Beautiful & Sensual Medieval Romance
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In the late 12th century during the time of King Richard there is a rebellion in Warringham and the King sends the High Sherriff, Fane Linford to curb the rebellion, round up the rebels, and in return, he gets to choose a bride. Fane arrives to his castle in order to celebrate the capture of a group of these unruly noblemen, one of which happens to be Lady Rexana Villeaux's brother Rudd. Rexana must do whatever necessary to get Rudd released from Fane's dungeon and prove his innocence. The beautiful Lady Rexana is sought after by most of the men in the kingdom for her beauty and virtue. In desperation she decides to dance the Dance of the Veils for Fane in order to entice him so she can get to his personal rooms, search and destroy the documents that link her brother to the rebellion, and get Rudd released. Already nervous by her inexperience as a courtesan and dancer, she realizes she is attracted to the dark, handsome Fane. Fane is even more drawn to Rexana's beauty. He not only wants her in his bed, but on discovering her true identity wants her as his bride. He struggles with his feelings, especially when he discovers that Rexana continues to plot behind his back to release her brother. The romantic and sensual tension has the reader captured from beginning to end and the lust turned love between these two lovers is a masterful weave. Interwoven in the love story is the mystery of the true identity of the real villians behind the rebellion. This is truly a beautiful, well-written story that is difficult to put down. The story plot and characters are rich and deep and the history is well-researched. What a fabulous debut! Catherine Kean is another author to add to the "please write another one soon" list.
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I see a fellow reader has done a phenomenal job at summarizing The Templar's Seduction by the super talented writer Mary Reed McCall, so I won't summarize. I know from reading that review she has enjoyed the book as much as I have. And I agree 100%  with the reviewer, Mary Reed McCall's lastest is alluring, thrilling and highly emotional. Well worth it.

I loved TTS totally and completely, my favorite thing about this book is how MRM "shows" us our hero, Alex de Ashby's journey from bad boy to warrior. From the fun "game of merels" scene to the highly sensual love scenes between the heroine, Beth and Alex, to the dialogue, description, to the end, MRM weaves a delightful story of redemption and love. We see Alex go from self-centered, "every man for himself" type to one who learns to love again, and most important, learns to give without expecting something in return.

 A crusader willing to sacrifice herself for others, Beth, our heroine, is a beautiful woman inside and out and is more than ready to defend her castle from calculating enemies. She's a woman who learns that trust and love makes her strong not weak.

I've read this book twice already and I know I will re-read it again down the road because I can't get enough of sexy, dangerous, charming Alex.

Whether you're already a fan of MRM's or this is your first book by this author, the final Templar Knights book, The Templar's Seduction will leave you emotionally satisfied and smiling.

Mary Reed McCall delivers an edge of your seat love story complete with characters you care for the moment they appear on the page.
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I'm so glad I discovered Grace Draven, as she tells stories that ride the line between romance and fantasy. In Eidolon, she did a lovely job of delivering on both genres. The first book, Radiance, focused more on developing the romance within a fantasy setting, and Eidolon builds on that foundation for a fully realized, world-shaking story. One thing I like about these stories and her Master of Crows series is that the reader encounters the save-the-world quest through the very intimate and poignant storyline following the couple tasked with saving it.

Brishen and Ildiko's romance from Radiance is simply beautiful, and a sequel courts the danger of becoming maudlin in heaping on more happily-ever-after. But Draven challenges their relationship in a wholly believable and heart-rending way. Two characters who come together through duty, now might be torn apart by that same duty. One of my favorite things is to see how an established couple grows and changes together, and Eidolon delivers.

Having read the related novella, The Brush of Black Wings from the Master of Crows series, I was a bit concerned when the whole save the world quest had barely begun at Eidolon's halfway point. I watched the balance between fantasy and intimate romance story and worried that the fantasy elements would get short shrift. But I need not have worried. The climax is still fully fleshed, and darnit, Draven had me tearing up again at the sacrifices her characters make to save the world.

I also wanted to comment on the delightful subplots. Knowing somewhat from The Brush of Black Wings how the main storyline would go, it was the gripping flight of Kirgipa and her guards that made it hard for me to put the book down, wondering how/when/what they would do to survive. Plus, I love the tension between Serovek and Anhuset and hope to see even more of them. The supporting characters are well rounded and interesting, and I find I like them almost as much as the main characters.

I look forward to further sequels with bated breath, particularly a resolution to Megiddo's storyline.
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5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Oh how I love an amazing medieval romance. A Sword For His Lady by Mary Wine had all I have come to love in my medieval romances .. strong hero who is stubborn but has a sense of humour, honour and loyalty. A heroine that can match that stubborn charm by being the strong resourceful woman, who cares more about her people than she does herself. A storyline that has some believability of its time and that is enriched with battle and history .. oh and a nasty villain who you really hope gets what is due.

Set in the time of Richard the Lionheart, our hero is Ramon de Segrave, who after proving himself on the battlefield had been awarded lands and titles by King Richard. Included in his winnings is the hand of marriage to our heroine Isabel of Camoys. Isabel was married to a horrible man and would pray for his demise on the battlefield believing she had enough strength and support of her people to keep her home running. When her prayers of his demise are answered she is relieved, until she comes to understand that she is to wed once again. Not having any of that, the battle of hearts begins.

Ramon is worthy of his Knighted title. He is domineering yet sensible and caring, he has a fun playful side that seems to come out with Isabel, but he is ever much the dangerous foe. He is fair and believes he can sway Isabel to believe that they can have a happy union. Isabel thwarts all his efforts at first and it isn't until her keep comes into serious harm that she realizes marriage to Ramon is a duty she must do to keep her people safe. It it the last thing she expects when her hearts begins to open to this Knight and she comes to recognize that he is truely a part of her home.

These two were so well matched. I adored Isabel as she was the brains behind keeping her lands running effectively before Ramon came into the picture. I loved how Ramon wasn't put off but rather intrigued by a woman who had accomplished so much successfully without the aid of a man. I also loved how when you know what hit the fan, that Ramon was not a complete arse about taking the man reigns. There was a friendship that bloomed between the two and a mutual respect. When we get to the conflict of the story and the secrets that were hidden, Mary Wine perfectly times the love and lust aspect to her story.

Secondary characters were set up for what I hope is more to this series. If you love a strong medieval romance then this is certainly a book for you! You will find it all here and chances are you will be wanting for more of the same!

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
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Comte Grgoire FitzHenri has been awarded Shyleburgh by William of Normandy the new King of England who replaces the English lords with Normans. As a pledge of loyalty, he is betrothed to the former lords  now his seneschal - heir & daughter. But Grgoire is resolute that his bride must come to him willing and in the 2 weeks prior to their wedding, he commences on a campaign to woo her. Unfortunately the beautiful Aislinn hardly speaks any French while Grgoire speaks little English & thus it is up to Aislinns elder sister Bridget who is fluent in both languages to play the part of interpreter between the two.

This was an absolutely beautifully written story! It is Bridget that Grgoire finds himself drawn to; her earthly, natural charm & intelligence rather than Aislinns pallid, remote beauty. While Aislinn finds Grgoire's maleness intimidating, Bridget has been secretly idolizing him since meeting him 5 years ago when he was made the Earl. But her decision had been made before then to give up her position as her fathers heir & join a convent after suffering abuse at the hands of her 1st betrothed.

Bridget does her utmost to bring Grgoire & the somewhat detached Aislinn together but gets her own emotions very much tangled into it. The romance is amazingly intense, as Bridget speaks supposedly of Aislinns feelings to Grgoire, what are her own feelings. She pours out her own wants & yearnings to Grgoire as Aislinns to convince him that he is winning Aislinn over but you can feel the heat curling off the pages between Bridget & Grgoire with every word she speaks.

This was my 1st time reading a book from this author & I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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I picked The Duke and the Pirate Queen up on a whim in the bookstore. The cover is beautiful, and I loved the idea of the heroine being a female ship captain. I have to say, I should follow my whims more often. This book was gorgeously written, incredibly sexy, and a very entertaining read.

The characters in this book are wonderful. They're all well-rounded and interesting, even the minor characters, and I am heartily impressed by that. It's so easy to just use stock characters as, for example, the crew of The Seaflower or the courtiers, but Janssen brings all of them to life. I also love that the characters are so diverse. Janssen doesn't go overboard with descriptions, but the hints she throws out about their appearances build a widely-varied cast. The world of The Duke and the Pirate Queen is invented (though not exactly a fantasy world), though it seems to be based on our cultures through the use of names like Arionhrod and Kuan. Those little hints of various ethnicities and cultures create a world that is wonderfully refreshing as well as richly described.

Imena and Maxime are great lead characters. Maxime is the kind of hero that's almost too good to be true: gorgeous, ripped, with an enormous... asset and a habit of sleeping with pretty much anyone who tickles his fancy. But he's also quietly intelligent and a skilled diplomat, with a deep set of motivations and a strong sense of devotion to the people he cares about. I liked him very much, but Imena was the character who really fascinated me. She feels like a foreigner no matter where she goes; her parents are of very different ancestries, and in her mother's land, Imena is seen as an outsider and an aberration. In the duchies, Maxime's land, her looks as well as her privateer's tattoos set her apart from those people as well. She only feels at home on her ship, with her crew, and it was a pleasure to see her open up to Maxime. I was surprised and pleased by the fact that Imena regularly shaves her head. The tattoos extend onto her scalp, so she shaves so they're visible, but it was such a surprising move, to have a heroine that doesn't have long, lustrous hair.

My only complaint about the book is that the plot sometimes feels like it's meandering rather than moving smoothly forward. After Imena abducts Maxime and they go on the run, much of the story is taken up with seemingly random events. Sylvie, a spy working for Maxime's close friend, does the brunt of the work in rooting out the plot against the duke, and while Imena and Maxime do more than their fair share of fighting and evading danger, their part of the story seems more designed to bring the two of them together romantically. The ending felt rather anti-climactic, too, but the more I think about it, the more it fits with the pace of Maxime and Imena's story. I wished there had been a bit more in the way of excitement in the ending (more showing and less telling), but it was still satisfying.

Admittedly, I'm not complaining too much. The two of them coming together romantically (and repeatedly) more than makes up for a minor complaint in pacing. Janssen can write sex scenes that will set your panties on fire. For a while I'd gotten bored with the love scenes in romances; they all seemed repetitive and boring. I think this book has helped me get over my boredom. Holy cow.

I enjoyed pretty much everything about this book, from the steamy love scenes to the amazing descriptions to the likable characters. I'll definitely be seeking out more Victoria Janssen novels.

(Originally published at The Discriminating Fangirl.)
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Only a very special book can make you fall in love with a genre again. It Takes Two to Tangle did just that, rekindling my love of historical romance. Theresa Romain has a talent, a rare ability to blend beautiful writing, great characters, delicious banter and a lovely romance, all in one perfect package.

ITTtT is simply beautiful, inside and out; the cover sweeps you away to Regency England as does the story contained inside. Within a few chapters, I knew it was to be a favorite of mine, and I look forward to enjoying Romain's books again in the future.

I loved how the sparks flew between Henry and Frances. There were more than a few such passages that I marked, though I won't be sharing them today, as they were fairly long--sorry! You shall just have to trust me--if you love wit and banter in your romance (and who doesn't?) then you will love this book!

As wonderful as the story and characters are, it is Romain's writing that captured my attention the most. She has a way of writing that turns a seemingly simple scene into a powerful one.

Truly, her writing is gorgeous and it made me feel as if I were there with Frances and Henry. Well done, Ms. Romain, and thank you for this delightful story!

4.5 STARS!

~ * ~ * ~

For my full review, including favorite book quotes, please visit my blog, TBQ's Book Palace.

Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review

TheBookQueen
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I believe this would rate as my favorite book in this series to date.  As much as I disliked Lady Madeline and loved Derek's unwavering care & friendship to Lord Tristan; I came to adore "Maddie" for her tremendous strength & courage in becoming a person that others eventually admired and respected.  Bree was wonderful in creating images so that the reader was aware that these changes in Madeline did not just "POOF" happen, but took concerted effort, courage, trials, & even heartbreak!  I would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys historical fiction.  This is a clean romance suitable for all.
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I purchased this book at a time when I was in a historical romance slump because I knew it would be just the novel I would love the minute I found myself interesting in reading the genre again. I was not wrong in thinking this and thanks to Manda Collins I am now craving even more from this genre  and more from the Lords of Anarchy.

A DUKE IS HARD TO FIND by Manda Collins is a heart -touching historical romance about the once engaged Leonora Craven and Lord Frederick Lisle, forced to reunite to solve the suspicious death of Leonoras twin and Freddys dear friend, Johnny. This historical romance is the first novel in the Lords of Anarchy series, a book that has sat on my TBR list for over a year.

Miss Leonora Craven is a poetess and a bluestocking past the age of marriage (boy do I hate that phrase) when she seeks out her old flame to demand his help. She is witty, strong-willed, and not afraid to speak out about controversial topics to change societal justice. Though she has flaws like the rest of us mere mortals, she is not afraid to admit shes wrong. It is nice to see character growth in a strong female lead, especially since it doesnt happen as often as it should in romance.

Freddy aka Lord Fredrick Isle was also a character I was very fond of. He is rather ashamed of his past as a rake, and it was a struggle for him to go undercover as a Lord of Anarchy when all he wanted was to prove hes changed. However, hed do anything for the man who was like a brother to him  even if it meant getting close to the woman who broke his heart.

The main characters were well rounded and tugged at my heart strings. Theyve been through so much and came out damaged, but resilient. I also liked the secondary characters  the two living close friends of Freddy AND Leonoras two close friends. I cannot wait to read their stories next!

I recommend this novel to historical romance lovers and those who are knew to the genre. This is the perfect novel to for those who are curious to see if historical romance is right for them  just remember to keep the tissues handy!
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Well, I've quite made up my mind that Virginia Henley is still at the top of her game in writing the most provocative and exhilarating historical romances of all time! With that said, let me tell you about her latest release INFAMOUS and one of her most fascinating heroines Lady Marjory `Jory' de Warenne.

Spirited, and uncommonly beautiful, Jory was one of the ladies in waiting to Princess Joanna, the daughter of King Edward who was about to be married off to an older noble for political alliances.  It was at JoAnna's suggestion that Jory grasp whatever happiness she could for herself before she could be bartered off and wed for political gain by her guardian's with no say in the matter.  Thinking about what Joanna had suggested, and as the nobles gathered for the wedding, Jory saw a knight that took her breath away. He was the notorious Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick - a man both feared on the battlefield and rumored to have killed his previous two wives. Disguising herself as a maid Jory, quite made up her mind to get a closer look at the notorious Earl of Warwick.

Guy was enchanted by the beautiful and lively minx who was more than willing and eager to give herself to him.  Although discovering her to be not only a virgin but a Lady, his honor demanded he woo her instead. Unfortunately, his reputation being somewhat in question over the mysterious deaths of his two wives led Jory's guardians to lie about his offer, or lack thereof, leading her to believe that Guy had betrayed her.  Feeling betrayed, her guardian convinced Jory to marry a younger man whose familial connections better served the de Warenne clan.  Married, Jory did her best to be a dutiful wife.  As the husbands went to war and wives were left behind, the days would find Jory hating Guy for his deceit, but her lonely nights and dreams would be of the one gallant knight her heart would not let her forget.

*** I loved this story, and once again discovered you just cannot start a novel from this author and put it down without finishing it as my bleary eyes will testify.  Loving history as I do, I found myself enraptured by the wealth of historical research Ms. Henley brilliantly weaves into the threads of her sensual romances.  Those who come to read for her trademark sensual romance can't help but be entertained by seeing history come to life in the pages. Marjory was a wonderful heroine, an incredible beauty who will capture your sympathy over the wasted years away from the one man she had never stopped loving.  Guy was a hero that I fell in love with. Older than Jory he was a fearsome powerful warrior, but honorable, and a glorious romantic at heart - he had all the right stuff that make up my dream lovers!  From the high and mighty to the lesser secondary characters, all come purposefully to life as Henley once again breathes her heart and soul into making them real under the magic of her talented fingers.  This was a compelling read encompassing a beautiful love story that left me sighing in satisfaction.  Most assuredly, this is a book I can highly recommend.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization
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This is romantic fantasy as I've never read it before. A young woman with powerful magic has been Called to the School on the Mountain, the place where the Riders of legend train, the chosen ones who guide the immortal white stallions through the Dances that shape the world. But Valeria is discovered to be a woman and turned away at the height of victory, and she must forge her own path. Along the way, love finds her in the arms of two very different young men. There is Euan Rohe, her first love, an earthy, sensual barbarian prince who is unfortunately determined to overthow everything Valeria calls home. And then there is Kerrec, a First Rider, her teacher, seemingly cold and untouchable but brimming with passion and a magic all his own. Which will she choose? Meanwhile, the threat of war is growing stronger by the day, and it is Valeria who will be called upon to save the Empire, the stallions, the Dance, and the man she has fallen in love with against all odds.

Strictly speaking, this is more of a fantasy than a romance, so if you are looking for a straightforward, man-meets-woman kind of story, you may be disappointed with this one. However, I think Brennan did an amazing job at weaving both elements together. There were places that actually brought me to tears. Against the backdrop of approaching battle is a lingering question: Euan or Kerrec? The reader, like Valeria, must decide for herself. This is an awesome story for all horse lovers - but there's a special shout out to dresssage riders!
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Im a huge romantic fantasy fan and if you throw in Celtic/Scottish folklore within a medieval historical time period, Im in pure heaven! This is such a book.

Princess Laurel of Gwenlais is out with her mother (the queen) when The Rabkins attack, killing Laurels mother and many other women and children. Fleeing for her life and almost killed herself, she escapes death thanks to the quick-thinking Prince Caleb of Heathwin. When Laurel realizes it was Caleb whos saved her life, she is awe-struck, as shes had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But she knows its not meant to be, not when their kingdoms continue to feud.

Prince Caleb is tired of war and wants peace for himself and his kingdom. When he rescues Princess Laurel from execution, he realizes shes special, though he cant put his finger on it. Maybe its the way she treats him, like a god or something, with love in her eyes. He starts falling for her and wonders if she might be the instrument of peace he so craves. Can he let down his guard and give Laurel his heart or will he die trying?

A beautiful, moving fantasy gem with colorful characters, plenty of action and a core message anyone can relate to. Life deals Laurel a tough hand and shes got to figure out who to trust and whether to follow her destiny. Along the way, she falls in love and while thats wonderful, she must learn how to grow with Caleb if peace is to happen. The romance was slow-burning and it made my heart swell with emotion.

I loved the Celtic and Scottish folklore in this book. It brought a mystical depth to the story and I was plunged into Magees world. I couldn't put it down and was sad when it ended. I cant wait to read the next installment in the series. A must read!

Favorite Character/Quote: Laurel. I love a strong yet feminine female protagonist and Laurel has such strength for someone so young. Shes dealt a life-changing blow and while shes trying to figure out what it all means, she meets Caleb. Torn between duty and love, she must find her purpose in life and save her kingdom.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating:  5 stars
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The Highland Jewel series is an enchanting collection of romances centered around a magic brooch that transports characters through time. The heroes are fiery, passionate Scotsmen, the heroines delightfully feisty, the romances that bloom between the lovers tender yet blazing. What could be better than a sexy Scottish warrior...three sexy Scottish warriors! I loved these stories! Eliza Knight creates sparkling dialogue and sensual romance.
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Jason Luke delivers and masterclass in love and romance in this one of the most beautiful books I have read so far this year.
The author takes you on a passionate and poignant journey with two characters that will take your breath away.
Blake and Connie just make my heart melt- Blake has a depth to him that had me querying how and when he was going to wake up and see all the good that surrounded him, I feared that his darkness was going to allow Connie to slip right through his fingers.
Connie on the other hand has her own issues to deal with and a violent past that she is trying hard to continue to elude.
But the connection between the two of them left me breathless and part of that was because I wanted them both to have a happiness that they so deserved.
I felt that Jason Luke gave me a gloriously descriptive, powerfully emotive, sensual love story that was as rich as it was enriching and I do feel as if I have been well and truly schooled in the true meaning love.
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Another wonderful well written medieval romance by Regan Walker. This book can be read on its own, but if you have read the previous ones in this series you will revisit old friends. One favorite, Maugris, the seer, has appeared in the earlier books and his prophecies should be heeded.

This is Alex and Merewyn's story. Alex, known as the Black Wolf due to his hair color and his father's nickname, the Red Wolf. He is a knight for King William Rufus and has been fighting in Normandy. Upon their return to England, Alex returns home to visit his family. Merewyn lives at Talisand as the ward of his parents. He had rescued her as a child from the village boys taunting her. At that point, she fell in love with him and learned to defend herself. She is an expert with her bow. He is drawn to her but can't stay long as they must all go to London. Then he has to ride with the King's army to Scotland. Merewyn loves Alex but due to her birth she does not believe she can be his wife. He must marry the woman the King chooses. Alex, however, is determined to wed Merewyn.

There is so much going on in this book. You won't want to put it down. I try to give you a hint of the story without spoiling it. Regan Walker is very accurate in the history of the time and weaves a wonderful story, not only with the main characters but the secondary ones as well. I can think of several from this book who may need their own HEAs.
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This was one of those historical romances that sweeps you away from the beginning and holds you captive until the last page.  I could not put it down.  Set in 11th century England and Normandy, it tells the story of William the Conqueror, the bastard duke of Normandy, who would be king of England following Edward the Confessor's death.

The prologue is 33 pages long and begins with the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and its immediate aftermath. Alaric, the bastard Count of Anlou, has served William since he was 12 and victory is theirs that day.  Fallon, the beautiful blue-eyed, black-haired Saxon princess, daughter of King Harold Godwinson, sees her father and uncles dead, her betrothed lost to her and her country ravaged by the dreaded Normans.  Then Alaric, who takes her from the battlefield where she is wielding a sword with the best of the warriors, takes her innocence and her honor making her his whore.  She has lost everything and you will feel the loss along with her.  But she and Alaric have a long history for they have known each other since she was a young girl and he was a young knight. Even then she hated the Normans.

After the prologue, the story goes back in time to the original conception of William and first meeting with Alaric.  Alaric becomes William's champion and a valiant warrior and commander of William's knights as William conquers Normandy and then seeks the throne of England.  Alaric is in and out of Fallon's life as she grows up and each time they meet it is a tempestuous encounter as she is proud and willful and fiercely loyal to her father, her people and England and he is a Norman bastard who will not give an inch though he is known by all to be an honorable knight.  But England will be conquered and the Saxons will be subdued.  Alaric is bitter toward women as he was betrayed by his first wife. So, while he desires Fallon, he will not love her and he wants no wife. Fallon hates him but is now his prisoner and his woman whether she likes it or not. Though Alaric doesn't love her, he has claimed her so he will not let her go and escape becomes her passion.

It's another excellent historical tale by Heather Graham (pen name Shannon Drake) with history woven in so well you do not feel you are getting a history lesson but you will come away with a clear feel for what England experienced at the hands of the Conqueror. The characters are rich and well developed, the sexual tension very high (nearly constant) and the action is fast moving. You'll want to read the sequel,

Knight of Fire about Bret D'Anlou. While not quite as good as Princess of Fire (to which I'd give 6 stars if I could), I rated it 5 stars.
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I loved this book. Spent all one weekend reading because I couldn't put it down. The author is a beautiful writer whose characters are richly drawn. She's created a tension- filled romance that moves easily  between Scotland today and Scotland in the middle ages. I highly recommend it.