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Damsel in Distress
In Robin Hood’s forest, the bandit’s silver sword belongs to Lady Greensleeves Countess Katherine de Montrain is not your typical lady. Hunting alongside her father since she was a child, she is quick with a bow and sword and knows the forest well—but hides this expertise from everyone around her. Years later, Kat finds herself a prized maiden in the court of Richard the Lionheart. As she resists the unwelcome advances of the crusader Damian Mountjoy, she relishes her secret life as a bandit who fights in the company of Robin Hood. There she is known as Lady Greensleeves: a crack shot, keen tracker, and champion of the oppressed. But passion is about to grip her heart, and love is never simple in the forest, where deception is the only way to survive. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Heather Graham, including rare photos from the author’s personal collection.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1992
57 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Drake
52 books572 followersHeather Graham Pozzessere
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 24, 2012
Robin Hood, Knights Templar and Romance, Oh My!
Set in 12th century England (mostly, though there are scenes in the Holy Land), in the reign of King Richard the Lion Heart and his brother, Prince John, this is a romance that will win your heart.
Lord Damien Montjoy, one of Richard's faithful knights who would help the king retake Jerusalem, and one day return to England to be lord of his own castle, is rewarded by Richard for his valor with the adjoining lands of Lady Katherine ("Kat") de Montrain--and with the hand of the lady herself. Richard also wants Montjoy to secure the north of England from the wiles of his brother John. Ah, but there are legends about the forests there...Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, Lady Greensleeves and the Silver Sword!
Prince John would give Kat's hand to the evil de la Ville who will pay him richly as John is ever in need of funds. The Silver Sword, a man who once saved her father's life, arrives to save Kat from de la Ville and deliver her to Montjoy, but then the Sword takes her innocence (the way I read it, it's a forced seduction). Kat is a strong and beautiful young woman...in fact, the Lady Greensleeves herself! While she weds Montjoy, she is not happy about it as he is a nemesis from her youth. Kat hates all the men in her life: the King, Montjoy and the Silver Sword. Could she ever love such a man? ("Never!") Does she love the Silver Sword after their night of intimacy? ("No!")
But all will come right and the legends will have their day. This is really a dreamy romance with rich characters and great action. Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham) always delivers a romance you can't put down. I only wish she had written this one as a part of a series as I did not want it to end. I recommend it.
Set in 12th century England (mostly, though there are scenes in the Holy Land), in the reign of King Richard the Lion Heart and his brother, Prince John, this is a romance that will win your heart.
Lord Damien Montjoy, one of Richard's faithful knights who would help the king retake Jerusalem, and one day return to England to be lord of his own castle, is rewarded by Richard for his valor with the adjoining lands of Lady Katherine ("Kat") de Montrain--and with the hand of the lady herself. Richard also wants Montjoy to secure the north of England from the wiles of his brother John. Ah, but there are legends about the forests there...Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, Lady Greensleeves and the Silver Sword!
Prince John would give Kat's hand to the evil de la Ville who will pay him richly as John is ever in need of funds. The Silver Sword, a man who once saved her father's life, arrives to save Kat from de la Ville and deliver her to Montjoy, but then the Sword takes her innocence (the way I read it, it's a forced seduction). Kat is a strong and beautiful young woman...in fact, the Lady Greensleeves herself! While she weds Montjoy, she is not happy about it as he is a nemesis from her youth. Kat hates all the men in her life: the King, Montjoy and the Silver Sword. Could she ever love such a man? ("Never!") Does she love the Silver Sword after their night of intimacy? ("No!")
But all will come right and the legends will have their day. This is really a dreamy romance with rich characters and great action. Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham) always delivers a romance you can't put down. I only wish she had written this one as a part of a series as I did not want it to end. I recommend it.
April 14, 2024
Quando ho sbirciato la cover dell'edizione originale Euroclub del 1996 (un Fabio con i capelli scuri e una lei discinta ed entusiasta) mi ero un po' spaventata e temevo l’effetto trentennio: per fortuna, Shannon Drake è sempre una conferma di buona lettura.
Di lei, peraltro, ho letto un po' di tutto, ma mi mancava un corposo medievale come questo.
Prima sorpresa: la Drake si sceglie un'epoca particolare come quella del re Riccardo Cuor di Leone e del fratello Giovanni Senza Terra, e l'ambienta direttamente nel mondo di Robin Hood, che è addirittura un comprimario nella trama, insieme a lady Marian e alla classica banda che conosciamo (da Dumas a Disney a Drake, insomma).
Lady Katherine è un'amica d'infanzia di Robin e con lui assiste ai soprusi dei nobili che affamano gli abitanti dei villaggi, costretti a cacciare o rubare per sfidare la fame, nonché alle imprese inaspettate del misterioso eroe mascherato Spada d'Argento.
Una volta cresciuta, e divenuta contessa, aiuta Robin come può, ma è anche costretta alle nozze combinate da re Riccardo, ancora bloccato in Terrasanta.
Il prescelto è lord Damian Montjoy, prode cavaliere e - all'insaputa di lei - parente alla lontana dello stesso Robin. Ma se Damian pensa di arrivare, sposarsi e trionfare felice, si sbaglia di grosso.
Kat non ha nessuna intenzione di rendere le cose agevoli, troppo occupata a difendere le sue stesse terre dalle grinfie di Giovanni e dei suoi baroni, nonché ad agire lei stessa come eroina mascherata.
Ci sono forse troppi eroi mascherati nella foresta di Sherwood?
Tra schermaglie d'amore e di di fatto, tentati rapimenti, fughe, e complotti, le nozze si riveleranno in salita, per quanto tutti cerchino di convincere l'intrepida protagonista a divenire più mansueta, secondo i dettami del tempo.
Carino. Continuo però a preferire i western di quest'autrice.
Di lei, peraltro, ho letto un po' di tutto, ma mi mancava un corposo medievale come questo.
Prima sorpresa: la Drake si sceglie un'epoca particolare come quella del re Riccardo Cuor di Leone e del fratello Giovanni Senza Terra, e l'ambienta direttamente nel mondo di Robin Hood, che è addirittura un comprimario nella trama, insieme a lady Marian e alla classica banda che conosciamo (da Dumas a Disney a Drake, insomma).
Lady Katherine è un'amica d'infanzia di Robin e con lui assiste ai soprusi dei nobili che affamano gli abitanti dei villaggi, costretti a cacciare o rubare per sfidare la fame, nonché alle imprese inaspettate del misterioso eroe mascherato Spada d'Argento.
Una volta cresciuta, e divenuta contessa, aiuta Robin come può, ma è anche costretta alle nozze combinate da re Riccardo, ancora bloccato in Terrasanta.
Il prescelto è lord Damian Montjoy, prode cavaliere e - all'insaputa di lei - parente alla lontana dello stesso Robin. Ma se Damian pensa di arrivare, sposarsi e trionfare felice, si sbaglia di grosso.
Kat non ha nessuna intenzione di rendere le cose agevoli, troppo occupata a difendere le sue stesse terre dalle grinfie di Giovanni e dei suoi baroni, nonché ad agire lei stessa come eroina mascherata.
Ci sono forse troppi eroi mascherati nella foresta di Sherwood?
Tra schermaglie d'amore e di di fatto, tentati rapimenti, fughe, e complotti, le nozze si riveleranno in salita, per quanto tutti cerchino di convincere l'intrepida protagonista a divenire più mansueta, secondo i dettami del tempo.
Carino. Continuo però a preferire i western di quest'autrice.
April 2, 2024
2nd reread 2024 4stars
1st read 2022 5stars
1st read 2022 5stars
April 12, 2024
I enjoyed the storyline. I really liked the Robin Hood parts. The first half was kind of slow, and I thought it took them too long to realize they love each other. But both main characters are stubborn, so it makes sense that it takes them forever to realize they don’t hate each other. For me, the worst part of the book was kat. She was just stubborn and spoiled for the most part. Her character was very fustrating. This book did have a satisfying end. It was overall an okay book.
May 25, 2017
This is hands down the best romance novel I have ever read.
Want to read
March 13, 2019Kate is forced to marry la diville ,so she planned an escape she was help by the sender sword which by name is dammie e.t. c
April 19, 2020
A beautiful romance. At times like these with such panic and stress, I like a good book to help me escape reality and delve into a fantasy. This book did just that for me! I often get some what bored throughout a historical romance, but this romance kept me on edge and I never felt less than entertained. A set up marriage yuck, but Kat has already met her soon to be picked husband lord Damian Montjoy, and they didn’t have the best first meeting one can hope for, how will this proposal work out?! Lady green sleeves and Silver Sword? Kat and Damian, both lead secret lives. Which this put a twist on the book, all along Damian knew Kat was Lady green sleeves but Kat didn’t know Damian was Silver Sword . It was kind of wrong how Damian played Kat throughout most of the story, but he had good intentions beyond his actions, can you blame a man for trying. I just love the Era this book took place it was like living in a whole different world while reading, I never wanted it to end. I don’t have many complaints on this story other than, how did it take Kat so long to figure out Damian her husband was Silver Sword, like come on. She is much smarter than that !! I felt very much at peace with the ending, that is one thing that makes a book good, a good ending. So long story short Kat and Damian blissfully fall in love, start a beautiful family, and bask in the sweet glory of roses!
March 10, 2018
I worried this would be stupid and completely unbelievable, but it was actually quite believable. It has enough fable woven with fact to make it believable and enough charm to make it a wonderful story!
July 1, 2023
Enjoyable historical romance book. Not one of Shannon Drake's best, but fun. I'm not sure if I would re-read it... but then again I don't remember specifics.
May 31, 2024
Malefica81 - per RFS
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Bentornate, Fenici!
Robin Hood. No, non mi sono ammattita o rincoglionita all’improvviso: questo libro parla di leggende e di un amore che si intreccia a esse. Lady Katherine de Montrain ha un cugino di nome Robin, il quale ha un altro cugino chiamato Damian, il cavaliere nero che diventerà uno dei comandanti di Riccardo Cuor di leone durante le Crociate.
Per volontà di Riccardo, Damian dovrà sposare Katherine affinché la sua immensa fortuna non cada nelle mani del fratello Giovanni. Damian lavora per il re, Katherine deve riferire i piani o qualsiasi altra cosa Giovanni abbia in mente agli allegri compagni della foresta.
Così, inizia un vero duello verbale tra i due. Kat non vuole avere vincoli ma continuare a essere Lady Manicheverdi, la spia di Robin: sa che se si sposerà, la sua agognata libertà verrà tolta dalle regole di quell’epoca dove la moglie deve obbedire al marito in tutto e per tutto. Damian invece è diviso tra Spada d’Argento, il suo alter ego quando combatte con Robin contro il principe Giovanni, e Lord Montjoy, il barone.
“Le leggende e l’amore! Qui hanno avuto inizio, e qui vivranno in eterno!”
Katherine è una testona di prima categoria… se uno ti dice di non fare una determinata cosa tu non devi farla, giusto? Invece, lei che fa? Lo fa con conseguenze, sa che può essere riconosciuta, uccisa, o peggio, come finire nelle mani del cattivo di turno che vuole il suo castello, i possedimenti e il suo corpo. Davvero, va benissimo essere emancipate e toste,ma qui andiamo ben oltre, l’avrei presa a schiaffi io dato che il caro Damian non osa!
Ah, Damian… capelli come l’ala di un corvo e occhi d’argento. Un cavaliere nero, un fregno atomico che diviso in due identità e una di esse gli si ritorcerà contro, anche se sarà proprio il suo essere Spada d’Argento che lo aiuterà.
Un applauso ai personaggi secondari ma soprattutto a come l’autrice ha messo Robin Hood e tutti gli altri compagni nella storia – o meglio, nel modo in cui ha infilato Kat e Damian in una delle più note storie del mondo.
Vogliamo parlare anche dei due cavalli di Damian? Lucien per Montjoy e Lucifero per Spada d’Argento, due stalloni neri come la notte, cavalli da guerra intelligenti e potenti.
Libro assolutamente da leggere e caldamente consigliato.
.
Bentornate, Fenici!
Robin Hood. No, non mi sono ammattita o rincoglionita all’improvviso: questo libro parla di leggende e di un amore che si intreccia a esse. Lady Katherine de Montrain ha un cugino di nome Robin, il quale ha un altro cugino chiamato Damian, il cavaliere nero che diventerà uno dei comandanti di Riccardo Cuor di leone durante le Crociate.
Per volontà di Riccardo, Damian dovrà sposare Katherine affinché la sua immensa fortuna non cada nelle mani del fratello Giovanni. Damian lavora per il re, Katherine deve riferire i piani o qualsiasi altra cosa Giovanni abbia in mente agli allegri compagni della foresta.
Così, inizia un vero duello verbale tra i due. Kat non vuole avere vincoli ma continuare a essere Lady Manicheverdi, la spia di Robin: sa che se si sposerà, la sua agognata libertà verrà tolta dalle regole di quell’epoca dove la moglie deve obbedire al marito in tutto e per tutto. Damian invece è diviso tra Spada d’Argento, il suo alter ego quando combatte con Robin contro il principe Giovanni, e Lord Montjoy, il barone.
“Le leggende e l’amore! Qui hanno avuto inizio, e qui vivranno in eterno!”
Katherine è una testona di prima categoria… se uno ti dice di non fare una determinata cosa tu non devi farla, giusto? Invece, lei che fa? Lo fa con conseguenze, sa che può essere riconosciuta, uccisa, o peggio, come finire nelle mani del cattivo di turno che vuole il suo castello, i possedimenti e il suo corpo. Davvero, va benissimo essere emancipate e toste,ma qui andiamo ben oltre, l’avrei presa a schiaffi io dato che il caro Damian non osa!
Ah, Damian… capelli come l’ala di un corvo e occhi d’argento. Un cavaliere nero, un fregno atomico che diviso in due identità e una di esse gli si ritorcerà contro, anche se sarà proprio il suo essere Spada d’Argento che lo aiuterà.
Un applauso ai personaggi secondari ma soprattutto a come l’autrice ha messo Robin Hood e tutti gli altri compagni nella storia – o meglio, nel modo in cui ha infilato Kat e Damian in una delle più note storie del mondo.
Vogliamo parlare anche dei due cavalli di Damian? Lucien per Montjoy e Lucifero per Spada d’Argento, due stalloni neri come la notte, cavalli da guerra intelligenti e potenti.
Libro assolutamente da leggere e caldamente consigliato.
May 5, 2022
4.5 stars
I'm just such a sucker for these. It's not even fair to other books how these medievals get a free pass from me.
Robin Hood with less tights and more nightgowns.
The heroine is awesome. She is a bad-ass bitch who doesn't take no shit. Generally smart, capable, cunning, and independent. She only had a few wtf moments that made me question her characterization.
The hero could use some polishing. He is so bent on being in charge and having a woman that obeys his every command. i was a little upset that he never recognized the heroine for how well she had done when left alone to manage her own lands and castle. And while he comes to love her, i wanted to know that part of what he loved about her were the things that he initially detested (all the good things that 1000 year old men didn't know they wanted).
We don't see any actual action with other women on the page in this book, but there are past women mentioned and he has one living in his head rent free. I don't know that his original love interest was settled to my liking, but i will let it pass. I'm much happier when they realize that what they had with the first woman was either not real love or an immature love. PSA: i only believe in soul mates in romance novels.
The "bargain" she makes with her rescuer is not something that I believe would have ever occurred in the time frame (I know, i know - where i draw the line of make-believe makes my whole opinion suspect). I get it, and I totally agree with her plan. But I live in the 21st century, not the 12th.
I will read every romance ever written about fake identities. I don't know why. It is inexplicable. There's something about me knowing who the characters are but them having no idea that just pulls me in and won't let go until I know that they know (ya know?). And god help the author that fucks up that reveal.!
The only other aspect missing that i looove to see is when one party makes some great sacrifice still believing the other party doesn't love them (but duh, they obv do).
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Stayed up way too late. Am regretting at work (but not too much).
I'm just such a sucker for these. It's not even fair to other books how these medievals get a free pass from me.
Robin Hood with less tights and more nightgowns.
The heroine is awesome. She is a bad-ass bitch who doesn't take no shit. Generally smart, capable, cunning, and independent. She only had a few wtf moments that made me question her characterization.
The hero could use some polishing. He is so bent on being in charge and having a woman that obeys his every command. i was a little upset that he never recognized the heroine for how well she had done when left alone to manage her own lands and castle. And while he comes to love her, i wanted to know that part of what he loved about her were the things that he initially detested (all the good things that 1000 year old men didn't know they wanted).
We don't see any actual action with other women on the page in this book, but there are past women mentioned and he has one living in his head rent free. I don't know that his original love interest was settled to my liking, but i will let it pass. I'm much happier when they realize that what they had with the first woman was either not real love or an immature love. PSA: i only believe in soul mates in romance novels.
The "bargain" she makes with her rescuer is not something that I believe would have ever occurred in the time frame (I know, i know - where i draw the line of make-believe makes my whole opinion suspect). I get it, and I totally agree with her plan. But I live in the 21st century, not the 12th.
I will read every romance ever written about fake identities. I don't know why. It is inexplicable. There's something about me knowing who the characters are but them having no idea that just pulls me in and won't let go until I know that they know (ya know?). And god help the author that fucks up that reveal.!
The only other aspect missing that i looove to see is when one party makes some great sacrifice still believing the other party doesn't love them (but duh, they obv do).
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Stayed up way too late. Am regretting at work (but not too much).
Read
December 28, 2015Katherine de Montrain was eight and hunting with her father and thirteen yr. old cousin, Rob, when they encountered other noblemen in the forest of their property. These other men were with Raymond de la Ville. Raymond de la Ville had trapped a peasant boy and cut off his arm for stealing food and were preparing to hang the father. Kat's father intervened, fought off and freed the peasants with help of some archers hiding in the forest. The archers were led by their neighbor from Clifford Castle, Lord Damian Montjoy, dressed as whom the peasants called the Silver Sword. Rob swore that he would learn to use a bow and arrow to protect others as well as the Silver Sword when he was grown. He called Kat by the nickname of Lady Greensleeves. Kat bandaged up the boys arm the best she could so that he would survive and sent them on their way.
When Katherine was eighteen, she was dressed completely covered in green to blend in with the forest colors. She was known throughout the area as Lady Greensleeves. She fought for the peasants and helped her cousin, Robin of Lockley (Robin Hood), to prevent the local nobles from stealing food and money from the village people. On this particular day, the group was prepared to attack the nobles that were in the party of Montjoy. They attacked and Katherine was caught. Damian recognized her but did not let on. He told her that she needed to be more careful of who she attacked and of her willful attitude. He then proceeded to spank her and let it appear as if she escaped from him. She was humiliated and ceased to participate in the attacks herself but continued to supply information to Robin in the forest.
A couple of years later, Prince John was trying to take over the country and decided that Katherine's land would be a wise acquisition and agreed to let Raymond de la Ville marry Katherine. King Richard had heard some of what John was doing and sent Damian Montjoy home to marry Katherine. In the meantime, Prince John and de la Ville had approached Katherine about marrying de la Ville and Katherine didn't protest too much because she thought that she would be given an engagement period and that the wedding would never take place. King Richard would interfere and she would not have to go through with the wedding because she was his ward. de la Ville decided to take things into his own hands and kidnap Katherine. Damian arrived in time to rescue her from de la Ville, once again returning dressed as the Silver Sword. He spent a couple of days with her in the forest trying to get to know her before they were wed without letting her know that he was Montjoy. Damian ended up sleeping with her that night.
At the end of the second day, he turned her over to Montjoy, not knowing that he was the Silver Sword, to be wed. Katherine was furious but Damian forced the wedding to proceed and the dowager queen, Eleanor showed up for the wedding. Prince John and de la Ville arrived to burst in on the bride and groom. Damian had tried to get Katherine to admit to who she had slept with before the wedding but she refused to tell. Damian cut his wrist for there to be blood on the sheets when they were seen together in bed. The prince and de la Ville were furious and discontent but left the next day.
They stayed in her home for a few weeks and Damian was frustrated at times for not being able to find Kat. He found out from Robin that Kat had a tunnel from her room into the forest and that she was still delivering information about Prince John's activities to him. Damian decided to move Katherine into his home to prevent her from getting into more trouble. Katherine arrived at his home to discover another woman in his chambers. Affa had followed Damian home from the war with King Richard and Damian didn't know that she was there.
King Richard had been captured and there was a ransom demanded for his freedom. Prince John made arrangements to remove some of the weapons and gold from the local church so that it could not be used to pay the King's ransom. Maid Marion was with the Prince's men when Robin Hood attacked the wagon. The twelve men that were not killed, along with Maid Marion, were taken prisoner and joined Robin's band. Prince John decided to attack Robin in the forest along with his army. Katherine took it upon herself to warn him and left Damian's home to tell him. She got to Robin's home in the forest and Marion told Kat that the Silver Sword and Damian were the same person. Damian was furious and a bit frightened when he learned of Kat being in the forest with a war about to begin. Kat decided to get back at Damian and captured him and took him to the same place that the Silver Sword had slept with her. He got loose when Marian came looking for them both to tell them that Robin had returned home.
Damian sent Kat home but she was overtaken by de la Ville. Affa dressed as Kat and led Damian into a trap where he was also captured. de la Ville then killed Affa when she was no longer needed.
Damian was tied up in the castle basement and Kat went to him, praying he was conscious and told him where the tunnel entrance was into their bedroom. Kat's maid and another older seer sent home with him by King Richard found Damian. Damian sent them to get Robin and he went to his chambers through the tunnel. As de la Ville proceeded to rape Kat, Damian made his whereabouts known to de la Ville. They fought and Damian killed him. They escaped as they did with the first kidnapping attempt, by jumping into the castle moat. Kat was pregnant this time...
Robin and Kat's maid were waiting when they were coming out of the moat. Damian's men along with
Kat's people and Robin's, all were waiting to rid Katherine's home of Prince John and de la Ville's men.
Damian told Katherine that he loved her and she admitted that she loved him too.
Kat had a son and a few years later a daughter. The children grew up proud of their parents and with the stories of what they had done to protect their lands. The children were told that King Richard liked to fight for what he felt belonged to him and that Prince John was his heir and there would be no other. There might come a time where he would have to serve John as a knight to protect England but they had reached an understanding and that he would never bow to John. Michael needed to be careful in the words he chose because he might get himself in trouble in the future for saying the wrong thing.
When Katherine was eighteen, she was dressed completely covered in green to blend in with the forest colors. She was known throughout the area as Lady Greensleeves. She fought for the peasants and helped her cousin, Robin of Lockley (Robin Hood), to prevent the local nobles from stealing food and money from the village people. On this particular day, the group was prepared to attack the nobles that were in the party of Montjoy. They attacked and Katherine was caught. Damian recognized her but did not let on. He told her that she needed to be more careful of who she attacked and of her willful attitude. He then proceeded to spank her and let it appear as if she escaped from him. She was humiliated and ceased to participate in the attacks herself but continued to supply information to Robin in the forest.
A couple of years later, Prince John was trying to take over the country and decided that Katherine's land would be a wise acquisition and agreed to let Raymond de la Ville marry Katherine. King Richard had heard some of what John was doing and sent Damian Montjoy home to marry Katherine. In the meantime, Prince John and de la Ville had approached Katherine about marrying de la Ville and Katherine didn't protest too much because she thought that she would be given an engagement period and that the wedding would never take place. King Richard would interfere and she would not have to go through with the wedding because she was his ward. de la Ville decided to take things into his own hands and kidnap Katherine. Damian arrived in time to rescue her from de la Ville, once again returning dressed as the Silver Sword. He spent a couple of days with her in the forest trying to get to know her before they were wed without letting her know that he was Montjoy. Damian ended up sleeping with her that night.
At the end of the second day, he turned her over to Montjoy, not knowing that he was the Silver Sword, to be wed. Katherine was furious but Damian forced the wedding to proceed and the dowager queen, Eleanor showed up for the wedding. Prince John and de la Ville arrived to burst in on the bride and groom. Damian had tried to get Katherine to admit to who she had slept with before the wedding but she refused to tell. Damian cut his wrist for there to be blood on the sheets when they were seen together in bed. The prince and de la Ville were furious and discontent but left the next day.
They stayed in her home for a few weeks and Damian was frustrated at times for not being able to find Kat. He found out from Robin that Kat had a tunnel from her room into the forest and that she was still delivering information about Prince John's activities to him. Damian decided to move Katherine into his home to prevent her from getting into more trouble. Katherine arrived at his home to discover another woman in his chambers. Affa had followed Damian home from the war with King Richard and Damian didn't know that she was there.
King Richard had been captured and there was a ransom demanded for his freedom. Prince John made arrangements to remove some of the weapons and gold from the local church so that it could not be used to pay the King's ransom. Maid Marion was with the Prince's men when Robin Hood attacked the wagon. The twelve men that were not killed, along with Maid Marion, were taken prisoner and joined Robin's band. Prince John decided to attack Robin in the forest along with his army. Katherine took it upon herself to warn him and left Damian's home to tell him. She got to Robin's home in the forest and Marion told Kat that the Silver Sword and Damian were the same person. Damian was furious and a bit frightened when he learned of Kat being in the forest with a war about to begin. Kat decided to get back at Damian and captured him and took him to the same place that the Silver Sword had slept with her. He got loose when Marian came looking for them both to tell them that Robin had returned home.
Damian sent Kat home but she was overtaken by de la Ville. Affa dressed as Kat and led Damian into a trap where he was also captured. de la Ville then killed Affa when she was no longer needed.
Damian was tied up in the castle basement and Kat went to him, praying he was conscious and told him where the tunnel entrance was into their bedroom. Kat's maid and another older seer sent home with him by King Richard found Damian. Damian sent them to get Robin and he went to his chambers through the tunnel. As de la Ville proceeded to rape Kat, Damian made his whereabouts known to de la Ville. They fought and Damian killed him. They escaped as they did with the first kidnapping attempt, by jumping into the castle moat. Kat was pregnant this time...
Robin and Kat's maid were waiting when they were coming out of the moat. Damian's men along with
Kat's people and Robin's, all were waiting to rid Katherine's home of Prince John and de la Ville's men.
Damian told Katherine that he loved her and she admitted that she loved him too.
Kat had a son and a few years later a daughter. The children grew up proud of their parents and with the stories of what they had done to protect their lands. The children were told that King Richard liked to fight for what he felt belonged to him and that Prince John was his heir and there would be no other. There might come a time where he would have to serve John as a knight to protect England but they had reached an understanding and that he would never bow to John. Michael needed to be careful in the words he chose because he might get himself in trouble in the future for saying the wrong thing.
April 24, 2024
This is about two of Robin Hood's Merry Men (Women) falling in love. You also get some familiar characters like Maid Marian and Little John cameos. I would describe this as a Robin Hood themed Taming of The Shrew.
This couple argues constantly. Tons of banter and silly arguments in this book!
Kat is a a shrew. I can't think about any other way to describe her.
Damian is determined to "tame" his bride... We all know how that goes.
The "damsel in distress" theme is explored in this book through Kat. She learns that sometimes you need help, and that is okay. Especially when her castle is under siege and the villain wants YOU no matter what.
This couple argues constantly. Tons of banter and silly arguments in this book!
Kat is a a shrew. I can't think about any other way to describe her.
Damian is determined to "tame" his bride... We all know how that goes.
The "damsel in distress" theme is explored in this book through Kat. She learns that sometimes you need help, and that is okay. Especially when her castle is under siege and the villain wants YOU no matter what.
September 2, 2022
Firstly, the plot was so short and uninteresting, however, knowing Shannon Drake aka Heather Graham, I plunged ahead - hoping it would be as good as her other books.
But alas, it wasn't good. It's quite boring, actually therefore I did not finish the book.
But alas, it wasn't good. It's quite boring, actually therefore I did not finish the book.
December 16, 2017
I love a good book and romance being part of it! Old England books seem to be one of my favorite readings!! Great book!!!
August 17, 2019
Perfect! 10 stars!
January 11, 2022
I love this book
November 20, 2024
Meh … story of Robinhood, but Lady Greensleeves (Kat) was so annoyingly a “damsel in distress” all the time it was obnoxious. I finished the book but skimmed the ending because I lost interest.
July 6, 2012
I got this book for free via Net Galley. This is no way at all affected my review or my opinions, which are my own. Thank you.
Okay, so everybody knows how I loved Scarlet, right? The tale of how she begins to love Robin Hood and who she really is. It's set from the tale of Robin Hood and Lady Marian, his love. Well, when I requested this one from NG I was thinking okay, another Robin Hood related book. Not the case. It's the story of Katherine de Montrain, Kat, an heiress with a castle and Lord Damian Montjoy, a knight who rides with King Richard in the Crusades.
Kat is forced to wed for her own protection against an evil man who wants her. She, however, despises Montjoy, though he seduces her.It's one of those stories where ladyhastowed--doesntwanttolovehusband--fallsinlovewithhusband--hastobetrayhusbandtosavehislife. This book had the potential to be so much more, to be so much better. I expected so much more from it.
It is related to Robin Hood. Kat is the Lady Greensleeves and Damian is the Silver Sword, who saves both their lives one day and the life of Kat's father. It is this act, that propels Kat into the role of helping Robin. But she's ultimately a woman and an heiress and must play the role of women of her time. I wish Drake/Graham had written more on this roles, on how they were a legend, rather than their romantic relationship. That's what I was looking for.
And Damsel in Distress did not live up. I'd like to mention how it was riddled with ellipses, exclamation marks, and modern day English when it's set in medieval times. The action scenes were so confusing that I had a hard time following them. The betrayal was set up poorly. And I think Damian should have told her he loved her long before he actually did. It would have solved so many problems between them. Also, there's no white horse in this novel! (I know it's very miniscule, but I'm seriously bugged by it)
Overall, I didn't like this book, because it's very cliche. However it was my first ebook on NG so I proud that I finished it. I'm proud that I got on NG even though I really don't like ebooks (no it's not that I don't like them, it's that I like print so much better). If ebooks are the new thing, that I'm jumping in. I do have plans to get either a kindle or a nook for my birthday:)
Okay, so everybody knows how I loved Scarlet, right? The tale of how she begins to love Robin Hood and who she really is. It's set from the tale of Robin Hood and Lady Marian, his love. Well, when I requested this one from NG I was thinking okay, another Robin Hood related book. Not the case. It's the story of Katherine de Montrain, Kat, an heiress with a castle and Lord Damian Montjoy, a knight who rides with King Richard in the Crusades.
Kat is forced to wed for her own protection against an evil man who wants her. She, however, despises Montjoy, though he seduces her.It's one of those stories where ladyhastowed--doesntwanttolovehusband--fallsinlovewithhusband--hastobetrayhusbandtosavehislife. This book had the potential to be so much more, to be so much better. I expected so much more from it.
It is related to Robin Hood. Kat is the Lady Greensleeves and Damian is the Silver Sword, who saves both their lives one day and the life of Kat's father. It is this act, that propels Kat into the role of helping Robin. But she's ultimately a woman and an heiress and must play the role of women of her time. I wish Drake/Graham had written more on this roles, on how they were a legend, rather than their romantic relationship. That's what I was looking for.
And Damsel in Distress did not live up. I'd like to mention how it was riddled with ellipses, exclamation marks, and modern day English when it's set in medieval times. The action scenes were so confusing that I had a hard time following them. The betrayal was set up poorly. And I think Damian should have told her he loved her long before he actually did. It would have solved so many problems between them. Also, there's no white horse in this novel! (I know it's very miniscule, but I'm seriously bugged by it)
Overall, I didn't like this book, because it's very cliche. However it was my first ebook on NG so I proud that I finished it. I'm proud that I got on NG even though I really don't like ebooks (no it's not that I don't like them, it's that I like print so much better). If ebooks are the new thing, that I'm jumping in. I do have plans to get either a kindle or a nook for my birthday:)
August 30, 2016
I don't know how I get myself into these books anymore. I used to love historical romances when I was younger, but now...not so much. It has to be the right moment and the right author. The problem is that I am a little OCD and I can't have a book sit around my apartment for too long and go unread. I am not exactly sure how this book ended up in my apartment in the first place, but I suspect it was something to do with the free book cart at the local library and the similarity between my name and the author. I also think that I read a book by this author in the past and enjoyed it, so there you go...the perfect storm. At any rate, the book was ok. It had many of the usual romance themes: mistaken identity, love/hate heroine/hero relationship, evil villian, etc. Perhaps if I had been in my historical romance heyday it would have earned more than two stars, but as it is that is all I can muster. I guess I would recommend it to those who never read an historical romance they didn't love or fans of the Robin Hood myth.
September 22, 2012
This is a reprint of the book by the same title but originally released under the name Shannon Drake. I am surprised that I didn’t read it back then I was reading everything by Drake. This is not quite a retelling of Robin Hood, but about his helpful accomplice the Lady of Greensleves and the Silver Sword. The Silver Sword has know for years who the Lady Greensleves really is, and is surprised when King Richard gives her and her lands in marriage to help retain the English throne. From then, nothing is as easy as it should be. When Katherine finds out that she is to be wed to Damian Mountjoy she is less then thrilled. Years ago, when Katherine attempted to “rob from the rich” Damian fought back and gave her a spanking. And now all she remembers of Mountjoy is how evil and horrible he is: how he will probably demand obedience in his wife, and will probably back it up with his fists. This is a fun story and while typical of the historical romance genre, it is toughly enjoyable.
January 7, 2021
Purtroppo questo romanzo non mi ha entusiasmata tanto quanto avrei voluto. Avevo aspettative troppo alte sul tipo di storia che mi aspettavo e sulla scrittura di quest'autrice che mediamente adoro. Vabbè, ci sta che non tutti i romanzi siano perfetti, ma per quanto mi riguarda non raggiunge la sufficienza perchè ha tutti i cliché dei romance anni '80, ma senza lo stesso trasporto e pathos. La Drake sa fare di meglio.
October 12, 2023
4 stars I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Weaving the story of Robin Hood with the H/H romance was well done and the chemistry was real.Heather/Shannon writes my kind of HR, although I wish the HEA was more extended.
Want to read
August 25, 2009have
February 14, 2012
Rated 3.5
November 2, 2012
A cross between legend of Robin Hood, The Pink Carnation, and Taming of the Shrew. Yuck.
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