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The O'Byrne Brides #2
Wild Roses
The gentle sister of Ireland’s most infamous rebel, Maire O’Byrne remains ever loyal to country and clansmen—until a strange twist of fate carries her to Lord Duncan FitzWilliam, the proud Norman master of Longford Castle. And now she must feign amnesia to ensure her brother’s safety—even as her yearning heart seeks the warm shelter of an enemy’s arms.
A man of peace in a land seething with rage, Lord Duncan is touched by this mysterious, afflicted lady whom he believes is a pawn in a dangerous family intrigue. Yet desire is Duncan’s greatest peril, for his need commands him to tear down the wall of secrets that stand between him and beautiful Maire—and to give himself fully and passionately to a love some would call treason.
A man of peace in a land seething with rage, Lord Duncan is touched by this mysterious, afflicted lady whom he believes is a pawn in a dangerous family intrigue. Yet desire is Duncan’s greatest peril, for his need commands him to tear down the wall of secrets that stand between him and beautiful Maire—and to give himself fully and passionately to a love some would call treason.
364 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1996
775 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Minger
66 books229 followersMiriam Minger is the bestselling author of sweet to sensual historical romances that sweep you from Viking times to Regency England to the American West. Miriam is also the author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, inspirational romance, and children's books. She is the winner of several Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards--including Best Medieval Historical Romance of the Year for The Pagan's Prize--and a two-time RITA Award Finalist for The Brigand Bride and Captive Rose.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 1, 2021
There is nothing more off putting than a cheap fake historical with a totally phony "Old English" vocabulary. The leads keep uttering exclamations like "God's teeth", "By the blood of God", "Jesu Mary and Joseph". Not just once in a way. Just about after every sentence they speak. It was beyond annoying, it was laughable !
The story wasn't so greatly inspiring either. Heroine limps. So she doesn't have much hope of finding a sexy guy for herself. She thinks she is damaged goods. She is returning from some camp back home, when a few brigands kidnap her. That happens to be an Irish group related to the hero. The hero is a noble soul (a bit too noble and mushy for my liking!). But is surrounded by mean, trouble mongering friends and relatives.
The heroine is a captive in his castle. Hero comes to know about this, and tries to send her back home safely. But she realizes that there is bad blood between the hero's clan and her brothers. So she fakes memory loss and conceals her identity. Just long enough to fall in love with the fellow.
He is smitten too, but realizes that she belongs to the enemy clan. She walks away at one point to save the hero from her brothers. Finally, the hero comes and confronts her brothers openly. And claims his bride.
Nothing note worthy ever happens. Just run of the mill stuff cloaked as a historical romance. Not much authenticity to the historical context either.
Nope, did not work for me.
The story wasn't so greatly inspiring either. Heroine limps. So she doesn't have much hope of finding a sexy guy for herself. She thinks she is damaged goods. She is returning from some camp back home, when a few brigands kidnap her. That happens to be an Irish group related to the hero. The hero is a noble soul (a bit too noble and mushy for my liking!). But is surrounded by mean, trouble mongering friends and relatives.
The heroine is a captive in his castle. Hero comes to know about this, and tries to send her back home safely. But she realizes that there is bad blood between the hero's clan and her brothers. So she fakes memory loss and conceals her identity. Just long enough to fall in love with the fellow.
He is smitten too, but realizes that she belongs to the enemy clan. She walks away at one point to save the hero from her brothers. Finally, the hero comes and confronts her brothers openly. And claims his bride.
Nothing note worthy ever happens. Just run of the mill stuff cloaked as a historical romance. Not much authenticity to the historical context either.
Nope, did not work for me.
February 10, 2022
While it’s been a while since I’ve read book 1 of this series, I was exceedingly glad to be able to get this one to reacquaint myself with those characters! Miriam Minger writes beautiful, detailed stories with lots of action. Elizabeth Klett also does an outstanding job narrating the audiobook . I really appreciate when I’m able to get both the book and the audiobook. I tend to get both whenever possible as I enjoy switching back and for forth between the two. This is an excellent piece of work in both the writing an the narrating. I don’t like to give away what happens in the book it at all possible. I can say however that I think you’d be highly pleased with it. (I finally realized that kindle unlimited is well worth the money. Books listed or found there do not always stay there, but if you add it to your list it stays till you return. Also of an audio version is available, you can often get it at the reduced price of $7.49 or so on most occasions. You get to keep the audiobooks however)
August 20, 2022
October 2021 (reread):
Updated to 5 stars.
This is probably my sixth or seventh time rereading since I first found this gem on Enki (haven't been keeping track on Goodreads though, oops).
How is it Duncan is becoming dreamier and dreamier each time?
--
February 2020:
For all its flaws, this was very emotional and romantic. And I love the scene at the end .
Updated to 5 stars.
This is probably my sixth or seventh time rereading since I first found this gem on Enki (haven't been keeping track on Goodreads though, oops).
How is it Duncan is becoming dreamier and dreamier each time?
--
February 2020:
For all its flaws, this was very emotional and romantic. And I love the scene at the end .
April 26, 2020
Sweet Jesu, Mary and Joseph! If I never see that phrase again, I’ll be a verra happy lass 😬
This book did not hit right note for me. Duncan seemed nice enough but what in earth did he see in Maire I’m not sure. I mean, if you like women who cringe every time you walk in the room, who constantly think “what would my brave sister in law do” and then do nothing smart, and look scared all the time then she’s your girl. And why can none of the men have a conversation without yelling and then cursing, either loudly, or under their breath??
This book did not hit right note for me. Duncan seemed nice enough but what in earth did he see in Maire I’m not sure. I mean, if you like women who cringe every time you walk in the room, who constantly think “what would my brave sister in law do” and then do nothing smart, and look scared all the time then she’s your girl. And why can none of the men have a conversation without yelling and then cursing, either loudly, or under their breath??
March 19, 2019
I have been wanting to read this book for like, three years. And now I have. And it was great. The smut could have been better but it was still good and the plot and the characters were really good too. There were a couple plot holes but nothing major. If I had paid five dollars for it I may have been disappointed but because I borrowed it I wasn't and that is such a relief.
April 14, 2020
4.5 STARS
I really enjoyed this story a lot. Even though this is book 2 of the series, it can be a stand alone.
The opening scene with the H dealing with something tragic broke my heart but also endeared me to the H. Also, the opening scene with the h will do the same to you.
My only problem is how many times the h said JESU, MARY AND JOSEPH. Truly, I will say a minimum of 20 times but I am sure it was more than that.
We have many villains. I couldn't understand why the H didn't get rid of his half sister sooner. Especially when she disrupted so many lives.
You will be treated to fights scenes, violence, suspense, twists, intrigue, love of family and just a thrilling story line that I hated when it ended. I did want more of an ending to know what their future held. Assuming we will have that in the next story that is already out and I can't wait. It's on the h's brother Niall, who had his heart broken in this story.
The H/h are both caring and want the best for those they care about. I didn't like the h keeping a secret, even though you understand why she did. There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 if that. Since I felt a connection to the couple, it was filled with passion.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a tad of spice. I recommend this story, series and author. (ljb).
I really enjoyed this story a lot. Even though this is book 2 of the series, it can be a stand alone.
The opening scene with the H dealing with something tragic broke my heart but also endeared me to the H. Also, the opening scene with the h will do the same to you.
My only problem is how many times the h said JESU, MARY AND JOSEPH. Truly, I will say a minimum of 20 times but I am sure it was more than that.
We have many villains. I couldn't understand why the H didn't get rid of his half sister sooner. Especially when she disrupted so many lives.
You will be treated to fights scenes, violence, suspense, twists, intrigue, love of family and just a thrilling story line that I hated when it ended. I did want more of an ending to know what their future held. Assuming we will have that in the next story that is already out and I can't wait. It's on the h's brother Niall, who had his heart broken in this story.
The H/h are both caring and want the best for those they care about. I didn't like the h keeping a secret, even though you understand why she did. There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 if that. Since I felt a connection to the couple, it was filled with passion.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a tad of spice. I recommend this story, series and author. (ljb).
April 17, 2020
*Actual is 4.5 stars*
I really liked this one! To be honest, I get so tired of reading the same type of lead characters (the woman is “fiery,” the man is hot tempered and sleeps with a new woman every day, etc) that this was just a breath of fresh air. I loved that Maire was shy and gentle and still came out a boss. You mean a sweet, kind woman with a physical handicap can actually carry a story and convince a strapping, honorable sexy warrior to fall in love with her? Who knew?! 😂
And dear lord, SHE DIDN’T HAVE RED HAIR!! It’s a miracle, lol! All joking aside, she was interesting to follow despite not being the typical feisty lead. There were so many heartfelt moments and well-written scenes that made each character multidimensional. When the entire feast hall laughed at her disability and she bore it like a champ, I wanted to come through the book and claw those people. I only wish Duncan had kicked his horrible demon half-sister to the moat waaaaay earlier.
Perhaps my absolute favorite part of this book was the fact that NOWHERE, NOT ONCE were the words “you’re so tight” uttered by Duncan during a love scene. Seriously, that alone gets this thing a half star bump!
I really liked this one! To be honest, I get so tired of reading the same type of lead characters (the woman is “fiery,” the man is hot tempered and sleeps with a new woman every day, etc) that this was just a breath of fresh air. I loved that Maire was shy and gentle and still came out a boss. You mean a sweet, kind woman with a physical handicap can actually carry a story and convince a strapping, honorable sexy warrior to fall in love with her? Who knew?! 😂
And dear lord, SHE DIDN’T HAVE RED HAIR!! It’s a miracle, lol! All joking aside, she was interesting to follow despite not being the typical feisty lead. There were so many heartfelt moments and well-written scenes that made each character multidimensional. When the entire feast hall laughed at her disability and she bore it like a champ, I wanted to come through the book and claw those people. I only wish Duncan had kicked his horrible demon half-sister to the moat waaaaay earlier.
Perhaps my absolute favorite part of this book was the fact that NOWHERE, NOT ONCE were the words “you’re so tight” uttered by Duncan during a love scene. Seriously, that alone gets this thing a half star bump!
October 17, 2020
Captive Hearts
Maire O'Bryne wishes her legs worked better but she does what she can. Now having made a friend outside her clan brings pain and anguish. On the way home she allows her brother one last reprieve. However, an ambush puts all that on hold.
Duncan FitzWilliam, Baron of Longford Castle, wants peace. He has fought hard and long to win what he has now. With one half sister and two half brother's that distorted he mother and his life claiming him a bastard.
With his half sister, Adele, visiting, he now has that strain to contend with on top of the rebel raiding. Now Adele has kidnapped an Irish girl for him. The only issue is she can not remember anything but her name.
Maire remembers all but with hearing the way talk of her brothers abound she pretends to not know anything.
Now with three prisoners to deal with, Adele and her randy, evil men-at-arms, an amnesiac woman could things get worse. You bet!!
Enjoy this wild, witty ride in Ireland's countryside with great plot twists and characters that will capture you with honor, and courage.
Maire O'Bryne wishes her legs worked better but she does what she can. Now having made a friend outside her clan brings pain and anguish. On the way home she allows her brother one last reprieve. However, an ambush puts all that on hold.
Duncan FitzWilliam, Baron of Longford Castle, wants peace. He has fought hard and long to win what he has now. With one half sister and two half brother's that distorted he mother and his life claiming him a bastard.
With his half sister, Adele, visiting, he now has that strain to contend with on top of the rebel raiding. Now Adele has kidnapped an Irish girl for him. The only issue is she can not remember anything but her name.
Maire remembers all but with hearing the way talk of her brothers abound she pretends to not know anything.
Now with three prisoners to deal with, Adele and her randy, evil men-at-arms, an amnesiac woman could things get worse. You bet!!
Enjoy this wild, witty ride in Ireland's countryside with great plot twists and characters that will capture you with honor, and courage.
October 18, 2019
Love between enemies
Wild Roses was an interesting read. Two clans, one common enemy that were unforgiving of each other. They blamed everything on the other until one day after a horrific event occurred, Maire was captured and ended up with the Baron of Longford: Duncan. He took her from his half sister because she treated her abominably. Making fun of her because she was not able to walk properly. This was the beginning of a relationship slowly formed in deceit because Maire called Rose couldn't tell him her real name because he hated her clan and wanted her brother dead. Only she started tio have feelings for him and then things became really complicated. There is so much danger, deceit, emotional feelings wrapped in a triangle of love and fear that you never know what's going to happen next. It's loyalty and familial love that is constant throughout the book that is the most prominent.
Wild Roses was an interesting read. Two clans, one common enemy that were unforgiving of each other. They blamed everything on the other until one day after a horrific event occurred, Maire was captured and ended up with the Baron of Longford: Duncan. He took her from his half sister because she treated her abominably. Making fun of her because she was not able to walk properly. This was the beginning of a relationship slowly formed in deceit because Maire called Rose couldn't tell him her real name because he hated her clan and wanted her brother dead. Only she started tio have feelings for him and then things became really complicated. There is so much danger, deceit, emotional feelings wrapped in a triangle of love and fear that you never know what's going to happen next. It's loyalty and familial love that is constant throughout the book that is the most prominent.
January 31, 2022
After reading the first book in this series - Wild Angel - I had high hopes for this story, unfortunately it just didn't quite deliver. The main character - Maire - is constantly crying and wondering what her sister-in-law Triona would do in challenging situations. Would have really liked to see Maire develop a bit more herself rather than the constant thoughts of emulating Triona. Then there's the exclamations of 'Jesu, Mary & Joseph!' which occurs on almost every page. It made it hard to warm to Maire when she seemed so determined to stay in the 'damsel in distress' role. All this I could have overlooked as the story rocked along with some lovely moments between her and the hero, Duncan. It was the ending though that determined my rating - it felt rushed and under baked and ultimately spoiled the rest of the book for me.
June 1, 2020
Not the standard prisoner to love trope, thankfully. The step sister kidnaps Maire and brings her to Duncan for him to enjoy. Not a spoiler. But Duncan is a respectful Norman. Quite unusual to the time. I think it's approximately 12th century Ireland, in Norman rule. (I had to look that up)
Marie's family happens to be Duncan's enemy. So now what? Keep all that a secret. No big surprise there. And of course it'll cause problems later in the book.
The story shows both POV's, Maire and Duncan. I just wish their POV's were separated a little bit differently. It would be easier to see.
Decent enough story. OK writing. I don't think I'll seek out another book by this author but if I bump into one, I'll certainly give it a try.
Marie's family happens to be Duncan's enemy. So now what? Keep all that a secret. No big surprise there. And of course it'll cause problems later in the book.
The story shows both POV's, Maire and Duncan. I just wish their POV's were separated a little bit differently. It would be easier to see.
Decent enough story. OK writing. I don't think I'll seek out another book by this author but if I bump into one, I'll certainly give it a try.
February 23, 2023
This book was okay. it would've been more if it wasn't for Adele being a bitch about Maire and everything. I liked how Maire protected herself from revealing who she was in the end, though it was messed up how the truth came out. The ending ticked me off because her brother didn't forgive her. After all, she fell in love with a Norman named Duncan, and I felt like he didn't want her happy at all, which is a shame because I felt sorry for Maire and what she went through.
I didn't read the first book of this series, but this was just an okay book. I just wish it was more without the whole cursing "Mary, Joseph, and Jesus" and wishing she was like her sister-in-law and friend Triona because it didn't help her character grow at all. It just left me sad and wishing for more. But I did like how Triona stood up to her husband when it came to Maire.
I didn't read the first book of this series, but this was just an okay book. I just wish it was more without the whole cursing "Mary, Joseph, and Jesus" and wishing she was like her sister-in-law and friend Triona because it didn't help her character grow at all. It just left me sad and wishing for more. But I did like how Triona stood up to her husband when it came to Maire.
July 30, 2019
I enjoyed this book so much that I didn’t want it to finish. Maire is a fighter who just wants to be a normal women and forget about her disability. She beautiful inside and out. Duncan is a man haunted by his memories and protect those he is responsible for. They are supposed to be mortal enemies but fate brings them together. Duncan tries to protect her but there are many forces working against them. Despite all the odds they are attracted to each other and grow closer together. Follow the action as they work towards their happily ever after.
July 2, 2017
In the first book of the series Maire could not walk. Now she is riding a horse and on the way home from visiting her companion's are killed and she is taken by the sister to a Norman Lord. When the Lord finds her in his bed he does everything he can to find her family. The problem comes from the fact that the two family's are enemies. Afraid she will be used against her family she pretends amnesia. It is a well written book of love and fear.
November 19, 2018
WILD ROSES : is a very good book. I listened to the audio and may have enjoyed it more in paper. Our hero is wonderful. Duncan is strong, fierce and has a lamentable family. Our heroine is physically afflicted and seems fairly spineless. Listening to the recording, the pace slows down and the musings, worries and replays can be tortuous. Read this one yourself, you’ll probably give it the extra star.
April 19, 2020
I have given up on this book, The heroin Maire is a spoiled woman sho feels sorry for her self. She chooses to trust the women and man who has attacked and kill her clansmen and abducted her, instead of the person who treats her with care. I sure the author will have them fall in love. But trying to read this supposed heroin say one more time Jesu Mary and joseph while making stupid decisions is beyond me
December 23, 2020
Okay read. I wanted to like this book. The story pattern was a lot like the first book. Can he love me because of who I am? It got annoying after awhile. There were opportunities to include intrigue, but were just briefly addressed - the rogue Normans and the half sister's real reason for arriving. It was so predictable I just started skipping pages to get to the end. I am afraid to try book 3 for fear it's just more of the same in 1 and 2.
April 11, 2020
Predictable story
"Jesu, Mary, Joseph! Said again and again by h. The story was hackneyed and very predictable. My favorite character was Adele. She was a witch but she had gumption. More than any of the other characters. The book was over long, but ended too quickly. I can’t recommend this book.
"Jesu, Mary, Joseph! Said again and again by h. The story was hackneyed and very predictable. My favorite character was Adele. She was a witch but she had gumption. More than any of the other characters. The book was over long, but ended too quickly. I can’t recommend this book.
April 26, 2022
Another wonderful novel by Miriam Minger!
Caught up in an impossible situation, Makes becomes Rose to save herself and her family. The love that comes her way forces her to lie repeatedly to save those she loves. Once a weak invalid, Rose becomes a strong woman who truly loves Duncan, the man who should be her arch enemy. Their love enables them to defeat overwhelming odds.
Caught up in an impossible situation, Makes becomes Rose to save herself and her family. The love that comes her way forces her to lie repeatedly to save those she loves. Once a weak invalid, Rose becomes a strong woman who truly loves Duncan, the man who should be her arch enemy. Their love enables them to defeat overwhelming odds.
September 27, 2022
Peace and Dangerous Love
Raw Hope and Love abounded here. The triumph of it all in the end assures us it was worth it all, whatever it took. It takes everything to make it through, if you are willing to go the distance like they did here. ................................................................................................................
Raw Hope and Love abounded here. The triumph of it all in the end assures us it was worth it all, whatever it took. It takes everything to make it through, if you are willing to go the distance like they did here. ................................................................................................................
April 10, 2020
Wild roses
Loved this book just as much as the first one I can’t wait to start the 3rd one ! I highly recommend it if you like highlander books this is a great series ! The closest writer to Joanna Lindsay I have found yet another great one !
Loved this book just as much as the first one I can’t wait to start the 3rd one ! I highly recommend it if you like highlander books this is a great series ! The closest writer to Joanna Lindsay I have found yet another great one !
April 12, 2020
Needs an Epilogue
Even though Maire was so whiny, and had ........almost no spine.....the story was pretty good. Duncan , on the other hand was what ,I thought, more BRAW Highland Scot, than English. The only reason this was not 5 stars........ it needed an Epilogue, for closure.
Even though Maire was so whiny, and had ........almost no spine.....the story was pretty good. Duncan , on the other hand was what ,I thought, more BRAW Highland Scot, than English. The only reason this was not 5 stars........ it needed an Epilogue, for closure.
April 17, 2020
Heartwarming
I laughed,I cried, and I couldn't stop reading. The characters were amazing,believable,and inspiring. I loved this story. It had me from the first page to the last. Romantic and heartwarming.
I laughed,I cried, and I couldn't stop reading. The characters were amazing,believable,and inspiring. I loved this story. It had me from the first page to the last. Romantic and heartwarming.
April 18, 2020
A story to keep my interest.
This novel had good character development and plenty of action. I kept wondering how the story could be resolved for a happy ever after. Of course it was resolved.
This novel had good character development and plenty of action. I kept wondering how the story could be resolved for a happy ever after. Of course it was resolved.
June 13, 2020
Action
A lot of intrigue and action as was the case during that era. So much fight and mistrust and power struggles and hatred for each other. Through all this a romance ends happy
A lot of intrigue and action as was the case during that era. So much fight and mistrust and power struggles and hatred for each other. Through all this a romance ends happy
March 8, 2021
Good
A good book but a little bit too drawn out for me. It has a lot of drama, action and romance. It is similar to the previous book in the series as far as clan rivalries and fighting go.
A good book but a little bit too drawn out for me. It has a lot of drama, action and romance. It is similar to the previous book in the series as far as clan rivalries and fighting go.
April 26, 2021
I was in the mood for an easy read. Continuing a series can be a crap shoot and I found this to be one I could have skipped. While a little different than the 1st book, it was similar and predictable.
February 16, 2022
Engaging
Continuing the O'Byrne family story in the harsh early 1200s of Ireland. Marie is captured by Normans, an evil half-sister, thankfully the Baron was an honorable man. Takes time for understanding to occur due to the history of the various factions. Steamy scenes.
Continuing the O'Byrne family story in the harsh early 1200s of Ireland. Marie is captured by Normans, an evil half-sister, thankfully the Baron was an honorable man. Takes time for understanding to occur due to the history of the various factions. Steamy scenes.
April 6, 2022
Keep Kleenex Handy
A well edited historical novel dealing with Normans against the Irish. An Irish girl, captured by the Normans pretends to not remember, in order to protect her rebel brothers. She is not able to protect her heart, though. An excellent read.
A well edited historical novel dealing with Normans against the Irish. An Irish girl, captured by the Normans pretends to not remember, in order to protect her rebel brothers. She is not able to protect her heart, though. An excellent read.
April 30, 2022
Great book to read on a rainy day!!!
Enjoyed this book thoroughly. It is action, history & not descriptive love scenes which I like. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down.
Enjoyed this book thoroughly. It is action, history & not descriptive love scenes which I like. Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews