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Dark Rider
Few secrets are harder to keep than witchcraft—but is the ancient knowledge the source of Lady Eldswythe's mysterious gift for healing horses? She is summoned to tend the prize steeds of the dark and solitary Sir Robert Breton, a rival of her family's house. The last thing Eldswythe wants is to be near a man her heart distrusts—and desires. His smoldering eyes could make her forget she is betrothed. And, oh! How he rides a horse.
Gallantly defending her through a violent siege and a harrowing escape, Robert comes to believe in her strange powers, for he knows only too well that he has fallen under her spell. The spirited and sensual Eldswythe has bewitched his stony heart with wondrous ease.
Gallantly defending her through a violent siege and a harrowing escape, Robert comes to believe in her strange powers, for he knows only too well that he has fallen under her spell. The spirited and sensual Eldswythe has bewitched his stony heart with wondrous ease.
302 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 26, 2015
Though their families are enemies, with the hero believing her father to have been the cause of his father’s death and the fact that her family has stolen lands claimed by his family, he knows that there is no better horse doctor than the heroine. When his precious horses fall ill the night before he is to gain passage to fight in the holy land, he doesn't hesitate to summon the woman they call the horse witch. And as much as the heroine dislikes the rival family, she can't stomach the idea of a horse in pain or suffering-not when she is able to help it. So she travels to the hero's camp and does what she does best.
In the morning when the horses make a full recovery, the hero's doubt in her abilities are put to rest and he is pleased enough with her to kiss her. From that moment, he is captivated by the strong-willed woman just as she is enraptured with the handsome knight. When the heroine’s father is sent to war fully anticipating to die overseas, the king decrees that the hero will remain in England and protect the heroine and the valuable lands now left vulnerable. The hero is displeased with this order but that's before he is offered those lands stolen from his family if he is able to stop the rebel lord whose attack threatens the crown. Thrust together by danger and left to escape into the wild after the heroine is nearly raped, the hero and the heroine find out quickly that they only have one another to rely on. They bond quickly, even though the hero vows that the desire he feels is only the result of adrenaline lust and nothing less. He knows about the treachery of woman after the last woman to hold his heart betrayed him and nearly hand his killed. But with the heroine it is hard to remain cold especially during those cold nights spent together in bed. She saved his horse, she saves him when a wound becomes infected and she is so damn beautiful. They face many battles and many times the hero is stricken with worry for the horse witches’ safety- just as many times the heroine is heartbroken when the hero is injured protecting her. Even when they arrive at his brothers keep and hero tries to maintain his distance it becomes impossible to forget the heroines love or how she feels in his arms. She is promised to someone else and the history and distrust between their families still resonates between them. When the heroine is kidnapped by the villain-her half-brother- the hero is enraged and will do anything to see her returned.
I liked this book but I recently read the other book of this series and the similarities between them were blatant and predictable. They had pretty much the same setting and plot, so similar that it felt like I reading the first book all over again. I didn't dislike it, per say, but I was bored quickly and found myself skipping pages here and there. I thought the characters were dramatic and extremely bipolar both with their affections and their trust. It seems like the hero would just get into these moods for no reason where he would ice the heroine out-then, like nothing happened, he would tell her how badly he wanted her. My head was spinning. I didn't dislike this book but neither did I love it. It was sort of meh t me. P.S. slight paranormal aspects to this story as it was in the previous book. The heroine seems to be able to control horses and make them do her bidding. Though she fights this tooth and nail and never truly uses her gift for anything useful.
In the morning when the horses make a full recovery, the hero's doubt in her abilities are put to rest and he is pleased enough with her to kiss her. From that moment, he is captivated by the strong-willed woman just as she is enraptured with the handsome knight. When the heroine’s father is sent to war fully anticipating to die overseas, the king decrees that the hero will remain in England and protect the heroine and the valuable lands now left vulnerable. The hero is displeased with this order but that's before he is offered those lands stolen from his family if he is able to stop the rebel lord whose attack threatens the crown. Thrust together by danger and left to escape into the wild after the heroine is nearly raped, the hero and the heroine find out quickly that they only have one another to rely on. They bond quickly, even though the hero vows that the desire he feels is only the result of adrenaline lust and nothing less. He knows about the treachery of woman after the last woman to hold his heart betrayed him and nearly hand his killed. But with the heroine it is hard to remain cold especially during those cold nights spent together in bed. She saved his horse, she saves him when a wound becomes infected and she is so damn beautiful. They face many battles and many times the hero is stricken with worry for the horse witches’ safety- just as many times the heroine is heartbroken when the hero is injured protecting her. Even when they arrive at his brothers keep and hero tries to maintain his distance it becomes impossible to forget the heroines love or how she feels in his arms. She is promised to someone else and the history and distrust between their families still resonates between them. When the heroine is kidnapped by the villain-her half-brother- the hero is enraged and will do anything to see her returned.
I liked this book but I recently read the other book of this series and the similarities between them were blatant and predictable. They had pretty much the same setting and plot, so similar that it felt like I reading the first book all over again. I didn't dislike it, per say, but I was bored quickly and found myself skipping pages here and there. I thought the characters were dramatic and extremely bipolar both with their affections and their trust. It seems like the hero would just get into these moods for no reason where he would ice the heroine out-then, like nothing happened, he would tell her how badly he wanted her. My head was spinning. I didn't dislike this book but neither did I love it. It was sort of meh t me. P.S. slight paranormal aspects to this story as it was in the previous book. The heroine seems to be able to control horses and make them do her bidding. Though she fights this tooth and nail and never truly uses her gift for anything useful.
August 6, 2010
Lady Eldswythe, daughter of the Earl of Crenalden, despises the dark and handsome Sir Robert Breton. She blames his family for stealing a portion of her father’s land and is convinced that Sir Robert is out for more, even if it means attempting to court her. Sir Robert, however, doesn’t trust Eldswythe or her father any more than she trusts him. Sir Robert blames the Earl for the death of his father and believes that Eldswythe is a horsewitch who can make horses sick or crazy. However, both have a common enemy in John Gilroy, the bastard son of the Earl and a man who is out to destroy both Lady Eldswythe and Sir Robert.
Dark Rider is an adventurous, historical romance set in England in 1269, filled with hidden agendas, superstition, disease, suspicion, and death. Author Kathrynn Dennis does a good job of developing characters, romance, tension, and suspense as the big battle between them and Gilroy looms. Fans of romance and this time period in England’s history likely won’t be disappointed.
Dark Rider is an adventurous, historical romance set in England in 1269, filled with hidden agendas, superstition, disease, suspicion, and death. Author Kathrynn Dennis does a good job of developing characters, romance, tension, and suspense as the big battle between them and Gilroy looms. Fans of romance and this time period in England’s history likely won’t be disappointed.
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June 13, 2021good
June 19, 2022
Not the best book. I was glad I was done reading it.
October 13, 2026
This book felt like it was written in the 80s but it was actually written in 2007. Huh
April 1, 2019
Um Romeu e Julieta com final feliz.
Duas famílias inimigas e um casal apaixonado. Ela uma feiticeira de cavalos e ele um exímio cavaleiro e criador de cavalos.
Que saudade eu estava de ler um romance medieval com uma trama realmente envolvente e que não se centrasse apenas no casal.
Esse foi assim. Um enredo recheado de traições, mistérios, magia e uma linda história de amor.
Recomendo sem sombra de dúvida.
Duas famílias inimigas e um casal apaixonado. Ela uma feiticeira de cavalos e ele um exímio cavaleiro e criador de cavalos.
Que saudade eu estava de ler um romance medieval com uma trama realmente envolvente e que não se centrasse apenas no casal.
Esse foi assim. Um enredo recheado de traições, mistérios, magia e uma linda história de amor.
Recomendo sem sombra de dúvida.
December 17, 2012
Synopsis: "Few secrets are harder to keep than witchcraft—but is the ancient knowledge the source of Lady Eldswythe's mysterious gift for healing horses? She is summoned to tend the prize steeds of the dark and solitary Sir Robert Breton, a rival of her family's house. The last thing Eldswythe wants is to be near a man her heart distrusts—and desires. His smoldering eyes could make her forget she is betrothed. And, oh! How he rides a horse.
Gallantly defending her through a violent siege and a harrowing escape, Robert comes to believe in her strange powers, for he knows only too well that he has fallen under her spell. The spirited and sensual Eldswythe has bewitched his stony heart with wondrous ease."
My Review: Dark Rider had a lot of highs and lows for me. I loved the unique horsewitch element and of course the huge role that horses played in the book. I would have loved to hear more about the weeping women but that could be another novel. The low part for me was the Black Bane sequence, I felt like it was not needed other than giving the characters time to grow a relationship and that it is in so many other historical romances. It seemed like there was just so many challenges to over come, that it became too extreme. I did like the characters though especially Robert. At times Eldswythe seemed a little contradictory at times but I still enjoyed her character's connection with the horses and her determination. I think this one would have been better with a little more backstory and without the plague, but I still enjoyed it.
Gallantly defending her through a violent siege and a harrowing escape, Robert comes to believe in her strange powers, for he knows only too well that he has fallen under her spell. The spirited and sensual Eldswythe has bewitched his stony heart with wondrous ease."
My Review: Dark Rider had a lot of highs and lows for me. I loved the unique horsewitch element and of course the huge role that horses played in the book. I would have loved to hear more about the weeping women but that could be another novel. The low part for me was the Black Bane sequence, I felt like it was not needed other than giving the characters time to grow a relationship and that it is in so many other historical romances. It seemed like there was just so many challenges to over come, that it became too extreme. I did like the characters though especially Robert. At times Eldswythe seemed a little contradictory at times but I still enjoyed her character's connection with the horses and her determination. I think this one would have been better with a little more backstory and without the plague, but I still enjoyed it.
May 21, 2010
Quick read, liked the story line. The author is a veterinarian, and I enjoy how she takes what we now consider to be normal horse diseases and problems, and sets it up like it's this spooky superstitious, witches and devils and curse type of stuff that was common back then. Enjoyed the descriptions of the dancing horse, (dressage) and the oddball things that a horseperson knows can be typical. And of course, strong lead characters, fun romance, all the typical stuff.
June 29, 2010
Lady Eldswythe despairs when her father abandons her for the Crusades and she’s thrust into the care of Sir Robert Breton who covets her family’s estate. But when evil Lord Gilroy gathers an army to conquer her castle, she has no choice but to rely on Robert to save her. Robert has always wanted the land he perceived as his, regardless if Eldswythe lays claim to it. But once the horsewitch weaves her spell on him, he decides her life is more important. Dare he dream he can have both?
February 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this debut from Kensington. I bought it because I'd enjoyed Kathrynn Dennis's Shadow Rider so much! I find I'm doing that more and more: reading through my TBR pile and finding new authors and then digging for backlist and reading on my iPad.
July 26, 2013
I enjoyed this story of star-crossed lovers, a "horsewitch" and the unlikely warrior she falls in love with, and the various obstacles they face along the way in the year 1269 at the beginning of yet another Crusade.
May 19, 2008
It gave me a sense of detail that one would normally get if one were an eyewitness to a scene, espescially when the scene had to do with horses.
June 25, 2011
1269 in England while the Crusades are rampaging through Europe and the Middle East...
November 3, 2012
Not great literature, but he can ride anything and she can control horses with her thoughts. As one who cannot control a horse when someone else is holding the reins, I appreciated the concept.
June 28, 2014
at least it kept my Interest
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews