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Knights of Champagne #1
Lady Isobel's Champion
HIS LADY IN WAITING
In her long years at the convent, waiting for her betrothed, Lady Isobel de Turenne has built the Comte d'Aveyron into a fantasy--a man who will rescue, protect and love her....
But when the comte finally returns to claim his bride, Isobel finds instead a man of contradictions--one who masks dark secrets with desire.
Wary of a man's touch but desperate to grasp her new freedom, Isobel must decide if it's solely duty forcing the comte to marry or whether he is truly her longed-for champion.
Knights of Champagne
Three Swordsmen for Three Ladies
In her long years at the convent, waiting for her betrothed, Lady Isobel de Turenne has built the Comte d'Aveyron into a fantasy--a man who will rescue, protect and love her....
But when the comte finally returns to claim his bride, Isobel finds instead a man of contradictions--one who masks dark secrets with desire.
Wary of a man's touch but desperate to grasp her new freedom, Isobel must decide if it's solely duty forcing the comte to marry or whether he is truly her longed-for champion.
Knights of Champagne
Three Swordsmen for Three Ladies
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Carol Townend
69 books92 followersCarol Townend writes atmospheric Historical Romances and Sagas set in England and Europe. Born in Yorkshire, she went to a convent school high on the Whitby cliffs. Later, she studied history at Royal Holloway College, London. She lives in London with her husband and daughter.
Carol's first novel, Sapphire in the Snow, won the RNA New Writers' Award. Two other novels were shortlisted for the RoNA Rose award - Betrothed to the Barbarian in 2013 and Unveiling Lady Clare in 2015.
Carol loves research, and spends too much time hunting for excuses to go on research trips. She can often be seen teetering on the battlements of various stately homes or castles.
Carol's first novel, Sapphire in the Snow, won the RNA New Writers' Award. Two other novels were shortlisted for the RoNA Rose award - Betrothed to the Barbarian in 2013 and Unveiling Lady Clare in 2015.
Carol loves research, and spends too much time hunting for excuses to go on research trips. She can often be seen teetering on the battlements of various stately homes or castles.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 30, 2018
Meh. Snooze.
One review for another of Townend's books puts it best: blá-blá-blá repetitivo. I can't tell you precisely what language that is -- Spanish, maybe? Portuguese? -- but such a sentiment must be universal, because it's precisely my (English-speaking) reaction. The hero is bland, the heroine is meh, & overarching plot is thinner than a Nilla Wafer; the leads repeatedly rehash the same sticking points over & over, doing their damnedest to bolster the page count with previously established stumbling blocks & revelations on a feedback loop. The endless feels were enough to put me to sleep, turning a relatively short romance into a marathon of perseverance & side-eyed disbelief. Nobody really *does* anything, & the mystery about the maid was resolved with a whimper, as she literally exits the story off-page, never to return. WTF.***
Blá-blá-blá repetitivo, indeed. -_______- Best thing about this one is the beefcake knight on the cover (who looks like he could kick the hero's ass).
***EDIT: Apparently the maid returns for her own story later in this series -- fitting, given that she's the most interesting character in the book. But unless I'm wow'd by the other 2 Townends already on my shelf, I won't be bothering.
One review for another of Townend's books puts it best: blá-blá-blá repetitivo. I can't tell you precisely what language that is -- Spanish, maybe? Portuguese? -- but such a sentiment must be universal, because it's precisely my (English-speaking) reaction. The hero is bland, the heroine is meh, & overarching plot is thinner than a Nilla Wafer; the leads repeatedly rehash the same sticking points over & over, doing their damnedest to bolster the page count with previously established stumbling blocks & revelations on a feedback loop. The endless feels were enough to put me to sleep, turning a relatively short romance into a marathon of perseverance & side-eyed disbelief. Nobody really *does* anything, & the mystery about the maid was resolved with a whimper, as she literally exits the story off-page, never to return. WTF.***
Blá-blá-blá repetitivo, indeed. -_______- Best thing about this one is the beefcake knight on the cover (who looks like he could kick the hero's ass).
***EDIT: Apparently the maid returns for her own story later in this series -- fitting, given that she's the most interesting character in the book. But unless I'm wow'd by the other 2 Townends already on my shelf, I won't be bothering.
May 13, 2018
É triste quando pegamos um livro, ainda mais um romance de época (um dos meus gêneros mais queridos) com muitas expectativas e acabamos frustrados no final. O Campeão de Lady Isobel não é um livro ruim, mas não chega também a ser bom. A capa é bonita e a história movimentada, assim como o cenário incomum (a França medieval) são os maiores pontos a favor do livro. Mas, em compensação, o texto não flui e os protagonistas transmitem ideais machistas que dão uma sensação de desconforto durante a leitura. Apesar da minha experiência decepcionante com O Campeão de Lady Isobel, pretendo dar uma chance para, pelo menos, mais um ou dois livros da saga. Quem sabe a autora não consiga se mostrar mais amadurecida e sua história mais cativante nos volumes seguintes de Cavaleiros de Champagne?
LEIA A RESENHA COMPLETA E VEJA FOTOS DO LIVRO NO BLOG: http://www.mademoisellelovesbooks.com...
LEIA A RESENHA COMPLETA E VEJA FOTOS DO LIVRO NO BLOG: http://www.mademoisellelovesbooks.com...
April 3, 2019
Bylo to tak hloupé a nesmyslné, až mi to na pár vteřin ochromilo mozek.
May 20, 2022
This is the 1st book I read by Carol Townend. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 2 because it didn't grab my interest.
July 14, 2016
It is the late twelfth century and in her long years at the convent, waiting for her betrothed and feeling like a prisoner, Lady Isobel de Turenne has built the Comte d'Aveyron (Lucien) into a fantasy--a man who will rescue, protect and love her....
But when the comte finally returns to claim his bride, Isobel finds instead a man of contradictions--one who masks dark secrets with desire. As the secrets are slowly revealed, Isobel swerves between horror and understanding. She tells herself that it is merely a political marriage of convenience, yet her heart tells a different story. Isobel is a strong character, independent and at times headstrong. She wants her freedom yet needs the love of a husband. A well built story with believable characters and an evocative sense of time and place.
But when the comte finally returns to claim his bride, Isobel finds instead a man of contradictions--one who masks dark secrets with desire. As the secrets are slowly revealed, Isobel swerves between horror and understanding. She tells herself that it is merely a political marriage of convenience, yet her heart tells a different story. Isobel is a strong character, independent and at times headstrong. She wants her freedom yet needs the love of a husband. A well built story with believable characters and an evocative sense of time and place.
September 19, 2013
not only was this book a really great romance (leaving me sighing), but Carol Townend gets so much historical detail in, that you really feel as if you're there. Can't wait for the next in the Knights of Champagne series.
August 20, 2016
While reading this story I was transported back in time to the 12th century . This author studied ancient and medieval history and it shines through in this book . She made a good mix of history and romance with a theft thrown in to make it an even more exciting read .
November 23, 2021
DNF 70%, not for me.
December 30, 2016
Autorka má zjevně o středověku velmi zkreslené představy.
Hrdinové jsou devět let zasnoubeni, přesto, že hrdina při zásnubách již byl ženatý. Naštěstí stihl včas ovdovět. I když o jeho sňatku věděla „pouze abatyše a pár jeho rytířů“, bylo to v podstatě veřejným tajemstvím.
Ctnostný rytíř, který se bál „skandálu, který by otřásl celým křesťanským světem“, sňatek „tajil v naději, že manželka bude časem natolik silná, aby se smířila s jeho zrušením“.
Pobavilo mě, že ctnostný hrdina, kterému o věno nikdy nešlo, v podstatě hned, jak se dozvěděl o smrti svého tchána, hnal se do stájí, aby vznesl svůj nárok na jeho půdu.
Pár věcí autorka nedomyslela.
Hrdinova manželka zemřela koncem léta, která právě skončilo, zhruba ve stejnou dobu jak hrdinčina matka. Hrdinové se vzali před adventem (takže hrdina taky nečekal po smrti své první ženy moc dlouho. Zatímco otci ukvapený sňatek hrdinka vyčítala, u hrdiny to nebylo tak žhavé).
Velkým úkolem pro hrdinku bylo utajit před manželem, že její nevlastní matka v lednu porodí dítě. A pokud to bude syn, tak žádné dědictví nebude.
Spíš bych čekala, že ji zarazí, že její sourozenec byl počat v květnu, ještě za života její matky, která zemřela při porodu...
Celá záležitost s relikvií je chatrná.
Překládat jména není nejlepší nápad. Středověká Francie, Isobel, Elisa, Lucien...a Řehoř. A Jindra.
Hrdinové jsou devět let zasnoubeni, přesto, že hrdina při zásnubách již byl ženatý. Naštěstí stihl včas ovdovět. I když o jeho sňatku věděla „pouze abatyše a pár jeho rytířů“, bylo to v podstatě veřejným tajemstvím.
Ctnostný rytíř, který se bál „skandálu, který by otřásl celým křesťanským světem“, sňatek „tajil v naději, že manželka bude časem natolik silná, aby se smířila s jeho zrušením“.
Pobavilo mě, že ctnostný hrdina, kterému o věno nikdy nešlo, v podstatě hned, jak se dozvěděl o smrti svého tchána, hnal se do stájí, aby vznesl svůj nárok na jeho půdu.
Pár věcí autorka nedomyslela.
Hrdinova manželka zemřela koncem léta, která právě skončilo, zhruba ve stejnou dobu jak hrdinčina matka. Hrdinové se vzali před adventem (takže hrdina taky nečekal po smrti své první ženy moc dlouho. Zatímco otci ukvapený sňatek hrdinka vyčítala, u hrdiny to nebylo tak žhavé).
Velkým úkolem pro hrdinku bylo utajit před manželem, že její nevlastní matka v lednu porodí dítě. A pokud to bude syn, tak žádné dědictví nebude.
Spíš bych čekala, že ji zarazí, že její sourozenec byl počat v květnu, ještě za života její matky, která zemřela při porodu...
Celá záležitost s relikvií je chatrná.
Překládat jména není nejlepší nápad. Středověká Francie, Isobel, Elisa, Lucien...a Řehoř. A Jindra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
I gave up on this story a few chapters in. The disrespect the hero shows the heroine was really disconcerting to me. He delays their marriage and keeps her waiting in a convent for years without telling her why. When they do meet he treats her like a child, and not a 20 year old adult, which would have been considered well into adulthood in that time period. I especially disliked that although he admires her will and determination, he also thinks he is going to discipline her. Look, I know during the medieval period women were supposed to be obedient to their husbands, but it made me dislike the hero. I felt sorry for the heroine and kept hoping someone better for her would come along.
November 1, 2017
2.5, na verdade. Me diverti lendo, mas achei as atitudes do mocinho péssimas e odiei a forma como ele tenta se justificar sobre a espera que fez a Isobel passar - e isso só depois de muito tempo.
April 16, 2023
This is my first book of this author, and I think that is good, but not enough to cacth my attention until the final.
December 1, 2016
Je viens enfin d'accéder à un point critique de ma pal. Ce petit à déjà un an et je viens enfin de le sortir.
Ce qui m'a attiré dans ce livre ou plutôt cette série, c'est bien sur le sous titre. Chevalier plus terres de champagne, je ne pouvais que succomber surtout si l'intrigue se déroule pendant une bonne partie dans ma ville au moyen âge. Je suis faible, je l'avoue.
Et bien, je n'ai pas été déçu de mon choix, j'avais déjà entendu parler de l'auteure en termes positifs et je me suis laissé tenter plutôt deux fois qu'une. On suit donc Isabelle (Isobel en version originale) qui après avoir attendu neuf ans dans diverses abbaye va enfin se marier avec son promis le comte Luc Vernon. Luc qui s'attend à avoir une futur épouse obéissante et docile va déchanter...
Je fus agréablement surprise par ma lecture. C'est frais, amusant et captivant. Je me suis prise au jeu et avec les indication données ici et là par l'auteur, j'ai essayé de retrouver les bâtiments nommés dans le récit et donc me repérer géographiquement dans la ville. Les détails des rues, des maisons correspondent bien à la réalité et j'ai été ravie du respect de l'auteure pour ça.
Quant à l'histoire en elle-même, elle est simple et agréable. J'ai passé un bon moment à imaginer la vie à cette époque, les risques, les peurs et la mentalité de cette population très croyante et travailleuse. Notre couple de héros m'a bien fait rire par moment. Isabelle à son caractère et même Luc a du mal à se faire obéir, lui symbole d'autorité. On y fait aussi connaissance avec Elise et Gauvain les héros du tome 3 et on entend juste parler de Claire et Arthus les héros du tome 2 .
Bref, j'ai apprécier ce premier tome. Il se lit très vite. ne prend pas la tête. Laissez-vous simplement porter par cette histoire.
Ce qui m'a attiré dans ce livre ou plutôt cette série, c'est bien sur le sous titre. Chevalier plus terres de champagne, je ne pouvais que succomber surtout si l'intrigue se déroule pendant une bonne partie dans ma ville au moyen âge. Je suis faible, je l'avoue.
Et bien, je n'ai pas été déçu de mon choix, j'avais déjà entendu parler de l'auteure en termes positifs et je me suis laissé tenter plutôt deux fois qu'une. On suit donc Isabelle (Isobel en version originale) qui après avoir attendu neuf ans dans diverses abbaye va enfin se marier avec son promis le comte Luc Vernon. Luc qui s'attend à avoir une futur épouse obéissante et docile va déchanter...
Je fus agréablement surprise par ma lecture. C'est frais, amusant et captivant. Je me suis prise au jeu et avec les indication données ici et là par l'auteur, j'ai essayé de retrouver les bâtiments nommés dans le récit et donc me repérer géographiquement dans la ville. Les détails des rues, des maisons correspondent bien à la réalité et j'ai été ravie du respect de l'auteure pour ça.
Quant à l'histoire en elle-même, elle est simple et agréable. J'ai passé un bon moment à imaginer la vie à cette époque, les risques, les peurs et la mentalité de cette population très croyante et travailleuse. Notre couple de héros m'a bien fait rire par moment. Isabelle à son caractère et même Luc a du mal à se faire obéir, lui symbole d'autorité. On y fait aussi connaissance avec Elise et Gauvain les héros du tome 3 et on entend juste parler de Claire et Arthus les héros du tome 2 .
Bref, j'ai apprécier ce premier tome. Il se lit très vite. ne prend pas la tête. Laissez-vous simplement porter par cette histoire.
August 17, 2024
Una ambientación diferente, la corte de Troyes a finales del siglo XII, no me digáis que no es algo inusual. Un HH es perfecto para esos días en que no estás para leerte a Roberto Bolaño. Tiene la sencillez de las novelitas genéricas, con el tradicional relato en tercera persona; pero, por otro lado, las autoras tienen el puntito de ambición de situar sus historias en ambientes diferentes, como ocurre aquí.
Lucien e Isobel están prometidos desde hace años. Pero él no la ha visitado, dejándola que se eduque (y languidezca) en un convento, del que Isobel quiere salir cuanto antes. Al final, él reclama a su prometida. Se gustan, pero son dos desconocidos que, además, guardan sus secretillos. Su camino a una vida conyugal medianamente armoniosa no es del todo fácil, pero tampoco son los dramones y las violencias de la época de los bodice rippers.
Reseña algo más amplia, en mi blog.
Lucien e Isobel están prometidos desde hace años. Pero él no la ha visitado, dejándola que se eduque (y languidezca) en un convento, del que Isobel quiere salir cuanto antes. Al final, él reclama a su prometida. Se gustan, pero son dos desconocidos que, además, guardan sus secretillos. Su camino a una vida conyugal medianamente armoniosa no es del todo fácil, pero tampoco son los dramones y las violencias de la época de los bodice rippers.
Reseña algo más amplia, en mi blog.
August 9, 2013
I'm sure I would have been killed if I'd lived back then :) I couldn't have conformed to the way of life. I'd have been worse than Isobel :). The romantic in me enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for a fairly casual, easy to read romp, this book is for you. I mostly liked the characters, although I often wonder why people are so slow to see what is right before them ;). Nice to see a man portrayed in a positive, non piglike way. Most men are not brutish bastards and it's nice to see kindness and a loving nature portrayed in a man of means and substance and status. I liked this book and would read it again :) Oh.... And I totally worked out who Elise was before the reveal :P
I recieved this book for free through goodreads.
I recieved this book for free through goodreads.
May 6, 2013
I loved this book and can't wait to read more from Carol Townend. I liked how strong Isobel was even though she was scared. I really like that Lucien was honorable and stood up for Isobel when people were putting her down ( even when he didn't really agree with her).
It was pretty easy to figure out who Elise was ahead of the reveal.
I received this book free from Goodreads.
It was pretty easy to figure out who Elise was ahead of the reveal.
I received this book free from Goodreads.
not-finished
November 27, 2015Did not finish, not the book for me.
Read
June 2, 2013Miniseries: Knights of Champagne
Category: Historical Romance
Category: Historical Romance
Read
December 26, 2015j'ai détesté l'histoire et l'héroïne
February 1, 2017
Solo le faltó un epílogo.
April 1, 2016
Medieval Romance with two people who really needed to talk. But fall in love anyway.
June 12, 2016
I liked it :o) Isobel was practical, but still a woman.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews