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Simon's Lady #1
Simon's Lady
Simon of Beresford is a proud warrior who is fiercely loyal to King Stephen. He is also a widower content with single state. When asked by Queen Matilda to make a political alliance through marriage to Gwyneth of Northumbria, he is both dumbfounded and aggrieved. But then he lays eyes on the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.
Gwyneth of Northumbria is a new captive in the court. She is truly appalled when she meets the brute she is to wed, a man with no manners and no tact. But she quickly discovers that what her husband lacks in charm, he makes up for in brute masculinity.
The political forces that brought Gwyneth to the court are still blowing through the kingdom. King Stephen clings to his throne, but a young, upstart Henry is gathering forces and followers. Simon will forever be Stephen’s man but he cannot be sure of where Gwyneth’s loyalties lie. When he suspects her of being a spy in Stephen’s court, the fragile bond they have been able to form is threatened.
But Gwyneth knows who the real spy is, and this villain is set on destroying both her and Simon. Can she expose this spy’s treachery in time?
Gwyneth of Northumbria is a new captive in the court. She is truly appalled when she meets the brute she is to wed, a man with no manners and no tact. But she quickly discovers that what her husband lacks in charm, he makes up for in brute masculinity.
The political forces that brought Gwyneth to the court are still blowing through the kingdom. King Stephen clings to his throne, but a young, upstart Henry is gathering forces and followers. Simon will forever be Stephen’s man but he cannot be sure of where Gwyneth’s loyalties lie. When he suspects her of being a spy in Stephen’s court, the fragile bond they have been able to form is threatened.
But Gwyneth knows who the real spy is, and this villain is set on destroying both her and Simon. Can she expose this spy’s treachery in time?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1994
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192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 27, 2012
Basic Plot: Simon of Beresford is a good soldier, loyal to King Stephen of England, and a widower as his grasping, greedy, witch of a wife died some years before. Lady Gwynneth also lost her husband, Canute, who was firmly in the camp of Prince Henry in this civil war that dragged on for years. For political reasons, the King wanted them to marry and literally forces both of them into it. Simon doesn’t trust women, and certainly has no reason to trust a partly-Danish woman who only recently was his enemy. Gwynneth’s husband was abusive, so the thought of being forced into another marriage with yet another big man who despises her is terrible, but she has no choice. Can these two find love despite their differences?
My Review: Right when I started this book, I was drawn into the story. I happen to love this period of English history and fortunately, the author doesn’t waste any time in setting up the conflict. Literally, Simon is dragged from the training field, still dirty and sweaty to be presented to his future bride and within a few days they are married. Gwynneth is a beautiful, slender, blonde and Simon is attracted to her from the first time he sees her, but he is also wary. She is in the enemy camp, so to speak, and he doesn’t trust her; neither does the King. Gwynneth is not particularly political, and she resents being used as a pawn in these king-maker games, but the two of them suit. She is feisty and, once she realizes he won’t hurt her, isn’t afraid to speak her mind. He is rude, crude, socially inept, and quite dense when it comes to the machinations of those around him. But he is kind to her and that gains him a lot of points in my eyes.
A spy is suspected in the inner circle of the King’s court and Gwynneth is the first one under the cloud of suspicion, which leads to various misunderstandings between the two, including a near-fatal fight where her new husband could have been killed had she not acted quickly. I have a hard time (I swear it’s a defect in my brain) following stories of political intrigue. So although I think the story presented them well, I often had a hard time understand who was on whom’s side and where their loyalties lay. But the fault, as Shakespeare said, is in ourselves. I think most normal people would be able to follow that part of the story relatively easily. It’s described clearly and succinctly enough.
I will admit that I don’t like it when the plot of the story hinges on a “misunderstanding.” It drives me crazy!! In this case, the major “plot device” that keeps them from living happily-ever-after happened late in the story and was basically just Simon assuming something that would have been so easy for him to have asked about. That, to me, was sort of the major downfall with this novel. I wish Ms. Andresen had taken time to develop a more complex plot. She set them all up with political differences, cultural issues, status differences, abuse questions, and the ignores all that and goes for the simple “misunderstanding.” Ugh. Because of that simple problem, it also was resolved simply enough, with just a few sentences at the very end of the story, when I had just about given up hope that it would actually happen. Pity. I really think there could have been so much more depth.
There’s one more really odd thing about this story, that made me shake my head in disgust/embarrassment when I read it. Though there is talk of the Danish gods (although Gwynneth is definitely a Christian) presented as sort of a cultural lesson for Simon to understand her, the book itself is not paranormal in any way. It’s just a decent historical romance. So I fail to understand why the author would repeatedly mention both Simon and Gwynneth seeing a small boy flying around shooting them with arrows. This was so far out of the rest of the realm of the story that I honestly don’t know why this was included. Did we have to be told that they were falling in love this way?!!! Soft glances and touches were not adequate? Strange, very strange.
Overall, I liked the romance in this story. They don’t have long to get to know each other, but the description of the time they do have is almost half the book and it seems to be a slow build with both of them seeing good qualities about each other and realizing that the bad experiences of their other marriages will not likely be repeated. She feels desire for him, which surprises her, and he feels protective of her even though he is, as mentioned above, a rather socially inept man. Once they are married, their love scenes are very tender and he is able to teach her that submitting to lovemaking does not have to humiliating. Things are described quite thoroughly, but not crudely, and I thought Ms. Andresen did a good job of drawing me in to their intimate play.
My Review: Right when I started this book, I was drawn into the story. I happen to love this period of English history and fortunately, the author doesn’t waste any time in setting up the conflict. Literally, Simon is dragged from the training field, still dirty and sweaty to be presented to his future bride and within a few days they are married. Gwynneth is a beautiful, slender, blonde and Simon is attracted to her from the first time he sees her, but he is also wary. She is in the enemy camp, so to speak, and he doesn’t trust her; neither does the King. Gwynneth is not particularly political, and she resents being used as a pawn in these king-maker games, but the two of them suit. She is feisty and, once she realizes he won’t hurt her, isn’t afraid to speak her mind. He is rude, crude, socially inept, and quite dense when it comes to the machinations of those around him. But he is kind to her and that gains him a lot of points in my eyes.
A spy is suspected in the inner circle of the King’s court and Gwynneth is the first one under the cloud of suspicion, which leads to various misunderstandings between the two, including a near-fatal fight where her new husband could have been killed had she not acted quickly. I have a hard time (I swear it’s a defect in my brain) following stories of political intrigue. So although I think the story presented them well, I often had a hard time understand who was on whom’s side and where their loyalties lay. But the fault, as Shakespeare said, is in ourselves. I think most normal people would be able to follow that part of the story relatively easily. It’s described clearly and succinctly enough.
I will admit that I don’t like it when the plot of the story hinges on a “misunderstanding.” It drives me crazy!! In this case, the major “plot device” that keeps them from living happily-ever-after happened late in the story and was basically just Simon assuming something that would have been so easy for him to have asked about. That, to me, was sort of the major downfall with this novel. I wish Ms. Andresen had taken time to develop a more complex plot. She set them all up with political differences, cultural issues, status differences, abuse questions, and the ignores all that and goes for the simple “misunderstanding.” Ugh. Because of that simple problem, it also was resolved simply enough, with just a few sentences at the very end of the story, when I had just about given up hope that it would actually happen. Pity. I really think there could have been so much more depth.
There’s one more really odd thing about this story, that made me shake my head in disgust/embarrassment when I read it. Though there is talk of the Danish gods (although Gwynneth is definitely a Christian) presented as sort of a cultural lesson for Simon to understand her, the book itself is not paranormal in any way. It’s just a decent historical romance. So I fail to understand why the author would repeatedly mention both Simon and Gwynneth seeing a small boy flying around shooting them with arrows. This was so far out of the rest of the realm of the story that I honestly don’t know why this was included. Did we have to be told that they were falling in love this way?!!! Soft glances and touches were not adequate? Strange, very strange.
Overall, I liked the romance in this story. They don’t have long to get to know each other, but the description of the time they do have is almost half the book and it seems to be a slow build with both of them seeing good qualities about each other and realizing that the bad experiences of their other marriages will not likely be repeated. She feels desire for him, which surprises her, and he feels protective of her even though he is, as mentioned above, a rather socially inept man. Once they are married, their love scenes are very tender and he is able to teach her that submitting to lovemaking does not have to humiliating. Things are described quite thoroughly, but not crudely, and I thought Ms. Andresen did a good job of drawing me in to their intimate play.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2013
What can I say about this wonderful author? So many good things! I really enjoyed this book. I love historical romance novels, they are a sad and guilty pleasure of mine. They have taught me what a fort night means, which isn't something that you hear everyday. But I digress, sorry about that. Mrs. Andresen combines humour, real history, and confusion into a real love story with some pretty hot scenes that made me flick through the pages pretty awkwardly as I read this on my lunch hours at work.
Simon of Beresford is told by the King's mistress that it will be an honour to marry the widow Gwyneth of Northumbria. Distinctly unsure of this "honour" there is nothing he can do and faces his bride to be. He is soon taken by the violet depths of her eyes even as his soul struggles with the mounting evidence proving her as a traitor. For Gwyneth, she went from one horrible marriage and knows that she can not deny another that is sure to be more of the same, especially as she meets her Lord Husband and realizes he has no manners. But his gentleness in the boudoir convinces her that there is more to this plain speaking brute who can not seem to see the webs that wrap themselves around him as she attempts to save him from one mishap after another.
I liked the fact that real historical events about King Stephen and the tumultuous time period that he ruled during as well as some of the intrigues that may have actually happened as the lords were torn in their loyalties between rulers. The love story is genuine and I really liked reading from his prospective as well as hers. Sex scenes are hot hot hot! There is also action and intrigue and even an almost murder or two to make things extra exciting!
Definitely something that I would recommend for a reader who enjoys historical romance or just romance novels in general! It was so good! And at only 4 bucks for the kindle version it's a great buy!!!
Simon of Beresford is told by the King's mistress that it will be an honour to marry the widow Gwyneth of Northumbria. Distinctly unsure of this "honour" there is nothing he can do and faces his bride to be. He is soon taken by the violet depths of her eyes even as his soul struggles with the mounting evidence proving her as a traitor. For Gwyneth, she went from one horrible marriage and knows that she can not deny another that is sure to be more of the same, especially as she meets her Lord Husband and realizes he has no manners. But his gentleness in the boudoir convinces her that there is more to this plain speaking brute who can not seem to see the webs that wrap themselves around him as she attempts to save him from one mishap after another.
I liked the fact that real historical events about King Stephen and the tumultuous time period that he ruled during as well as some of the intrigues that may have actually happened as the lords were torn in their loyalties between rulers. The love story is genuine and I really liked reading from his prospective as well as hers. Sex scenes are hot hot hot! There is also action and intrigue and even an almost murder or two to make things extra exciting!
Definitely something that I would recommend for a reader who enjoys historical romance or just romance novels in general! It was so good! And at only 4 bucks for the kindle version it's a great buy!!!
December 19, 2011
3.5 stars
I liked the characters and the setting and of course that Simon and Gwyneth finally find their way to each other. Biggest disappointment was the ending. I felt like it was rushed and after all the turmoil of finding out that they love each other, they never TELL each other (unless 'I care for you" is equal to that in medieval times??). I would have like to have seen more of their heart to heart.
I liked the characters and the setting and of course that Simon and Gwyneth finally find their way to each other. Biggest disappointment was the ending. I felt like it was rushed and after all the turmoil of finding out that they love each other, they never TELL each other (unless 'I care for you" is equal to that in medieval times??). I would have like to have seen more of their heart to heart.
January 27, 2014
This HR is well written with very descriptive writing.
December 20, 2018
Downloaded FREE from libgen.io (Library Genesis) ~ This is my first Historical from this author. Though I did not love it as much as her Regencies, it was still vastly Entertaining. But then this is written by a highly intelligent and accomplished author, so what's not to like?
March 1, 2020
Boring
I was so disappointed with this read .. it dragged on with mundane information more than character interaction .. nothing was seamless or connected .. I love this author and will continue to read her work, but will not recommend this book.
I was so disappointed with this read .. it dragged on with mundane information more than character interaction .. nothing was seamless or connected .. I love this author and will continue to read her work, but will not recommend this book.
October 28, 2022
Riveting!
What a writer! Mediaeval times come to life under her pen, the characters popping out from her page. I must highly recommend this book, despite not being someone usually fond of the period.
What a writer! Mediaeval times come to life under her pen, the characters popping out from her page. I must highly recommend this book, despite not being someone usually fond of the period.
November 1, 2023
Simon's Lady
Liked how the husband took the story his future bride told to his advantage even when people didn't think he had a romantic bone in him. He brought peace to her in what had been a traumatic situation.
Liked how the husband took the story his future bride told to his advantage even when people didn't think he had a romantic bone in him. He brought peace to her in what had been a traumatic situation.
February 10, 2017
This is one of my favourite books ever. I've always loved the marriage of convenience topos. I've always loved medieval romance. And the age ( 12th century England, King Stephen and Empress Maude's war) is marvelously recreated. But what I liked best is the hero - Simon de Beresford - an apparently simple and rough knight who proves to be intelligent and kind, with a wonderful sense of humour. The tension between the deceptively unsophisticated hero and the clever resourceful heroine is masterfully created. It is exciting to watch them fall in love (and, yes, Cupid's arrows are really there in the story...) And the love scenes are subtle, tasteful, but sizzling hot.
December 4, 2012
More gym reading! I've said before that I reserve my treadmill/elliptical reading for all that free or REALLY cheap stuff I get for my Kindle. Usually it's a light mystery or romance and nothing that can't be consumed while I'm sweating away. This was a good choice. I don't remember if I got this one free or just really cheap since it was one of the first ones I bought almost a year ago, but it was definitely a good choice. I enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters. The story had intrigue, but not so much that it wasn't believable.
I did have two issues with this one. One is light and the other not so much. For the light one, I thought the cupid stuff was just stupid. I appreciated the background of all the Norse gods, but when it came to actually seeing a cupid? Really? The other thing... I don't care if it's obvious from what she's doing that the woman is into you and wants to have sex, if she says no, that means don't have sex with her! Obviously, she didn't want to have sex on the stairs where anyone can happen on her, so you shouldn't then ignore her and plunge ahead. Grrr.
I did have two issues with this one. One is light and the other not so much. For the light one, I thought the cupid stuff was just stupid. I appreciated the background of all the Norse gods, but when it came to actually seeing a cupid? Really? The other thing... I don't care if it's obvious from what she's doing that the woman is into you and wants to have sex, if she says no, that means don't have sex with her! Obviously, she didn't want to have sex on the stairs where anyone can happen on her, so you shouldn't then ignore her and plunge ahead. Grrr.
January 31, 2012
Medieval historical romance which usually translates to a hard abusive life for all the women involved in the story, but Gwyneth is an example of a tough strong noble woman that makes lemonade with her lemon flavored life. She is recently widowed by the Norman King and is held hostage/liberated in the Normand Royal Court to be quickly married to Simon of Beresford.
Their love story starts badly with Simon trying to get out of the engagement and doesn't get much better when they meet for the first time, but after getting to know each other better things warm up. There is lots of historical details more then most romance stories so there is good balance like in the description of the wedding which was surprisingly accurate for the time and many may be surprised with the 'pagan' customs that occur. I liked the telling of the myths of Asgard and Odin with the little hints of Cupid which gave a little bit of whimsy.
This was surprisingly well written for a freebie on kindle.
2 and half stars
Their love story starts badly with Simon trying to get out of the engagement and doesn't get much better when they meet for the first time, but after getting to know each other better things warm up. There is lots of historical details more then most romance stories so there is good balance like in the description of the wedding which was surprisingly accurate for the time and many may be surprised with the 'pagan' customs that occur. I liked the telling of the myths of Asgard and Odin with the little hints of Cupid which gave a little bit of whimsy.
This was surprisingly well written for a freebie on kindle.
2 and half stars
March 9, 2016
Beautiful Story
This story is really about the Hero! I would not say that Simon was a Beast.... He was a man who knows loyalty where it lies and is honorable, caring and loving once shown love where it belongs. I thought he was humorous throughout this story and very intelligent. He was very uncouth, rough around the edges in a caveman way. Both Hero and Heroine were perfect for each other! This story was very interesting with the political games in the Royal courts, history and a heroine who was intelligent enough to get over her fears and use her wits to survive in the courts and the man she fell in love with. I loved how lusty Simon was and how sensitive he was to Gwendolyn feelings. I enjoyed this story so much that I have read it more then once.
This story is really about the Hero! I would not say that Simon was a Beast.... He was a man who knows loyalty where it lies and is honorable, caring and loving once shown love where it belongs. I thought he was humorous throughout this story and very intelligent. He was very uncouth, rough around the edges in a caveman way. Both Hero and Heroine were perfect for each other! This story was very interesting with the political games in the Royal courts, history and a heroine who was intelligent enough to get over her fears and use her wits to survive in the courts and the man she fell in love with. I loved how lusty Simon was and how sensitive he was to Gwendolyn feelings. I enjoyed this story so much that I have read it more then once.
July 12, 2013
Well developed characters I warmed to quickly. He's an irreverent, sharp tongued, but trustworthy knight. She is a strong-willed woman who has learned much from past trials. They are forced to marry against their will by royal decree. I get a chuckle out of the humorous repartee every time I read the book. (A book I've read more than twice is a rarity). Good historical detail of a period that not many authors tackle.
July 27, 2016
I love HR's with hero's that don't know what's good for them. Such is the case with Simon, when he's forced to marry Gwyneth by royal decree. It's a case of not knowing how bad the conditions are in which he lives and raises his sons. Or, for that matter, how lonely he is.
I absolutely love how Gwyneth starts telling him the old Norse stories of Odin and the other gods. It was a great little recap for me as I haven't read them in years.
I absolutely love how Gwyneth starts telling him the old Norse stories of Odin and the other gods. It was a great little recap for me as I haven't read them in years.
April 25, 2016
Well that rips it! A new author I actually like, which begs the question "Do I risk reading another book by her and therefore tempt the second book is always a disaster curse?".
As I reread my library another one does not live up to expectations the second time around. It appeared to me, that the plot was slacking depth.
As I reread my library another one does not live up to expectations the second time around. It appeared to me, that the plot was slacking depth.
January 25, 2012
i actually liked this book. in the sense that it kept with the time period. even with her filler descriptions, it stays with medieval times language. every time i opened and started to read, i was taken back in time. and i loved how she wove the thought processes of the characters yet kept the communication between them limited. the best review i can give is that i'll keep it and read again.
December 20, 2021
Reminds me strongly of one of my favorite male characters in Bond of Blood. The book is a great read. The love scenes are well done and works beautifully with the story. Anderson did not convince me that his awareness of a need to satisfy a woman sexually was in character for the times. This did not diminish my enjoyment of the story or mitigate my recommendation. It is a two am incongruence.
February 3, 2012
I picked this up as an inexpensive Romance Novel for my Kindle and was pleasantly surprised by how well written it was (I paid less than $3 for it)! The characters are enjoyable and the court intrigue keeps the pages turning. This was a good deal for the money.
November 1, 2013
I'm not usually fond of this time period, but I'd bought the book and figured I'd give it a try. I really enjoyed the main characters and the twisting plot. I'm glad I gave the book a chance. It was worth my time.
September 4, 2014
Arranged marriage to a total stranger which was par for the course in this time period. Very well written. This author does her homework on historically accurate circumstances. Cannot read authors who don't bother or whose plot is mindless.
April 14, 2013
Me gusto, Simon era muy franco pero buena persona y Laurel tan maltratada por su anterior esposo, le hizo muy bien casarse con Simon, una novela para entretenerte un rato sin mayores pretenciones.
May 25, 2014
Good book!
The book kept my interest from beginning to end. I enjoyed every part of it. It kept your attention throughout. And it was also easy to follow.
The book kept my interest from beginning to end. I enjoyed every part of it. It kept your attention throughout. And it was also easy to follow.
February 24, 2015
Un historique qui se laisse lire. D'après le résumé je m'attendais à une histoire différente.
May 29, 2015
This was a realy good Read and i would have given five Stars of it had been not so short! I'm certainly be reading more from this Autor!
July 1, 2015
An easy-to-read, historical romance. The banter between the two main characters is fun and quite sharp. Though the plot is predictable, the adventures keep the reader reading.
February 5, 2016
juste ce qu'il faut pour ne pas s'ennuyer .
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews