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Lady with the Devil's Scar
Badly disfigured Lady Isobel Dalceann has fought fiercely to defend her keep, with little thought for her safety. Why, then, has she let a stranger within her walls? While he threatens danger, his battered body marked by war mirrors her own scars and tempts her to put her faith in him.
Marc de Courtenay is a mercenary and a loner, although he is drawn to damaged—beautiful—Isobel. But in taking him into her highly defended, buttressed walls, she has unwittingly given him secrets that will enable him to betray her. What would she do if she were ever to find out who he really is…?
Marc de Courtenay is a mercenary and a loner, although he is drawn to damaged—beautiful—Isobel. But in taking him into her highly defended, buttressed walls, she has unwittingly given him secrets that will enable him to betray her. What would she do if she were ever to find out who he really is…?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Sophia James
175 books126 followersGeorgette Heyer novels formed Sophia James' reading tastes as a teenager, but her writing life only started when she was given a pile of Mills & Boons to read after she had had her wisdom teeth extracted! Filled with strong painkillers, she imagined that she could pen one, too. Many drafts later, Sophia thinks she has the perfect job writing for Harlequin Historical, as well as taking art tours to Europe with her husband, who is a painter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 22, 2019
Sudah lama sekali saya tidak membaca Historical Romance sebelum abad 18. Setting novel ini adalah Skotlandia abad 14, yg seharusnya menawarkan sesuatu buat dahaga saya yg haus akan sejarah. Tetapi sayangnya novel ini masih belum memadai.
Lady Isobel Dalceann adalah pemberontak terakhir, duri dlm daging Raja David, raja pada saat itu. Maka raja mengutus Marc de Courtenay, duta dari Raja Phillip dari Perancis, utk menguasai benteng Ceann Gronna, milik Isobel. Marc yg pernah diselamatkan Isobel tahu bhw jika Isobel tidak dilindunginya, wanita itu akan jadi santapan empuk para baron bangsawan yg menginginkannya spt piranha mengawasi bangkai. Isobel tidak punya pilihan lain setelah dirinya kalah, dia hrs bertindak hati-hati krn sbg tawanan politik dan intrik-intrik politis yg kental di istana Raja David membuat keadaan di benteng Ceann Gronna tidak ada apa-apanya.
Novel ini berjalan dgn alur dan plot lambat di awalnya hingga kedatangan Isobel di istana barulah suasananya berubah menjadi lebih pelik dan rumit. Isobel dan Marc hrs menjalin hubungan secara rahasia krn situasi mereka tidak memungkinkan. Marc ternyata adalah jendral serdadu yg sudah beken dgn julukan serigala, tetapi sebenarnya Marc adalah anak haram dan tidak memiliki warisan kekayaan. Dan ada rahasia yg menguntit Marc selama dirinya di Skotlandia, apakah itu? Rahasia itu baru dibeberkan pada klimaks cerita menjelang ending. Jadi harap dibaca hingga akhir.
Karakter Isobel mengingatkan saya pada Boadicea, pejuang wanita Inggris yg melawan tentara Romawi. Dgn deskripsi cantik, bohay walaupun memiliki parut di wajahnya, tidak menghilangkan aura pesona keberaniannya. Tapi entah kenapa di awal-awal cerita malah Isobel terkesan spt seorang wanita tabib ketimbang seorang pejuang yg berani mengangkat pedang.
Jujur aja bagi saya ending HEA Isobel & Marc lebih pada keberuntungan walaupun mereka berjuang bersama menumpas musuh. Mengingat pada masa tsb, gak heran nuansa aura gloomy sangat terasa di novel ini. Perang, pernikahan secara politis, balas dendam mewarnai novel ini. Mungkin kalau novel ini dikembangkan sbg historical fiction justru lebih pas ketimbang menjadi historical romance yg diedit.
Lady Isobel Dalceann adalah pemberontak terakhir, duri dlm daging Raja David, raja pada saat itu. Maka raja mengutus Marc de Courtenay, duta dari Raja Phillip dari Perancis, utk menguasai benteng Ceann Gronna, milik Isobel. Marc yg pernah diselamatkan Isobel tahu bhw jika Isobel tidak dilindunginya, wanita itu akan jadi santapan empuk para baron bangsawan yg menginginkannya spt piranha mengawasi bangkai. Isobel tidak punya pilihan lain setelah dirinya kalah, dia hrs bertindak hati-hati krn sbg tawanan politik dan intrik-intrik politis yg kental di istana Raja David membuat keadaan di benteng Ceann Gronna tidak ada apa-apanya.
Novel ini berjalan dgn alur dan plot lambat di awalnya hingga kedatangan Isobel di istana barulah suasananya berubah menjadi lebih pelik dan rumit. Isobel dan Marc hrs menjalin hubungan secara rahasia krn situasi mereka tidak memungkinkan. Marc ternyata adalah jendral serdadu yg sudah beken dgn julukan serigala, tetapi sebenarnya Marc adalah anak haram dan tidak memiliki warisan kekayaan. Dan ada rahasia yg menguntit Marc selama dirinya di Skotlandia, apakah itu? Rahasia itu baru dibeberkan pada klimaks cerita menjelang ending. Jadi harap dibaca hingga akhir.
Karakter Isobel mengingatkan saya pada Boadicea, pejuang wanita Inggris yg melawan tentara Romawi. Dgn deskripsi cantik, bohay walaupun memiliki parut di wajahnya, tidak menghilangkan aura pesona keberaniannya. Tapi entah kenapa di awal-awal cerita malah Isobel terkesan spt seorang wanita tabib ketimbang seorang pejuang yg berani mengangkat pedang.
Jujur aja bagi saya ending HEA Isobel & Marc lebih pada keberuntungan walaupun mereka berjuang bersama menumpas musuh. Mengingat pada masa tsb, gak heran nuansa aura gloomy sangat terasa di novel ini. Perang, pernikahan secara politis, balas dendam mewarnai novel ini. Mungkin kalau novel ini dikembangkan sbg historical fiction justru lebih pas ketimbang menjadi historical romance yg diedit.
October 9, 2022
Apparently I read this back in 2017, and I have zero recollection of this book. Upon rereading this, it was dropped down to a three star. I managed to make it to chapter twelve then dnf'd. It was just too slow. 3 ⭐.
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May 14, 2016DNF. Way too descriptive for my tastes! The narrator did Marc's French accent so well, I was wavering on this one. Both MCs are major horn dogs, they share their detailed thoughts and actions constantly. It actually kept interrupting a promising story and there was too much to be able to skim over the dirty bits. Eet eez aye major boomer, mon amies!
September 5, 2012
3 1/2 Stars ~ With her father and husband both dead now two years, Isobel Dalceann was chieftan of her clan. The Ceann Gronna Castle was the last to holdout to King David, all because her father had refused his loyalty to the Scottish king. To protect her clan from the King's anger, she had no choice but to fight, for to surrender now would surely mean death for them all. The day she dragged the strangers from the ocean, she also faced the anger of her own clan. They would have preferred to kill the shipwreck survivors and toss them back to sea, but Isobel would not allow it. The one with green eyes intrigued her. Marc had to be very careful to hide his true identity. He was a knight, and presently with two loyalties; King Phillip of France had given him to King David. He's equally intrigued by the beautiful woman with the scar from a sword upon her face. Nursing him back to health after days in a fever, Isobel learns many of his secrets, and yet, knowing he is a man of war she is drawn to him. Upon his healing, she has her men take him back to Edinburgh. As it's been two years since the last attempt by King David to take her castle, she knows another battle is soon about them. This time the King's men are in the hundreds and Isobel knows it is only a matter of time and they will all perish. What she had not expected was that the man she rescued from the sea would be the Knight who lead her enemy. Capturing Isobel and keeping her alive is Marc's personal mission. Somehow the golden eyed witch had gotten to him. With so many enemies of his own within King David's court, being her protector is nearly impossible.
I'm not an historian, nor have I read many Scottish historical romances. Ms. James knowledge of medieval Scotland, their customs and language, is without a doubt vast, and at first I found the narrative too much making this a difficult read for me. However, I stuck with this story and about mid book, I found myself captivated by Isobel and Marc and the perilous position they were in. I wasn't sure how they would achieve their HEA. Ms. James came through with a great ending
I'm not an historian, nor have I read many Scottish historical romances. Ms. James knowledge of medieval Scotland, their customs and language, is without a doubt vast, and at first I found the narrative too much making this a difficult read for me. However, I stuck with this story and about mid book, I found myself captivated by Isobel and Marc and the perilous position they were in. I wasn't sure how they would achieve their HEA. Ms. James came through with a great ending
August 30, 2017
I didn't finish this book. I liked it in the beginning, the premise was interesting, but a few chapters in it went off the rails for me. An example, the heroine has a badly injured arm, has recently watched her friends die, was captured and locked in a tower by the hero, who she thinks has betrayed her, and all she's thinking about is sex. Look I'm all about sexual tension between the hero and the heroine, but when the context makes sense. I don't expect main characters to be perfect, or always make wise decisions, however when I started to dislike the characters I stopped reading.
February 16, 2023
Siglo XIV. Isobel Dalceann es una joven mujer que desde la muerte de su marido en trágicas circunstancias, administra el castillo de su familia con mano férrea. A pesar de todos los intentos de invasión que ha sufrido desde hace años y con la ayuda de sus fieles soldados, ha convertido su hogar en una inexpugnable fortaleza. Recela de todos los extranjeros que se acercan a su hogar, pero su gran corazón le impide no prestar auxilio a unos navegantes que naufragan cerca de la costa.
Uno de los supervivientes es Marc de Courtenay, un caballero francés al que Isobel tiene ocasión de salvarle la vida en otra ocasión, días más tarde. La joven viuda le abre las puertas de su hogar durante su convalecencia y durante su corta estancia en el castillo, se estable una conexión entre ellos y una atración con la que Marc no contaba. Isobel, a pesar de la cicatriz que recorre su mejilla, es poseedora de una belleza innata y él es consciente de que su encuentro no ha sido del todo fortuito: Conocido como El Lobo de Burdeos, Marc tiene encomendada una peligrosa misión que tiene como cometido principal acercarse a la misteriosa dama, pero tras compartir con ella unos días y conocer el pasado de Isobel, su objetivo principal cambiará de rumbo.
Esta novela captó mi atención por el hecho de que la protagonista femenina fuera físicamente imperfecta ya que, como me ha sucedido en otras ocasiones, considero un aliciente que el protagonista masculino no quede prendado de su físico nada más conocerse. Sin embargo, tras leer los primeros capítulos, esta ilusión se ha desvanecido por completo ya que el narrador nos relata que la terrible cicatriz que recorre la mejilla de Isabel, lejos de afearla, la dota de una sensualidad y belleza inusual. De hecho, es la típica historia en la que todos los caballeros que ven a Isobel caen rendidos a sus pies al instante y desean poseerla aunque sea lo último que hagan en su vida.
Isobel es una mujer decidida y extremadamente valiente. Ante todo, desea mantener a su clan a salvo de los ataques y el asedio a su castillo y por este motivo, me ha sorprendido para mal la facilidad con la que descuida su defensa en cuanto Marc entra en escena. Dicen que el amor vuelve loco a los que lo padecen y este es el claro ejemplo de ello, ya que la actitud de Isobel ante la presencia de Marc la vuelve terriblemente irresponsable.
Como podéis deducir de mis comentarios, la mejor parte de esta novela es su comienzo. Los primeros capítulos son de infarto, sorprende el arrojo de la protagonista y el hecho de que no sepamos quien es exactamente Marc y qué papel juega. La historia se presenta muy interesante pero cuando irrumpe el amor -o mejor dicho, la atracción- entre los protagonistas, la trama va perdiendo fuelle y algunos de los acontecimientos que suceden posteriormente los he visto demasiado forzados y poco coherentes, una mera excusa para que la historia de amor entre los protagonistas llegara a buen término.
«Marcada por el destino» es una novela que cumple con su propósito de entretener y como no es muy extensa, se lee muy fácilmente. No es un novelón de aquellos que marcan a fuego, pero si os gustan las historias románticas con asedios y un punto de misterio, puede ser de vuestro agrado.
Uno de los supervivientes es Marc de Courtenay, un caballero francés al que Isobel tiene ocasión de salvarle la vida en otra ocasión, días más tarde. La joven viuda le abre las puertas de su hogar durante su convalecencia y durante su corta estancia en el castillo, se estable una conexión entre ellos y una atración con la que Marc no contaba. Isobel, a pesar de la cicatriz que recorre su mejilla, es poseedora de una belleza innata y él es consciente de que su encuentro no ha sido del todo fortuito: Conocido como El Lobo de Burdeos, Marc tiene encomendada una peligrosa misión que tiene como cometido principal acercarse a la misteriosa dama, pero tras compartir con ella unos días y conocer el pasado de Isobel, su objetivo principal cambiará de rumbo.
Esta novela captó mi atención por el hecho de que la protagonista femenina fuera físicamente imperfecta ya que, como me ha sucedido en otras ocasiones, considero un aliciente que el protagonista masculino no quede prendado de su físico nada más conocerse. Sin embargo, tras leer los primeros capítulos, esta ilusión se ha desvanecido por completo ya que el narrador nos relata que la terrible cicatriz que recorre la mejilla de Isabel, lejos de afearla, la dota de una sensualidad y belleza inusual. De hecho, es la típica historia en la que todos los caballeros que ven a Isobel caen rendidos a sus pies al instante y desean poseerla aunque sea lo último que hagan en su vida.
Isobel es una mujer decidida y extremadamente valiente. Ante todo, desea mantener a su clan a salvo de los ataques y el asedio a su castillo y por este motivo, me ha sorprendido para mal la facilidad con la que descuida su defensa en cuanto Marc entra en escena. Dicen que el amor vuelve loco a los que lo padecen y este es el claro ejemplo de ello, ya que la actitud de Isobel ante la presencia de Marc la vuelve terriblemente irresponsable.
Como podéis deducir de mis comentarios, la mejor parte de esta novela es su comienzo. Los primeros capítulos son de infarto, sorprende el arrojo de la protagonista y el hecho de que no sepamos quien es exactamente Marc y qué papel juega. La historia se presenta muy interesante pero cuando irrumpe el amor -o mejor dicho, la atracción- entre los protagonistas, la trama va perdiendo fuelle y algunos de los acontecimientos que suceden posteriormente los he visto demasiado forzados y poco coherentes, una mera excusa para que la historia de amor entre los protagonistas llegara a buen término.
«Marcada por el destino» es una novela que cumple con su propósito de entretener y como no es muy extensa, se lee muy fácilmente. No es un novelón de aquellos que marcan a fuego, pero si os gustan las historias románticas con asedios y un punto de misterio, puede ser de vuestro agrado.
April 7, 2019
It’s been a while since I’ve read a non-Regency HR and I am reminded of how much it SUCKED to be a woman in the Middle Ages. Not very romantic to me. Still, I love a warrior heroine, and scarred at that. This didn’t really play into my favorite tropes though, and was more about intrigue than angst.
February 7, 2019
Refreshingly entertaining for this genre. The plot was actually developed and characters were a little more realistic/relatable.
June 5, 2021
It was ok
February 15, 2022
I couldn't put it down!
July 19, 2022
Ok this was something else!! Muriendooooo estuvo ok era como de no se haha ósea un libro bueno!
September 12, 2023
I struggled with this one. While there were some good parts it was overall just ehh.
April 3, 2017
This was a solid book with good, developed characters and a plot that kept the stakes high. I liked the hero and heroine and believed in the development of their relationship under the extraordinary circumstances.
Isobel Dalceann is a Scottish Chieftainess who is trapped in a war with King David. Her dangerously unbalanced father chose to defy the king and therefore condemned her people as dissenters and outlaws. Then her father died, leaving her stuck with the king's wrath and the promise of certain death for her people if she tried to surrender. She's already fought off two siege attempts and knows it's only a matter of time before the king sends a large-enough force to crush them.
When the story opens, she and two of her loyal men spy some shipwrecked people drowning in the cold ocean and swim out to save who they can. Isobel rescues a man she's immediately drawn to. There's suspicion and animosity between her men and the few survivors as they fear the possibility of the king's spies and when the man she desires gives what she's sure is a false name, Isobel knows there's more to him than he's letting on. Still, against all sense and the expressed wishes of her men, she continues to protect him, even swearing a blood oath of loyalty and protection to keep him safe. During his feverish nights, the man reveals his true name is Marc and that he is a king's man. Tensions run high and she barely manages to nurse him back to health and send him on his way before her men's anger boils over. On his last night there, Marc and Isobel talk. She reveals that she suspects he's a threat and she should have let her men kill him long ago. When he asks why she hasn't, she kisses him. He's affected by her, but won't take what she's offering when there is so much dishonesty between them. He also doesn't want to risk leaving her pregnant with her future so uncertain and dangerous.
It turns out that Marc is not just A king's man, but essentially THE king's man. He's the most famous and successful commander in the king's employ and has never met a battle he couldn't win. Shortly after his arrival back in Edinburgh, Marc is assigned the job of returning to crush Isobel and her rebellious people. This leaves Marc in a dangerous position. He wants to protect her, but can't reveal his intention when her people in general and she in particular are so hated among the court. Isobel is referred to as a witch and wild stories circulate about her making deals with the devil and casting spells on unsuspecting men.
Naturally when Isobel sees Marc at the head of the conquering force that has killed her men, she's outraged at his apparent treachery. The rest of the story is a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Marc has to walk a fine line to keep both her and himself safe and all while she's spitting mad at him. Their relationship deepens along the way and they eventually become lovers and then fall in love.
I thought the story progressed well for the most part. The tightrope Marc and Isobel had to walk served to keep the tension high throughout the book, which was good. Isobel was a good, strong heroine and for the most part kept her head and behaved appropriately for the situation. There were a few times when I felt that she went a little nuts though. For example, when they were traveling to see the king and Marc tried to explain what it would be like in court the next day and give her advice on how to behave. She hauled off and slapped him for no discernible reason, demanding to know if "last night" had meant nothing to him. Considering that he was doing everything he could to keep her alive, I didn't see the justification for her outburst. Isobel likewise made a scene at court and didn't even consider the possible ramifications until Marc angrily pointed it out to her later. Considering that everywhere else in the book she'd shown herself to be strong and smart, and the author had made a point of saying it was Isobel's keen mind for strategy that had helped her people fight off the first two attacks by the king, I found it pretty hard to believe that she'd be so incredibly stupid as to not realize her actions would have consequences.
The resolution at the end was a bit of a let-down. After spending the whole book explaining how there was just no way Isobel and Marc could ever be together, the solution was very Dues Ex Machina and dependent on both pure luck, and other people in the story behaving in unbelievably stupid ways. But overall it was a good story with likable characters.
P.S. I highly recommend getting the audiobook version of this story. The narrator, Cathleen McCarron, did an excellent job with both the Scottish and French accents and it really made the story come alive.
Isobel Dalceann is a Scottish Chieftainess who is trapped in a war with King David. Her dangerously unbalanced father chose to defy the king and therefore condemned her people as dissenters and outlaws. Then her father died, leaving her stuck with the king's wrath and the promise of certain death for her people if she tried to surrender. She's already fought off two siege attempts and knows it's only a matter of time before the king sends a large-enough force to crush them.
When the story opens, she and two of her loyal men spy some shipwrecked people drowning in the cold ocean and swim out to save who they can. Isobel rescues a man she's immediately drawn to. There's suspicion and animosity between her men and the few survivors as they fear the possibility of the king's spies and when the man she desires gives what she's sure is a false name, Isobel knows there's more to him than he's letting on. Still, against all sense and the expressed wishes of her men, she continues to protect him, even swearing a blood oath of loyalty and protection to keep him safe. During his feverish nights, the man reveals his true name is Marc and that he is a king's man. Tensions run high and she barely manages to nurse him back to health and send him on his way before her men's anger boils over. On his last night there, Marc and Isobel talk. She reveals that she suspects he's a threat and she should have let her men kill him long ago. When he asks why she hasn't, she kisses him. He's affected by her, but won't take what she's offering when there is so much dishonesty between them. He also doesn't want to risk leaving her pregnant with her future so uncertain and dangerous.
It turns out that Marc is not just A king's man, but essentially THE king's man. He's the most famous and successful commander in the king's employ and has never met a battle he couldn't win. Shortly after his arrival back in Edinburgh, Marc is assigned the job of returning to crush Isobel and her rebellious people. This leaves Marc in a dangerous position. He wants to protect her, but can't reveal his intention when her people in general and she in particular are so hated among the court. Isobel is referred to as a witch and wild stories circulate about her making deals with the devil and casting spells on unsuspecting men.
Naturally when Isobel sees Marc at the head of the conquering force that has killed her men, she's outraged at his apparent treachery. The rest of the story is a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Marc has to walk a fine line to keep both her and himself safe and all while she's spitting mad at him. Their relationship deepens along the way and they eventually become lovers and then fall in love.
I thought the story progressed well for the most part. The tightrope Marc and Isobel had to walk served to keep the tension high throughout the book, which was good. Isobel was a good, strong heroine and for the most part kept her head and behaved appropriately for the situation. There were a few times when I felt that she went a little nuts though. For example, when they were traveling to see the king and Marc tried to explain what it would be like in court the next day and give her advice on how to behave. She hauled off and slapped him for no discernible reason, demanding to know if "last night" had meant nothing to him. Considering that he was doing everything he could to keep her alive, I didn't see the justification for her outburst. Isobel likewise made a scene at court and didn't even consider the possible ramifications until Marc angrily pointed it out to her later. Considering that everywhere else in the book she'd shown herself to be strong and smart, and the author had made a point of saying it was Isobel's keen mind for strategy that had helped her people fight off the first two attacks by the king, I found it pretty hard to believe that she'd be so incredibly stupid as to not realize her actions would have consequences.
The resolution at the end was a bit of a let-down. After spending the whole book explaining how there was just no way Isobel and Marc could ever be together, the solution was very Dues Ex Machina and dependent on both pure luck, and other people in the story behaving in unbelievably stupid ways. But overall it was a good story with likable characters.
P.S. I highly recommend getting the audiobook version of this story. The narrator, Cathleen McCarron, did an excellent job with both the Scottish and French accents and it really made the story come alive.
May 4, 2014
Ogni libro va inquadrato nel genere letterario al quale appartiene, e per essere un Harlequin Il segno del diavolo è sicuramente molto carino. Al di là delle imbarazzanti scene di sesso colme di ellissi e perifrasi di ogni genere (che però mantengono una certa attrattiva, quantomeno nella quantità di LOL che ti dà leggere espressioni come "il caldo turgore" e "il bianco latte della sua resa" XDDD), la storia si rifiuta di restare intrappolata nei classici canoni del softcore per signore, e finisce (a volte anche senza volerlo!) a parlare d'altro, offrendo spunti di un certo interesse. L'analisi introspettiva sui personaggi è molto buona, e laddove Marc de Courtenay soffre di una caratterizzazione abbastanza standardizzata e piuttosto banale, incisa nei canoni del genere, a distaccarsene è proprio la protagonista femminile, Isobel, ultima capostipite del clan dei Dalceann ed ultima speranza alla quale si ritrova legata la sopravvivenza della fortezza da sempre appartenuta alla famiglia, Ceann Gronna. La caratterizzazione di Isobel riesce (miracolosamente) a non scivolare né da una parte nella BAMF gelida e priva di emozioni, né dall'altra nella donna debole e indifesa alla quale serve a tutti costi un uomo per sopravvivere. Ne viene fuori un ritratto intrigante, che consente di chiudere un occhio e due riguardo certe banalizzazioni nel rapporto fra i due, che comunque finiscono inserite nel conto di tutti quei canoni narrativi propri del genere, che uno si aspetta nel momento in cui approccia un romanzo simile.
March 11, 2016
It's all about the story of war and intrigue in The Middle English Era. The beginning is very exciting, with a thrilling and dramatic rescue at sea. Then it starts off with a bang bang bang, then continues with an exciting rescue at sea of the hero by the heroine (loved this part), followed by his convalescence at her keep, Ceann Gronna. Isobel, our heroine, is in charge of the keep after the death of her father and husband. Her father had rebelled against Scottish King David and she herself is believed to be a witch and a traitor and the keep is in danger from the king's men.
He must trust the strange yet beautiful woman who rescues him. He cannot allow her to know he is a man of two countries and two kings, or that he is the enemy. When the tides change, making Isobel Marc’s captive, he is determined to save her and Ceann Gronna, but it is Isobel who becomes the savior and whose love presents Marc with the opportunity to rise above his background and claim her as his bride. Well, its pretty entertaining I think to know that you just met your destiny by accident.
As I read this whole story, I think I do love this story cuz its entertaining and I do love scottish medieval romance.
He must trust the strange yet beautiful woman who rescues him. He cannot allow her to know he is a man of two countries and two kings, or that he is the enemy. When the tides change, making Isobel Marc’s captive, he is determined to save her and Ceann Gronna, but it is Isobel who becomes the savior and whose love presents Marc with the opportunity to rise above his background and claim her as his bride. Well, its pretty entertaining I think to know that you just met your destiny by accident.
As I read this whole story, I think I do love this story cuz its entertaining and I do love scottish medieval romance.
January 21, 2015
Good book. I really liked Isobel and her independence and strength. She was determined to protect her people, in spite of the odds against them. When she rescued Marc from drowning she knew it would be a mistake to take him to her keep, but she did it anyway. There was something about him that drew her to him. She decides to treat his wounds then send him on his way, as she knows better than to trust any strangers. Two months later he is back, leading a force that is to capture the keep for the Scottish king. Because of his time there he is able to find a way in and captures the keep and Isobel. He takes her to the king, where she is expected to choose a husband. There are people at the court who would rather see her dead, and Marc has vowed to protect her. He has his own enemies also, and sees no way for him to win Isobel for himself. I really liked the way that Marc was determined to help Isobel be safe at court, and did his best to help her navigate the treacherous ways. She was smart enough to follow his advice, though there were a couple of occasions when she followed her own rules. I really loved the action at the end, and how they both got what they wanted.
October 7, 2012
I will admit that it took me several chapters to get into the characters of Marc and Isobel, but I am glad that I stayed with it. James tells a tale that tugs at the heartstrings and is the perfect story of the time.
Badly disfigured Lady Isobel Dalceann has fought fiercely to defend her keep, with little thought for her safety. Why, then, has she let a stranger within her walls? While he threatens danger, his battered body marked by war mirrors her own scars and tempts her to put her faith in him.
Marc de Courtenay is a mercenary and a loner, although he is drawn to damaged—beautiful—Isobel. But in taking him into her highly defended, buttressed walls, she has unwittingly given him secrets that will enable him to betray her. What would she do if she were ever to find out who he really is…?
Badly disfigured Lady Isobel Dalceann has fought fiercely to defend her keep, with little thought for her safety. Why, then, has she let a stranger within her walls? While he threatens danger, his battered body marked by war mirrors her own scars and tempts her to put her faith in him.
Marc de Courtenay is a mercenary and a loner, although he is drawn to damaged—beautiful—Isobel. But in taking him into her highly defended, buttressed walls, she has unwittingly given him secrets that will enable him to betray her. What would she do if she were ever to find out who he really is…?
May 13, 2013
Grade: B-
Sophia James, along with Julia Justiss and Elizabeth Rolls, was one of my “gateway” Harlequin Historical authors – I glommed her entire backlist when I first got my Kindle.
James is one of those authors that I enjoy, but not enough to rave about, and Lady With the Devil’s Scar fits right in that middle territory – I liked it, but not enough to displace any of my favorites.
He kissed like a warrior would, taking what he needed without discourse to the properness of society, her timid answer pushed away into sheer and blazing want.
Sophia James, along with Julia Justiss and Elizabeth Rolls, was one of my “gateway” Harlequin Historical authors – I glommed her entire backlist when I first got my Kindle.
James is one of those authors that I enjoy, but not enough to rave about, and Lady With the Devil’s Scar fits right in that middle territory – I liked it, but not enough to displace any of my favorites.
June 19, 2013
I actually liked this book. I think that there was some obvious lacking in the inexperience of mystery and intrigue story telling, but it still held my attention. Not to mention it was a nice break from all the Regency Novel's I had been reading. The plot was fast moving, thus ending up a quick read. Nothing bothered me too much about the main characters, which is nice, because it is so easily done in romance novels. That being said, I don't have anything overly nice to say about it or anything abounding in negativity. If you need a time killing book and haven't picked up a historical romance novel, try this one out. It does the job. :o)
October 4, 2015
I did love the strong characters in this story especially Lady Isobel who is determined to face the world on her terms. Unfortunately even this lady needs rescuing, sometimes from herself and her choices. Marc is the perfect mysterious hero, ready to guide her through the mire of intrigue in the Scottish court. But this wild Scottish lass will never be completely tamed and in Marc, she finds a man who can match her bravery.
December 13, 2023
2.5
Tiene cosas interesantes el libro, pero no me ha atrapado y tampoco me ha terminado de gustar la pareja protagonista.
Las cosas que si me han gustado es que la protagonista era original con cicatrices en la cara y metida en una milicia, es una chica dura. Lo siguiente bueno que tiene es que es corto.
Para mi pesa más la poca conexión que tienen los protagonistas y los pocos motivos que tienen para enamorarse, pero ahí están superenamorados. Me ha costado creérmelo.
Tiene cosas interesantes el libro, pero no me ha atrapado y tampoco me ha terminado de gustar la pareja protagonista.
Las cosas que si me han gustado es que la protagonista era original con cicatrices en la cara y metida en una milicia, es una chica dura. Lo siguiente bueno que tiene es que es corto.
Para mi pesa más la poca conexión que tienen los protagonistas y los pocos motivos que tienen para enamorarse, pero ahí están superenamorados. Me ha costado creérmelo.
August 14, 2014
A very well written book from Sophia James. I enjoyed this time period - 1375 Scotland - since it is somewhat unknown to me. There was good tension and conflict plus the characters were interesting. Good book.
July 31, 2013
el sumary me intereso mucho, no es que fue mala, pero fue normal
todo se soluciono muy rápido y es como que la amenaza del rey que después resultó ser un pan de dios y todo milagrosamente se soluciona...
todo se soluciono muy rápido y es como que la amenaza del rey que después resultó ser un pan de dios y todo milagrosamente se soluciona...
April 12, 2016
Entah kenapa beberapa buku terakhir yang kubaca selalu melibatkan tokoh heroine yang terlalu mandiri sampai-sampai membuat tokoh heronya sedikit kepayahan harus membujuk sang heroine menerima cinta si hero. >.<
August 15, 2012
it started out sort of odd but got better as you got into the story...still sort of add way to write it but not a bad read
August 26, 2012
Quite enjoyed it though for some reason it took me a while to get into. I had to restart it from the beginning.
December 27, 2012
Quite a plot-twister... and of course a happy ending. Nonetheless, it's a satisfying read alltogether.
March 10, 2013
Historical Mills & Boon my secret vice lol
April 22, 2013
I enjoyed this romance, though I was a little let down by the abrupt ending.
May 30, 2014
I see I'm the only one that dislike this book. Well, whatever. =__=
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