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Blind Impulse
After the death of his father, Garin Swein returns from fighting in the crusades to claim his rightful place as baron of East of Eden. He arrives to a hero's welcome and discovers himself a changed man, looking forward to his future as baron and marriage to his betrothed, beautiful Alyna Salkeld. But weakened by a wound that refuses to heal, he to falls victim to the same fever that killed his father. Garin survives but the fever has rendered him blind. He can no longer inherit the barony or marry. His dreams destroyed, he knows he will be sent to the church hospice to hide his shame. To his shock, Alyna Salkeld fights to save their betrothal and Garin's right to inherit, insisting he can still be baron even without his sight. Is she doing this just to control his barony?
Alyna knows all to well the challenges Garin faces with the loss of his sight. Her uncle, a talented goldsmith was rendered blind in an accident when she was a little girl. But Alyna's father, Geoff Salkeld, believes in the strength of family. He opened his home to his brother and family instead of forcing Roger into the church. Roger learned to live without his sight and his trade as a goldsmith thrives. Alyna knows Garin is a courageous knight and this battle will be far more difficult than any he has fought in the past.
The priest, although doubtful, allows the marriage with the understanding he will review the situation in six months. If he finds the barony mismanaged in any way or if Garin cannot defeat his blindness, he will annul the marriage and Garin will have no choice but to enter the church hospices.
Both Garin and Alyna know they face a difficult journey but they do not expect the violence with which other nobles fight against them. Ultimately, Garin's enemies decide Alyna's life is now forfeit.
Alyna knows all to well the challenges Garin faces with the loss of his sight. Her uncle, a talented goldsmith was rendered blind in an accident when she was a little girl. But Alyna's father, Geoff Salkeld, believes in the strength of family. He opened his home to his brother and family instead of forcing Roger into the church. Roger learned to live without his sight and his trade as a goldsmith thrives. Alyna knows Garin is a courageous knight and this battle will be far more difficult than any he has fought in the past.
The priest, although doubtful, allows the marriage with the understanding he will review the situation in six months. If he finds the barony mismanaged in any way or if Garin cannot defeat his blindness, he will annul the marriage and Garin will have no choice but to enter the church hospices.
Both Garin and Alyna know they face a difficult journey but they do not expect the violence with which other nobles fight against them. Ultimately, Garin's enemies decide Alyna's life is now forfeit.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2012
16 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Loch
23 books84 followersKathryn Loch has been active in the publishing community since 1996. She has actively held offices such as president and treasurer in her local writer's guild. The guild hosts an annual writers conference bringing in respected NY editors, agents and published authors to educate, network, and inform. She published her first novel, Primal Entities: Chaos, a medieval fantasy romance, in 2001 and is now exploring the market with e-books.
Kathryn is not only an award winning author but a successful table-top gaming miniature painter. While trying to paint the eyeballs on something smaller than your thumb is never easy, Kathryn enjoys the creative endeavors of both industries and challenge they provide.
Kathryn is not only an award winning author but a successful table-top gaming miniature painter. While trying to paint the eyeballs on something smaller than your thumb is never easy, Kathryn enjoys the creative endeavors of both industries and challenge they provide.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 17, 2016
dnf 40%
Hero lost his virginity right before his betrothel to the heroine. Screwed her several times. The OW just showed up and approached the hero alone when I quit reading.
It was also earlier mentioned how he had many women and a betrothel is as good as a marriage. Therefore I assume he cheated as well. I honestly don't know, and I don't care.
Any rate, aside from the above which is the reason I dnf, the story was getting boring. I suppose this author felt throwing an OW into it to generate conflict was an aswer.
Not the kind of conflict I like.
So 1 star "I did not like it"
IMHO - Not safe
Read
May 16, 2015DNF - This sounded like it would be a good book, however, it was too light weight and anachronistic for me to really enjoy it. I had decided to get a free portion from Kindle so I could see whether it was going to be like this or a really well written book, but I decided it wasn't for me. This is one of the reasons I am careful with choosing my medieval books. The writer used language like she ‘chuckled softly’, his eyes nearly ‘popped out of his head’ and the heroine said “I guess so”. This is sort of modern language used constantly through the portion of this book I read just made it impossible for me to take it seriously. I don't expect writers to write in the older language otherwise we’d never understand it, but these really obvious modern terms just threw me out of the book continuously and I realised it wasn't a book I wanted to read. I just come off reading Karen Marie Moning's time travel books and the comparison in writing just made me not want to go ahead with this book.
August 12, 2013
The story grabs you from the start. Finally a romance where the H & h don't battle each other constantly over petty misunderstandings. Garin and Alyna are sweet and endearing as they tackle Garin's blindness and effects it will have on their future. The villian, Peter, at times seemed like a caricature but the overall effect was carried out well. I liked the explanations of the church's view on blindness at the time, was very interesting. It was very well-written and I will definately read more by this author.
October 24, 2012
**4.5**
This is an incredibly powerful story about overcoming adversity, as well as a very tender love story. So many of the scenes between Garin and Alyna were incredibly moving and just made my heart melt. Rather than the typical romance I find, where the H and h suffer tons of misunderstandings and and seem more driven by lust than love, this was just a beautiful story of two people learning to overcome life's obstacles together and finding each other at the same time. I was invested in their story and cheered for them the entire time. Garin particularly was a wonderful character. He is a character made up of extreme feelings so you saw him as both a powerful knight and a loving softie. I felt for Garin as he struggled with this huge adversity, in a time where the typical response would have been to lock him away in a church for the rest of his life. And then Alyna's patience and ingenuity to help him overcome it, sometimes despite himself, was really beautiful.
There were some grammatical mistakes (particularly toward the end), but I was so engrossed that I was able to gloss over them.
This is a very talented author - I am so glad I found this book (and as a kindle freebie too!)
This is an incredibly powerful story about overcoming adversity, as well as a very tender love story. So many of the scenes between Garin and Alyna were incredibly moving and just made my heart melt. Rather than the typical romance I find, where the H and h suffer tons of misunderstandings and and seem more driven by lust than love, this was just a beautiful story of two people learning to overcome life's obstacles together and finding each other at the same time. I was invested in their story and cheered for them the entire time. Garin particularly was a wonderful character. He is a character made up of extreme feelings so you saw him as both a powerful knight and a loving softie. I felt for Garin as he struggled with this huge adversity, in a time where the typical response would have been to lock him away in a church for the rest of his life. And then Alyna's patience and ingenuity to help him overcome it, sometimes despite himself, was really beautiful.
There were some grammatical mistakes (particularly toward the end), but I was so engrossed that I was able to gloss over them.
This is a very talented author - I am so glad I found this book (and as a kindle freebie too!)
October 24, 2015
A standard medieval story with nothing special that I can recommend. I read 2 books from the author before Blind Impulse and liked them both well enough, despite their rather simple plots. This book has all of her signature elements but somehow did not manage to capture me this time around.
But I do appreciate her heroines. They are always a calming force in the stories.
Quick read, I spent maybe 2 hours on it with a lot of skim-reading.
2.5 stars and as my common practice, I round down.
But I do appreciate her heroines. They are always a calming force in the stories.
Quick read, I spent maybe 2 hours on it with a lot of skim-reading.
2.5 stars and as my common practice, I round down.
July 21, 2014
5*****This was an incredible book. I loved it. The way the hero fights through the various problems is amazing. His lady's faith in him and love for him shines throughout the book. I don't know if that was the way blindness was treated in those days or not,but I suppose it makes sense. Definately a book anyone who likes Historical romance will enjoy.
August 30, 2014
I give five stars to books that grab me and pull me in or I find myself thinking about after I've read it. This is one of those stories.
All the characters were well done, even the very confused Juliana. One of the best things I found was Alyna was not the typical whiny female nor was she overbearing and super independent. She reminded me of an everyday woman trying to make the best of a bad situation. Her love for Garin was caring and tender. Garin's emotions were all over the place and it was refreshing to see he was more like a real man, at times crazy over his blindness and other times willing to listen to his wonderful wife.
The other aspect I really liked was there weren't a lot of silly misunderstandings simply because the characters wouldn't express their feelings. It was terrific to see how everyone pulled together to stand behind their baron and baroness.
A few missing words here and there and I mention it only because the writing was so well done, it didn't matter.
All the characters were well done, even the very confused Juliana. One of the best things I found was Alyna was not the typical whiny female nor was she overbearing and super independent. She reminded me of an everyday woman trying to make the best of a bad situation. Her love for Garin was caring and tender. Garin's emotions were all over the place and it was refreshing to see he was more like a real man, at times crazy over his blindness and other times willing to listen to his wonderful wife.
The other aspect I really liked was there weren't a lot of silly misunderstandings simply because the characters wouldn't express their feelings. It was terrific to see how everyone pulled together to stand behind their baron and baroness.
A few missing words here and there and I mention it only because the writing was so well done, it didn't matter.
April 25, 2014
This was such a wonderful story .I cried ,I laughed ,and I ranted until the very end . The suspense was never ending just when I thought it was okay to breath something else would happen. A knight comes home from the holy wars to clam his place as Baron .He becomes sick from the wound he received during his last battle .A fever takes hold and he almost dies .When he wakes from the fever he is blind .His journey is hard but with the help and love of friends and family he just might be okay .
June 24, 2023
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
February 12, 2015
OMG! I absolutely LOVED this book. This is the third book I've read by this author, and I've loved every one. Every time I read a Kathryn Loch novel it becomes my favorite book......until I read her next one then that book becomes my favorite. I just finished "Blind Impulse" and it's now my new favorite. Every book I've read by Ms. Loch is an emotional journey...I don't so much read her books as EXPERIENCE them! The stories she weaves are all consuming, drawing the reader in to the world created by her words.
I felt a real connection to Garin and Alyna, and cried copious tears for the unfair treatment Garin had to endure simply because of his blindness. "Blind Impulse" is a beautiful story about love, devotion, loyalty, and determination.
Garin and Alyna are betrothed for twelve years when he finally returns home from the Holy Land to take his place as Baron of East of Eden. The two have an instant connection, which has been fostered by their exchanged letters during the four years that Garin was away fighting in the Crusades.
Shortly after his return home, Garin suffers a fever and becomes blind. As per the standard for those days, he is now expected to forfeit his inheritance and spend the rest of his days in the Church. Alyna, however, has other ideas and fights to uphold their betrothal and maintain Garin's inheritance. They are allowed to marry for a trial period of six months, during which time Garin must prove his ability to rule as Baron. From there the story quickly moves to the HEA.
There is a lot of intrigue in the form of treachery and greed. Garin must not only learn to adapt to the disadvantages of being blind, but also maintain his barony, all while fighting against those who would see him fail. Through it all his lady love, Alyna, remains true by his side. Her total devotion and belief in Garin is his greatest strength.
It was wonderful to see Garin and Alyna overcome the many obstacles thrown in their path and finally achieve their HEA. This is, without a doubt, one of the most emotionally consuming books I've ever read. The story is beautifully written. The plot kept me enthralled from the very beginning until the last page, and moved at a nice steady pace. I hated to see it end. It made me sad to have to part ways with Garin and Alyna.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and I would say it's a safe bet that any book written by Kathryn Loch is a book worth reading.
I felt a real connection to Garin and Alyna, and cried copious tears for the unfair treatment Garin had to endure simply because of his blindness. "Blind Impulse" is a beautiful story about love, devotion, loyalty, and determination.
Garin and Alyna are betrothed for twelve years when he finally returns home from the Holy Land to take his place as Baron of East of Eden. The two have an instant connection, which has been fostered by their exchanged letters during the four years that Garin was away fighting in the Crusades.
Shortly after his return home, Garin suffers a fever and becomes blind. As per the standard for those days, he is now expected to forfeit his inheritance and spend the rest of his days in the Church. Alyna, however, has other ideas and fights to uphold their betrothal and maintain Garin's inheritance. They are allowed to marry for a trial period of six months, during which time Garin must prove his ability to rule as Baron. From there the story quickly moves to the HEA.
There is a lot of intrigue in the form of treachery and greed. Garin must not only learn to adapt to the disadvantages of being blind, but also maintain his barony, all while fighting against those who would see him fail. Through it all his lady love, Alyna, remains true by his side. Her total devotion and belief in Garin is his greatest strength.
It was wonderful to see Garin and Alyna overcome the many obstacles thrown in their path and finally achieve their HEA. This is, without a doubt, one of the most emotionally consuming books I've ever read. The story is beautifully written. The plot kept me enthralled from the very beginning until the last page, and moved at a nice steady pace. I hated to see it end. It made me sad to have to part ways with Garin and Alyna.
I highly, highly recommend this book, and I would say it's a safe bet that any book written by Kathryn Loch is a book worth reading.
March 20, 2016
An exceptional story! This is a book you want to keep and reread throughout time. This author wrote an amazing story of a knight, Sir Garin Swein who fought in the Holy Land and has returned home after his father's death. He is recuperating from a bad wound. At his return, he is to marry his betrothed of 12 years. Her name is Alyna Salkeld and she is a beautiful lady inside and out.
Tragedy strike these characters future. It is a tale of loss, faith, hope, perseverance, passion and love. These characters were very strong and even the secondary characters had their depth.
Each page continues to draw you in. It flows beautifully. I felt a lump in my throat the entire time. It is a story that touches your soul.
This author passed away three months ago, but she was phenomenal and has left us with several great stories. This is a favorite of mine.
Tragedy strike these characters future. It is a tale of loss, faith, hope, perseverance, passion and love. These characters were very strong and even the secondary characters had their depth.
Each page continues to draw you in. It flows beautifully. I felt a lump in my throat the entire time. It is a story that touches your soul.
This author passed away three months ago, but she was phenomenal and has left us with several great stories. This is a favorite of mine.
December 28, 2014
This a must read! Absolutely refreshing to read of a couple facing adversity head on with love understanding and compassion. The hero is true and the heroine is a perfect example of how to characterise the right amount of will and grace. Just what I needed after feeling a little jaded from all the hogwash romances out there.
October 20, 2012
Blind Impulse was really, really good! There were a few grammatical errors but they did not deter from the goodness of this book.
January 6, 2013
Amazing story, loved
January 13, 2013
A blind warrior fighting disability in the Middle Ages. Very interesting.
March 10, 2022
Garin has come back from the Crusades starving and injured, but happy to be home. Too soon he is struck down with the fever that killed his father. Alyna, his betrothed, is kept from using her healing skills on Garin causing him to become blind. Now his future marriage and his Barony are threatened. Garin and Alyna must work together to overcome his disability, their doubts, and an outsider’s plot to tear their family apart.
I enjoyed both the main characters so much. Both had unique personalities and they worked well together. I am also a big Simon fan as I am partial to loyal and trustworthy characters. The sister I have a hard time forgiving, but I get it…she is family. This was an interesting read because it helped enlighten me to the plight of the blind and what tactics can be used to overcome the disability making their life better. Sight is something I take for granted so this was an eye-opener for me. And on top of a learning opportunity, we get a fun and sometimes emotional romance with knights and damsels in distress. Loved it!!
I enjoyed both the main characters so much. Both had unique personalities and they worked well together. I am also a big Simon fan as I am partial to loyal and trustworthy characters. The sister I have a hard time forgiving, but I get it…she is family. This was an interesting read because it helped enlighten me to the plight of the blind and what tactics can be used to overcome the disability making their life better. Sight is something I take for granted so this was an eye-opener for me. And on top of a learning opportunity, we get a fun and sometimes emotional romance with knights and damsels in distress. Loved it!!
March 22, 2019
A Good read
Interesting what can be achieved with patience and love. So many challenges from people who declared him unable to serve as Baron, simply because he was blind. He proved them wrong.
Interesting what can be achieved with patience and love. So many challenges from people who declared him unable to serve as Baron, simply because he was blind. He proved them wrong.
Currently reading
June 8, 2023❌DNF at 59%
February 21, 2017
Enjoyable story
Some typos throughout but the story itself was unique. Setting well described. Characters were done well. Descriptions vivid and set the scenes well.
Some typos throughout but the story itself was unique. Setting well described. Characters were done well. Descriptions vivid and set the scenes well.
March 25, 2015
Imagine what it would be like to lose your sight. I found myself placing myself in the H shoes. All the small things we take for granted being taken away. Garin has taken the oath of the cross and served the Holy Mother Church in her cause. Now he arrives home to claim his barony and his betrothed. So close to bliss.
Alyna has fallen in love with Garin from his letters alone and now to see him in the flesh is a bit too much. She is very attentive to his struggles to fit back in to normalcy. Than tragedy hits and Garin is to lose not only his sight but the barony and his betrothed. My heart swelled when Alyna not only fought to marry Garin but the small affectionate reassurances they gave to one another. It was the small things I found endearing. The slight pressure of her hands as they were clasped together. Seems like a small thing but to a person who can't see facial expressions to gauge feelings it meant everything.
The action was all around them as they built their relationship. You know from the beginning that the contingency that is given early on in the story is going to come back to haunt them but you still aren't prepared. It brought me to tears to read the cruelness visited upon the H. His only crime was not in his hands to control. It was pure madness what the frame of mind was in those days and I for one am glad to live in this day and age. Readers enjoy !!
Alyna has fallen in love with Garin from his letters alone and now to see him in the flesh is a bit too much. She is very attentive to his struggles to fit back in to normalcy. Than tragedy hits and Garin is to lose not only his sight but the barony and his betrothed. My heart swelled when Alyna not only fought to marry Garin but the small affectionate reassurances they gave to one another. It was the small things I found endearing. The slight pressure of her hands as they were clasped together. Seems like a small thing but to a person who can't see facial expressions to gauge feelings it meant everything.
The action was all around them as they built their relationship. You know from the beginning that the contingency that is given early on in the story is going to come back to haunt them but you still aren't prepared. It brought me to tears to read the cruelness visited upon the H. His only crime was not in his hands to control. It was pure madness what the frame of mind was in those days and I for one am glad to live in this day and age. Readers enjoy !!
Want to read
May 12, 2013I don't usually read medievals, as the contemporary voice of writers in this sub-genre is even more awful and anachronistic than that in Regencies, Georgians and Victorians- but this has captured my eye. So, with expectations lowered, unto the breach I go.
June 23, 2013
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is that it was a little toooo goody goody. I like a little bit of realistic angst between the characters, but they were very quick to fall in love. Otherwise, absolutely must-read romance.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews