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The Crimson Lady
Tired of her life as the legendary lady outlaw known as "the Crimson Lady," Fiona Byrne disguises herself as a simple seamstress, until Braedan De Cantor, a man robbed of his birthright and reputation, uncovers her masquerade and enlists her assistance to save his sister. Original.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2003
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About the author
Mary Reed McCall
16 books45 followersAward-winning historical author MARY REED MCCALL also writes contemporary fiction as M. REED MCCALL . She was a finalist for Romance Writer's of America's Best First Book RITA Award and has won the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Medieval Romance. She grew up in a rural area of Upstate New York as part of a large and loving family. Before becoming a writer, she first considered a career in national security, studying for a brief time at the University of Leningrad before completing undergraduate degrees in Russian and English back in the United States, followed by a Master's degree in English Literature. The sixth of seven girls in her family, Mary now makes her permanent home in New York State, with her husband and children. When she is not writing or involved with family activities, she teaches high school and college level English.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 16, 2018
Candlelight Historische roman 719 .
Een misbruikte vrouw en liefde overwint alles verhaal ... ik ben niet echt overtuigd .
Een misbruikte vrouw en liefde overwint alles verhaal ... ik ben niet echt overtuigd .
July 25, 2008
"Every man in England wanted her...
She was called "the Crimson Lady". But Fiona Byrne wants no part of the notorious life she was compelled to lead, adopting instead the disguise of a simple seamstress. Then she is discovered by Braedan de Cantor, a desperate and daring stranger who threatens to expose her. Never has there been one so dangerous to the peaceful life she'd fought to achieve. But the greatest peril of all lies deep in her heart.
One man would have her...
Robbed of his good name and fortune, and cast among England's criminals, he sought the legendary lady outlaw to save his sister. But the many tales of her extraordinary beauty and cunning did not do the Crimson Lady justice, and Braedan soon finds himself falling under her enchantment , even as he forces Fiona to re-enter the dark world she dreads. And though danger beyond reasoning awaits them, he wil let no harm befall the passionate, incomparable woman who now so completely captivates his heart and his soul... and offers them both a future more magnificent than either dared to imagine."
This is the first in a duet where I managed to read the second book first without realising it till I grabbed this one.
Brendan de cantor looks for Fiona's help because determined to right the wrongs his uncle has done he can see no other option than turn outlaw. Fiona is the perfect woman to tell him a thing or two about his uncles secrets and introduce him to a band of outlaws who will help him in his plans.
Fiona is a very strong woman (McCall seems to do mostly those which is fine by me) but when faced with the only option of going back to the hell she run a away from shakes her a bit. With time she does realise that Brendan is not a bad man, although he had to force her compliance, and even starts to feel attracted to him. However she does believe she is no good or any man after she suffered at Draven's hands. As Brendan is also attracted to her it's only a matter of time till they give in to their passion.
They eventually come face to face with Draven and Fiona ends up being captured and forced to renounce Brendan to save his life. Brendan however is not fooled by her false disdain and realises Draven is behind it which leads to a confrontation where an unexpected turn of events leads to Draven's trial and execution by some of his victims. Although there's still much to be done to right his wrongs Brendan and Fiona have a chance to build a life together without having to look back all the time.
It was a nice and enjoyable story but somehow it lacked a little something to make it truly memorable in my eyes.
Grade: B
She was called "the Crimson Lady". But Fiona Byrne wants no part of the notorious life she was compelled to lead, adopting instead the disguise of a simple seamstress. Then she is discovered by Braedan de Cantor, a desperate and daring stranger who threatens to expose her. Never has there been one so dangerous to the peaceful life she'd fought to achieve. But the greatest peril of all lies deep in her heart.
One man would have her...
Robbed of his good name and fortune, and cast among England's criminals, he sought the legendary lady outlaw to save his sister. But the many tales of her extraordinary beauty and cunning did not do the Crimson Lady justice, and Braedan soon finds himself falling under her enchantment , even as he forces Fiona to re-enter the dark world she dreads. And though danger beyond reasoning awaits them, he wil let no harm befall the passionate, incomparable woman who now so completely captivates his heart and his soul... and offers them both a future more magnificent than either dared to imagine."
This is the first in a duet where I managed to read the second book first without realising it till I grabbed this one.
Brendan de cantor looks for Fiona's help because determined to right the wrongs his uncle has done he can see no other option than turn outlaw. Fiona is the perfect woman to tell him a thing or two about his uncles secrets and introduce him to a band of outlaws who will help him in his plans.
Fiona is a very strong woman (McCall seems to do mostly those which is fine by me) but when faced with the only option of going back to the hell she run a away from shakes her a bit. With time she does realise that Brendan is not a bad man, although he had to force her compliance, and even starts to feel attracted to him. However she does believe she is no good or any man after she suffered at Draven's hands. As Brendan is also attracted to her it's only a matter of time till they give in to their passion.
They eventually come face to face with Draven and Fiona ends up being captured and forced to renounce Brendan to save his life. Brendan however is not fooled by her false disdain and realises Draven is behind it which leads to a confrontation where an unexpected turn of events leads to Draven's trial and execution by some of his victims. Although there's still much to be done to right his wrongs Brendan and Fiona have a chance to build a life together without having to look back all the time.
It was a nice and enjoyable story but somehow it lacked a little something to make it truly memorable in my eyes.
Grade: B
May 12, 2009
The Crimson Lady is an interesting medieval romance with a true original heroine who's life has gone through such disturbing situations that the reader will weep. Fiona was sold to a truly evil man at 15 by her mother. She was used by Draven for his own sexual appetites till he because obsessed with her, wanting to own her body and soul. He renamed her Giselle and she finally escaped only to be found 3 years later by Braedan, his nephew who wants revenge on Draven for what he has done to his younger sister and brother. He needs The Crimson Lady as she was called so he could find his sister Elizabeth who Draven kidnapped and led her into a world of prostitution. Much like Fiona went through.
Giselle is the true star of this story. After all she has gone through, she tries to get past the demons and the man who practially destroyed her with his possesive and evil nature. Braendan tries to help Giselle through it all with love and showing her self worth. Honestly, Giselle (Fiona) would need intense therapy to get through everything she indures.
The reader will have an incredible journey along with the two main charcters and be truly disqusted by Draven who shows he has no soul through persuasion and subtle pervasion, especially when dealing with Fiona.
The sex scenes are emotional and bonding. All that was missing was more of the backstory between Fiona and Draven and what Fiona had to endure all those years as his prisoner. Other than that, a truly original story.
Giselle is the true star of this story. After all she has gone through, she tries to get past the demons and the man who practially destroyed her with his possesive and evil nature. Braendan tries to help Giselle through it all with love and showing her self worth. Honestly, Giselle (Fiona) would need intense therapy to get through everything she indures.
The reader will have an incredible journey along with the two main charcters and be truly disqusted by Draven who shows he has no soul through persuasion and subtle pervasion, especially when dealing with Fiona.
The sex scenes are emotional and bonding. All that was missing was more of the backstory between Fiona and Draven and what Fiona had to endure all those years as his prisoner. Other than that, a truly original story.
June 29, 2020
Too long to read in every charter. It is not concise.
December 16, 2015
"The Crimson Lady" is an average historical romance. The characters are not particularly interesting and the plot is rather predictable. The pacing of the novel is rather plodding. I really didn't feel very engaged by the book due to the style of writing. I would not recommend this book, nor do I think that I would read more by this author. Contains graphic sexual content and some violent content.
October 12, 2014
wonderful book never get tired of reading it
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews