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Ирландский воин
Мужественный ирландский воин Финниан О'Мэлглин помог прелестной Сенне де Валери бежать из замка жестокого лорда Рэрдова. Теперь им остается рассчитывать лишь друг на друга – помощи ждать неоткуда, а по пятам мчится погоня. Сенна владеет бесценной древней тайной, и это может стоить ей жизни.
Финниан готов любой ценой защитить девушку, однако сделать это нелегко. А самым коварным врагом, возможно, окажется жгучая страсть к Сенне, охватившая ирландца. Страсть, которую он тщетно пытается побороть…
Финниан готов любой ценой защитить девушку, однако сделать это нелегко. А самым коварным врагом, возможно, окажется жгучая страсть к Сенне, охватившая ирландца. Страсть, которую он тщетно пытается побороть…
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
33 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Kris Kennedy
15 books163 followersUSA Today bestselling historical romance author writing super sexy, big adventure romances set in the ages when big bad knights in armor and questionable chivalry reigned supreme.
The heroes are hard, the heroines strong, and the passion burns.
http://kriskennedy.net
I also write sweet & dirty fun romantic comedies as Bella Love!
http://bellalovebooks.com
Open to conversations here on Goodreads or over on the blog! Happy to friend everyone who loves romance. I love talking heroes, heroines, tropes, and...everything romance.
Absolutely the best way to get book news is to sign up for the newsletter. Sign up at the website, or sign up direct here: http://www.kriskennedy.net/newslettergr
Stop by the website for news & excerpts: http://kriskennedy.net
Twitter: @KrisKennedy
http://kriskennedy.net
The heroes are hard, the heroines strong, and the passion burns.
http://kriskennedy.net
I also write sweet & dirty fun romantic comedies as Bella Love!
http://bellalovebooks.com
Open to conversations here on Goodreads or over on the blog! Happy to friend everyone who loves romance. I love talking heroes, heroines, tropes, and...everything romance.
Absolutely the best way to get book news is to sign up for the newsletter. Sign up at the website, or sign up direct here: http://www.kriskennedy.net/newslettergr
Stop by the website for news & excerpts: http://kriskennedy.net
Twitter: @KrisKennedy
http://kriskennedy.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 12, 2010
These were the first three things I typed about this book: Oh my god I love this book (had read 6 paragraphs), Finian is awesome, and the fight in Senna is glorious. These were pretty much my feelings throughout this whole story.
Right away the chemistry and word play between Finian and Senna scorches the pages and pulls the reader in. Because of the by play between these two characters I will now read any book Kris Kennedy writes.
This being a romance book there is of course the requisite "We can't be together!" but it is handled well here. Finian and Senna don't come up with dumb excuses for trying to stay away from each other, instead they accept their (holy hot) chemistry and just try to not inflame it (kind of fail here, but I'm not complaining yo!).
I loved how on Finian and Senna's journey to escape the baddie Lord Rardove and get to Finian's King, Senna is constantly feeling "reckless" and is always trying to push Finian to his breaking point. I love a strong man, but I love to see them fall even more. The scene where Finian and Senna are in a boat trying to avoid the English soldiers involves a little recklessness from Senna and let me tell you folks, it is quite toe curling. I almost felt bad for Finian 'cause you know this man is going down and going down hard ;)
The embarrassing truth is I honestly don't think I went more than 3 pages without smiling/giggling in a highly giddy manner for the first half of the book.
The pace and enjoyment did slow for me on the second half, this is why there is no + after the A grade. However, this only lasted for around 5 or 6 chapters and then whoa doggy the story picks up with thrilling speed until the end. Trust me people there are some revelations in the end that will have you gasping. Up until these revelations were uncovered I would have called this a completely character driven story. The storyline involving Irish dyes and how they could be important in the fight against England's King Edward (always seems to be public enemy #1 in the books I read) is highly original and like nothing I have read before. Make no mistake though, you'll love this book because of Finian and Senna but the revelations definitely add some serious meat to the story.
Finian and Senna also are balanced elements. There is no dominating character overshadowing the other and leaving them in the dust. They almost feed off of one another becoming better and stronger because of the other. It's a great thing to read; female and male character strong in their own right. Their chemistry positively fires up this story. The secondary characters are well written and note worthy, but in the background where they belong. The baddie Lord Rardove is close to being over top but toes the line well. William, Senna's brother, doesn't show up until the end but with the little bit of backstory he is given has me crying for his own book.
All in all, the story wraps up a tad too quickly, but that is a small complaint. The adventure, crazy revelations, and amazing hero/herione are completely worth the price of admission. Like I said before not quite perfect so I couldn't put a + after the A, but I can honestly say Finian and Senna are by far the best couple I have read all year. I loved it and if you like medievals and have been missing them (frankly who isn't?) you HAVE to read this book, you will not be disappointed. There really cannot be enough said about reading a good story.
*Personal note to the author Kris Kennedy: Please, please, please, please write William's story!!! Please!
Don't get high and mighty folks, after you read this book you'll be begging to for William's story.
**Oh and thank you to the publisher who actually had the cover model look like how Finian is described. It's the little things people.
Right away the chemistry and word play between Finian and Senna scorches the pages and pulls the reader in. Because of the by play between these two characters I will now read any book Kris Kennedy writes.
This being a romance book there is of course the requisite "We can't be together!" but it is handled well here. Finian and Senna don't come up with dumb excuses for trying to stay away from each other, instead they accept their (holy hot) chemistry and just try to not inflame it (kind of fail here, but I'm not complaining yo!).
I loved how on Finian and Senna's journey to escape the baddie Lord Rardove and get to Finian's King, Senna is constantly feeling "reckless" and is always trying to push Finian to his breaking point. I love a strong man, but I love to see them fall even more. The scene where Finian and Senna are in a boat trying to avoid the English soldiers involves a little recklessness from Senna and let me tell you folks, it is quite toe curling. I almost felt bad for Finian 'cause you know this man is going down and going down hard ;)
The embarrassing truth is I honestly don't think I went more than 3 pages without smiling/giggling in a highly giddy manner for the first half of the book.
The pace and enjoyment did slow for me on the second half, this is why there is no + after the A grade. However, this only lasted for around 5 or 6 chapters and then whoa doggy the story picks up with thrilling speed until the end. Trust me people there are some revelations in the end that will have you gasping. Up until these revelations were uncovered I would have called this a completely character driven story. The storyline involving Irish dyes and how they could be important in the fight against England's King Edward (always seems to be public enemy #1 in the books I read) is highly original and like nothing I have read before. Make no mistake though, you'll love this book because of Finian and Senna but the revelations definitely add some serious meat to the story.
Finian and Senna also are balanced elements. There is no dominating character overshadowing the other and leaving them in the dust. They almost feed off of one another becoming better and stronger because of the other. It's a great thing to read; female and male character strong in their own right. Their chemistry positively fires up this story. The secondary characters are well written and note worthy, but in the background where they belong. The baddie Lord Rardove is close to being over top but toes the line well. William, Senna's brother, doesn't show up until the end but with the little bit of backstory he is given has me crying for his own book.
All in all, the story wraps up a tad too quickly, but that is a small complaint. The adventure, crazy revelations, and amazing hero/herione are completely worth the price of admission. Like I said before not quite perfect so I couldn't put a + after the A, but I can honestly say Finian and Senna are by far the best couple I have read all year. I loved it and if you like medievals and have been missing them (frankly who isn't?) you HAVE to read this book, you will not be disappointed. There really cannot be enough said about reading a good story.
*Personal note to the author Kris Kennedy: Please, please, please, please write William's story!!! Please!
Don't get high and mighty folks, after you read this book you'll be begging to for William's story.
**Oh and thank you to the publisher who actually had the cover model look like how Finian is described. It's the little things people.
December 15, 2017
This is my second book by this autor and while I'm in love with the way she writes, this story was not as good as the Claiming Her.
The story starts with an escape: the heroine, Senna, rescues the hero, Finian from the dungeon. And that was awesome! Very clever and suspenseful.
Then they run and hide. And run. And hide. And run. And hide. And have sex... And run some more...
OK, it was very well written. I could feel their urgency and their desire to get away from a true lunatic, but it was dragged too much.
The positive side of all that running and hiding is that, aside having sex, they talk and evaluate each other. Wrongly, but still...
The negative part starts when I got inside Finian's head and became aware that he valued his cause much more than the heroine. He was so scared of having feeling for her that he was constantly trying to convince himself that he didn't feel anything for her and that she didn't have any value for him apart being the important puzzle piece in the scheme of recovereing and making the legendary Wishme dye.
Senna was not blameless too. She starts like a highly intelligent woman who knows what she's doing, but soon she becomes an almost TSTL. And I hate when that happens! She falls in love with Finian so quickly that I just couldn't believe it!! And she constantly jumps him even when that is highly unwise! It is enough that he touches her hair and she's purring!
The more the story was progressing, the more I my head was spinning! I felt that there're many things that didn't work:
- it comes out that Red, the famous spy, was her father. Finian seems to having know that since the beginning, but it comes out just toward the end! In all his inner musings it never comes out!
- he delivers her to his liege but recommends her to hide who she is, then, two pages after, he himself reveals it!
- he's able to understand her and how she reacts, but she leaves her alone with his liege, knowing perfectly that he wants to send her to the lunatic to prevent the war, to bring her wine! How stupid is that?
- she knows that the lunatic will kill her, bt she still goes because of a stupid idea that in that way she will save Finian...
- it comes out that the lunatic was in love with her mother and has killed her when she tried to run away. But I couldn't get the temporal line here: did the mother first was engaged with the lunatic and run away to marry Senna's father? Did she then returned to the lunatic? If so why she did it?
- it also comes out that the lunatic's clerk (an ex priest who is said to have defiled a nun and was thrown out from the order) has something to do with Senna's mother too and comes in Senna's aid and gets killed... The reason for this aid has something to do with said nun, but it was not explained...
- also the lunatic's head of guards has a sister who is married to an Irish man and lives with Finian's clan and he helps, also at the very end of the book, them to escape. But during the whole book he wants to capture them and threatens Senna constantly and manhandles her...
- there are papers torn from the instruction book about the legendary Wishme that Red has given Finian but I didn't understand where they were: Senna says the lunatic have them, but before there were instances that her mother gave them to the clerk to send them to Senna and Senna herself says that she has some mysterious drawings at her home... So how the lunatic got them???
While the first 3/4 of the book is shrowded in mystery regarding the dye, the running and hiding, the lunatic's efforts to start the war, etc. , the last 1/4 is a jumble of information and inplausible twists that comes at your head from the dark! And I was bewildered and kept going back to see if I missed some crucial piece or what... But still I didn't understand!
I think that if the last part was better managed and snippets of information integrated in the first part of the story it would have been a much better book, much easier to believe and understand.
So, I'm sorry to say that this was just a 2,5 stars for me, rounded to 3.
The story starts with an escape: the heroine, Senna, rescues the hero, Finian from the dungeon. And that was awesome! Very clever and suspenseful.
Then they run and hide. And run. And hide. And run. And hide. And have sex... And run some more...
OK, it was very well written. I could feel their urgency and their desire to get away from a true lunatic, but it was dragged too much.
The positive side of all that running and hiding is that, aside having sex, they talk and evaluate each other. Wrongly, but still...
The negative part starts when I got inside Finian's head and became aware that he valued his cause much more than the heroine. He was so scared of having feeling for her that he was constantly trying to convince himself that he didn't feel anything for her and that she didn't have any value for him apart being the important puzzle piece in the scheme of recovereing and making the legendary Wishme dye.
Senna was not blameless too. She starts like a highly intelligent woman who knows what she's doing, but soon she becomes an almost TSTL. And I hate when that happens! She falls in love with Finian so quickly that I just couldn't believe it!! And she constantly jumps him even when that is highly unwise! It is enough that he touches her hair and she's purring!
The more the story was progressing, the more I my head was spinning! I felt that there're many things that didn't work:
- it comes out that Red, the famous spy, was her father. Finian seems to having know that since the beginning, but it comes out just toward the end! In all his inner musings it never comes out!
- he delivers her to his liege but recommends her to hide who she is, then, two pages after, he himself reveals it!
- he's able to understand her and how she reacts, but she leaves her alone with his liege, knowing perfectly that he wants to send her to the lunatic to prevent the war, to bring her wine! How stupid is that?
- she knows that the lunatic will kill her, bt she still goes because of a stupid idea that in that way she will save Finian...
- it comes out that the lunatic was in love with her mother and has killed her when she tried to run away. But I couldn't get the temporal line here: did the mother first was engaged with the lunatic and run away to marry Senna's father? Did she then returned to the lunatic? If so why she did it?
- it also comes out that the lunatic's clerk (an ex priest who is said to have defiled a nun and was thrown out from the order) has something to do with Senna's mother too and comes in Senna's aid and gets killed... The reason for this aid has something to do with said nun, but it was not explained...
- also the lunatic's head of guards has a sister who is married to an Irish man and lives with Finian's clan and he helps, also at the very end of the book, them to escape. But during the whole book he wants to capture them and threatens Senna constantly and manhandles her...
- there are papers torn from the instruction book about the legendary Wishme that Red has given Finian but I didn't understand where they were: Senna says the lunatic have them, but before there were instances that her mother gave them to the clerk to send them to Senna and Senna herself says that she has some mysterious drawings at her home... So how the lunatic got them???
While the first 3/4 of the book is shrowded in mystery regarding the dye, the running and hiding, the lunatic's efforts to start the war, etc. , the last 1/4 is a jumble of information and inplausible twists that comes at your head from the dark! And I was bewildered and kept going back to see if I missed some crucial piece or what... But still I didn't understand!
I think that if the last part was better managed and snippets of information integrated in the first part of the story it would have been a much better book, much easier to believe and understand.
So, I'm sorry to say that this was just a 2,5 stars for me, rounded to 3.
January 3, 2016
I read this book in one sitting, 6 hours back to back.
It's a gripping tale. My second book by Kris Kennedy and I loved how she tells a story. Her characters (especially the male characters) have such charms. They do not exactly say things that melt your heart. It's their actions that do the magic. I love her characters so far. But they could use more depth and consistency.
Plot development is another thing that needs work. All my observations on her debut novel The Conqueror apply to this one too. Characters lack something to be truly exceptional, plots are interesting at best. A lot of loose ends in the book which were left hanging. But I see much potential in Kris Kennedy.
Despite all the flaws I observed in the plots and characters, I read the book with much enthusiasm. It is a complicated tale featuring an English lady Senna, a capable wool merchant forced into trade because of her "irresponsible" parents (who turned out to be not irresponsible at all). Senna set out on a venture to locate an "investor" for her wool business, only to find upon her arrival that the man wanted to force her to marry him and produce a special dye for him. An Irishman, Finian, imprisoned by said evil man, attempted to save Senna but was not able to due to his captivity. Senna then in turn, released him from prison and asked him to take her to safety.
I also want to make a point in saying that the steam level of this book is rather high. I find her intimate scenes well done. This book however, features something that is more on the risque side. Maybe I am too much of a prude. I didn't dislike it. I just was not sure what I should think about it. Suffice it to say that I still find the physical part of the book satisfactory, with something extra to wonder about.
Senna and Finian are both very complex characters with very interesting family history. Kris Kennedy successfully created these 2 characters with depth and multi facets. I found them extremely intriguing. The relationship development could have been better, so is the plot. But as I said, this is Kris Kennedy's second book and I have seen progress since her first book, which I also liked a lot. I remain hopeful that she would grow as a writer. She weaves a compelling tale. She just needs to smooth the romantic relationship and trim down unnecessary plots and characters so that the story appears more focused.
I also find the Irish elements enchanting. I love the medieval/Irish/Gaelic atmosphere. This book captured me from almost page one and I was not able to let it go until I finished it at 4am. My heart was in my throat for the romance, the sexual tension, the danger of their journey, and the political intrigue. Ms. Kennerdy, you have a new fan in me.
It's a gripping tale. My second book by Kris Kennedy and I loved how she tells a story. Her characters (especially the male characters) have such charms. They do not exactly say things that melt your heart. It's their actions that do the magic. I love her characters so far. But they could use more depth and consistency.
Plot development is another thing that needs work. All my observations on her debut novel The Conqueror apply to this one too. Characters lack something to be truly exceptional, plots are interesting at best. A lot of loose ends in the book which were left hanging. But I see much potential in Kris Kennedy.
Despite all the flaws I observed in the plots and characters, I read the book with much enthusiasm. It is a complicated tale featuring an English lady Senna, a capable wool merchant forced into trade because of her "irresponsible" parents (who turned out to be not irresponsible at all). Senna set out on a venture to locate an "investor" for her wool business, only to find upon her arrival that the man wanted to force her to marry him and produce a special dye for him. An Irishman, Finian, imprisoned by said evil man, attempted to save Senna but was not able to due to his captivity. Senna then in turn, released him from prison and asked him to take her to safety.
I also want to make a point in saying that the steam level of this book is rather high. I find her intimate scenes well done. This book however, features something that is more on the risque side. Maybe I am too much of a prude. I didn't dislike it. I just was not sure what I should think about it. Suffice it to say that I still find the physical part of the book satisfactory, with something extra to wonder about.
Senna and Finian are both very complex characters with very interesting family history. Kris Kennedy successfully created these 2 characters with depth and multi facets. I found them extremely intriguing. The relationship development could have been better, so is the plot. But as I said, this is Kris Kennedy's second book and I have seen progress since her first book, which I also liked a lot. I remain hopeful that she would grow as a writer. She weaves a compelling tale. She just needs to smooth the romantic relationship and trim down unnecessary plots and characters so that the story appears more focused.
I also find the Irish elements enchanting. I love the medieval/Irish/Gaelic atmosphere. This book captured me from almost page one and I was not able to let it go until I finished it at 4am. My heart was in my throat for the romance, the sexual tension, the danger of their journey, and the political intrigue. Ms. Kennerdy, you have a new fan in me.
Read
January 27, 2011This was quite differrent from my "normal" choices in historical romance. The setting is Medieval Ireland, and the plot has elements of fantasy centered around a supposed legend of the Wishme mollusks that can be made into a dye with both camoflauging and explosive qualities.
The heroine of the story is Senna de Valery, a wool merchant and daughter of a "dye-witch", and believed to be the only living person who knows the secrets of the Wishme mollusks. In the story, several factions are battling for the "secret" in order to produce weapons. Senna is the unwary victim.
Senna escapes imprisonment by Lord Rardove a vassal of Edward Longshanks, who desires to conquer the Irish by producing the coveted weapon, by freeing an Irish warrior, Lord Finian O'Melaghlin from Rardove's dungeon.
The sexual tension runs rampant between Senna and Finian as they flee from Lord Rardove.
The story is imaginative and action-packed with the writing abounding with colorful allegory (some might say purple prose). I liked both of the lead characters, Senna and Finian, and greatly enjoyed the dialogue/banter between them throughout the story.
My only true criticism (and this is purely a matter of taste)is the very graphic nature of the romantic relationship. I felt it was much more sexually explicit than it needed to be. By way of example (for those seeking purely titillation), there is one very long and highly explicit passage that runs from pages 256-270 that occurs as danger lurks very close by.
While I do not consider myself prudish regarding sex, I thought the physical interaction did not always feel natural, but was more often than not, contrived. For me, less would certainly have been more, but overall, I was still highly entertained by this part fantasy/part historical romance.
The heroine of the story is Senna de Valery, a wool merchant and daughter of a "dye-witch", and believed to be the only living person who knows the secrets of the Wishme mollusks. In the story, several factions are battling for the "secret" in order to produce weapons. Senna is the unwary victim.
Senna escapes imprisonment by Lord Rardove a vassal of Edward Longshanks, who desires to conquer the Irish by producing the coveted weapon, by freeing an Irish warrior, Lord Finian O'Melaghlin from Rardove's dungeon.
The sexual tension runs rampant between Senna and Finian as they flee from Lord Rardove.
The story is imaginative and action-packed with the writing abounding with colorful allegory (some might say purple prose). I liked both of the lead characters, Senna and Finian, and greatly enjoyed the dialogue/banter between them throughout the story.
My only true criticism (and this is purely a matter of taste)is the very graphic nature of the romantic relationship. I felt it was much more sexually explicit than it needed to be. By way of example (for those seeking purely titillation), there is one very long and highly explicit passage that runs from pages 256-270 that occurs as danger lurks very close by.
While I do not consider myself prudish regarding sex, I thought the physical interaction did not always feel natural, but was more often than not, contrived. For me, less would certainly have been more, but overall, I was still highly entertained by this part fantasy/part historical romance.
May 24, 2017
это даже не смешно: автор вообще не озаботилась сюжетом, так сильно увлекла ее порно-составляющая. прям вижу, как сидит она такая и вымучивает из себя англичан каких-то, ирландцев, лес, поход, оружие, а сама думает "ну, уже пять страниц написала, по-моему можно повторить". поэтому герои у нее сидят-сидят, молчат, ничего вроде не предвещает, и вдруг - рррраз, и снова мнут друг другу части тела. не смогла, короче, дочитать я, несмотря на любовь к трэшу с детства
в загашнике есть еще две такого типа, но их оставлю на отпуск. пожую эту жвачку на пляже
в загашнике есть еще две такого типа, но их оставлю на отпуск. пожую эту жвачку на пляже
dnf
June 9, 2025DNF at 5%
Not feeling the medieval violence today, the villain is SO evil, and also the whole mollusks (?) plot they’re setting up is weird.
6.9.25
Not feeling the medieval violence today, the villain is SO evil, and also the whole mollusks (?) plot they’re setting up is weird.
6.9.25
August 6, 2016
It is close to St. Patrick's Day so I wanted to indulge my inner Irish and my love for reading so I randomly chose this one based on the blurb. It sounded exciting talking about a romantic adventure in medieval Ireland.
And did it live up to expectation? Oh yes! And then some. It is definitely a historical romance, but there was also a slight fantasy twist and a large dose of intrigue. As I advanced through the book, mysteries were answered as more were revealed. People were not always what they seemed.
The story begins with an English baron, Lord Rardove, who holds lands in conquered Ireland trying to exact answers the hard way from the leader of some Irish captives, Finian O'Melaghlin. The Irish leader refuses him and they play a little cat-mouse trying to figure out what the other knows.
Then the story shifts to a loan English woman, Senna, coming to see this same Lord Rardove about investing in some of her prize sheep and the wool industry.
Unbeknownst to her, she is the pawn in a far greater scheme. Everyone is after the recipe process to the secret dies created from the legendary Wishme mussels. The dye formula not only creates the most spectacular wool cloth, but it can be worked to create a powerful explosive weapon. Senna just happens to be the last in a long line of dye witches capable of creating the Wishme dyes.
Senna learns of her fate as soon as she arrives at Lord Rardove's castle. His cruelty toward her is secondary to the dread of learning he plans to force her to marry him and force her to make the dyes. Senna is fiery and brave, but she knows that he will have his way if she does not escape. She is ignorant of Ireland so makes the decision to free the handsome and courageous Irishman who wordlessly encouraged her and tried to come to her defense.
Finian and Senna escape and that is when the true adventure begins. They both have separate agendas, but Senna must rely on Finian. One harrowing moment after another mixed with one passionate moment after another bring the story to its exciting conclusion.
As I said before, I found the plot a very exciting read. Even having Senna, Finian, Will, and Rardove's point of view thoughts, there were still so many surprises. I love mystery, romance, history, and intrigue. It was all there. The descriptions of the settings were very well done. There was a historical feel without the heavier detail of a straight historical fiction. The only bit of description that got a little nauseating was the many times over description from Senna's perspective of Finian's fantastic physical traits. This was mostly during the first part of the book, but I really did get it after the first time that Finian had rippling muscles, strong thighs, and washboard abs. :D Okay, now I'm wondering why the repetition was annoying to me.
The characters were well drawn even the secondary ones. I am partial to Senna's younger brother, Will, who has a small secondary plot thread. Rardove's seneschal was a mysterious character that I enjoyed finally learning what was up with him. The main characters were exciting people that were well matched both opposite in their outlook, but alike in matters of the heart and shared sorrow for the past.
I enjoyed the pace of the story. The growth in Senna- she was no instant 'she warrior woman' and the budding romance between the two main characters was realistic. The action and passion were faster paced with moments of reflection.
Recommend for a nice historic romantic adventure!
And did it live up to expectation? Oh yes! And then some. It is definitely a historical romance, but there was also a slight fantasy twist and a large dose of intrigue. As I advanced through the book, mysteries were answered as more were revealed. People were not always what they seemed.
The story begins with an English baron, Lord Rardove, who holds lands in conquered Ireland trying to exact answers the hard way from the leader of some Irish captives, Finian O'Melaghlin. The Irish leader refuses him and they play a little cat-mouse trying to figure out what the other knows.
Then the story shifts to a loan English woman, Senna, coming to see this same Lord Rardove about investing in some of her prize sheep and the wool industry.
Unbeknownst to her, she is the pawn in a far greater scheme. Everyone is after the recipe process to the secret dies created from the legendary Wishme mussels. The dye formula not only creates the most spectacular wool cloth, but it can be worked to create a powerful explosive weapon. Senna just happens to be the last in a long line of dye witches capable of creating the Wishme dyes.
Senna learns of her fate as soon as she arrives at Lord Rardove's castle. His cruelty toward her is secondary to the dread of learning he plans to force her to marry him and force her to make the dyes. Senna is fiery and brave, but she knows that he will have his way if she does not escape. She is ignorant of Ireland so makes the decision to free the handsome and courageous Irishman who wordlessly encouraged her and tried to come to her defense.
Finian and Senna escape and that is when the true adventure begins. They both have separate agendas, but Senna must rely on Finian. One harrowing moment after another mixed with one passionate moment after another bring the story to its exciting conclusion.
As I said before, I found the plot a very exciting read. Even having Senna, Finian, Will, and Rardove's point of view thoughts, there were still so many surprises. I love mystery, romance, history, and intrigue. It was all there. The descriptions of the settings were very well done. There was a historical feel without the heavier detail of a straight historical fiction. The only bit of description that got a little nauseating was the many times over description from Senna's perspective of Finian's fantastic physical traits. This was mostly during the first part of the book, but I really did get it after the first time that Finian had rippling muscles, strong thighs, and washboard abs. :D Okay, now I'm wondering why the repetition was annoying to me.
The characters were well drawn even the secondary ones. I am partial to Senna's younger brother, Will, who has a small secondary plot thread. Rardove's seneschal was a mysterious character that I enjoyed finally learning what was up with him. The main characters were exciting people that were well matched both opposite in their outlook, but alike in matters of the heart and shared sorrow for the past.
I enjoyed the pace of the story. The growth in Senna- she was no instant 'she warrior woman' and the budding romance between the two main characters was realistic. The action and passion were faster paced with moments of reflection.
Recommend for a nice historic romantic adventure!
June 3, 2011
The characters in this book were quite exaggerated and annoying, and I felt there was very little chemistry between the hero and heroine. The heroine at first seemed like one of those tough, brash, 'doesn't take crap from anybody' types, but she came off as more sarcastic and silly. The hero was pretty typical, but he had virtually no personality. And I know this is personal preference of writing style - but I really hate when a character's dialogue is written with a thick accent, and this hero's most certainly was. I find that to be a huge distraction when it's overdone, and I felt that it was in this book.
There was a lot of steam - which is fine with me - except that in this book it was more gratuitous and did not add to the story at all. In fact, while reading the steamy scenes I sort of felt like I was a voyeur and it was almost uncomfortable. I would have felt differently if I was able to like the characters and actually want them to be together, but I really couldn't have cared less. Much of the interaction between the hero and heroine was suggestive, flirtatious innuendos that would be better placed in a modern bar scene rather than medieval Ireland.
If I could, I'd add a half-star for the ending (which I almost didn't get to) because the author included a section on the true historical facts of the time period and setting, and she outlined where she took some artistic license to help make her story better. This was interesting and helpful and I wish more historical authors did it.
There was a lot of steam - which is fine with me - except that in this book it was more gratuitous and did not add to the story at all. In fact, while reading the steamy scenes I sort of felt like I was a voyeur and it was almost uncomfortable. I would have felt differently if I was able to like the characters and actually want them to be together, but I really couldn't have cared less. Much of the interaction between the hero and heroine was suggestive, flirtatious innuendos that would be better placed in a modern bar scene rather than medieval Ireland.
If I could, I'd add a half-star for the ending (which I almost didn't get to) because the author included a section on the true historical facts of the time period and setting, and she outlined where she took some artistic license to help make her story better. This was interesting and helpful and I wish more historical authors did it.
May 9, 2012
Another excellent story. Great story telling. Kennedy is a very talented author who is capable of verbally illustrating almost tangible settings and characters. Finian was a bit of heaven on earth, really liked his style. Good character chemistry with enough build up pace to keep it interesting but not so fast it was typical love at first sight ploy. Senna was crafted wonderfully, with depth and heart. The entire story was a swift current of action and adventure, and some fairly steamy love scenes. Like I said, I reeeeally liked Finian's style. LOL. There were, however, several (small) details in this one, that went unresolved or still teetering of to the side, which was unlike KK's other two books. Minor things to be sure, but there none the less. And there was a bothersome issue of Senna's brother's name. He was referred to as William sometimes and Liam others. My only other complaint is that's the extent of her current library. Another definite recommend, but as with her other books, be prepared to dig in a bit. Her stories aren't exactly light reads, although this one was a bit light that the others, but still slightly more complicated and meaty than many of this genre. I cannot wait for more from this author.
June 14, 2010
I became a Kris Kennedy fan when I read her debut book, The Conqueror. Her second book, The Irish Warrior, offers the same multi-dimensional characters, genuine sense of period history, and lucid prose that made me, a doubting Thomasina when it comes to Medieval romances, add The Conquerorto my keepers. It will be joined by The Irish Warrior.
Kennedy makes Medieval Ireland more than a mere backdrop in this compelling story. It is a vital presence in the book, skillfully integrated into plot and characterization. Senna and Finian are both powerful, intelligent characters, and there’s never a jarring note in their actions and reactions. I was fascinated by the dye-witch tale and the idea of the dyes as weapons. With all these strengths noted, however, I’ll reveal my own shallowness and confess that Finian is the major reason I loved this book. Strength, integrity, passion, humor—he has them all. He’s an unforgettable hero, one who definitely belongs in Romancelandia’s Heroes Hall of Fame.
Kennedy makes Medieval Ireland more than a mere backdrop in this compelling story. It is a vital presence in the book, skillfully integrated into plot and characterization. Senna and Finian are both powerful, intelligent characters, and there’s never a jarring note in their actions and reactions. I was fascinated by the dye-witch tale and the idea of the dyes as weapons. With all these strengths noted, however, I’ll reveal my own shallowness and confess that Finian is the major reason I loved this book. Strength, integrity, passion, humor—he has them all. He’s an unforgettable hero, one who definitely belongs in Romancelandia’s Heroes Hall of Fame.
January 3, 2011
Senna de Valery is an English woman who has journeyed to Ireland to make a business deal with Lord Rardove. She’s there to sell her prized sheep for their high quality wool, but Lord Rardove has other plans for Senna. He wants her for the recipe to make the legendary dye. To keep her at his side and do as she is told, Rardove plans on marrying her against her will.
Finian O’Melaghlin is an important emissary to the king of Ireland. He is being held in Rardove’s dungeon. Senna comes up with a plan to free Finian in hopes the man will take her with him and help her return home.
Ms. Kennedy has written a unique tale with her own spin on a legendary dye. The research done for the tale was extensive, taking the reader back in time. Finian and Senna’s relationship is believable. As they are the run, they learn to trust one another. There’s twist and turns to the tale and few surprises along the way. This is an enjoyable read that historical romance enthusiasts will not want to miss.
Finian O’Melaghlin is an important emissary to the king of Ireland. He is being held in Rardove’s dungeon. Senna comes up with a plan to free Finian in hopes the man will take her with him and help her return home.
Ms. Kennedy has written a unique tale with her own spin on a legendary dye. The research done for the tale was extensive, taking the reader back in time. Finian and Senna’s relationship is believable. As they are the run, they learn to trust one another. There’s twist and turns to the tale and few surprises along the way. This is an enjoyable read that historical romance enthusiasts will not want to miss.
August 14, 2010
Free Kindle download. I was pleasantly surprised by this book -- I liked the characters and the writing. I fear it may veer more towards the mythical or fantastical rather than the historical with all the references to the cloth dying, but it's a premise I haven't seen yet and actually liked.
I liked that the characters are both strong-willed and independent, and I liked how they met and came together. Those first scenes were like watching a movie for me. The lovemaking in the face of danger was a little much in some scenes, but all in all, it was a nice mix of suspense, adventure, and romance. Can definitely see this as a movie.
Downloaded June 1, 2010. Finished reading June 10, 2010.
I liked that the characters are both strong-willed and independent, and I liked how they met and came together. Those first scenes were like watching a movie for me. The lovemaking in the face of danger was a little much in some scenes, but all in all, it was a nice mix of suspense, adventure, and romance. Can definitely see this as a movie.
Downloaded June 1, 2010. Finished reading June 10, 2010.
April 22, 2010
Last year Kris Kennedy blew me away with her debut medieval, The Conqueror. I'm happy to report she's penned another winner with The Irish Warrior.
I adored the Irish setting and rich characterizations. Another stellar release.
I adored the Irish setting and rich characterizations. Another stellar release.
December 18, 2011
By far my favorite book and I've read thousands. Kris Kennedy has rekindled a love for reading historical romance novels in me. The research and attention to detail she provides is impeccable. The characters are unique as is the story line. Highly recommend it.
August 18, 2010
Senna de Valery, an English woman who has journeyed to Ireland to make a business deal with Lord Rardove, finds herself in a terrible situation. She believed that she would be selling her prized sheep for their high quality wool, but instead she finds that the man intends to marry her and have her make the recipe for a legendary dye. Meanwhile deep in the dungeons of Rardove's castle he has imprisoned Finian O'Melaghlin an important emissary to the king of Ireland and a great warrior. Senna helps Finian to escape Lord Rardove with the hopes that Finian will help her to return to England.
I really enjoyed Kris Kennedy's debut novel The Conqueror and was looking forward to reading her next medieval. These days good, meaty medieval books are few and far between. The Irish Warrior was another solid, enjoyable read. Thank you Ms. Kennedy!
A large part of the focus to The Irish Warrior is this special legendary dye that only a handful of people know how to create. Senna happens to be the daughter of one such person who knew the secret recipe. I found the legend quite interesting and it helped to make the story unique. Reader's will note how much research the author did to make the legend come alive and seem plausible.
The romance between Senna and Finian is very volatile. I could feel the flames licking the pages of this book. These two had great chemistry. Most of the romance takes place with Finian and Senna on the run. Fans of cabin or road romances will enjoy this story. I also liked that Senna and Finian never played games with each other. Senna, although unversed in the ways of love was not afraid to be herself and accept her own sexuality as it was awakened by Finian. She was honest and open with her feelings and likewise Finian was upfront, as well. Most of the conflict came from outside factors. I'd definitely recommend this book. It's well written with an interesting plot and enjoyable main characters.
I really enjoyed Kris Kennedy's debut novel The Conqueror and was looking forward to reading her next medieval. These days good, meaty medieval books are few and far between. The Irish Warrior was another solid, enjoyable read. Thank you Ms. Kennedy!
A large part of the focus to The Irish Warrior is this special legendary dye that only a handful of people know how to create. Senna happens to be the daughter of one such person who knew the secret recipe. I found the legend quite interesting and it helped to make the story unique. Reader's will note how much research the author did to make the legend come alive and seem plausible.
The romance between Senna and Finian is very volatile. I could feel the flames licking the pages of this book. These two had great chemistry. Most of the romance takes place with Finian and Senna on the run. Fans of cabin or road romances will enjoy this story. I also liked that Senna and Finian never played games with each other. Senna, although unversed in the ways of love was not afraid to be herself and accept her own sexuality as it was awakened by Finian. She was honest and open with her feelings and likewise Finian was upfront, as well. Most of the conflict came from outside factors. I'd definitely recommend this book. It's well written with an interesting plot and enjoyable main characters.
Read
August 26, 2012This was quite differrent from my "normal" choices in historical romance. The setting is Medieval Ireland, and the plot has elements of fantasy centered around a supposed legend of the Wishme mollusks that can be made into a dye with both camoflauging and explosive qualities.
The heroine of the story is Senna de Valery, a wool merchant and daughter of a "dye-witch", and believed to be the only living person who knows the secrets of the Wishme mollusks. In the story, several factions are battling for the "secret" in order to produce weapons. Senna is the unwary victim.
Senna escapes imprisonment by Lord Rardove a vassal of Edward Longshanks, who desires to conquer the Irish by producing the coveted weapon, by freeing an Irish warrior, Lord Finian O'Melaghlin from Rardove's dungeon.
The sexual tension runs rampant between Senna and Finian as they flee from Lord Rardove.
The story is imaginative and action-packed with the writing abounding with colorful allegory (some might say purple prose). I liked both of the lead characters, Senna and Finian, and greatly enjoyed the dialogue/banter between them throughout the story.
My only true criticism (and this is purely a matter of taste)is the very graphic nature of the romantic relationship. I felt it was much more sexually explicit than it needed to be. By way of example (for those seeking purely titillation), there is one very long and highly explicit passage that runs from pages 256-270 that occurs as danger lurks very close by.
While I do not consider myself prudish regarding sex, I thought the physical interaction did not always feel natural, but was more often than not, contrived. For me, less would certainly have been more, but overall, I was still highly entertained by this part fantasy/part historical romance.
The heroine of the story is Senna de Valery, a wool merchant and daughter of a "dye-witch", and believed to be the only living person who knows the secrets of the Wishme mollusks. In the story, several factions are battling for the "secret" in order to produce weapons. Senna is the unwary victim.
Senna escapes imprisonment by Lord Rardove a vassal of Edward Longshanks, who desires to conquer the Irish by producing the coveted weapon, by freeing an Irish warrior, Lord Finian O'Melaghlin from Rardove's dungeon.
The sexual tension runs rampant between Senna and Finian as they flee from Lord Rardove.
The story is imaginative and action-packed with the writing abounding with colorful allegory (some might say purple prose). I liked both of the lead characters, Senna and Finian, and greatly enjoyed the dialogue/banter between them throughout the story.
My only true criticism (and this is purely a matter of taste)is the very graphic nature of the romantic relationship. I felt it was much more sexually explicit than it needed to be. By way of example (for those seeking purely titillation), there is one very long and highly explicit passage that runs from pages 256-270 that occurs as danger lurks very close by.
While I do not consider myself prudish regarding sex, I thought the physical interaction did not always feel natural, but was more often than not, contrived. For me, less would certainly have been more, but overall, I was still highly entertained by this part fantasy/part historical romance.
June 1, 2010
I loved Kris Kennedy's first novel, and this second is no exception. Senna is a great heroine. Driven. Independent. Smart. And her profession is so unique. I found her to be a very fresh and intriguing character, one that I was rooting for and cared about. Pair her with Finian and you've got major fireworks. He is the perfect foil for Senna and I found their sparring to be highly entertaining. A very satisfying read!
February 24, 2012
I liked this a lot. It's an entertaining read. But then I am not really looking for a history lesson when I pick up a historical romance. I do have a pet peeve about it though and that was that the heroine's hair kept changing color. One time she's described as having yellow-red hair, another time it was dark read hair, another time it was brown hair. Inconsistancies like that annoy me. But overall it was a good fun read.
June 2, 2012
Great book. Some people complained it was over the top, the hero was a bit too alpha growly, the heroine a bit too beautiful, but these things didn't bother me at all. Very steamy book and I felt like the hero and heroine had perfect chemistry. Overall, loved it.
One real complaint I have about Kennedy's books is that they are very historical, so much so, I doubt I doubt a HEA....but this book is definitly worth the read.
One real complaint I have about Kennedy's books is that they are very historical, so much so, I doubt I doubt a HEA....but this book is definitly worth the read.
June 13, 2010
This was another free ebook from Amazon.com for the Kindle for PC application.
This story is an improbable jaunt through medieval Ireland. I liked the characters and the setting, but the author has a lot to learn about crafting a believable plot. Perhaps readers who are not very familiar with history might enjoy it more than I did.
This story is an improbable jaunt through medieval Ireland. I liked the characters and the setting, but the author has a lot to learn about crafting a believable plot. Perhaps readers who are not very familiar with history might enjoy it more than I did.
June 5, 2010
I got this book the day it came out and stayed up for two night. It was so good that when I reached the end, I turned back to page one and started it again. This is a top-notch read and a definite bust the charts novel. Kris Kennedy should move up the lists and she proven her ability to take risks and not write the same old medieval romance story.
September 10, 2010
I am not a frequent reader of historical romance. I do love romance - I love to read hot, sensual romance with characters who captivate me and compel me to turn the page because I just can't stand to not know what happens next.
This is one of those books.
Finian is sexy, alpha, and funny. Senna is brave, beautiful, and smart.
Read this book.
This is one of those books.
Finian is sexy, alpha, and funny. Senna is brave, beautiful, and smart.
Read this book.
September 16, 2010
This is a Grand Adventure with spies and kings, a dangerous landscape, a mad villain, and political intrigue. The leads are wonderful bigger-than-life characters -- a potential king and a witch in possession of a world-altering secret.
The prose is lovely, the romance heart-clutching. Grabbed me in exactly the right spot. I loved it!
The prose is lovely, the romance heart-clutching. Grabbed me in exactly the right spot. I loved it!
July 25, 2010
This book was a good romance novel and close to being historically accurate. It was a quick read (good summer book) but I was slightly disappointed ant the ended that I didn't think lived up to the theme of a strong hero and heroine that ran throughout the rest of the book.
January 24, 2013
4-4.5 I love a story where the heroine learns more about her strengths and her own goals and where her pov of the world she lives in evolves as the tale unwinds. Add a dose of humor, an hint of mystic charm and a lot of heat and it becomes a keeper for me.
November 25, 2010
In a word. Steamy.
August 6, 2013
read ;ebook /goodreads .Jenny.truly interesting.
August 17, 2013
I loved the book, a true romance. Terrifically written, will read more than once.
March 15, 2020
2 Stars
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