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The Montbryce Legacy #1A
Conquering Passion
Combined with Defiant Passion and re-released as Conquest.
Overview:The year is 1066. The world is about to change forever. Can love survive and flourish amid the carnage, hatred, betrayals and dangers of the Norman Conquest? Juicy historical fiction. An intimate story of passion, ambition, conspiracy, and vengeance.
Overview:The year is 1066. The world is about to change forever. Can love survive and flourish amid the carnage, hatred, betrayals and dangers of the Norman Conquest? Juicy historical fiction. An intimate story of passion, ambition, conspiracy, and vengeance.
244 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2010
41 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
239 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 19, 2021
Reread: This had to be Anna Markland's best book! I enjoyed this story of the Norman invasion. Both MC are Norman. This book is a sweet romance.
I don't know why they changed the cover. The original book cover had as sexy dark headed man with a sword. This cover is horrible and funny.
I don't know why they changed the cover. The original book cover had as sexy dark headed man with a sword. This cover is horrible and funny.
March 8, 2012
Markland writes a sweeping Norman epic with "Conquering Passion." Rambaud (Ram) de Montbryce is a Norman noble and a trusted assistant to William the Conqueror. His own heart refuses to be tamed until he meets Mabelle de Valtess, but dare he give into the passion she invokes?
The story is set against the backdrop of 1066 Normandie. Ram is a young man and heir to his lands. His father arranges his marriage to a Norman noblewoman, Mabelle. Unfortunately, Ram has no desire to marry, especially a woman he hasn't seen. He'd rather follow his lord, William, Duke of Normandie to England.
On his way home to be married, Ram finds a woman laying in the grass coved by bluebells near a lake. It's Mabelle. Both parties mistake the scene. Ram returns to his castle and delays the wedding, insulting Mabelle and her father. Within months he leaves to accompany William to England.
War gives Ram a different perspective on life and he comes to realize what a real gem he had found in Mabelle. William gives Ram land in the Welsh Marches. Ram inspects his land and is injured by a Welsh Prince, Rhodri. As Ram recovers in the home of a Saxon noblewoman, he finds comfort in her arms. Once he's well again, he goes to Normandie intent on winning Mabelle's heart, but will his past actions and previous reluctance make going forward with his life a duty without pleasure or will he find true passion?
Markland has done her research and it shows. The setting's authentic feel makes the reader believe they're a squire in Ram's care along for the ride. The author uses a good economy of words to paint vivid descriptions of the time. The plot moves at a nice pace, never lingering.
The characters are interesting and likable. Mabelle is loyal and honest and it's easy to identify with her. Ram embodies a soldier of the time, confident and heroic, but fickle when it comes to listening with his heart. The supporting cast of characters helps to round out the story and give the novel it's epic effect.
For me, the story feels more like the beginning of a family saga than a historical romance, since Ram is not faithful in deeds to Mabelle. There were some formatting errors with the Kindle edition, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. There are several love scenes, while appropriate to the story, are not for the faint of heart.
"Conquering Passion" is full of greed, betrayal, loyalty, nobility, and love. The novel takes the reader on the first adventure of the Montbryce family.
The story is set against the backdrop of 1066 Normandie. Ram is a young man and heir to his lands. His father arranges his marriage to a Norman noblewoman, Mabelle. Unfortunately, Ram has no desire to marry, especially a woman he hasn't seen. He'd rather follow his lord, William, Duke of Normandie to England.
On his way home to be married, Ram finds a woman laying in the grass coved by bluebells near a lake. It's Mabelle. Both parties mistake the scene. Ram returns to his castle and delays the wedding, insulting Mabelle and her father. Within months he leaves to accompany William to England.
War gives Ram a different perspective on life and he comes to realize what a real gem he had found in Mabelle. William gives Ram land in the Welsh Marches. Ram inspects his land and is injured by a Welsh Prince, Rhodri. As Ram recovers in the home of a Saxon noblewoman, he finds comfort in her arms. Once he's well again, he goes to Normandie intent on winning Mabelle's heart, but will his past actions and previous reluctance make going forward with his life a duty without pleasure or will he find true passion?
Markland has done her research and it shows. The setting's authentic feel makes the reader believe they're a squire in Ram's care along for the ride. The author uses a good economy of words to paint vivid descriptions of the time. The plot moves at a nice pace, never lingering.
The characters are interesting and likable. Mabelle is loyal and honest and it's easy to identify with her. Ram embodies a soldier of the time, confident and heroic, but fickle when it comes to listening with his heart. The supporting cast of characters helps to round out the story and give the novel it's epic effect.
For me, the story feels more like the beginning of a family saga than a historical romance, since Ram is not faithful in deeds to Mabelle. There were some formatting errors with the Kindle edition, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. There are several love scenes, while appropriate to the story, are not for the faint of heart.
"Conquering Passion" is full of greed, betrayal, loyalty, nobility, and love. The novel takes the reader on the first adventure of the Montbryce family.
January 12, 2012
Lady Maybelle’s life had been very difficult with a rascal of a father whose temper had made them flee from their ancestral home to live off the charity of others. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she was forced into an engagement with Rambaud de Montbryce, a man she’d never met. When she did meet him and began to feel somewhat happy about the upcoming nuptials, he refused to follow through with his father’s plans and he virtually left her at the alter.
As it turned out, they had met previously at the river (her half naked) where he took one of her remarks out of context and set a whole new direction to a love story now complicated by misunderstanding.
Because Ram was a famous warrior, he left the upkeep of the castle and the welfare of his betrothed with his father and took his men to fight a brewing war. Ms. Markland described the battle that waged between the Saxons and the Normans so extraordinarily well that one could visualize the horror of the bloody fight. History woven perfectly into description kept the story realistic and so enjoyable, I was sorry to see the book end.
Being first and foremost a romance lover, I wasn’t disappointed at the continuing love story between the hero and heroine. Even when separated, the romance blossomed and their relationship kept me intrigued.
With lines such as - “I will pursue the King’s peace with warlike fervour.” - I have to applaud this work and can’t wait until the next book “A Man of Value” is released.
As it turned out, they had met previously at the river (her half naked) where he took one of her remarks out of context and set a whole new direction to a love story now complicated by misunderstanding.
Because Ram was a famous warrior, he left the upkeep of the castle and the welfare of his betrothed with his father and took his men to fight a brewing war. Ms. Markland described the battle that waged between the Saxons and the Normans so extraordinarily well that one could visualize the horror of the bloody fight. History woven perfectly into description kept the story realistic and so enjoyable, I was sorry to see the book end.
Being first and foremost a romance lover, I wasn’t disappointed at the continuing love story between the hero and heroine. Even when separated, the romance blossomed and their relationship kept me intrigued.
With lines such as - “I will pursue the King’s peace with warlike fervour.” - I have to applaud this work and can’t wait until the next book “A Man of Value” is released.
January 15, 2012
An Epic Historical Romance
Ms Marklund's CONQUERING PASSION covers a span of over ten years and is rich in details of 11th century England. Her portrayal of the historic combatants for the crown of England is even-handed. The author shows the reader how each historical figure felt they were in the right in their claim to the throne. None are depicted as perfect or evil, but as real men fighting for what they believed was right. At times the history overshadowed the romance, but since I found Ms Marklund's descriptions of the politics and battles fascinating I didn't object to the side trips.
Mabelle, a strong heroine, is more than a match for her warrior hero, Ram. The passion quickly flares between them, but both are reluctant to admit to their love. Only through trials and tragedy do they finally realize that they can no longer deny what their hearts have always known - love conquers all.
There's also a secondary romance later in the story between two secondary characters who I felt deserved their own book or novella.
Lovers of medieval romance, and English history during the time of King William the Conqueror will enjoy CONQUERING PASSION.
Ms Marklund's CONQUERING PASSION covers a span of over ten years and is rich in details of 11th century England. Her portrayal of the historic combatants for the crown of England is even-handed. The author shows the reader how each historical figure felt they were in the right in their claim to the throne. None are depicted as perfect or evil, but as real men fighting for what they believed was right. At times the history overshadowed the romance, but since I found Ms Marklund's descriptions of the politics and battles fascinating I didn't object to the side trips.
Mabelle, a strong heroine, is more than a match for her warrior hero, Ram. The passion quickly flares between them, but both are reluctant to admit to their love. Only through trials and tragedy do they finally realize that they can no longer deny what their hearts have always known - love conquers all.
There's also a secondary romance later in the story between two secondary characters who I felt deserved their own book or novella.
Lovers of medieval romance, and English history during the time of King William the Conqueror will enjoy CONQUERING PASSION.
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April 2, 2012so I am not done the book yet. but what I can say is that ram is a dick,he better confess to cheating on her, before they even got married and that if they end up together after I'm gonna flip
ok so with this book i am very conflicted. The writing was great and the story just flowed really well, but one of my biggest hates in the whole world is cheating and cheaters. so when he actually thinks of his faience before he actually sticks his cock in the other women, that really mad me angree, (but hey aren't readers really supposed to get into the books?) and that is where my conflicting emotions come into hand. i really hated some things that she put in there. for example the cheating as well as i hate!!!!!! the way she went through with it. and i hate the fact that he tried to pay his way out of guilt (which should have been directed to his wife by the way) and gave the money to the girl he slept with making it even more wrong because he was supporting her as if he loved her or cared for her when he shouldn't have! then this chick has the nerve to say she loves him? because he fucked her? and she liked it? wow!!! and then he doesn't tell his wife... well fiance and marries her anyways? wow again!!! so yeah i really hated this book... but loved it all at the same time.... lets just say my boyfriend probably hates the authors life! because he is getting the blunt end of the stick if you catch my meaning.
ok so with this book i am very conflicted. The writing was great and the story just flowed really well, but one of my biggest hates in the whole world is cheating and cheaters. so when he actually thinks of his faience before he actually sticks his cock in the other women, that really mad me angree, (but hey aren't readers really supposed to get into the books?) and that is where my conflicting emotions come into hand. i really hated some things that she put in there. for example the cheating as well as i hate!!!!!! the way she went through with it. and i hate the fact that he tried to pay his way out of guilt (which should have been directed to his wife by the way) and gave the money to the girl he slept with making it even more wrong because he was supporting her as if he loved her or cared for her when he shouldn't have! then this chick has the nerve to say she loves him? because he fucked her? and she liked it? wow!!! and then he doesn't tell his wife... well fiance and marries her anyways? wow again!!! so yeah i really hated this book... but loved it all at the same time.... lets just say my boyfriend probably hates the authors life! because he is getting the blunt end of the stick if you catch my meaning.
June 19, 2015
This is how I wish history had been presented as a student. Anna Markland is one of the very best authors to explain the history that is going on around Ram and MaBelle and how it influences them.
Just as there are bad in this world there is so very much good. Ram is one of those rare knights who, had he been king, would have rivalled the legend of King Arthur. He does not believe in the cruelties that many Normans are known for and because of this he begins to amass quite the extraordinary legacy.
And, then there is MaBelle. MaBelle lost her home when still a child. At her irascible father's side they travel from noble home to noble home until people tend to get irritated with MaBelle's father. Ram is sent with his men to get MaBelle and her father's castle back, yet, they don't have a chance. Arnulf, MaBelle's half-brother, who is ten times as worse as his father, dies under suspicious circumstances. Of course, no one liked Arnulf so no one investigates his death.
MaBelle is once more a lady and her father marries her off in a political move to Rambaud de Montbryce.
