. A good start to a new series for Ms. Small.

The Silk Merchant’s Daughters series:

Bianca

Francesca

Lucianna

Serena

Review: Nicole Locke’s THE KNIGHT’S SCARRED MAIDEN – Two Scarred People Find Love in Medieval England

Set in England in 1295, this is the story of Rhain, a mercenary knight for King Edward, who is being hunted by a warlord for killing the man’s brother. Fleeing north to York, Rhain and his men rescue a woman from a from a gang of evil men. Helissent is scarred on the right side of her face and body from a terrible fire that took her family. Knowing what she will face when Rhain leaves, Helissent insists he take her with him.

Helissent flaunts her scars before people, knowing they will be repulsed, but Rhain sees beneath the scars to the kind, unselfish woman she is. And she bakes wonderful sweet rolls. She sees Rhain as the most beautiful man she has ever encountered, a golden Welshman, but he, too, bears scars just not the kind you can see. Each carries shame for their past and each believes they are unworthy of the other.

As death stalks Rhain, he wants to see Helissent safe, but he cannot bear to leave her behind, and she does not want him to leave her. Rhain and Helissent continue to experience angst for their past as they travel north together.

This is a well-written story with vivid descriptions that bring to life the medieval villages and characters. The details reflect much research and enrich the tale. A few secondary characters—both the good and bad—add to the story. Recommended for readers who like emotional depth in their romances.

Best Medieval Romances

Who among us ladies hasn’t dreamed of a knight in shinning armour? Or, living in a time when valor prevailed and honorable men did great deeds and women of character loved them. (I did say we were dreaming, right?) These historical romances 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, Viking and Pirate/Privateer historicals from that time period 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

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

Bianca by Bertrice Small (1^st in the Silk Merchant’s Daughters series)

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 of the Heart by Katherine Vickery (aka Kathryn Kramer)

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

Everlasting by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Forever and a Lifetime by Jennifer Horsman

His Stolen Bride by Shelly Thacker

Honor & Roses by Elizabeth Cole

Impostress, Temptress and Sorceress, Welsh trilogy with fantasy elements 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 from the Fire Series by Anita Mills

Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson

Lady of Valor from the Warrior trilogy by Tina St. John

Laird of the Wind by Susan King

Lespada by Kathryn Le Veque

Lie Down in Roses by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)

Lily Fair by Kimberly Cates

Lord of Desire, Lord of Temptation and Lord of Seduction, Risande Family trilogy 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 the sequel Knight of Fire by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)

Prisoner of My Desire by Johanna Lindsey

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

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 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 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 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 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, Robin Hood trilogy by Marsha Canham

Uncommon Vows by Mary Jo Putney

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

Winter’s Heat by Denise Domning

Wonderful, Wild and Wicked, trilogy by Jill Barnett

I hope you will consider my own Medieval Warriors series: The Red Wolf’s Prize, Rogue Knight, Rebel Warrior and King’s Knight. Both The Red Wolf’s Prize and King’s Knight won the RONE Award for Best Historical Novel, medieval.

Review: Johanna Lindsey’s WHEN LOVE AWAITS – Love in an Arranged Marriage in the times of King Henry II

Set in England in 1176, this is the story of Lady Leonie, sent away by her father to her dower keep because he didn’t want to be reminded of her mother whom he loved. Living alone with her people away from the suitors she might have had, Leonie begins to think she is happy in that state. When her neighbor, Sir Rolfe d'Ambert, a favored knight of King Henry, discovers she owns the land that is causing all his problems, the mercenary Lord of Kempston asks the king for her hand, wanting only to gain the land. Leonie knows Rolfe only by his bad reputation, but she will not defy the king.

Little does Rolfe know, he is about to get more than he bargained for.

This is a fun romp through the time when Henry II ruled England. The story reflects Lindsey’s research into the era and what life was like at the time. There’s treachery, rogues and villains aplenty with enough adventure to keep you entertained.

Rolfe is a worthy hero who will have his way. Lionie is an honorable woman who insists on having hers. The result is a bit of a tug of war but all does end well.

Of Lindsey’s many novels, I would say this is one of the lighter ones, but still has enough historical detail and angst to satisfy.

Read the Medieval Romance that Won the 2017 RONE Award!

King’s Knight, book 4 in the Medieval Warriors series, has won the 2017 RONE Award for best medieval romance!

See what the reviewers have said:

“… a tantalizing and intriguing tale of medieval chivalry, intrigue, passion, duty, honor and romance. Walker's knowledge of history shines through. Masterfully and brilliantly written!”  

 — My Book Addiction and More

“Wonderfully researched historical fiction, filled with romance, danger and intrigue. I fell for Sir Alexander the moment he rode through the gates of Talisand. Merewyn is fearless, unconventional, and yet vulnerable. The perfect pair!”   — Good Friends, Good Books

“A sweeping tale that pulls you in at the very beginning and doesn’t let you go. Along with a wonderfully developed romance, there is political intrigue and a great cast of supporting characters begging for their story to be told. It's medieval romance at its finest. Well done, Regan Walker! Very, very well done!”  

— The Reading Cafe    

“Enticing, captivating, and exciting!! Alex is the type of hero that makes my heart skip a beat. Regan Walker’s attention to historical details and authentic history is astounding!”   —  The Book Review 

The author's style reminds me a little of Sharon Penman… the history I was taught in school was incredibly dry but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will be looking for more of Regan Walker's work.   — Brutally Honest Reviews

HE SEIZED LIFE BY THE THROAT

Dubbed the Black Wolf for his raven hair, his fierceness in battle and his way with women, Sir Alexander of Talisand attacked life as he did the king’s enemies. But acclaim on the battlefield and his lusty escapades did not satisfy. King William Rufus would bind him to Normandy through marriage to one of its noblewomen, but the only woman Alexander wants is a commoner he saved from a terrible fate.

SHE KEPT MEN AT BAY WITH HER BOW

The shame of being the child of a Norman’s rape had dogged Merewyn’s steps from her youth. Determined never to be a victim of a man’s lust like her mother, in Wales she donned the garb of an archer and developed extraordinary skill with a bow. Despite her fair beauty, men now keep their distance. No longer in need of protection from other men, can Merewyn protect herself from Alexander when he holds her heart yet can never be hers?

See it on Amazon US, UK and Canada. And get the boxed set for the 4-book series!

My Guest Today: Author Denise Domning Shares Longships!

Welcome historical romance author Denise Domning to the blog. Denise writes and raises pigs and sheep on her farm in Northern Arizona.  Her latest book Awaken the Sleeping Heart, the first full length novel in her new "Children of Graistan" series, is set in 13th Century England and Ireland, and includes a trip across the Irish Sea in a Snekke. 

Today she is sharing with us England’s first naval victory and the mode of transportation in the 13^th century.  

Be sure and comment and leave your email so we can find you! Denise is giving away a copy of her new book!

 

England’s First Naval Victory: The Longship

Until I started my latest book, Awaken the Sleeping Heart, none of my stories ever left the shores of England. My previous heroes were men who tended to stay put, guarding their fief from all comers, riding out on a destrier or a courser (never a palfrey), dressed in chain mail and carrying a broadsword.

Of course this wasn’t exactly how life was, even for my staid heroes. In a world organized along the lines of personal allegiances, the key to holding onto your properties was to visit frequently. All noblemen, and even lowly knights, were men constantly on the move, and a horse wasn’t their only mode of transport. In the case of many Anglo-Norman noblemen, this meant getting into a boat and crossing a sea. But what boat? 

The Longship, of course. This is the same vessel previously used by the Vikings, and is still the fastest way to go from shore to shore in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries. Low to the waves and sleek, with a big square central sail and benches fitted out for up to sixty rowers, this ship remains the Dreadnought of the seas.  Think “Lion in Winter” and the scene where Eleanor, having been freed from Salisbury Keep for a Christmas court, is being rowed upriver to Chignon. Although it looks to me that she’s traveling in a Snekke, the Longship’s smaller cousin.

As for England’s first naval victory, that win lies squarely on the shoulders of an unexpected hero, King John’s younger bastard half-brother, William Longèspee, the earl of Salisbury. William, who was unusually tall and earned his cognomen from the length of the sword he carries, is the illegitimate son of Ida de Tosny and Henry II. Needless to say, he did not start out his life as a sailor. He is, however, completely devoted to his elder half-brother and will do everything he can to support John. And that’s what turns him into England’s first admiral.

By 1213 John really needs his brother’s support. Since taking the English throne in 1199 the last son of Henry II has had nothing but trouble. First, his nephew Arthur of Brittany, the son of his elder brother Geoffrey, tried to claim England’s throne. It was a potent threat because primogeniture—oldest living son of the father takes the estate—isn’t yet legally established. There were more than a few men who thought Arthur had the better claim. For the record, Arthur accidentally drowned in a boating accident while his Uncle John was visiting. Whoops.

Meanwhile, King Philip of France has driven John out of Normandy, forcing those Anglo-Norman barons, including William Marshal, who yet have estates in Normandy to swear allegiance to him. And the barons of Poitou and the Aquitaine have flat out betrayed John, taking Philip as their new liege lord. Worst of all John had a years long spat with Pope Innocent III over naming the archbishop of Canterbury. To show England’s king just who he’s dealing with, the Holy Father put England under Interdict —forbidding priests from performing last rites, baptisms, and marriages—and excommunicated John. The religious situation has fed the muted rumblings of rebellion from John’s English subjects. Add a recent assassination attempt and Philip’s threat to invade England and you can see that John’s not having a good year.

Here lies William Longèspee

It’s the threat of an invasion that has William Longèspee, now viceroy of Ireland, either building or recruiting ships. He and his royal brother are determined to prevent that invasion by crossing the Channel and retaking Normandy, thus tying Philip to the Continent. It’s a reverse Norman Conquest if you will.

Although William certainly wasn’t born a seaman, I like to think he became one during this period. By May of 1213 his new fleet of around 500 ships gathers on the English side of the Channel in preparation for the crossing, but John dithers. The king is torn between keeping the fleet between Philip and England or sending his longships and the 700 knights they carry to aid the count of Flanders, whom Philip is harassing as he prepares to launch his invasion of England.

The decision is made on May 28, 2013 and the fleet launches for Flanders. Two days later they enter the mouth of the River Zywn where they find a huge French armada, some 1700 ships. But there’s no one on them. Philip has taken all of his army to destroy the city of Ghent. The English are no fools. They immediately pillage the French fleet.

All the ships are laden with both supplies—food and armaments—and the personal belongings of the French army. That includes things like spare swords or helmets or chain mail, all very expensive items. Once they’ve cleaned out the longships, the men of William’s fleet seize 300 of those ships for themselves, set fire to another hundred or so, then set sail for England, laughing all the way home.

Indeed, every man among them was made wealthy by the riches of the French, so wealthy that William Marshal’s biographer notes that “never had so much treasure come into England since the days of King Arthur”.

Knights on the sea. It wasn’t something I ever thought I’d write about, but don’t we all go where the tide takes us?

AN ANCIENT PROMISE OF MARRIAGE,
A WEALTHY WIDOW STOLEN BY A POOR KNIGHT,
AND A KING DETERMINED TO KEEP THEM APART 

Stephen de Brazdifer sails from Ireland for England, seeking the bride promised to him by an ancient royal writ. But he’s too late. King John has already claimed the rich widow as his royal ward, wanting to cheat a man he dislikes, and keep her wealth for himself. If Stephen is to have his promised wife, he’ll have to steal her from his monarch.

For all her life Cecilia de Gradinton has cursed her wealth and beauty for the freedom they cost her. Now, newly widowed, with all hope of home and happiness gone, she rides toward her new prison under royal escort. But more than one deadly danger stalks her on the road to King John’s court.

Buy it on Amazon. 

Keep up with Denise on her Website and Facebook.

Review: Denise Domning’s AWAKEN THE HEART – A Strong Knight Claims His Bride

Set in 1211, this is the story of Stephen de Brazdifer, who leaves Ireland for England, intent on claiming the bride denied him 15 years ago promised to him by an ancient royal writ. But King John has plans to keep her wealth for himself. So Stephen steals her from the cavalcade transporting her to the king.

Newly widowed Cecilia de Gradinton rides with her mother-in-law under royal escort and then they are attacked and Stephen sweeps her away. After Cecilia has only just met Stephen, lust overcomes her and she sleeps with him in the woods. Stephen thinks of her as his wife but she knows nothing of that. She just likes his body. Once she learns he intends to kidnap her, she changes her mind and thinks of him as a “false knight”.

Rich in history and detail, this is a tale that will immerse you in the politics of medieval England. Domning has done her research and brings to life the era, including the whims of royalty without honor. Stephen is a knight to admire: strong and courageous and determined to have what belongs to him. Cecilia is more wavering, at one point deciding to hate him and then quickly deciding he’s the husband for her.

A tale recommended for those who enjoy a slower pace and lots of historical detail.

Note: Denise will be my guest on the blog tomorrow!

Review: Jennifer Roberson’s LADY OF THE FOREST – An Opus Telling of the Robin Hood Legend, Rich in Historical Detail

Set in Nottinghamshire in 1194, at 608 pages, this is a thorough telling of how Robin Hood came to be… and the love story of Sir Robert (Robin) of Locksley and Lady Marian of Ravenskeep. In the words of the author, it’s “…a fictional interpretation of imaginary events leading to the more familiar adventures depicted in novels…” And so it is.

The whole cast of characters is included in intricate detail: Alan of the Dales, Little John, Friar Tuck, William Scarlet, one-handed Wat and the boy, Much, to name some—Saxons made outlaw by Norman cruelty, King John’s egregious taxes and the Sheriff of Nottingham’s “justice” fed by his selfish ambition. Richard the Lionheart, though not a character, is mentioned frequently and motivates the stalwart souls to engage in thievery to raise his ransom.

Sir Robert (whose mother called him “Robin”) returns from the Crusades as a broken man, plagued by memories of his captivity with the Saracens. His father, the Earl of Huntington, has plans for his son to take his place as heir to their castle at Locksley. But much has changed in England while Robert was gone and Robert/Robin has little desire to live in the castle.

Self-serving, ambitious Prince John seeks to rein in his brother’s sted and William de Lacey, the Sheriff of Nottingham, seeks more power and wants Marian in his bed. With the death of her father, Marian is now a ward of the Crown and alone at Ravenskeep.

 

Original cover

Marian begins as a woman too easily manipulated by the conniving Sheriff, but at times shows a backbone as she learns to stand on her own when she is abducted by a murderer (Will Scarlet who, with good reason, murdered four Normans) and is then rescued by Robin with whom she spends the night in Sherwood Forest. She is ruined, no matter that nothing happened.

I am a fan of Roberson and loved Lady of the Glen. So, I couldn’t wait to devour this one. It’s a bit different and you just need to be ready for that. Unlike Lady, this story, though it  kept me turning pages, contains a lot of detail, a lot of perspectives (every character had one) and at times was just a tad repetitive. Still, it’s superb storytelling and it has Roberson’s wonderful characterization and writing.

I love her work and this is an exceptional effort. The sequel is Lady of Sherwood.

Review: Rozsa Gaston’ SENSE OF TOUCH – Sweet Story of Love in 15th Century France

Set in France, beginning in 1497, this is the story of Nicole St. Sylvain and Philippe de Bois. Fifteen-year-old Nicole serves Anne of Brittany, Queen of France as one of her ladies. There she meets Philippe, a young horse trainer, breaking in one of the queen's stallions. The attraction between the two is immediate, but Nicole and Philippe have only a brief time to love before duty and honor separate them.

The daughter of a wealthy merchant, Nicole awaits an arranged marriage to a man of a noble family. She loves the queen and will do her duty even though she has given her heart to Philippe. She has a gift with healing herbs and a touch that heals, both horses and people. After the loss of many of her babes, the queen finally gives birth to a healthy girl. When the child falls ill, she asks Nicole to help. The queen has promised to grant one favor to any who can save her child.

The history is woven into the story and you are swept into the 15^th and early 16^th century and to the court of Queen Anne and all she endures trying to bring a child into the world. It’s as much Anne’s story as it is Nicole’s. Anne is an independent young woman who makes her own way in a rigid world. Philippe manages to rise in a society that affords little opportunity to do so.

For fans of historical romance that love the history, this will be a great choice. There are some repetitions that slow the pace a bit, and the ending comes quickly, but still, it’s a wonderful story, beautifully told.

Review: Rebecca Brandewyne’s ROSE OF RAPTURE - Superb Medieval Romance Steeped in War of the Roses History

I knew this story, set in the 15^th century, was going to make me cry when at the beginning Isabella, age 25, is saying goodbye to the ghosts that haunt her...all those who died in what would become known as the War of the Roses...all those she loved. And then we are sent back 20 years to where it began, when she was just a young child raised among the nobility.

With the death of her parents, she became the mistress of Rushden Castle. She and her treasured brother Giles, who is only a bit older than she and now Lord of Rushden, will have a "warden" appointed by the king to see to the young children's needs. But King Edward IV does not give them a kind man and so their youth is a hard one. Isabella's only solace is in her menagerie in the stables where she cares for and heals hurt animals.

The novel is divided into five "books": Against the Summer Sky, The Rose of Rapture, The Windswept Moors, Tears and Lonely Sojourn. Book one begins in 1490, then we're back to 1470, then back to 1453 as we experience the beginning of Warrick ap Tremayne, a half Welsh bastard of an English lord who grows up at his father's castle, Hawkhurst, to be a favored knight of Edward. When their first warden dies, the king makes Warrick the new warden of Rushden, and though he has no desire to marry, betroths him to Isabella, now 15. But she loves another...

This tale is rich in the history of the time, so much so that at times I had trouble holding all the names in my head as Brandyewyne weaves a complex tale of deception, intrigue, mystery and betrayal. The lives of all are influenced by the battle for the English throne that takes on the appearance of a game of musical chairs before it's done.

I'll warn you the ending is bittersweet, but it's a great love story...a well told tale of two worthy characters living in a tumultuous time. I highly recommend it.

Review: Virginia Henley’s THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL: Enthralling 13th Century Love Story - A Keeper!

In the words of the author, “The story of Simon and Eleanor is one of the great love stories of the thirteenth century,”—a story that Henley masterfully brings to historical romance, a tale of two passionate people and the historical events that swirled around them.

Many women never find one true love; Eleanor Plantagenet was blessed with two, though one, William Marshall, was much older and perhaps more a father figure. The book is divided into those two love stories and each is well told and very precious. Much of this is actual history and Henley weaves fictional romance in so wonderfully, you’d never know it wasn’t fact.

This is the second in Henley's Plantagenet trilogy (The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize). When King John died, his oldest son, though still young, became King Henry III. Henry had a brother, Richard of Cornwall, and a sister, Eleanor. This is the story of the three siblings, and particularly Princess Eleanor and her second husband, Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester.

When she is nine, Eleanor is wed to William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (the son of the great William Marshal and equally as honorable). Eleanor has loved and admired William her whole life. The fact he is 30 years her senior is not a negative for her. William wants to wait to take her as a wife in truth until she is 16. Meanwhile, King Henry takes as his queen an impoverished and ambitious French Provençal, also named Eleanor, who is jealous of the king's sister and thinks to diminish her.

Others are plotting the demise of William Marshall for his influence with the king. On the night William would finally claim his bride, he suffers an attack and suddenly dies. Poison is suspected. Eleanor is devastated at his death, and in front of the clergy takes a vow of chastity and perpetual widowhood. A year later, the great War Lord, Simon de Montfort, enters her life. Once he sees her, he decides he must have her.

There is no question Henley knows how to write historical romance. (She is one my mentors!) Her story reflects the weak king that was Henry III and the constant fights he had with his nobles who were concerned he was allowing England to be run by foreigners and unworthy men. Henley’s attention to detail in dress, food and the environment is meticulous. She is so good I simply devoured this novel. Like her others, this is a complex, well-written, lusty tale with splendid characters, a strong feisty heroine, a drool worthy hero (two of them!) and an interesting plot. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

The Plantagenet trilogy (in chronological order):

The Falcon and the Flower (1989) - late 12th century/early 13th
The Dragon and the Jewel (1991) - 13th century
The Marriage Prize (2000) - 13th century
The Raven and the Rose (1987) - 15th century
The Hawk and the Dove (1988) - 16th century
The Pirate and the Pagan (1990) - 17th century

And, if you want Scotland's side of the story, you can read her wonderful Kennedy Clan romances, both set in the 16th century after the events of The Raven and The Rose:

Tempted (1992)
The Border Hostage (2001)

Review: Adriana Girolami’s TEMPLAR’S REDEMPTION - Unusual Action-Packed Medieval Historical

Set in 1485 in a mythical kingdom, this is the story of Polyxena of Nemours, Duchess of Lorengard-Lorraine, who, as the story opens, is living an idyllic life with her husband, Arsenio, Duke of Lorengard-Lorraine. Into their lives comes a conniving woman, Melora, who becomes Polyxena’s lady in waiting, all the while serving her own evil purposes.

The story refers to others in the series so I recommend reading them in order. Polyxena harbors guilt from her time as a captive of the Muslim leader, Lord Zanar (in another story). And, when Zanar suddenly appears, she worries what he intends. (We do not learn for some time).

The author has a unique style that brings the story to us mostly through a narrator’s storytelling, which takes many paths. Occasionally there is an omniscient voice giving us a spot of history. The romance between Polyxena and Arsenio is not central to the story. As the story develops, we learn about one of Polyxena’s ancestors, Wilfred the Valiant, Third Duke of Nemours, and a “Templar's Treasure” he and her father were involved in protecting. The treasure, believed to be in Nemours, is now threatened by an evil sheik.

Polyxena is a perfect woman, beautiful, brave, able to hunt with the men, charge into battle and keep her handsome husband satisfied. Her only flaw seems to be her fear of her time with Zanar becoming known. It is that fear Melora plays on to get her position.

Many threads come together at the end and there is an exciting battle scene to look forward to.

The Templar Trilogy

The Mysterious Templar

The Crimson Amulet

Templar’s Redemption

Review: Elizabeth Cole’s HONOR & ROSES – Worthy 12th Century Medieval Romance

Set in England, beginning in 1136, during the reign of King Stephen, this is the story of Cecily de Vere, heiress of Cleobury and Sir Alric of Hawksmere. They were friends as children and now they are more as their affection and respect for each other grows. Cecily is a caring woman who ministers to the poor and sick with her herbs and potions. Alric is a brave knight and a leader of men. Though he cares for Cecily, he knows such a fine lady can never be the wife of a mere knight.

Alric understands Cecily will be wed to a high-ranking lord, but he is dismayed when he learns he is the one who must escort her to her betrothed. But when she escapes the fate her guardian has in mind, Alric is there to help her.

The story is well written and kept me turning pages. It was also quite believable in terms of plot and the intriguing references to the attempts to dethrone King Stephen. Pierce of Malvern, the one to whom Cecily is betrothed and quite a villain when it comes to being a suitor, was intriguing. There are some exciting scenes toward the end. What I liked most about this story was the genuine feel of it (despite a few anomalies for a knight’s behavior and a few modern words). And, of course, the history. I recommend it.

Honor & Roses is the first in the Swordcross Knights series. The set up for the three knights and their stories is in the beginning with Sir Rafe, Sir Luc and Sir Alric all swearing to be “brothers” to each other. Book 2 is Choose the Sky, Luc’s story.