Lady At Arms

Lady #1

by Tamara Leigh

LADY AT ARMS: A “clean read” rewrite of the bestselling WARRIOR BRIDE, published by Bantam Books, 1994

HE WAS THE VILEST OF MEN
Lizanne Balmaine has spent years honing her skills at arms, determined she will never again be at the mercy of any man. When she comes face to face with the one who stole her future, she seizes the opportunity to exact revenge. Soon he is her prisoner, at her mercy. But something is different about him, something that makes her question her purpose. Is it possible a man can be so changed? More, can she right the wrong that could lay ruin to her family?

SHE WAS A QUESTION NEVER BEFORE ASKED OF HIM
Ranulf Wardieu does not seek a bride, nor a settling of scores when his mission for the king places him in the path of a beguiling, raven-haired maiden. But fascination turns to fury when she imprisons him. Accused of wrongdoing, the nature of which she refuses to reveal, he discovers the lady is as skilled at wielding a sword as she is at verbal sparring. When he bests her at her game and his jailer becomes his captive, he is determined to learn what wrong he has done her. However, as they engage in a battle of wits and wills and he glimpses her woman’s heart, he discovers Lizanne is a question never before asked of him—one his own jaded heart refuses to answer.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Medieval, Historical, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Medieval Romance

350 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and tamaraleightenn@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLARIFICATION OF 19/11/2017.
Let me make clear that I have nothing against "clean" romances. I've read a few by Jody Hedlund and Julie Klassen and I loved them. It's just that these kind of stories rely on a different kind of structure to deliver the feelings to the reader and in this book's case, when the author started to write going one way and then edited it to another, it messed things up.

More like 3,5 stars.
I've read the second book of the series a few years back and I was really impressed. This one wasn't so great for me so I suspect that it's due to either or both of the following facts.
1) Back then, I was pretty new to the gender, I had just started reading in English and I was easily impressed, and/or
2) I'm pretty sure that I read the original version of the story (the pre-edited to clean romance) and things were more spicy hence more interesting.

So long story short, Lady Lizanne holds a grunge against Baron Ranulf due to a previous encounter. She has every right to want the gentleman's demise if indeed he has wronged her so in the past, but has he?
What I liked best in the story was both the characters of Ranulf and Lizanne. She is a strong, witty heroine, quick on her feet and mind, who defies her gender's restrictions. Ranulf is the epitome of a gentleman, regal, sure of his status, just towards equals and servants, he is determined to solve their dispute once and for all.
Of course things aren't as simple as they seem to be, a few villains are involved, a persistent King, a well kept secret of the past, some escape attempts and many sharing-the-same-tent nights, lead our couple to a different path than the one they intended to take.

What I didn't like was that some of the plot threads seemed unrealistic and very far-fetched, like the thoughtlessness and facility one invaded other's castle. Small things like that, that rubbed me wrong.

I don't know if I'll read the rest of the books in the series. I wish I could find a digital copy of the original titles but they're only on paper and out of print. Also the characters in the next story are new so there's no previous interest in them.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts with Lady Lizanne and her brother Gilbert being attacked on her way to visit her betrothed, Philip. The story picks up four years later when she finds herself confronted with the man who had attacked them, in order to seek revenge, she tricks him and is able to capture him and bring him to her home where she intends to punish him for his attack on her and her brother.

I really liked Lizanne, she was full of spirit and she sure gave Ranulf a run for his money. Baron Ranulf Wardieu starts as her captive and being the typical medieval man decides to seek revenge by taking her captive in retaliation. I really enjoyed this story, and I was glad how things unfolded. Lizanne has a lot to deal with and I'm glad she held her own for so long and didn't easily fall for Ranulf. I thought their relationship was believable and while there was an instant attraction, it really built into a strong trusting friendship. They were great together.

I kept wondering how everything would work out and it was fun to see how things came about. I thought it was well written and moved along nicely, I had a hard time putting it down and kept reading to find out what would happen next. Overall, a fun medieval read and one I would recommend.


Content Rated PG13
Clean romance - kissing, mild innuendo and any marital intimacy is behind closed door
Violence - there is some violence, fighting, a couple sexual assault attempts - not overly detailed
Language - mild

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[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to the author, this was originally called "Warrior Bride," and she revised it making it "clean," and gave it the new title. I really appreciate her efforts. This was a good story. I loved the feisty heroine. I admired her spunk and determination and I was glad for the happily ever after for our couple. I would say this is for adult or older readers. There are a few attempted rapes (doesn't happen, thankfully), and there is talk of mistresses, ravishing, and some innuendoes, etc., but overall I felt it was clean. So if you like romance/adventure, this would be a good one, I think!

[abi]

Note to self: find the OG edition because the revised edition is clean 😪

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only really started getting into Tamara Leigh books, and this one did not disappoint. I loved the main character Lizanne, and thought she was a strong heroine and was brave and courageous while being sweet. Usually I find female protagonists who are supposed to be "strong" very annoying because they just come off as rude and pretentious. But Lizanne was a well rounded character and wasn't just written as a "tough" protagonist. Moreover, I thought her and Ranulf were amazing together, and I loved the dynamics of their relationship. It was a lot of fun seeing them slowly get to trust each other and with a side of mystery, the book kept me thoroughly hooked.

My only complaint would be the fact that figuring out who tried to hurt Lizanne in the past was dragged out a little bit too much for me, and content wise, there were a few mature topics but nothing was dealt with improperly. Otherwise it was a solid read. 4 stars.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady At Arms is a rewritten, clean read version of Leigh's 1994 Bantam Books publication Warrior Bride. I have not read the original but I do think that Leigh must have really poured herself into the clean read redo and she did it fantastically!

I devoured this story... it was wonderful from page 1 and held true till the end! The characters are very well written and sure to garner your affection. And the romance, both sweet and steamy (in a clean way), added to the tensions created in the story will captivate and delight you.

I excitedly look forward to the clean read redo for this book's sequel! If you have not read Leigh's Age of Faith Series you should, it is excellent! She has several other wonderful books out there as well.

[MLOW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady at Arms clean rewrite of Warrior Bride. I had eagerly awaited this book's release and it did not disappoint! Loved the character interactions, loved the hero, and the action leaves you breathless from beginning to end. Tamara Leigh has quickly become one of my favorite authors and this - along with her Age of Faith series - are part of my All-Time Favorites collection. I'm eagerly awaiting book 2, but am grateful this one gave such a satisfying ending! :)

[Sarah Grass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice clean mideval read. Yay. Kind of hard to find ones that aren't so steamy. Might give her other books a try sometime.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be clear: I read the paperback version of "Warrior Bride" which contains full sex scenes and is apparently 50 pages longer.

When she is 14 and on her way to marry, Lizzie Balmaine's camp is attacked, her brother is nearly killed and she is very nearly raped...and she will never forget the features of the man who gave her nightmares for years. So when she sees those exact features on Ranulf Wardieu, she kidnaps and imprisons him. He does not take very kindly to this and upon his escape after she fails to kill him in hand-to-hand combat, he comes back to take her prisoner and force her to become his leman. Lizanne does not make his holding on to her very easy, and she sorely tries his patience in waiting for her to be ready for a sexual relationship. And even once she is and their chemistry and passion together is unforgettable, she cannot trust him or forget that he was the man who tried to rape her, despite his claims of innocence. Her heart battles her head. When King Henry orders their marriage, Lizanne knows she must try harder to trust her husband and believe him. And when the villain steps in and shows his true colors, and hints at someone who resembles Ranulf, she starts to really believe.

Overall good, relatively innoffensive historical from the 1990s...plenty of rapeyness happening in this story, but none of it coming from the hero. He's still pretty bad ass and tough and he certainly manhandles the heroine to within an inch of her life, but in fairness, she does try his patience rather spectacularly. She's calm one minute, escaping the next, seducing in the next moment and shivering in fear of him the very next minute. Her personality is mercurial...and a bit childish (as this is what she needed to do to overcome her ordeal). His focus is on maturing her up a bit and preparing her for a sexual relationship. It definitely bothered me that his only thought of revenge was to force her into losing status and becoming his leman (granted he had good reason for being vengeful as he was held in a dungeon for 3 days). But his treatment of her as lesser and constantly insisting she was not a lady caused her pain...and it was a pretty douchebag move to admit that he'd declined to marry her when the king offered her up (but I guess it was forgiven because he changed his mind after he found out someone he didn't like was going to get her?). Also the fact that neither of them really apologize for that...her for kidnapping him in the first place (though really...how could she possibly know he was an identical twin?) and him for hurting her with his denial of her status. Especially after she heard someone calling her a "whore" and she cried - he should have known. None of that was ever addressed really. The big focus was on how her heart believed one thing about Ranulf (that he was good and honorable) and her head believed another (that he was clearly the guy that tried to rape her) and how she had to reconcile that in order to love him.

Thankfully the heroine is kinda bad ass herself in this story and takes responsibility for her actions, for her thoughts and feelings and for rescuing herself and the hero. This girl is not a doormat. The epilogue felt a bit awkward as it jumps from the defeat of the villain and "i love yous" to her having just given birth to a daughter and introducing the set up for the next book. It didn't feel like a very seamless transition and would have appreciated more couple time instead of being introduced to new characters in the last chapter.

[Heidi]

Medieval Clean Romance

4.5 Stars
Lady at Arms was an adventure from beginning to end. I didn't know until after I had read it, that the author had originally published it under a different title...then rewrote it as a "clean" read. I'm so very glad she did so that I could read it! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The story begins with Lady Lizanne and her brother being attacked by horrible villains. We find ourselves then jumping ahead years later and meeting Ranulf Wardieu...and again Lizanne. We begin to learn how the attack has shaped and changed Lizanne's life, and unfortunately Ranulf pays for it. :) Lizanne is such a feisty character, you just have to love her...and Ranulf is the perfect hero though it takes much longer for Lizanne to figure that out then it will you. :)
The story completely drew me in and I had the hardest time putting it down. On the downside, there was some innuendo throughout, and two "attempted" rapes. Not descriptive thankfully. Even though the rape does not occur, I would still consider this an adult read because of it and because of the suggestive remarks. The villains are definitely just that...they are evil...because of them, again, I wouldn't recommend it as a YA read.
I'm excited to read more of this authors re-writes, and I appreciate the effort she went to to make them clean.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Bride series by Tamara Leigh. Lizanne and her brother are attacked when she was on her way to her wedding. They survive and four years later, Lizanne sees the man that nearly raped her so she kidnaps him and is ready to exact her revenge. Only she can't carry through her plan. Ranulf doesn't understand why this woman seeks to slay him but he will obtain his own vengeance.

I read this way back in the 90s and I've reread it several times through the years. I loved it then and I love it now. It is what I'd refer to as a soft bodice ripper. It has certain elements of a bodice ripper but nothing too extreme.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the Unveiling by the same author. There were too many similarities between the characters it was a good thing the stories were so different and that kept me from getting irritated. But this was a fun story! I had a great time reading about Lizzane. Her books are just swoon-worthy fun and a great escape. The story is told well, the bad guys are really bad and the Hero's are just perfect. These books a adult reads and although there is no bedroom scenes there is talk of it after marriage and this one had an almost rape scene that was tastefully done.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this story, it wasn't a page turner for me, or in other words I didn't have to pry my eyes open to keep reading at night. But, I did enjoy it and like my other goodreads friends have mentioned, appreciate Ms. Leigh cleaning it up for those of us who are looking for clean romances.

Moral Note: There are a few attempted rapes, talk of mistresses, ravishings, desirig women, and some innuendoes, etc., Violence - mild, and no language that I recall.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I accidentally read the second book in this series first but, I super excited to get the backstory for it. I thought this book was really cute. I really loved the main characters, Ranulf and Lizzanne. I can't wait to finish this series.

Highly recommended!!

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free on Kindle March 30
https://amzn.to/2pTa94C

[Rae · Rating 1 out of 5]

About 1/4 of the way through the book and I’m still waiting for the plot to show up...
That’s when I found out this isn’t a historical fiction adventure book, but a romance novel that was “rewritten to be clean”...
If you’re going to go through the work of rewriting a romance novel, at least give it a storyline.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always exciting to go back to the Middle Ages with a novel by Tamara Leigh. Feuding, injuries, kidnapping, secrets--all add up to a thrilling love story.

[Elizabeth Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Middle Ages story. Mistaken identity. Strong Lady. I really enjoyed the story.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this story on audio book and really enjoyed it. It was an exciting novel that was a "clean" version of another one of the author's books (which I have not read). I would recommend it to adult readers as there are still adult situations dealt with in the story, but no gratuitous scenes. The narrator for the audio book was really great, too! I'm already listening to book two in the series because I enjoyed book one.

[Melissa Wardwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left me sleepless

This is the first I have read of Tamara Leigh’s stories. It’s mid-evil plot intrigued me though some of the verbiage confused me. The lack of understanding did not keep me from being spellbound to the story of the sassy Lady and the baron whose last name is the ancient spelling of my own.
From hence forth, let it be known, that I have a new author with whom I hold in the most high regard. 😉

[Readingintheweehours · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was written at a re-read. It’s so good to be immersed again in Tamara Leigh’s medieval world. This time I’m making a timeline and family tree as I go (I know the Wardieu family will appear again down the line)!

Great world building, challenge, unique storyline…so good.

Lizanne and Ranulf are so good together. I love their story. ❤️

[Cheryal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. It takes place in 1155. It is a clean read. She is one tough female and he is one tough hunk of masculinity. The banter keeps me amused. The setting is different than I'm used to reading so I really liked the change. It is going on my favorites.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this author for a long time, and I'm glad I finally did. The setting was fabulous in all its Medieval glory. The plot a bit fantastical, but definitely entertaining. A lot of melodrama, which I didn't mind since it sort of went with the times...

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a day!!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady At Arms is a wonderful, clean medieval story. The strong characters, rescues, battles and clean romance made for the perfect story.

[Kristina Brownell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 stars. Fun, engaging, and predictable. I liked it...especially since it was a stay-in-the-house-and -be -sick -and- read kinda day.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one...it is a clean rewrite by the author. Great romance, with some adventure thrown in. Will definitely be checking out more by this author!

[Chantele Sedgwick]

Really enjoyed this one!

[Tia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The kind of book you're a bit embarrassed to be caught reading........ hehe

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Medieval Romance, Lady at Arms. This is the first book in the Ladies Series. I really enjoyed this book. I can't say enough about Tamara's books. They are all awesome. This book is well written, action packed, humorous, and heart warming. She has woven her faith into this book much like a fine tapestry. You are going to love it.

Lady Lizanne Balmaine is on her way to marry her betrothed. Her brother Gilbert is escorting her when their small group is attacked. Gilbert is cut down and all his men slaughtered. Lizanne was carried off by a huge man with white hair. This man attempts to ravage her, she manages to escape but her betrothed refuses to marry her claiming she is defiled. This causes the death of her father and though her brother survives he is not the same man as he once was. Lizanne takes to arms. She learns how to use a sword, a bow, and other weapons until she is as able as the Knights in her castle. Four years later she is at a neighbor's when she see the man at the table. Lizanne kidnaps the knight and puts him in her dungeon. She finally says she will release him if he will have a duel with one of her men. He agrees until he sees she is the one he must fight until the death. She could have killed him but did not. She lets him go. He returns to abduct her from her castle.

Ranulf Wardieu is on a mission for the king. He is captured by a woman. He is accused of wrongdoing but she doesn't really tell him what he was supposed to have done. He is intrigued by the beautiful woman even though he had no intention of marrying. When he is released; he comes back and takes her with him. He is determined to find out what he has done to her. They play a game of wits as they travel all over the kingdom.

A strange journey to discover what each of the other refuses to share. God has a plan for these two. A plan for a hope and a future. They must forget the past and learn to trust one another. God has a plan for you too. a good plan and not for evil.. Give Him your heart and watch Him turn your life around.