What do you think?
Rate this book
The Medieval Plantagenet Trilogy #2
The Dragon and the Jewel The Dragon and the Jewel
With her sapphire eyes and silken dark hair, Princess Eleanor was a bewitching beauty made for a man's pleasure. Once a child bride, but widowed at a tender age, she swore never to marry again and took a vow of eternal chastity...until Simon de Montfort marched into England and set his smoldering dark gaze upon her, King Henry's youngest sister, the royal family's most precious jewel. Bold, arrogant, and invincible, the towering Norman knight inspired awe in the bravest of men...and a reckless desire in Eleanor's untried heart.
489 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1991
69 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Henley
66 books636 followersVirginia Syddall was born on December 5, 1935 in England, where her father, Thomas Syddall, taught her to love history. She obtained a degree in History in the University. In 1956, Virginia married Arthur Henley. They moved to America, and now they live most of the year in St. Petersburg, Florida, and they spend the hot summers in Ontario, Canada, where they have their two adult children and three grandsons.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
August 28, 2020
Set in 13th century England, this story is focused on Princess Eleanor and Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester. When she is nine, Eleanor is wed to William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke. Luckily William isn't a perv and its marriage in name only until she's 16, a big age difference it works due to how the author depicts William and the development of things. Others are plotting the demise of William Marshall for his influence with the king and on the night William would finally claim his bride, he suffers a heart attack and dies, the blame placed on his young bride and her wanton ways. Eleanor is devastated by his death and takes a vow of chastity and perpetual widowhood. A year later, the great war lord, Simon de Montfort, enters her life. Once he sees her, he decides she will be his.
I so wanted to love this one, but the read and the hero just did not work for me.
There were so many moments when the 'hero' Simon de Montfort made me want to bang my head on the table. I have to say overall I much preferred the heroine's first husband William - he didn't touch her when she was a kid, he encouraged her to learn, be independent and valued her voice. The 'hero' in contrast spent a fair about of time talking about her knowing her place and his orders mattering more - I know this was a HR read but still the way in which it manifested made me grind my teeth.
The worse thing for me was at about 52% when Simon , and when the heroine finds she's like oh ok - my reaction - what the hell!?
I so wanted to love this one, but the read and the hero just did not work for me.
There were so many moments when the 'hero' Simon de Montfort made me want to bang my head on the table. I have to say overall I much preferred the heroine's first husband William - he didn't touch her when she was a kid, he encouraged her to learn, be independent and valued her voice. The 'hero' in contrast spent a fair about of time talking about her knowing her place and his orders mattering more - I know this was a HR read but still the way in which it manifested made me grind my teeth.
The worse thing for me was at about 52% when Simon , and when the heroine finds she's like oh ok - my reaction - what the hell!?
July 15, 2018
What an epic read! Really enjoyed it.
October 10, 2017
Enthralling 13th Century True Love Story, 2nd in the Plantagenet Trilogy
In the words of the author, “The story of Simon and Eleanor is one of the great love stories of the thirteenth century,”—a story that Henley masterfully brings to historical romance, a tale of two passionate people and the historical events that swirled around them.
Many women never find one true love; Eleanor Plantagenet was blessed with two, though one, William Marshall, was much older and perhaps more a father figure. The book is divided into those two love stories and each is well told and very precious. Much of this is actual history and Henley weaves fictional romance in so wonderfully, you’d never know it wasn’t fact.
This is the second in Henley's Plantagenet trilogy (The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize). When King John died, his oldest son, though still young, became King Henry III. Henry had a brother, Richard of Cornwall, and a sister, Eleanor. This is the story of the three siblings, and particularly Princess Eleanor and her second husband, Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester.
When she is nine, Eleanor is wed to William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (the son of the great William Marshal and equally as honorable). Eleanor has loved and admired William her whole life. The fact he is 30 years her senior is not a negative for her. William wants to wait to take her as a wife in truth until she is 16. Meanwhile, King Henry takes as his queen an impoverished and ambitious French Provençal, also named Eleanor, who is jealous of the king's sister and thinks to diminish her.
Others are plotting the demise of William Marshall for his influence with the king. On the night William would finally claim his bride, he suffers an attack and suddenly dies. Poison is suspected. Eleanor is devastated at his death, and in front of the clergy takes a vow of chastity and perpetual widowhood. A year later, the great War Lord, Simon de Montfort, enters her life. Once he sees her, he decides he must have her.
There is no question Henley knows how to write historical romance. (She is one my mentors!) Her story reflects the weak king that was Henry III and the constant fights he had with his nobles who were concerned he was allowing England to be run by foreigners and unworthy men. Henley’s attention to detail in dress, food and the environment is meticulous. She is so good I simply devoured this novel. Like her others, this is a complex, well-written, lusty tale with splendid characters, a strong feisty heroine, a drool worthy hero (two of them!) and an interesting plot. You won't be disappointed, I promise.
The Plantagenet trilogy (in chronological order):
The Falcon and the Flower (1989) - late 12th century/early 13th
The Dragon and the Jewel (1991) - 13th century
The Marriage Prize (2000) - 13th century
The Raven and the Rose (1987) - 15th century
The Hawk and the Dove (1988) - 16th century
The Pirate and the Pagan (1990) - 17th century
And, if you want Scotland's side of the story, you can read her wonderful Kennedy Clan romances, both set in the 16th century after the events of The Raven and The Rose:
Tempted (1992)
The Border Hostage (2001)
In the words of the author, “The story of Simon and Eleanor is one of the great love stories of the thirteenth century,”—a story that Henley masterfully brings to historical romance, a tale of two passionate people and the historical events that swirled around them.
Many women never find one true love; Eleanor Plantagenet was blessed with two, though one, William Marshall, was much older and perhaps more a father figure. The book is divided into those two love stories and each is well told and very precious. Much of this is actual history and Henley weaves fictional romance in so wonderfully, you’d never know it wasn’t fact.
This is the second in Henley's Plantagenet trilogy (The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize). When King John died, his oldest son, though still young, became King Henry III. Henry had a brother, Richard of Cornwall, and a sister, Eleanor. This is the story of the three siblings, and particularly Princess Eleanor and her second husband, Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester.
When she is nine, Eleanor is wed to William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (the son of the great William Marshal and equally as honorable). Eleanor has loved and admired William her whole life. The fact he is 30 years her senior is not a negative for her. William wants to wait to take her as a wife in truth until she is 16. Meanwhile, King Henry takes as his queen an impoverished and ambitious French Provençal, also named Eleanor, who is jealous of the king's sister and thinks to diminish her.
Others are plotting the demise of William Marshall for his influence with the king. On the night William would finally claim his bride, he suffers an attack and suddenly dies. Poison is suspected. Eleanor is devastated at his death, and in front of the clergy takes a vow of chastity and perpetual widowhood. A year later, the great War Lord, Simon de Montfort, enters her life. Once he sees her, he decides he must have her.
There is no question Henley knows how to write historical romance. (She is one my mentors!) Her story reflects the weak king that was Henry III and the constant fights he had with his nobles who were concerned he was allowing England to be run by foreigners and unworthy men. Henley’s attention to detail in dress, food and the environment is meticulous. She is so good I simply devoured this novel. Like her others, this is a complex, well-written, lusty tale with splendid characters, a strong feisty heroine, a drool worthy hero (two of them!) and an interesting plot. You won't be disappointed, I promise.
The Plantagenet trilogy (in chronological order):
The Falcon and the Flower (1989) - late 12th century/early 13th
The Dragon and the Jewel (1991) - 13th century
The Marriage Prize (2000) - 13th century
The Raven and the Rose (1987) - 15th century
The Hawk and the Dove (1988) - 16th century
The Pirate and the Pagan (1990) - 17th century
And, if you want Scotland's side of the story, you can read her wonderful Kennedy Clan romances, both set in the 16th century after the events of The Raven and The Rose:
Tempted (1992)
The Border Hostage (2001)
November 1, 2024
I read it because I found it on a Goodreads list.
First Virginia Henley I didn’t dnf. Warning this book is problematic in plenty of ways.
This book felt like a mix of Bertrice Small and Kathleen Woodiwiss. I skimmed quite a bit of the political stuff.
Heroine is a Plantagenat princess and hero is a warlord.
The first 2/3 I almost dnf, but the last third was spicy and toxic and drama and wild. I really enjoyed it. I’d give this book 3.5 stars.
First Virginia Henley I didn’t dnf. Warning this book is problematic in plenty of ways.
This book felt like a mix of Bertrice Small and Kathleen Woodiwiss. I skimmed quite a bit of the political stuff.
Heroine is a Plantagenat princess and hero is a warlord.
The first 2/3 I almost dnf, but the last third was spicy and toxic and drama and wild. I really enjoyed it. I’d give this book 3.5 stars.
September 1, 2012
Yazarın okuduğum ikinci kitabıydı, normalde saray entrikalarını sevmem ama Virginia Henley ikinci kitabında da bana sevdirmeyi başardı.İlkini okudugumda kitap beni çok yormuştu bi iki yeri beni rahatsız etmişti bu kitapta aynı şey olmadı dolu dolu bir kitaptı beni doyurdu salt aşktan ibaret değildi.
Kahramanlarımız kraliyet mücevheri Eleanor ile savaş beyi Simon, kitabın başında Eleanor 9 yaşında 40 yaşında bir adamla evleniyor -ben okumadan öğrenmiştim ve nasıl yani çok kötü hayatta okumam demiştim çünkü ilk kitapta da benzer birşey beni rahatsız etmişti- ama o kadar hoş anlatılmış ki evlendiği adam William'ı çok sevmiştim ve ölümüne çok üzüldüm. Simon William ölmedan ülkeye gelişi anlatılıyor bi iki yerde geçiyor ama Eleanorla karşılaşmıyor, William'ın ölümüyle tam zamanlı karakterimiz oluyor ve olaya bodoslama dalıyor o yuzden aşkına ilk başta inanamadım ama zamanla onun ne kadar sevgi dolu olduğunu Eleanor'a aşkla şevkle bağlandığını gördüm ikili birbirlerinden hem zıt hemde eşler, Eleanor 1.50 nin altında boyu Simon ise 2 metreye yakın:). İkiside inatçı, tutkulu, gururlu, taviz vermez.Deli deliyi görünce değneğini saklar derler ya burda o olmuyor, belgesellerde keçileri görürsünüz boynuz tokuştururlar aynen öyleler.Atışmaları bazen beni güldürdü bazen çileden çıkardı hele Eleanor a çok saydırdığım oldu kitabımın kapağını kırılmayacağını düşünsem fırlatır atardım o derece neyse kısaca çok severek okudum güldüm, boğazım düğümlendi, ofladım ama tebessümle bitirdim tereddüt edenlere tavsiye ederim
Kahramanlarımız kraliyet mücevheri Eleanor ile savaş beyi Simon, kitabın başında Eleanor 9 yaşında 40 yaşında bir adamla evleniyor -ben okumadan öğrenmiştim ve nasıl yani çok kötü hayatta okumam demiştim çünkü ilk kitapta da benzer birşey beni rahatsız etmişti- ama o kadar hoş anlatılmış ki evlendiği adam William'ı çok sevmiştim ve ölümüne çok üzüldüm. Simon William ölmedan ülkeye gelişi anlatılıyor bi iki yerde geçiyor ama Eleanorla karşılaşmıyor, William'ın ölümüyle tam zamanlı karakterimiz oluyor ve olaya bodoslama dalıyor o yuzden aşkına ilk başta inanamadım ama zamanla onun ne kadar sevgi dolu olduğunu Eleanor'a aşkla şevkle bağlandığını gördüm ikili birbirlerinden hem zıt hemde eşler, Eleanor 1.50 nin altında boyu Simon ise 2 metreye yakın:). İkiside inatçı, tutkulu, gururlu, taviz vermez.Deli deliyi görünce değneğini saklar derler ya burda o olmuyor, belgesellerde keçileri görürsünüz boynuz tokuştururlar aynen öyleler.Atışmaları bazen beni güldürdü bazen çileden çıkardı hele Eleanor a çok saydırdığım oldu kitabımın kapağını kırılmayacağını düşünsem fırlatır atardım o derece neyse kısaca çok severek okudum güldüm, boğazım düğümlendi, ofladım ama tebessümle bitirdim tereddüt edenlere tavsiye ederim
August 8, 2011
This book started out to be pretty interesting and by the end I was so sick of Simon and Eleanor I wanted to scream!!! I usually enjoy Virgina Henley but this book became annoying after 2/3's the way through. Eleanor was a spoiled brat who would do stupid things on a whim just to piss Simon off so he would be "rough and passionate" in bed. Simon was a good guy who tried to do right by England and succeeded, BUT......you could always count on him to bed Eleanor as soon as he was home from some excursion. I just got tired of the same ole, same ole...there is more to romance than just lovemaking...I got to the point where I would roll my eyes and hope that the sex would end soon so I could get on with the story. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that the book felt as if it was repeating itself OVER and OVER and OVER with the same ole thing and I thought it would NEVER end....thank heavens for the fact that a book always has to come to an end...it just didn't come soon enough for this one.
May 29, 2022
I do love a historical romance but when it's about members of my own family, I'm even more interested. Eleanor Plantagenet is my 25th great aunt. Her brother, John, Lackland, Plantagenet is my 25th Great Grandfather. The more I read about them, the less happy I am they're relatives! Not the best Kings but I think that's obvious from history. Fun to read just from the ancestral perspective.
March 1, 2021
It was good, but I keep on comparing Henley's books to my favorite one of hers that I read recently, "The Raven and the Rose", and being disappointed :/
This book was still really hard to put down and had me flipping the pages late. It's too hard to decide between 3 or 4 stars... This book had me looking up all these historical figures on Wikipedia lol.
In the beginning, I was wanting her first husband, William Marshal, to bed her already. Even though she was 15, I felt like she was ready. Plenty of girls back then were pregnant by 14, so I didn't fully understand his reticence now that I think about it. I'm sure that in hindsight, William regrets that he waited so long because when he finally bedded her, he had been poisoned so he died! I felt bad for him. No sons left behind or anything. I was wondering if this was the same William Marshal who met Jasmine when they were young and befriended her. (It is.)
Then I also felt bad for de Clare, Isabella's first husband who was killed on purpose, because his death didn't bother anyone but his family & let his wife marry another, and the son that he thought was his all along really wasn't! (Though I did ship Isabella and Richard together and was really surprised how he was cheating on her at the end of the book when he had been madly in love at the beginning. Richard's justification for cheating on her was that everyone does it and as a powerful man, how can he say no? 😐😑)
Then, I was going to be very mad if she decided to join the convent as it would be a waste. Also, who knows if religion is real so why would you waste your life doing that?? umm anyway...
I was afraid too that the nuns were going to try to capture her and not let her leave the convent.
Luckily, Eleanor didn't resist Simon's physical overtures so much to the point of Jasmine with Falcon de Burgh, which ruined the book for me.
So there are technically two romances, as Part 1 is with William and Part 2 with Simon. (That's why I tagged "dual romance".) I think Simon was the right one for her, partially because he wasn't WAY older than her, but also because of their personalities. Virginia Henley had the task of making William likable but not TOO amazing that we would be devastated when he died. I thought Simon was okay/good/decent, but still, Baron Ravenspur is my favorite Henley hero I've read recently. I feel like Simon and Eleanor could have known each other better before they slept together and were together de facto.
Part 1 has more of the history, but I wouldn't call this just a historical romance...the history is so skillfully weaved in that it's almost also a historical fiction book w a romance.
I'm kinda disappointed with the end. I was surprised that I had reached the end! What I noticed is that Virginia Henley didn't put in the Author's Note that actually, surprise surprise!!, Simon was killed the next year!! If this book had not been based on real people, I would have been very upset with the ending because we never found out what happened: it ends on a sort of cliffhanger. Luckily, it is based on history so I can look up what happens, otherwise, I'd be very sad.
This the very end: She closed her eyes and lifted her mouth to him. His kiss was so tender it filled her with awe. “When you return, for all intents and purposes, you will be king.”
He held her against his heart. “And you will always be the King’s Precious Jewel.”
Like what? That's it? How do we know if he's successful or not?!! If he'll be king?! (Thank god it's history and I can look it up again!)
I might have been nice and given this 4 stars had it not been for the ending!
Also, King Henry III seemed nice for the most part, but ugh another bad king! If only Simon could have been king...he would have been a great king I'm sure.
I'm hoping that I have some great Virginia Henley books in my future to look forward to (another 5 star please?!)...I want to read all her books lol. I'm a fan
This book was still really hard to put down and had me flipping the pages late. It's too hard to decide between 3 or 4 stars... This book had me looking up all these historical figures on Wikipedia lol.
In the beginning, I was wanting her first husband, William Marshal, to bed her already. Even though she was 15, I felt like she was ready. Plenty of girls back then were pregnant by 14, so I didn't fully understand his reticence now that I think about it. I'm sure that in hindsight, William regrets that he waited so long because when he finally bedded her, he had been poisoned so he died! I felt bad for him. No sons left behind or anything. I was wondering if this was the same William Marshal who met Jasmine when they were young and befriended her. (It is.)
Then I also felt bad for de Clare, Isabella's first husband who was killed on purpose, because his death didn't bother anyone but his family & let his wife marry another, and the son that he thought was his all along really wasn't! (Though I did ship Isabella and Richard together and was really surprised how he was cheating on her at the end of the book when he had been madly in love at the beginning. Richard's justification for cheating on her was that everyone does it and as a powerful man, how can he say no? 😐😑)
Then, I was going to be very mad if she decided to join the convent as it would be a waste. Also, who knows if religion is real so why would you waste your life doing that?? umm anyway...
I was afraid too that the nuns were going to try to capture her and not let her leave the convent.
Luckily, Eleanor didn't resist Simon's physical overtures so much to the point of Jasmine with Falcon de Burgh, which ruined the book for me.
So there are technically two romances, as Part 1 is with William and Part 2 with Simon. (That's why I tagged "dual romance".) I think Simon was the right one for her, partially because he wasn't WAY older than her, but also because of their personalities. Virginia Henley had the task of making William likable but not TOO amazing that we would be devastated when he died. I thought Simon was okay/good/decent, but still, Baron Ravenspur is my favorite Henley hero I've read recently. I feel like Simon and Eleanor could have known each other better before they slept together and were together de facto.
Part 1 has more of the history, but I wouldn't call this just a historical romance...the history is so skillfully weaved in that it's almost also a historical fiction book w a romance.
I'm kinda disappointed with the end. I was surprised that I had reached the end! What I noticed is that Virginia Henley didn't put in the Author's Note that actually, surprise surprise!!, Simon was killed the next year!! If this book had not been based on real people, I would have been very upset with the ending because we never found out what happened: it ends on a sort of cliffhanger. Luckily, it is based on history so I can look up what happens, otherwise, I'd be very sad.
This the very end: She closed her eyes and lifted her mouth to him. His kiss was so tender it filled her with awe. “When you return, for all intents and purposes, you will be king.”
He held her against his heart. “And you will always be the King’s Precious Jewel.”
Like what? That's it? How do we know if he's successful or not?!! If he'll be king?! (Thank god it's history and I can look it up again!)
I might have been nice and given this 4 stars had it not been for the ending!
Also, King Henry III seemed nice for the most part, but ugh another bad king! If only Simon could have been king...he would have been a great king I'm sure.
I'm hoping that I have some great Virginia Henley books in my future to look forward to (another 5 star please?!)...I want to read all her books lol. I'm a fan
December 11, 2012
Really great read. I have my nitpicks of course as it happens with every historical fiction and romance, none is exempt. I became very passionate about the Provencal sisters and before that, the Plantagenets starting of course with their founder in 1154, Henry II and his ambitious but independent wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Duchess of said land and Countess of Poiters in her own right. I read extensively of her from Amy Kelly's biography "Eleanor of Aquitaine and the four kings" de Mede's "Eleanor of Aquitaine" and Weir's "Eleanor of Aquitaine". My favorite being the first for such extensive use of sources and footnotes. Going on, after reading fiction of Perinot's "Sister Queens" then Four Sisters, All Queens by Sherri Jones, I went on to read Sisters of Provence by Nancy Goldstone, not a fiction but a biography of the four sisters who wed into royalty and at one point became Queens.
Henry III then became such a great topic of interest, the son of a domineering and ambitious but very vain mother, Isabella d' Angoloume and John I, grandson of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Despite wanting to favor his half siblings and keep everyone happy, as someone would say "the good you do often does not do you very good" and in Henry's case as shown in this magnificent historical romance, it is very true!
Henry III was very much in need of approval and this was shaped from being thrust into the throne, albeit having men to rule for him during his minority, so young and having a mother who left him and his siblings. He was not ready for that responsibility. Then comes Eleanor of Provence, a wife who is independent and strong woman but who like his grandmother has ambitious of her own.
At the heart of the story are Henley's two main characters, also real people; Henry's sister -Eleanor Plantagenet and Simon de Montfort.
Their romance is well written, hot, steamy. Everything you want in a spicy romance, their depictions are flawed, very human, they are not perfect. They each have strengths and weaknesses that aid and also set them back. This makes the characters more real and brings these real people back to life.
However, as far as the characterization of the Provencals, mainly Eleanor of Provence I have to disagree. While she was vain and very detached from the people, and ambitious no doubt, she was also a loving partner of Henry III, and very close to her sisters. She could be very charismatic and was Henry III's inner strength through the hard years of facing enemies. Most of the rumors and slander against her was because she was a foreigner, and while Eleanor did make mistakes with her extravagance as did Henry; she was nevertheless one of the backbones in Henry's life. Had it not been for her going to France where her sister, Marguerite was Queen and asked her for aid to help her husband against the rebels. She was very close to her older sister, very devoted to family in times of need.
Despite this though, the novel still stands out as it depicts a well written love story, it does not white-wash the brutality and politics of the time when politics and sex were very linked together. Virginia Henley writes beautiful descriptions of the fashions, the food and other living components of the time.
A book I highly recommend.
Henry III then became such a great topic of interest, the son of a domineering and ambitious but very vain mother, Isabella d' Angoloume and John I, grandson of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Despite wanting to favor his half siblings and keep everyone happy, as someone would say "the good you do often does not do you very good" and in Henry's case as shown in this magnificent historical romance, it is very true!
Henry III was very much in need of approval and this was shaped from being thrust into the throne, albeit having men to rule for him during his minority, so young and having a mother who left him and his siblings. He was not ready for that responsibility. Then comes Eleanor of Provence, a wife who is independent and strong woman but who like his grandmother has ambitious of her own.
At the heart of the story are Henley's two main characters, also real people; Henry's sister -Eleanor Plantagenet and Simon de Montfort.
Their romance is well written, hot, steamy. Everything you want in a spicy romance, their depictions are flawed, very human, they are not perfect. They each have strengths and weaknesses that aid and also set them back. This makes the characters more real and brings these real people back to life.
However, as far as the characterization of the Provencals, mainly Eleanor of Provence I have to disagree. While she was vain and very detached from the people, and ambitious no doubt, she was also a loving partner of Henry III, and very close to her sisters. She could be very charismatic and was Henry III's inner strength through the hard years of facing enemies. Most of the rumors and slander against her was because she was a foreigner, and while Eleanor did make mistakes with her extravagance as did Henry; she was nevertheless one of the backbones in Henry's life. Had it not been for her going to France where her sister, Marguerite was Queen and asked her for aid to help her husband against the rebels. She was very close to her older sister, very devoted to family in times of need.
Despite this though, the novel still stands out as it depicts a well written love story, it does not white-wash the brutality and politics of the time when politics and sex were very linked together. Virginia Henley writes beautiful descriptions of the fashions, the food and other living components of the time.
A book I highly recommend.
August 25, 2017
This book was not that good. The purple prose smut scenes were hilarious.
The hero was such a creep to me. Henley placed such an emphasis on the hero's larger body size etc in comparison to Eleanor's youth and petiteness. Big age differences and body sizes don't usually bother me, but this got to the point of ew and squick for me.
I preferred her husband, who unfortunately died, so instead, we had to deal with the creep that was the Dragon. Ick.
I couldn't stop reading this one tho.
The hero was such a creep to me. Henley placed such an emphasis on the hero's larger body size etc in comparison to Eleanor's youth and petiteness. Big age differences and body sizes don't usually bother me, but this got to the point of ew and squick for me.
I preferred her husband, who unfortunately died, so instead, we had to deal with the creep that was the Dragon. Ick.
I couldn't stop reading this one tho.
January 2, 2024
I read this more as historic fiction than romance- the history is very interesting, such a dynamic time for England and France, but the romanticization of violent misogyny, particularly in Simon and Eleanor’s relationship, sunk the ship for me. Not to mention that her first husband, William, a 46 year old man, was crippled in lust with Eleanor when she is 15, a child. He understands this is wrong, but it still manages to go on for over 100 pages and I’m sorry, but history doesn’t justify pedophilia. The repeated comparisons of sex to violence, penises to swords- just, enough. This is not romantic or aspirational and not obviously “historically accurate.” Reading actual medieval European women writers (Christine de Pizan, Hëloise), and looking to real historic figures (Eleanor of Aquitaine, the protagonist’s grandmother!) shows that in all time periods women fought against restrictions of men deftly and with courage. Medieval romances do not have to rely on violent misogyny or pedophilia as the core features of the relationships to make them compelling or historically accurate.
June 4, 2021
Oh my I definitely have a love hate relationship with Virginia Henley! She is such a powerful writer. No matter how much I despise some of her trade mark items in a story like ....,,,,,
* tooo much antagonism, I mean a little goes a long way
* spoiled to the hilt heroines
* her books are VERY long.
However even though I have my issues there is no way I could give one less than 4 stars these little pet peeves of mine just keep them from 5 stars !!
She can tell a tale though 😊
* tooo much antagonism, I mean a little goes a long way
* spoiled to the hilt heroines
* her books are VERY long.
However even though I have my issues there is no way I could give one less than 4 stars these little pet peeves of mine just keep them from 5 stars !!
She can tell a tale though 😊
August 28, 2020
I read this when it was new, a fictional account of real people—epic storytelling!
January 2, 2024
Wow. This was such a disappointing read. The book promised a lot of my favorite themes: strong heroine; strong hero; lots of history mixed in the whole relationship navigations. But it didn’t work for me. Besides all the cringey, problematic, and did I say cringey, historical romance sequences/relationship interactions, which were highly misogynistic, Henley didn’t advance her heroine in her fight to earn the respect of not only her partner, but the respect of her peers. Why bother writing an intelligent heroine when you’re going to constantly bring her down?
April 13, 2013
I think I just found my new favorite author in the historical romance section. This book is not just a romance but a historical novel as well. So much attention to detail is given that it will be a sin to peg it as another romance novel. This book had me running to Wikipedia the whole time I was reading it and I am proud to say that I know more about King Henry III and his reign now than I did when I started this venture. Whoever thought the Story of Simon De Montfort and Eleanor was this interesting. Makes me wish she wrote more books relating to that period.
Though there were some inconsistencies in the historical information used the author has managed to capture the essence of that time period and had me thinking of nothing else for the two days I had after finishing this book. I liked her writing style and the characters are well developed. I loved her Hawk and Dove and I love this even more can't wait to read her next book.
Though there were some inconsistencies in the historical information used the author has managed to capture the essence of that time period and had me thinking of nothing else for the two days I had after finishing this book. I liked her writing style and the characters are well developed. I loved her Hawk and Dove and I love this even more can't wait to read her next book.
February 15, 2008
The one where Eleanor, sister of the young Medieval king Henry III, is married at nine and widowed at seventeen. I gather she finds tempestuous true love later, but I didn't stick around.
I force myself to read fifty pages before I give up on a book, so I read fifty pages entirely made up of three things: someone gazing at something (often a mirror) and reflecting on a huge shovelful of exposition; people talking to one another and handing back and forth slightly smaller shovelfuls of exposition; and breathless descriptions of Eleanor's beauty, her passionate nature, and how different she was from other women. Oh, and the occasional screaming anachronism, as when Eleanor says, "I must be psychic."
I force myself to read fifty pages before I give up on a book, so I read fifty pages entirely made up of three things: someone gazing at something (often a mirror) and reflecting on a huge shovelful of exposition; people talking to one another and handing back and forth slightly smaller shovelfuls of exposition; and breathless descriptions of Eleanor's beauty, her passionate nature, and how different she was from other women. Oh, and the occasional screaming anachronism, as when Eleanor says, "I must be psychic."
February 8, 2017
THE GORGEOUSLY HANDSOME SIMON DE MORTFORT, THE WAR LORD, WAS SMITTEN WITH THE BEAUTIFUL ELEANOR PLANTAGENET MARSHAL, PRINCESS OF ENGLAND AND COUNTESS OF PEMBROKE. HE WAS DETERMINE TO HAVE HER, AT ANY COST. SO HE SEDUCE HER, GOT HER PREGNANT, THEN MARRIED HER. PASSIONATELY DEEP LOVE STORY WITH HOT LOVE SCENES!!!
March 4, 2012
Harikaydı... ara ara ilk kitabın deliliğini arsamda bu kitaba da hayran kalmadım değil... umarım serinin devamını çok beklemeyiz...
April 29, 2018
I must confess, I didn't expect to like this very much, but I really did. Hero and heroine didn't even meet for the first 40% of the book and Eleanor changed dramatically with her marriages. For her first marriage to William Marshal, almost 40 years her senior, she was a perfect little princess, modest, demure, and sweet. I actually rather enjoyed that part and was dreading William's inevitable demise that you were informed of on page 1, so that you might not get overly attached to him, I suspect. I was sad when he died and even wondered if I even wanted to continue reading. Eleanor eventually comes to realize that he was more a father than a lover to her and that her deep abiding love for him was that of a child for the only father figure she's ever known. I thought that made sense and it helped me get over his death. His overwhelming lust for a fifteen year-old teenager and his struggle to keep it in check until she was old enough to have sex with him (at 16) was kind of creepy from a modern perspective, and I tried not to think about it overmuch but instead remember that for the times this wasn't unusual.
When über-male Simon de Montfort entered the picture I inwardly groaned, because I really hate the pairing of alpha males-on-steroids and simpering little idiots. Ha! Little did I know that Eleanor had molded herself to William's wishes and hidden her true nature for years, which was the same irrepressible, cussing, dramatic, little shit that she'd been since her childhood. She and Simon clash constantly, over any stupid, ridiculous little thing, just so they can have insanely intense make-up sex afterwards. I tried not to picture it too closely, him the towering giant whose ginormous member has to be harnessed in a black leather sheath so it won't get underfoot and her the 4.5 foot firebrand who needs large quantities of alcohol to even try and take him in. (Alternative titles come to mind, but I suppose The Banana and the Hamster doesn't have the same ring to it).
The plot, loosely based on true historical events, was crazy but enjoyable, though it does seem at times that the clichés of the genre were being put randomly into one long chain of events. Greedy, evil female antagonist (the queen) - check. Hero saves heroine from certain death, they are henceforth forced to spend a few days alone in a lonely cabin - check. Perverted, murderous bishop - check. Journey to the orient, heroine gets imprisoned in lusty sultan's serail - check.
The antagonists were all sexual deviants and purely evil - power-hungry, traiterous, and greedy. On the other hand, the friends of the main couple are noble, faithful, and loyal. The characters are all a bit one-dimensional, minus the main couple, and that saves the book. They are both completely nuts, deeply flawed, and very likeable.
I noticed a few inconsistencies - how likely would an Englishman in the 13th century know what a porcupine looks like? English children don't call their mothers "mommy", as far as i know. Those didn't bother me very much, though.
I liked best how Eleanor and Simon were equal parts strong and vulnerable, the other being each one's greatest strength and greatest weakness. Every time he felt the urge to subdue and master her he realized that he loved her stubbornness and unwillingness to yield to him. and when she tries to master him she is reminded that he is one of the few she cannot wrap around her little finger. They are evenly matched despite their different genders and difference in physical strength. In the end they find a way to accept each other wholly and find a balance in their relationship's power structure and I found that conclusion to the book very satisfying.
When über-male Simon de Montfort entered the picture I inwardly groaned, because I really hate the pairing of alpha males-on-steroids and simpering little idiots. Ha! Little did I know that Eleanor had molded herself to William's wishes and hidden her true nature for years, which was the same irrepressible, cussing, dramatic, little shit that she'd been since her childhood. She and Simon clash constantly, over any stupid, ridiculous little thing, just so they can have insanely intense make-up sex afterwards. I tried not to picture it too closely, him the towering giant whose ginormous member has to be harnessed in a black leather sheath so it won't get underfoot and her the 4.5 foot firebrand who needs large quantities of alcohol to even try and take him in. (Alternative titles come to mind, but I suppose The Banana and the Hamster doesn't have the same ring to it).
The plot, loosely based on true historical events, was crazy but enjoyable, though it does seem at times that the clichés of the genre were being put randomly into one long chain of events. Greedy, evil female antagonist (the queen) - check. Hero saves heroine from certain death, they are henceforth forced to spend a few days alone in a lonely cabin - check. Perverted, murderous bishop - check. Journey to the orient, heroine gets imprisoned in lusty sultan's serail - check.
The antagonists were all sexual deviants and purely evil - power-hungry, traiterous, and greedy. On the other hand, the friends of the main couple are noble, faithful, and loyal. The characters are all a bit one-dimensional, minus the main couple, and that saves the book. They are both completely nuts, deeply flawed, and very likeable.
I noticed a few inconsistencies - how likely would an Englishman in the 13th century know what a porcupine looks like? English children don't call their mothers "mommy", as far as i know. Those didn't bother me very much, though.
I liked best how Eleanor and Simon were equal parts strong and vulnerable, the other being each one's greatest strength and greatest weakness. Every time he felt the urge to subdue and master her he realized that he loved her stubbornness and unwillingness to yield to him. and when she tries to master him she is reminded that he is one of the few she cannot wrap around her little finger. They are evenly matched despite their different genders and difference in physical strength. In the end they find a way to accept each other wholly and find a balance in their relationship's power structure and I found that conclusion to the book very satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
3.5 stars. I have weirdly mixed feelings about this book. I was sad to miss the #KissAndLetMeTeleChat discussion of this one.
The 13th century is a really interesting period of history, but it's also really odd having real historical characters and choosing ways of depicting them on page. Published in 1991 it has a very old school feel, but Henley also has a very blunt way of writing.
Anyway, I'll be thinking about this a bit and how to write a full review, because it was really interesting to say the least.
The 13th century is a really interesting period of history, but it's also really odd having real historical characters and choosing ways of depicting them on page. Published in 1991 it has a very old school feel, but Henley also has a very blunt way of writing.
Anyway, I'll be thinking about this a bit and how to write a full review, because it was really interesting to say the least.
December 4, 2017
The turbulent love affair between Eleanor Plantagenet & Simon de Montfort...."a passion that would erupt in scandal & rock the embattled realm, staining the pages of history with blood & betrayal....igniting the pages of history with the rapture of all-consuming love...."
Oh, I loved this book ...one to read over & over again.
Oh, I loved this book ...one to read over & over again.
February 21, 2023
WOULD NOT RECOMMEND
Really did not enjoy this book. Sexualizes rape and corrosion and is racist. The female lead is written to be powerful, but then when faced by men loses her backbone (I get it it’s medieval but still obnoxious to read). Very much a waste of time, can’t believe I made it though. Don’t bother reading this, there are plenty of better books out there.
Really did not enjoy this book. Sexualizes rape and corrosion and is racist. The female lead is written to be powerful, but then when faced by men loses her backbone (I get it it’s medieval but still obnoxious to read). Very much a waste of time, can’t believe I made it though. Don’t bother reading this, there are plenty of better books out there.
January 3, 2024
I can’t and won’t suggest this as romance…HOWEVER the story kept moving forward and wanted to finish it. It’s quite disappointing knowing the real story behind the characters but I do base my rating on my experience and I did want to go back to reading it and seeing what 1991 was like for romance books.
December 13, 2020
Omg... what a great read..loved it..such a strong stubborn hero & heroine
April 17, 2025
Absolutely amazing. This is a book I go back to again and again.
September 29, 2007
Historical: Simon de Montfort & Eleanor Plantagenet (she was daughter of Prince/King John from the days of Robin Hood). So must be 1200’s England. Pretty good writing - amusing and touching points. The message it gave grated a bit - the girl’s first love was the man who treated her intellect as equal and shared all decisions with her. Her true love, though, was the one who got his way by assaulting her senses. He believed that because he was the man, she should toe the line without protest or explanation. In the end she finally got to that point and then they lived happily ever after. Yes, he respected her intellect, but he didn’t often utilize it and more often got angry with her for using it herself.
July 6, 2008
This was a good book. I think it took too long to get to the meat of the romance between the hero and the heroine. This story is based on real people, but obviously the author took liberties to romanticize the characters. Thank goodness because the real story of what happens to them after the book ends is really depressing!
I liked the hero. He was a true alpha male. The female was every bit his match. I emailed the author of this book and she told me to let her know what I thought of it. So off I go to e-mail her.
I liked the hero. He was a true alpha male. The female was every bit his match. I emailed the author of this book and she told me to let her know what I thought of it. So off I go to e-mail her.
July 24, 2012
4,5
Bu yazar bayan karakterleri çok arayıpta mı bulup yazıyor anlamıyorum. Hepsi bi alem ilk kitapta Jasmin'e acayip sinir olmuştum burdaki Elenor da sinirdi gerçi Jasmin kadar sinir olmadım ama olsun
Hem sinir oluyorum hemde okuyorum bu yazarı okutuyor kendini orası kesin.
Elenor'un ilk kocasını çok sevdim ama onunda sonu iyi olmadı Simon'da asıl oğlanımız hoştu ama beni bazı yerlerde sinir etti o da
Henry'e sinir oldum karısına akrabalarına Richard'a.. Hani sinir olmadıklarımı saysam daha çabuk biter liste:D
Bol entrikalı bol atışmalı ve ihtiras dolu bir kitap..
Bu yazar bayan karakterleri çok arayıpta mı bulup yazıyor anlamıyorum. Hepsi bi alem ilk kitapta Jasmin'e acayip sinir olmuştum burdaki Elenor da sinirdi gerçi Jasmin kadar sinir olmadım ama olsun
Hem sinir oluyorum hemde okuyorum bu yazarı okutuyor kendini orası kesin.
Elenor'un ilk kocasını çok sevdim ama onunda sonu iyi olmadı Simon'da asıl oğlanımız hoştu ama beni bazı yerlerde sinir etti o da
Henry'e sinir oldum karısına akrabalarına Richard'a.. Hani sinir olmadıklarımı saysam daha çabuk biter liste:D
Bol entrikalı bol atışmalı ve ihtiras dolu bir kitap..
March 28, 2013
4,5
Kitabın yarısından sonra imla hataları çok vardı. Bir ara ergen text messagelerı okuyormusum gibi hissettim... "off snne be slk .s .s" beklemedim de değil hani...
Kitabın yarısından sonra imla hataları çok vardı. Bir ara ergen text messagelerı okuyormusum gibi hissettim... "off snne be slk .s .s" beklemedim de değil hani...
July 28, 2017
While it felt like it took FOREVER for Simon and Eleanor to get together (she spent the first quarter of the book married to some old war hero) it was worth the wait!
While I feel that in her more recent outings, Henley has lost her touch, Dragon and the Jewel is one of her best. The love scenes are X-rated steamy hot, as you'd expect from one of the original masters of the genre.
While I feel that in her more recent outings, Henley has lost her touch, Dragon and the Jewel is one of her best. The love scenes are X-rated steamy hot, as you'd expect from one of the original masters of the genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews