What do you think?
Rate this book
Damsel Not
In the days of old, one knight fought to save the maiden he loved – a battle that ended in a bloody promise for the future.
In the days of the 21st Century, Izz doesn’t believe in prophecies. A recent widow, she struggles to find the passion that once fueled her life – a passion that is reignited the day a knight in disguise cuts into her life in a flash of swordplay and seductive grins.
Izz doesn’t want to love him. The guilt of moving on nearly crushes her, yet she finds herself unable to resist the touch, the feel, the scent of the man who leaves her breathless with just one look. But each day Izz finds herself drawn to Cade, the more danger she finds herself in, for someone believes Izz to be at the center of an ages-old prophecy – and will do anything to stop it.
When threatening messages turn even more dangerous, Izz must rediscover a part of herself she’s never known before and fight to save her knight in shining armor. With only a sword passed down throughout the generations to guide her, Izz must prove to her adversary that unlike maidens of old, she will never be a damsel in distress.
In the days of the 21st Century, Izz doesn’t believe in prophecies. A recent widow, she struggles to find the passion that once fueled her life – a passion that is reignited the day a knight in disguise cuts into her life in a flash of swordplay and seductive grins.
Izz doesn’t want to love him. The guilt of moving on nearly crushes her, yet she finds herself unable to resist the touch, the feel, the scent of the man who leaves her breathless with just one look. But each day Izz finds herself drawn to Cade, the more danger she finds herself in, for someone believes Izz to be at the center of an ages-old prophecy – and will do anything to stop it.
When threatening messages turn even more dangerous, Izz must rediscover a part of herself she’s never known before and fight to save her knight in shining armor. With only a sword passed down throughout the generations to guide her, Izz must prove to her adversary that unlike maidens of old, she will never be a damsel in distress.
Unknown Binding
First published October 10, 2014
1 person is currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Circelli
27 books276 followersKristina Circelli is the author of adult and YA fiction novels. A descendent of the Cherokee nation, Circelli holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from the University of North Florida. Currently, she works as both a copywriter and creative writing professor, in addition to writing her own novels.
Her latest series, The Whisper Legacy, is steeped in the spoken narratives of Native American lore, and is at once a gripping story of a father's love and his search for redemption as well as a written record of a Nation's belief system. Part adventure, part myth, and altogether riveting, this series from Kristina Circelli signifies the emergence of an important voice in Native American literature.
Circelli currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cat, Sir Whisky Sour.
Her latest series, The Whisper Legacy, is steeped in the spoken narratives of Native American lore, and is at once a gripping story of a father's love and his search for redemption as well as a written record of a Nation's belief system. Part adventure, part myth, and altogether riveting, this series from Kristina Circelli signifies the emergence of an important voice in Native American literature.
Circelli currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cat, Sir Whisky Sour.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 12, 2014
DAMSEL NOT is an amazing story of love lost and love found again, with a bit of legend and myth thrown in. Izz can't pull it together after her husband of 9 years passes away, so her friends fly her off (and themselves) to Myrtle Beach for a week. It's the best thing that happens to her, because while there she finds that she CAN love again. But she doesn't want to believe it. She makes Cade work for it. Izz and Cade work well together right from the start. I love the banter between them. I also love that Cade works at (and owns) Quest for Avalon, a show similar to Medieval Times. :)
A knight, a prophecy, and a girl who doesn't believe. This foray into romance has a little bit of everyone for everything: love, suspense, and a twist that still has my head spinning when I think of it. Ms. Circelli's writing is flawless and flowing, keeping you inside the story long after you close the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels! You won't be disappointed!
A knight, a prophecy, and a girl who doesn't believe. This foray into romance has a little bit of everyone for everything: love, suspense, and a twist that still has my head spinning when I think of it. Ms. Circelli's writing is flawless and flowing, keeping you inside the story long after you close the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels! You won't be disappointed!
October 12, 2014
I love this modern day tale of knights, damsels in distress and ancient prophecies by Kristina Circelli! The beginning of the story starts out a bit sad but it doesn't take the author long to flip the mood with a super hot knight and the flash of his sword.
Much of the story takes place in Myrtle Beach, where I am from, and it was fun to be immersed in the storyteller's view of the atmosphere. She did a great job placing the reader in the beach town as well as Quest (or what I know as Medieval Times).
Kristina has created a variety of characters who each serve a different purpose and help weave her plot, which swivels and pivots as much as her sword fighters. The development of the character relationships and action and suspense of the battle scenes were my favorite aspects of the story.
There is something for everyone in this tale - steamy romance, friendship, action and adventure, murder...
It's definitely a fast-paced, fun read!
Much of the story takes place in Myrtle Beach, where I am from, and it was fun to be immersed in the storyteller's view of the atmosphere. She did a great job placing the reader in the beach town as well as Quest (or what I know as Medieval Times).
Kristina has created a variety of characters who each serve a different purpose and help weave her plot, which swivels and pivots as much as her sword fighters. The development of the character relationships and action and suspense of the battle scenes were my favorite aspects of the story.
There is something for everyone in this tale - steamy romance, friendship, action and adventure, murder...
It's definitely a fast-paced, fun read!
October 19, 2014
At times heart-rending, others suspenseful or romantic, Damsel Not surprised me at many turns. Not, I should clarify, because of Circelli's writing (which is wonderful), but because the book went into directions I didn't see coming right away--and that was great! Izz is a widow who is having a tough time moving on from the biggest devastation of her life, and her friends are desperate to bring her back into the world of the living. A spur-of-the-moment trip to Myrtle Beach does the trick, though, and Izz is suddenly overwhelmed by long dormant feelings and urges that have her tentatively sticking her toes in the water and opening up her heart and mind to possibilities she once thought lost forever. There are knights, love, bonfires, intrigue, battles, prophecies, and letting go to contend with, but Izz proves that she is most definitely not a damsel in distress.
December 1, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the very beginning of the book, we are introduced to Izz, a very recent young widow who is struggling to overcome her fear of the ocean to honor her husband's wishes and release his ashes into the ocean. During the book, we are given the reason for the paralyzing fear, but what sounds like a past life memory, is never truly explained.Given the story line, perhaps it could be a past life memory.
I loved Izz, her struggles with guilt and grief after her husband's death are so consuming, it truly colors every moment of her life, as grief so often does when it involves someone very close and dear to us. I enjoyed how her life ended up mirroring the books she wrote, and I enjoyed how she fought her growing feelings for Cade. Cade is something else.While I did enjoy his character, it felt sometimes that perhaps he was pushing Izz a little too hard and not respecting the grief she felt for her husband's death. On the other hand, if this was drawn out anymore so that he could respect her grieving period, it would be a very long and arduous book indeed.
The action went just fast enough, and picked up a story line that was starting to lag a little and get a little repetitive. The final showdown was enough of a twist that it hooked my interest once more. I definitely didn't expect the way the sword and jewel worked together, and that was a wonderful way to end a fight that had such equal foes.
Overall, this was a good start to going into contemporary romance. There were some rough patches with lagging story line, but the quality of writing was exactly what I expected out of one of my favorite authors this year.
In the very beginning of the book, we are introduced to Izz, a very recent young widow who is struggling to overcome her fear of the ocean to honor her husband's wishes and release his ashes into the ocean. During the book, we are given the reason for the paralyzing fear, but what sounds like a past life memory, is never truly explained.Given the story line, perhaps it could be a past life memory.
I loved Izz, her struggles with guilt and grief after her husband's death are so consuming, it truly colors every moment of her life, as grief so often does when it involves someone very close and dear to us. I enjoyed how her life ended up mirroring the books she wrote, and I enjoyed how she fought her growing feelings for Cade. Cade is something else.While I did enjoy his character, it felt sometimes that perhaps he was pushing Izz a little too hard and not respecting the grief she felt for her husband's death. On the other hand, if this was drawn out anymore so that he could respect her grieving period, it would be a very long and arduous book indeed.
The action went just fast enough, and picked up a story line that was starting to lag a little and get a little repetitive. The final showdown was enough of a twist that it hooked my interest once more. I definitely didn't expect the way the sword and jewel worked together, and that was a wonderful way to end a fight that had such equal foes.
Overall, this was a good start to going into contemporary romance. There were some rough patches with lagging story line, but the quality of writing was exactly what I expected out of one of my favorite authors this year.
January 26, 2015
Damsel Not was an exciting read. I was pulled in by Izz's story right away. Her heartbreak and struggle as she tries to live after her husband's death captured my attention. I wanted so badly for her to find a way out of it all. One of the bests parts of this book for me was her transitions through the grief and the guilt until she could find the person she wanted to be again.
Of course there is a dark and daring knight to try to capture Izz's heart. Cade is sweet and perfect. He can hold his own in a sword fight and then turn around and sweep a lady right off her feet. He's definitely swoon worthy. Izz's funny and diverse friends round out the story well. They help Izz find her way by being pushy, funny, and loving. If all that isn't enough, add in beach scenes and more daring knights, a prophecy that could change their lives, and a danger Izz didn't see coming.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance. Especially if you like a little mystery. Or knights and damsels. I loved every moment of it, even when I was biting my nails over the outcome.
I received an e-copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Of course there is a dark and daring knight to try to capture Izz's heart. Cade is sweet and perfect. He can hold his own in a sword fight and then turn around and sweep a lady right off her feet. He's definitely swoon worthy. Izz's funny and diverse friends round out the story well. They help Izz find her way by being pushy, funny, and loving. If all that isn't enough, add in beach scenes and more daring knights, a prophecy that could change their lives, and a danger Izz didn't see coming.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance. Especially if you like a little mystery. Or knights and damsels. I loved every moment of it, even when I was biting my nails over the outcome.
I received an e-copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
November 23, 2014
Love lost, love found, and a modern knight tale combined into one.
Izz ventures on a journey of the heart and soul after losing her husband. The opening scene hooked me and sucked me into her character without knowing what to expect, which is good because I like warm and fuzzy surprises. After reading another one of Ms. Circelli's books, I didn't want to lose out on the chance to read Damsel Not, feeling right away that we'd meet a strong heroine. She didn't fail, and I love strong women in my books.
The writing style is classically easy, meaning that the reader is absorbed into the story. By the time you come up, you might realize you've neglected your chores or to feed your kids. I had a similar experience with her book Fragile Creatures (a must read but you need tissues), so I was prepared this time around.
This is for adult readers, which I state only because Ms. Circelli writes most of her books for YA audiences, but I love that she's branching out into adult books too. I'm looking forward to her next book, but until then, I'm making my way through her backlist.
Izz ventures on a journey of the heart and soul after losing her husband. The opening scene hooked me and sucked me into her character without knowing what to expect, which is good because I like warm and fuzzy surprises. After reading another one of Ms. Circelli's books, I didn't want to lose out on the chance to read Damsel Not, feeling right away that we'd meet a strong heroine. She didn't fail, and I love strong women in my books.
The writing style is classically easy, meaning that the reader is absorbed into the story. By the time you come up, you might realize you've neglected your chores or to feed your kids. I had a similar experience with her book Fragile Creatures (a must read but you need tissues), so I was prepared this time around.
This is for adult readers, which I state only because Ms. Circelli writes most of her books for YA audiences, but I love that she's branching out into adult books too. I'm looking forward to her next book, but until then, I'm making my way through her backlist.
November 27, 2014
Great book, when you like romance this is a must read.
I Loved Izz a widow who is mourning her husband's dead, she locks herself up in her house, Her girlfriend won't have it they take her out and when everything becomes to much and Izz just want to leave fur awhile, she s surprise to find out that her friends dropped everything and go with her.
The go to a castle were they can dine and watch a knight show, the hero picks her to fight for, he is a very handsome man and Izz can't her eyes off him. Ater the show they can meet the knights chat some and make pictures, the knight Cade asks her out, she has her doubts but agrees. Will they and up together? Find that out for yourself
I Loved Izz a widow who is mourning her husband's dead, she locks herself up in her house, Her girlfriend won't have it they take her out and when everything becomes to much and Izz just want to leave fur awhile, she s surprise to find out that her friends dropped everything and go with her.
The go to a castle were they can dine and watch a knight show, the hero picks her to fight for, he is a very handsome man and Izz can't her eyes off him. Ater the show they can meet the knights chat some and make pictures, the knight Cade asks her out, she has her doubts but agrees. Will they and up together? Find that out for yourself
October 12, 2014
Romance done the only way Kristina Circelli can do anything, awesomely! This book had it all, interesting characters, some tugging at the heart strings (ok, I bawled like a baby on the second page, I'll admit it), a plot that left you wondering what was going to happen next (and then delivering!), and steamy scenes that are just right. I hope Circelli keeps writing romances, because between the scenes /plot/story in this and The Never (which isn't a romance, but has some steaminess), she's on a roll!
November 18, 2014
This may be Kristina's first attempt at contemporary romance with a touch of fantasy, but I hope it won't be her last. This book had me from the beginning and carried me right until the end. One of the things that I sometimes miss in romance is a strong and solid subplot, which this book had in spades. The characters had such personality and the ending was a twist that I wasn't even beginning to expect. This book really has it all...mystery, romance, murder, revenge, a love/hate relationship with technology.. Go ahead. Use your technology and get yourself a copy of this book.
October 30, 2014
A really pretty cool and unique story! I liked it a lot. I liked a twist or two toward the end. It was pretty cool seeing an older medieval idea brought to the modern world. Several people have mentioned it started out sad but then lightened up; I disagree. The book has a spectrum of plots and sub-plots including a pretty big crime mystery as well as a love-story. So finding all of these in one book was a pretty cool find.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews