What do you think?
Rate this book
Warrior #2
La signora della passione
Figlia del Re degli Assassini, Zahirah è stata addestrata per essere tanto letale quanto è bella. Quando entra furtivamente nell’accampamento deserto dell’esercito inglese, ha un unico obiettivo: uccidere re Riccardo Cuor di Leone per bandire i crociati dalla sua patria. Ma il suo piano fallisce e la consegna nelle mani del nemico, l’impetuoso Leone Nero, Sebastian di Montborne.Messo a dura prova dalla guerra e desideroso di pace, l’affascinante cavaliere vede in lei solo una misteriosa bellezza bisognosa di protezione, senza immaginare che la dama che ha messo a ferro e fuoco il suo cuore è proprio il nemico che ha giurato di distruggere in nome del suo re. Intrappolati in un gioco mortale di passione e inganno, Sebastian e Zahirah rischieranno la propria vita pur di abbandonarsi al loro amore proibito… Dopo Il signore della vendetta e La signora della tentazione, l’autrice dell’amatissima serie La Stirpe di Mezzanotte torna con un nuovo romance storico, per immergere i lettori in profumi e atmosfere di tempi lontani, carichi di sensualità, pericolo e desiderio.
349 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
231 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Tina St. John
11 books158 followersPseudonym of Lara Adrian
A Michigan native and descendant of Mayflower passenger Governor William Bradford, Tina St. John makes her home in coastal New England with her husband, the inspiration for all her heroes and her most devoted fan. The couple are the caretakers of two rescued felines who have trained them to surrender treats, tuna, and belly rubs on command.
She quit a full-time corporate job to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. In 1995, Tina St. John sold her first completed manuscript, Lord of Vengeance, and has since gone on to pen several more acclaimed medieval romances. She was frightened of vampires as a child. Luckily, she has overcome this fear and uses that early fascination to drive her paranormal romance novels as Lara Adrian. Her stories mesh fear, sensuality, and power into vampire romance fantasy novels and today she is well-known for the popular Midnight Breed series. She believes that “vampires as heroes in romantic fiction…are the ultimate bad boy.” Her books have been licensed in over sixteen countries. She is also a RWA RITA finalist and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice award recipient.
A Michigan native and descendant of Mayflower passenger Governor William Bradford, Tina St. John makes her home in coastal New England with her husband, the inspiration for all her heroes and her most devoted fan. The couple are the caretakers of two rescued felines who have trained them to surrender treats, tuna, and belly rubs on command.
She quit a full-time corporate job to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. In 1995, Tina St. John sold her first completed manuscript, Lord of Vengeance, and has since gone on to pen several more acclaimed medieval romances. She was frightened of vampires as a child. Luckily, she has overcome this fear and uses that early fascination to drive her paranormal romance novels as Lara Adrian. Her stories mesh fear, sensuality, and power into vampire romance fantasy novels and today she is well-known for the popular Midnight Breed series. She believes that “vampires as heroes in romantic fiction…are the ultimate bad boy.” Her books have been licensed in over sixteen countries. She is also a RWA RITA finalist and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice award recipient.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 23, 2013
This book is a follow up to White Lion's Lady (don't want to say how they're connected, since that's a bit spoilerish to book #1). Any who, Sebastian of Montborne is more interested in going a-crusading than staying home and less in being an earl and running the homestead, and he's followed King Richard to the Holy Land. There's this nasty nest of assassins out to off the Lionheart, and Sebastian stops one in his (actually her) tracks, and takes a nasty injury while doing it.
Long story short, Zahirah is the daughter of the King of Assassins (I think he really existed, but I'm too lazy to look it up), and her mission is to get into the city and the castle and off the Lionheart, and Sebastian seems to be the way to do it. Insta-lust happens (he thinks she's an innocent victim), plus the big betrayal when her identity is discovered and then the whole damn story falls apart.
SPOILER LAND. There's just no way to discuss my issues with this book without going into spoiler territory.
A very disappointing sequel to White Lion's Lady. Boring, boring, boring and oh-so predictable. Library only.
Long story short, Zahirah is the daughter of the King of Assassins (I think he really existed, but I'm too lazy to look it up), and her mission is to get into the city and the castle and off the Lionheart, and Sebastian seems to be the way to do it. Insta-lust happens (he thinks she's an innocent victim), plus the big betrayal when her identity is discovered and then the whole damn story falls apart.
SPOILER LAND. There's just no way to discuss my issues with this book without going into spoiler territory.
A very disappointing sequel to White Lion's Lady. Boring, boring, boring and oh-so predictable. Library only.
March 16, 2016
"Zahirah conobbe il calore e la luce sconfinata dell'amore di Sebastian. Fu una cosa meravigliosa, quella che le regalò: una libertà emotiva che sembrava elevare la sua stessa anima verso il cielo."
Preciso che preferisco la Adrian in veste paranormale e che ricordavo poco e niente del volume precedente...nonostante questo tutto ciò che esce dalla penna di questa donna è destinato a beccarsi il mio amore più o meno ardente e questo libro non fa eccezione XD Ho trovato originale l'ambientazione, ho letto altri libri ambientati all'epoca delle crociate ma solitamente i nostri eroi si trovavano comunque in terra europea per così dire e non in mezzo al deserto XD Anche Zahirah non è la classica lady, ma a dir la verità non è neanche un'assassina addestrata come la Adrian cerca di presentarcela..in verità è semplicemente una ragazza che vorrebbe essere amata per ciò che è e vivere in pace! Il suo segreto è stato un bel colpo di scena, le mie ipotesi non si erano spinte tanto lontane XD Per quanto riguarda Sebastian direi che è un classico protagonista "alla Adrian" e chi ha letto almeno un suo libro sa cosa intendo! *ç* In retrospettiva ammetto che la storia di Griffin e Isabel mi aveva colpita di più ma comunque anche Sebastian&Zahirah sono promossi a pieni voti (certo un finale meno affrettato e qualche spiegazione in più sulla famiglia della nostra eroina non mi avrebbero fatto schifo diciamo XD) e leggerò al più presto l'ultimo della serie *ç*
Preciso che preferisco la Adrian in veste paranormale e che ricordavo poco e niente del volume precedente...nonostante questo tutto ciò che esce dalla penna di questa donna è destinato a beccarsi il mio amore più o meno ardente e questo libro non fa eccezione XD Ho trovato originale l'ambientazione, ho letto altri libri ambientati all'epoca delle crociate ma solitamente i nostri eroi si trovavano comunque in terra europea per così dire e non in mezzo al deserto XD Anche Zahirah non è la classica lady, ma a dir la verità non è neanche un'assassina addestrata come la Adrian cerca di presentarcela..in verità è semplicemente una ragazza che vorrebbe essere amata per ciò che è e vivere in pace! Il suo segreto è stato un bel colpo di scena, le mie ipotesi non si erano spinte tanto lontane XD Per quanto riguarda Sebastian direi che è un classico protagonista "alla Adrian" e chi ha letto almeno un suo libro sa cosa intendo! *ç* In retrospettiva ammetto che la storia di Griffin e Isabel mi aveva colpita di più ma comunque anche Sebastian&Zahirah sono promossi a pieni voti (certo un finale meno affrettato e qualche spiegazione in più sulla famiglia della nostra eroina non mi avrebbero fatto schifo diciamo XD) e leggerò al più presto l'ultimo della serie *ç*
March 1, 2016
This book was just ok. It just didn't suit my tastes. The Heroine Zahira is supposed to be this awesome assassin. She spends all of her time crashing around helplessly being rescued by the hero Sebastian. If she is the only and best woman in her assassin clan I don't know how they survived. While the ending was happy enough it was rather unrealistic. The big reveal was that she is actually a white woman from England who blends in with the Arab population because she is very tan. When she returns to England with Sebastian she simply loses the tan and somehow her accent and no one recognizes her even though the soldiers Sebastian commanded saw her everyday previously. If she has been in Palestine since she was two I don't see how she could lose her accent even if she has lived in England for two years. Anyways why would she have been kidnapped by assassins in the first place. No one ever explains why they would have an interest in an English toddler. Apparrently they never tried to ransom her or anything. I don't know- so much did not resonate with me and I rather disliked the Heroine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
While I enjoyed this novel - especially how cleverly it was concluded, it took me a LONG time to connect with Zahirah. While Sebastian is the most honest, hard working, gentlemen (yeah, okay he can be ruthless too..) generally a good person, Zahirah's character paled in comparison to his. She almost felt "inhuman" in her blood lust. I guess when you are raised on hatred that's what you become so truth being told, the journey she went through gave her back a possibility of LIFE one she could call her own - enjoy, grow and fulfillment, love and the possibility of being loved. For Sebastian it's finally meeting his match, the person who was missing from his rather sheltered life in England. He expected to find adventure in the Holy Land - that he did - but he also found something he didn't even know he wanted or needed.
While the previous book's setting was England. This book takes place in the Holy Land. As the previous book ended with Sebastian of Montborne offering his lost brother Griffin not only the wife he was ordered to marry but his place as the head of Montborne's estate as he would much prefer the adventures to a boring married life to a woman he doesn't know or want (especially since she is already madly in love with his brother and in a way have been for years).
It's been a few years since Sebastian got to the Holy Land, he had his share of battles, and while he enjoyed his time and the favor of his King - Richard Lionheart - in a way he is still a bit restless. As he hasn't found what he was looking for, the Assassins are always around them and his King seems to delay and delay their departure to Jerusalem. Being stationed now as a commander in the city of Ascalon he is getting bored, especially after being stabbed and almost killed by an Assassin trained on killing Richard, which is how he found himself left behind in charge yet in a way incapacitated.
Zahirah knows her duties, she has trained all of her life as an Assassin, the daughter of the "King of Thieves" himself - Rashid al-Din Sinan. While she has always been special - a woman AND assassin - that's a first, she never got any favors from her ruthless father. She had to bury her fear and any other weakness to please him and be who he trained her to be. Her task now was getting into the palace Richard has claimed as his own in Ascalon and getting rid of him. When she finds herself in the confines of said palace she is pleased with how well her scheme has worked only to discover the King has left and will be back at least in two weeks time. Too long for her to be playing the wounded civilian who needed the English's help.. Besides, the commanding officer - Sebastian - doesn't look like someone she could fool, at least not for long..
Yet she gets her orders to STAY and with a easily manipulating ploy she finds herself the property of said commander Sebastian. Sebastian doesn't want her as his property or his bride but he realizes he can't turn her out of the palace as she has no where else to go. Reluctant he allows her to stay but she infuriates (and attract!) him to distraction (or destruction?). And though Zahirah is VERY devote to her cause she finds herself drawn to the easy going, honest and honorable Sebastian.
Sebastian is HIGHLY annoyed with Zahirah's secrets, but only after someone dies he starts to realize they CANNOT keep going this way. How can he trust her when all she does is lie? Zahirah's resolve is crumbling little by little but how can she betray her father? her clan? Just for one man? Being with Sebastian she feels guarded and protected, cared for, something she has never felt before and yet she is here for a reason, an important one.
In the end she is left with no real choice and so she acts but she never expected any of the things that happened after said strike. Yet this IS a romance novel and so a HEA is promised, it only takes these two a bit more before they can actually claim it.
My advice - Be patient with Zahirah. She started an arrogant hateful assassin, but once she realizes she has been lied to, she have missed on life and living, love and appreciation, honesty and honor it doesn't take her long to understand what are the true important things in life yet she is still trapped in an impossible situation she needs to find a way to resolve and even with Sebastian on her side at the end, she is still all alone in making what she believes is the right choice - for her, for Sebastian.
More Reviews HERE
While the previous book's setting was England. This book takes place in the Holy Land. As the previous book ended with Sebastian of Montborne offering his lost brother Griffin not only the wife he was ordered to marry but his place as the head of Montborne's estate as he would much prefer the adventures to a boring married life to a woman he doesn't know or want (especially since she is already madly in love with his brother and in a way have been for years).
It's been a few years since Sebastian got to the Holy Land, he had his share of battles, and while he enjoyed his time and the favor of his King - Richard Lionheart - in a way he is still a bit restless. As he hasn't found what he was looking for, the Assassins are always around them and his King seems to delay and delay their departure to Jerusalem. Being stationed now as a commander in the city of Ascalon he is getting bored, especially after being stabbed and almost killed by an Assassin trained on killing Richard, which is how he found himself left behind in charge yet in a way incapacitated.
Zahirah knows her duties, she has trained all of her life as an Assassin, the daughter of the "King of Thieves" himself - Rashid al-Din Sinan. While she has always been special - a woman AND assassin - that's a first, she never got any favors from her ruthless father. She had to bury her fear and any other weakness to please him and be who he trained her to be. Her task now was getting into the palace Richard has claimed as his own in Ascalon and getting rid of him. When she finds herself in the confines of said palace she is pleased with how well her scheme has worked only to discover the King has left and will be back at least in two weeks time. Too long for her to be playing the wounded civilian who needed the English's help.. Besides, the commanding officer - Sebastian - doesn't look like someone she could fool, at least not for long..
Yet she gets her orders to STAY and with a easily manipulating ploy she finds herself the property of said commander Sebastian. Sebastian doesn't want her as his property or his bride but he realizes he can't turn her out of the palace as she has no where else to go. Reluctant he allows her to stay but she infuriates (and attract!) him to distraction (or destruction?). And though Zahirah is VERY devote to her cause she finds herself drawn to the easy going, honest and honorable Sebastian.
Sebastian is HIGHLY annoyed with Zahirah's secrets, but only after someone dies he starts to realize they CANNOT keep going this way. How can he trust her when all she does is lie? Zahirah's resolve is crumbling little by little but how can she betray her father? her clan? Just for one man? Being with Sebastian she feels guarded and protected, cared for, something she has never felt before and yet she is here for a reason, an important one.
In the end she is left with no real choice and so she acts but she never expected any of the things that happened after said strike. Yet this IS a romance novel and so a HEA is promised, it only takes these two a bit more before they can actually claim it.
My advice - Be patient with Zahirah. She started an arrogant hateful assassin, but once she realizes she has been lied to, she have missed on life and living, love and appreciation, honesty and honor it doesn't take her long to understand what are the true important things in life yet she is still trapped in an impossible situation she needs to find a way to resolve and even with Sebastian on her side at the end, she is still all alone in making what she believes is the right choice - for her, for Sebastian.
More Reviews HERE
March 1, 2016
So far I am disappointed in the Heroine of this Story Zahirah. The book opens up with her being this bad ass assassin that fails in her initial mission. It is written that she has been trained all her life in the deadly arts and is as good as the men in her clan. Unfortunately she is not living up to the hype thus far. Other than her initial assassination attempt she has done nothing but fall around and get rescued by the Hero. Zahirah begs to be involved in an ambush promising she can pull her own weight and even with all this fantastic training she doesn’t lift a weapon. Instead she gets her arm stepped on by the bad guy and nearly killed while doing nothing to defend herself. Of course the hero, Sebastian gets her out of that scrape too. Another thing, what is up with all the crying and squeamishness about men dying? She’s a deadly trained assassin so I don’t expect her to turn into a crying, blubbering mess. So far in the book Zahirah is getting on my nerves. I just read the part with the Victory celebration where she gets cornered by a few knights and does nothing to defend herself once again. The Hero must show up and punch the offender and once again rescue her. Where is the deadly kick ass assassin she keeps hinting she is? At this point even if she told Sebastian she was a deadly assassin sent for the King I doubt he would believe her because I certainly don’t. The only thing saving this book so far would be that the love scenes are scorching hot. Otherwise I wouldn’t continue the story.
update*** Well I finished the story and it had a good enough ending. this just ended up being okay.
update*** Well I finished the story and it had a good enough ending. this just ended up being okay.
February 22, 2014
Molto carino questo romance storico della Adrian. Particolare e insolita l'ambientazione durante il periodo delle crociate in Terra Santa. Protagonisti di questa storia due personaggi forti e coraggiosi di due culture e mondi completamente diversi (almeno apparentemente). Sia Zahirah che Sebastian mi sono piaciuti molto, soprattutto per la loro capacità di mettere da parte tutto per proteggersi a vicenda.
L'unica pecca, il finale un po' troppo affrettato. Avrei preferito fosse maggiormente approfondito.
L'unica pecca, il finale un po' troppo affrettato. Avrei preferito fosse maggiormente approfondito.
September 16, 2013
My low rating is not because the writing was bad or I disliked the characters' romance. I jsut don't care for the Frank/Saracen cross-culture romance. Seems like such an insurmountable issue. And then it gets surmounted, and yes, I figured out how that was gonna happen. It jsut seemed a little *obvious* somehow.
November 4, 2024
MOLLATO!!!
Ribattezzato: LA SIGNORA DELLA RIPETIZIONE
Dico io, ma perché non imparo dagli errori, una noia mortale, in cui non si ripete altro che quanto lei sua bella e quanto lui sia figo, storicamente inesatto, trama profondamente inesistente.
Ribattezzato: LA SIGNORA DELLA RIPETIZIONE
Dico io, ma perché non imparo dagli errori, una noia mortale, in cui non si ripete altro che quanto lei sua bella e quanto lui sia figo, storicamente inesatto, trama profondamente inesistente.
May 27, 2018
Meraviglioso secondo appuntamento nel lontano medioevo: nel deserto di Ascalona in Israele, durante le crociate, con un cavaliere eroico e senza paura, Sebastian, favorito del Re Riccardo Cuor di Leone, e una donna giovane e misteriosa dai magnetici occhi color mercurio, che con l’inganno si infiltra nel palazzo occupato dall’esercito e dal seguito del re. Un po’ Assassins Creed, un po’ Segreto del Sahara, questa storia, secondo volume della serie “Warrior”, mi è piaciuta tantissimo, molto più del primo libro.
Love story intensissima per i due protagonisti, che da opposte rive del fiume, diversi per religione ed educazione, si affrontano e sono irresistibilmente attratti l’uno dall’altra. Scene hot di amplessi immancabili, che si gustano con grande passione fino all’ultima riga delle descrizioni. È interessante anche l’aspetto psicologico dei due e il piccolo trucchetto finale per permettere l’happy end, altrimenti impossibile ed irreale in un’epoca così segnata dall’odio per gli infedeli e dalle nette separazioni di razza e status sociale.
Bella l’introspezione della giovane assassina votata al sacrificio in nome di Allah per uccidere l’odiato invasore Franco; la scena di fronte allo specchio, dopo la morte del servo, è senz’altro una delle migliori che abbia mai letto in un libro considerato un romance.
La Adrian non si smentisce mai! Imperdibile!
Emanula - per RFS
Love story intensissima per i due protagonisti, che da opposte rive del fiume, diversi per religione ed educazione, si affrontano e sono irresistibilmente attratti l’uno dall’altra. Scene hot di amplessi immancabili, che si gustano con grande passione fino all’ultima riga delle descrizioni. È interessante anche l’aspetto psicologico dei due e il piccolo trucchetto finale per permettere l’happy end, altrimenti impossibile ed irreale in un’epoca così segnata dall’odio per gli infedeli e dalle nette separazioni di razza e status sociale.
Bella l’introspezione della giovane assassina votata al sacrificio in nome di Allah per uccidere l’odiato invasore Franco; la scena di fronte allo specchio, dopo la morte del servo, è senz’altro una delle migliori che abbia mai letto in un libro considerato un romance.
La Adrian non si smentisce mai! Imperdibile!
Emanula - per RFS
September 2, 2023
It started off better than the first book in this series and had potential (UNTIL the last 20%) but there is always something missing. And then when I found out that she was really a white lady adopted by the Saracens and she could blend in because she was tan had me asking “why?” Moreover, Zahirah and all her lies, Abdul’s murder, deception, her intent to kill the king and follow through … it was all too much to believe she truly “loved” Sebastian at the time he figures it all out. Moreover, the ending l, how they finally get together is way too unbelievable.
October 5, 2019
Such love and emotion
I was not so sure when I first read the book's excerpt, but a few years ago I had read book one and loved it. So glad I have this book a chance. The book is filled with intrigue, love, and sacrifice. I've already downloaded book three and plan to begin it immediately. Sebastian, the hero, is loyal and passionate. Zahira, the heroine, is just as passionate as Sebastian, but her loyalty wavers when she falls in love.
I was not so sure when I first read the book's excerpt, but a few years ago I had read book one and loved it. So glad I have this book a chance. The book is filled with intrigue, love, and sacrifice. I've already downloaded book three and plan to begin it immediately. Sebastian, the hero, is loyal and passionate. Zahira, the heroine, is just as passionate as Sebastian, but her loyalty wavers when she falls in love.
December 8, 2020
I’m a sucker for historical romances and loved the first book in this series. I also enjoyed this one although I did find it a bit harder to fall into Sebastian is amazing it took me a little longer to like Zahirah! Overall it was a good read and would recommend
April 1, 2024
Black Lions Bride
I enjoyed reading this book again. I read the trilogy several years ago but got them on ebook and am glad I did. They are well written, the characters are likable, and the plots are intriguing. I am looking forward to reading the last book in this series!
I enjoyed reading this book again. I read the trilogy several years ago but got them on ebook and am glad I did. They are well written, the characters are likable, and the plots are intriguing. I am looking forward to reading the last book in this series!
July 15, 2019
Brilliant! Loved it..
July 13, 2020
What if the past is all a lie?
Consider being raised to believe something so strongly that you would kill or be killed to defend it. Can a forbidden love overcome that?
Consider being raised to believe something so strongly that you would kill or be killed to defend it. Can a forbidden love overcome that?
March 22, 2014
Da http://leggerefantastico.blogspot.it
Lara Adrian, autrice famosa per la saga paranormal Midnight Breeds, torna a regalarci una nuova storia d' amore con il suo romance storico La Signora della Passione. Ricordo che questo suo nuovo lavoro appartiene alla saga Warrior di cui fa parte La Signora della Tentazione, uscito nei primi mesi del 2013. Il precedente romanzo, con protagonisti Griffin e Isabel, aveva introdotto alla fine della storia il personaggio di Sebastian di Montborne, un comandante a servizio di re Riccardo, in procinto di partire per la Terra Santa nel periodo storico della Terza Crociata. Ebbene, ammetto spudoratamente (e qui le amanti della Adrian scuoteranno la testa sconsolate) di non aver letto mai nessun libro della Adrian della serie paranormal, ma di essermi buttata tra le braccia dei suoi romance storici essendone essenzialmente più attratta. Quindi, considerando i due romanzi usciti in precedenza (Il Signore della Vendetta e La Signora della Tentazione), il temperamento e la passionalità dell' autrice non mi era nè sconosciuto nè sgradito.
Con La Signora della Passione ci immergiamo tra le sabbie del deserto e i profumi d' oriente, al cospetto di una storia d' amore intrisa di mistero, menzogne e tradimenti, ma forte, intensa, spietata come la lama affilata di un assassino fida'i. Conosceremo immediatamente Zahirah, figlia del Re degli Assassini, una donna cresciuta all' ombra di un uomo cruento e brutale che, tra bugie e morti, le ha inculcato il disprezzo per i franchi e per quel re d' Inghilterra tanto odiato. Zahirah ha un compito da portare a termine. Uccidere Riccardo Cuor Di Leone. Per far questo dovrà insidiarsi nel quartier generale nemico e giocare sporco pur di arrivare al suo obiettivo. Sul suo cammino, però, incontrerà lui, il meraviglioso Sebastian di Montborne. Un uomo fiero, leale, bello e selvaggio, che riuscirà a sconvolgere e rovesciare le sue più vili convinzioni. Potrà Zahirah convivere con il suo doppio gioco e innamorarsi perdutamente del nemico?
La risposta sembra abbastanza ovvia, ed infatti La Signora della Passione ci regala un' altra storia intensa quanto difficile e complicata. Questa volta ci sono di mezzo secoli di fratture, convinzioni, pregiudizi. Eppure l' amore vince sempre su tutto. D' altronde è questo il bello di un sentimento così nobile e viscerale. La forza e la capacità di superare barriere che nient' altro avrebbe potuto abbattere. Zahirah e Sebastian amano e donano amore. Non sanno comprendere sè stessi appieno, ma sanno abbracciare il lato più importante e sincero che li lega. Dovranno attraversare confessioni, paure, menzogne che alla lunga potrebbero deteriorare, addirittura uccidere il loro rapporto. Ed è anche vero che la minaccia, talvolta, potrebbe rivelarsi tanto più familiare di quanto si potrebbe pensare. Vi sareste mai aspettati un Cuor Di Leone che mette i bastoni tra le ruote al nostro amato Sebastian? Eppure è così. Il cammino per la redenzione, per il perdono, per la ricerca della verità sarà lungo e complesso. Ma Sebastian è un uomo d' altri tempi. Meraviglioso, passionale, altruista, sincero. Un personaggio così farebbe ribollire il sangue nelle vene ad ognuna di noi. Zahirah, dal canto suo, l' ho apprezzata, ma non quanto avrei voluto. C'è qualcosa di lei che, nella sua complessità, non mi ha convinto del tutto. E dispiace perchè questo romanzo, al di là dell' ovvietà in alcuni punti, è un buonissimo romance integrato ad una parte in cui l' erotismo è semplicemente disarmante, avvolgente. Lara Adrian scrive storie senza dubbio affascinanti, eleganti, abbondantemente incandescenti. Ora, aspetto il libro dedicato a Cuore Nero, animo nobile ma alquanto misterioso.
Lara Adrian, autrice famosa per la saga paranormal Midnight Breeds, torna a regalarci una nuova storia d' amore con il suo romance storico La Signora della Passione. Ricordo che questo suo nuovo lavoro appartiene alla saga Warrior di cui fa parte La Signora della Tentazione, uscito nei primi mesi del 2013. Il precedente romanzo, con protagonisti Griffin e Isabel, aveva introdotto alla fine della storia il personaggio di Sebastian di Montborne, un comandante a servizio di re Riccardo, in procinto di partire per la Terra Santa nel periodo storico della Terza Crociata. Ebbene, ammetto spudoratamente (e qui le amanti della Adrian scuoteranno la testa sconsolate) di non aver letto mai nessun libro della Adrian della serie paranormal, ma di essermi buttata tra le braccia dei suoi romance storici essendone essenzialmente più attratta. Quindi, considerando i due romanzi usciti in precedenza (Il Signore della Vendetta e La Signora della Tentazione), il temperamento e la passionalità dell' autrice non mi era nè sconosciuto nè sgradito.
Con La Signora della Passione ci immergiamo tra le sabbie del deserto e i profumi d' oriente, al cospetto di una storia d' amore intrisa di mistero, menzogne e tradimenti, ma forte, intensa, spietata come la lama affilata di un assassino fida'i. Conosceremo immediatamente Zahirah, figlia del Re degli Assassini, una donna cresciuta all' ombra di un uomo cruento e brutale che, tra bugie e morti, le ha inculcato il disprezzo per i franchi e per quel re d' Inghilterra tanto odiato. Zahirah ha un compito da portare a termine. Uccidere Riccardo Cuor Di Leone. Per far questo dovrà insidiarsi nel quartier generale nemico e giocare sporco pur di arrivare al suo obiettivo. Sul suo cammino, però, incontrerà lui, il meraviglioso Sebastian di Montborne. Un uomo fiero, leale, bello e selvaggio, che riuscirà a sconvolgere e rovesciare le sue più vili convinzioni. Potrà Zahirah convivere con il suo doppio gioco e innamorarsi perdutamente del nemico?
La risposta sembra abbastanza ovvia, ed infatti La Signora della Passione ci regala un' altra storia intensa quanto difficile e complicata. Questa volta ci sono di mezzo secoli di fratture, convinzioni, pregiudizi. Eppure l' amore vince sempre su tutto. D' altronde è questo il bello di un sentimento così nobile e viscerale. La forza e la capacità di superare barriere che nient' altro avrebbe potuto abbattere. Zahirah e Sebastian amano e donano amore. Non sanno comprendere sè stessi appieno, ma sanno abbracciare il lato più importante e sincero che li lega. Dovranno attraversare confessioni, paure, menzogne che alla lunga potrebbero deteriorare, addirittura uccidere il loro rapporto. Ed è anche vero che la minaccia, talvolta, potrebbe rivelarsi tanto più familiare di quanto si potrebbe pensare. Vi sareste mai aspettati un Cuor Di Leone che mette i bastoni tra le ruote al nostro amato Sebastian? Eppure è così. Il cammino per la redenzione, per il perdono, per la ricerca della verità sarà lungo e complesso. Ma Sebastian è un uomo d' altri tempi. Meraviglioso, passionale, altruista, sincero. Un personaggio così farebbe ribollire il sangue nelle vene ad ognuna di noi. Zahirah, dal canto suo, l' ho apprezzata, ma non quanto avrei voluto. C'è qualcosa di lei che, nella sua complessità, non mi ha convinto del tutto. E dispiace perchè questo romanzo, al di là dell' ovvietà in alcuni punti, è un buonissimo romance integrato ad una parte in cui l' erotismo è semplicemente disarmante, avvolgente. Lara Adrian scrive storie senza dubbio affascinanti, eleganti, abbondantemente incandescenti. Ora, aspetto il libro dedicato a Cuore Nero, animo nobile ma alquanto misterioso.
June 11, 2014
I was pulled into this story from the very beginning with a premise that took us out of usual local in England and to the deserts of the Middle East. I had already fallen partially in love with Sebastian Montborne in the first book in this series, but it was locked in with his appearance here. I have never been a big fan of the historical romance but I find myself loving these for some reason, though it is probably because they make me feel like a part of the action. I get a chance to know the people and come to care about them and the world they inhabit. The characters both new and old are very well written and make you feel that you would like to know them.
The Crusades have been raging and Sebastian of Montborne has ridden and fought with King Richard while his brother remains at Montborne looking over the estate. In the desert port of Ascalon near Jerusalem King Richard has set up his encampment as they rally for their march on Jerusalem to take the city for their church. In the hills surrounding them is a guild of assassins who have sworn to kill all the infidels to their lands, but they really would like to kill Richard, feeling this will make the others less likely to stay in their country. To this end they are plotting to get an assassin within striking distance of him.
Zahirah has been taught to hate the Franks who have come to her land in order to bring their religion and wipe out the faith of those who have for centuries resided in these desert lands. Viewing them as no more than crude animals with no morals she is more than willing to kill in order to keep what they have. But while it is always easy to judge people from afar when she finds herself surrounded by these people and one man in particular it becomes harder to hate them and easier to see where they are more alike than different.
I knew what was coming for some of the story but there were a lot more twists and surprises than I was ready for. I really liked Zahirah because even though she was a bit of a villian, she was able to grow and see what was right and important. I had hoped that I would also get to see something of what had happened with Griffin and Isabel since they are the reason that I have found myself so wrapped up in this series. I laughed a bit, cried a bit, and was mad at all at one point or another but was very happy that things worked out the way I wanted in the end.
If you want a romance that is star crossed and seems unlikely then this is the story for you. I recommend to anyone who loves some historical accuracy with their intense romance. Hot enough to make you blush but tame enough for a beginner. Enjoy!
The Crusades have been raging and Sebastian of Montborne has ridden and fought with King Richard while his brother remains at Montborne looking over the estate. In the desert port of Ascalon near Jerusalem King Richard has set up his encampment as they rally for their march on Jerusalem to take the city for their church. In the hills surrounding them is a guild of assassins who have sworn to kill all the infidels to their lands, but they really would like to kill Richard, feeling this will make the others less likely to stay in their country. To this end they are plotting to get an assassin within striking distance of him.
Zahirah has been taught to hate the Franks who have come to her land in order to bring their religion and wipe out the faith of those who have for centuries resided in these desert lands. Viewing them as no more than crude animals with no morals she is more than willing to kill in order to keep what they have. But while it is always easy to judge people from afar when she finds herself surrounded by these people and one man in particular it becomes harder to hate them and easier to see where they are more alike than different.
I knew what was coming for some of the story but there were a lot more twists and surprises than I was ready for. I really liked Zahirah because even though she was a bit of a villian, she was able to grow and see what was right and important. I had hoped that I would also get to see something of what had happened with Griffin and Isabel since they are the reason that I have found myself so wrapped up in this series. I laughed a bit, cried a bit, and was mad at all at one point or another but was very happy that things worked out the way I wanted in the end.
If you want a romance that is star crossed and seems unlikely then this is the story for you. I recommend to anyone who loves some historical accuracy with their intense romance. Hot enough to make you blush but tame enough for a beginner. Enjoy!
February 10, 2017
BLACK LION’S BRIDE
Lettura leggermente inferiore rispetto al primo capitolo, ma è nata con diversi handicap.
1 L’ambientazione non è tra le mie favorite e non mi coinvolge più di tanto; preferisco quelle anglofone, nordiche.
2 Per quanto Sebastian sia adorabile, nutro nei suoi confronti una certa avversione (sono la prima ad ammettere che è ingiustificata ^^). Il mio pregiudizio nasce in White Lion’s Lady (La Signora della Tentazione). Capisco che lui non abbia nessuna colpa, ma lo vedo come un “usurpatore” dei diritti di Griffin. La responsabilità è del loro padre idiota, però ciò non toglie che il legittimo Conte è Griffin (che trovo più adorabile di Sebastian^.*).
3 La Adrian si è fin troppo dilungata sulla passione inespressa tra Sebastian e Zahirah. Pagine su pagine di: sono attratto/a ma non posso, non devo, non è onorevole, è vergognoso … mmph … che OO
La prima scossa positiva nel libro arriva dalla morte del povero Abdul. L’assassinio così vigliacco, conseguenza di un sotterfugio, di questo brav’uomo mi ha veramente colpito. Mi ha lasciato un po’ così anche che Sebastian, tutto preso dalla seta di vendetta, in un batter d’occhio finisce per consolare la corresponsabile dell’omicidio. Ah, è proprio vero, gli uomini ragionano con il …. :p
Dopo circa duecento pagine, quando finalmente riescono a soddisfare la loro passione, la storia generale ci guadagna. L’ultima parte, con gli intrighi e i vari tradimenti di re Riccardo, del Re degli assassini, con l’amore sbocciato tra i due, è senz’altro più avvincente. Si sente una grande angoscia per quello che Zahirah/Gillianne è costretta a fare, per quello che ha subito e i sacrifici che entrambi fanno l’un per l’altro.
Il finale è un po’ troppo affrettato, però ci lascia una grande curiosità: Sir Cabal, Cuore nero. Credo che avrà tante belle cose da dirci ^^
Lettura leggermente inferiore rispetto al primo capitolo, ma è nata con diversi handicap.
1 L’ambientazione non è tra le mie favorite e non mi coinvolge più di tanto; preferisco quelle anglofone, nordiche.
2 Per quanto Sebastian sia adorabile, nutro nei suoi confronti una certa avversione (sono la prima ad ammettere che è ingiustificata ^^). Il mio pregiudizio nasce in White Lion’s Lady (La Signora della Tentazione). Capisco che lui non abbia nessuna colpa, ma lo vedo come un “usurpatore” dei diritti di Griffin. La responsabilità è del loro padre idiota, però ciò non toglie che il legittimo Conte è Griffin (che trovo più adorabile di Sebastian^.*).
3 La Adrian si è fin troppo dilungata sulla passione inespressa tra Sebastian e Zahirah. Pagine su pagine di: sono attratto/a ma non posso, non devo, non è onorevole, è vergognoso … mmph … che OO
La prima scossa positiva nel libro arriva dalla morte del povero Abdul. L’assassinio così vigliacco, conseguenza di un sotterfugio, di questo brav’uomo mi ha veramente colpito. Mi ha lasciato un po’ così anche che Sebastian, tutto preso dalla seta di vendetta, in un batter d’occhio finisce per consolare la corresponsabile dell’omicidio. Ah, è proprio vero, gli uomini ragionano con il …. :p
Dopo circa duecento pagine, quando finalmente riescono a soddisfare la loro passione, la storia generale ci guadagna. L’ultima parte, con gli intrighi e i vari tradimenti di re Riccardo, del Re degli assassini, con l’amore sbocciato tra i due, è senz’altro più avvincente. Si sente una grande angoscia per quello che Zahirah/Gillianne è costretta a fare, per quello che ha subito e i sacrifici che entrambi fanno l’un per l’altro.
Il finale è un po’ troppo affrettato, però ci lascia una grande curiosità: Sir Cabal, Cuore nero. Credo che avrà tante belle cose da dirci ^^
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2012
3.5 Stars for this one, but the unique setting and situation raised it closer to 4. Sebastian is the brother from Griffin of the first book in the series. He is quite the yummy perfect hero. Nothing broken there, just honor and nobility. Zahirah, our heroine, was a different story. She is the abused daughter of the king of assassins, and the source of that abuse is revealed slowly throughout the story. These assassins actually existed in history so I really liked that aspect. The clash of the Muslim and Christian in the Middle East at that time period enriched the story even more. TSJ's depiction of King Richard was a little less romantic than I have seen in other books. I didn't care much for his character or role in this story. I could also predict the actions of Blackheart and how it would lead into the third book, but I was so hoping it would have been Logan instead. What can I say, I love a gallant Scot.
The story roles at a good pace, the writing style is wonderful. But in comparison to the first one, for me, this one fell a tiny bit short. No particular reason, assuredly a very enjoyable read and there was no disappointment. I just didn't feel the depth in the relationship as much and the ending was a bit more anti-climatic than I expected. Again, this is in comparison to the first story, which I loved. I still feel this is a worthwhile read and do recommend it alone or part of the series.
The story roles at a good pace, the writing style is wonderful. But in comparison to the first one, for me, this one fell a tiny bit short. No particular reason, assuredly a very enjoyable read and there was no disappointment. I just didn't feel the depth in the relationship as much and the ending was a bit more anti-climatic than I expected. Again, this is in comparison to the first story, which I loved. I still feel this is a worthwhile read and do recommend it alone or part of the series.
July 17, 2013
Essa leitura foi surpreendentemente agradável e me prendeu do início ao fim. O pano de fundo é a missão de uma assassina síria cujo objetivo é matar Ricardo Coração de Leão. Em seu caminho se interpõe o capitão do exercito inglês Leão Negro, Sebastian de Montborne. Envolvido em um plano de vida e morte, Sebastian se apaixona perdidamente por Zahirah, sem saber que ela está destinada a ceifar a vida do rei. A relação entre os dois se estabelece quando a heroína finalmente consegue se infiltrar no palácio onde se alojam os ingleses na região da Palestina. No entanto, o sentimento que surge entre ela e Sebastian coloca à prova a devoção e a lealdade de ambos. A história é ágil e sensual, tendo como cenário os edifícios e cidades árabes da época e toda a sua exótica atratividade. O casal tem uma química imensa, ambos são corajosos e intensos quanto ao que sentem. Há um forte suspense e revelações acerca das origens de Zahirah irão definir o destino desse apaixonado casal. O herói é esplêndido, força bruta e sensualidade em um único pacote, precisa dizer mais? O enredo que mistura fatos históricos e ficção pode não ser perfeito mas cumpre o sua finalidade de entreter e deleitar o leitor. Adorei.
December 3, 2013
The setting and plot are new in my reading experience, and I liked them. I liked Sebastian and the turmoils in Zahirah's past and present.
The author's research into the Arabic culture and language is evident, if somewhat inaccurate; for example, she gravely distorted the religion at some points. Furthermore, there were some scenes that could not have been possible to occur at the place and time of the story, like Sebastian and Zahirah's passionate embraces in public. Also, there seems a profound misconception about the land's terrains... Palestine is mostly fertile ground with trees and the climate is less harsh than was described. Finally, the end of the story seemed rushed to me. It could have been easily written in a much more captivating manner.
I still have one unanswered question though! What happened to Zahirah's upper-body skin that it became tan? I understand if it was only her face, hands and neck since they would be exposed to the sun; but why her upper torso?
The author's research into the Arabic culture and language is evident, if somewhat inaccurate; for example, she gravely distorted the religion at some points. Furthermore, there were some scenes that could not have been possible to occur at the place and time of the story, like Sebastian and Zahirah's passionate embraces in public. Also, there seems a profound misconception about the land's terrains... Palestine is mostly fertile ground with trees and the climate is less harsh than was described. Finally, the end of the story seemed rushed to me. It could have been easily written in a much more captivating manner.
I still have one unanswered question though! What happened to Zahirah's upper-body skin that it became tan? I understand if it was only her face, hands and neck since they would be exposed to the sun; but why her upper torso?
June 5, 2012
I absolutely loved this book and Sebastian was a fine, honourable hot sexy knight who fa gonlls for a muslim girl while on crusade with King Richard, but all is not what it seem's and the love story and twists and turns make a great read with you never knowing what is going to happen next. The back ground and surrounding characters take you to the far away land, and the old english language often used takes you back to old days and makes you wonder just what it could have been like to be knight all those years gone.
I have loved all of lara's re-released knight series and have read the other 5 and loved everyone of them, i have white lions bride left to read and look forward to another knight to fall in love with xx
I have loved all of lara's re-released knight series and have read the other 5 and loved everyone of them, i have white lions bride left to read and look forward to another knight to fall in love with xx
April 9, 2013
Hero is a crusader on the second crusade (the one with Richard the Lionheart). Heroine - assassin for a Muslim sect. She infiltrates his house to have access to and be able to kill the Lionheart, but the unexpected happens and she falls in love, driven by his goodness to her, but still plans to carry out her mission.
I love this because the heroine is super-tough, great fighter, yet feminine and not just a 'man in skirts' stereotype. And because the hero is so breathtakingly decent that he would be amazing in real life. Imagine, a woman falling for a man because he's a good person! There is also an exciting plot, the ever-present danger (each gets branded a traitor by their respective side for caring/helping and deals with it without a murmur) and overall it's just a really good read.
I love this because the heroine is super-tough, great fighter, yet feminine and not just a 'man in skirts' stereotype. And because the hero is so breathtakingly decent that he would be amazing in real life. Imagine, a woman falling for a man because he's a good person! There is also an exciting plot, the ever-present danger (each gets branded a traitor by their respective side for caring/helping and deals with it without a murmur) and overall it's just a really good read.
August 22, 2012
A sequel to White Lion's Lady, Black Lion's Bride tells the story of Griffin's brother Sebastain and the lady who will turn his world upside down. After loving While Lion's Lady, I was really looking forward to this book as I had liked Sebastian's character from the previous book. Overall, I enjoyed the story and it's characters, and thought Zariha (sp?) was a great match for Sebastian and his equal in many ways. Although I found the story hard to get into initially, I liked the plot twists in the middle and towards the end, and found myself rooting for Sebastian and his lady. I would def recommend this book and the author's other historical romances to other readers.
November 7, 2013
Didn't know where this story was going and I didn't like the heroine, which usually stops me in my tracks, but I know Lara (or Tina) so I kept going and she did it again. This is the second book in the Warrior Trilogy. Zahirah, daughter of the master assassin out to murder Richard the Lion Hearted has more secrets than even she knows. Sebastian, a knight who followed Richard on the Crusades, is nearly killed by a secret assassin and during his recovery he meets the mysterious Zahirah. Definitely not a typical romance - try it!
May 15, 2016
I have mixed reviews about this book. I wanted to like it so bad. I loved how it was set in the Holy lands and had a totally different vibe to the first book. I however hated that from the beginning of the book the heroine was made out to be this bad ass chick who was an assassin for starters and was picked for this job because she was better than the others, only to find out eith her first confrontation she's weak and can't hold her own. Very disappointing main character but still at good read.
November 18, 2012
Finally!!! I took me a long time to finish this book because of college work, buy¿t anyway.... Here´s what I think about it.
Lara Adrian is one of my top authors ever, I love all her books and this is not the esception. It had it´s lows, a bit of boring and common parts in that we read them frecuently in romance books, but since this is one or the first books she wrote, she´s forgiven!
Sebastian and Zahira´s love story was great, the ending makes up for all the not so good parts at least.
:D
Lara Adrian is one of my top authors ever, I love all her books and this is not the esception. It had it´s lows, a bit of boring and common parts in that we read them frecuently in romance books, but since this is one or the first books she wrote, she´s forgiven!
Sebastian and Zahira´s love story was great, the ending makes up for all the not so good parts at least.
:D
November 1, 2014
This was a really good book. I haven't read any fiction about the Crusade. This was a really unique perspective on the war between the Christians and the Muslims.
It had an amazing plot, with lots of twists and turns. I was truly surprised at some of the outcomes. There were times that I literally laughed out laughed and was smiling from ear to ear. An excellent read!
It had an amazing plot, with lots of twists and turns. I was truly surprised at some of the outcomes. There were times that I literally laughed out laughed and was smiling from ear to ear. An excellent read!
July 12, 2012
3 stelle e 1/2
Libro più carino rispetto al primo della serie. Trama più interessante e l'ambientazione nel periodo storico delle Crociate l'ho trovata diversa dai soliti ignoti.
Non e' la Adrian ai livelli della Midnight Breeds series, ma adoro questa scrittrice, che tra l'altro incontrata personalmente e' molto disponibile e gentile con i suoi lettori.
Libro più carino rispetto al primo della serie. Trama più interessante e l'ambientazione nel periodo storico delle Crociate l'ho trovata diversa dai soliti ignoti.
Non e' la Adrian ai livelli della Midnight Breeds series, ma adoro questa scrittrice, che tra l'altro incontrata personalmente e' molto disponibile e gentile con i suoi lettori.
December 9, 2014
Another book filled with love and suspense. This story set back in a time long ago lets the reader into a world so few could imagine. To see a woman like Zahirah go from assassian to devoted wife is astounding. Then for a noble knight like Sebastian turn to a man that would wear his heart on his sleeve... Only Lara Adrain could write those characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews