Jump to ratings and reviews

Taken by His Sword

He took her innocence…She took his honor. But when danger unhinges their world, someone will have to fall on their sword.

The lust. The betrayal. The love. Sometimes the hardest battle…is seducing your enemy.

Alexandra wants one to train with her sword, never mind the outraged public. But when the achingly handsome Monsieur Philippe kisses her, she finds herself willing to give up her heart and even her blade to be with him. That is, until she learns Philippe took another woman to bed after giving Alexandra her first kiss. Shattered and humiliated, Alexandra is done with etiquette. She’s done with skirts and ruffles. And men. Now, five years later, she’s a mercenary, known for her quick wits, expert blade, and dedication to protecting the people she guides through the uncharted forests of Provence. And if, by chance, she ever sees Philippe again, she’ll have no problem knocking that seductive smile right off his goddamned face.

Philippe never forgot the tender kiss he and Alexandra shared, and he never forgave himself for acting so badly. Years later, when he finds himself tracking a mysterious band of foes, the mercenary hired to lead him is none other than the enticing girl he unwittingly destroyed. But Alexandra is a woman now, a breathtaking and dangerous woman. Though he must balance his mounting desire for her with his duty to tame the venomous nest of criminals, Philippe soon realizes that winning Alexandra’s affection will mean he must strip his pride, lay his title on the line, and fight harder than ever before. And if dodging a few of her punches means he can maybe get another taste of her, then this adventure might be more explosive than he ever expected.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Florence A. Bliss

2 books51 followers
Florence A. Bliss is an author from Las Vegas, NV who has a keen eye for writing love stories full of drama, heartache, humor, and enough seduction to light the pages on fire. With an MFA in creative writing from UNLV, Florence loves to write across genres but has found her home in romance. She lives with her fancy Italian husband and two children. Together they love to travel, explore the ghost towns around Las Vegas, roadtrip up and down the Pacific coast, and of course drink coffee out of tiny cups. Florence is an avid people watcher and strives to understand why people do what they do, and she never tires of imagining the stories of what couples have had to overcome in order to come together.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
51 (60%)
4 stars
28 (33%)
3 stars
4 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Christina.
Author 86 books271 followers
June 25, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! It was such a great read and loved the strong will of the characters and their journey to find their way to each other. The spice was great, too! Can't wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Brenda Marie.
1,532 reviews75 followers
May 29, 2024
Oh I loved this one! I haven't read a historical romance in so long - I swooned all over this one.
A woman who left home to live her dream of being a guide -quick with a sword, rumors abound of her prowess. Her impeccable battle skills - and many lovers.
His reputation is the same - when they reunite, they collide.
Slow burn left me panting. The action made me cheer. So well written!
Profile Image for Scarlett.
8 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2024
Loved this read so much!!! Can't wait for another book from this author!
Profile Image for Sudeshna Banerjee.
1,351 reviews44 followers
June 22, 2024
Taken By His Sword is like this awesome historical romance that’s all about this badass chick, Alexandra, who goes against the rules to train with a sword in the wild forests of Provence. She falls for this super dreamy guy, Monsieur Philippe, but he totally breaks her heart with a kiss and betrayal. Fast forward five years and Alexandra is now a total badass mercenary. Fate brings her and Philippe back together for a dangerous mission. It’s gonna be epic.

Florence A. Bliss is awesome at creating characters that feel real. Watching Alexandra go from heartbroken girl to tough mercenary feels totally believable. And Philippe’s transformation from a regretful nobleman to a guy who will fight for Alexandra is really interesting. You can feel the chemistry between them, and their interactions are full of emotion and tension.

Bliss writes in a way that really brings the historical setting alive. Her descriptions of the forests in Provence are so vivid, it’s like you’re right there in the story. Plus, the dialogue is top-notch, really showing off the personalities and emotions of the characters.

The book talks about betrayal, redemption, and trying to break free. Alexandra’s journey to find her own path and not follow the rules society sets really stands out. It also digs into love and forgiveness, showing how getting another shot is crucial.

Bliss uses a bunch of cool tricks in her writing to make the story more interesting. By throwing in flashbacks, we get a better understanding of the characters’ backstories and why they do the stuff they do. Plus, hearing from both Alexandra and Philippe gives us a full picture of their relationship and what they’re struggling with inside.

The book moves along pretty smoothly with a good mix of action, romance, and thinking stuff. It keeps you interested without going too fast. The way it switches between different perspectives and flashbacks works well to really draw you in and make you feel all the feels.

Taken By His Sword is a super easy read – the story just flows so smoothly and the writing is really clear. It’s written in a way that’s really easy to follow, so you can easily get sucked into the story. Plus, the length of the book is just perfect – not too long, not too short, so you get a really satisfying read without any boring bits.

Florence A. Bliss wrote an awesome historical romance that’s got it all – adventure, emotion, and great characters. The themes of love, betrayal, and redemption will never go out of style, and the setting just adds to the charm of the story.

If you’re into historical romance and love badass heroines, you gotta check out *Taken By His Sword*. The story is super gripping, the characters feel real, and the writing is just so vivid. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been reading romance forever or if you’re just starting out – this book will definitely stick with you.
Profile Image for Emmeline Everdeen.
432 reviews13 followers
June 25, 2024
Great story line. I really enjoyed both the main characters, they were authentic and likable. The story itself was fantastic. It was well written and easy to read. I am a big fan of historical fiction and I loved the fact that the FMC wasn’t a “damsel in distress” but a real woman trying to find her place in society. The whole story had a very nice flow to it. The tension between the two main characters was perfectly crafted and the spicy scenes were well done.
Highly Recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a strong independent female lead, a bit of well crafted spiciness and a happy ending.
1 review
June 21, 2024
The book is filled with action, adventure, and a lot of emotional ups and downs. The setting in the forests of Provence is described so well that it feels like you’re there. Alexandra's transformation from a hurt girl to a strong woman is really inspiring.

Overall, "Taken by His Sword" is a great read for anyone who loves a mix of romance and action. The characters are relatable, and the story keeps you hooked. It's definitely a book that leaves you wanting more!
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
June 28, 2024
"Taken by His Sword" by Florence A. Bliss is a thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Alexandra, a skilled mercenary, has sworn off men after a heartbreak, focusing instead on her sword training and protecting others. But when Philippe, the man who shattered her heart, reappears in her life, old wounds and passions resurface.

Philippe, haunted by his past mistake, must navigate his desire for Alexandra while fulfilling his duty. Their journey through the forests of Provence is filled with danger, requiring them to confront their feelings and past betrayals. Alexandra’s fierce independence and Philippe’s determination to win her back create an intense and compelling dynamic.

Bliss masterfully combines action, romance, and emotional depth, making this novel a captivating read. "Taken by His Sword" is a must-read for fans of historical romance with strong, complex characters and a gripping plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6 reviews
September 5, 2024
Such a good read! Great romance story, great twist at the end and such a perfect ending to the story. I can't wait to see what this author puts out next, you won't regret reading this one <3
107 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2024
Regency Romances are quickly becoming a firm new favourite genre of mine. Florence A Bliss did not disappoint with this debut!!

Alexandra (FMC) isn’t your usual regency woman, in fact she’s a super quick witted mercenary who can fight better with a sword than most of the men!

This is a slow burn romance and the tension was palpable. I absolutely loved this book, it was left wide open for book two which I cannot wait for!
Profile Image for Teresa Teeters.
1 review1 follower
June 16, 2024
Taken By His Sword is more than a romance, so much more than historical. It’s special, unique and changed my expectation of what a Historical Romance could be. I absolutely loved it. I got lost in it, and I highly recommended it to those looking to escape with a spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ captivating, empowering, intelligent, expertly written novel. 5 stars and I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mandy (Bestie Book Reviews).
537 reviews195 followers
June 8, 2024
Taken by His Sword was a fantastic first book! Alex has recently returned to where she grew up, immediately running into Philippe. The last time she saw Philippe he gave her her first kiss and then went to bed with another woman! Alex is now back and must guide Philippe and his men as they work to protect their lands. The heartbreak and angst was in full force in this historical romance.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,784 reviews89 followers
July 24, 2024
I love a romance and this was a great read y'all! The MC named Alexandra, she is a sword enthusiast. She has an amazing once in a lifetime kiss with a man named Philippe, whom she is willing to lay down her swordplay for. However, he does something after that kiss with another woman, he literally takes the other woman to bed! I mean that was uncalled for and Alexandria has a right to be upset and angry over that.
Flash forward a few years later and Alexandria is now a mercenary and a very famous one at that. She is known for protecting others with her blade and also known for her swordplay. Philippe comes back into her life and OMG the chemistry is top notch between these two. The author wrote an amazing relationship and an amazing story overall! She really makes you feel the characters as you read and they resonate well with the readers.
The book doesn't slow down from the beginning to the end and there are no lulls in the writing. I love a well written historical romance and this was it y'all!
Profile Image for Novels Alive.
279 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2024
4-1/2 STAR REVIEW

As the third son of a duke, Philippe du Chevalerie stands ready to track down a band of raiders in the northern part of Provence.

However, it will take a skilled guide to navigate the terrain. That comes in the form of Alexandra de Foix, a former ward of the duke who left six years ago under difficult circumstances.

They square off in Taken by His Sword, the first installment in the Swords of Chevalerie series by Florence A. Bliss. Set against the backdrop of the 17th century, the art of sword fighting provides a common theme.

Although the attraction is evident amid their banter, Alex has matured into a formidable opponent. She’s come a long way from the impressionable young girl with a crush. Not only is there drama as the group chases the band of rebels, but the tension between the main characters sizzles.

Taken by His Sword serves up an engaging enemies-to-lovers tale with a strong female character whose heart can only be won by Philippe’s complete surrender. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
Profile Image for Corinne Anderson.
303 reviews13 followers
July 9, 2024
Time-period romances are so swoon-worthy and Florence A. Bliss does not disappoint! I loved the tension created between Alix and Philippe.

Their past and present were woven together well, and it was a great contrast of childhood infatuation to adult romance. Add in the adventure, a fmc swordswoman and a duke, and it’s a recipe for perfection.

Alex is my historical romance heroine. She runs away from home to take on a man’s role as a guide, becoming one of the best and crushing goals. Of course she’s also beautiful and has a handsome, rich duke panting after her, but her powerhouse persona is really the best part of the storyline. I love that! I’m not sure how historically accurate her role would be, but I’d like to think there was at least one of Alex in real life being awesome back then.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I can say with certainty it won’t be my last!
Profile Image for Carinthia101.
2 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
The story of Alex and Philippe draws you right in from the beginning with their charming and explosive meeting after years spent apart. They are a great couple and I so enjoyed their individual character developments. Philippe has regrets and it’s wonderful to see him try to catch up to who Alex has become since he has seen her last. Alex has made her own fortune in the world and slowly learns to let Philippe back into her heart. When the spice happens it’s perfect! This story flowed perfectly. I especially appreciated the easy and smooth language, as some historical romance has me wishing for a dictionary, which I don’t appreciate. Taken by his sword is a perfect summer read! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Stephanie Stoffella.
96 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2024
My first historical romance and it was wonderful! Set in 1600s France, Alexandra and Philippe have a history. What started as her first kiss ended in her first heartbreak. 5 years later, they reconnect for a mission and find so much more. Loved the reconnection, spice, and so much more!
Profile Image for Amanda Myers.
32 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2025
**Taken by His Sword** by Florence A. Bliss is a thrilling historical romance that grips readers with its intense passion, sizzling tension, and captivating twists. This enemies-to-lovers tale weaves a spellbinding mix of swordplay, high society intrigue, and heartfelt redemption, taking you on an exhilarating ride through a world of danger, desire, and personal growth. Every page crackles with excitement, pulling you deeper into its vibrant narrative.

What truly makes **Taken by His Sword** stand out is Florence A. Bliss’s engaging writing style. Her ability to capture the intricate emotions of the characters while balancing the historical setting is nothing short of masterful. Her prose is light, witty, and full of charm, allowing readers to laugh, cheer, and even cry with the characters. As Alexandra and Philippe confront their inner demons and face the challenges of rekindling their relationship, you’ll be rooting for their success every step of the way.

The novel’s historical setting is richly detailed, transporting readers to a world of ancient nobility and rustic charm. Bliss excels at blending historical authenticity with fiction, bringing the time period to life in vivid scenes that range from the clashing sounds of swordfights to the opulence of ballroom gowns. These details immerse you in the world she’s created, making each moment feel alive and tangible.

Bliss introduces us to Alexandra, a fierce, independent woman whose sword skills make her anything but the typical "damsel in distress." After being abandoned by Philippe, she channels her heartbreak into strength, becoming a skilled mercenary and proving that pain can be transformed into power. Alexandra’s journey from scorned lover to formidable warrior is a truly captivating transformation, setting the stage for an unforgettable love story.

Philippe’s character arc is just as compelling. At the start, he’s the picture of privilege, careless and unaware of the weight of his actions. But when fate brings him face-to-face with Alexandra five years after their painful separation, he’s forced to confront his past and rethink the man he wants to become. Their reunion is electric, sparked by a thrilling swordfight that’s both playful and charged with undeniable chemistry. As old wounds resurface, so do old feelings, and neither can ignore the magnetic pull between them.

But it’s not just about the spicy romance. At its heart, **Taken by His Sword** is about growth—both personal and shared. As Alexandra and Philippe navigate their reunion, they also grapple with their past mistakes, societal pressures, and the vulnerability that comes with love. This isn't just a romance; it's a journey of transformation. The suspense and slow-burn chemistry build with every chapter, making the eventual emotional payoff all the more satisfying for both the romantic and the adventurer at heart.

**Taken by His Sword** is a story where love and change collide with breathtaking force. It’s a poignant and heartwarming tale about redemption, growth, and the power of love to overcome obstacles. This book is a must-read for romance lovers, offering a celebration of love’s resilience and its ability to change us—for the better. If you're craving a story that's both spicy and deeply satisfying, this one will have you turning pages until the very end.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
3,353 reviews153 followers
June 14, 2024
This is the first book in a new series - The Swords Of Chevalerie.
I don't read too much historical fiction - but how could I resist a title like this and the promise of romance and spice!?

Often in this genre/era, we see the male taking on the main hero role - but I loved how this switched things up a bit, with Alexandra leading the men through the forest.

Having left to persue her dream - now a fully trained, expert mercenary guide - Alex returns to guide people through the uncharted forests.
Having been cast off previously by Phillipe when he slept with another after their shared kiss, she vowed to get her own back one day - and meeting again on this guide, might just be the right moment.
But will she be able to resist his charms.

I loved seeing the relationship between Alex and Phillipe develop and it was great to be able to have that glimpse into the past too with the little flashbacks.
The plot was pretty obvious really, but who cares when it was so much fun to read!
I loved the spicy scenes and the journey we travelled with the pair.

I don't know whether we'll encounter this couple in future books in the series and was looking out for our next characters to take the lead.
With Phillipe having 2 brothers, I'm guessing we'll be seeing more of their escapades and exploring this world a lot more in the next few books.

A fast-paced, quick read that was packed with action.
I really enjoyed this one and will definitely be looking forward to getting hold of book 2 soon.
1,289 reviews29 followers
June 4, 2024
Generally speaking, I dont do historical fiction. However, this promised a romance and some spice, so I had to give it a go, and it definitely delivered and then some.
It was brilliant to have the headstrong Alex, so ahead of her times, as the main character here. I really enjoyed seeing the flashbacks to her childhood with Philippe.
There's lots of action throughout, some spicy moments, some make you smile moments, some grimace moments, but overall, it's a really fast-paced read with lots of room to be explored further in the series. There's 3 brothers, so I foresee at least another 2 books!
I thought the spicy scenes were spot on, not too gratuitous, and they benefitted the storylines continuation.
This is a really good read, and I'd definitely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,617 reviews148 followers
June 16, 2024
Taken By His Sword by Florence A Bliss.
Swords of Chevalerie Book 1.
I did really enjoy this book. I did like the cover. I loved how Philippe and Alexandra were with each other. I also liked Laurent. I wasn't sure about Giroux. I did like the writing style. I couldn't put it down. I have just started to get into this genre. I'm enjoying it the more I read it. I really liked the story. I liked reading about the past. I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series. 5*.
Profile Image for Claudia Severin.
Author 13 books79 followers
June 24, 2024
Modern twist on Period Adventure Romance

If you’re like me, you’d hesitate to pick up a sword-fighting book set in France centuries ago. But the author made it so fun interspersing sexual tension with sword play. There was plenty of suspense and danger afoot too not knowing who could be trusted. Ms. Bliss mixed modern touches of strong women and popular language with the honor and lifestyle of that historical period. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Jessica.
30 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2024
I haven't read a historical romance in a long time, but I am so glad I gave this one a shot. Alex, our protagonist, is a strong, female lead character. She is sassy, smart, and incredibly talented.

The writing is witty and strong. The conflict that brings Alex and Phillippe together again is as interesting and suspenseful as the steamy attraction that exists between these two.

I can't wait to read about the next Chevalerie brother!
Profile Image for S.E. Berkeley.
Author 3 books64 followers
February 16, 2025
I’m usually a romantasy girlie but I have a deep love for historical romances. It’s like my bread and butter. Classic and always a good time. This book is one of those good times reads. I found it very relaxing. The romance was sizzling and the dedication to sword fighting educational. I definitely recommend picking it up if you’re looking for a great read.
3 reviews
June 14, 2024
Excellent writing. Fabulous FMC and MMC. Super entertaining read. Exciting story line. Lots of surprises. Can you tell I loved Florence A. Bliss's (FAB) Taken by His Sword?
Profile Image for Hannah Ledford.
Author 2 books16 followers
November 11, 2024
Sometimes you just need a fun historical romance! This was a great adventure with an awesome, sword-fighting FMC who wears pants! (scandalous in the best way). I loved how Alexandra was both fierce and vulnerable as she tried to come to terms with her feelings for Phillipe. Great read!
Profile Image for Rebecca Parcha.
3 reviews10 followers
February 25, 2025
This book was such a fantastic read and exactly what I needed. I loved the backstory between the FMC and MMC and the upheaval of a traditional “female” roles—the FMC is a total badass and this story is such a fun read! The scene around the fire pit will live rent free in my head ;)
Profile Image for April.
531 reviews30 followers
August 2, 2024
This is Book 1 of Florence's new series.

In this story, we follow Phillipe (song of a Duke) and Alex (daughter of the Duchess's friend) as the join together to help secure Phillipe's fathers land!

I love how Phillipe starts out as overly confident and how, with time, his character changes and develops as he accepts his feelings towards Alex.

Meanwhile, I adore Alex... she flies in in the face of tradition, preferring to wear a more masculine outfit and work as a guide throughout the lines.

She is incredibly strong and a brilliant character.

The story itself was an interesting one as we have the current story where there's some pretty nasty things happening towards farms etc and its a race against time to locate the culprit before it causes Mayhem to the stability of the region.

However, there is also the story of Phillipe and Alex!

With a bit of spice in there, this book offers entertainment and also a large dollop of historical France, too - perfect for historical romance lovers!

It is a very enjoyable book, recommend to all!
7 reviews
January 18, 2025
Historical Romance is not a genre I typically pick up but after reading Taken By His Sword I’m thinking maybe it should be….
When I say it had it ALL I mean it- romance, drama, humor, action. Every time I put it down I would spend my hours anticipating what was going to happen next. The authors writing style is so incredible. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews