Miriam Minger’s WILD ROSES – Well-written, fast-paced story from old Ireland

It’s the early 13^th century and the Normans are in control of most of Ireland. This tells the story of Maire O’Byrne, sister of Ireland’s most infamous rebel, Ronan Black O’Byrne. One day, an attack on Maire’s men kills many in her detail and Maire is captured by the evil sister of Lord Duncan FitzWilliam, the Norman master of Longford Castle. He wants to return her to her clan but Maire feigns amnesia because her brother is the rebel Lord Duncan is hunting.

As he begins to fall for Maire, Duncan, a man of honor, sends his Irish mistress away. Meantime, Maire begins to have feelings for him and fears her brother may try to kill the Norman lord.

 

The story is well-told, the writing good and the relationship between Duncan and Maire slowly developed making it very believable. There is a lot of action, too. I had the impression the author did much research into Ireland of the era and that pleased me. Very authentic. You get a good sense of the tensions between the Normans and the Irish who aren’t loyal to King John.

 

It does have graphic sex scenes should that be a concern.

I

Virginia Henley’s THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL: Enthralling 13th Century Love Story and a Classic!

 

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)

Glen Craney’s THE SPIDER AND THE STONE – Fiction and Fantasy Combine for an Intriguing Story of Scotland’s Independence

Set in the late 13^th and 14^th centuries, this is the story of Sir James Douglas (“the Black Douglas”) who aligned himself with Robert the Bruce and became a hero on the battlefield.

Graney brings us some wonderful characters, not all of whom are real historical figures and some delightful episodes of fantasy. I loved the Culdees and their defiance of the Roman Catholic church. And the Scottish women and one from France rise to the fore. Great dialog and some wonderful one-liners added to the story, too.

While there is no historical record of it, this version makes a love match out of James Douglas and Isabelle (“Belle”) McDuff, who was married to a Comyn. The beginning where Queen Isabel of England (who was French) is retelling the tale to James Douglas’ son seemed unnecessary to what was a good tale. Another detractor was the “head-hopping” or jumping from one person’s point of view to another’s without a change of scene.

The battle scenes are well done and James Douglas gets in some fictional but wonderful quips when taunting the English. The kings of England named Edward all come off badly, cruel and perverted, which undoubtedly they were. Robert the Bruce comes across as a melancholy, weak-kneed and reluctant king. Douglas is his backbone.

It’s a well-written story full of excitement, intrigue, betrayal and treachery. It held my interest and will inspire you to praise the courage of the Scots who only wanted freedom.

War of Independence notables from frieze by William Brassey Hole

Virginia Henley’s THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL: Enthralling 13th Century Love Story

A classic that is well worth the re-read. Virginia Henley is one of my very favorite authors and she masterfully delivers with this one. In her own words: “The story of Simon and Eleanor is one of the great love stories of the thirteenth century,”—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

Brit Darby’s EMERALD PRINCE – A Wonderful Tale from Medieval Ireland… A Legend, a Worthy Hero and a Courageous Heroine!

It's Irish month on the blog...all those stories from the Emerald Isle or that have Irish heroes and heroines.

I'm starting with a great one, a keeper, from the writing team of Patricia McAllister and Fela Dawson Scott comes a wonderful story set in 13^th century Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The novel reflects considerable research and careful attention to historical detail of 13th century Ireland.

The story begins in 937 (prologue) on Inisdeven Island in Eire (Ireland) as the Nordic Vikings descend on St. Gall’s priory. The only monk remaining alive is young Donal to whom a dying Viking gives a large Emerald that he says must find its way to a female in his line—a descendant of the Fairy Queen Fand.

Hundreds of years later, in 1209 in England, Lady Alianor Coventry (“Nora”) is widowed when her husband, an older knight, dies. He was a man she greatly loved and admired who was like a father to her. King John, tired of his pregnant wife Isabella, is pleased to learn the fetching young heiress of Coventry is now free to be his plaything. But Nora wants to help her people, something the king has no intention of allowing. Given a choice between becoming the king’s leman or marrying the Norman madman Quintin de Lacy, she chooses neither, but is nevertheless shipped off to de Lacy in Ireland. On the way, she is abducted by the outlaw, Liam Caomhanach, the one the Irish call “the Emerald Prince,” a man foretold by legend.

I thought the authors did an excellent job of incorporating history and the Legend of the Emerald Prince into the story. That is so important to me as I like real history in my historical romance. They have created wonderful characters with a rich backstory—and some real life persons, like King John and Queen Isabella. Both Liam and Nora are compelling—unselfish and courageous to the end.

It’s a great tale, well told, and I recommend it for you lovers of Irish medieval romance.

Kathleen Givens’ ON A HIGHLAND SHORE – Superb Love Story, a Keeper Rich in the History of Scotland

Kathleen Givens was an award-winning author of Scottish historicals, each rich in historical detail. Everyone is a keeper.

Set in 13th century Scotland, this tells the story of Margaret MacDonald and Gannon MacMagnus, who find love after tragedy. In both this book and its sequel, Rivals for the Crown, Givens does a superb job of weaving English and Scottish history into an epic romance and a tale of Highlander families swept up in the great themes of Scotland's history.

I grew to love these men and women and felt like they could have easily been real people--people who experienced deep, lasting love, demanding challenges and heartrending losses. Gannon is an heroic figure, half Norse, half Irish, who comes into Margaret’s life at a tragic time. One of my very favorite heroes.

Givens’ writing is so believable, so compelling, I found myself reading her stories late into the night. These are not formula romance books or superficially historical but sweeping stories, well-researched and well worth the read. You won't be disappointed. There are fewer love scenes than in some romances but the ones included are tender and well worth the wait. The sexual tension she creates fits the story and the characters.

Givens gave us two other 2-book series –all  Scottish historicals (The Legend and The Destiny and Kilgannon and The Rose of Kilgannon). They are all we will have of her work as she passed away in early 2010, a great loss for historical romance fans. She was a great talent.

If you like sweeping sagas rich in historical detail, you will love this one.

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

Elizabeth Kingston’s DESIRE LINES – A Keeper of a Medieval Romance set in 13th-century Wales

October on Historical Romance Review is Medieval month, one of my favorite subgenres. I’m starting with a new favorite author, Elizabeth Kingston and book 3 in her Welsh Blades series.

Gryff was a Welshman raised as a noble hostage in the Norman court. Now he hides his true identity, saying only that he is a falconer, while he flees from one danger to another, longing to return to his homeland. (The word “Hiraeth” comes up repeatedly, meaning the Welsh concept of longing for home.) Meanwhile, a beautiful woman, who is very good with knives, saves him from a pack of villains.

Nan has no doubt the ragged Welshman she has saved was born to better things, far different from the servant’s life she has led. For one thing, his speech is more proper. Nan has suffered much and was always saved by women. That part of the story is intriguing, I must say, and so well done.

Nan’s first priority is to find her younger sister, who was lost to her long ago. Alas, that will prove a disappointing task as Nan discovers they are now very different women.

Rich in history, this story reflects much research on England and Wales in the 13^th century and on falconry and Wales’ part in raising the noble birds. It’s also very well told, capturing the medieval era perfectly. I love Kingston’s writing, the emotion in her characters and the complex motives that compel them forward to their fate.

This is definitely a keeper, a true love story of the genre and so much deeper than most. I guess you can say I loved it!  

Elizabeth Kingston’s THE KING’S MAN – Rich in History, a Great Medieval Romance!

Set in Wales, beginning in 1280, this is the story of Ranulf Ombrier, King Edward I’s favorite killer, famous for his skill with a sword. After years of doing his king's bidding, he begins to fear for his mortal soul and follows his conscience to the wilds of Wales.

When one of Gwenllian of Ruardean’s men nearly kills Ranulf, as a Welsh daughter of a powerful Marcher lord, she has every reason to leave Ranulf for dead, but instead, she heals him. As a girl she was married by proxy to a man Ranulf murdered, making her a widow before she ever met her groom. In the years since she has studied warfare and the healing arts.

I loved the characters and the history woven into this wonderfully written tale. It’s such a good story. Gwenllian takes Ranulf to London… to the king where they are soon caught up in dangerous intrigue and the king’s plans to bind Wales to him. Forced together, they discover how alike they are and how much they want each other. But even hard-won love cannot thrive when loyalties are divided.

A “hard to put down” story from the conflict between Wales and England. A very worthy romance!

Shelly Thacker’s HIS STOLEN BRIDE – French Noblewoman Abducted by a Highland Chief

First released under the title Falcon on the Wind, the story is set in Scotland in 1294 and tells of Lady Laurien d’Amboise, whose step father would force her to wed the cruel comte de Villiers. She is just about to escape when she is abducted by Highland lord Darach of Glenshiel who needs her to secure France’s support for Scotland.

Laurien thought to return to the convent at Tours where she grew up but that was before Darach captured her heart. Little does she know he is already married. And that won’t stop Darach from claiming what he wants.

A clever plot with a twist toward the end and some good action scenes keep the reader turning pages. I enjoyed the characters and anytime I can get a bit of the Highlands in the story, I’m delighted. There are a few historical references that anchor the story well in Scotland’s history.

My first by Thacker but it won’t be my last.

Catherine Coulter’s WARRIOR’S SONG – Great First in the Medieval Song Series!

October is Medieval month and I’m starting with a wonderful story with a magnificent heroine by one of my favorite authors!

Set in 1272 in England and the Middle East, this is the story of Chandra, who was raised by her father to be a warrior, to fight like a man and to enjoy the company of men. She loathes the traditional role of women that confines them to being a broodmare under a man’s domination. She loves her father and her home, Croyland Castle, on the Welsh border and never wants to leave. But her father has other plans. He has found a man who respects Chandra, Jerval de Vernon, who has even saved her from a bad guy (the hero in FIRE SONG) and has decreed she will marry Jerval whether she likes it or not. Chandra thinks of Jerval as a friend, a playmate, but when she marries him, he turns into a domineering man just like all the others.

This is a wonderful fast-paced story that takes you from the Welsh marches of England to Cumbria on the border of Scotland and then to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land on crusade with King Edward. During many adventures, Chandra and Jerval blend their different personalities and to find love in the midst of many challenges. Chandra is a heroine to die for: brave, unique, independent and willing to fight for her right to use her gifts. She takes a bad beginning with a mother who doesn’t love her and uses it to build strength. I loved this woman. Jerval instantly finds himself lusting after her but doesn’t realize that when they are married she will still be the warrior woman she is when they meet. Like many husbands, he thinks to change her. But they both change.

Coulter did a great job on the research of the times and gives us a feeling for both 13^th century England and the 9^th and last Holy Land Crusade. Her dialog is excellent, her characters rich and the plot is believable (though I admit Chandra’s skills are a bit over the top). I really enjoyed this one and think you will, too.

The Medieval Song Series:

Warrior's Song (Earlier Version Titled Chandra)

Fire Song

Earth Song

Secret Song

Brit Darby's EMERALD PRINCE - A Wonderful Tale from Medieval Ireland... A Legend, a Worthy Hero and a Courageous Heroine! A Keeper!

From the writing team of Patricia McAllister and Fela Dawson Scott ("Brit Darby") comes a wonderful story set in 13^th century Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The novel reflects considerable research and careful attention to historical detail of 13th century Ireland.

The story begins in 937 (prologue) on Inisdeven Island in Eire (Ireland) as the Nordic Vikings descend on St. Gall’s priory. The only monk remaining alive is young Donal to whom a dying Viking gives a large Emerald that he says must find its way to a female in his line—a descendant of the Fairy Queen Fand.

Hundreds of years later, in 1209 in England, Lady Alianor Coventry (“Nora”) is widowed when her husband, an older knight, dies. He was a man she greatly loved and admired who was like a father to her. King John, tired of his pregnant wife Isabella, is pleased to learn the fetching young heiress of Coventry is now free to be his plaything. But Nora wants to help her people, something the king has no intention of allowing. Given a choice between becoming the king’s leman or marrying the Norman madman Quintin de Lacy, she chooses neither, but is nevertheless shipped off to de Lacy in Ireland. On the way, she is abducted by the outlaw, Liam Caomhanach, the one the Irish call “the Emerald Prince,” a man foretold by legend.

I thought the authors did an excellent job of incorporating history and the Legend of the Emerald Prince into the story. That is so important to me as I like real history in my historical romance. They have created wonderful characters with a rich backstory—and some real life persons, like King John and Queen Isabella. Both Liam and Nora are compelling—unselfish and courageous to the end.

It’s a great tale, well told, and I recommend it for you lovers of Irish medieval romance. No love scene but great sexual tension...!

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.

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: 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)