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The Rogues of Ravensmuir #1
The Rogue
Dear Reader:
Seductive and mysterious, Merlyn was the laird of Ravensmuir — never had a man so stirred my body and soul. I gave myself to him — willingly, trustingly, passionately — and we soon wed. Then a horrible revelation emerged, shattering my innocence and my marriage...
Five years later, Merlyn returned to my doorstep, desperate for my help. The scoundrel swore he was haunted by memories of me, that a treasure locked in Ravensmuir could clear his name. Yet I could not surrender to his will again. Now he is said to be murdered and Ravensmuir has fallen into my hands.
But even as I cross the threshold of this cursed keep, I hear his whisper in the darkness, feel his caress in the night, and I know that Merlyn has told me but part of his tale. Should I do as is right and expose his lair? Or dare I trust my alluring but deceptive spouse - the rogue who destroyed my heart?
— Ysabella
Seductive and mysterious, Merlyn was the laird of Ravensmuir — never had a man so stirred my body and soul. I gave myself to him — willingly, trustingly, passionately — and we soon wed. Then a horrible revelation emerged, shattering my innocence and my marriage...
Five years later, Merlyn returned to my doorstep, desperate for my help. The scoundrel swore he was haunted by memories of me, that a treasure locked in Ravensmuir could clear his name. Yet I could not surrender to his will again. Now he is said to be murdered and Ravensmuir has fallen into my hands.
But even as I cross the threshold of this cursed keep, I hear his whisper in the darkness, feel his caress in the night, and I know that Merlyn has told me but part of his tale. Should I do as is right and expose his lair? Or dare I trust my alluring but deceptive spouse - the rogue who destroyed my heart?
— Ysabella
ebook
First published October 1, 2002
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About the author
Claire Delacroix
123 books519 followersNew York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.
For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
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For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com
Like her Facebook Fan Pages here:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireD...
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDebora...
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter to keep up to date and receive special offers:
http://eepurl.com/reIuD
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 4, 2016
The Rogue by Claire Delacroix (Deborah A. Cooke) is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the combination of historical romance, colored with Gothic elements, and a paranormal tint, that this book promised, in a medieval setting, no less! I had a feeling this book was right up my alley and I was right.
Merlyn marries Ysabella in a rush, as he immediately desires her and wants her for his own. However, Ysabella soon discovers her husband’s dark secrets and flees Ravensmuir. Merlyn does not attempt to lure her back and five long years pass, before he appears to Ysabella, pleading with her to help him.
Furious with him, but sorely tempted to succumb to his charms, Ysabella refuses him, only to lose him forevermore when he is found murdered. But, perhaps most shocking of all, is that Ravensmuir is now belongs to Ysabella.
Now life will be much easier for Ysabella, her sister, and young brother. But, upon arrival at Ravensmuir, Ysabella is greeted by an old enemy and will find the walls of Ravensmuir are haunted with more secrets than she could ever imagine…
First of all, I loved all the character’s names, which gives the story a real Medieval quality, and the way Ysabella narrates the story feels so authentic.
There is mystery, suspense, a slight paranormal tinge, as well as plenty of secrets, intrigue, and double crosses, but of course there is also a love story that endures many hardships, but one that will triumph in the end.
Ysabella is one stubborn lady, and at times she carries things a little too far. She barely knows her husband when they marry, and immediately he begins to behave oddly, which gives her reason to believe he has lied to her, and is involved in a dishonest trade.
Unable to live with him under those circumstances, she leaves him, never giving him an opportunity to tell his version of events.
Naturally, there was much more to the story than Ysabella knows, and now the secrets entombed in Ravensmuir will reveal her husband’s true nature.
Ysabella and Merlyn suffer from that age old problem… a failure to communicate. While Ysabella comes off as a bit self-righteous, if her husband had confided in her to begin with, things might not have spiraled out of control. Naturally, Ysabella was annoyingly stubborn, to the point of overkill, and the conflict did linger on longer than need be, both characters were in the wrong.
But, it was fun seeing all the secrets they both held slowly reveal themselves and watch them fall in love all over again.
But, the love story is only part of the story, which is very absorbing, rich in details, and loaded with drama and mystery.
Overall, this is my kind of story. I love Medieval stories with the Gothic and paranormal elements included, and this story has all that, plus a little bit of fiery passion to put the icing on the cake.
I was intrigued by the combination of historical romance, colored with Gothic elements, and a paranormal tint, that this book promised, in a medieval setting, no less! I had a feeling this book was right up my alley and I was right.
Merlyn marries Ysabella in a rush, as he immediately desires her and wants her for his own. However, Ysabella soon discovers her husband’s dark secrets and flees Ravensmuir. Merlyn does not attempt to lure her back and five long years pass, before he appears to Ysabella, pleading with her to help him.
Furious with him, but sorely tempted to succumb to his charms, Ysabella refuses him, only to lose him forevermore when he is found murdered. But, perhaps most shocking of all, is that Ravensmuir is now belongs to Ysabella.
Now life will be much easier for Ysabella, her sister, and young brother. But, upon arrival at Ravensmuir, Ysabella is greeted by an old enemy and will find the walls of Ravensmuir are haunted with more secrets than she could ever imagine…
First of all, I loved all the character’s names, which gives the story a real Medieval quality, and the way Ysabella narrates the story feels so authentic.
There is mystery, suspense, a slight paranormal tinge, as well as plenty of secrets, intrigue, and double crosses, but of course there is also a love story that endures many hardships, but one that will triumph in the end.
Ysabella is one stubborn lady, and at times she carries things a little too far. She barely knows her husband when they marry, and immediately he begins to behave oddly, which gives her reason to believe he has lied to her, and is involved in a dishonest trade.
Unable to live with him under those circumstances, she leaves him, never giving him an opportunity to tell his version of events.
Naturally, there was much more to the story than Ysabella knows, and now the secrets entombed in Ravensmuir will reveal her husband’s true nature.
Ysabella and Merlyn suffer from that age old problem… a failure to communicate. While Ysabella comes off as a bit self-righteous, if her husband had confided in her to begin with, things might not have spiraled out of control. Naturally, Ysabella was annoyingly stubborn, to the point of overkill, and the conflict did linger on longer than need be, both characters were in the wrong.
But, it was fun seeing all the secrets they both held slowly reveal themselves and watch them fall in love all over again.
But, the love story is only part of the story, which is very absorbing, rich in details, and loaded with drama and mystery.
Overall, this is my kind of story. I love Medieval stories with the Gothic and paranormal elements included, and this story has all that, plus a little bit of fiery passion to put the icing on the cake.
April 28, 2015
The Rogue by Claire de la Croix
Ysabella is the type of romantic heroine that irritates my inner Slytherin. I cannot fathom when someone allows belief to get in the way of what they want. I know that sounds terribly shallow of me but let me take a moment to explain...
I do not mean you should give up what you believe in I mean that you should keep what you believe to yourself if it stands in the way of your happiness. I keep my spiritual beliefs to myself because there are many that would make jokes. I keep much of my physical health to myself because most people just scoff at what they cannot see.
Ysabella sacrificed her marriage, the man she loved, for one un-truth from him. She allowed her pride in the hatred of that lie to so sway her influence her that she gave Merlyn NO CHANCE to defend himself, or to set things right. She continued to distrust Merlyn when he came to her five years later. He was ready to lay bare his soul, to tell her the truth of that night, and of the way it now was. Ysabella was such a woman scorned that once again she spoke righteously above him...
...and nearly lost him.
Thankfully events unroll and Ysabella finally listens to Merlyn and keeps her mouth and her indignation to herself. Her feelings, her love, is still afire in her blood, and it seems she is ready to listen to that.
This Medieval Romance becomes a bit of a Gothic Romance in that you have star-crossed lovers, an investigative woman, and a man who truly needs more than just her body and heart. Surrounding them is a dark and gloomy castle, suspicious neighbours, and a villain or two.
Ysabella did annoy me because she did not think like me but she was so damn stubborn and so intent upon taking care of her siblings that I did come to like her. I was rooting for both her and Merlyn when everything came to a head.
The mystery is a very good one and after I finished the story I did a bit more research to learn about the relic that Merlyn had.
The ending is satisfactory and did not have the rushed feeling that many stories sometimes have. This is one to read again.
Ysabella is the type of romantic heroine that irritates my inner Slytherin. I cannot fathom when someone allows belief to get in the way of what they want. I know that sounds terribly shallow of me but let me take a moment to explain...
I do not mean you should give up what you believe in I mean that you should keep what you believe to yourself if it stands in the way of your happiness. I keep my spiritual beliefs to myself because there are many that would make jokes. I keep much of my physical health to myself because most people just scoff at what they cannot see.
Ysabella sacrificed her marriage, the man she loved, for one un-truth from him. She allowed her pride in the hatred of that lie to so sway her influence her that she gave Merlyn NO CHANCE to defend himself, or to set things right. She continued to distrust Merlyn when he came to her five years later. He was ready to lay bare his soul, to tell her the truth of that night, and of the way it now was. Ysabella was such a woman scorned that once again she spoke righteously above him...
...and nearly lost him.
Thankfully events unroll and Ysabella finally listens to Merlyn and keeps her mouth and her indignation to herself. Her feelings, her love, is still afire in her blood, and it seems she is ready to listen to that.
This Medieval Romance becomes a bit of a Gothic Romance in that you have star-crossed lovers, an investigative woman, and a man who truly needs more than just her body and heart. Surrounding them is a dark and gloomy castle, suspicious neighbours, and a villain or two.
Ysabella did annoy me because she did not think like me but she was so damn stubborn and so intent upon taking care of her siblings that I did come to like her. I was rooting for both her and Merlyn when everything came to a head.
The mystery is a very good one and after I finished the story I did a bit more research to learn about the relic that Merlyn had.
The ending is satisfactory and did not have the rushed feeling that many stories sometimes have. This is one to read again.
August 22, 2015
So much wasted potential. It might have been so much more if..
-there were less inconsistencies, less plot holes.
-there had been a stronger reasoning behind the plot. I'm not the only one -I guess- who found his request of aid unreasonable/illogical. There was no way she could aid him in finding anything at all.
-But then there was no reason for most of the lies between the two.
-The twists were clearly stated pages before, there was no surprise.
-I couldn't find any chemistry nor love. Only unreasonable lust, the kind that makes a woman a bag of hormones, unable to reason when the man is around.
-Sorry, Ms Delocroix but it's a myth that women were married at 13. Some might, maybe in noble families, but it's not that common.
Worse:
- the hero was a asshat and he never repented nor grovelled for his appalling behavior (he lured her into a trap, and kidnaps her brother for her compliance.) And yes the heroine did make her mistake, too.
- too many times the heroine was made in to a stupid, unthinking mess.
But if I have to be honest the book lost me in the firs 20%, when the heroine had sex with the hero while sleeping. And she never wakes up.
Cherry on top? Very few characters (in a castle there are 2 servants), and even less had depth.
-there were less inconsistencies, less plot holes.
-there had been a stronger reasoning behind the plot. I'm not the only one -I guess- who found his request of aid unreasonable/illogical. There was no way she could aid him in finding anything at all.
-But then there was no reason for most of the lies between the two.
-The twists were clearly stated pages before, there was no surprise.
-I couldn't find any chemistry nor love. Only unreasonable lust, the kind that makes a woman a bag of hormones, unable to reason when the man is around.
-Sorry, Ms Delocroix but it's a myth that women were married at 13. Some might, maybe in noble families, but it's not that common.
Worse:
- the hero was a asshat and he never repented nor grovelled for his appalling behavior (he lured her into a trap, and kidnaps her brother for her compliance.) And yes the heroine did make her mistake, too.
- too many times the heroine was made in to a stupid, unthinking mess.
But if I have to be honest the book lost me in the firs 20%, when the heroine had sex with the hero while sleeping. And she never wakes up.
Cherry on top? Very few characters (in a castle there are 2 servants), and even less had depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 16, 2015I nearly didn't finish this and skimmed to do that. It was very slow moving. I didn't feel connected to the characters or conflict. I'm not a fan of conflict due to not communicating and there was an extreme lack of communication here.
Want to read
August 23, 2015Free 08-22-15 (Historic Fiction Romance)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Rogue-Rogue...
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August 15, 2019
AUDIOBOOK edition
-A great story-
Merlyn definitely burrowed himself in my heart. He is mysterious, smart, a bit of a rogue, but with a heart of gold. Ysabella is a perfect match for him, outspoken and feisty. Loved their story which begins with mystery and deceit from all corners, slowly unravels and the truth comes to light with a bang. Quite a few twists in the story that kept me glued to it. - 5 stars
Ms. Klanac's voice is enjoyable especially where there is dialogue, action or a build up to a twist, but where Ysabella recounts her story I found it too much like a lament, to much melancholy and affectation in the voice. I almost gave up after the 3rd chapter, I kept listening because the story is really good and I am so glad I did. - 3 stars
-A great story-
Merlyn definitely burrowed himself in my heart. He is mysterious, smart, a bit of a rogue, but with a heart of gold. Ysabella is a perfect match for him, outspoken and feisty. Loved their story which begins with mystery and deceit from all corners, slowly unravels and the truth comes to light with a bang. Quite a few twists in the story that kept me glued to it. - 5 stars
Ms. Klanac's voice is enjoyable especially where there is dialogue, action or a build up to a twist, but where Ysabella recounts her story I found it too much like a lament, to much melancholy and affectation in the voice. I almost gave up after the 3rd chapter, I kept listening because the story is really good and I am so glad I did. - 3 stars
September 15, 2015
The first book in The Rogues Of Ravensmuir series by Claire Delacroix. Ysabella left her husband Merlyn Lammergeier five years before because he lied. Now he comes to her but she denies him. The next day he is reported dead and she has inherited Ravensmuir. So she journeys back to Ravensmuir with her sister and brother.
The story is told in the first person point of view of Ysabella. I disliked Ysabella. She leaves her husband while he is away and believes the words told to her by her brother-in-law. So without giving her husband a chance to tell her his side of things she just leaves. There are other things that bugged me about her but I am trying not to give spoilers. The story itself was actually good. And I was interested in the mystery of who the "murderer" was.
The story is told in the first person point of view of Ysabella. I disliked Ysabella. She leaves her husband while he is away and believes the words told to her by her brother-in-law. So without giving her husband a chance to tell her his side of things she just leaves. There are other things that bugged me about her but I am trying not to give spoilers. The story itself was actually good. And I was interested in the mystery of who the "murderer" was.
June 8, 2014
It took a while for me to really enjoy this book, but once I got into it, I loved the story.
When Ysabella left her husband Merlyn she never thought that he would come back into her life again. Five years later, he shows up on her doorstep wanting a chance to make things right with her and for her to return to Ravensmuir with him. Ysabella, refusing to be charmed by this devilish man again, sends him away. When news comes to her that Merlyn has been murdered and that all of his belonging, including Ravensmuir Keep have been left to her, she is charged with uncovering his murderer and finding out the truth about the man she married.
When Ysabella left her husband Merlyn she never thought that he would come back into her life again. Five years later, he shows up on her doorstep wanting a chance to make things right with her and for her to return to Ravensmuir with him. Ysabella, refusing to be charmed by this devilish man again, sends him away. When news comes to her that Merlyn has been murdered and that all of his belonging, including Ravensmuir Keep have been left to her, she is charged with uncovering his murderer and finding out the truth about the man she married.
April 1, 2016
Where do I begin? The story had potential, but fell apart. There are plot points left completely unaddressed. The heroine is an annoying, illogical hypocrite. And that business at the end? It defies all logic and physics, and I just cannot take this seriously. I will elaborate later, with spoilers, but let it suffice for now that this gets one star. I probably would not have finished it if I wasn't reading it for a challenge and I definitely won't read the rest of the series.
August 24, 2015
The Rogue 2 by Claire Delacroix
Loved the book lot of action all the way good love story to you have got to read I really enjoyed I think you will to once you start reading you. can't
put it down first she Married hi and leaves him for five years he fakes his death just read the. book you will love it MARGIE MORAN
Loved the book lot of action all the way good love story to you have got to read I really enjoyed I think you will to once you start reading you. can't
put it down first she Married hi and leaves him for five years he fakes his death just read the. book you will love it MARGIE MORAN
July 12, 2014
Very good
The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing. The fiend in the book surprised me and his lineage was also interesting. Discovering Ysabella's lineage was awesome. Great story line.
The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing. The fiend in the book surprised me and his lineage was also interesting. Discovering Ysabella's lineage was awesome. Great story line.
September 24, 2015
Compelling!
This story is intriguing with many twists and turns. The love story is poignant and you are pulled into the ebbs and flows of their relationship. It is a tale of trust and desire, honesty and love and all the right ingredients for a wonderful love story.
This story is intriguing with many twists and turns. The love story is poignant and you are pulled into the ebbs and flows of their relationship. It is a tale of trust and desire, honesty and love and all the right ingredients for a wonderful love story.
April 30, 2015
Wow..what a great story, it shuffled a bit in the beginning, but soon caught my attention. A mystery and a romance all rolled in one.I wont put any spoilers in , but throughly enjoyed it.
March 19, 2018
Goes down as another off my 2018 Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book from a series new to you. A lot can happen over the Christmas tidings, as Ysabella and Merlyn are about to find out.
Kinfairlie is a small village where a tale surrounds it of the demise of Laird and Lady Kinfairlie and their family. Burned to the ground waiting to be reclaimed by its rightful heir. It’s the sister keep of Ravensmuir which was taken over by Merlyn’s father Avery Lammergeier. One whose idea of trade was tainted by how greedy he got and how easily the lies started to unfurl.
Merlyn is a rogue of a man who needs to find out who tried to kill him and why, but not before trying to woo his wayward wife back where she belongs. It’s time she heard the truth, this time from him and not twisted by another. It seems Ysabella detests lies but is now holding on to a few herself. Classic communication issues arise between these two that need a swift fix it they are to outwit those that would harm them.
Seductive and mysterious are two very good words to describe Merlyn. He tempts Ysabella still no matter her reasons for leaving in the first place and his lure to get her back is risky. She knows he plays games but seeks truth, not just passion, from the moment she is back in his presence. Can she truly let herself be pulled back into his world or will she need to flee again?
Whirlwind romance, passion galore or love at first sight? Either way their lives were entwined the moment Merlyn set eyes on Ysabella at the Kinfairlie market. She had such quick wit and sharp responses that he knew he had met his match, one he very much wanted to keep. She might have willingly gone with him to wed, and then to bed, but knew very little of his nature. So-called truths told from another and her fears of it made her, and in turn her family, run back to the village.
I’m not sure if she wished he’d tracked her down sooner but five years is a long time so when he comes calling seeking her aid she doesn’t want to trust him. Could her decision be too hasty though as word later the next night from his right-hand man Fitz brings news to turn her soul cold? She has a chance of a better life for her brother Tynan (though I think we know from the start there’s more to it) and her sister Mavella when the estate in name passes to her and wastes no time in taking it for their sakes. But has the one man who stirs her soul tricked her? Danger falls within the Ravensmuir keep and Ysabella might have need of a few tricks herself to outwit those that might harm her. Also to try to figure out what her husband has need of her for. Could she get what she’s always wanted from him? Love can be fickle if never spoken aloud. Maybe it should be, among other things, so the air can clear and they can start anew. Well if the troubles of the past will let them that is.
Interesting characters throughout but Ada is just a woman scorned who wishes to blame her misfortune on others and not herself. Also by the end she’s just a bit batshit crazy that you long for her own downfall. Her brother Arnulf is a calm, loyal servant to his master Merlyn and someone you would always want watching your back.
Passionate rogue found a way to get his wayward wife back, whether he can convince her to stay is something else entirely. Fun, intriguing read from start to finish. Some secrets and twists easy to spot, others came up to surprise you that I liked.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
Kinfairlie is a small village where a tale surrounds it of the demise of Laird and Lady Kinfairlie and their family. Burned to the ground waiting to be reclaimed by its rightful heir. It’s the sister keep of Ravensmuir which was taken over by Merlyn’s father Avery Lammergeier. One whose idea of trade was tainted by how greedy he got and how easily the lies started to unfurl.
Merlyn is a rogue of a man who needs to find out who tried to kill him and why, but not before trying to woo his wayward wife back where she belongs. It’s time she heard the truth, this time from him and not twisted by another. It seems Ysabella detests lies but is now holding on to a few herself. Classic communication issues arise between these two that need a swift fix it they are to outwit those that would harm them.
Seductive and mysterious are two very good words to describe Merlyn. He tempts Ysabella still no matter her reasons for leaving in the first place and his lure to get her back is risky. She knows he plays games but seeks truth, not just passion, from the moment she is back in his presence. Can she truly let herself be pulled back into his world or will she need to flee again?
Whirlwind romance, passion galore or love at first sight? Either way their lives were entwined the moment Merlyn set eyes on Ysabella at the Kinfairlie market. She had such quick wit and sharp responses that he knew he had met his match, one he very much wanted to keep. She might have willingly gone with him to wed, and then to bed, but knew very little of his nature. So-called truths told from another and her fears of it made her, and in turn her family, run back to the village.
I’m not sure if she wished he’d tracked her down sooner but five years is a long time so when he comes calling seeking her aid she doesn’t want to trust him. Could her decision be too hasty though as word later the next night from his right-hand man Fitz brings news to turn her soul cold? She has a chance of a better life for her brother Tynan (though I think we know from the start there’s more to it) and her sister Mavella when the estate in name passes to her and wastes no time in taking it for their sakes. But has the one man who stirs her soul tricked her? Danger falls within the Ravensmuir keep and Ysabella might have need of a few tricks herself to outwit those that might harm her. Also to try to figure out what her husband has need of her for. Could she get what she’s always wanted from him? Love can be fickle if never spoken aloud. Maybe it should be, among other things, so the air can clear and they can start anew. Well if the troubles of the past will let them that is.
Interesting characters throughout but Ada is just a woman scorned who wishes to blame her misfortune on others and not herself. Also by the end she’s just a bit batshit crazy that you long for her own downfall. Her brother Arnulf is a calm, loyal servant to his master Merlyn and someone you would always want watching your back.
Passionate rogue found a way to get his wayward wife back, whether he can convince her to stay is something else entirely. Fun, intriguing read from start to finish. Some secrets and twists easy to spot, others came up to surprise you that I liked.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
March 1, 2021
DNF @ 50%
Based on the description from the library catalog, I thought this was going to be a slam dunk. I thought this was going to be IT. But I just got to a point where I was debating whether to finish it, and the finally the last straw broke.
What I thought this book was going be: a book about a man who was almost assassinated, decided to fake his death and leave his estate to his estranged wife, and then "haunt" her to try to get her to figure out what happened to him. I thought this was going to be hilarious.
What I got: not that.
Let me make something clear, the writing is good. The chemistry between Merlyn and Ysabella is top notch, but I just feel disappointed and a bit upset by the actions of the characters, mostly Merlyn.
The first strike against this book was a weird consent scene while Ysabella was sleeping.
The second strike, Merlyn revealed he was alive to her literally the day after she was told he was dead. So that whole aspect was completely pointless and disappointing.
The third strike, Merlyn was kind of terrible to her. He's been hiding in these tunnels beneath the estate, and he takes her down there multiple times to try to convince her to help him figure out who tried to kill him, and when she refuses because she doesn't trust him, he just leaves her down there, sometimes without even a light or a way out. The second time he does this, he has kidnapped her five year-old brother to try to convince her to his side, and when she still refuses to do what he wants, he leaves her down there for who knows how long, is genuinely shocked that she's mortified and scuffed up, she bares her heart about why she's so protective of her brother, and then still refuses to let him go.
Not really something I can get behind for a romance.
Ysabella isn't immune from issues either. She has some major trust issues with Merlyn. Understandably so, but even when he absolved himself of some of the misunderstandings, and she constantly questions her own feelings regarding whether or not she did the right thing regarding some issues, she still refuses to trust him. It gets a little infuriating and turns into a big circle.
Based on the description from the library catalog, I thought this was going to be a slam dunk. I thought this was going to be IT. But I just got to a point where I was debating whether to finish it, and the finally the last straw broke.
What I thought this book was going be: a book about a man who was almost assassinated, decided to fake his death and leave his estate to his estranged wife, and then "haunt" her to try to get her to figure out what happened to him. I thought this was going to be hilarious.
What I got: not that.
Let me make something clear, the writing is good. The chemistry between Merlyn and Ysabella is top notch, but I just feel disappointed and a bit upset by the actions of the characters, mostly Merlyn.
The first strike against this book was a weird consent scene while Ysabella was sleeping.
The second strike, Merlyn revealed he was alive to her literally the day after she was told he was dead. So that whole aspect was completely pointless and disappointing.
The third strike, Merlyn was kind of terrible to her. He's been hiding in these tunnels beneath the estate, and he takes her down there multiple times to try to convince her to help him figure out who tried to kill him, and when she refuses because she doesn't trust him, he just leaves her down there, sometimes without even a light or a way out. The second time he does this, he has kidnapped her five year-old brother to try to convince her to his side, and when she still refuses to do what he wants, he leaves her down there for who knows how long, is genuinely shocked that she's mortified and scuffed up, she bares her heart about why she's so protective of her brother, and then still refuses to let him go.
Not really something I can get behind for a romance.
Ysabella isn't immune from issues either. She has some major trust issues with Merlyn. Understandably so, but even when he absolved himself of some of the misunderstandings, and she constantly questions her own feelings regarding whether or not she did the right thing regarding some issues, she still refuses to trust him. It gets a little infuriating and turns into a big circle.
August 15, 2018
She Did It Again!
As with most of Claire Delacroix's stories I start out reading it and wondering if I'm going to like it or not, this might be the one book I didn't like, right?
A third of the way through this book I'm going I really don't like this man and I'm wondering why this woman is so shrewish! I happen to be sick at the moment so forgive me for being a bit withdrawn. I finally decided to throw myself into the book simply because I have always Loved Everything that I have ever read that she wrote.
As per usual I was drawn in by all the detail and all the history and all the intrigue! I just finished it and now have readers remorse LOL there's simply not enough good I can say about this story in particular or any other that Claire Delacroix has written.
As with most of Claire Delacroix's stories I start out reading it and wondering if I'm going to like it or not, this might be the one book I didn't like, right?
A third of the way through this book I'm going I really don't like this man and I'm wondering why this woman is so shrewish! I happen to be sick at the moment so forgive me for being a bit withdrawn. I finally decided to throw myself into the book simply because I have always Loved Everything that I have ever read that she wrote.
As per usual I was drawn in by all the detail and all the history and all the intrigue! I just finished it and now have readers remorse LOL there's simply not enough good I can say about this story in particular or any other that Claire Delacroix has written.
May 31, 2017
Entertaining historical romance. A few twists and turns along the way, and a truly evil woman to try and murder everyone she knows. An illiterate heroine who so believes any lies doom a marriage, she runs away from her new husband on the word of his brother. The hero in a situation brought on by his father and brother, allows her to leave so he can clean up his father's mess. Lots of misunderstanding and wasted years the two finally come back together, and our heroine learns life isn't so black and white, and appears to grow up in a few days.
Best parts are between the heroine and the housekeeper, loved the conversations between the two. You could just see the two going at it.
Best parts are between the heroine and the housekeeper, loved the conversations between the two. You could just see the two going at it.
August 28, 2018
Ysabella was an ale maker. She had to work for a married woman named Fiona because she was unmarried. She was at the critical stage of the ale making when three riders arrived at her doorstep. Merlyn had returned! It had been five long years since Ysabella had fled the castle. She was married to Merlyn but refused to live in the castle with him. This is an intense, fascinating story. Loved all of the intrigue. Can Ysabella be truthful with Merlyn? Can Merlyn trust Ysabella? Great story!!! I love Ms. Delacroix’s story telling prowess.
July 10, 2021
The first half of this book I fastforwarded thru a LOT of it. The 3/4 of it not so much but still fastforwarding somewhat. The best part of the book was the last 1/4 which honestly, you could just read the last quarter and know the whole story.
There weren't really any surprises for me as things were pretty obvious. Or maybe I have just read too many of this type of book. I thought some scenes were a little too violent.
This is part 1 of a 3 part audio book (3 books offered in 1 audiobook) Here's hoping the other 2 are better - whenever I get around to them.
There weren't really any surprises for me as things were pretty obvious. Or maybe I have just read too many of this type of book. I thought some scenes were a little too violent.
This is part 1 of a 3 part audio book (3 books offered in 1 audiobook) Here's hoping the other 2 are better - whenever I get around to them.
August 14, 2022
Ashley Klanac is a new narrator, for me, but she did a great job.
The Rogue is a bit slow. At the beginning of the book, I was a little confused by the dates. The book begins. Mid chapter one they flash back to five years earlier, then chapter 2 is the day after where we began. Once I got that straight it was pretty straight forward. It’s a good story. Would have been better if it hadn’t read so much like a diary, but…
The Rogue is a bit slow. At the beginning of the book, I was a little confused by the dates. The book begins. Mid chapter one they flash back to five years earlier, then chapter 2 is the day after where we began. Once I got that straight it was pretty straight forward. It’s a good story. Would have been better if it hadn’t read so much like a diary, but…
March 13, 2018
I’m a big fan of this author and her books. This one I just felt there wasn’t much of a story. I still did like it and the characters but I just did not bond with Merlyn. He was too secretive and on the sidelines for me.
May 9, 2019
Very exciting story
I enjoyed this book although I had to start over a while after I first started it. It seems even when these families came to America the had feuds. My husband’s family did for years. Still a good story.
I enjoyed this book although I had to start over a while after I first started it. It seems even when these families came to America the had feuds. My husband’s family did for years. Still a good story.
October 2, 2020
Two people trying to see the truth through the fog of lies other people are touting.
Their love was pure, right from the moment they first encountered each other, but the evil deeds and lies of others kept them from each other's arms.
Until he died.
Their love was pure, right from the moment they first encountered each other, but the evil deeds and lies of others kept them from each other's arms.
Until he died.
June 26, 2017
Painful.
February 3, 2019
I found this book hard to follow at the beginning. It was easy to put down, took numerable attempts before it caught my interest. I never really took to either of the main characters.
March 28, 2019
this story is great
April 3, 2019
Gave up, too gothic, too much mystery for my taste.
July 31, 2019
I love series.
November 20, 2019
Not as captivating as the other books in this series.
June 14, 2020
This was pretty good and I enjoyed the little twists and turns to the story. No typos, hiccups or bumps along the way.
Well done.
Well done.
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