Un secreto peligroso

by Christina Dodd

Griffith tiene bastante experiencia en los campos de batalla. Después de haber ayudado a asegurar la llegada al trono del rey Tudor, se convierte en su más diel emisario. Por eso, no duda ni un segundo cuando el monarca lo envía a proteger a Marian de Wenthaven, ex dama de honor de la reina que vive oculta en el castillo de su padre. Pero en lugar de encontrarse con una doncella frágil y delicada, se topa con una mujer fuerte y decida que domina el arte de la esgrima. Inicialmente, surge entre ambos un odio que poco a poco irá dando paso a una emoción mucho más distinta… y peligrosa, sobre todo cuando Griffith descubra que, además de tener un hijo de dos años, lady Marian guarda un secreto que puede hacer tambalear el reino y por el que muchos matarían. Ahora Griffith debe proteger a tan extraordinaria dama y, al mismo tiempo, evitar caer en sus redes.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Medieval, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

Upcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.

(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )

Reviews

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Най-интересен е злодеят, който е баща на героинята. Двамата главни са истински симпатяги, но бледнеят, а краят е силно невероятен. В сравнение със сегашните исторически любовни романи обаче този тук е класа. Авторката е проучила достатъчно края на войната на розите, за да направи дори нелоша спекулация - днес май такива “тънкости” са вече отживелица на фона на херцозите, наследничките, баловете, глупавите диалози и захарницата на всяка страница.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8⭐️
Las conspiraciones, los secretos y las intrigas que tiene la historia me gustaron mucho, creo que eso es lo verdaderamente interesante del libro, los hechos históricos y la ficción en la que se desarrolla la trama son muy intrigantes y atrapan muchísimo. Eso me pareció excelente y un rasgo a destacar del libro porque son muy pocas veces las que me encuentro con algo parecido en un libro de este género. Me divertí mucho leyéndolo porque hubo personajes graciosisimos como Art y situaciones súper divertidas que siempre me sacaron una que otra sonrisa. El romance me convenció muy poco, y aunque Griffith y Marian eran una pareja muy explosiva al principio creo que después fueron decayendo a pesar de todo, me pareció que su romance le faltó desarrollo porque fue muy a la ligera; Griffith no me convencía mucho básicamente por ese afán de querer cambiar a Marian y todas las contradicciones que tenía el personaje, por lo que hizo que yo no lo amara a ciegas, sin embargo Marian me encantó en todo el libro, y eso es poco decir. Un punto que resalto también es que hay acción, y para mí fue bastante considerando el género del libro, me he topado con muy pocos donde la acción es la protagonista, aunque la narración a veces era algo floja y confusa pero bueno… el final fue satisfactorio y tal como lo quería.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 but rounded to 4. I liked it for the most part. Marian was a strong, independent woman who would do anything to protect her son. But then she wanted to do something dumb that would endanger him. While she said that it was for him, she was doing it for herself. That part of the story really threw me off. Griffith was a headstrong man who would do anything for his king, until Marian came along. But as always, he was attracted to Marian’s strong will yet wanted to bend her to his image. They learned to trust each other. There was action, love, and mystery. It was a pretty good book.

Editing-wise, I wished the paragraph spacing had been better because I was confused at times when the scene changed.

[Galatea Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welsh Romance

**** possible spoilers****

The Richard 3 legacy of killing the princes in the tower, poisoning his wife, and wanting to marry his niece was greatly exaggerated. Buckingham was likely responsible for the death of the princes.

Well written romance but lacked uber spicy scenes.

Marian was alternately intelligent but incredibly stupid of politics after living at court for years. Griffith was appropriately bear warrior enough. Art was the best and smartest character.

[Karen Desmond · Rating 2 out of 5]

2

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous historical read if you like royal intrigue and interpersonal relationships! I am a HUGE Christina Dodd fan. I didn't realize she did historical romances! What a treat!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting: 1485 +; Bosworth Field (battle); Wenthaven Castle Shropshire, England; hamlet in Welsh mountains of Clwyd; Castle Powel;

Theme: royalty; royal intrigue; power vs loyalty; love;

Characters:
Lady Marian Wenthaven: ‘given’ at age 5 to the princess, to be trained to be her lady in waiting (her father investing in the potential royal favor/influence it would grant him over time); she became dear friends with the princess Elizabeth, and when her father died, they plotted together to gain access to find out what happened to her brothers – to help them if they could; bad stuff happened; she went into seclusion with Elizabeth – and brings a baby to her father, with regular gifts of coin from Elizabeth; and she harbors secret – almost secret from even herself – dreams of returning to the royal court as Lionel’s guardian;

Lionel: Elizabeth’s son, sired by her uncle, the usurper king who had killed her brothers and potential adversaries for the crown; Now 2 years old; passed as Marian’s son for his protection, and Elizabeth tore the page from the church registry that proved she and her uncle were married – that her son is legitimate – and Marian is the holder of the document; though at first Marian was burdened and non-maternal with the child, at his first smile to her, she fell in love; at 2 years of age, he hasn’t spoken yet… and he is fascinated with Griffith;

Griffith Rhys Vaughn Ednyfed Powel: Welsh; honorable knight; raised by loving parents; married to a passive, content, compartmentalized wife who passed away – he has been celibate since; caused his parents to lose the castle when as a young man, disobeyed parents and was kidnapped/ransomed… but mother and knights hid in secret tunnel and took the castle back within a day – however, it left its mark on him, making him serious and contained; fierce warrior and extremely loyal to the Welsh born Henry (ultimately Henry IV), fighting in the battle that killed Richard III - the usurper/incestuous/family murderer; 2 years after battle won, he is sent on mission to bring a letter to ex-lady in waiting Marian (thinking he was on his way home next)– with the additional mission (given him in a letter from the king once he arrived at Wenthaven castle) to stay and protect Marian; he does so reluctantly;

Art: his 50 year old companion – whose wife and children died to ‘the fever’; lost his eye when he was kidnapped along with Griffith; humorous; loves and protects Griffith like a son; randy – and has a way with the ladies – especially the serving/gossiping ladies; wants to see Griffith married and more carefree, and sees his interest in Marian and vice versa, and fosters it;

Wenthaven: treacherous; manipulative; wants power; raises hunting dogs, and manipulates people the same way; surrounded by court misfits – 2nd sons, impoverished lords etc; sent his own 5-year old daughter to be the princess’ companion, with instructions to figure out what she needs and provide it – with an eye that he can exploit it at some time in the future; has figured out that the boy she brought back as her son is the son of the deposed king, and making plans (hiring mercenaries, manipulating his daughter, etc) to challenge the throne; he loved his wife, Marian’s mother, and still mourns her death – taking lovers of women who remind him of her – though finds that unsatisfactory;

Cecily: resembled Marian’s mother; Marian’s maid; sleeping with Wenthaven in the hopes of someday being his wife; betrays Marian for Wentworth – spying on her, etc. pregnant; willing to kill Marian;

Henry Tudor: King of England – after defeating King Richard; mostly a good, honorable king; forced to marry Elizabeth by order of the parliament, to legitimize his claim to the throne, but he falls in love with her, and orders Griffith to protect Marian – anticipating her father’s manipulation of her; Elizabeth has confided all to him;

Elizabeth of York and Henry’s son Arthur: as young woman returned to court, with Marian, to try an locate her brothers and perhaps help them; ends up embroiled in Richard’s madness, and coerced into having sex with him, then marrying him… at his death, she went into seclusion with Marian – who then returned to Marian’s home with Elizabeth’s son believed to be her own; she loves Henry, she loves her son Arthur by Henry; she sends gold coins (with Henry’s blessing) to support Marian and her son; she sent her a letter – that when one reads between the lines tells Marian that she wants Marian to forget her promise to get Lionel the throne, that she supports Henry and her son Arthur as the prince;

Angharad & Rhys: Griffith’s parents; love him; want to see him carefree and happy again; when he confesses to losing control around Marian, they know she is the woman for him, and push them into marriage; the love Lionel as their own grandson;

Summary:
Pure, honorable, strong, reserved Griffith is swept away by his feelings and reactions to Marian and her son; not until the end, when he thinks he has lost her, and has her is he able to be vulnerable and share his heart – but all along, he offers her his protection, he works to see the truth, he cannot keep his hands and lips off her – he is gentle and passionate and persistent – discovering her almost deepest secret that she is a virgin, therefore not Lionel’s mother; honorable, stubborn, loyal, strong spirited Marian cannot resist Griffith – and feels safe with him, though she does not share her secrets (that are even more so Elizabeth’s secrets) with him – he has to deduce and wrench them out of her… and he sees her secret heart of being guardian of a child king – but when she is confronted with that truth about herself, she wrestles with it – and sees the power of her love for Griffith and for Lionel, and finally embraces them.

To protect her secrets, she keeps running from Griffith – but to her own detriment – first into an illness that almost kills her… then into kidnappers hands… then into her father’s hands; with King Henry and Griffith at his gates, Wenthaven is about to kill his daughter so as to have control of the boy & the document that proves his king rights – but he cannot take the final step of killing his daughter (she is too much like her mother), and ends up falling to his death when his mistress miscalculates pushing Marian …

And poor Henry – loses his best self when confronted with the actual boy Lionel – who takes after his father Richard… he is about to kill the boy – but Marian provokes/ challenges him – and Griffith as tactfully as he can reassures him while making it clear he will challenge the king if he tries to take the boy’s life, to sacrifice his own life… and Henry mostly sees reason… already having given Griffith a title and an estate – elicits his promise to keep himself and his new family away from court… ahhh

And Marian – a warrior in her own right – makes amends with Henry, to further protect Griffith, by volunteering to make a loyalty oath to him… and on their own… they share their hearts – their secrets…
Memorable scenes:

‘When she emerged, he stepped back, hiding himself. He didn’t like doing it. It was not the act of an open and honorable knight, but when dealing with wild creatures, with kings, and with women, Griffith had sometimes found cunning to be essential.”

‘One glance sufficed her. He looked like one of the towering ancient stone slabs that jutted out from the ground. She’d discovered them in her travels around England and even more of them in Wales. Menhirs, they called them here. Battered by wind and rain, they stood, immovable, indestructible, inexplicable: monuments that defied the march of time to silently proclaim their might.’ (and when she hides a token when he leaves to fight with King Henry – it is a stone and a lock of her hair).

“You’re heartless.” Stopping so fast she bumped into him, Griffith took her in his arms and kissed her. Kissed her until she forgot her people and all her responsibility. She forgot war and grief and shame. Shen he peeled her off him, she dimly heard calls of encouragement, but it made no sense to her. Only his words made sense to her. “I am not heartless,” Griffith claimed. “Come with me, lady, and I’ll show you.”

“Who can catch a gyrfalcon (a hawk difficult to catch, difficult to tame)?” He stopped running, regained control, and considered the question. “Who can catch a gyrfalcon? They are the swiftest of birds.” With a grin, he walked on, slowly, to the place of solitude. Discarding his clothes in an intimate, teasing courtship dance, he whispered to the wind, “Who can catch a gyrafalcon? Only the wise hunter, using the right bait.” : )

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

22 august 1485

Câmpul de luptă de la Bosworth



Griffith ap Powel fusese la un pas de moarte, reuşind în ultima clipă să evite spada însângerată a adversarului. Cu un strigăt războinic, cavalerul dădu pinteni calului şi ţâşni înainte, cu securea ridicată deasupra capului.

Duşmanul se prăvăli la pământ, dar Griffith nu avu vreme să privească în urmă. În faţa lui se ivi alt cavaler, apoi altul, şi altul. Nici unul din englezii cei nevolnici nu se putea măsura cu priceperea unui velş, dar oastea lui Richard[1] continua să lupte cu îndârjire şi disperare. Griffith îşi îndemnă din nou armăsarul. Picioarele animalului frânt de oboseală se scufundau în terenul mlăştinos, iar de jur-împrejur duhnea a moarte şi a putreziciune. Apoi, deodată, calul ajunse pe pământ solid şi,într-un asurzitor zăngănit de fiare, Griffith întâlni grosul oştirii lui Richard.

Cu ghioaga şi securea îşi croi drum printre şirurile nesfârşite de cavaleri. în urechi îi răsunau urlete şi gemete. Sudoarea i se prelingea în gură, gustul ei sărat amestecându-se eu cel al oţelului. Primi o lovitură în coapsă, dar se întoarse şi-1 zdrobi pe cel care-l atacase. Sângele se prelingea prin tunica de sub armură, dar lui nu-i păsa.

Trebuia să ajungă la Henry.

Împresurat de ceţurile dimineţii, abia putea vedea câte ceva prin viziera coifului. Deodată zări pe culmea dealului stindardul cu trandafirul roşu – emblema Lancaster-ilor. Acolo îl va găsi cu siguranţă pe Henry Tudor, ultima speranţă a familiei Lancaster. Acolo se afla omul care trebuia să fie regele Angliei.

Se strecură spre marginea câmpului de luptă, doborându-şi duşmanii în dreapta şi în stânga, fără a pierde din ochi stindardul. Îşi croi drum într-acolo pas cu pas, apoi, dând deoparte străjile lui Henry, strigă în velşă:

— Henry! My lord! În curând va fi aici!

Henry îi răspunse în aceeaşi limbă – limba copilăriei lui:

— Crezi că nu ştiu?

Arătă înspre câmpul de luptă, unde aşteptau armatele.

— Am trimis vorbă căpeteniilor să atace aşa cum au făgăduit. Dar nici unul nu s-a clintit din loc.

— Pui de căţea! mârâi Griffith, scoţându-şi coiful şi bând cu lăcomie apa pe care i-o întinsese scutierul lui Henry. Au jurat că ne vor ajuta.

— Din câte ştiu eu, i-au jurat la fel şi lui Richard, replică Henry, cuprinzând cu privirea câmpul de luptă. Vor aştepta până ce vor vedea de partea cui înclină norocul.

[nini gg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusto bastante, algo que no me gustaba era que Griffith no aceptaba a Marian por como era ella, y es por eso que el final me gusta bastante, porque aprenden a amarse como son y me gusta los sentimientos puros y sinceros que se tienen el uno por el otro, me fascinó está historia, soy una enamorada del romance y por eso el final es algo que apareció mucho, me gusto en sí todo el libro, al principio no me atrapaba pero una vez que te adentras ni siquiera lo sientes, una buena lectura y para pasar el rato.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am normally a big fan of Christina Dodd's work, however this book was just meh. I never really got invested in any of the characters; too much lying, secret keeping, and backstabbing. Art was by far the best character and he did not get near enough page time. Marian and Griffith were not an awe inspiring love story. Wenthaven was a good villain, Henry was a bad guy disguised as a good guy and ice versa. Art, and Griffith's parents saved this story.

[Lo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting premise but it felt like it dragged. Dodd has moved into other genres since her romance days and I feel like I can see that even here. There's more focus on the external and political drama (which she is very proficient at!) and not enough on the romance. I was also annoyed at how fast the romance moved at the start and how insta-love it seemed.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feisty heroine and a determined hero. Both with secrets and lessons to learn. I really enjoyed this book. The writing was good and the action kept me reading to the last page.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Kept you thinking.

[Linda Winner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

I throughly enjoyed this story. Don’t know why it took me so long to find this gem! Great characters and plot, very intriguing.

[_inbetween_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally allowed myself to read this as a treat when I couldn't get through Beard.
It started very promising and I just love the hero again - not only does she have the mose likable guys, they are even (body) types I can't stand and yet it doesn't matter. I think this was written before the great Knight one though, because at the end there are just too many characters, and having to work with the real historical figures of Richard, Henry and Elizabeth is never my favourite thing. In that and mentions of torturing marauders and the Welsh emphasis, Dodd seemed to have used Chadwick's Wild Hunt (which I regretfully gave a moocher).

There are the usual father and friend figures, but this time their alegience and morals are even harder to make out which is a big plus. Even when I found it all dragged at the end, there were genuine surprises. Dodd never went for the simple and black-n-white, and the conflict between the couple is a real one and understandable from both points of view. There is rather little sex again, IMO, but as with the drag that might be me, and misremembering other books.

There is masturbation! That deserves a paragraph of its own. Not shown, but mentioned. And the hero often refering to his "meagre talents" (sexually) is just so endearing. Once more a woman's honour is fought for to be as much worth as a man's. I forgot what was not so good this time, perhaps just the question of Dolan (too many characters), leaving me want to know more.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t too bad, for a historical romance. It’s set at the beginning of the reign of Henry VII, the father of the notorious Henry VIII, though none of it actually takes place at court. However, Henry VII does play a large role. Political intrigue is the driving force behind most of the plot. The romance between Marian and Griffith could have been a little more developed — they went from lust to love very quickly — but there were things I enjoyed. The dialogue, though not completely historically accurate, is more fitting than the speech patterns of today that are often used in historical romances. Also, I like the twisting intrigue of court. I’m liking Christina Dodd, and I’ll definitely be reading more of her books.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

King's man Griffith ap Powel is entrusted with the mission of protecting Lady Marian Wenthaven and Lionel, though from what he doesn't know. It's hate at first sight (or maybe just strong dislike) for both. Griffith because he likes his women meek and mild, or so he thought. And Lady Marian because she has many secrets which would be impossible to keep with a lover. Little Lionel plays an important role for both of them though once again, Griffith doesn't know why. OF course, hate quickly turns to something more though both fight it, Marian more so.

A tale filled with battles, treachery, betrayals and love. A thoroughly enjoyable medieval story spanning both England and Wales. On a side note, I never did figure out the significance of the title.

[Paqui Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soy una lectora que nunca había leído nada de esta autora, pero puedo decir que después de leer este libro y si tengo la ocasión de hacerme con otro libro suyo no voy a dudar ni un instante en hacerme con él. Este libro no es de los mejores, ni tampoco de los que dejan huella, pero sí que me ha gustado bastante.

(+)http://imaginedreamid.blogspot.com/20...

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as romance novels go, I enjoyed this one--probably because of the really lively plot that included a lot of court intrigue and battle scenes. The romance itself was meh, but it's not really my genre--your mileage may vary.

[Mili Literatura pe tocuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte complexa in care se pot descoperi tradari, spionaj, comploturi la nivel inalt, dar cu personaje incapatanate ce iubesc cu pasiune si indiferent de evenimentele ce apar ele raman puternice.

http://literaturapetocuri.ro/scandalo...

[john orchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story, with lots of turns and bumps in the story line.

I enjoy historical fiction with lots of action. Christina Dodd gives the reader something to savor and enjoy without a lot of clutter.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medieval

[Rue Allyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner

Every word is exactly the right word, except for one However, you'll have to discover which word by reading the book. I'm not going to give away any secrets.

[Christine Kirchoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this awhile ago but I never rated it on here.

[Stalowooka · Rating 4 out of 5]

PL: Bezwstydna

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very Slow read; not good

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hero was wonderful. Honorable, trustworthy, and nice. The heroine was a bit forceful but understandably so. What kept me from really liking her was her "secret".

The romance was completely believable. I loved how they were both attracted to and repelled by each other. It made sense because they were each very strong minded individuals.

The story is rich in history which I quite enjoyed. Henry and Elizabeth were unusual due to their convenient marriage becoming a love match. I did not skim nor did I notice any lull. Good storytelling.

3.5 stars

[Sue Gosland]

Christina Dodd writes such strong female characters, and Lady Marian Wentworth is no exception. She meets her match in Griffith De Powel, a Welsh Knight sent by King Henry VII to protect her and her son. After much fighting, loving, and intrigue, they fall in love. It is a great story, set before the intrigue of the Henry VIII court is even born.