Jennifer Horsman’s FOREVER AND A LIFETIME: Handsome Swiss Hero, Strong Heroine and a Great Story!

 

This is a wonderful story. This one by Horsman, a favorite author of mine, has an amazingly complex plot set in an interesting time in history with well-developed characters, sexy love scenes and a hero, who is very virile, and at times a cad. This one also features the usual cats, vegetarians and mystical aspects that seem to characterize her romances.  

 

Set in Switzerland in the late 15^th century when the country was a loose confederation of independent small states called cantons, it tells about the time of Charles the Bold, Lord of Lucerne, who came to power in 1467. He is seeking to grow in power, but Bern sees this as a threat. In this story, our heroine, Lady Nichole Lucretia, Charles’ sister and a great healer, is being forced by her brother to marry the Duke of Uri to gain Charles another army. Nichole judges the duke to be an unjust and cruel man, and loving her people and being a headstrong and intelligent young woman, she refuses.

 

Charles imprisons her in an abbey to pressure her into complying but she isn’t there long when Jonpaul the Terrible abducts her. Jonpaul is the hero of the Burgundy War, the leader of the Basel Alliance—and their enemy. The Alliance wants to thwart Charles’ plans and they know defeating Nichole’s marriage will further their goal for peace. Jonpaul takes Nichole to his castle where she tries to resist the man even as she seeks escape. Theirs is a relationship of great passion and great conflict, as two strong personalities come together.

 

What I like about Horsman’s stories is that they are richly detailed and give me that intense feeling that keeps me turning pages. I like her strong heroines, too (none of those whiny females!).

 

There is great history, great passion and great deception—deception that is believable when it comes from someone you love.  I highly recommend it.

Jennifer Horsman’s CRIMSON RAPTURE –Absorbing, Heartrending Story of an American Privateer and an Endearing Young Englishwoman

Though no date is given, since England is at war with France and President Jefferson’s Embargo Act is referenced, I believe the story is set during 1807-08 at the dawn of the Regency era. It begins on a British naval vessel (a 3-masted sailing ship) on its way to Australia, transporting a famous prisoner—American privateer, Justin Phillips—as well as civilian passengers, including shy, 17-year old Christina Marks, in mourning for her father’s death and going to live with her uncle.

 

From the first time they meet, Justin and Christina share a love for books and ideas but are terribly different personalities. Were it not for the unusual circumstances in which the shy, unselfish girl speaks through a small window to a prisoner she can’t see, they never would have formed the bond they did. Though Justin, a successful privateer and man of the world, thought the timid young woman who brought him books, food and conversation was probably a plain girl (all he could see were her feet), she was nevertheless “a most sympathetic and sweet young lady.” And when, in the course of his crew’s rescuing him, he first sees her, her beauty leaves him speechless.

 

Horsman has brilliantly crafted a heroine who will win your heart from the first page. She is winsome, loving and incredibly unselfish. Christina has led a very sheltered life as the daughter of a vicar and is totally unprepared for a hardened man like Justin. To him, her kindness is a soothing balm. But his rough ways and harsh judgments are often too much for Christina. Despite that, the two fall quickly and desperately in love.

 

This is a love story of misunderstandings and second, even third chances as Justin struggles to accept the purity of Christina’s love, a love he has sought since childhood.

 

There is love on the high seas, a monsoon, a shipwreck, a tropical island and life in colonial America—and a wonderful crew of men and even a sweet, loyal St. Bernard dog, “Beau,” whose thoughts we occasionally hear.

 

Horsman’s historical romances are wonderful, well-written tales of passion and love that are on my keeper shelf. And this one is a story to read and re-read. I highly recommend it!

Jennifer Horsman’s CRIMSON RAPTURE –Absorbing, Heartrending Story of an American Privateer and an Endearing Young Englishwoman

Though no date is given, since England is at war with France and President Jefferson’s Embargo Act is referenced, I believe the story is set during 1807-08 at the dawn of the Regency era. It begins on a British naval vessel (a 3-masted sailing ship) on its way to Australia, transporting a famous prisoner—American privateer, Justin Phillips—as well as civilian passengers, including shy, 17-year old Christina Marks, in mourning for her father’s death and going to live with her uncle.

 

From the first time they meet, Justin and Christina share a love for books and ideas but are terribly different personalities. Were it not for the unusual circumstances in which the shy, unselfish girl speaks through a small window to a prisoner she can’t see, they never would have formed the bond they did. Though Justin, a successful privateer and man of the world, thought the timid young woman who brought him books, food and conversation was probably a plain girl (all he could see were her feet), she was nevertheless “a most sympathetic and sweet young lady.” And when, in the course of his crew’s rescuing him, he first sees her, her beauty leaves him speechless.

 

Horsman has brilliantly crafted a heroine who will win your heart from the first page. She is winsome, loving and incredibly unselfish. Christina has led a very sheltered life as the daughter of a vicar and is totally unprepared for a hardened man like Justin. To him, her kindness is a soothing balm. But his rough ways and harsh judgments are often too much for Christina. Despite that, the two fall quickly and desperately in love.

 

This is a love story of misunderstandings and second, even third chances as Justin struggles to accept the purity of Christina’s love, a love he has sought since childhood.

 

There is love on the high seas, a monsoon, a shipwreck, a tropical island and life in colonial America—and a wonderful crew of men and even a sweet, loyal St. Bernard dog, “Beau,” whose thoughts we occasionally hear.

 

Horsman’s historical romances are wonderful, well-written tales of passion and love that are on my keeper shelf. And this one is a story to read and re-read. I highly recommend it!

 

Jennifer Horsman’s WITH ONE LOOK – A Keeper of a Pirate Tale set in old New Orleans, and a Love Story with two Very Extraordinary People!

 Set in New Orleans in 1818 where voodoo, pirates, and various religions, races and cultures clash, it tells the story of Victor Nolte, a “pirate of pirates,” a successful shipbuilder and the handsome son of a respected priest, and Jade Terese Devon, a beautiful, well-educated girl who Victor meets one night at the opera. He was strongly attracted to her—until he discovered she is blind.

 

From the first time he sees her, Victor knows he will not be having only a brief liaison with beautiful Jade Terese. But he had no idea he would find the seemingly innocent girl in a bordello being sold to the highest bidder.

 

There’s something for everyone in this captivating love story from old New Orleans: a noble but flawed hero who can’t seem to get around the fact the woman he loves is blind; a young woman who sees only good when she looks at life despite the terrible things it’s handed her; a cast of wonderful secondary characters, including a seer who seems to aid Victor at critical times; and lots of action, mystery and some mystical elements, as well. All very well done. Of course, since this is by Horsman, you know there’s a dog to love—two actually, “Hamlet,” and “Wolf Dog” (who is really a wolf).

 

I thought Horsman’s treatment of how the mind and body react to horrors too horrible to remember was nothing short of brilliant. She weaves a complex tale with many threads that will hold you captive.

 

This is definitely one for the keeper shelf and I highly recommend it.

J.J. Flowers (aka Jennifer Horsman) THY BROTHER’S WIFE – 16th Century France Brought to Life!

J.J. Flowers (Jennifer Horsman) is one of my all time favorite historical romance authors because of her complex plots, detailed storytelling and character emotion. She has not failed to disappoint with this one. According to the author's note, it's based on a true story...or a legend surrounding one...from a 16th century French theologian and a collection of letters concerning the last woman condemned to die at the stake on the charge of witchery who was saved by a young French nobleman. It is very well done...intriguing to the end.

Set in France in 1513 (and 1519), this tells the story of 15-year-old Linness of Sauvage, a poor girl raised in a convent when her “second sight” was discovered and she is condemned as a witch. A gallant young knight, Paxton Gaillard Chamberlain, saves her from the stake. In a moment of self-indulgent battle lust, Paxton robs Linness of her virginity and leaves her naked in the forest (with a ring to remember him by) and words that he will return--words she does not hear. In a bizarre coincidence, she comes across the dead bodies of Lady Belinda (the betrothed of Paxton's older twin brother) and her guards who were attacked by bandits. Encouraged by one of the dying guards to assume the identity of the Lady Belinda, who he tells Linness the brother, Morgan, has never seen, Linness dresses in the dead girl’s clothes and takes her identity, unaware that the knight, Paxton, who made love to her is Morgan's estranged younger brother. (Are you still with me?)

Well researched, this story brings to life France in the early 1500s when King Francis brought peace to the country. Horsman describes well the wine industry at the time, the architecture, culture, dress and food. The characters are well developed and the plot complex. Horsman's writing style is a bit unique in that she frequently changes points of view. I got used to it and came to enjoy her seamless head hopping.

Jennifer Horsman’s MAGIC EMBRACE – Spies, Pirates, Magic and a Heroine you will love!

February is Pirates and Privateers month and I’m starting with one by a favorite author.

 

Set in 1805, this is the story of Juliet Stoddard, a 17-year-old innocent who, as a young orphan, is sent from France to England to live with her cruel and twisted uncle. To pay back her mother who he despised as a loose woman (she wasn't), he kept Juliet isolated and beat her for any little thing. She was not even permitted to befriend her cousin, Clarissa, the uncle's daughter, who was living in the same house.

 

Clarissa hates her father and lives a rebellious life including sleeping around. When Clarissa's father catches her with a young man, Eadric, Clarissa cries rape and the uncle brutally murders him. It turns out Eadric was the brother of the infamous pirate Black Garrett, who now seeks revenge on Clarissa and her father. Though Garrett is considered a traitor in England, a pirate for Napoleon, Garrett is really a British lord and a spy. Garrett returns to England to seek his revenge, killing Clarissa's father and kidnapping the young woman he believes is Clarissa--but is really Juliet.

Though Juliet, a sweet saintly girl, protests her innocence and tells Garrett she is not Clarissa (who set her up), Garrett still rapes her. Some might call it forced seduction but Juliet called it rape. (The love scenes, by the way, are very well described.) First, Garrett takes her by force, then by magic as he holds her prisoner on his ship--in his cabin. I include this just so you know we are dealing with a true cad.

Magic and mysticism are bound up with the story and there are dark hints of mysterious happenings. Garrett spent years with Eastern religious men and that forever changed him. He uses the magic to manipulate people when the need arises.

 

Even with the hero being a cad for most of the story, and a few nits I would have changed, this was a compelling tale, a story I could not put down and. if you love pirate stories, I believe you will like this one. Howsman is a master storyteller!

 

Jennifer Horsman’s FOREVER AND A LIFETIME: Handsome Swiss Hero, Strong Heroine and a Great Story!

This is a wonderful story. This one by Horsman, a favorite author of mine, has an amazingly complex plot set in an interesting time in history with well-developed characters, sexy love scenes and a hero, who is very virile, and at times a cad. This one also features the usual cats, vegetarians and mystical aspects that seem to characterize her romances.  

Set in Switzerland in the late 15^th century when the country was a loose confederation of independent small states called cantons, it tells about the time of Charles the Bold, Lord of Lucerne, who came to power in 1467. He is seeking to grow in power, but Bern sees this as a threat. In this story, our heroine, Lady Nichole Lucretia, Charles’ sister and a great healer, is being forced by her brother to marry the Duke of Uri to gain Charles another army. Nichole judges the duke to be an unjust and cruel man, and loving her people and being a headstrong and intelligent young woman, she refuses.

Charles imprisons her in an abbey to pressure her into complying but she isn’t there long when Jonpaul the Terrible abducts her. Jonpaul is the hero of the Burgundy War, the leader of the Basel Alliance—and their enemy. The Alliance wants to thwart Charles’ plans and they know defeating Nichole’s marriage will further their goal for peace. Jonpaul takes Nichole to his castle where she tries to resist the man even as she seeks escape. Theirs is a relationship of great passion and great conflict, as two strong personalities come together.

What I like about Horsman’s stories is that they are richly detailed and give me that intense feeling that keeps me turning pages. I like her strong heroines, too (none of those whiny females!).

There is great history, great passion and great deception—deception that is believable when it comes from someone you love.  I highly recommend it.

J.J. Flowers (aka Jennifer Horsman) THY BROTHER’S WIFE – 16th Century France Brought to Life!

J.J. Flowers (Jennifer Horsman) is one of my all time favorite historical romance authors because of her complex plots, detailed storytelling and character emotion. She has not failed to disappoint with this one. According to the author's note, it's based on a true story...or a legend surrounding one...from a 16th century French theologian and a collection of letters concerning the last woman condemned to die at the stake on the charge of witchery who was saved by a young French nobleman. It is very well done...intriguing to the end.

Set in France in 1513 (and 1519), this tells the story of 15-year-old Linness of Sauvage, a poor girl raised in a convent when her “second sight” was discovered and she is condemned as a witch. A gallant young knight, Paxton Gaillard Chamberlain, saves her from the stake. In a moment of self-indulgent battle lust, Paxton robs Linness of her virginity and leaves her naked in the forest (with a ring to remember him by) and words that he will return--words she does not hear. In a bizarre coincidence, she comes across the dead bodies of Lady Belinda (the betrothed of Paxton's older twin brother) and her guards who were attacked by bandits. Encouraged by one of the dying guards to assume the identity of the Lady Belinda, who he tells Linness the brother, Morgan, has never seen, Linness dresses in the dead girl’s clothes and takes her identity, unaware that the knight, Paxton, who made love to her is Morgan's estranged younger brother. (Are you still with me?)

Well researched, this story brings to life France in the early 1500s when King Francis brought peace to the country. Horsman describes well the wine industry at the time, the architecture, culture, dress and food. The characters are well developed and the plot complex. Horsman's writing style is a bit unique in that she frequently changes points of view. I got used to it and came to enjoy her seamless head hopping.

Review: Jennifer Horsman’s CRIMSON RAPTURE –Absorbing, Heartrending Story of an American Privateer and an Endearing Young Englishwoman

Though no date is given, since England is at war with France and President Jefferson’s Embargo Act is referenced, I believe the story is set during 1807-08 at the dawn of the Regency era. It begins on a British naval vessel (a 3-masted sailing ship) on its way to Australia, transporting a famous prisoner—American privateer, Justin Phillips—as well as civilian passengers, including shy, 17-year old Christina Marks, in mourning for her father’s death and going to live with her uncle.

From the first time they meet, Justin and Christina share a love for books and ideas but are terribly different personalities. Were it not for the unusual circumstances in which the shy, unselfish girl speaks through a small window to a prisoner she can’t see, they never would have formed the bond they did. Though Justin, a successful privateer and man of the world, thought the timid young woman who brought him books, food and conversation was probably a plain girl (all he could see were her feet), she was nevertheless “a most sympathetic and sweet young lady.” And when, in the course of his crew’s rescuing him, he first sees her, her beauty leaves him speechless.

Horsman has brilliantly crafted a heroine who will win your heart from the first page. She is winsome, loving and incredibly unselfish. Christina has led a very sheltered life as the daughter of a vicar and is totally unprepared for a hardened man like Justin. To him, her kindness is a soothing balm. But his rough ways and harsh judgments are often too much for Christina. Despite that, the two fall quickly and desperately in love.

This is a love story of misunderstandings and second, even third chances as Justin struggles to accept the purity of Christina’s love, a love he has sought since childhood.

There is love on the high seas, a monsoon, a shipwreck, a tropical island and life in colonial America—and a wonderful crew of men and even a sweet, loyal St. Bernard dog, “Beau,” whose thoughts we occasionally hear.

Horsman’s historical romances are wonderful, well-written tales of passion and love that are on my keeper shelf. And this one is a story to read and re-read. I highly recommend it!

New Review: Jennifer Horsman’s A KISS IN THE NIGHT – Complex, well-told tale from a legend of 16th century France

If you haven’t discovered Jennifer Horsman, I highly recommend her stories. She is one of my all time favorite historical romance authors because of her complex plots, detailed storytelling and emotion in her characters. She does not disappoint with this one. According to the author’s note, it’s based on a true story…or a legend surrounding one…from a 16^th century French theologian and a collection of letters concerning the last woman condemned to die at the stake on the charge of witchery who was saved by a young French nobleman. It is very well done…intriguing to the very end.

Set in France in 1513 (and 1519), this tells the story of 15-year-old Linness of Sauvage, a poor girl but raised in a convent when her second “sight” was discovered and then at 15 condemned as a witch. A gallant young knight, Paxton Gaillard Chamberlain, saves her from the stake. In a moment of self-indulgent battle lust, Paxton robs Linness of her virginity and leaves her naked in the forest (with a ring to remember him by) and words that he would return—words she does not hear. In a bizarre coincidence, she comes across the dead bodies of Lady Belinda (the betrothed of Paxton’s older twin brother) and her guards who were attacked by bandits. Encouraged by one of the dying guards to assume the identity of the Lady Belinda, who he tells Linness the brother, Morgan, has never seen, Linness dresses in the dead girl’s clothes and takes her identity, unaware that the knight, Paxton, who made love to her is Morgan’s estranged younger brother. (Are you still with me?)

Well researched, it brings to life France in the early 1500s when King Francis brought peace to the country. Horsman describes well the wine industry at the time, the architecture, culture, dress and food. The characters are well developed and the plot complex. Horsman’s writing style is a bit unique in that she frequently changes points of view. I quickly got used to it and even enjoyed the seamless head hopping. I highly recommend it.

Buy on Amazon.