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Rosecliffe #3
The Mistress of Rosecliffe
He captured her legacy then he captured her heart.
Rogue Welsh knight Rhys ap Owain disguises himself as a wandering minstrel and arrives at Rosecliffe Castle to reclaim his birthright and take vengeance on his hated enemy. And Isolde Fitz Hugh will be his pawn. With Isolde's father away, Rhys plans to seize Rosecliffe and his enemy's daughter, striking a mortal blow that is decades overdue. He has everything planned for his siege-- yet he is unprepared for the desire his beautiful hostage will ignite in him...
A stranger lit the fire buried deep within her, yet it is her dire enemy who reveals himself to Isolde in the throes of first passion. How she loathes him, Rhys ap Owain, the man who has brought her such aching pleasure. He used her innocence and desire to gain his stronghold in a plot to extract vengeance upon her family. Yet neither his revenge nor her hatred is a match for the unexpected passion that will force them to confront a destiny much greater than either could ever imagine...
Rogue Welsh knight Rhys ap Owain disguises himself as a wandering minstrel and arrives at Rosecliffe Castle to reclaim his birthright and take vengeance on his hated enemy. And Isolde Fitz Hugh will be his pawn. With Isolde's father away, Rhys plans to seize Rosecliffe and his enemy's daughter, striking a mortal blow that is decades overdue. He has everything planned for his siege-- yet he is unprepared for the desire his beautiful hostage will ignite in him...
A stranger lit the fire buried deep within her, yet it is her dire enemy who reveals himself to Isolde in the throes of first passion. How she loathes him, Rhys ap Owain, the man who has brought her such aching pleasure. He used her innocence and desire to gain his stronghold in a plot to extract vengeance upon her family. Yet neither his revenge nor her hatred is a match for the unexpected passion that will force them to confront a destiny much greater than either could ever imagine...
307 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 15, 2000
About the author
Rexanne Becnel
64 books126 followersRexanne Becnel is the author of more than twenty historical romance and contemporary mainstream novels, many of which appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. With the publication of her first novel, My Gallant Enemy, Becnel won the Waldenbooks Award for Best First-Time Romance Author and the Romantic Times Award for Best Medieval Romance by a New Author. While growing up, Becnel lived for a time in Germany and England, where she became fascinated by medieval history. After studying architecture at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, she worked as a building inspector for the Vieux Carré Commission, the agency of the City of New Orleans charged with protecting and preserving the distinct architectural and historic character of the French Quarter. Becnel lives in New Orleans with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 11, 2022
I have fallen in love with Rexanne Becnel's stories, but I just didn't love this one. It was a faint-hearted successor to its predecessors in the Rosecliffe trilogy in many ways, but especially when it came to the romance between Isolde and Rhys. I really looked forward to their story, since their paths had meandered close alongside one another from the first book, their respective biases and childhood hurts forming the foundation for a tempestuous relationship. When they met head-on in their own book, however, the tension and drama of the English occupation of Carreg Du that had been building over the course of 20 years was almost too much for their (very) sudden and contentious liaison to balance.
Individually, Isolde and Rhys are genuinely wonderful characters. They're both strong-willed, intelligent, courageous, and (but of course) passionate. Through the trilogy, they've grown, children of a war they're doomed to inherit, emerging into the final book ready to claim control of their fates. Isolde's artistic verve and independent spirit give her a spark of personality right from the first, and Rhys's burden of trauma and vow of vengeance fuel a determination that practically smolders on the page. They are the perfect pair for a breathtaking romance set against the backdrop of embattled Wales... but it just didn't work out that way. The development of their feelings didn't feel natural or grounded, so when all the issues that had been building up over the course of 3 books came to a crisis point their love didn't seem like the keystone that could hold everyone together. And, really, it wasn't. Ultimately, the resolution really came about because of a reveal that was made at the last possible moment that settled the crux of the hero's conflict and allowed for the HEA. That's never satisfying.
As an aside, a niggling frustration I had was with Josselyn and Rhonwen occasionally appearing in brief pop-up scenes in which they hand-waved Rhys's dark deeds and decided between themselves that he would never hurt Isolde and must certainly be in love with her, plotting a union between the two sight-unseen. I know they both have special places in their hearts for Rhys, but given how things went down at the end of The Knight of Rosecliffe I felt their blind trust and no-brainer jump to a matrimonial resolution to everyone's problems was off.
I wish I could have enjoyed this story, since despite the weakness of its central relationship it was still beautifully written with Rexanne's trademark style of rich prose that captures the brilliance of the human spirit in an era from which we draw many of our legends.
Individually, Isolde and Rhys are genuinely wonderful characters. They're both strong-willed, intelligent, courageous, and (but of course) passionate. Through the trilogy, they've grown, children of a war they're doomed to inherit, emerging into the final book ready to claim control of their fates. Isolde's artistic verve and independent spirit give her a spark of personality right from the first, and Rhys's burden of trauma and vow of vengeance fuel a determination that practically smolders on the page. They are the perfect pair for a breathtaking romance set against the backdrop of embattled Wales... but it just didn't work out that way. The development of their feelings didn't feel natural or grounded, so when all the issues that had been building up over the course of 3 books came to a crisis point their love didn't seem like the keystone that could hold everyone together. And, really, it wasn't. Ultimately, the resolution really came about because of a reveal that was made at the last possible moment that settled the crux of the hero's conflict and allowed for the HEA. That's never satisfying.
As an aside, a niggling frustration I had was with Josselyn and Rhonwen occasionally appearing in brief pop-up scenes in which they hand-waved Rhys's dark deeds and decided between themselves that he would never hurt Isolde and must certainly be in love with her, plotting a union between the two sight-unseen. I know they both have special places in their hearts for Rhys, but given how things went down at the end of The Knight of Rosecliffe I felt their blind trust and no-brainer jump to a matrimonial resolution to everyone's problems was off.
I wish I could have enjoyed this story, since despite the weakness of its central relationship it was still beautifully written with Rexanne's trademark style of rich prose that captures the brilliance of the human spirit in an era from which we draw many of our legends.
January 26, 2022
Oddio anche con questo sono partita dal terzo volume solo perché fa parte di una scorta cartacea vecchia come il cucco arrivata nelle mie mani. Solo che mentre per la Martin sono invogliata a tornare indietro questo non mi ha entusiasmato. Non perché sia brutto in maniera particolare ma è uno di quei romanzi dalla storia trita e ritrita E dal finale piuttosto scontato. Brevemente Rhys rapisce Isolde e sebbene cerchi di starle alla larga e di considerarla figlia di un suo avversario alla fine se ne innamora. Dico sempre che non è la trama fare il libro ma come questa viene raccontata; non è raccontata male ma non abbastanza bene da risultare esaltante o differenziarsi dalle altre. Comunque raggiungiamo la sufficienza. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 13, 2017
Not as good as the prior two, but end of a series
This is a difficult book. The hero is very unlikeable and the heroine barely more likeable. The first in this series is by far the best, number two was not quite as good, and though I love this writer, this was a tough book . Wish the writer had made both of them more caring and less hateful.
This is a difficult book. The hero is very unlikeable and the heroine barely more likeable. The first in this series is by far the best, number two was not quite as good, and though I love this writer, this was a tough book . Wish the writer had made both of them more caring and less hateful.
January 4, 2024
My first comfort read after being on a reading committee and it's one where a rape turns into love.
Sigh.
No wonder my lovelife is messed up--I read so many of these historical romances when I was growing up that it's skewed my idea of what love is. lol
I do love Becnel's writing style though, since I learned some about the Welsh/English conflict, and it was a fast and easy read.
Sigh.
No wonder my lovelife is messed up--I read so many of these historical romances when I was growing up that it's skewed my idea of what love is. lol
I do love Becnel's writing style though, since I learned some about the Welsh/English conflict, and it was a fast and easy read.
May 3, 2024
Rhys was so hateful, vengeful, angry, hard, unyielding. There was NOTHING likeable or endearing about Rhys. The fact that he could arouse her desire was certainly NOT enough for Isolde to “love him.” This is the first book by this author I loathed the entire way through and I can’t believe it was in this great series. 👎🏽👎🏽
February 5, 2026
Loved this trilogy!
I really can't decide which book I like the best, all three of these storylines connect from the first book to the third, I recommend reading them in order. I have laughed and cried in each and very hot sexy scenes in all. These will definitely be in my re-reading list.
I really can't decide which book I like the best, all three of these storylines connect from the first book to the third, I recommend reading them in order. I have laughed and cried in each and very hot sexy scenes in all. These will definitely be in my re-reading list.
January 2, 2024
great read
Enjoyed this book. The series was good although was ready to strangle the heroine in each of the books but that made it more intense and loved the way the author compete the series
Enjoyed this book. The series was good although was ready to strangle the heroine in each of the books but that made it more intense and loved the way the author compete the series
January 19, 2021
A torturous beginning leads to a dramatic finish. The ending is good, but it may leave some readers wondering whether the redemption is truly deserved.
August 31, 2021
I love the Rosecliffe series
Rexanna Becnel is such a great writer, I love the kind of emotions her books envok. The family dynamic was great from beginning to end.
Rexanna Becnel is such a great writer, I love the kind of emotions her books envok. The family dynamic was great from beginning to end.
August 7, 2022
I mean - I liked it. It’s like older Bridgerton with few vengeful thoughts. Who wouldn’t like it.
August 10, 2022
I was surprised that I enjoyed this historical romance as much as I did - not my usual genre. The maturity and independence of the female character, Isolde - was the highlight
.
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March 8, 2026
Last in series
March 24, 2017
Wonderfully Written
If you love historical romance with Strong Men and equally strong women, then this book of Rhys and Isolade's romance is sure to be a favorite. The author took me on a journey of emotions . I felt how Isolade felt even how Rhys felt. I very much enjoyed reading this book. I love how Rexanne Becnel writes. Definitely a Good Read.
If you love historical romance with Strong Men and equally strong women, then this book of Rhys and Isolade's romance is sure to be a favorite. The author took me on a journey of emotions . I felt how Isolade felt even how Rhys felt. I very much enjoyed reading this book. I love how Rexanne Becnel writes. Definitely a Good Read.
July 19, 2016
SURPRISINGLY THIS LAST BOOK WAS THE BEST AMONGST THE THREE!
I had my doubts about this one as well because I was getting so fed up with Becnel's characters who are almost repetitive in their actions in each story. While this one was no different, the emotions garnered was so much better.
OUR HERO we have met in the first book, as the son of Owain (the antagonist) and has always been a bitter child. Previously he has kidnapped Isolde when she was but a child so finally here is his own story. Over the other books, he wasn't portrayed in a good light and now we get to see him taken down a peg or two. Now bear in mind his cause for denial was plausible because he has never known or was exposed to love growing up. He finds it hard to believe that anyone especially Isolde to care or even love him. In the beginning I didn't know what to make of his character except stubborn, determined and possessed to avenge the death of his unkindly father. For 20 years he held out until he met Isolde.
OUR HEROINE is a more timid but loving soul that I enjoy getting to know of. Unlike her mother or Rhonwen, she wasn't so annoying and more accepting of her situation but ONLY WHEN SHE began to fall in love. She was prone to showing her emotions in an artistic way and very talented at it too. What i like about her was that she was not one to deny her feelings and confesses her love to Rhys. Of course, they both were already attracted when he disguised himself as a minstrel, so basically she loved him from the start. I love to see how she fretted over Rhys and passionately embraces him. She wasn't a shrew like her predecessors although she still fights back.
OVERALL the H/h here didnt bug the hell out of me and towards the ending was the better part where all their emotions were wrung out. Maybe some people find the ending predictable but after reading so many BECNEL back to back, its finally nice to see an ending like this. I would suggest you read this instead of the first two books since you can read it as a Stand Alone.
I had my doubts about this one as well because I was getting so fed up with Becnel's characters who are almost repetitive in their actions in each story. While this one was no different, the emotions garnered was so much better.
OUR HERO we have met in the first book, as the son of Owain (the antagonist) and has always been a bitter child. Previously he has kidnapped Isolde when she was but a child so finally here is his own story. Over the other books, he wasn't portrayed in a good light and now we get to see him taken down a peg or two. Now bear in mind his cause for denial was plausible because he has never known or was exposed to love growing up. He finds it hard to believe that anyone especially Isolde to care or even love him. In the beginning I didn't know what to make of his character except stubborn, determined and possessed to avenge the death of his unkindly father. For 20 years he held out until he met Isolde.
OUR HEROINE is a more timid but loving soul that I enjoy getting to know of. Unlike her mother or Rhonwen, she wasn't so annoying and more accepting of her situation but ONLY WHEN SHE began to fall in love. She was prone to showing her emotions in an artistic way and very talented at it too. What i like about her was that she was not one to deny her feelings and confesses her love to Rhys. Of course, they both were already attracted when he disguised himself as a minstrel, so basically she loved him from the start. I love to see how she fretted over Rhys and passionately embraces him. She wasn't a shrew like her predecessors although she still fights back.
OVERALL the H/h here didnt bug the hell out of me and towards the ending was the better part where all their emotions were wrung out. Maybe some people find the ending predictable but after reading so many BECNEL back to back, its finally nice to see an ending like this. I would suggest you read this instead of the first two books since you can read it as a Stand Alone.
June 4, 2011
Must be my week for finishing series.
I enjoyed that "Mewlin" Newlin got the hook up, too!
I enjoyed that "Mewlin" Newlin got the hook up, too!
October 11, 2010
I read this a long time ago, but I remember liking it very much. I don't remember though if I read the other two in the series. Perhaps...
December 4, 2012
Simple, easy, predictable ending.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews