Favorite Heroes & Heroines!

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

 

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

 

Heroes

 

Francis from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Graham from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Justine from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Hugh from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Garr from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Christopher from A ROSE IN WINTER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Houston from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Ruark from SHANA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Beaumaris from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Summerton from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Jacob from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Night Hawk from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jamie from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Thomas from HOME BY MORNING by Kaki Warner

Jason from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

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

Brigham from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Bret from WITHOUT WORDS by Ellen O’Connell

Ethan from MOOD INDIGO by Parris Afton Bonds

Sean from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Domenico from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felipe Tristan from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Fulke from THE OUTLAW KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick

Roger from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Alex from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

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

Devon from THE WINDFLOWER by Laura London

Gabriel from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Gannon from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Alex from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

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

Anthony from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Trevor from LIONS AND LACE by Meagan McKinney

Simon from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Ethan from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Derek from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Rory from BROKEN VOWS by Shirl Henke

Hawk from CAPTURE THE SUN by Shirl Henke

Simon from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Shane from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Christian from DECEPTIVE HEART by Maureen Kurr

Drake from PIRATE’S ANGEL by Marsha Bauer

Adrian from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Cougar from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Derek from INNOCENT FIRE by Brenda Joyce

Johnny from THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson

Julian from THE DUKE OF SHADOWS by Meredith Duran

Wolf from LOVE, CHERISH ME by Rebecca Brandewyne

Jesse from ONE WORE BLUE by Heather Graham

Zack from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Shay from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

McCady from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Jamie from OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

Brandon from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Callum from LAIRD OF THE MIST by Paula Quinn

Lucas from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Daegan from RAELIKSEN by Renee Vincent

Roc from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Francis from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Olaf from GOLDER SURRENDER by Heather Graham

 

Heroines

 

Philippa from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Sophia from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Leonie from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Mahelt from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Annyn from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Amelia from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Arabella from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Venetia from VENETIA by Georgette Heyer

Caroline from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Catriona from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Sarah (Flame) from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jassy from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Anna from TOUCH OF LACE by Elizabeth DeLancey

Chess from FROM FIELDS OF GOLD by Alexandra Ripley

Tess from THE BLACK ROSE by Christina Skye

Katherine from CLANDARA by Evelyn Anthony

Cat from LADY OF THE GLEN by Jennifer Roberson

Anne from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Margaret from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Mary from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

Miranda from ONCE MORE MIRANDA by Jennifer Wilde

Oriana from ORIANA by Valerie Vayle

Serena from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Briar from SLEEP IN THE WOODS by Dorothy Eden

Lysistrata from RANGOON by Christine Monson

Catherine from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Juana from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felicia from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Lissa from WHEN ANGELS FALL by Meagan McKinney

Jamelyn from SILK AND STEEL by Cordia Byers

Eleanor from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Elspeth from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

Sarah from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Fallon from PRINCESS OF FIRE by Heather Graham

Mary from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

Katherine from DANCING ON COALS by Ellen O’Connell

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

Kayleigh from MY WICKED ENCHANTRESS by Meagan McKinney

Cassie from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Isabeau from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Maddy from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Nicole from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Darcy from BEYOND THE CLIFFS OF KERRY by Amanda Hughes

Lauren from THE PRIDE OF THE KING by Amanda Hughes

Scarlett from SCARLETT by Alexandra Ripley

Eleanor from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Sara from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Summer from THE PIRATE AND THE PAGAN by Virginia Henley

Justine from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Flame from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Adair from A DANGEROUS LOVE by Bertrice Small

Clementine from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Emma from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

Jessalyn from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Heather from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Shanna from SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Aislinn from THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Jessie from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Whitney from THE PARADISE BARGAIN by Betina Krahn

Skye from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Katherine from THE GAME by Brenda Joyce

Kat from CHILDREN OF THE MIST by Aleen Malcolm

Erin from GOLDEN SURRENDER by Heather Graham

Amelia from THE VISCOUNT’S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Erica Ridley

 

And, from my own stories:

 

Ren and Serena from THE RED WOLF’S PRIZE

Steinar and Catriona from REBEL WARRIOR & THE REFUGE

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

Somerled and Ragnhild from SUMMER WARRIOR

Angus and Aine from BOUND BY HONOR

Donald and Mariota from THE STRONGEST HEART

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

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

 

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

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

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

The Fire Series:

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Judith James’ BROKEN WING - A Sweeping Shipboard Saga

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

I highly recommend this one.

 

Erica Ridley’s THE VISCOUNT’S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION – Amazing Heroine in a Delightful Christmas Tale

Set in London in 1815, this is the story of Lady Amelia Pembroke, a very organized woman of 29 who decides she must marry to allow her brother, the Duke of Ravenwood, to take a wife who can manage his house without her interference. When Amelia learns Viscount Sheffield is canceling his Christmas ball, she determines it must go on for that is where she intends to find a husband. So, she sets out to bend Lord Sheffield to her will.

 

I loved the heroine. She’s clever and knows her own mind. Her antics will have you laughing. Lord Sheffield never stood a chance. And when he realizes how amazing she is, he means to have her.

 

A worthy Christmas novella. It would have been even better as a longer story.

Judith James’ BROKEN WING - A Sweeping Shipboard Saga—a Keeper!

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

I highly recommend this one. It’s a keeper.

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE OUTLAW KNIGHT – A Sweeping Historical Saga and a Captivating Love Story—the real Robin Hood of Legend

 

Set in medieval England, beginning in 1184, this is the story of Fulke FitzWarin, the oldest son of the FitzWarin Marcher Lords. At age 15, he becomes a squire of Ranulf de Glanville, the Justicar. Fulke’s family is hoping through influence with King Henry and his court to regain Whittingdon Castle in Shropshire, their inheritance lost in the Welsh wars to Roger de Powys.

 

While acting the squire, Fulke runs afoul of young Prince John’s cruel temper during a game of chess and the two young men become life long enemies. Fulke is removed from court to become a squire to Theobald Walter, a powerful baron. Years later, Fulke becomes a knight just as a young, 12 year old Maude le Vavasour is betrothed to Theobald, who is three times her age. When Fulke and Maud meet again, she is 16 and being wed to Theobald. Fulke and Maude become enamored with each other, though they avoid each other and remain true to their commitments. In the background lurks Prince John who lusts for the beautiful young woman.

 

Much happens over the years as we follow the lives of Fulke and Maude. (Fulk III—no “e”—was a real historic figure, who married Maud le Vavasour—again with no “e”—and rebelled against King John from 1201-1203, living in the woods as an outlaw ala Robin Hood. Lest you worry about him (as I did), Fulk III lived into his 90’s, which given his life and the times, was a miracle.) 

 

Chadwick brings the history to life with a richness that makes you feel like you’re living it. It’s a well-told tale with extensive historical detail and vivid pictures of the social and political happenings of the times. Chadwick’s medieval vocabulary, dialog and descriptions reflect considerable research, as do all her novels.

 

Both Fulke and Maude are compelling characters as well as real historic figures; you want to see them together. He is an honorable man much like the Robin Hood we imagine, and she is an intelligent, spirited young woman just like Maid Marian. It’s a love story that will keep you turning pages. I thought the way Chadwick dealt with the historical figure Clarice de Auberville was brilliant—and believable.

 

Though Chadwick typically writes historical fiction with romantic elements, there’s enough romance here to satisfy the historical romance lover. I recommend it.

 

Note: This was first published in the UK as Lords of The White Castle, and follows the FitzWarin family saga begun in Shadows And Strongholds, but it can be read alone.

Kathleen Givens’ The Wild Rose of Kilgannon – A Wonderful, Exciting Story of Clan Kilgannon, a keeper!

 

I love how Givens writes. I have two tests for a 5 star romance: (1) can I put it down? and (2) will I read it again? This book passes both tests. Could not put it down and I will read it again.

 

For those considering buying it, make sure you also buy Kilgannon. The two books are the two parts to the same story--and you will want both. I just get lost in her tales and her characters, in this novel, Mary Lowell, an English aristocrat, and the Scottish chief Alex MacGannon, who claims her as his bride. I loved Mary...what a heroine! She is independent and smart and does what she thinks is right no matter the cost. When news comes of the capture of her beloved Alex, Mary vows to rescue him. As a defiant Alex is tried in London as a traitor, though all he did was to give his life to save his men, Mary unleashes her own campaign on London society to win justice for her man. I loved her man, Alex, Lord Kilgannon. He is all Scot, all man, very romantic, loves his woman fiercely. He fights with the best of them, leads men well and keeps his humor no matter the peril.

 

I suggest you read these two books before: On Highland Shore and Rivals for the Crown. They involve the same family/clan but are set generations earlier (13th century). It helped having the earlier story to understand where Clan Kilgannon came from, though it is not essential to enjoying this one based in the 1700s. And then read Kilgannon, book 1 in the Kilgannon duology. Here’s the description:

 

Alex MacGannon, Earl of Kilgannon, strode into the ballroom and commanded her heart. They called him a barbarian, a rough-hewn Scot—chidftain of clan MacGannon. They said no woman could hold him, as he set sail on the high seas. But Alex returned to claim Mary Lowell as his own, to carry her off to Scotland, to his magnificent ancestral castle, Kilgannon.

 

I have all of Kathleen Givens’ books. She is simply the best...a standard for all others.

 

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

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

 

My Favorite Heroes & Heroine!

 

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

 

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

 

Heroes

 

Francis from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Graham from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Justine from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Hugh from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Garr from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Christopher from A ROSE IN WINTER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Houston from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Ruark from SHANA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Beaumaris from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Summerton from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Jacob from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Night Hawk from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jamie from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Thomas from HOME BY MORNING by Kaki Warner

Jason from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

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

Brigham from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Bret from WITHOUT WORDS by Ellen O’Connell

Ethan from MOOD INDIGO by Parris Afton Bonds

Sean from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Domenico from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felipe Tristan from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Fulke from THE OUTLAW KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick

Roger from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Alex from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

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

Devon from THE WINDFLOWER by Laura London

Gabriel from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Gannon from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Alex from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

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

Anthony from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Trevor from LIONS AND LACE by Meagan McKinney

Simon from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Ethan from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Derek from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Rory from BROKEN VOWS by Shirl Henke

Hawk from CAPTURE THE SUN by Shirl Henke

Simon from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Shane from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Christian from DECEPTIVE HEART by Maureen Kurr

Drake from PIRATE’S ANGEL by Marsha Bauer

Adrian from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Cougar from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Derek from INNOCENT FIRE by Brenda Joyce

Johnny from THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson

Julian from THE DUKE OF SHADOWS by Meredith Duran

Wolf from LOVE, CHERISH ME by Rebecca Brandewyne

Jesse from ONE WORE BLUE by Heather Graham

Zack from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Shay from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

McCady from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Jamie from OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

Brandon from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Callum from LAIRD OF THE MIST by Paula Quinn

Lucas from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Daegan from RAELIKSEN by Renee Vincent

Roc from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Francis from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Olaf from GOLDER SURRENDER by Heather Graham

 

Heroines

 

Philippa from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Sophia from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Leonie from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Mahelt from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Annyn from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Amelia from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Arabella from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Venetia from VENETIA by Georgette Heyer

Caroline from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Catriona from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Sarah (Flame) from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jassy from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Anna from TOUCH OF LACE by Elizabeth DeLancey

Chess from FROM FIELDS OF GOLD by Alexandra Ripley

Tess from THE BLACK ROSE by Christina Skye

Katherine from CLANDARA by Evelyn Anthony

Cat from LADY OF THE GLEN by Jennifer Roberson

Anne from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Margaret from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Mary from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

Miranda from ONCE MORE MIRANDA by Jennifer Wilde

Oriana from ORIANA by Valerie Vayle

Serena from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Briar from SLEEP IN THE WOODS by Dorothy Eden

Lysistrata from RANGOON by Christine Monson

Catherine from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Juana from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felicia from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Lissa from WHEN ANGELS FALL by Meagan McKinney

Jamelyn from SILK AND STEEL by Cordia Byers

Eleanor from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Elspeth from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

Sarah from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Fallon from PRINCESS OF FIRE by Heather Graham

Mary from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

Katherine from DANCING ON COALS by Ellen O’Connell

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

Kayleigh from MY WICKED ENCHANTRESS by Meagan McKinney

Cassie from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Isabeau from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Maddy from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Nicole from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Darcy from BEYOND THE CLIFFS OF KERRY by Amanda Hughes

Lauren from THE PRIDE OF THE KING by Amanda Hughes

Scarlett from SCARLETT by Alexandra Ripley

Eleanor from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Sara from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Summer from THE PIRATE AND THE PAGAN by Virginia Henley

Justine from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Flame from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Adair from A DANGEROUS LOVE by Bertrice Small

Clementine from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Emma from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

Jessalyn from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Heather from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Shanna from SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Aislinn from THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Jessie from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Whitney from THE PARADISE BARGAIN by Betina Krahn

Skye from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Katherine from THE GAME by Brenda Joyce

Kat from CHILDREN OF THE MIST by Aleen Malcolm

Erin from GOLDEN SURRENDER by Heather Graham

Amelia from THE VISCOUNT’S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Erica Ridley

 

And, from my own stories:

 

Ren and Serena from THE RED WOLF’S PRIZE

Steinar and Catriona from REBEL WARRIOR & THE REFUGE

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

Somerled and Ragnhild from SUMMER WARRIOR

Angus and Aine from BOUND BY HONOR

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

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)

 

Anita Mills; LADY OF FIRE - A Keeper of a Medieval Romance!

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

 

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

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

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

The Fire Series:

LADY OF FIRE
FIRE AND STEEL
HEARTS OF FIRE
THE FIRE AND THE FURY
WINTER ROSES

 

 

Becca St. John’s SUMMERTON – Wonderfully Complex Mystery and Fabulous Love Story

 

This Regency (no date given) was my first book by St. John and I loved it. She writes with a smooth fluidity that captured me from the beginning. Lots of atmosphere surrounds the mystery with twists and turns aplenty.

 

The characters came alive on the page. The Duke of Summerton is a gallant man, one worthy of any woman’s love. And his match, Caroline Howlett, a wealthy commoner from Manchester, was enchanting. She had loved him as a girl; he didn’t know she existed.

 

He married her for her money, or that’s at least what she believed. She only married him because she was forced to do so by her uncle. In the match, the Duke of Summerton would be able to restore his family estate and Caroline would gain a title. But she cares nothing for that. She only wants to return to Manchester to see to her family’s mills.

 

Caroline is attempting to run away when murder suddenly arrives. First her maid is found in the woods, strangled. And it seems that Caroline is the real target. Can Summerton protect her. And will they both find love in the process? Indeed, they shall. And Summerton’s Aunt Eleanor is a Regency detective with skills!

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, did not want it to end. Highly recommended.

 

Dorothy Dunnett’s THE GAME OF KINGS – Brilliant Storytelling in a Complicated Plot!

December is the month when I do catch up reading and feature my Favorite Heroes & Heroines. (There will be a special list later in the month.) In the last year I have discovered Dorothy Dunnett’s wonderful stories, beginning with the Lymond Chronicles and then the House of Niccolo, the series I’m reading now. Her novels are long and complex and historically impressive. And so worth the time.

This first in the Lymond Chronicles is set in 16^th century Scotland when the country’s future was at stake and the young Queen Mary was a sought after bride by both England and France, this is the story of Francis Crawford of Lymond. He is a nobleman who, through unfortunate events, ends up on the outside of the law, the head of a band of broken men. He has a sharp, witty intellect and is capable of dangerous endeavors.

 

In 1547 Lymond returns to his native Scotland, which is threatened by an English invasion. Accused of treason, he takes a risky path seeking to bring the truth to light, redeem his reputation and save his land. A hero in disguise, mistrusted by most, Lymond has many supporters still willing to rise to his defense.

 

Lymond is a charming, noble soul you will not be able to resist. Though often blamed in error for others’ crimes and treason, he rises above it all. Dunnett presents him an undefiled hero to be loved. And so he is.

 

This is an exceptionally well-told tale with passages that made me stand back in admiration. Even so, there were several places where I wasn’t at all sure what was going on or who was speaking. But these were minor detractions in light of the overall brilliant writing and great story. I couldn’t stop reading and am now on book 2 in the wonderful Lymond Chronicles. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with a charismatic hero.

The Lymond Chronicles:

The Game of Kings
Queens' Play
The Disorderly Knights
Pawn in Frankincense
The Ringed Castle
Checkmate

 

Favorite Heroes & Heroines!

 

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

 

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

 

Heroes

 

Francis from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Graham from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Justine from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Hugh from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Garr from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Christopher from A ROSE IN WINTER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Houston from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Ruark from SHANA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Beaumaris from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Summerton from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Jacob from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Night Hawk from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jamie from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Thomas from HOME BY MORNING by Kaki Warner

Jason from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

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

Brigham from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Bret from WITHOUT WORDS by Ellen O’Connell

Ethan from MOOD INDIGO by Parris Afton Bonds

Sean from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Domenico from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felipe Tristan from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Fulke from THE OUTLAW KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick

Roger from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Alex from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

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

Devon from THE WINDFLOWER by Laura London

Gabriel from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Gannon from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Alex from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

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

Anthony from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Trevor from LIONS AND LACE by Meagan McKinney

Simon from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Ethan from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Derek from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Rory from BROKEN VOWS by Shirl Henke

Hawk from CAPTURE THE SUN by Shirl Henke

Simon from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Shane from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Christian from DECEPTIVE HEART by Maureen Kurr

Drake from PIRATE’S ANGEL by Marsha Bauer

Adrian from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Cougar from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Derek from INNOCENT FIRE by Brenda Joyce

Johnny from THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson

Julian from THE DUKE OF SHADOWS by Meredith Duran

Wolf from LOVE, CHERISH ME by Rebecca Brandewyne

Jesse from ONE WORE BLUE by Heather Graham

Zack from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Shay from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

McCady from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Jamie from OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

Brandon from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Callum from LAIRD OF THE MIST by Paula Quinn

Lucas from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Daegan from RAELIKSEN by Renee Vincent

Roc from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Francis from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Olaf from GOLDER SURRENDER by Heather Graham

 

Heroines

 

Sophia from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Leonie from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Mahelt from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Annyn from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Amelia from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Arabella from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Venetia from VENETIA by Georgette Heyer

Caroline from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Catriona from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Sarah (Flame) from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jassy from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Anna from TOUCH OF LACE by Elizabeth DeLancey

Chess from FROM FIELDS OF GOLD by Alexandra Ripley

Tess from THE BLACK ROSE by Christina Skye

Katherine from CLANDARA by Evelyn Anthony

Cat from LADY OF THE GLEN by Jennifer Roberson

Anne from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Margaret from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Mary from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

Miranda from ONCE MORE MIRANDA by Jennifer Wilde

Oriana from ORIANA by Valerie Vayle

Serena from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Briar from SLEEP IN THE WOODS by Dorothy Eden

Lysistrata from RANGOON by Christine Monson

Catherine from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Juana from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felicia from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Lissa from WHEN ANGELS FALL by Meagan McKinney

Jamelyn from SILK AND STEEL by Cordia Byers

Eleanor from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Elspeth from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

Sarah from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Fallon from PRINCESS OF FIRE by Heather Graham

Mary from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

Katherine from DANCING ON COALS by Ellen O’Connell

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

Kayleigh from MY WICKED ENCHANTRESS by Meagan McKinney

Cassie from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Isabeau from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Maddy from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Nicole from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Darcy from BEYOND THE CLIFFS OF KERRY by Amanda Hughes

Lauren from THE PRIDE OF THE KING by Amanda Hughes

Scarlett from SCARLETT by Alexandra Ripley

Eleanor from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Sara from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Summer from THE PIRATE AND THE PAGAN by Virginia Henley

Justine from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Flame from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Adair from A DANGEROUS LOVE by Bertrice Small

Clementine from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Emma from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

Jessalyn from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Heather from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Shanna from SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Aislinn from THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Jessie from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Whitney from THE PARADISE BARGAIN by Betina Krahn

Skye from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Katherine from THE GAME by Brenda Joyce

Kat from CHILDREN OF THE MIST by Aleen Malcolm

Erin from GOLDEN SURRENDER by Heather Graham

Amelia from THE VISCOUNT’S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Erica Ridley

 

And, from my own stories:

 

Ren and Serena from THE RED WOLF’S PRIZE

Steinar and Catriona from REBEL WARRIOR & THE REFUGE

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

Somerled and Ragnhild from SUMMER WARRIOR