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The Lion's Bride
Lord Lyon of Normandy had saved William the Conqueror from certain death on the battlefield, yet neither his strength nor his skill could defend him against the defiant beauty the king chose for his wife.
Ariana of Cragmere lost her lands and her virtue to the mighty warrior, but the willful beauty swore never to surrender her heart.
Saxon countess and Norman knight, Ariana and Lyon were born enemies. And in a land rent asunder by bloody wars and shifting loyalties, they were doomed to misery unless they could vanquish the hatred that divided them-and unite in glorious love.
Ariana of Cragmere lost her lands and her virtue to the mighty warrior, but the willful beauty swore never to surrender her heart.
Saxon countess and Norman knight, Ariana and Lyon were born enemies. And in a land rent asunder by bloody wars and shifting loyalties, they were doomed to misery unless they could vanquish the hatred that divided them-and unite in glorious love.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1995
58 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Connie Mason
140 books534 followersConnie Mason or Cara Miles is the best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year in 1990 by Romantic Times and was awarded Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband Jerry.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.
In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.
In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 12, 2024
Read:2014
Reread: 7/24/20
Reread: 3/11/24
3.5 stars!
The story begins with Lord Lyon arriving at his newly awarded castle. Lyon is ordered to marry the Saxon heiress. Ariana is only 14 years old and has the tongue of a viper. After marrying Ariana, he installs her in a nunnery. He hopes the nuns can teach his child bride some humility and obedience.
5 years later, Lyon is ordered by King William to fetch his bride (that he forgot he had) and produce an heir. He wasn't expecting the stunning woman in place of his child bride. He can't help falling in love with this spirited beauty. Unfortunately, Ariana sees him as her sworn enemy and vows never to summit to this Norman bastard.
The chemistry between the MC was hot! They can set aside their differences in the bedroom. Slowly, the couple fell in love, but others will try to rip them apart. Ariana's former fiancee and Lyon's exmistress both sceme to break the couple up.
Can these former enemies put their hate aside and learn to trust one another?
I loved the H! He's the alpha male type I want in my medieval Bodice-rippers. I always enjoy a rake getting his comeuppance!
I did enjoy Ariana this time around. I think I was hard on her in my original review. She had her home taken away and stuck in an abbey for 5 YEARS, where the nuns enjoyed beating the obedience into her. I would be bitter too! Most of the book, Ariana is conflicted between her saxon hatred of normans and the husband she's grown to love. I just wish it didn't take her so long for her to figure it out.
It's been years since I read this book and I still give it 3 stars. The story just isn't as good as some of the author's other books. It's not a bad story, just not great! I still would recommend others to give it a try.
Orginal review*********
Lion is the sexy alpha male I just love in my medieval Bodice-rippers! Ariana immaturity and hate of all Normans was annoying. Her impulsiveness is frustrating! She jumps from one catastrophe to another, but then this is typical in a bodice ripper. The story had potential and could have been better if the h had matured and faced the reality of her situation.
.
Reread: 7/24/20
Reread: 3/11/24
3.5 stars!
The story begins with Lord Lyon arriving at his newly awarded castle. Lyon is ordered to marry the Saxon heiress. Ariana is only 14 years old and has the tongue of a viper. After marrying Ariana, he installs her in a nunnery. He hopes the nuns can teach his child bride some humility and obedience.
5 years later, Lyon is ordered by King William to fetch his bride (that he forgot he had) and produce an heir. He wasn't expecting the stunning woman in place of his child bride. He can't help falling in love with this spirited beauty. Unfortunately, Ariana sees him as her sworn enemy and vows never to summit to this Norman bastard.
The chemistry between the MC was hot! They can set aside their differences in the bedroom. Slowly, the couple fell in love, but others will try to rip them apart. Ariana's former fiancee and Lyon's exmistress both sceme to break the couple up.
Can these former enemies put their hate aside and learn to trust one another?
I loved the H! He's the alpha male type I want in my medieval Bodice-rippers. I always enjoy a rake getting his comeuppance!
I did enjoy Ariana this time around. I think I was hard on her in my original review. She had her home taken away and stuck in an abbey for 5 YEARS, where the nuns enjoyed beating the obedience into her. I would be bitter too! Most of the book, Ariana is conflicted between her saxon hatred of normans and the husband she's grown to love. I just wish it didn't take her so long for her to figure it out.
It's been years since I read this book and I still give it 3 stars. The story just isn't as good as some of the author's other books. It's not a bad story, just not great! I still would recommend others to give it a try.
Orginal review*********
Lion is the sexy alpha male I just love in my medieval Bodice-rippers! Ariana immaturity and hate of all Normans was annoying. Her impulsiveness is frustrating! She jumps from one catastrophe to another, but then this is typical in a bodice ripper. The story had potential and could have been better if the h had matured and faced the reality of her situation.
.
April 22, 2017
Another gem by Connie Mason. Again a historical romance about two enemies who fall in love after an arranged marriage. Heroine was your typical Connie Mason heroine. Fierce, sassy and stubborn. She fought her feelings hard but Lion was one persistent sexy alpha hero. Evil OM and evil OW were a delight. I loved that both hero and heroine were super jealous and possessive. I loved the ending. It was heartbreaking how Lion almost died without knowing how much his wife loved him and that she was pregnant with their first child. I loved how Ariana stayed by his side how she mourned for him and how her love healed him. So emotional, passionate and touching. I adore Connie Mason.
By the way even after his marriage to Ariana, Lion allows his mistress to pleasure him for a few minutes but then he pushed her away so some readers might consider this cheating. Personally I didn't mind or care lol I mean he even betrayed his king and lost his honor for Ariana so to me he was a smitten obsessed hero!
By the way even after his marriage to Ariana, Lion allows his mistress to pleasure him for a few minutes but then he pushed her away so some readers might consider this cheating. Personally I didn't mind or care lol I mean he even betrayed his king and lost his honor for Ariana so to me he was a smitten obsessed hero!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2018
A perfect medieval romance. h hates because he is Norman and is "stealing" her father's lands. It is understandable when she continues to look for avenues to escape her fate by plotting with her former betrothed OM. Even though he is exasperated by her attempts, H shows greater understanding and never punishes her for her endeavors. Also during all this angst, they both continue to satisfy their lust for each other.
Both OM and OW try to win them back. But H is resolute that he wants no one else other than h. It takes longer for h to arrive at that thinking.
The thing I loved the most about this book was both MCs didn't deny themselves the physical need through their moments of misunderstanding, mental separation and even injury.
OM and OW are paired up in the end by the king. I liked that they received a HEA as I prefer as many happy couples as could be achieved in my romance reads. Still I wish we got an epilogue where we see each of the couples still happily married with lots of children.
Both OM and OW try to win them back. But H is resolute that he wants no one else other than h. It takes longer for h to arrive at that thinking.
The thing I loved the most about this book was both MCs didn't deny themselves the physical need through their moments of misunderstanding, mental separation and even injury.
OM and OW are paired up in the end by the king. I liked that they received a HEA as I prefer as many happy couples as could be achieved in my romance reads. Still I wish we got an epilogue where we see each of the couples still happily married with lots of children.
April 8, 2021
Sweet Whispersync Deal on Amazon: $3.99 for the Kindle ebook + $1.99 for the audiobook. :)
My main complaint about this book is that the H/h were in lust with each other but claimed that it was love. They never took the time to get to know each other. The heroine hated the hero (because he was her enemy) and the hero never fully trusted her even though he had no trouble desiring and seducing her into his bed. And, my goodness! These two have so much sex! There was also OW and OM drama.
My main complaint about this book is that the H/h were in lust with each other but claimed that it was love. They never took the time to get to know each other. The heroine hated the hero (because he was her enemy) and the hero never fully trusted her even though he had no trouble desiring and seducing her into his bed. And, my goodness! These two have so much sex! There was also OW and OM drama.
March 25, 2016
3 very generous stars.
The book can be described with one word: cliche. Every cliche you can think of about a medieval story, this story has got it. I find Ariana tiring. A Saxon lady hating anything Norman, including her husband. I mean, come on, indignation never helped anyone. Hissy fits don't either. But this book is a victim of its time. It is not the worst bodice ripper you can read. Nonetheless, there was little originality in this book.
If you could ignore the cliche, it is a ok read.
The book can be described with one word: cliche. Every cliche you can think of about a medieval story, this story has got it. I find Ariana tiring. A Saxon lady hating anything Norman, including her husband. I mean, come on, indignation never helped anyone. Hissy fits don't either. But this book is a victim of its time. It is not the worst bodice ripper you can read. Nonetheless, there was little originality in this book.
If you could ignore the cliche, it is a ok read.
November 12, 2025
3.5 stars. I started this a month and a half ago but things got in the way.
Very enjoyable medieval!! Heroine is a Saxon heiress and hero is a Norman knight who is commanded to marry her by William the Conqueror.
I love when situations are solved by the power of love ❤️
Very enjoyable medieval!! Heroine is a Saxon heiress and hero is a Norman knight who is commanded to marry her by William the Conqueror.
I love when situations are solved by the power of love ❤️
February 18, 2025
Лорд Лайън Нормански и Лейди Ариана Крагмер
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Лайън е незаконен син на благородник и знае, че единственият му шанс да има свое владение е като си го спечели. Биейки се редом с Вилхелм Завоевателят и ставайки негова дясна ръка, Лайън успява да си извоюва владението Крагмер, което му е подарък от краля. Крагмер е саксонско владение. Лордът и синовете му намират смъртта си в битка и сега богатото владение на границата с Шотландия е останало незащитено, само с наследницата на имота. Заминавайки за Крагмер Лайън не очаква никакви проблеми с хората в крепостта, а заповедите на Уилям са точни и ясни. Да влезе във владение, да се ожени за наследницата и да се върне, за да се сражава за победата над саксонците. Последното, което е очаквал Лайън е жената за която трябва да се ожени да е 14 годишна устата девойка, която не крие ненавистта си към норманите. След бързата им венчавка, Лайън се връща при кралят, изпращайки съпругата си в манастир, където се надява монахините да научат момичето на послушание и маниери, докато дойде мигът в който той се завърне във владението си заемайки мястото си на господар на крепостта.
Ариана ненавижда норманите, които са убили баща й и братята й, и още повече ненавижда рицаря, за който е била принудена да се омъжи и който я заточва в манастир, където монахините се отнасят ужасно с нея, наказват я жестоко за най-малкото неподчинение, и е принудена да носи дрипи, да спи в студена килия на мръсен сламеник и да е откъсната от дома си. През петте години в които е в манастира изглежда съпругът е забравил за съществуването й. Но не й бившият й саксонски годеник Едрик, който я посещава под прикритието на нощта, разказвайки й за плановете си да помогне на саксонските барони да си върнат властта, сключвайки съюз с кралят на Шотландия, и постоянно разказвайки й за слуховете около съпруга й, и факта, че той си има любовница, Забрина, с която парадира най-открито.
Ариана е напълно решена да се измъкне от бракът си с Лайън, но когато той пристига за нея, тя разбира, че няма да й е толкова лесно, колкото е подозирала.
Книгата е много хубава... освен когато главната прави куп простотии с които ме изнервя и ми иде да й зашия един. Лайън знае, че съпругата му мрази всички нормани, но свикнал всякаква негова заповед да бъде следвана без протест, сега е неприятно изненадан от начина по който съпругата му, му се противопоставя на всяка крачка. Ариана беше супер дразнеща в това как го обиждаше, как го нареждаше. Всички простотии, които правеше, само усложнаваха положението и беше супер дразнещо. На моменти Лайън също се държеше тъпо, като реши да кара Ариана да ревнува
Лично на мен книгата щеше да ми е в пъти по-интересна, ако героите бяха на нож 20-30% от книгата и после нещата между тях да потръгнат по-леко, да станат по-сладки и романтични. Тук Ариана се дърпаше на Лайън 90% от книгата, постоянно гледаше да го обиди, да го ядоса и някак не усетих кога взеха, че се влюбиха един в друг. Или по-скоро не усетих, кога тя се влюби в него, заради начина по който му беше постоянна контра и отказваше да отстъпи дори крачка, въпреки, че в някои случаи осъзнаваше колко греши.
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Лайън е незаконен син на благородник и знае, че единственият му шанс да има свое владение е като си го спечели. Биейки се редом с Вилхелм Завоевателят и ставайки негова дясна ръка, Лайън успява да си извоюва владението Крагмер, което му е подарък от краля. Крагмер е саксонско владение. Лордът и синовете му намират смъртта си в битка и сега богатото владение на границата с Шотландия е останало незащитено, само с наследницата на имота. Заминавайки за Крагмер Лайън не очаква никакви проблеми с хората в крепостта, а заповедите на Уилям са точни и ясни. Да влезе във владение, да се ожени за наследницата и да се върне, за да се сражава за победата над саксонците. Последното, което е очаквал Лайън е жената за която трябва да се ожени да е 14 годишна устата девойка, която не крие ненавистта си към норманите. След бързата им венчавка, Лайън се връща при кралят, изпращайки съпругата си в манастир, където се надява монахините да научат момичето на послушание и маниери, докато дойде мигът в който той се завърне във владението си заемайки мястото си на господар на крепостта.
Ариана ненавижда норманите, които са убили баща й и братята й, и още повече ненавижда рицаря, за който е била принудена да се омъжи и който я заточва в манастир, където монахините се отнасят ужасно с нея, наказват я жестоко за най-малкото неподчинение, и е принудена да носи дрипи, да спи в студена килия на мръсен сламеник и да е откъсната от дома си. През петте години в които е в манастира изглежда съпругът е забравил за съществуването й. Но не й бившият й саксонски годеник Едрик, който я посещава под прикритието на нощта, разказвайки й за плановете си да помогне на саксонските барони да си върнат властта, сключвайки съюз с кралят на Шотландия, и постоянно разказвайки й за слуховете около съпруга й, и факта, че той си има любовница, Забрина, с която парадира най-открито.
Ариана е напълно решена да се измъкне от бракът си с Лайън, но когато той пристига за нея, тя разбира, че няма да й е толкова лесно, колкото е подозирала.
Книгата е много хубава... освен когато главната прави куп простотии с които ме изнервя и ми иде да й зашия един. Лайън знае, че съпругата му мрази всички нормани, но свикнал всякаква негова заповед да бъде следвана без протест, сега е неприятно изненадан от начина по който съпругата му, му се противопоставя на всяка крачка. Ариана беше супер дразнеща в това как го обиждаше, как го нареждаше. Всички простотии, които правеше, само усложнаваха положението и беше супер дразнещо. На моменти Лайън също се държеше тъпо, като реши да кара Ариана да ревнува
Лично на мен книгата щеше да ми е в пъти по-интересна, ако героите бяха на нож 20-30% от книгата и после нещата между тях да потръгнат по-леко, да станат по-сладки и романтични. Тук Ариана се дърпаше на Лайън 90% от книгата, постоянно гледаше да го обиди, да го ядоса и някак не усетих кога взеха, че се влюбиха един в друг. Или по-скоро не усетих, кога тя се влюби в него, заради начина по който му беше постоянна контра и отказваше да отстъпи дори крачка, въпреки, че в някои случаи осъзнаваше колко греши.
January 11, 2017
How this book was made:
Imagine a Julie Garwood historical romance, then remove all humor from it. Next add abusive people, make the heroine whiny, add an ex-mistress who is being oh-so clingy, a bi-polar monarch and a hero who in my opinion should get his head examined. Finally sprinkle the entire thing with instant problem begone (the new product that instantly poofs away seemingly dangerous or important problems...). Add salt to taste. Your new book is ready, it can be served hot or cold but caution never with common sense.
Imagine a Julie Garwood historical romance, then remove all humor from it. Next add abusive people, make the heroine whiny, add an ex-mistress who is being oh-so clingy, a bi-polar monarch and a hero who in my opinion should get his head examined. Finally sprinkle the entire thing with instant problem begone (the new product that instantly poofs away seemingly dangerous or important problems...). Add salt to taste. Your new book is ready, it can be served hot or cold but caution never with common sense.
July 26, 2011
1.75*~2*
This book was lame! All the characters here were idiots! I respect the writers for all the work they put in each and every book, but I just can't help myself!
Lets start with the heroine:
-we meet her when she's 14 and her home and lands are given to one of William the Conqueror's knights;
-she's sent to a convent and the crazy mother superior always beats the crap out of her, not that she could smarten up and not make the same mistakes over and over again;
-the hero, Lyon, comes and gets here after 5 years and she can't help herself and always quarrels with the dude, insults him and other crazy stuff
-the have sex, can't say make love 'cuz that's not the case, and she participates and after that goes bat-shit-crazy! {to this part I can say bis/repeat/idem because it happens over and over and over again!}
-after all this she decides to live the sucker and on her way she decides she loves him! Of all the unbelievable stuff in this book that part tops it all.
The hero:
-obviously to make all this more dramatic he has to be a bastard
-when he goes and takes Ariana{the heroine} out of the monastery he finds out she was bitten by the crazy nun and does nothing! I mean at least he could have said that no one has the right to beat the living daylights out of her but him. But noooo the idiot decides that there has to be "a motive for all of this". That was maybe her idea of authenticity, but being a modern time woman I can't say I appreciate it!
-they arrive at their home and he finds out that she has been meeting some dude, her ex-fiancé or smth, and decides that "he will not bed her" until after that time of the month so he'll know if she's pregnant. And bam! after this decision not even 1 day or 2 pases and they have sex;
-he thinks nothing is wrong to threaten to beat her(dead, I might add) and then fu*k her.
All in all they are both crazy, her more then him. And she is schizophrenic, I'm not jocking: says she hates the hero, has sex with him after that decides that she'll leave him and then she says she loves him, that when she's with her old fiancé.
Another problem I had was with the language: CM uses a lot of "Aye"-s, "nay"-s, "thou"-s and the she adds modern time colloquialisms. I would have probably ignored them if I liked something about this book, but coupled with the rest I just couldn't help myself.
The plot was ok, for most of the book. We read about William the Conquerer and the first years after he becomes king, the problem the Normans face with the Saxons and Williams great idea of marring Saxons and Normans together.
In conclusion: I will never read something from this author again!
This book was lame! All the characters here were idiots! I respect the writers for all the work they put in each and every book, but I just can't help myself!
Lets start with the heroine:
-we meet her when she's 14 and her home and lands are given to one of William the Conqueror's knights;
-she's sent to a convent and the crazy mother superior always beats the crap out of her, not that she could smarten up and not make the same mistakes over and over again;
-the hero, Lyon, comes and gets here after 5 years and she can't help herself and always quarrels with the dude, insults him and other crazy stuff
-the have sex, can't say make love 'cuz that's not the case, and she participates and after that goes bat-shit-crazy! {to this part I can say bis/repeat/idem because it happens over and over and over again!}
-after all this she decides to live the sucker and on her way she decides she loves him! Of all the unbelievable stuff in this book that part tops it all.
The hero:
-obviously to make all this more dramatic he has to be a bastard
-when he goes and takes Ariana{the heroine} out of the monastery he finds out she was bitten by the crazy nun and does nothing! I mean at least he could have said that no one has the right to beat the living daylights out of her but him. But noooo the idiot decides that there has to be "a motive for all of this". That was maybe her idea of authenticity, but being a modern time woman I can't say I appreciate it!
-they arrive at their home and he finds out that she has been meeting some dude, her ex-fiancé or smth, and decides that "he will not bed her" until after that time of the month so he'll know if she's pregnant. And bam! after this decision not even 1 day or 2 pases and they have sex;
-he thinks nothing is wrong to threaten to beat her(dead, I might add) and then fu*k her.
All in all they are both crazy, her more then him. And she is schizophrenic, I'm not jocking: says she hates the hero, has sex with him after that decides that she'll leave him and then she says she loves him, that when she's with her old fiancé.
Another problem I had was with the language: CM uses a lot of "Aye"-s, "nay"-s, "thou"-s and the she adds modern time colloquialisms. I would have probably ignored them if I liked something about this book, but coupled with the rest I just couldn't help myself.
The plot was ok, for most of the book. We read about William the Conquerer and the first years after he becomes king, the problem the Normans face with the Saxons and Williams great idea of marring Saxons and Normans together.
In conclusion: I will never read something from this author again!
May 7, 2016
This really was awful. Irritating, bat-shit crazy heroine who cannot decide if she would like to kill the Hero or have sex with him. The way they treat each other I can't figure out how they decide it's love. The Hero is an alpha asshat who puts her in a convent for 5 years where she's abused, doesn't do anything about that when he finds out, swears he won't have sex with her and then forcibly seduces her (which she gets angry about afterwards). And if she's not getting angry about the sex, he's all growly and regretting the sex because she makes him want her even when he doesn't want to . I'm not sure they have nice, mutually desired, consensual sex even once in the book. And of course the genius decides that he likes it when his wife gets jealous so he's going to flaunt his other woman at her and then get angry when she reacts predictably. Ugh. Not a fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2015
Not a keeper, but mildly entertaining. 3/5 stars
January 23, 2025
Second time reading and still awesome.
This was a really awesome read. It was angsty and super lovely. A handsome alpha and a beautiful, young, feisty heroine. There were many, many intrigues and misunderstandings - they made the story exciting. There was a third party - other man, as well as other woman; awesome. Love, love, love this.
This was a really awesome read. It was angsty and super lovely. A handsome alpha and a beautiful, young, feisty heroine. There were many, many intrigues and misunderstandings - they made the story exciting. There was a third party - other man, as well as other woman; awesome. Love, love, love this.
June 8, 2019
This was a god awful hot mess. Just completely vapid. Even by bodice ripper standards, the main characters were horrendously stupid. Unnecessarily and unforgivablly DUMB. AS. HELL.
May 20, 2024
Malefica81 - per RFS
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Bentornate Fenici!
Oggi vi parlerò di un’autrice che amo alla follia, Connie Mason, una delle regine del romanzo storico.
Siamo nel 1067 durante l’invasione di Guglielmo il Conquistatore e troviamo lord Lyon, il suo braccio destro, che su disposizione del suo signore si insedia nel castello di Clagmere e sposa l’unica erede in vita, la quattordicenne Ariana. Fin dal primo momento la ragazzina, che nutre un odio profondo verso i Normanni invasori, si dimostra testarda e linguacciuta,un vero peperino.
Affinché impari le buone maniere viene chiusa in convento dal marito che, dopo cinque anni, torna a prenderla per ordine del suo sovrano perché deve dare una discendenza ai Clagmere. E qui iniziano i guai.
“Sarete mia moglie in tutto e per tutto, signora. Dividerete il mio letto e porterete in grembo i miei figli. Mi obbedirete e mi giurerete fedeltà. E, moglie mia, mi sarete fedele.”
Ariana odia quell’uomo ma quando lui la salva dalla punizione di una badessa stronza (e lo erano molto all’epoca, forse anche adesso), comincia a guardarlo diversamente e inizia a provare per il Leone sentimenti contrastanti, odio e attrazione in egual misura, così come sente ancora qualcosa per il suo ex promesso sposo, Edric, che essendo diventato ora un vassallo di Lyon tenterà in tutti i modi di mettere zizzania e di rovesciare il cane Normanno.
Ariana ha il dono della Vista, dono che però non può controllare a suo piacimento, in sostanza ha delle visioni in luoghi e nei momenti meno opportuni e sono visioni che devono essere interpretate. Ovviamente Lyon non le crede, lui è un uomo temprato dalla guerra come può prestare fede a queste cose? Anche se in seguito dovrà ricredersi.
La storia prosegue tra intrighi di corte, personaggi poco raccomandabili che vogliono minare – e ci riescono – l’armonia precaria della coppia (vi ricordo che Sassoni e Normanni non erano proprio amici), un’unione nata per ragione di stato che divampa in passione perdiventare un vero amore, solido ed eterno.
Ariana è una testona di prima categoria, Lyon non è da meno, Edric lo avrei preso volentieri a mazzate così come lady Zabrina, forse uno dei personaggi più viscidi e perfidimai visti in un libro. Seriamente, prenderla a legnate sulle gengive è poco.
Ottima l’evoluzione dei personaggi, un libro che vi lascerà senza fiato. Consigliato.
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Bentornate Fenici!
Oggi vi parlerò di un’autrice che amo alla follia, Connie Mason, una delle regine del romanzo storico.
Siamo nel 1067 durante l’invasione di Guglielmo il Conquistatore e troviamo lord Lyon, il suo braccio destro, che su disposizione del suo signore si insedia nel castello di Clagmere e sposa l’unica erede in vita, la quattordicenne Ariana. Fin dal primo momento la ragazzina, che nutre un odio profondo verso i Normanni invasori, si dimostra testarda e linguacciuta,un vero peperino.
Affinché impari le buone maniere viene chiusa in convento dal marito che, dopo cinque anni, torna a prenderla per ordine del suo sovrano perché deve dare una discendenza ai Clagmere. E qui iniziano i guai.
“Sarete mia moglie in tutto e per tutto, signora. Dividerete il mio letto e porterete in grembo i miei figli. Mi obbedirete e mi giurerete fedeltà. E, moglie mia, mi sarete fedele.”
Ariana odia quell’uomo ma quando lui la salva dalla punizione di una badessa stronza (e lo erano molto all’epoca, forse anche adesso), comincia a guardarlo diversamente e inizia a provare per il Leone sentimenti contrastanti, odio e attrazione in egual misura, così come sente ancora qualcosa per il suo ex promesso sposo, Edric, che essendo diventato ora un vassallo di Lyon tenterà in tutti i modi di mettere zizzania e di rovesciare il cane Normanno.
Ariana ha il dono della Vista, dono che però non può controllare a suo piacimento, in sostanza ha delle visioni in luoghi e nei momenti meno opportuni e sono visioni che devono essere interpretate. Ovviamente Lyon non le crede, lui è un uomo temprato dalla guerra come può prestare fede a queste cose? Anche se in seguito dovrà ricredersi.
La storia prosegue tra intrighi di corte, personaggi poco raccomandabili che vogliono minare – e ci riescono – l’armonia precaria della coppia (vi ricordo che Sassoni e Normanni non erano proprio amici), un’unione nata per ragione di stato che divampa in passione perdiventare un vero amore, solido ed eterno.
Ariana è una testona di prima categoria, Lyon non è da meno, Edric lo avrei preso volentieri a mazzate così come lady Zabrina, forse uno dei personaggi più viscidi e perfidimai visti in un libro. Seriamente, prenderla a legnate sulle gengive è poco.
Ottima l’evoluzione dei personaggi, un libro che vi lascerà senza fiato. Consigliato.
April 16, 2024
2,5/3 Penso che questa lettura abbia un po' patito il fatto di arrivare subito dopo quella di un romanzo per certi versi simile: entrambi sono collocati quasi nella stessa epoca, sullo sfondo delle tensioni tra sassoni e normanni dopo la conquista dell'Inghilterra, e con l'inserimento di un matrimonio combinato dal re per favorire un suo uomo di fiducia, che si trasforma, ovviamente, in un'unione imposta con la forza alla parte più debole delle nozze, vale a dire la giovane sposa.
Sto infatti facendo un confronto con DUELLO DI CUORI di Shannon Drake, che mi è piaciuto di più (molto di più).
Devo dire che questo Leone mi ha in realtà infastidito molto, al di là della coerenza storica, in quanto è vero che la maggior parte dei matrimoni (tra classi agiate) nascevano in modo violento, se non sanguinoso: qui ci troviamo nei giorni successivi alla battaglia di Hastings e la giovane Lady Ariana si trova con i familiari sterminati e il nemico normanno alle porte. Re Guglielmo in persona ha "donato" il maniero a Lyon (il Leone della nostra storia) e ha ordinato che impalmi l'unica erede per garantire la continuità del titolo.
Ora, persino la Mason evita di dover imbastire il romanzo con una sposa-bambina (mentre invece l'età da matrimonio c'era tutta) e la fa spedire in convento in attesa della consumazione (per ben 5 anni: altro anacronismo, considerato che al tempo si moriva per un niente e non si comprende perché lord Lyon avrebbe dovuto rischiare di non generare un erede così a lungo).
Tuttavia, quando si arriva al dunque, e il lord esercita i suoi diritti in modo rude e pacificamente conforme all'epoca, la Mason arriva a infiorettare il tutto, non tanto giustificando l'epoca, ma basando sul solito stereotipo di lui arrogante, prepotente, virile, eccetera, e di lei molto femminile nel giocare a sfidarlo per venire punita/domata, piena di ritrosia maliziosa, eccetera.
Ma anche no. Se i romanzi anni '80-90 sono pieni di queste dinamiche di consenso dubbio/rubato ("s'intenerì sapendo di doverle fare male, ma il suo ardore gli imponeva l'assalto"), a distanza di 30-40 anni si può giustamente scuotere la testa.
Senza contare che alla trama si aggiunge di tutto, da streghe a poteri magici a tradimenti.
Nel complesso, il romanzo si è rivelato troppo lungo per giungere a un finale che era prevedibile dopo due capitoli.
Sto infatti facendo un confronto con DUELLO DI CUORI di Shannon Drake, che mi è piaciuto di più (molto di più).
Devo dire che questo Leone mi ha in realtà infastidito molto, al di là della coerenza storica, in quanto è vero che la maggior parte dei matrimoni (tra classi agiate) nascevano in modo violento, se non sanguinoso: qui ci troviamo nei giorni successivi alla battaglia di Hastings e la giovane Lady Ariana si trova con i familiari sterminati e il nemico normanno alle porte. Re Guglielmo in persona ha "donato" il maniero a Lyon (il Leone della nostra storia) e ha ordinato che impalmi l'unica erede per garantire la continuità del titolo.
Ora, persino la Mason evita di dover imbastire il romanzo con una sposa-bambina (mentre invece l'età da matrimonio c'era tutta) e la fa spedire in convento in attesa della consumazione (per ben 5 anni: altro anacronismo, considerato che al tempo si moriva per un niente e non si comprende perché lord Lyon avrebbe dovuto rischiare di non generare un erede così a lungo).
Tuttavia, quando si arriva al dunque, e il lord esercita i suoi diritti in modo rude e pacificamente conforme all'epoca, la Mason arriva a infiorettare il tutto, non tanto giustificando l'epoca, ma basando sul solito stereotipo di lui arrogante, prepotente, virile, eccetera, e di lei molto femminile nel giocare a sfidarlo per venire punita/domata, piena di ritrosia maliziosa, eccetera.
Ma anche no. Se i romanzi anni '80-90 sono pieni di queste dinamiche di consenso dubbio/rubato ("s'intenerì sapendo di doverle fare male, ma il suo ardore gli imponeva l'assalto"), a distanza di 30-40 anni si può giustamente scuotere la testa.
Senza contare che alla trama si aggiunge di tutto, da streghe a poteri magici a tradimenti.
Nel complesso, il romanzo si è rivelato troppo lungo per giungere a un finale che era prevedibile dopo due capitoli.
August 13, 2017
"The Lions bride" is the story of Lyon and Ariana, and follows the tremulous love story of a Nordic and Saxon couple.
Lyon is made to wed Ariana at the tender age of 14, but 5 years hence he returns to claim his bride. He thinks her wild spirit will be tamed, but it is her love that tames him.
This story had its ups and downs for me.
Things I liked
- the dilemma when the H is made to choose between honor and love
- The beautifully written passionate love scenes
- How persistently they pursued each other
- How even the ow/ om found their HEA
Things that totally annoyed me
- how he slept with ow even after being married (I know it wasn't consummated but NO)
- How the heroine was sometimes gullible when it came to Edric
- Zabrina
- How OW always caught hero in a bad position- he didn't push her away until it was too late and the h saw it
- The OTT drama which took place throughout the book
Overall, the story had so much potential but I was so let down. For instance, I wish Ariana's seer power was used more, that she was so assertive.. but it felt that the outside forces won throughout the book- until the end.
I also missed an epilogue.
Unsafe
2.5/5
Lyon is made to wed Ariana at the tender age of 14, but 5 years hence he returns to claim his bride. He thinks her wild spirit will be tamed, but it is her love that tames him.
This story had its ups and downs for me.
Things I liked
- the dilemma when the H is made to choose between honor and love
- The beautifully written passionate love scenes
- How persistently they pursued each other
- How even the ow/ om found their HEA
Things that totally annoyed me
- how he slept with ow even after being married (I know it wasn't consummated but NO)
- How the heroine was sometimes gullible when it came to Edric
- Zabrina
- How OW always caught hero in a bad position- he didn't push her away until it was too late and the h saw it
- The OTT drama which took place throughout the book
Overall, the story had so much potential but I was so let down. For instance, I wish Ariana's seer power was used more, that she was so assertive.. but it felt that the outside forces won throughout the book- until the end.
I also missed an epilogue.
Unsafe
2.5/5
May 12, 2024
This was the most disfunctional couple I’ve ever read, they were stubborn, bull headed, dismal communicators, and all around dramatic af 🤣 but it was also such a fun time. Also heads up, this was written in 1995 and so a lot of the spice is problematic just fyi!
October 12, 2023
2.5 estrellas.
La mitad es bastante entretenida, pero apartir de entonces la historia se va en picada.
La historia trata sobre Ariana y Lyon, Ariana es la hija de un noble inglés que tiene tierras en Northumbria, su familia es muy rica e importante y ella está comprometida con un noble llamado Edric a quien conoce desde que son niños, pero cuando Ariana tiene 14 años pierde a su padre y hermanos en la batalla de Hastings, en la cual el Normando Guillermo se queda con la corona inglesa, quitándole a los sajones sus títulos y tierras para darlos a sus seguidores Normandos, por eso Ariana es forzada a casarse con Lyon el seguidor bastardo más querido por Guillermo que es unos 6 años mayor que Ariana, se casan pero como ella es una niña para el, y tiene cosas que hacer se va a Normandía dejándola en un convento donde ella es golpeada y tiene una vida horrible, pasa 5 años en ese lugar, dónde Lyon nunca muestra preocupación o siquiera recordarla, es su ex prometido Edric quien la visita a escondidas y sin poder tocarse, le cuenta como el gobierno de Guillermo se ah establecido, Edric está enamorado de ella, y Ariana lo sabe buen hombre y anhela casarse con el, juntos planean huir a Escocia y casarse.
Pero justo entonces Guillermo obliga a Lyon a tomar a su esposa y tener herederos, Lyon saca a Ariana del convento y se instalan en la propiedad de ella, pero las cosa no han cambiado Ariana lo odia a él y a todos los Normandos por robar Inglaterra y matar a sus seres queridos, Lyon queda encantado con la belleza de Ariana pero la encuentra demasiado rebelde y se entera que Edric y ella se han estado viendo, Ariana por su parte sabe que Lyon ah tenido una amante y lo culpa por lo que vivió en el convento, eso causa mucha más desconfianza entre ellos y la relación no fluye, bueno en el aspecto emocional por qué en el aspecto sexual las cosas fluyen, incapaz de esperar por su amor Lyon, la fuerza a tener relaciones y ella descubre que le causa placer y básicamente ellos tienen sexo todo el tiempo, cuando no están peleándose están teniendo sexo, viajan a Londres donde Ariana siendo increíblemente tonta cree las mentiras de la amante de Lyon, y huye con Edric, Lyon los sigue la rescata pero compromete su honor y se niega a darle a ella amor, pasan de pelearse a ignorarse por el día y tener sexo por la noche, finalmente Lyon recupera su honor en una batalla en la que casi muere pero obviamente eso no pasa los Protas terminan juntos y felices .....
Cómo dije la primera mitad es buena, me gustó que Lyon sea un hombre de su tiempo, demandante, egoísta, valiente, pero que también fuera honorable y que estuviera dispuesto a perdonarle cosas a ella, me gustó la escritura mucho, nunca leí nada de esta autora y me encantó su estilo.
Sin embargo lo demás está lleno de clichés, la amante despreciada que inventa cosas que todos creen, la sirvienta amiga, el embarazo rápido, el nacimiento de un hijo, la hermosa protagonista, el guapo y perfecto héroe ...etc....
Además que los Protas se amaran desde el inicio nunca lo entendí, jamás tienen una conversación solo tienen sexo ... En serio no sabemos nada de ellos, el nunca habla de su familia ni de sus miedos ni de sus anhelos, ella tampoco expresa nada, ni su color favorito, ni algún trauma de la niñez NADA, los pocos diálogos que tienen son para decirse lo mismo
Ariana: Eres un bastardo despreciable !!
Lyon: Júrame lealtad !!
Es todo no ahí nada más en su relación así que nunca entendí el amor entre ellos, ni hablar de que toda su historia transcurre en menos de 2 meses, se aman se separan se recuperan el casi muere ella se embaraza......pero ok es ficción, sin embargo lo que más odie es que pasaron todo el libro...TODO el maldito libro queriendo decirse que se aman, pero NO LO DICEN!! hasta la última página, lo que me recuerda que aunque el se lo demuestra cada dos páginas ella es como "Oh dios espero que el se preocupe por mi " Cariño el hombre literalmente te siguió y te perdono no solo que te fueras con otro, sino que intentaras matarlo, te salvó de estar prisionera arriesgando su vida y te preguntas si le importas ???
Lo que me lleva al siguiente punto Ariana es hermosa nos lo dicen todos cada dos oraciones bueno espero que sea muy hermosa por qué aparte de eso no tiene ninguna otra cosa buena, es inmadura hasta la muerte, su amiga/bruja le dice tuve una visión no hagas esto ... Página siguiente Ariana hace justo eso sin razón alguna.... causando un montón de problemas, y tomen en cuenta que además de que tienen una bruja ( cuya presencia en la historia es estúpida) Ariana también tienen visiones del futuro, lo que hace que su estupidez sea todavía más grande y molesta. Ariana sabe que Zabrina la ex amante de Lyon es mala e intenta romper su matrimonio, pero aún así le cree ABSOLUTAMENTE TODO... y actúa de forma estúpida por sus mentiras.... Edric le dice una y otra vez que la ama y por como Ariana se queja intenta salvarla pero entonces Ariana es como "Rayos Edric por qué me llevas contigo yo solo quería apoyo emocional" EN SERIO ??? Por eso literalmente le dijiste que te irías y te casarías con el ????
En fin Ariana es estúpidamente idiota lo que se vuelve más molesto con el paso del tiempo y uno llega a odiarla, pero además de eso el problema más grande del libro es absurdo es solo una mentirilla que dice Zabrina no ahí nada más, no ahí un buen argumento político, un problema lógico, un obstáculo inteligente son solo tonterías.....
Realmente quería que me gustará el libro pero además es tan incongruente que dan ganas de llorar ¿Por qué Guillermo perdona tan fácilmente a Edric? no tiene sentido.
¿Porque Zabrina y Lyon no se casaron cuando se querían y eran perfectos en política ?Nadie lo explica
¿Porque Ariana no se enamora de Edric ? El es perfecto en serio la respeta la cuida la quiere, nunca hace nada malo
¿Cuál es el punto de la bruja y las visiones ? Digo en serio, al final Ariana igual hace algo estúpido y lo contrario de lo que le aconsejan. Pro cierto que en la edad media la brujería no era algo súper malo ??? Digo todos conciente a la bruja como mira ahí va en sus escoba...ja ja ja
¿Y la mamá de Ariana ? nunca se explica que paso con ella
¿Por qué Edric aceptaría a Zabrina, Edric quiere hijos Zabrina es una viuda que se ah dado a toda la corte sin embarazarse a caso nadie sospecha que es infértil ? Digo ni los métodos anticonceptivos actuales podrían con eso.
Y así puedo seguir por horas, no quiero un libro matemáticamente lógico esto es ficción lo se, no soy estúpida pero aún los romances medievales eróticos deberían tener algo de lógica, o una buena historia este no la tiene, de veras no ahí sustancia en la historia ni trasfondo y además las escenas eróticas que son muchas son repetitivas.
Tal vez la última gran decepción es que nunca se entiende como Ariana deja su odio por los Normandos que la hace entrar en razón ??
La mitad es bastante entretenida, pero apartir de entonces la historia se va en picada.
La historia trata sobre Ariana y Lyon, Ariana es la hija de un noble inglés que tiene tierras en Northumbria, su familia es muy rica e importante y ella está comprometida con un noble llamado Edric a quien conoce desde que son niños, pero cuando Ariana tiene 14 años pierde a su padre y hermanos en la batalla de Hastings, en la cual el Normando Guillermo se queda con la corona inglesa, quitándole a los sajones sus títulos y tierras para darlos a sus seguidores Normandos, por eso Ariana es forzada a casarse con Lyon el seguidor bastardo más querido por Guillermo que es unos 6 años mayor que Ariana, se casan pero como ella es una niña para el, y tiene cosas que hacer se va a Normandía dejándola en un convento donde ella es golpeada y tiene una vida horrible, pasa 5 años en ese lugar, dónde Lyon nunca muestra preocupación o siquiera recordarla, es su ex prometido Edric quien la visita a escondidas y sin poder tocarse, le cuenta como el gobierno de Guillermo se ah establecido, Edric está enamorado de ella, y Ariana lo sabe buen hombre y anhela casarse con el, juntos planean huir a Escocia y casarse.
Pero justo entonces Guillermo obliga a Lyon a tomar a su esposa y tener herederos, Lyon saca a Ariana del convento y se instalan en la propiedad de ella, pero las cosa no han cambiado Ariana lo odia a él y a todos los Normandos por robar Inglaterra y matar a sus seres queridos, Lyon queda encantado con la belleza de Ariana pero la encuentra demasiado rebelde y se entera que Edric y ella se han estado viendo, Ariana por su parte sabe que Lyon ah tenido una amante y lo culpa por lo que vivió en el convento, eso causa mucha más desconfianza entre ellos y la relación no fluye, bueno en el aspecto emocional por qué en el aspecto sexual las cosas fluyen, incapaz de esperar por su amor Lyon, la fuerza a tener relaciones y ella descubre que le causa placer y básicamente ellos tienen sexo todo el tiempo, cuando no están peleándose están teniendo sexo, viajan a Londres donde Ariana siendo increíblemente tonta cree las mentiras de la amante de Lyon, y huye con Edric, Lyon los sigue la rescata pero compromete su honor y se niega a darle a ella amor, pasan de pelearse a ignorarse por el día y tener sexo por la noche, finalmente Lyon recupera su honor en una batalla en la que casi muere pero obviamente eso no pasa los Protas terminan juntos y felices .....
Cómo dije la primera mitad es buena, me gustó que Lyon sea un hombre de su tiempo, demandante, egoísta, valiente, pero que también fuera honorable y que estuviera dispuesto a perdonarle cosas a ella, me gustó la escritura mucho, nunca leí nada de esta autora y me encantó su estilo.
Sin embargo lo demás está lleno de clichés, la amante despreciada que inventa cosas que todos creen, la sirvienta amiga, el embarazo rápido, el nacimiento de un hijo, la hermosa protagonista, el guapo y perfecto héroe ...etc....
Además que los Protas se amaran desde el inicio nunca lo entendí, jamás tienen una conversación solo tienen sexo ... En serio no sabemos nada de ellos, el nunca habla de su familia ni de sus miedos ni de sus anhelos, ella tampoco expresa nada, ni su color favorito, ni algún trauma de la niñez NADA, los pocos diálogos que tienen son para decirse lo mismo
Ariana: Eres un bastardo despreciable !!
Lyon: Júrame lealtad !!
Es todo no ahí nada más en su relación así que nunca entendí el amor entre ellos, ni hablar de que toda su historia transcurre en menos de 2 meses, se aman se separan se recuperan el casi muere ella se embaraza......pero ok es ficción, sin embargo lo que más odie es que pasaron todo el libro...TODO el maldito libro queriendo decirse que se aman, pero NO LO DICEN!! hasta la última página, lo que me recuerda que aunque el se lo demuestra cada dos páginas ella es como "Oh dios espero que el se preocupe por mi " Cariño el hombre literalmente te siguió y te perdono no solo que te fueras con otro, sino que intentaras matarlo, te salvó de estar prisionera arriesgando su vida y te preguntas si le importas ???
Lo que me lleva al siguiente punto Ariana es hermosa nos lo dicen todos cada dos oraciones bueno espero que sea muy hermosa por qué aparte de eso no tiene ninguna otra cosa buena, es inmadura hasta la muerte, su amiga/bruja le dice tuve una visión no hagas esto ... Página siguiente Ariana hace justo eso sin razón alguna.... causando un montón de problemas, y tomen en cuenta que además de que tienen una bruja ( cuya presencia en la historia es estúpida) Ariana también tienen visiones del futuro, lo que hace que su estupidez sea todavía más grande y molesta. Ariana sabe que Zabrina la ex amante de Lyon es mala e intenta romper su matrimonio, pero aún así le cree ABSOLUTAMENTE TODO... y actúa de forma estúpida por sus mentiras.... Edric le dice una y otra vez que la ama y por como Ariana se queja intenta salvarla pero entonces Ariana es como "Rayos Edric por qué me llevas contigo yo solo quería apoyo emocional" EN SERIO ??? Por eso literalmente le dijiste que te irías y te casarías con el ????
En fin Ariana es estúpidamente idiota lo que se vuelve más molesto con el paso del tiempo y uno llega a odiarla, pero además de eso el problema más grande del libro es absurdo es solo una mentirilla que dice Zabrina no ahí nada más, no ahí un buen argumento político, un problema lógico, un obstáculo inteligente son solo tonterías.....
Realmente quería que me gustará el libro pero además es tan incongruente que dan ganas de llorar ¿Por qué Guillermo perdona tan fácilmente a Edric? no tiene sentido.
¿Porque Zabrina y Lyon no se casaron cuando se querían y eran perfectos en política ?Nadie lo explica
¿Porque Ariana no se enamora de Edric ? El es perfecto en serio la respeta la cuida la quiere, nunca hace nada malo
¿Cuál es el punto de la bruja y las visiones ? Digo en serio, al final Ariana igual hace algo estúpido y lo contrario de lo que le aconsejan. Pro cierto que en la edad media la brujería no era algo súper malo ??? Digo todos conciente a la bruja como mira ahí va en sus escoba...ja ja ja
¿Y la mamá de Ariana ? nunca se explica que paso con ella
¿Por qué Edric aceptaría a Zabrina, Edric quiere hijos Zabrina es una viuda que se ah dado a toda la corte sin embarazarse a caso nadie sospecha que es infértil ? Digo ni los métodos anticonceptivos actuales podrían con eso.
Y así puedo seguir por horas, no quiero un libro matemáticamente lógico esto es ficción lo se, no soy estúpida pero aún los romances medievales eróticos deberían tener algo de lógica, o una buena historia este no la tiene, de veras no ahí sustancia en la historia ni trasfondo y además las escenas eróticas que son muchas son repetitivas.
Tal vez la última gran decepción es que nunca se entiende como Ariana deja su odio por los Normandos que la hace entrar en razón ??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2015
William the Conqueror forces the heroine of this story to marry his best man and she naturally hates him, but then she grows to love him mainly due to the good sex. Oh, I didn't much enjoy this book, and only a certain penultimate section brought an unexpected smile to my face that was not due to laughter.
I eventually got used to all the ayes and nays substituting yeses and nos, and other than that the prose is all right. And what was seen of the mediaeval politics was mildly entertaining. The sex was completely vanilla and had me shaking my head throughout, but I am biased on that front due to being gay (I was allowed to select some used books for my gift last Christmas and obviously went for the smut right after the Stephen King).
It's not a bad book, though a bit rapey--those were rapey times.
I eventually got used to all the ayes and nays substituting yeses and nos, and other than that the prose is all right. And what was seen of the mediaeval politics was mildly entertaining. The sex was completely vanilla and had me shaking my head throughout, but I am biased on that front due to being gay (I was allowed to select some used books for my gift last Christmas and obviously went for the smut right after the Stephen King).
It's not a bad book, though a bit rapey--those were rapey times.
February 6, 2011
I THOUGHT Lyon and Ariana were great together in this book, well written and great sex and her love scenes are really good. I thought she made Lyon a wonderful hero and i like the way she made Lyon committed to Ariana, now Ariana is a little strong will at first but the way Connie Mason brought them together was Wonderful...
I suggest you get this book because Connie Mason did a great job when she was writing this book, if your a Connie Mason fan you know she is a great author, if this is your first time reading this author make this your first book...
I suggest you get this book because Connie Mason did a great job when she was writing this book, if your a Connie Mason fan you know she is a great author, if this is your first time reading this author make this your first book...
November 6, 2022
As I said in one of my posts, I believe I've read this book before. It was a pretty decent read but was expecting a bit more angst. Lots of Connie's old stuff had some severe angst. Nor did I like that he didn't trounce that Mother Superior for basically beating his wife straight for 5 years. Especially after he fell in love with her.
Anyway, just some few annoyances. But overall a nice story. Not a keeper so it'll be going back to the used bookstore.
Anyway, just some few annoyances. But overall a nice story. Not a keeper so it'll be going back to the used bookstore.
Want to read
March 31, 2021NTS: Have confirmation that the Author's eEditions of old HR are straight reprints.
Audible for $1.99
Audible for $1.99
April 25, 2017
If you like hackneyed clichés, a ton of "WTF is going on" moments, a seemingly schizophrenic heroine, and a crude alpha male hero, than this book is for you. If not, you should probably skip it.
I appreciate one thing about this book. And that are the historical details. The rest is so trashy I almost didn't want to finish it. When I finally read the last sentence I was glad it was over. That's never a good sign comming out of a book.
What I disliked the most were both the hero and the heroine. I couldn't for the life of me grasp their characters. I couldn't feel a connection between the main characters, nor was I able to connect with them. Sexual tension between them is non-existent. There are a lot of smutty scenes, yes. But for the most part of the book, Lyon forces himself on Ariana. She doesn't want to sleep with him. He does it nonetheless. He presses all her sweet buttons until she succumbs to him. In fact, most of the time Ariana fears/hates her body's reaction to Lyon's masterful touch.
There is also no emotional connection between Lyon and Ariana. They barely talk. Lyon desires Ariana madly. He has sex with her. They argue. They argue some more. They get mad at each other. Misunderstandings are piling in a heap at their feet. But neither of them sweeps them out of the way. If one of them tries to do so, the other is either not listening/not believing a s i n g l e word or postpones the important talk.
It got to a point where I got really, REALLY frustrated with them. No wonder it was one of the greatest WTF moments when Ariana, completely out of the blue, admits to herself she is in love with Lyon. WHAT? When did that happen? How? What did she like about him? I was under the impression she suffered from Stockholm syndrome. Because, as I said, there was no emotional connection between them. All there was, was a lot of sex that Ariana didn't want to engage in 90 percent of the time. She was mad at him almost all the time and loathed the Norman bastard vehemently.
If Lyon early in the book was a douchebag, he was an even greater one in the later part.
Whenever there was a dialog with Ariana and Lyon I started to frown from confusion. And my frown deepened the longer the dialog went on. I'm sure all that frowing left some permanent wrinkles on my forehead. You know, it intensified the dreaded glabella wrinkles. I'm sure of it.
Well, after all of that I give "The Lion's Bride" two stars. It has an interesting premise, intriguing historical details, the writing-style is fluent, and, here and there, it made me laugh even though for the wrong reasons. Not a keeper and definitely not a book I want to reread.
This was my third book by Connie Mason. First one was "The Black Knight" and the second one was "The Price of Pleasure". So far, I only really liked the second book I've read by this author.
I appreciate one thing about this book. And that are the historical details. The rest is so trashy I almost didn't want to finish it. When I finally read the last sentence I was glad it was over. That's never a good sign comming out of a book.
What I disliked the most were both the hero and the heroine. I couldn't for the life of me grasp their characters. I couldn't feel a connection between the main characters, nor was I able to connect with them. Sexual tension between them is non-existent. There are a lot of smutty scenes, yes. But for the most part of the book, Lyon forces himself on Ariana. She doesn't want to sleep with him. He does it nonetheless. He presses all her sweet buttons until she succumbs to him. In fact, most of the time Ariana fears/hates her body's reaction to Lyon's masterful touch.
There is also no emotional connection between Lyon and Ariana. They barely talk. Lyon desires Ariana madly. He has sex with her. They argue. They argue some more. They get mad at each other. Misunderstandings are piling in a heap at their feet. But neither of them sweeps them out of the way. If one of them tries to do so, the other is either not listening/not believing a s i n g l e word or postpones the important talk.
It got to a point where I got really, REALLY frustrated with them. No wonder it was one of the greatest WTF moments when Ariana, completely out of the blue, admits to herself she is in love with Lyon. WHAT? When did that happen? How? What did she like about him? I was under the impression she suffered from Stockholm syndrome. Because, as I said, there was no emotional connection between them. All there was, was a lot of sex that Ariana didn't want to engage in 90 percent of the time. She was mad at him almost all the time and loathed the Norman bastard vehemently.
If Lyon early in the book was a douchebag, he was an even greater one in the later part.
Whenever there was a dialog with Ariana and Lyon I started to frown from confusion. And my frown deepened the longer the dialog went on. I'm sure all that frowing left some permanent wrinkles on my forehead. You know, it intensified the dreaded glabella wrinkles. I'm sure of it.
Well, after all of that I give "The Lion's Bride" two stars. It has an interesting premise, intriguing historical details, the writing-style is fluent, and, here and there, it made me laugh even though for the wrong reasons. Not a keeper and definitely not a book I want to reread.
This was my third book by Connie Mason. First one was "The Black Knight" and the second one was "The Price of Pleasure". So far, I only really liked the second book I've read by this author.
June 27, 2013
The Lion's Bride is about a Saxon heiress being forced to marry a Norman warrior who came with William the Conquerer. Their differences and prejudices take them through a some of difficulties until they acknowledge their love for each other.
The story had much potential, but it was not well structured. The characters were not mature enough to suit for era and location of the novel, in my opinion. The author's intention of portraying the heroine as lively, temperamental, and with much spirit was not always successful. The heroine is immature, impulsive, and irresponsible at times. Also, the events are quite unreasonable; like the hero's going to Scotland for his wife with only a dozen soldiers, and William's march to Scotland only to ask Scotland's king to submit and be obeyed without any resistance. I found myself thinking the novel ludicrous more than one time while I read it.
The story had much potential, but it was not well structured. The characters were not mature enough to suit for era and location of the novel, in my opinion. The author's intention of portraying the heroine as lively, temperamental, and with much spirit was not always successful. The heroine is immature, impulsive, and irresponsible at times. Also, the events are quite unreasonable; like the hero's going to Scotland for his wife with only a dozen soldiers, and William's march to Scotland only to ask Scotland's king to submit and be obeyed without any resistance. I found myself thinking the novel ludicrous more than one time while I read it.
June 17, 2012
I expected this book to be better. I can't say that I enjoyed reading it, but at least the end was very good.
September 29, 2024
3.5 stars.
I've gotten thru a lot of audiobooks this last month, so I don't remember a lot of most of the books I read at the beginning of the month. But here is what I do remember.
Listened to the audio, the narrator was great.
This is the first Connie Mason book I've read but it won't be my last.
The writing was very easy to consume, usually I'm not that into medieval historical romances, I tend to zone out and lose track of the characters, story, etc., don't know why that is but whatever, but this wasn't hard for me to follow.
There wasn't a dull moment in this story, I really enjoyed it and I had a good, sometimes frustrating time with the characters.
It was annoying how often the hero (sorry can't remember names) would think he would go "find another woman to bed" but the second the heroine was around another male, namely the guy she had been previously betrothed to, he would tell her that if she even touched another man he would kill that man. I didn't mind it the first couple times but it happened a lot in this book.
Note about putting this on the 'hero-cheating' shelf...technically no, they are in a marriage of convenience, heroine is too young at the time of the marriage (if I remember correctly) and he puts her in a convent for years and doesn't see her. While she's there he is not celibate, he has a mistress. There is a lot of thoughts from him about not remaining faithful to his wife, once they are together, but he never actually goes through with it.
I've gotten thru a lot of audiobooks this last month, so I don't remember a lot of most of the books I read at the beginning of the month. But here is what I do remember.
Listened to the audio, the narrator was great.
This is the first Connie Mason book I've read but it won't be my last.
The writing was very easy to consume, usually I'm not that into medieval historical romances, I tend to zone out and lose track of the characters, story, etc., don't know why that is but whatever, but this wasn't hard for me to follow.
There wasn't a dull moment in this story, I really enjoyed it and I had a good, sometimes frustrating time with the characters.
It was annoying how often the hero (sorry can't remember names) would think he would go "find another woman to bed" but the second the heroine was around another male, namely the guy she had been previously betrothed to, he would tell her that if she even touched another man he would kill that man. I didn't mind it the first couple times but it happened a lot in this book.
Note about putting this on the 'hero-cheating' shelf...technically no, they are in a marriage of convenience, heroine is too young at the time of the marriage (if I remember correctly) and he puts her in a convent for years and doesn't see her. While she's there he is not celibate, he has a mistress. There is a lot of thoughts from him about not remaining faithful to his wife, once they are together, but he never actually goes through with it.
July 6, 2023
"The Lion's Bride" by Connie Mason is an enthralling historical romance that entices readers with its blend of intense passion, captivating characters, and a captivating enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Prepare to be swept away by a love story that defies expectations and kindles the flames of desire.
At the heart of this captivating tale are the hero, Lord Lyon of Normandy, and the feisty bride, Ariana. Their initial animosity sets the stage for an explosive romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Lord Lyon, a formidable and commanding hero, exudes an air of authority that is impossible to ignore. His strength, determination, and undeniable magnetism make him a captivating force in the narrative. As he grapples with his feelings for Ariana, readers witness his transformation from perceived enemy to an irresistible love interest.
Ariana, a spirited and strong-willed bride, adds a delightful layer of complexity to the story. Her initial hostility towards Lyon and her determination to resist his advances create a palpable tension that simmers throughout the book. The fiery exchanges between Lyon and Ariana are fraught with passion, challenge, and undeniable attraction, making their journey an exhilarating one.
The intense romance that unfolds between Lyon and Ariana is the driving force of the story. As their relationship evolves from one of hostility to a powerful love, we are drawn deeper into their world, captivated by their shared journey.
With its intense romance, captivating characters, and compelling enemies-to-lovers storyline, "The Lion's Bride" is a must-read for fans of historical romance!
At the heart of this captivating tale are the hero, Lord Lyon of Normandy, and the feisty bride, Ariana. Their initial animosity sets the stage for an explosive romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Lord Lyon, a formidable and commanding hero, exudes an air of authority that is impossible to ignore. His strength, determination, and undeniable magnetism make him a captivating force in the narrative. As he grapples with his feelings for Ariana, readers witness his transformation from perceived enemy to an irresistible love interest.
Ariana, a spirited and strong-willed bride, adds a delightful layer of complexity to the story. Her initial hostility towards Lyon and her determination to resist his advances create a palpable tension that simmers throughout the book. The fiery exchanges between Lyon and Ariana are fraught with passion, challenge, and undeniable attraction, making their journey an exhilarating one.
The intense romance that unfolds between Lyon and Ariana is the driving force of the story. As their relationship evolves from one of hostility to a powerful love, we are drawn deeper into their world, captivated by their shared journey.
With its intense romance, captivating characters, and compelling enemies-to-lovers storyline, "The Lion's Bride" is a must-read for fans of historical romance!
January 2, 2020
I have always loved Connie Mason from the time I picked up the first book I read from her which was Sheik. Her writing has a way of drawing you in, her extensive knowledge about the era that she's writing, her vivid description and clarity, and I definitely cannot forget her sex scenes. For a romance author she is very detailed about the sex scenes.
Thus when i picked up this book, I was expecting nothing less. Lyon is a knight fighting for the conqueror of england, william. He is know as the lion of Normandy because of his prowess, strength and he has never been defeated. He helped William conquer england. as a token of his gratitude William gave Lyon permission to marry the beautiful Ariana of Cragmere and claim her castle and land. But Ariana is a saxon and she hate Normans. When she is forced to marry lyon, she didnt had a choice. But through the course of their marriage and through many trials and tribulations, she started to develop feelings for lyon. But in order for them to be together they must defy all logic, make sacrifices and even cheat death to find their HEA.
Another brilliant story from Connie. Every page is a delight. I enjoy the sparring between ariana and I also enjoy their passionate lovemaking. The twists and turns thrown in just makes it so much better and keeps me on the edge of my toes. Another winner 🥇
Thus when i picked up this book, I was expecting nothing less. Lyon is a knight fighting for the conqueror of england, william. He is know as the lion of Normandy because of his prowess, strength and he has never been defeated. He helped William conquer england. as a token of his gratitude William gave Lyon permission to marry the beautiful Ariana of Cragmere and claim her castle and land. But Ariana is a saxon and she hate Normans. When she is forced to marry lyon, she didnt had a choice. But through the course of their marriage and through many trials and tribulations, she started to develop feelings for lyon. But in order for them to be together they must defy all logic, make sacrifices and even cheat death to find their HEA.
Another brilliant story from Connie. Every page is a delight. I enjoy the sparring between ariana and I also enjoy their passionate lovemaking. The twists and turns thrown in just makes it so much better and keeps me on the edge of my toes. Another winner 🥇
August 9, 2025
L'autrice di questo romanzo dovrebbe davvero fare corsi a pagamento su come si scriva una trama avvincente e piena di passione; di tutti i romance medievali che ho letto questo è uno di quelli con più scene infuocate ma, grazie al cielo, le sa inserire all'interno di una trama plausibile. I due protagonisti appartengono a due fazioni nemiche ma a pagina 3 sono costretti dal re a sposarsi e, dopo un bel po' di anni, viene loro ordinato di avere eredi. Questa cornice politica è importante perché non fa vedere i personaggi come due scimmie bonobo che non sanno elaborare i propri sentimenti, ma in due persone complesse, con istinti e ideali, che litigano a causa delle proprie divergenze ideologiche ma che piano piano sviluppano un sentimento diverso dall'astio. Non mancano gli intrecci amorosi degni di una telenovelas che portano con sé molti siparietti comici. Concludendo "Il leone di Normandia" è un vero romanzo di intrattenimeto, scorrevole e hot, ma con protagonisti carismatici e un ritmo spumeggiante.
February 26, 2021
Nope. What a bunch of idiots. All of them.
Two of them have premonitions about future disasters but do absolutely nothing to prevent said impending doom. What is the point of that? I get that miscommunication and making incorrect assumptions is a necessary lit device in romances, but that is all that this story was. Besides making assumptions about how the other feels and not confessing their own feelings, the hero and heroine did nothing else until right at the end when they declare their love for one another and she tells him she is pregnant with his son (she knows it is a boy because the witch had a vision of the future, but I am livid that this is what she decides to tell him and not the other visions that would have spared him from physical harm).
Whatever.
Two of them have premonitions about future disasters but do absolutely nothing to prevent said impending doom. What is the point of that? I get that miscommunication and making incorrect assumptions is a necessary lit device in romances, but that is all that this story was. Besides making assumptions about how the other feels and not confessing their own feelings, the hero and heroine did nothing else until right at the end when they declare their love for one another and she tells him she is pregnant with his son (she knows it is a boy because the witch had a vision of the future, but I am livid that this is what she decides to tell him and not the other visions that would have spared him from physical harm).
Whatever.
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