Sunday, September 29, 2013

New Review: Jude Deveraux’s THE BLACK LYON – Fanciful Medieval Bodice Ripper with Strong Heroine and Stronger Hero

Set in what appears to be England in the 13th century (Edward is King of England, though his queen is “Eleanora” rather than Eleanor), this is the story of Lady Lyonene, a baron’s daughter, and Ranaulf de Warbrooke, 3rd Earl of Malvoisin, aka “the Black Lion.”

When they meet at her family’s keep, Lyonene and Ranaulf are instantly attracted. She is the golden lioness and he’s the black lion (a lot of lion images here). Over the next few days, he commits to marry her because she makes him laugh. Ranaulf has a dark secret in his past—an unfaithful wife who died condemning him. So he is ever suspicious of Lyonene being after his money and ever jealous of any man who comes close to her.

This story takes the reader on some wide swings from wedding night rape to a loving and attentive husband (though he remains arrogant to the end). Deveraux did a great job of portraying a winsome, clever and strong heroine and the dark, sometimes cruel and brutal lord. There isn’t much history in this tale, which often appears fanciful rather than historical romance but there is a clear medieval tone, which I very much enjoyed. And there is some lively dialog between Lyonene and Ranulf in the course of their many adventures with some wonderful secondary characters and an evil female villain.

All in all, it’s a worthy read if you like medieval romance, but expect some bodice ripping scenes and don’t look for serious history in this one.

I'm including the original cover because it conveys the emotion between the hero and heroine better.


Friday, September 27, 2013

Autumn in the Highlands of Scotland...a quote by one of my favorite authors


“Autumn in the Highlands would be brief—a glorious riot of color blazing red across the moors and gleaming every shade of gold in the forests of sheltered glens. Those achingly beautiful images would be painted again and again across the hills and in the shivering waters of the mountain tarns until the harsh winds of winter sent the last quaking leaf to its death on the frozen ground.”

--thoughts of Anne MacKinnon, the heroine from Elizabeth Stuart's HEARTSTORM, one of my Top 10 romances

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

New Review: Gina Conkle’s NORSE JEWEL –Intriguing Viking Story

Set in 1022, the story begins in the “land of the Franks” (today’s France, since she lived near Paris). It tells of Helena from the village of Aubergon who was taken in a raid by the Danes and is now to be sold as a slave. Norse chieftain Hakan the Tall of Svea (the word means Swede so perhaps he’s from Sweden), is tired of war and intends to become a farmer. He wants to buy a slave to teach him Frankish and help him in his wine trade.

I found the beginning of the story intriguing as Helena waits on the slave block while she and another woman are looked over by prospective purchasers. Though he wanted a docile older woman, Hakan buys Helena and they sail back to Svea. Once there, though she is a thrall, he elevates her to care for his house and lands, giving her much freedom and status. But the only thing she wants is to go home. Though Haken is attracted to Helena, he has no intent to marry again. His first wife divorced him and is a selfish woman who keeps his son, though by their law the boy should live with his father. Meanwhile, King Olof requires Haken’s sword in dealing with some bad guys who are in league with the Danes. And Haken makes a deal with Helena that if she can get back his son, he will return her to her home.

This is the author’s debut novel. Her style is a bit different and took a bit of getting used to but once I got past that, I thought it an absorbing story. She has created a believable Viking world, though one has to wonder if any thrall was ever treated like Helena. I thought Conkle’s treatment of emotions and the growing feelings between Haken and Helena very well done. However, there is only one abbreviated love scene which some may find surprising at this for a Viking story. Let’s just say the Viking hero here is a gentleman.

It has the feel of part one of the story as much is left unresolved when you get to the last page. Haken’s land and security—even his king—are threatened by betrayal and the avarice of others yet we don't get to find out what happens. I understand there will be a sequel so perhaps we'll see all that in the next installment.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

New Review: Brenda Joyce’s PROMISE OF THE ROSE – Medieval Romance at its Best!

This is book 2 of the two medieval stories in the de Warenne Dynasty series (The Conqueror is the first). It is lusty, full of history and angst and will keep you reading pages.

Set in 1093 (with a prologue in 1076), this tells the story of Stephen de Warenne, bastard son and heir of the Earl of Northumberland, and Mary, daughter of Malcolm Canmore, the King of Scotland.

Proud loyal Mary, when taken captive by Stephen, refuses to reveal her identity so Stephen decides to have her. Afterward, learning she is the Scottish Princess, he conceives of the idea of marrying her for political reasons. And he does, while talking peace but planning to attack Scotland on orders from his king, William Rufus. Thus he betrays Mary. But when he discovers her eavesdropping upon his battle plans (she is shocked by what she hears), he calls her traitor. An unforgiving man, he vows to use her like a wife but give her no affection. Clearly, he did not deserve such a wonderful woman.

I loved this heroine, that she would defy the arrogant Norman knight who thought to claim her. And I loved that she was a Scots patriot, more loyal than many men. Initially I also loved the hero who was a man of honor and firm resolve, but his later harsh treatment of his bride made him look the brutal knight.

It’s fast paced, with well developed characters and great history on every page. Very well researched with many historical figures and very well done. It’s Joyce at her best.

Friday, September 20, 2013

New Review: Brenda Joyce’s THE CONQUEROR –Rugged and Raw but a Medieval That Keeps You Turning Pages

This is book 1 of the two medieval stories in the de Warenne Dynasty series (The Promise of the Rose is the second)

It’s 1069 and William I has conquered England and is handing out land to his knights while still fighting the Danes and the Saxon rebels. Rolfe the Relentless claims Castle Aelfgar and weds the Lady Alice, a bitter woman who comes with the land, but the woman he wants is her illegitimate sister, Ceidre, who he would rather have married.

Ceidre is a fiery lass, a healer and a loyal Saxon who, in league with her brothers Edwin and Morcar, risks all to restore Aelfgar to her family. She seeks to thwart Rolf at every turn, while being wildly attracted to the Norman. He treats her very badly most of the time but he’s still obsessed with her. Having caught her in treason and flogged her till she bled (the usual punishment for a woman), he decides to get rid of her by marrying her to one of his knights. But then he finds he cannot give her up entirely and decides he will first have his pleasure….

Joyce serves up a suspenseful tale full of history and with wonderful characters. I loved the heroine for her courage and her defiance of the Norman overlord. To be Saxon in those days of William the Conqueror was to know hardship and humiliation. Ceidre tried to do her part to fight against it even at the cost of her personal integrity. Rolfe was a strong leader who was clearly a favored knight of the king, yet he risked much to protect the Saxon maid he wanted.

This is a well-researched, well-written story with lots of grist. Though Ceidre and Rolfe are fictional, her two brothers, Edwin and Morcar were real historic figures who rebelled against Norman rule till their deaths.

I recommend it and the second one, which I’ll review in a few days.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

New Review: Virginia Henley’s THE FALCON AND THE FLOWER – A Great Medieval Romance

The first in Henley’s Plantagenet trilogy (The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize), this story is set in the late 12th century, beginning in 1199 just as King Richard I (“the Lion Heart”) is slain in France and his youngest brother, John (the runt of the Plantagenet litter), takes the throne of England.

Jasmine, the sheltered love child of King Richard's half brother, the Earl of Salisbury, has been raised by her maternal grandmother who is a “white witch” and hates men. A delicate flower physically, Jasmine has vowed that no man will ever rule her heart. One day she sees the face of a dark knight in her crystal ball, and later, encountering him at Stonehenge, thinks he’s the Devil. When her father betroths her to the same knight, Falcon de Burgh, she hopes to resist the marriage.

In a bargain with Falcon, she is allowed to be lady in waiting to the young Queen Isabella. It is there that King John takes a fancy to Jasmine, coveting her maidenhood for himself. His plan is to wed her to one of his noblemen and then take his pleasure as he does with the other ladies at court. But Falcon will come to her rescue and force her to wed him for her protection.

This story kept me reading late into the night. There are many twists and turns and both Jasmine and Falcon treat each other badly as they resist the call of true love. As always, Henley masterfully weaves in history as she serves up a lusty tale with wonderful characters. I recommend it.

If you like to read books in date order, here is the Plantagenet trilogy with the other books Henley wrote about the same time (though some are outside the medieval period) 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 books, both set in the 16th century after the events of The Raven and The Rose:

Tempted (1992)
The Border Hostage (2001)

Sunday, September 15, 2013

New Review: Violetta Rand’s BLIND ALLEGIANCE – Absorbing 11th Century Viking Tale!

This is Rand’s first novel and book 1 in the Blind series.

Set in the early 11th Century, near the end of the Viking era, this is the story of Randvior Sigurdsson, a jarl from Norway, who has a dream when he is in the Orkney Islands (off the coast of Scotland) of a honey-haired woman. Months later, he and his men attack the castle of Noelle Sinclair’s father in Durham (northeast England today) and he claims the tawny haired beauty as his, no matter she’s English.

The story of a Viking capturing an English maiden works for me every time, and Rand did it well. She is obviously a superb storyteller and I’ll read more of hers. The chemistry between the two and the sexy way Randvior feels about Noelle was very well done. The beginning was a bit of a scramble as I tried to picture all that was going on (the castle being attacked and Nicole’s brother betraying her), but once I got past that, the story flowed smoothly and kept me turning pages. It’s a tale of conquest, treachery and betrayal as Randvior tries to do what is right in the face of so much wrong, and Nicole attempts to adapt to Viking ways for the man she loves.

Rand says she intentionally used more modern language and that threw me a bit. Phrasing such as “live with it,” and “just a pretty face” were not what you’d expect a Viking to say. Then there were words like “zigzag,” “nerve ending,” “bodyguard,” “honeymoon,” “climatic” and “bookshelf” that took me a while to get used to. If you are a stickler for historical accuracy, there were a few other things too:

--The castle (most of the castles in England, including Durham castle, were built by the Normans who came with William I in 1066, and did not exist at this time. French kings built castles (to keep out the marauding Norse), but the first recorded motte castle in England was in 1051 when French castle builders constructed one for the English king in Hereford.);
--The reference to Nicole being Saxon (the Saxons were in the south in Wessex and Durham is in the northeast, or Northumbria, where the Angles lived—we now think of them collectively as “Anglo-Saxon” but at the time they were separate);
--The mention of wine in bottles with labels (though you can find glass bottles during this period, until the 17th century, glass was too fragile to use for storing or transporting wines; they used wooden casks for the most part and clay jars and other pottery containers for serving).
--The mention of books: bound books as we know them today, the kind you carry around, weren’t available in the early 11th century. Although the codex had replaced the scroll, and monasteries preserved the scripture on parchment, “books” were large and had to be hand copied (the printing press came centuries later).
--The use of surnames (i.e., “Nicole Sinclair” which the author intentionally used). In Britain, surnames weren’t adopted until the 13th century.

Still, for all that, it’s a good story and did keep me turning pages.

Friday, September 13, 2013

New Review: Johanna Lindsey’s PRISONER OF MY DESIRE – Not Your Ordinary Medieval Romance—a Bodice Ripper that Turns the Tables!

While not to everyone’s taste, I found this an exciting read. Set in England in 1152, it is the story of Warrick de Chaville, Lord Fulkhurst, a fierce knight who learned at a young age to take revenge on any who harmed him. So he would take his revenge on the woman who captured him, had him chained to a bed and forced herself on him, stealing his seed. Little did he know that Rowena Belleme, Lady of Tures, was herself forced to use him, a man she thought a slave, to produce an heir for the old lord she was forced to wed, who died before he could even consummate the marriage. If she did not cooperate, her ruthless stepbrother Gilbert would kill her mother.

When Warrick gains his freedom he vows to have his revenge, “like for like.” So he imprisons Rowena in his castle, taking her as he wants and forcing her to act the servant. Rowena hates the arrogant knight and the passion he forces from her, but out of guilt for what she did to him, she willingly plays the servant.

Lindsey does a superb job of bringing an unlikely tale to readers in a way that is rich in medieval setting, period language and history of England between King Stephen and the coming of Henry II. The sexual tension between Warrick and Rowena, as you can imagine, is high. Warrick is a domineering knight who has already had two wives and thinks to take a third, but it seems his betrothed has gone missing. Meanwhile, he must contend with the spirited woman who he changed from a lady to a servant, all for the sake of revenge.

A bodice ripper that turns the tables—a great read that will keep you turning pages!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

New Review: Jennifer Blake’s BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE – Worthy Medieval Read from Tudor England

Set in 1486 when Henry Tudor was king of England, Lady Isabel Milton is commanded to wed Sir Randall of Braesford, as reward for his loyalty to his king. Isabel would be wed by now but it seems all the suitors for her and her two sisters have been dying off. Isabel, wanting to allow them to stay single, perpetuates the myth of the Graydon curse, that only a man who loves them can claim them without mishap. All potential suitors are put off and the girls stay free until Sir Randall who doesn’t believe in the curse.

Rand is under a shadow, accused of murdering the child of the king’s French mistress. There is much court intrigue and politics and various agendas working as Isabel helps to sort out the real facts while Rand is held under house arrest (in the Tower of London).

Blake is a pro and none of her stories lack a good plot or historical detail or interesting characters. This one has all of it: clever twists, a rich medieval feel and enough history to make you feel like you were there (and don’t forget to read her Author’s Note). King Henry is a character, as is his wife, Elizabeth of York, and there are interesting tidbits about each.

I have my favorites among Blake’s work, of course, and while this one may not be on the top of that list, it is a very worthy medieval that will satisfy the historical romance lover’s craving for a virile, strong hero, a clever heroine and a tapestry of fast moving events. I recommend it.

This is book 1 of the Three Graces of Graydon trilogy. BY GRACE POSSESSED and SEDUCED BY GRACE follow.

Monday, September 9, 2013

And the winner is...


Thanks to all who comments on my “Favorite Historical Romances” posts and left me their list of favorite novels.

The winner of the drawing is Kathryne Nystedt who gets her choice of my first two novels (or the third, Wind Raven, which will be out in early 2014, if she wants to wait for it).

Here is Kathryne’s list of favorite historical romances (and I have to agree, it’s a very good list!):

Love, Cherish Me by Rebecca Brandewyne
A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale
A Candle in the Dark by Megan Chance
Gypsy Lord by Kat Martin

Congratulations, Kathryne! I’ll be in touch regarding your free book.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

The 2nd Group of my Favorite Historical Romances for Regan's Top 20!

Earlier in the week, I posted my current Top 10 Historical Romances. Here are the next ten for my Top 20. As with the first list,  I'd love to know your favorites, so leave a comment with the book title and author on this post or on the first one and it just might show up on one of my best lists if it isn't there now.  

To a lucky commenter on this post or the first, I'll gift you your choice of my first two novels, Racing with the Wind or Against the Wind, so make sure I have your email.

Here are the next ten of my top favorites, a very hard choice to winnow it down to these, I can assure you:

1.              The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen
2.              Across a Moonlit Sea by Marsha Canham
3.              Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain
4.              Embrace and Conquer by Jennifer Blake
5.              Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey
6.              Beyond the Cliffs of Kerry by Amanda Hughes
7.              Kilgannon by Kathleen Givens
8.              The Pride of Lions by Marsha Canham
9.              Silver Storm by Cynthia Wright
10.       Dancing on Coals by Ellen O'Connell


Thursday, September 5, 2013

My Top 10 Historical Romances

I am frequently asked what are my favorite historical romances. Of course, I have many as you know from my “best lists.” It is always hard to narrow ones favorites to a small list. (There are currently 80 on my "Favorite Keepers" shelf on Goodreads.) But since you asked, I'm giving you my current top 10 and in a few days I'll give you the second ten for my "Top 20."

Some are from new authors; some from authors who lived decades ago. And the list changes each year. (There are two books on the list that weren’t there a year ago and they are among the oldest!)

These are the ones that have stayed with me, the ones I want to re-read, the ones I can’t forget. It’s no coincidence that they are written by some of my favorite authors. I’m sure you would agree there are always some stories that resonate more with your heart than others. 

So, without further ado, here are my current top ten:


1. Bride of the MacHugh by Jan Cox Speas
2. The Passions of Emma by Penelope Williamson
3. The Windflower by Laura London (aka Sharon & Tom Curtis)
4. The Dragon and the Jewel by Virginia Henley
5. Princess of Fire by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)
6. The Captain of All Pleasures by Kresley Cole
7. Heartstorm by Elizabeth Stuart
8. Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss
9. September Moon by Candice Proctor
10. Broken Wing by Judith James



I'd love to know your favorites! Leave a comment with the book title and author on this post on my 2nd top ten (for the Top 20) and it just might show up on one of my best lists if it isn't there now.  

To a lucky commenter on this post or the next, I'll gift you your choice of my first two novels, Racing with the Wind or Against the Wind, so make sure I have your email.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Favorite Historical Romances of Some of my Favorite Authors

Ever wonder what historical romances your favorite authors are reading…or which ones are their favorites? Well, here are the top five favorite historical romance reads of some of my favorite historical romance authors—as they confided them to me. I’ve given you their websites, too, so you can check out their own books. Interestingly, you’ll see they have some favorite reads in common. Many are on my best lists (the rest may soon be!).


Later this week, I’ll be posting my current top favorites in two installments, for my all-time Top 20 Historical Romances. You’ll have the chance to give me your favorite(s) for a chance to win one of my novels—so check back!


Jennifer Blake:
www.jenniferblake.com

The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett
The Far Pavilions by M. M. Kaye
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Joanna Bourne
www.joannabourne.com

The Rake by Mary Jo Putney
Night in Eden by Candice Proctor
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
The Heir by Grace Burrowes
A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson


Shirlee Busbee:
www.shirlee-busbee.com

Bond Of Blood by Roberta Gellis
Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers
The Wolf And The Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss
The Border Lord by Jan Westcott
These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer


Catherine Coulter:
www.catherinecoulter.com

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer
Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain
Captive Bride by Johanna Lindsey
The Gamble by Joan Wolf
The Tiger's Woman by Celeste De Blasis





Heather Graham:
www.eheathergraham.com

Green Darkness by Anya Seton
Sleep in the Woods by Dorothy Eden
Sun God by Nan Ryan
Killer Angels by Micheal Shaara
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens


Shirl Henke:
www.shirlhenke.com

Bond of Blood by Roberta Gellis
The Rainbow Season by Lisa Gregory
Love’s Promised Land by Diana Haviland
Notorious Angel by Jennifer Blake
Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers


Virginia Henley:
www.virginiahenley.com

The Walsingham Woman by Jan Westcott
Skye O'Malley by Bertrice Small
The Blood Of Roses by Marsha Canham
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell


Judith James:
www.judithjamesauthor.com

Pawn in Frankinsense by Dorothy Dunnett
Katherine by Anya Seton
Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney
The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale
Angelique and the King Sergennne Golon


 

Candice Proctor


Trade Wind by M. M. Kaye
Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer
Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss
The Outsider by Penelope Williamson


Kaki Warner:
kakiwarner.com

Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
Hummingbird by LaVryle Spencer
Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd
Ransom by Julie Garwood)
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn





Cynthia Wright:
cynthiawrightauthor.com

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Forever Amber by Kathleen Windsor
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Sunday, September 1, 2013

New Review: Susan King’s ANGEL KNIGHT – In the time of Robert the Bruce, there is a legend of gold…

Set in Scotland n 1306-1307, when Edward I reigned in England and Robert the Bruce would become King of Scotland, this is the story of Lady Christian MacGillean, a Scottish heiress and follower of her cousin the Bruce, and who burned her own castle in Western Scotland to keep the English from getting it.

Sir Gavin Faulkener, an English knight, whose mother was a Scot, encounters Christian when she is a prisoner of Edward, and at death’s door because she is kept in a cold cage. Gavin rescues her and, without her awareness, marries her with permission of the English king. Christian takes his new bride back to Kilglassie Castle, which is now his, only to find ruins and his bride a rebel. The English want the gold believed to be hidden in the castle, but the only gold Christian has is the gold medallion she gave to her adopted daughter to keep when she fled.

King’s story reflects much research into the history as she describes the castle, the environs and the politics of Scotland. There are also some mystical elements, including the legend of Merlin and the prophecy of the gold of Kilglassie Castle. The characters are well developed and the love between Christian and Gavin tenderly portrayed. There is a beautiful scene as King describes the harp that Christian plays. Lovers of romance set in the Highlands will want to read this one. Be prepared for a more leisurely pace, however, as King takes her time developing the story.