Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood

In feudal England, Elizabeth Montwright barely escaped the massacre that destroyed her family and exiled her from her ancestral castle. Bent on revenge, disguised as a peasant, she rode again through the fortress gates...to seek aid from Geoffrey Berkley, the powerful baron who had routed the murderers.

He heard her pleas, resisted her demands, and vowed to seduce his beautiful subject. Yet as Elizabeth fought the warrior's caresses, love flamed for this gallant man who must soon champion her cause...and capture her spirited heart!


I have read all of JG's historical romances, most of them I did ten years ago--including this one. But that doesn't mean I have all her titles. Most of her stuff I borrowed from friends or from book clubs that I used to be a member of. So when I came across this book, memories of romance-reading-filled high school all came rushing back. Hmm, those were good times.

I know I've read this book before but it never quite left its mark unlike some of JG's other earlier stuff. So rereading this actually felt like reading it anew and I liked it enough--not overly much but it did warrant an instant reread once I was through with it.

I have a divided opinion about the hero though. I think it was really kinda cool that he married the heroine of his own free will--because he really wanted to. (Not that our heroine knew that.) But so many of our medieval heroes always get told or commanded to marry the heroine that this book gave a different take. But then...I didn't like the fact that Geoffrey actually thought of it as training a wife--always telling Elizabeth what she could and couldn't do. It got pretty tiresome but I had to consider that he was from the Dark Ages. Huh! What did they know.

And I liked Elizabeth Montwright a great deal. I think she was a really, really strong character. To have one's family die is bad enough but she actually saw how her family was murdered and butchered like animals. Surviving the aftermath of such a nightmare even demanded for more strength and courage for one to want to continue living--and she delivered.

One thing that really disappointed me though was that one of the villains in the story, Elizabeth's uncle Belwain, never really got punished. And I just have a feeling that he could cause trouble for the family after this story was concluded.

But never let it be said that I did not enjoy this. Granted, it's nowhere near my most fave JG historical but it still smacked of the trademark JG style that keeps you turning the pages like the Energizer bunny. Not to mention that the chemistry between Geoffrey and Elizabeth was spectacular. Hmm, come to think of it--I wanna reread the book again after I'm done with blogging for today.

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Good read.

By Arrangement by Madeline Hunter

Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn was not opposed to marriage. But she demanded to be married on her own terms, not as punishment for a a romantic indiscretion, and especially not to a common merchant. Yet she was in for a shock when she met David de Abyndon. For she was confronted by no ordinary merchant but a man of extraordinary poise and virility. He was unaffected by their difference in social status. And even less affected by her well-thought-out arguments against their upcoming betrothal. Instead, it was Christiana who felt uneasy in the presence of this naturally lordly man behind whose cool blue eyes she sensed the most uncompromising of passions.

David de Abyndon understood Christiana's dilemma, for he too harbored a secret pain. How could he tell her that there was more to this arrangement than met the eye? How could he tell her about his deal with the king--a deal that meant he had all but bought Christiana sight unseen? What's more, now that he had seen this beautiful, spirited woman, how could he convince her that the love she sought was not in the callow knight she has romanticized but in the flesh-and-blood arms of the man who may have bought her body--but in the bargain lost both his heart and soul?


This book reminded me of just how much I enjoy MH's medieval romances. I never cared for her Regency romances after just reading one sample--The Seducer. But after reading this book, it left me wanting to read her other earlier books set in medieval England.

The story of David and Christiana had always intrigued me for quite some time as I've read them in The Protector and Lord of a Thousand Nights. Even appearing in select scenes in those books, I had the feeling that theirs would be a fascinating story to read. And MH didn't disappoint with this effort. Nor did David de Abyndon and Christiana Fitzwaryn. I might not have finished this one in one sitting but that wasn't for the lack of trying. Sleep deprivation and too much stress won over the interest to finish this book (plus maybe another) in one go.

But no matter.

The chemistry between hero and heroine was sizzling at the very least, The circumstances that brought them together wasn't the greatest, not even a good one, as it was surrounded with mystery to begin with. And I love the fact that David was a commoner merchant and it proved that they can be great heroes as much as noblemen and knights and such can be. Reading from the other books, I knew that Christiana had some spirit but reading about her here tells more of her character as she never allowed herself to be bullied and stood her ground. We had here two proud characters who managed to meet halfway during their conflicts.

Okay, so David turned out not to be so common after all (he was a nobleman's illegitimate son). But he refused what was his by right to remain loyal to friends and country. (Although he did turn out to have inherited the title two books later.) But he did turn out to be more noble than most when at the end, he insisted to pay the bride price for Christiana that he had let her believe he paid for her at the beginning. That way she would never find out that the money that changed hands at the start was really a rich merchant's part in the King's campaign against the French--and David got the King's ward for a bride to cover up the exchange.

As much as I love this book because of the two main characters, one of the factors that really won me over was Christiana's relationship with her brother Morvan. I already loved him from his own book but I'm loving him more because of his part in giving this tale a happy ending--even if he disapproved of David at the onset. It's one of those times that makes me wish I had a brother of my own.

Another keeper from MH, no doubt about it.

Final verdict: 8/10. Good read, must-have.

Midnight Warrior by Iris Johansen

SHE WAS A PRISONER BOUND BY DUTY AND DESIRE

Taken as a slave, fiery, tempestuous Brynn of Falkhaar was awed by the magnificent warrior who stood before her. Known for her skills as a healer, she had been brought to his battlefield tent to save his dying friend. Yet in the days and nights ahead, the sensual conqueror made it clear she might be more than nursemaid to his soldiers. She could be the intimate plaything of his seductive desires.

HE WAS A CONQUEROR FOR WHOM NOTHING WAS FORBIDDEN

Dark, brooding, and passionate, Lord Gage Dumont was a man used to conquest. And yet with one look at the medieval slave he'd been given as his spoils, he realized she held him prisoner. As she fought to save his friend with her healing powers, Dumont felt her fiery touch deep in his scarred soul. Though he may have already owned her body, what he wanted was her heart--and for that he would risk everything.

IJ had put enough intrigue into her old medieval books that I can't help but reread them for the nth time. Here is another example. Although unlike her other stuff, she saved the twist in the plot right at the end of this story surprising the heck out of me the first time I read it for finding out I have just read a King Arthur tale. Really, really cool.

One thing that annoyed me in this story is the fact that Brynn was married to another man, idiot though he might be, when her relationship with Gage started. I was surprised as Gage was when he found out--undoubtedly a HUH?! moment. Since she never gave ascent to the union, they might not have been legally wed but we all know anything goes at that time so they were nevertheless married in the eyes of man. Hence the minus factor from the plot. Other than that, I'm all okay with the rest. Obviously, I've reread it from time to time.

The main point is that I love the hero, Gage Dumont--very bullheaded and someone who busted his ass off to get what he wanted (which happened to be Brynn). I can't explain it but his character turned out to be charming without being charming on effort. Just when I thought his attraction to Brynn was all about lust, he proved it otherwise. Because when she offered herself after admitting that she loved him, he refused--unless she would commit to marrying him. That was really something considering that he had been after her like crazy.

One thing that also clicked for me in this book was Gage's friend Malik. What a flirt! But a sweet one for that matter. Imagine someone willing to scar his face so that you will like him some more because what might be holding you back is his infamous comeliness and the thought that he might be too handsome to be serious. Or to freeze himself in frigid weather (not my thing that's for sure) to prove that he will do anything for you. Sweet, sweet man. In fact, it's probable that he was one of the reasons that I was able to finish this book despite my misgivings about the heroine.

This was another good reread session--which I had to do. I have been slowly going through some of my old books because it's high time to do some weeding out and for another trip to the UBS. It goes without saying that this book safe from the boot. For now.

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

The Magificent Rogue by Iris Johansen

She was a beautiful pawn in a game of love and death

When Princess Kathryn Kentyre is snatched from a life of captivity by the mysterious Black Robert of Craighdhu, she is torn between absolute terror and soaring hope. He had been chosen to protect her from the dangers surrounding her, yet the moment he swept her away she knew this rogue of a Scottish laird would prove a greater threat than she faced from her enemies.

He was a warrior-chief torn between duty and desire

Sensuous as sin itself and wild as his native Scottish Highlands, Robert McDarren had no intention of settling down with one woman. Yet the agreement he'd struck to keep the peace required he marry the orphaned beauty and bring her back to his castle at Craighdhu for safekeeping. It was to be a marriage in name only--and only for a year. He never suspected that the meek hostage he had been promised would prove to be this firebrand of a woman, arouse his passion and lay siege to his heart.


This book was my first IJ read. And of the few that I've read of hers so far, this is my most favorite. Why wouldn't it be when it oozes intrigue and oh, boy, do I love intrigues. Not to mention that the insert art is one heck of a picture. Mmm-hmm-hmm.

Kathryn Kentyre was believed by some to be the daughter of Mary, Queen of Scots; said to have been born while Mary was imprisoned in one of Queen Elizabeth's trusted earl's estate. Although it was never public knowledge, Kate, nevertheless, grew up knowing that as fact. She also knew that she was hidden from the public and from her brother James by Queen Elizabeth. And so it was the Queen who found Robert McDarren to safely take Kate away from England and Scotland to prevent her being used as pawn in laying claim on the throne of Scotland. Black Robert was chosen by Her Majesty not only because she believed that he had the strength and character to keep her safe, but also because of his isolated home of Craighdhu. Robert only fought under its banner and no one else's. Craighdhu, an island fortress with no weakness in sight.

But Robert only agreed to the Queen's edict at the threat on the life of a kinsman. He was marrying the girl and taking her to Craighdhu. But he didn't tell the Queen that he was only keeping his 'wife' for a year because all he would allow was marriage by handfast.

Robert, however, was unprepared for the feelings he would have for Kate. He told himself that sleeping with her was just something he was taking for being forced into marriage with her by Elizabeth. But his innocent bride slipped through his defenses. And for the first time in his life, he was protecting something other than Craighdhu or his people.

Kate had found her home in Craighdhu. She might have already accepted that her marriage to Robert was a temporary one but she'd be damned if she left this one place where she was never felt like an outsider. But just when heaven was within reach, everything changed. She was being used to claim an even bigger prize--the throne of England. She turned out to be the daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Her Majesty's close friend Robert Dudley. And when opportunity came for her to claim the throne, she refused.

Kate realized she had everything she could ever want in a kingdom in Craighdhu and she was willing to give up England for that. Just like Robert's willingness to give up his precious Craighdhu to spare it from bloodshed and trouble if Kate remained there and the truth about her birth became known. But they both managed to remain safe in their island home with Elizabeth's protection. Because she left it in her official will that she left the throne to Kate and that if ever James attacked Craighdhu to remove any threat of claimants to the throne of England, she, Kate, could use the will to stop James. Or to claim what was her in the first place.

The possibility of Elizabeth I having a daughter sent my brain into overdrive. What if, what if. LOL! What did historians say on the matter when this book first came out?! (I have to research on that. Really.) It certainly has a The Da Vinci code feel to it. Not to mention that I loved both the hero and the heroine. Black Robert might have been dubbed such but he was fair and loved his people. And Kate might have been innocent but she was fierce and never backed down from anything.

So, yeah, saying that I love this book is an understatement. Obviously it warranted a reread and I still have the book after all these years. And that insert art helped a bit, too.

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Must read, must have.

Lord Of A Thousand Nights by Madeline Hunter

Called the Lord of a Thousand Nights, Ian of Guilford was famed as much for his feats in the bedroom as on the battlefield. But Lady Reyna Graham had no idea of this when, disguised as a courtesan, she passed behind enemy lines with a desperate plan to save her people. Now, sitting in the tent of the dizzyingly handsome warrior who commanded the army outside her gates, the beautiful widow suddenly realized that she had underestimated her foe. For she found herself in the company of a man whose charms were said to be impossible to resist...and who would show no mercy in laying siege to her heart — and body — with every sensual weapon in his arsenal. For the sake of her people, she must not give in ... and she must somehow turn this legendary lover who never lost his heart into a man who would exchange all his thousand nights for one with her....


I was pretty discouraged when Kristie(j) said that this was her least favorite of MH's medievals. But since I had been wanting to read this book for a long time, I didn't pass up the chance when I saw it in the UBS shelf. I was glad that I got it 'cause it wasn't that bad. Okay. It wasn't as good as The Protector, where I first read about Ian of Guilford but I didn't fall aslep while reading it either. Not to mention that I had enjoyed reading about Morvan and Anna again.

I liked the way MH put enough complexities into the story to keep me turning the pages but not too much as to keep me from reading on while I get stuck pondering on what part of the puzzle was I already.

Ian of Guilford might have been dubbed the Lord of a Thousand Nights in court but all that was lost when he knew the passion of Reyna, lady of Black Lynne Keep. And the question of why, after twelve years of marriage--Reyna was married at the twelve to set neutral territory between two feuding clans--she was still untouched kept me wondering till it was answered. And the secrets Ian harboured from Reyna knowing that it was causing a rift between them made for another wonderful twist in the story. But the way Reyna received his explanations for his past really impressed me--I don't think I have read a character any less judgmental than her.

And I didn't mind the touch about surviving Templars and Hospitallers trying to get their riches. In fact, I think it was a beautiful addition to the story--it goes without saying that I'm a big fan of The Da Vinci Code.

So there goes another good find from the UBS that I'm keeping for now. Forget about her Regency romances, I'm sticking to MH's medievals. (Although I've read greats reviews for her latest Regency offering.)

Final verdict: 7/10. Good read.

Beyond The Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart--until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length--but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . .


Faeries are cute and they're supposed to stay that way in my mind. Unfortunately, I met Adam Black in this book and the picture of the dainty, magical creatures in my mind will forever be tarnished. (Well, that remains to be seen until I get to read Adam's book.)

But that wasn't the main reason why I didn't like this book. The heroine just annoyed me to no end--especially when she called the Hawk Adam when he was trying to make love to her, his effing wife. Ugh! I wanted to throw her out a tenth-storey window! I just wanted to throttle her so badly that I could barely concentrate on the other nuances of the story that might be possible saving graces for all the disappointing twists. I've no problem with women trying to hold off men at bay. In fact, they're characters I'd most likely enjoy reading. But the way Adrienne kept using Adam (even if she herself didn't like him) as if he was a shield to ward off the Hawk's sensual attacks didn't sit well with me. Jeez, how much can one person beautiful men?!

The Hawk was on okay hero, I guess. Although I got tired of how his virile perfection was often mentioned from beginning to end. A girl can only stand so much without being bored.

As I've said, faeries are okay. In an LOTR kinda way. But the vengeful role they played and the way they used Adrienne in this story was not my cup of tea. Yes, the Hawk was able to find a countercurse, a way to compel Adam Black to put everything in the right. Nevertheless, the way Adam and the Fae King tried to bounce Adrienne from the present day then back to the Middle Ages as if she was a common ping-pong ball did not improve things one iota. It was just so unfair. And the way these people of the Middle Ages acted to Adrienne's popping out of nowhere baffled me. More so was her modern day housekeeper's reaction when Adrienne told her she was pregnant with a man who lived centuries ago. That left me scratching my head.

Now, enough about this whine disguised as a review. But one last thing: I did enjoy one part--I was glad that Adrienne was able to bring Moonie with her to the sixteenth century. And for that, I won't be giving up on KMM's works entirely--if only to read Adam's story. I won't be reading anything by her right away but I'll give fantasy a second chance soon enough.

Final verdict: 6/10. Try to read.

The Protector by Madeline Hunter

The first time he laid eyes on her she had come to his rescue with a sword in her hand. Still Morvan Fitzwaryn had never seen any woman who aroused his interest and his passion more than the unconventional Breton warrior beauty. Anna de Leon took him into her castle and nursed him back to health, little knowing the spark of desire she was feeding with her caring ministrations. It wasn't long before Morvan had vowed to protect and conquer this unconquerable woman with all the sensual weapons at his disposal.

For her part, Anna de Leon had no interest in men as lovers or husbands. She was used to commanding men in battle. But she suddenly had the strange feeling that her well-fortified defenses could be breached by this dark-eyed, smoldering handsome English knight.When her castle is besieged by an old enemy who claims both her and her lands, Anna finds she had no choice but to accept Morvan's aid--even if the enemy outside her walls is no match for the ally within, who with every tantalizing kiss and forbidden embrace threatens to make her a prisoner of her own fiery passion.

My sister bought this book and since her choices before were mostly the why-did-you-spend-a-dime-on-this stuff, I was prepared for anything when I started to read this.

The best thing about this book was the heroine--Anne de Leon. She didn't dress like a man just because she felt like it. She was a feisty, brave, and strong woman; and even led her men to battle during wartime Brittany. She even survived the plague. Now, that was some badass warrioress! I don't think there was ever a part in the entire story that I got irked by her. She was kinda cool for a woman of the Middle Ages. She even managed to be funny in one part--when Morvan asked her to start being the lady of her keep but started chaos instead. And for those, she became one of my most favorite heroines from historical romances.

And Morvan Fitzwaryn was an endearing hero to say the least. He grew up in court but didn't have the vanity bred there. He was a passable hero for me in the first several pages of the book until the part when he made it clear that he was prepared to let Anna go if it meant her happiness and contentment. Then he became a great hero for me. He didn't have the conceit to think that even if he could give her pleasure, it wasn't enough to completely bind her to him forever. I think it was brave of him--and humbling for a high-born knight--to offer that in the first place knowing that she was likely to take it. Theirs, after all, wasn't a love match. But he was prepared to let her be, but he just wasn't ready to witness her putting herself in danger.

But for me, the highlight in the story was when Morvan became more comfortable with Anna being the warrioress he had first come to know. He had kept her weapons in a bid to keep her safe. But he eventually let her have them back knowing that it is his protection that could keep her safe. He summed it up in one beautiful sentence:

"...it would be a sad thing if my love kept you from being the woman I fell in love with."

Final verdict: 7.5/10. Must-read, must-have.

Maiden Bride by Deborah Simmons

Gillian Hexham soon learned her new lord was more wedded to revenge than to her. For Nicholas de Laci had sworn to exact payment for the sins of her uncle. Why, then, did his eyes belie his words, speaking naught of retribution--but promising nights of love?

Fate had sent Nicholas de Laci the perfect bride to fill the aching need in his soul. With her tainted blood, Gillian Hexham would satisfy the raw hunger that near consumed him. But only in ways he could never imagine!


I really couldn't blame Nicholas de Laci if he was consumed by revenge the way he was. He was left wounded in the Holy Land when he thought help had arrived in the form of Hexham, lord of the neighboring lands that bordered his England home. But he was sadly mistaken as he was dragged into the desert sun and was left for dead under the Syrian sun.

He came back from the dead to claim his estates and have his revenge on his neighbor only to find out that his brother-in-law, the Red Knight, had already killed Hexham when the traitorous neighbor attempted to claim Belvry, Nicholas's properties. Deprived of his revenge, Nicholas was only too willing to marry Hexham's niece as decreed by the king to settle the disputes on Hexham's lands since there were no other heirs to claim it--and make her suffer instead. Nick expected Gillian Hexham to be a docile lady that he could break with his vengeance. But, boy, was he wrong as it turned out that this novice nun was as fiery as her red hair. It was fun reading him having to work on being angry at her, at being a jerk (honestly!). It didn't work because he wanted her too much.

So came my favorite part. Not the sex part--although it was tastefully done. No, sickness came to Belvry and since Gillian was tending the sick (against Nicholas's wishes), it was expected that she would contract the ailment. And during her bout of illness, Gillian had delirium--she asked her maid Edith not to tell Nicholas that Gillian loved him. But it was Nick who was taking care of her because Edith was sick, too. That was when he decided to stop his vengeance. Don't you just love a crying man!

And that was also when he decided to keep his wife safe forever--and that included not making love to her again because it could result to pregnancy and then to possible death at childbirth. Which was doubly hard to do because he had come to love his wife and she was hellbent on having the family she always wanted.

"My lord, you must wash it in vinegar."

What?! Exactly Nick's reaction when Edith's husband tried to give advice on ways how not to impregnate the lady of Belvry.

One thing I didn't like was how Nick relented on the matter of children--Gillian's brother showed up and Nick wanted assurance that his wife's affection didn't get divided between him and the brother she could barely remember. But I had to love Nick's patience because even with Hexham's heir showing up and determined to claim the lands of his uncle that were now Nick's, he didn't let his vengeance get the worse of him to spare Gillian's feelings.

Thankfully, it was discovered that the Hawis Hexham in their midst was an impostor before he could endanger Gillian any further as he had originally planned--so that he could solely claim the Hexham properties.

This book has one of my fave epilogues. Don't you just wish epilogues are at least half as long as the entire book? I do! Check this one out when Gillian was giving birth to their first child:

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Lean nearer and let me twist your privates into a know, so you can know how I fell."

"You are the one who wanted this baby! Do not lay at my door the blame for your discomfort."

"Discomfort? Discomfort? I shall give you discomfort, you fiend!" 'Tis all your fault! You bedded me!"

"You seduced me!"

Final verdict: 8.5/10. Must read, must have.

*I've had this book for years and years and I'm still looking for its prequel, The Devil's Lady, the story of the Red Knight and Aisley de Laci, Nick's sister.