Theirs is a romance that could easily have been neglected but both want to make life good for the other. Long beyond when either will admit to having fallen in love with their spouse a situation rears its ugly head and they both finally understand what they mean to each other.
A very good story, and a very good start to the Montbryce Legacy.
Just as there are bad in this world there is so very much good. Ram is one of those rare knights who, had he been king, would have rivalled the legend of King Arthur. He does not believe in the cruelties that many Normans are known for and because of this he begins to amass quite the extraordinary legacy.
And, then there is MaBelle. MaBelle lost her home when still a child. At her irascible father's side they travel from noble home to noble home until people tend to get irritated with MaBelle's father. Ram is sent with his men to get MaBelle and her father's castle back, yet, they don't have a chance. Arnulf, MaBelle's half-brother, who is ten times as worse as his father, dies under suspicious circumstances. Of course, no one liked Arnulf so no one investigates his death.
MaBelle is once more a lady and her father marries her off in a political move to Rambaud de Montbryce.
Theirs is a romance that could easily have been neglected but both want to make life good for the other. Long beyond when either will admit to having fallen in love with their spouse a situation rears its ugly head and they both finally understand what they mean to each other.
A very good story, and a very good start to the Montbryce Legacy.
February 27, 2012
Conquering Passion had a very good plot and I enjoyed the first half quite a lot. However, the author 'told' rather than 'showed' the majority of events in the novel which caused slower reading on my part because I was not very motivated. There was also not a lot of character building and background. A few times the formatting was wrong which was a little confusing and distracting, but it did not really affect the overall story. This is the first of a series and I liked that while most of the conflict was resolved by the end of the book they left some unresolved issues to be discussed in future books without starting new conflicts at the very end of this book, like some I have read do. I won this book on Fist Reads and do not plan on reading the rest of the series.
December 18, 2017
I tried with this, romances set in medieval ages always interest me. But in the end I was bored, even the 'cheating' aspect didn't bother me. When I can't get worked up over cheating I must be super bored. Gave up after that.
April 27, 2012
Conquering Passion was such a fun read! From the very beginning, I became lost in the mind of Mabelle de Valtesse and her journey from a naive young girl, to a strong minded and sensual women! Ms. Markland's ability to find the right balance between medieval battles and exciting passion was fantastic, and kept me reading all night long! Entertaining, dramatic, and definitely sexy, Conquering Passion was a great read, and I recommend it to anyone out there looking for some medieval romance in their life!
April 30, 2012
I won this book on first-reads.
This was probably the best book I received from First-Reads. Really enjoyed the story as well as all of the characters. Mabelle's character was greatly written and her connection with Ram was great to follow. My only issue I had in reading this book is that time jumped forward frequently and there weren't always good cues stating that it had jumped. The edition I recieved also seemed to have some printing/editing errors.
This was probably the best book I received from First-Reads. Really enjoyed the story as well as all of the characters. Mabelle's character was greatly written and her connection with Ram was great to follow. My only issue I had in reading this book is that time jumped forward frequently and there weren't always good cues stating that it had jumped. The edition I recieved also seemed to have some printing/editing errors.
December 1, 2016
5***** this book is the first of a series and if the others are half as good I will be a happy girl. Passionate without being crude. Just the way I like my reading. The history in the story is detailed and keeps the pages turning. I have fallen in love with the Montbryce family and am so happy its a series. I also want to read the books about Rhodri he's so interesting.
May 8, 2015
Couldn't finish reading it. I was pissed that he cheated on her and got someone else pregnant. That completely ruined the story for me because I loved Ram up until that point. Maybe I will finish it one day so I know how it all ends.
November 28, 2011
I'm in love with the characters I've created in this book!
February 5, 2012
Excellent medieval romance with great touches off history through out. I look forward to Ms Markland's other books in this series.
March 9, 2012
I got this book through Goodreads First Reads and I liked the book. Wish there was more romance though and less historic content.
June 24, 2012
A really nice historical type romance.
April 4, 2013
I got this book, but assumed it would be on the corny side... but I ended up really loving this book. I very much enjoyed.
November 18, 2016
First I fell in love with the cover (the other cover)... then I fell in love with the characters. An excellent book that draws you into the story to the point of where you're standing on the sidelines screaming, "don't do it, don't do it" lol. I needed a tissue or two as well, but an excellent book/audio ebook with excellent writing. I will say I probably wouldn't have bought it with this particular cover though, so I'm glad whom ever changed it. Gary furlong did an excellent job on the audio version which I listened to first so I'd know the correct pronunciation of some of the names. I love listening to the different dialects which he does so well. I'd easily recommend this one to my friends. I'm early awaiting the next one. Hopefully there will be a following audio book.
May 26, 2018
Very in-depth, detailed and passionate historical romance. There is lots of action and entertaining aspects in their story which is an adventurous one shadowed by insecurities & filled with so many challenges during a time of war, spies and jealousy. Their struggle to live, trust and love is well written and heartwarming.
I read Conquest which combines Conquering Passion & Defiant Passion
I read Conquest which combines Conquering Passion & Defiant Passion
October 10, 2020
I read this as part of "Lairds, Lords and Lovers" 10 Book compilation.
This isn't just one love story, but two. It's also a lesson in English history, and the time of William the Conqueror.
I became enthralled, both with the history and love stories.
This isn't just one love story, but two. It's also a lesson in English history, and the time of William the Conqueror.
I became enthralled, both with the history and love stories.
July 23, 2017
Passionate Romance
This is a story about Romantic Passion, with a background formed of vengeance. I would recommend this book to adults who like a HEA.
This is a story about Romantic Passion, with a background formed of vengeance. I would recommend this book to adults who like a HEA.
February 8, 2018
Enjoyed the love story between Ram and Mabelle. The book was very heavy on historical facts regarding the wars, battles and military strategies during the period.
November 11, 2018
I skipped around in this book. I could not get into it.
July 16, 2013
The Montbryce Legacy #1
Conquering Passion by Anna Markland is the second book I've read by Anna Markland. Defiant Passion was the first (I got it for free) and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to go ahead and read the other two books in that series, but when I went to her website http://annamarkland.com/ I discovered that a lot of her books interconnect and thought that the best way to read them would be in chronological order, which started with Conquering Passion.
Conquering Passion spans a great deal of time, several years, and during the process completely encapsulates Defiant Passion. Now don't get me wrong, they are two separate books, but Defiant Passion is almost completely written out in Conquering Passion. They are two different books, though, and each has its own value, but I'm glad I got Defiant Passion for free.
In case anyone's interested, below I have posted the chronological order of Anna's books, as posted on her website:
Year - Title - Series
1066 — Conquering Passion - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — If Love Dares Enough - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — Defiant Passion - Sons of Rhodri (prequel)
1087 — A Man of Value - The Montbryce Legacy
1097 — Dark Irish Knight - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1100 — Passion In the Blood - The Montbryce Legacy
1103 — Haunted Knights - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1106 — Dark and Bright - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — The Winds of the Heavens - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — Dance of Love - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1113 — Carried Away - The FitzRam Family
1120 — Sweet Taste Of Love - The FitzRam Family
1124 — Wild Viking Princess - The FitzRam Family
I am enjoying this series immensely and have already started on If Love Dares Enough, the sequel to Conquering Passion.
Conquering Passion by Anna Markland is the second book I've read by Anna Markland. Defiant Passion was the first (I got it for free) and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to go ahead and read the other two books in that series, but when I went to her website http://annamarkland.com/ I discovered that a lot of her books interconnect and thought that the best way to read them would be in chronological order, which started with Conquering Passion.Conquering Passion spans a great deal of time, several years, and during the process completely encapsulates Defiant Passion. Now don't get me wrong, they are two separate books, but Defiant Passion is almost completely written out in Conquering Passion. They are two different books, though, and each has its own value, but I'm glad I got Defiant Passion for free.
In case anyone's interested, below I have posted the chronological order of Anna's books, as posted on her website:
Year - Title - Series
1066 — Conquering Passion - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — If Love Dares Enough - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — Defiant Passion - Sons of Rhodri (prequel)
1087 — A Man of Value - The Montbryce Legacy
1097 — Dark Irish Knight - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1100 — Passion In the Blood - The Montbryce Legacy
1103 — Haunted Knights - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1106 — Dark and Bright - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — The Winds of the Heavens - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — Dance of Love - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1113 — Carried Away - The FitzRam Family
1120 — Sweet Taste Of Love - The FitzRam Family
1124 — Wild Viking Princess - The FitzRam Family
I am enjoying this series immensely and have already started on If Love Dares Enough, the sequel to Conquering Passion.
July 14, 2015
This is the first book in The Montbryce Legacy series. I have to say I had mixed feelings about this book. It was very well written and while I am not familiar with the time period, I am guessing that Anna Markland did her research and the events are historically correct. There is a lot of historical detail outlining the political activities, wars and brutality going on in the medieval period. It is a major part of the novel, so if historical intrigue is not of interest, this may make the story drag for you. Me, not being a history buff, found it hard to follow all the ins and outs of the political machinations going on. The central romance was passionate and engaging, although I didn't agree with one particular action of the hero, Ram. Unfortunately, it adversely effected the way I felt about him for the rest of the novel. I liked that the story didn't end with the hero and heroine getting together but continued on through their relationship. The plot was well thought out and felt very real. The characters were complex and well developed and the entire novel pulled me in with twists, turns and surprises. All in all, a very worthwhile read.
On a side note: I couldn't get past some of the awful names in this story...didn't they have any appealing names in medieval times?
On a side note: I couldn't get past some of the awful names in this story...didn't they have any appealing names in medieval times?
January 18, 2016
The good thing about this book is it was interesting enough to get me going. I enjoyed the beginning much more then I enjoyed the rest. I was frustrated by Ram who was such an idiot. I hated the fact that he cheated and jumped to such stupid conclusions when first seeing maybelle. I also felt that there was way too many conflicts.. I wasn't sure what was the main plot of the book. I thought Rams son would make another appearance but that was left hanging. I felt that we sped through so much. I wish the author had gone into more depth.. If so this book could have been turned into a few books. The length of time this book covered was too long. In conclusion I felt like the author shows promise, however this book did not meet my expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2015
Excellent read!
Actually loved this book. A bit crass in some areas, but not too graphic. After all we are talking medieval warriors who see blood and gore and experience death on a daily basis. Our hero has flaws, but so does our heroine. The author captures well the description of the tumultuous times, as well as an understanding of how an arranged marriage turns into one of deeply rooted love. I am anxious to read more by this author.
Actually loved this book. A bit crass in some areas, but not too graphic. After all we are talking medieval warriors who see blood and gore and experience death on a daily basis. Our hero has flaws, but so does our heroine. The author captures well the description of the tumultuous times, as well as an understanding of how an arranged marriage turns into one of deeply rooted love. I am anxious to read more by this author.
May 13, 2012
I received the third book in this series as a goodreads giveaway. I noticed that I downloaded this first book to my Kindle for free and I thought I would start here. I am glad I did. This historical romance is part history lesson and part story. I sometimes loved the hero and other times hated him. In the end, I loved the reading experience.
January 5, 2015
Wonderful
This was my first time reading a Medieval Romance novel. Needless to say after reading this wonderful story it won't be my last. I can't wait to start the next book!!!
This was my first time reading a Medieval Romance novel. Needless to say after reading this wonderful story it won't be my last. I can't wait to start the next book!!!
July 25, 2015
very nice book about the 1066 invasion of England and settlement by Norman knights.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews