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The de Burghs #1
Taming the Wolf
Champion of Her Heart
Though Marion Warenne's past was but a dim nightmare, her present held a vision of glory - the formidable Dunstan de Burgh. A fierce knight who was determined to win their battle of wills, all the while protesting mightily that he did not believe in love.
Dunstan de Burgh, Baron of Wessex, had ofttimes heard himself likened to a wolf on the prowl: fierce, brave and ever-alert to danger. How so, then, could one soft-eyed damsel escape his watchful eye time and time again? And even more dangerous, slip past his guard and find her way into his heart?
Though Marion Warenne's past was but a dim nightmare, her present held a vision of glory - the formidable Dunstan de Burgh. A fierce knight who was determined to win their battle of wills, all the while protesting mightily that he did not believe in love.
Dunstan de Burgh, Baron of Wessex, had ofttimes heard himself likened to a wolf on the prowl: fierce, brave and ever-alert to danger. How so, then, could one soft-eyed damsel escape his watchful eye time and time again? And even more dangerous, slip past his guard and find her way into his heart?
299 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1995
70 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Simmons
157 books204 followersDeborah Simmons is the author of twenty-five historical romances and novellas, published by Avon, Berkley, and Harlequin.
A native midwesterner, Simmons graduated cum laude from Wittenberg University and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Her first book, Heart's Masquerade, was published by Avon in 1989 and was followed by a number of Harlequin Historicals, including a USA Today Bestselling anthology. Her 2003 release, A Man of Many Talents, was a launch title for Berkley's Sensation imprint.
Two of her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005.
Simmons has sold two million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in twenty-four foreign countries, including illustrated editions in Japan. She is a member of RWA, Novelists Inc., and the Author's Guild.
"I like to think of my stories as adventures," Simmons says. Most take place in Regency or Medieval England, such as her popular series on the thirteen century de Burgh family. But no matter what the setting, you'll find interesting characters, romance, humor, and mystery.
A native midwesterner, Simmons graduated cum laude from Wittenberg University and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Her first book, Heart's Masquerade, was published by Avon in 1989 and was followed by a number of Harlequin Historicals, including a USA Today Bestselling anthology. Her 2003 release, A Man of Many Talents, was a launch title for Berkley's Sensation imprint.
Two of her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005.
Simmons has sold two million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in twenty-four foreign countries, including illustrated editions in Japan. She is a member of RWA, Novelists Inc., and the Author's Guild.
"I like to think of my stories as adventures," Simmons says. Most take place in Regency or Medieval England, such as her popular series on the thirteen century de Burgh family. But no matter what the setting, you'll find interesting characters, romance, humor, and mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 20, 2010
This book has all the ingredients that I love in a good romance novel:
1. A hero who is a strong, fierce, macho warrior..... however one that is clueless about love and emotion.
2. A heroine who is strong, independent, and not afraid to push her hero's buttons.
3. A strong family with strong ties to one another.
4. A book that gives the hero/heroine significant time in the book alone with one another!
5. A book that has a some intrigue, suspense, humor, and sadness.
6. A book with scorching sensuality.
7. A hero who '"falls hard" for his lady and reforms.
8. A satisfying ending.
I know this is pretty much the formula for all romance novels, but SERIOUSLY Deborah Simmons does this formula flawlessly. I liken this book to some of my favorite Garwood novels, but it is truly one on to it's own.
This is book 1 of the de Burgh family series...and it is staying on my keeper shelf for good. I may even reread it now (which is very unlike me!) It has it all!
1. A hero who is a strong, fierce, macho warrior..... however one that is clueless about love and emotion.
2. A heroine who is strong, independent, and not afraid to push her hero's buttons.
3. A strong family with strong ties to one another.
4. A book that gives the hero/heroine significant time in the book alone with one another!
5. A book that has a some intrigue, suspense, humor, and sadness.
6. A book with scorching sensuality.
7. A hero who '"falls hard" for his lady and reforms.
8. A satisfying ending.
I know this is pretty much the formula for all romance novels, but SERIOUSLY Deborah Simmons does this formula flawlessly. I liken this book to some of my favorite Garwood novels, but it is truly one on to it's own.
This is book 1 of the de Burgh family series...and it is staying on my keeper shelf for good. I may even reread it now (which is very unlike me!) It has it all!
December 8, 2025
Messy and inconsistent
I've only ever read one book by this author (The Devil's Lady) and while some of the plot was a bit out there, the general feels were very positive.
This story had some great moments of sweetness, angst, romance, etc. but the general feel was mostly negative.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I've only ever read one book by this author (The Devil's Lady) and while some of the plot was a bit out there, the general feels were very positive.
This story had some great moments of sweetness, angst, romance, etc. but the general feel was mostly negative.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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June 14, 2011
4 ½ stars. I love to be transported back to the medieval era for a good historical romance; in fact, it used to be my favorite. However, having saturated myself in it, it has been hard to find any plotlines that haven’t become passé, or any with twists that still remain realistic for the period. This first in a series is a fun one, with a few surprises that made me smile plenty and dialogue that was occasionally laugh out loud; a nice little shinning jewel hidden in a Harlequin Historical. Plus, there is the added bonus of the amnesia victim, another favorite of mine. (I know, I know! I’m a nurse and shouldn't indulge in the fantasy, but I can’t help myself!)
September 9, 2016
Champion of Her Heart. Though Marion Warenne's past was but a dim nightmare, her present held a vision of glory - the formidable Dunstan de Burgh. A fierce knight who was determined to win their battle of wills, all the while protesting mightily that he did not believe in love.
Dunstan de Burgh, Baron of Wessex, had ofttimes heard himself likened to a wolf on the prowl: fierce, brave and ever-alert to danger. How so, then, could one soft-eyed damsel escape his watchful eye time and time again? And even more dangerous, slip past his guard and find her way into his heart?
Okay, the book I read is in English so I don't know why the synopsis is not. Anyways, heiress Marion Warenne escapes from her uncle but her when her camp is attacked she is knocked unconscious. She is then rescued by a group of brothers. The de Burgh brothers take her home but she has amnesia and doesn't know who she is. Then the eldest brother comes on the scene and it is discovered who she is, he is given the task of returning her to her uncle. But Marion doesn't want to return.
It was a nice, entertaining romance that reminded me of the romances of the 70s and 80s with the alpha he-man who expects the little woman to just obey. But Marion is no simmering miss. Okay, so Dunstan de Burgh wasn't really that bad. He was really kinda nice putting up with her antics. Marion bothered me a tad with her multiple escape attempts. But it was still a nice read.
Dunstan de Burgh, Baron of Wessex, had ofttimes heard himself likened to a wolf on the prowl: fierce, brave and ever-alert to danger. How so, then, could one soft-eyed damsel escape his watchful eye time and time again? And even more dangerous, slip past his guard and find her way into his heart?
Okay, the book I read is in English so I don't know why the synopsis is not. Anyways, heiress Marion Warenne escapes from her uncle but her when her camp is attacked she is knocked unconscious. She is then rescued by a group of brothers. The de Burgh brothers take her home but she has amnesia and doesn't know who she is. Then the eldest brother comes on the scene and it is discovered who she is, he is given the task of returning her to her uncle. But Marion doesn't want to return.
It was a nice, entertaining romance that reminded me of the romances of the 70s and 80s with the alpha he-man who expects the little woman to just obey. But Marion is no simmering miss. Okay, so Dunstan de Burgh wasn't really that bad. He was really kinda nice putting up with her antics. Marion bothered me a tad with her multiple escape attempts. But it was still a nice read.
April 19, 2021
Uzun zamandır bir iskoç hikayesi okumak istiyordu m. Bir aile serisi ve nispeten kısa olması çok hoşuma gittiğinden bu kitapla 7 kitaplık bir seriye adımımı attım.
Her kitap farklı bir Deburgh kardeşini anlatan serimizde bu kitabımız en büyük abi olan Dunstan ile dayısından kaçan kaçan kızımız Marionu anlatıyor. Marion kaçarken yolda bir şekilde hafızasını kaybediyor ve yolları deBurgh kardeşlerle kesişiyor. Ve hikayemiz başlıyor.
Kızımız kaçmayı alışkanlık haline getirmiş olacak ki birden fazla kez kaçma girişimlerinde bulunuyor 😂 Tabi her seferinde yakalandığını söylemememe gerek yok. Hikayede canımı sıkan tek bir nokta oldu diyebilirim o da Dunstan'ın kıza inanmak istememesiydi. Hayır insan az bir şüpheye düşer ama yok beyefendi koca bir öküzlükle inanmadı. Ama öyle ya da böyle hikayemiz mutlu sonla bitti. Hatta o kadar güzel bir yerde bitti ki seriye devam etme isteğim perçinlendi. Çünkü bir sonraki kitapta Fitzhugh cadısıyla kardeşlerden birinin hikayesini okuyacağız. Merakla beklediğimden hemen okumaya başlayacağım :)
Güzel ve kısa bir kitaptı. Böyle aile hikayelerini seven ve okumak isteyenlere kesinlikle tavsiye ederim :)
Her kitap farklı bir Deburgh kardeşini anlatan serimizde bu kitabımız en büyük abi olan Dunstan ile dayısından kaçan kaçan kızımız Marionu anlatıyor. Marion kaçarken yolda bir şekilde hafızasını kaybediyor ve yolları deBurgh kardeşlerle kesişiyor. Ve hikayemiz başlıyor.
Kızımız kaçmayı alışkanlık haline getirmiş olacak ki birden fazla kez kaçma girişimlerinde bulunuyor 😂 Tabi her seferinde yakalandığını söylemememe gerek yok. Hikayede canımı sıkan tek bir nokta oldu diyebilirim o da Dunstan'ın kıza inanmak istememesiydi. Hayır insan az bir şüpheye düşer ama yok beyefendi koca bir öküzlükle inanmadı. Ama öyle ya da böyle hikayemiz mutlu sonla bitti. Hatta o kadar güzel bir yerde bitti ki seriye devam etme isteğim perçinlendi. Çünkü bir sonraki kitapta Fitzhugh cadısıyla kardeşlerden birinin hikayesini okuyacağız. Merakla beklediğimden hemen okumaya başlayacağım :)
Güzel ve kısa bir kitaptı. Böyle aile hikayelerini seven ve okumak isteyenlere kesinlikle tavsiye ederim :)
December 21, 2025
Bodice Ripper Winter❄️🌶️
Book 3 of 16 - knight in shining armor
Okaaaay now we’re COOKING. Yes he’s a closed off, stoic hunk of man meat covered in armor, in denial about his feelings and glowering moodily through much of the 300 page runtime, but he is also a worthy banter partner, an eldest child with a savior complex, and a very generous lover.
This was so fun, and I loved the push/pull of her literally running away from him and the hijinks that ensued when he went after her. Does it get a little repetitive? Sure! Is the villain a bit undercooked? Definitely! But bodices were indeed ripped and tender love confessions were begrudgingly made. My favorite read on my historical romance journey thus far!
Book 3 of 16 - knight in shining armor
Okaaaay now we’re COOKING. Yes he’s a closed off, stoic hunk of man meat covered in armor, in denial about his feelings and glowering moodily through much of the 300 page runtime, but he is also a worthy banter partner, an eldest child with a savior complex, and a very generous lover.
This was so fun, and I loved the push/pull of her literally running away from him and the hijinks that ensued when he went after her. Does it get a little repetitive? Sure! Is the villain a bit undercooked? Definitely! But bodices were indeed ripped and tender love confessions were begrudgingly made. My favorite read on my historical romance journey thus far!
June 27, 2023
Loved this one so much! The hero was the perfectly grumpy, growly, brooding alpha and the sweet, innocent heroine gave him a merry chase! Loved the characters, the writing style, the emotional build up between the MCs. I loved how befuddled and confused the hero was by his feelings for the heroine. He was so adorably obtuse.
Safe. Hero’s past is mentioned briefly but no explicit details are given and he’s not a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, no sharing, no cheating, no abuse between MCs. Possible TW: heroine is attacked and attempted rape by villains. HEA with epilogue
Safe. Hero’s past is mentioned briefly but no explicit details are given and he’s not a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, no sharing, no cheating, no abuse between MCs. Possible TW: heroine is attacked and attempted rape by villains. HEA with epilogue
March 13, 2012
Bu yorum aynı zamanda Romancekolikte yayınlanmıştır.
Kitabı gülerek ağlayarak bazı yerlerde yazarın uzatmalarına sıkılarak okudum. Ama sevdim mi? Evet, hemde çok. Kızımızın başına gelen olaylardan tutun sonuna kadar bol aksiyonlu bir kitaptı. Ama yazara seyahat bölümlerini keşke o kadar uzatmasaydın demeden de edemedim yahu!
Kitabın yarısı neredeyse karakterlerimizin ingilterenin bir ucundan öteki ucuna gidip gelmeleri ile geçti. Ama şu da bir gerçekti ki Marion'un sürekli Dunstan'ın elinden kaçması ve yaşananlar komikti. Hele kitabın en başında Marion'la evlenmeleri için De Burgh'ların babasının talepte bulunmasını ve koskoca korkusuz De Burgh'ların bu fikirden vebalıymışçasına kaçmaları komikti. Kızımızın adama ilk görüşte bağlanmasını, iç düşüncelerini tatlı buldum. Hele ki Dunstan'ın kıskançlık krizleri :))Okuduğum en iyi harlequin Historical'lerdendi.
Konumuza gelirsek Marion oldukça yüklü olan mirasa sahip bir leydidir. Amcası vasisi olduğu ve malında gözünde olduğu için kızı evlendirmez. Zulüm etmektende geri kalmaz. Kızımız bir gün ondan güvenilir insanlarla beraber kaçmayı başarır. Yalnız amcası en kana susamış adamlarını peşlerine salar ve kızımız bu çarpışmada yaralanıp hafızasını kaybeder. Onuda Geoffrey ve Simon De Burgh kurtarır. Evlerine getirip kendi kardeşlerinden eksik etmezler kızı.
Bir tek ismini biliyorlardır haklarında. Etrafa haber yayarlar. Dunstan'ın babasını bir yıldan sonra ilk kez ziyaret ettiği gün haber gelmiştir. Amcası kızı geri istiyordur ve bunun uğruna savaş açmaya hazırlıklıdır. De Burgh'ların babası kızı bırakmaya gönlü el vermiyordur. Oğullarına onunla birinin evlenmesini söyler. Ama hiç biri bu fikre yanaşmaz ve en sonunda Dunstan'ın kızı evine kadar eşlik etmesine karar verir.
Yol boyunca kız oraya gitmek istemediğini kötü şeyler sezdiğini söyledik ve kaçtıkta Dunstan kızı yine de amcasına ulaştırmakta kararlıdır. Hatta bütün konvoyu kendi kızın peşinde koşarken katledilmesi bile onu bu görevden alı koyamamıştır. Ta ki kızın amcasının gerçektende kötü olduğunu görene kadar. Kızı kaçırıp kendi mantığıyla "kurtarmak" adına evlenmiştir. Ama sorun şu ki düşmanlar her daim pusuda beklemektedir...
July 3, 2017
Book 1 in the de Burgh series.
What a way to start a series! I had read book #3.5 in an anthology, and that just made me want to start the series all the more! Amnesia. A long journey. A murderous uncle. A knight to die for. Who could ask for anything more? The plot was pretty typical of other medieval romances I have read- but how beautifully written! The characters are larger than life and you can’t help falling in love with Marion and Dunstan as they struggle to fall in love (or not fall in love) with each other. Marion doesn’t remember who she is when was found attacked and brought to Campion (the holding of the de Burgh father). However, her uncle wants her back and Dunstan (the eldest de Burgh son, Baron of Wessex) must deliver her. The chemistry is sizzling… two fans required! Don’t pass this one up, one of the best medieval romance book I have read!
What a way to start a series! I had read book #3.5 in an anthology, and that just made me want to start the series all the more! Amnesia. A long journey. A murderous uncle. A knight to die for. Who could ask for anything more? The plot was pretty typical of other medieval romances I have read- but how beautifully written! The characters are larger than life and you can’t help falling in love with Marion and Dunstan as they struggle to fall in love (or not fall in love) with each other. Marion doesn’t remember who she is when was found attacked and brought to Campion (the holding of the de Burgh father). However, her uncle wants her back and Dunstan (the eldest de Burgh son, Baron of Wessex) must deliver her. The chemistry is sizzling… two fans required! Don’t pass this one up, one of the best medieval romance book I have read!
July 28, 2014
The heroine seems adolescent in her decisions and actions most of the time. Her choices are not rational - why should she be infatuated with the hero in one moment then hate him for taking her back to the man that legally owns her the next? Be angry at the law. Be angry at society's inequalities. Be angry at the 'family' she grew to love kicking her out for Pete's sake, but don't be angry at the messenger (or rather the delivery guy in this case).
She is not smart! I guessed where she had hidden as soon as where the trail disappeared was described. I mean, come on! I even have trouble with her physical appearance - there's no problem being plain, but exactly how curvy is curvy? And why would that be enough to tempt a war hardened knight into marriage? What about other virtues and characteristics like truth and courage and valor?
I did not hate this book, but it did cause me almost physical pain to read at times.
She is not smart! I guessed where she had hidden as soon as where the trail disappeared was described. I mean, come on! I even have trouble with her physical appearance - there's no problem being plain, but exactly how curvy is curvy? And why would that be enough to tempt a war hardened knight into marriage? What about other virtues and characteristics like truth and courage and valor?
I did not hate this book, but it did cause me almost physical pain to read at times.
July 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this! Books like this are why I am so hopelessly hooked on historical romance. Dunstan De Burg, the Baron of Wessex is gruff, rude, brutish, a loner who doesn't believe in love. That is however, until he meets Lady Marion Warenne, his wren. I swear, every time he called her that I swooned.
Now on to his six brothers:
Geoffrey - the intellectual
Simon - the fighter
Stephen - the wastrel
Robin - the cheerful one
Reynold - the angry one
Nicholas - the youngest
Now on to his six brothers:
Geoffrey - the intellectual
Simon - the fighter
Stephen - the wastrel
Robin - the cheerful one
Reynold - the angry one
Nicholas - the youngest
December 14, 2021
Lmao some things should not be reread. Twelve-year old me would cry to see my rating 😂
October 16, 2016
Good story, good characters, good read.
January 11, 2024
1.5 Stars - DNF @ 58%
As I begin to write this review, all I feel is disappointment, like I wasted my time. I didn't know what to expect from this one. While a few reviews made me feel hopeful that this would be a good read, I honestly feel misled by their glowing reviews. Maybe we read two different books because this was not particularly good.
Though I'm not a fan of the memory loss trope, this one obviously opens the story with the heroine being attacked and suffering such loss. What follows is rather fantastical to my mind. The luck of being found unconscious on the side of the road by a group of strange men? Seems likely. Being found by a group of brothers who all turn out to be genuinely kind and protective and swoop in to be your heroes? Hmm, sure, if you say so. I don't believe it at all likely. Alas, that was not the case for sweet, innocent Marion.
Somehow Marion finds herself without a clue about her past other than her name and an assumption that she was likely a lady rather than a peasant due to a deduction from the belongings found with her. And yet Marion of the no memories also finds herself being taken in by the father of the group of brothers who rescued her. For six months. Seriously? Is that even likely? Especially without a proper chaperone given to her? I was so confused by this outcome.
*sigh* Anyway. Upon learning who she must be after asking around all this time, the father (of the hero and the heroic merry group of brothers) has to return her to her uncle. Much to all of the brothers dismay, of course. Their father even briefly considered marrying her himself to keep her with them when none of his sons volunteered, much to his disappointment. That was nice, I guess?
So we see Marion being escorted by the eldest brother, Dunstan. Dunstan of the too manly for emotions and no personality, de Burgh. 🙄
Truth be told, Dunstan wasn't the least bit interesting. As I said before, he had nothing in the way of a personality. He didn't give one itty-bitty shit about Marion as a person or as a woman. All the way until I quit reading, you honestly couldn't make me believe he cared about her. He was so put out by being forced to escort her home for what I managed to read of the book that it became tiresome hearing him whine about his situation. Especially because he whines about needing to get back to his holdings in Wessex and felt he was wasting his time escorting her. He had literally no interest in her. And in all their interactions, he was cold, aloof, and constantly ordering her around. They were arguing nonstop, not the fun kind either.
So, for the author to try (not that hard tbh) to make me believe he began to see her in a different light within a chapter or two? Nah, not buying it. The most that man cared about was Marion being curvy. THAT he took notice of from the beginning and grew to appreciate. That at least felt genuine. That I could believe. Otherwise, he was always angry at her for trying to escape. Exasperated, frustrated, and bothered by Marion but never interested in HER. He was inconvenienced not attracted. This wasn't one of those realistic journeys where the hero finds little interest in the heroine in the way of her looks and grows to find her beautiful the more he comes to know her. Big ole nope there. Dunstan found her plain, short and unremarkable. Especially in comparison so the willowy blondes he so appreciated bedding at court. Or so he tells us in the early part of their journey.
There simply was no proper transition or parth taken to connect the uninterested man in the woman who was nothing but a bothersome duty for him. Nada.
Which brings me to the absolute MOST ABSURD aspect for me. Marion. She was just too silly for such a serious plot. No, she wasn't silly in a funny way. She was silly in the way she acted ridiculous in serious situations. She didn't THINK before acting. She was the epitome of too stupid to live with her repeated actions. And also what was with her lies after her first two escape attempts? Was the author trying to be funny in a ironic way? Because Marion obviously couldn't lie if her life depended on it yet somehow she tells the most ridiculous lie to Dunstan when he finds her the first time with a complete straight face? That wasn't at all funny.
Truly though the most absurd aspect I refer to isn't Marion the character, though as a whole she was overwhelmingly disappointing and forgettable. No, what made me realize that no, I will not be finishing this book after all was this: At around 35-38% or close to it we get our first admission of love from Marion. Yes. Marion admits to us the reader, and herself, that she has in fact fallen in love with Dunstan. Dunstan of the big manly muscles and scowling looks.
By this point I believe she had only been in his presence for maybe a week? Less than that, really. The timeline was murky at best with all her escape attempts. Point is, in all the six months she lived with his father and brothers she NEVER met Dunstan because he never came home although she heard plenty about him. Upon first seeing him arrive home at the beginning of the book she was shocked to see he had green eyes and of course how unbelievably handsome he was. She was all aflutter as if she had a crush on him before ever setting eyes upon him. Just silly. So, she literally only met him DAYS ago and in that time she had been consistently angry, frustrated and disappointed in him and his behavior toward her. Where in all that do you fall in lurrrvvee? Hmmm? Nowhere I see! There honest to God was NOTHING to lead Marion down the path of love with Dunstan.
From there she regurgitates her "overwhelming love" she carries in her breast for Dunstan every other page. When in reality she was simply a lonely, sheltered virgin who had fell head first into hero worship and had a crush but shhhh!! Don't let anyone tell you a crush based off someone's attractiveness isn't true love! 😉🥴
This was truly unbelievable for me. And then to pile it on the author felt it was the right time to toss in the forced proximity trope and have them take shelter from the rain in an abandoned shed. As you would expect Dunstan having given in to his manly urge to stick his tongue down Marion's throat after depriving himself a couple of chapters since he first got the idea (and decided he found her attractive) decides he's gonna just screw her silly right there in that musty dirty old shed. Must not worry about anyone finding them or the mass murder scene of his men that they left behind not twenty-four hours before! Can't ruin the mood!
And of all things Dunstan was surprised Marion was actually a virgin. Atleast proving she hadn't been having a jolly good time fucking his brothers all the time she lived with them. To which he naturally wanted to beat his chest over for being her oNlY pEnIs.
What followed was more sex in the shed. Virgins have the most pleasurable sex, ya know! Again, absurd. From Marion receiving her first kiss to deciding to take this moment in time with her TWUE LURVE and having sex for the first time and THEN multiple times more all in ONE DAY?! Good grief, that is just...well it's just dumb. Never more so than by the glaring differences in each of their thoughts during the said sexy time. Marion would have been in for a rude awakening had she heard Dunstan's thoughts during her deflowering because dude was just here to have a good time. He was all about taking her and burning out this sudden lust/attraction that had come upon him. All the while Marion is sighing dreamily in her mind about how much she adores him, how full her breast was for love of Dunstan! The contrast between the two was hilarious tbh. Not even close to being on the same page.
The whiplash I felt from them arguing while making their way into the forest to Dunstan deciding to kiss her was bad enough but to lead to them having sex so QUICKLY was extremely hard to believe.
What followed was Marion being adultnapped by her uncle's men albeit willingly least she put her twue lurve in danger. Dunstan gives chase all the while arguing with himself about actually missing Marion (dude it was only a couple hours!) And of course making plans to screw her silly a few more times because he MUST get his fill of her to get her out of his system. What strange feelings he was experiencing! He'd never wanted a woman so much before. Because she's NoT LiKe oThEr GiRlS, duh!
What a disappointment. I was already feeling very MEH about it even at the beginning but now I'm sure I won't even bother with the rest of the series.
As I begin to write this review, all I feel is disappointment, like I wasted my time. I didn't know what to expect from this one. While a few reviews made me feel hopeful that this would be a good read, I honestly feel misled by their glowing reviews. Maybe we read two different books because this was not particularly good.
Though I'm not a fan of the memory loss trope, this one obviously opens the story with the heroine being attacked and suffering such loss. What follows is rather fantastical to my mind. The luck of being found unconscious on the side of the road by a group of strange men? Seems likely. Being found by a group of brothers who all turn out to be genuinely kind and protective and swoop in to be your heroes? Hmm, sure, if you say so. I don't believe it at all likely. Alas, that was not the case for sweet, innocent Marion.
Somehow Marion finds herself without a clue about her past other than her name and an assumption that she was likely a lady rather than a peasant due to a deduction from the belongings found with her. And yet Marion of the no memories also finds herself being taken in by the father of the group of brothers who rescued her. For six months. Seriously? Is that even likely? Especially without a proper chaperone given to her? I was so confused by this outcome.
*sigh* Anyway. Upon learning who she must be after asking around all this time, the father (of the hero and the heroic merry group of brothers) has to return her to her uncle. Much to all of the brothers dismay, of course. Their father even briefly considered marrying her himself to keep her with them when none of his sons volunteered, much to his disappointment. That was nice, I guess?
So we see Marion being escorted by the eldest brother, Dunstan. Dunstan of the too manly for emotions and no personality, de Burgh. 🙄
Truth be told, Dunstan wasn't the least bit interesting. As I said before, he had nothing in the way of a personality. He didn't give one itty-bitty shit about Marion as a person or as a woman. All the way until I quit reading, you honestly couldn't make me believe he cared about her. He was so put out by being forced to escort her home for what I managed to read of the book that it became tiresome hearing him whine about his situation. Especially because he whines about needing to get back to his holdings in Wessex and felt he was wasting his time escorting her. He had literally no interest in her. And in all their interactions, he was cold, aloof, and constantly ordering her around. They were arguing nonstop, not the fun kind either.
So, for the author to try (not that hard tbh) to make me believe he began to see her in a different light within a chapter or two? Nah, not buying it. The most that man cared about was Marion being curvy. THAT he took notice of from the beginning and grew to appreciate. That at least felt genuine. That I could believe. Otherwise, he was always angry at her for trying to escape. Exasperated, frustrated, and bothered by Marion but never interested in HER. He was inconvenienced not attracted. This wasn't one of those realistic journeys where the hero finds little interest in the heroine in the way of her looks and grows to find her beautiful the more he comes to know her. Big ole nope there. Dunstan found her plain, short and unremarkable. Especially in comparison so the willowy blondes he so appreciated bedding at court. Or so he tells us in the early part of their journey.
There simply was no proper transition or parth taken to connect the uninterested man in the woman who was nothing but a bothersome duty for him. Nada.
Which brings me to the absolute MOST ABSURD aspect for me. Marion. She was just too silly for such a serious plot. No, she wasn't silly in a funny way. She was silly in the way she acted ridiculous in serious situations. She didn't THINK before acting. She was the epitome of too stupid to live with her repeated actions. And also what was with her lies after her first two escape attempts? Was the author trying to be funny in a ironic way? Because Marion obviously couldn't lie if her life depended on it yet somehow she tells the most ridiculous lie to Dunstan when he finds her the first time with a complete straight face? That wasn't at all funny.
Truly though the most absurd aspect I refer to isn't Marion the character, though as a whole she was overwhelmingly disappointing and forgettable. No, what made me realize that no, I will not be finishing this book after all was this: At around 35-38% or close to it we get our first admission of love from Marion. Yes. Marion admits to us the reader, and herself, that she has in fact fallen in love with Dunstan. Dunstan of the big manly muscles and scowling looks.
By this point I believe she had only been in his presence for maybe a week? Less than that, really. The timeline was murky at best with all her escape attempts. Point is, in all the six months she lived with his father and brothers she NEVER met Dunstan because he never came home although she heard plenty about him. Upon first seeing him arrive home at the beginning of the book she was shocked to see he had green eyes and of course how unbelievably handsome he was. She was all aflutter as if she had a crush on him before ever setting eyes upon him. Just silly. So, she literally only met him DAYS ago and in that time she had been consistently angry, frustrated and disappointed in him and his behavior toward her. Where in all that do you fall in lurrrvvee? Hmmm? Nowhere I see! There honest to God was NOTHING to lead Marion down the path of love with Dunstan.
From there she regurgitates her "overwhelming love" she carries in her breast for Dunstan every other page. When in reality she was simply a lonely, sheltered virgin who had fell head first into hero worship and had a crush but shhhh!! Don't let anyone tell you a crush based off someone's attractiveness isn't true love! 😉🥴
This was truly unbelievable for me. And then to pile it on the author felt it was the right time to toss in the forced proximity trope and have them take shelter from the rain in an abandoned shed. As you would expect Dunstan having given in to his manly urge to stick his tongue down Marion's throat after depriving himself a couple of chapters since he first got the idea (and decided he found her attractive) decides he's gonna just screw her silly right there in that musty dirty old shed. Must not worry about anyone finding them or the mass murder scene of his men that they left behind not twenty-four hours before! Can't ruin the mood!
And of all things Dunstan was surprised Marion was actually a virgin. Atleast proving she hadn't been having a jolly good time fucking his brothers all the time she lived with them. To which he naturally wanted to beat his chest over for being her oNlY pEnIs.
What followed was more sex in the shed. Virgins have the most pleasurable sex, ya know! Again, absurd. From Marion receiving her first kiss to deciding to take this moment in time with her TWUE LURVE and having sex for the first time and THEN multiple times more all in ONE DAY?! Good grief, that is just...well it's just dumb. Never more so than by the glaring differences in each of their thoughts during the said sexy time. Marion would have been in for a rude awakening had she heard Dunstan's thoughts during her deflowering because dude was just here to have a good time. He was all about taking her and burning out this sudden lust/attraction that had come upon him. All the while Marion is sighing dreamily in her mind about how much she adores him, how full her breast was for love of Dunstan! The contrast between the two was hilarious tbh. Not even close to being on the same page.
The whiplash I felt from them arguing while making their way into the forest to Dunstan deciding to kiss her was bad enough but to lead to them having sex so QUICKLY was extremely hard to believe.
What followed was Marion being adultnapped by her uncle's men albeit willingly least she put her twue lurve in danger. Dunstan gives chase all the while arguing with himself about actually missing Marion (dude it was only a couple hours!) And of course making plans to screw her silly a few more times because he MUST get his fill of her to get her out of his system. What strange feelings he was experiencing! He'd never wanted a woman so much before. Because she's NoT LiKe oThEr GiRlS, duh!
What a disappointment. I was already feeling very MEH about it even at the beginning but now I'm sure I won't even bother with the rest of the series.
July 23, 2018
Děj je poněkud chatrný.
Udatný rytíř se vrátí domů, najde u krbu sedět cizí paní, prohlédne si ji, přejde k oknu a dívá se ven. Teprve až se jí rozkutálí klubíčka, se jí pátravě zeptá, kdo vlastně je?
Po pravdě hrdinka neuhranula hrdinu ani tak svým upřímným srdcem, jako spíš kyprým hrudníkem, že i jeho ohromná dlaň na ni byla malá (s. 52).
A bo už pět dní žil v celibátu...
s. 29 Poručník žádá zpět svou neteř a ona se k němu musí vrátit... leda by se provdala. IMHO se stěží může provdat bez svolení svého poručníka.
s. 11 jak krásně se úplně na všecičko rozpomeneš
A podle čeho usoudila, že si Marion nic nepamatuje?
s. 15 a dvě ženy unesli
Unesli služebnou Enid, ale kdo byla ta druhá?
s. 145 platím hotově
Jo? Kde vzal tolik peněz? Na s. 170 měl jen hlad a kus chleba.
s. 153, 154 Tohle bylo moc i na brakovku.
Obsluhující služka vyjde ze síně, za dveřmi počká na hrdinu, prozradí mu, kde je ukryta hrdinka a Překvapeně zjistil, že mu ještě stačila strčit do ruky malý balíček (...) Bylo v něm svinuté lano a železná kotva.
V malém balíčku bylo dvacetimetrové lano a železná kotva? Kde to tak služka vzala?
Chápu, že na hradě zloducha nevládne disciplína, ale nikdo si nevšimne, že hrdina/nepřítel z hradu vlastně neodjel?
s. 157 Počkal, až stráž na dřevěném ochozu přejde na druhou stranu hradu. Bude chvíli trvat, než se vrátí zpět.
s. 161 Muž zašel za roh věže (...) „Bude zpátky za pár okamžiků,“
s. 161,162 Do věže vyšplhal v brnění a cestou zpátky snesl i hrdinku. Visel na laně, v brnění, natahoval k hrdince ruku, ona se ho chytila kolem krku, on ji rukou kolem pasu a ona kolem něho omotala nohy. I přes jeho brnění cítila Marion žár, který do ní pronikal z jeho těla.
Ten muž ale musí mít ukrutnou sílu.
s. 163,164 Nacpe hrdinku do sudu od piva, který si hodí na rameno, bude předstírat, že je sládek a fortnýř ho pustí ven z hradu. V noci. To by musel být úplně blbý.
s. 166 Měla by ho poprosit, aby ji odvezl do nějakého kláštera
Leda tak na zádech, bo koně opět neměli.
s. 184,185 Konečně hrdinu, který nevěří na lásku, přesvědčila, že si ho nevezme. Svěsil ramena i hřívu, což ji tak dojalo, že nakonec ustoupila a vzala si ho. Až tak?
Aby ho pak po svatební noci, nespokojena s nedostatkem lásky při sexu, opět opustila (s. 191). A koho nevidí? Najaté vrahy (s. 192).
s. 192,193 Potom hrdina proletěl oknem a dopadl přímo na chlapa dole (...) Pak skočila Marion přímo do Dunstanovy náruče.
A odjeli z města. V noci.
Bylo by dobré ujednotit, jestli „azyl“ (s. 7) nebo „asyl“ (s. 15).
Překlad byl chvílemi poněkud kostrbatý, ale tohle byla třešnička na dortu:
s. 118 Pohled na jeho svalnatá, mokrá hýždě, třpytící se v záři plamenů jako stříbrný kov (...) jako kámen tvrdá hýždě
s. 36,37 myslí o všem tom furore
s. 242 pomysel
uvozovky - s. 84 (2x),
čárka - s. 8, 137
Udatný rytíř se vrátí domů, najde u krbu sedět cizí paní, prohlédne si ji, přejde k oknu a dívá se ven. Teprve až se jí rozkutálí klubíčka, se jí pátravě zeptá, kdo vlastně je?
Po pravdě hrdinka neuhranula hrdinu ani tak svým upřímným srdcem, jako spíš kyprým hrudníkem, že i jeho ohromná dlaň na ni byla malá (s. 52).
A bo už pět dní žil v celibátu...
s. 29 Poručník žádá zpět svou neteř a ona se k němu musí vrátit... leda by se provdala. IMHO se stěží může provdat bez svolení svého poručníka.
s. 11 jak krásně se úplně na všecičko rozpomeneš
A podle čeho usoudila, že si Marion nic nepamatuje?
s. 15 a dvě ženy unesli
Unesli služebnou Enid, ale kdo byla ta druhá?
s. 145 platím hotově
Jo? Kde vzal tolik peněz? Na s. 170 měl jen hlad a kus chleba.
s. 153, 154 Tohle bylo moc i na brakovku.
Obsluhující služka vyjde ze síně, za dveřmi počká na hrdinu, prozradí mu, kde je ukryta hrdinka a Překvapeně zjistil, že mu ještě stačila strčit do ruky malý balíček (...) Bylo v něm svinuté lano a železná kotva.
V malém balíčku bylo dvacetimetrové lano a železná kotva? Kde to tak služka vzala?
Chápu, že na hradě zloducha nevládne disciplína, ale nikdo si nevšimne, že hrdina/nepřítel z hradu vlastně neodjel?
s. 157 Počkal, až stráž na dřevěném ochozu přejde na druhou stranu hradu. Bude chvíli trvat, než se vrátí zpět.
s. 161 Muž zašel za roh věže (...) „Bude zpátky za pár okamžiků,“
s. 161,162 Do věže vyšplhal v brnění a cestou zpátky snesl i hrdinku. Visel na laně, v brnění, natahoval k hrdince ruku, ona se ho chytila kolem krku, on ji rukou kolem pasu a ona kolem něho omotala nohy. I přes jeho brnění cítila Marion žár, který do ní pronikal z jeho těla.
Ten muž ale musí mít ukrutnou sílu.
s. 163,164 Nacpe hrdinku do sudu od piva, který si hodí na rameno, bude předstírat, že je sládek a fortnýř ho pustí ven z hradu. V noci. To by musel být úplně blbý.
s. 166 Měla by ho poprosit, aby ji odvezl do nějakého kláštera
Leda tak na zádech, bo koně opět neměli.
s. 184,185 Konečně hrdinu, který nevěří na lásku, přesvědčila, že si ho nevezme. Svěsil ramena i hřívu, což ji tak dojalo, že nakonec ustoupila a vzala si ho. Až tak?
Aby ho pak po svatební noci, nespokojena s nedostatkem lásky při sexu, opět opustila (s. 191). A koho nevidí? Najaté vrahy (s. 192).
s. 192,193 Potom hrdina proletěl oknem a dopadl přímo na chlapa dole (...) Pak skočila Marion přímo do Dunstanovy náruče.
A odjeli z města. V noci.
Bylo by dobré ujednotit, jestli „azyl“ (s. 7) nebo „asyl“ (s. 15).
Překlad byl chvílemi poněkud kostrbatý, ale tohle byla třešnička na dortu:
s. 118 Pohled na jeho svalnatá, mokrá hýždě, třpytící se v záři plamenů jako stříbrný kov (...) jako kámen tvrdá hýždě
s. 36,37 myslí o všem tom furore
s. 242 pomysel
uvozovky - s. 84 (2x),
čárka - s. 8, 137
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2017
It started out great but somewhere along the way it started to drag- too much attempts to escape and silly excuses - then I started skimming until I gave up. Too bad I really loved the synopsis.
Hopefully this isn't the start of another book slump for me..
Hopefully this isn't the start of another book slump for me..
August 21, 2021
'Tis good.
March 30, 2020
Road trip!! Road Trip!!
Yes, my little Petunia’s we have us a road trip! To top that off, it’s a road trip in Medieval times! You know what that means don’t you? No flushing toilets! It takes a very talented author to write a romance where there are no Port-a-potties. I do admit that the problem of romance novel excretion has always lurked in the back of my mind when I'm reading. It takes some of the sensual feel of the story away. There are even some characters who do not see to have bodily functions. Back to the book.
A long, long time ago, there was an author by the name of Deborah Simmons. In my humble opinion, she has never received the recognition she deserves. She is also an author in a long list of authors who do not have all the rights to alllll their books, which means that she cannot benefit from the use of her all of backlist. Anyway, I am especially fond of her Regency novels. The Vicar’s Daughter being one of my favorites. So, Ms. Simmons has a special place in my heart, even though I don’t believe she has written anything new in a long time. I have never given up hope of seeing something new from her. Back to the book.
Taming the Wolf, is the first book in the de Burgh family series. There are seven brothers and they are all big…everything is big, wink, wink. This also means there are seven books, plus the father novella.
When the story begins, Lady Marion Warenne of Baddersly is running away, but before she can find a safe haven trouble comes knocking. A gang of hired killers attack Marion and her traveling companions. She is the only one who survives. Ta-ta-ta-taaah…the de Burgh’s to the rescue. Two of the de Burgh brothers come to her aid and take her back to the family compound. However, there is a problem, (other than the attack). She has a head injury and doesn’t remember who she is, or why she was running. She does know that her life was/is in danger. The de Burgh’s give her refuge.
While she is residing at the castle, she starts to regain her health, but not her memory. Time passes; she becomes quite happy and content staying with the de Burgh family. She becomes friends with all of the brothers at the compound and they grow to love her – like a sister. Then one day her bubble burst, and the uncle she was running away from discovers where she is and demands her return. This news is brought to the castle by the eldest son, Dunstan de Burgh. Dunstan and Marion have never met, and they don’t necessarily get along at first meeting. In fact, you might say, they irritate each other. It is a case of instant lust, resist, lust, resist. It is a wonderful conflict. It’s also a case of who draws the short straw when Dunstan “volunteers” to return Marion to her uncle. At this point the road trip begins, and the story steps up a notch.
Marion and Dunstan are constantly trying to outsmart each other. Marion’s intention is to escape from Dunstan, and Dunstan’s intention is to return her to her uncle. It’s great fun to watch these two circle each other.
There is a strong sense of the time period this story takes place in. You can feel it in the air, see the dirt, grit, and danger. There are some wonderful vivid narratives, which bring this period to life. After reading this story, I crossed the medieval period off my list of places I wanted to time-travel to.
There are numerous villains hanging out in this story. There is even one who could be a future hero, but turns out not to be. Ms. Simmons does a good job of tricking us when she introduces this character. Thankfully, this wasn’t the first time I had read this book, so I wasn’t all that surprised. It’s like watching The Sixth Sense more than once, you see all the signs you missed the first time.
I did have an issue with Taming of the Wolf. Marion tries to escape a number of times. I can understand the first few times, but she doesn’t give up. She puts herself and others in danger with each attempt, she becomes a TSTL heroine. It became tiring, and I found myself becoming irritated with her.
But for the most part this was a delightful book. In the pages a strong, stubborn, alpha male by the name of Dunstan existed. Walking by his side was a charming woman (when she was not running away). In addition, it has a great intro to a bunch of big males, aka the de Burgh boys. I enjoyed reading this book. It was a nice visit to an old friend.
Yes, my little Petunia’s we have us a road trip! To top that off, it’s a road trip in Medieval times! You know what that means don’t you? No flushing toilets! It takes a very talented author to write a romance where there are no Port-a-potties. I do admit that the problem of romance novel excretion has always lurked in the back of my mind when I'm reading. It takes some of the sensual feel of the story away. There are even some characters who do not see to have bodily functions. Back to the book.
A long, long time ago, there was an author by the name of Deborah Simmons. In my humble opinion, she has never received the recognition she deserves. She is also an author in a long list of authors who do not have all the rights to alllll their books, which means that she cannot benefit from the use of her all of backlist. Anyway, I am especially fond of her Regency novels. The Vicar’s Daughter being one of my favorites. So, Ms. Simmons has a special place in my heart, even though I don’t believe she has written anything new in a long time. I have never given up hope of seeing something new from her. Back to the book.
Taming the Wolf, is the first book in the de Burgh family series. There are seven brothers and they are all big…everything is big, wink, wink. This also means there are seven books, plus the father novella.
When the story begins, Lady Marion Warenne of Baddersly is running away, but before she can find a safe haven trouble comes knocking. A gang of hired killers attack Marion and her traveling companions. She is the only one who survives. Ta-ta-ta-taaah…the de Burgh’s to the rescue. Two of the de Burgh brothers come to her aid and take her back to the family compound. However, there is a problem, (other than the attack). She has a head injury and doesn’t remember who she is, or why she was running. She does know that her life was/is in danger. The de Burgh’s give her refuge.
While she is residing at the castle, she starts to regain her health, but not her memory. Time passes; she becomes quite happy and content staying with the de Burgh family. She becomes friends with all of the brothers at the compound and they grow to love her – like a sister. Then one day her bubble burst, and the uncle she was running away from discovers where she is and demands her return. This news is brought to the castle by the eldest son, Dunstan de Burgh. Dunstan and Marion have never met, and they don’t necessarily get along at first meeting. In fact, you might say, they irritate each other. It is a case of instant lust, resist, lust, resist. It is a wonderful conflict. It’s also a case of who draws the short straw when Dunstan “volunteers” to return Marion to her uncle. At this point the road trip begins, and the story steps up a notch.
Marion and Dunstan are constantly trying to outsmart each other. Marion’s intention is to escape from Dunstan, and Dunstan’s intention is to return her to her uncle. It’s great fun to watch these two circle each other.
There is a strong sense of the time period this story takes place in. You can feel it in the air, see the dirt, grit, and danger. There are some wonderful vivid narratives, which bring this period to life. After reading this story, I crossed the medieval period off my list of places I wanted to time-travel to.
There are numerous villains hanging out in this story. There is even one who could be a future hero, but turns out not to be. Ms. Simmons does a good job of tricking us when she introduces this character. Thankfully, this wasn’t the first time I had read this book, so I wasn’t all that surprised. It’s like watching The Sixth Sense more than once, you see all the signs you missed the first time.
I did have an issue with Taming of the Wolf. Marion tries to escape a number of times. I can understand the first few times, but she doesn’t give up. She puts herself and others in danger with each attempt, she becomes a TSTL heroine. It became tiring, and I found myself becoming irritated with her.
But for the most part this was a delightful book. In the pages a strong, stubborn, alpha male by the name of Dunstan existed. Walking by his side was a charming woman (when she was not running away). In addition, it has a great intro to a bunch of big males, aka the de Burgh boys. I enjoyed reading this book. It was a nice visit to an old friend.
April 23, 2021
The Heroine Was Almost TSTL
I read the second book in this series before I read this book. It’s probably just as well, because I may not have read the second book otherwise and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As you can probably tell, I was not overly impressed with this book. The heroine, Marion Warenne, was almost too stupid to live. She was an heiress under the thumb of her greedy uncle who coveted her lands and wealth for himself. When Marion tried to run away from her uncle, he had his men ambush her party and kill everyone. Marion was struck by her uncle’s primary man and hit her head when she fell from her horse. He apparently didn’t realize she was still alive and left her for dead.
Simon and Geoffrey Campion found her and took her with them to their home. However, she had lost her memory and they only knew her first name after finding it in her prayer book. She lived at Campion until the eldest of seven brothers, Dunstan, came home. Dunstan had his own holding, Wessex, and agreed to take Marion back to her uncle. Although she couldn’t remember her past, Marion felt dread in her gut at the thought of going back to Baddersly.
And this is the part where I got so annoyed with the heroine. She tried to run away from Dunstan three times, even though she had no idea how to survive on her own and had no idea of the dangers a woman alone could face. In addition, she dithered back and forth in her head that she hated Dunstan and then that she was falling in love with him. This went on and on and on.
Even though I didn’t like the way the two main characters developed, at least there was character development in the book. Likewise, there was a certain amount of world building. However, I’m not so sure that the author had researched the historical time period and customs. Edward is cited as the king in 1270, but he was NOT the king until 1272 according to the sources I read. Furthermore, women weren’t allowed to marry for love; they married to form alliances and strengthen positions. Even though Marion’s uncle sought to control her lands by keeping her captive, the crown most likely would have stepped in and claimed guardianship, claiming the revenues from her lands for the crown (who always needed additional revenues) and giving her in marriage to a trusted ally.
Altogether, the best rating I can give this book is 3 stars. At this point, I don’t know if I’ll read the third book in the series or not.
I read the second book in this series before I read this book. It’s probably just as well, because I may not have read the second book otherwise and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As you can probably tell, I was not overly impressed with this book. The heroine, Marion Warenne, was almost too stupid to live. She was an heiress under the thumb of her greedy uncle who coveted her lands and wealth for himself. When Marion tried to run away from her uncle, he had his men ambush her party and kill everyone. Marion was struck by her uncle’s primary man and hit her head when she fell from her horse. He apparently didn’t realize she was still alive and left her for dead.
Simon and Geoffrey Campion found her and took her with them to their home. However, she had lost her memory and they only knew her first name after finding it in her prayer book. She lived at Campion until the eldest of seven brothers, Dunstan, came home. Dunstan had his own holding, Wessex, and agreed to take Marion back to her uncle. Although she couldn’t remember her past, Marion felt dread in her gut at the thought of going back to Baddersly.
And this is the part where I got so annoyed with the heroine. She tried to run away from Dunstan three times, even though she had no idea how to survive on her own and had no idea of the dangers a woman alone could face. In addition, she dithered back and forth in her head that she hated Dunstan and then that she was falling in love with him. This went on and on and on.
Even though I didn’t like the way the two main characters developed, at least there was character development in the book. Likewise, there was a certain amount of world building. However, I’m not so sure that the author had researched the historical time period and customs. Edward is cited as the king in 1270, but he was NOT the king until 1272 according to the sources I read. Furthermore, women weren’t allowed to marry for love; they married to form alliances and strengthen positions. Even though Marion’s uncle sought to control her lands by keeping her captive, the crown most likely would have stepped in and claimed guardianship, claiming the revenues from her lands for the crown (who always needed additional revenues) and giving her in marriage to a trusted ally.
Altogether, the best rating I can give this book is 3 stars. At this point, I don’t know if I’ll read the third book in the series or not.
March 2, 2025
I saw the potential in this but a lot fell short…
For one, the author has a jumble way of writing that comes off more telling than showing. A lot of emotions were lost on me. Throughout we are reminded numerous times that Marion had tamed the de Burghs brothers and the lot has came to care for her. Um, I didn’t see any of that. Me think none cares for her at all. Me also think none was tamed by her in any way. Exactly is why none of all seven brothers wanted to marry her as their sire had suggested, to keep Marion in the family and not having to send her back to an uncle who the De Burghs is correct to thinks is after Marion’s wealth and land. Just as well as none, out of all seven brothers, then wanted to chaperone poor Marion back home. And it’s not because they wanted her to stay at the keep but seemingly they are cowards, according to their father, and really have none care enough for Marion to make such a trip? They all tossed the task around grossly and finally forced it on the oldest De Burgh brother, Dustan, our knightly hero. Strange affection ya got there for Marion, who was made to leave right then and the goodbyes from all brothers were the most quickest and unsentimental, too. Yet, we were to still think they care for the chit and she had tamed them, lol. Mostly, it’s only the elderly De Burgh man that showed any care for amnesiac Marion, for he even thought that if none of his seven sons will marry her then he could…strange, strange idea, Campion De Burgh!
Simply, between the two leads there wasn’t enough chemistry or connection. I didn’t feel thy love. Suddenly, we were told that she loved him and she can feel the swelling in her heart. Strange, strange girl! Wrong emotions drawn all over the place. He didn’t find her beautiful, he wasn’t even into her luscious curves until he decides that he was out of the blue. Everything just keeps feeling off. Also, can’t relate much to Marion, she didn’t come off very intriguing or memorable. DNF.
For one, the author has a jumble way of writing that comes off more telling than showing. A lot of emotions were lost on me. Throughout we are reminded numerous times that Marion had tamed the de Burghs brothers and the lot has came to care for her. Um, I didn’t see any of that. Me think none cares for her at all. Me also think none was tamed by her in any way. Exactly is why none of all seven brothers wanted to marry her as their sire had suggested, to keep Marion in the family and not having to send her back to an uncle who the De Burghs is correct to thinks is after Marion’s wealth and land. Just as well as none, out of all seven brothers, then wanted to chaperone poor Marion back home. And it’s not because they wanted her to stay at the keep but seemingly they are cowards, according to their father, and really have none care enough for Marion to make such a trip? They all tossed the task around grossly and finally forced it on the oldest De Burgh brother, Dustan, our knightly hero. Strange affection ya got there for Marion, who was made to leave right then and the goodbyes from all brothers were the most quickest and unsentimental, too. Yet, we were to still think they care for the chit and she had tamed them, lol. Mostly, it’s only the elderly De Burgh man that showed any care for amnesiac Marion, for he even thought that if none of his seven sons will marry her then he could…strange, strange idea, Campion De Burgh!
Simply, between the two leads there wasn’t enough chemistry or connection. I didn’t feel thy love. Suddenly, we were told that she loved him and she can feel the swelling in her heart. Strange, strange girl! Wrong emotions drawn all over the place. He didn’t find her beautiful, he wasn’t even into her luscious curves until he decides that he was out of the blue. Everything just keeps feeling off. Also, can’t relate much to Marion, she didn’t come off very intriguing or memorable. DNF.
April 11, 2019
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Letto e recensito da Iaia
E' una bella storia in cui l'happy end lo aspetti e la lettura scorre piacevolmente.
Dunstan mi ha fatto tenerezza, di natura scontrosa, chiusa, non capisce che è innamorato e si comporta come un rozzo, burbero, energumeno, ma non riesce a starle lontano.
Marion sa di essere innamorata di quell'uomo, ma preferisce stargli lontano perché non sopporta di non essere ricambiata. Quindi i suoi tentativi di fuga, sempre finiti male, inaspriscono i rapporti ma nello stesso tempo li avvicina.
Il tutto è raccontato con leggerezza e nonostante ci siano scene un po' forti per la crudeltà vissuta dai due, il romanzo ti avvince senza grossi patemi d'animo.
Come nella maggior parte delle storie, personaggi "cattivi" hanno la fine che si meritano, i "buoni", praticamente tutta la famiglia De Burgh, composta da 7 fratelli e il loro padre, li troveremo nei libri successivi.
Sarà divertente leggere come ognuno di loro si innamorerà della sua bella perdendo il viso arcigno che quasi sempre accompagna la loro giornata.
Sono curiosa di sapere se il Lupo che mi ha fatto tanta tenerezza, abbia lasciato a chi legge questo romanzo la stessa impressione.
Un libro da leggere, lo consiglio!
La serie De Burgh è composta da:
#1 Il Lupo di Wessex
#2 La gorgone e il cavaliere
#3 Briganti e cavalieri
#3.5 Ospite a sorpresa (racconto)
#4 La strega e il cavaliere
#5 La novizia e il cavaliere
#6 Il cavaliere nero
#7 L'ultimo cavaliere
Letto e recensito da Iaia
E' una bella storia in cui l'happy end lo aspetti e la lettura scorre piacevolmente.
Dunstan mi ha fatto tenerezza, di natura scontrosa, chiusa, non capisce che è innamorato e si comporta come un rozzo, burbero, energumeno, ma non riesce a starle lontano.
Marion sa di essere innamorata di quell'uomo, ma preferisce stargli lontano perché non sopporta di non essere ricambiata. Quindi i suoi tentativi di fuga, sempre finiti male, inaspriscono i rapporti ma nello stesso tempo li avvicina.
Il tutto è raccontato con leggerezza e nonostante ci siano scene un po' forti per la crudeltà vissuta dai due, il romanzo ti avvince senza grossi patemi d'animo.
Come nella maggior parte delle storie, personaggi "cattivi" hanno la fine che si meritano, i "buoni", praticamente tutta la famiglia De Burgh, composta da 7 fratelli e il loro padre, li troveremo nei libri successivi.
Sarà divertente leggere come ognuno di loro si innamorerà della sua bella perdendo il viso arcigno che quasi sempre accompagna la loro giornata.
Sono curiosa di sapere se il Lupo che mi ha fatto tanta tenerezza, abbia lasciato a chi legge questo romanzo la stessa impressione.
Un libro da leggere, lo consiglio!
La serie De Burgh è composta da:
#1 Il Lupo di Wessex
#2 La gorgone e il cavaliere
#3 Briganti e cavalieri
#3.5 Ospite a sorpresa (racconto)
#4 La strega e il cavaliere
#5 La novizia e il cavaliere
#6 Il cavaliere nero
#7 L'ultimo cavaliere
July 3, 2020
(Explícito). Le faltó mucho, había empezado muy bien pero conforme iba avanzando la historia (y la mayor parte del libro) Marion estaba desesperada por escapar y tenía un trauma a causa de todo el abuso de su tío que me pareció un poco exagerado (no la culpo, ese tipo parecía que tenía un trastorno de personalidad múltiple y quien sabe que más, por lo que Marion hizo todo lo posible para no estar en su camino, me gustó que tratara de huir y hasta haber perdido la memoria le ayudó, como ella dijo, para ser una mejor Marion), me alegré como ella que los De Burgh la hayan acogido en su hogar, me gustaron. Su único problema fue que siempre estuvo tratando de huir ciegamente, así de fuerte era su desesperación y pavor de regresar con su tío, incluso si no recordabas pasado. Y Dunstan, muy orgulloso, siempre quizo que se hiciera su voluntad, muy brusco, ... Como dijo Campion, a sus hijos les faltó una presencia femenina al crecer. Solo se puso bueno la historia, cuando Marion y Dunstan llegan a Wessex. No valió la plena, ya solo quería terminar de leer, en el último capítulo, a los hermanos que seguían solteros les salió peor no casarse con Marion al principio y Dunstan salió ganando y eso que el no convivió con ella como sus otros hermanos. Marion y Dunstan, mucha pasión entre ellos y amor, aunque a él le tomó mucho aceptar y reconocer lo que sentía, porque para empezar nunca creyó en el amor. Está narrado en tercera persona y ofrece los puntos de vista de los protagonista, y creo que también de Campion un poquito y de Geoffrey también. No lo volvería a leer.
March 17, 2021
Excellent romantic adventure
The protagonists are wonderfully rendered, and their romance is quite believable and individually tailored to their personalities. The female protagonist is delightfully complex and at times stubborn to a fault. There are complaints that she attempts to runaway too often, and I would agree, but her persistence adds credibility to later events. The hero is also stubborn, and his succumbing to Cupid’s arrow is a process that is especially fun to observe through the eyes of his brother.
There are moments the characters make seemingly dumb choices, but the resulting conflicts make the story more intense and enjoyable.
As other reviewers have stated, the cast of brothers is intriguing and sufficiently developed to leave the reader wanting to know more about them.
There is murder, violence, lots of hot kisses and sex, arguing and simmering passion, noble rescues, and characters who discover inner strength and deep love.
The protagonists are wonderfully rendered, and their romance is quite believable and individually tailored to their personalities. The female protagonist is delightfully complex and at times stubborn to a fault. There are complaints that she attempts to runaway too often, and I would agree, but her persistence adds credibility to later events. The hero is also stubborn, and his succumbing to Cupid’s arrow is a process that is especially fun to observe through the eyes of his brother.
There are moments the characters make seemingly dumb choices, but the resulting conflicts make the story more intense and enjoyable.
As other reviewers have stated, the cast of brothers is intriguing and sufficiently developed to leave the reader wanting to know more about them.
There is murder, violence, lots of hot kisses and sex, arguing and simmering passion, noble rescues, and characters who discover inner strength and deep love.
January 25, 2018
Wessex Kurdu
The de Burghs Serisi 1
Deborah Simmons
VaV beğendim kesinlikle
Her iki karekteri de
Özelikle kurdu
Böyle deli dolu sert Mizaçli erkeklerin aynı kendileri gibi birini bulmalarını seviyorum
Marion dayısınin zulmünden kaçan bir Lady onu bulan kontun oğulları ellerini açarlar. Lady hafızasını kaybetmiştir ama hatırlamaya demeyeceğini hissediyordur. Bir gün en büyük oğlu eve gelir ve hersey değişir dunstan
Onu gördüğü an etkilenir Marion ama istedi tepkiyi almaz. Dayısına onun teslim edeceği söylendiği zaman hersey tersine döner tabi yolculuk ikisi için farklı şeylere yol açar kızın sürekli kaçar hali güldürdü tabi kurdumuzun onu sürekli bulması ise kahkahaya boğdu
Romanı sevdim sonunu daha da sevdim kardeşleri acaip merak ediyorum şimdi sıra ikinci kardeste
The de Burghs Serisi 1
Deborah Simmons
VaV beğendim kesinlikle
Her iki karekteri de
Özelikle kurdu
Böyle deli dolu sert Mizaçli erkeklerin aynı kendileri gibi birini bulmalarını seviyorum
Marion dayısınin zulmünden kaçan bir Lady onu bulan kontun oğulları ellerini açarlar. Lady hafızasını kaybetmiştir ama hatırlamaya demeyeceğini hissediyordur. Bir gün en büyük oğlu eve gelir ve hersey değişir dunstan
Onu gördüğü an etkilenir Marion ama istedi tepkiyi almaz. Dayısına onun teslim edeceği söylendiği zaman hersey tersine döner tabi yolculuk ikisi için farklı şeylere yol açar kızın sürekli kaçar hali güldürdü tabi kurdumuzun onu sürekli bulması ise kahkahaya boğdu
Romanı sevdim sonunu daha da sevdim kardeşleri acaip merak ediyorum şimdi sıra ikinci kardeste
March 7, 2020
It Has its Moments
This novel really felt like a novel. But I like that it centered on the hero and heroine. All the characters are likable (except the villains!).
The innocent heroine and gruff hero embarked on a journey. Through mishaps and adventures they developed feelings for each other. At one point it got tiring how the heroine attempted to escape multiple times but it added sort pf to the twists. I like the depth of emotions expressed and evoked. There was humor too. There are love scenes but it added a depth to the romance. Because the hero had several brothers I cannot help but wish there was a book about each and every one of them. In fact I shall browse the author’s books and search if there are.
This novel really felt like a novel. But I like that it centered on the hero and heroine. All the characters are likable (except the villains!).
The innocent heroine and gruff hero embarked on a journey. Through mishaps and adventures they developed feelings for each other. At one point it got tiring how the heroine attempted to escape multiple times but it added sort pf to the twists. I like the depth of emotions expressed and evoked. There was humor too. There are love scenes but it added a depth to the romance. Because the hero had several brothers I cannot help but wish there was a book about each and every one of them. In fact I shall browse the author’s books and search if there are.
October 15, 2020
I literally stopped reading when there were only two chapters left.
While mildly cute, the story was monotonous and predictable-- which I don't mind terribly if I love the characters, but the characters were a bit flat to me so... 🤷🏼♀️
Marion was a feisty chronic habitual liar. She ran away a lot, (admirable) and wound up being an okay character but not terribly engaging.
The Wolf was... well, spoiled and thick headed. He was pretty useless really.
I liked the enemies to lovers thing, and I enjoy the "slow burn" between them. (Which in reality I think lasted all of what? Two days?) But nothing really tied me to their tale so I abandoned it in the hopes of finding something better.
On to my next read!
While mildly cute, the story was monotonous and predictable-- which I don't mind terribly if I love the characters, but the characters were a bit flat to me so... 🤷🏼♀️
Marion was a feisty chronic habitual liar. She ran away a lot, (admirable) and wound up being an okay character but not terribly engaging.
The Wolf was... well, spoiled and thick headed. He was pretty useless really.
I liked the enemies to lovers thing, and I enjoy the "slow burn" between them. (Which in reality I think lasted all of what? Two days?) But nothing really tied me to their tale so I abandoned it in the hopes of finding something better.
On to my next read!
February 1, 2018
A re~read. Marion's attempts of eluding Dunstan's vigilance/escort on their way to Baddersly were hilarious. This is more my type of historical romance than the charlatans that I encounter nowadays even if such books are Freebies or giveaways. It has atmosphere (no major time warps or mangling of timelines) that sets the mode where the timeline is supposed to be; thus the reader's journey into another world is guaranteed. Plus there is no issue on the editing.
November 2, 2023
Primeiro volume da saga de Burgh.
A autora despudoradamente pega todos os clichés do gênero e cria um casal formado pelo guerreiro forte e apaixonado pela donzela audaz. Muita tensão sexual, discussão infantil e músculos descritos... em detalhes.
Há também a aparição dos outros irmãos de Burgh que serão protagonistas dos volumes subsequentes.
Recomendo para quem quer uma diversão não tão inocente, mas rápida de ler.
A autora despudoradamente pega todos os clichés do gênero e cria um casal formado pelo guerreiro forte e apaixonado pela donzela audaz. Muita tensão sexual, discussão infantil e músculos descritos... em detalhes.
Há também a aparição dos outros irmãos de Burgh que serão protagonistas dos volumes subsequentes.
Recomendo para quem quer uma diversão não tão inocente, mas rápida de ler.
May 1, 2021
Bruttino forte. La storia poteva essere bella ma per come è concepita e scritta, sembra una brutta favola per bambini piccoli. Anzi, probabilmente anche loro avrebbero da ridire su molti dei passaggi del romanzo. Peccato !
August 17, 2017
Una divertida historia con muchas huidas... ;)
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