Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Gunn Guardsmen #4

In Love With A Warrior

Rate this book
Besotted by the Princess

James Gunn knew his heart would forever be hers when she bested him in combat. Never had he met a formidable foe such as Emlyn. Mayhap it was the way her body felt above his when she pinned him and he had no choice to submit to her …

A love coveted but forbidden

Princess Emlyn would allow no man to victor over her on the field, especially the arrogant, sexy highlander. It would do well for him to know she wouldn’t fall at his feet and worship him. Aye, he was God-like in his appearance, strong, capable, and a protector: all the things she said she didn’t want in a man.

All it took was one kiss

Neither could deny their attraction. When Emlyn is betrothed to her clan’s enemy to save her people from being besieged, she beseeches James for help. The only way she can escape her ill-fated destiny and have the man of her dreams is to wage war and triumph. Not so easy a feat for a warrior such as her.

350 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

17 people are currently reading
485 people want to read

About the author

Kara Griffin

37 books65 followers
Read a Scottish or Medieval Historical Romance book by Kara Griffin and transport yourself to the mystical enchanting realms of the Scottish Highlands and Medieval Britain. Stories of noble swoon-worthy warriors and strong but sweet heroines will have you rooting for them as they encounter dastardly villains, political upheaval, and family dysfunction. Be romanced with sweeping tales of love and honor.

Kara Griffin has always had a vivid imagination and has been an avid romance reader since her early years. Inspired by her grandfather’s heritage, she loves all things Scottish. From the captivating land to the ancient mysticism, all inspire her to write tales that make you sigh. With heroes, heroines, villains, and romance, there’s always a Happily-Ever-After in her stories.

When Kara is not writing, she enjoys family life with her husband of 34 years, daughters, and five grandchildren. Living in the Pinelands of New Jersey, she spends a lot of time at a nearby lake, the Jersey Shore, and wooded areas of the Pine Barrons. She and her family are huge sports fans and cheer on the teams of the city of Philadelphia.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
35 (49%)
4 stars
17 (23%)
3 stars
13 (18%)
2 stars
4 (5%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
June 28, 2015
Griffin takes us back to the world of the Gunn Guardsman in a very memorable way with this novel. Her low key yet eloquently picturesque descriptions bring the entire world to life. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s writing style. Her unique and pleasing tone as well of the cadence of the story takes you back in time. The end of this novel felt like the end of an era to me. You could feel the changing of the Guard. I thoroughly enjoyed travelling through this world that Griffin has created, and enjoyed every minute of it.

The formidable characters that we meet in this novel were absolutely priceless. The major characters were all quite well developed. The full-bodied aura of the cast really made me feel like I was in Scotland and Wales alongside them. The extremely unique heroine definitely captured my imagination. Seeing her try and walk the line between what she wants to be, what she’s expected to be, and who she needs to be was quite inspiring. Combine her with a swoon-worthy yet at times misguided hero and you have a couple that will keep you coming back for more. There is a natural flow to this dialogue that fits with how I imagine people talked at the time. You can also see the differing dialects from the regions we visit through the dialogue.

Realism, romance, passion, and the heat of battle all combine in this wonderful novel. It was a uniquely satisfying novel combining the best of historical romance with some remarkably accurate history.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Farrah.
1,248 reviews210 followers
December 18, 2014
In Love with a Warrior was a perfectly lovely historical romance. With a badass heroine, a gallant hero, and super sweet romance, this book was great and I really liked it.

Emlyn was a lovely heroine. She was definitely tough, strong-willed, and unwilling to give up her sword for anyone. Sometimes, her determination to stay set in her ways blinded her to other possible futures where it wasn't either being a warrior and never marrying or marrying and giving up her warrior pursuits. But, she was clever enough to realize when she was wrong and perhaps there were other ways. So, overall, I liked her.

James was a sweetie. He was honorable, kind, and just overall adorable. He accepted every part of Emlyn and would never dream of keeping her away from what she loved. He knew she was strong enough to go up against just about anyone and knew not to underestimate her. I thought he was simply wonderful.

The romance was great. Despite Emlyn's reluctance, it was clear that they had a thing for each other right from the start and, as they got to know each other better and accept each other as they were, their feelings grew. And they definitely had some hot chemistry between them that led to quite a few steamy scenes. I thought they were a lovely couple.

The plot moved quickly and kept me interested all the way through. There were a couple of things about the plot that were a bit questionable to me, though. One was that I didn't understand the point of having Emlyn's fiance die at the beginning because it served no purpose to the story. It would have been simpler if there was just no fiance. The other was that there was all this talk about how Marshall (the betrothed from an enemy clan) was terrible but, when we meet him, he didn't match his description, so I was a bit puzzled about that. But, besides that, I really enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was perfect.

In Love with a Warrior was a really enjoyable historical romance that I liked. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Heather.
1,433 reviews24 followers
January 9, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Kara Griffen and I must say she does historical romance very well. Emlyn is not your typical princess. She is much more comfortable in a tunic and leggings while training with the warriors than with learning the domestic chores of the castle. James is a Guardsman who takes his role very serious and is tasked with protecting her. In his mind protecting her does not include letting her wield a sword. Otherwise they have the makings of a wonderful romance. Great historical, with an assortment of great characters that have all previously been featured in their own novels in the series.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,523 reviews132 followers
January 5, 2015
Well, I didn't like this one quite as much as the last one in the series. There was just something about the language that was used in the writing that was off for me. I did like James, the hero. He was so loving and was willing to give Emlyn up to make her happy. Emlyn rather disappointed me. Yeah, I get she liked to train with the warriors, but she had to know her father would never let her fight. And as for Emlyn's parents? I'll not even discuss them cause they infuriated me. I think James deserved better than Emlyn.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
18 reviews
November 9, 2024
The book had an interesting premise, but fell flat. It seemed very chaotic and all over the place. Emlyn is stubborn and willful, but then lets people walk all over her. James is supposed to be a superior fighter, but then gets easily beaten in the two fights described in the book. Also, the editing is very poor. I have a physical copy of this book and it's clearly self-published, but it is in desperate need of and editor. A lot of words missing or repeated in sentences. The owl's name goes from Iola to Iona and back. The worst is that chapters 34 & 35 are the exact same chapter.
Profile Image for Maggie Hesseling.
1,368 reviews13 followers
December 19, 2016
I felt as if I had to suspend my disbelief a little too much. Usually this isn't an issue, but I think that's because I'm already into the novel when I need to do this. In this novel I'm asked to do it too early, and as a result I found it very forced. That being said, I will recognize that it is smartly written with strong characters. It just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Mignon Mykel.
Author 87 books686 followers
January 3, 2015
4.5 stars!

With this book I learned that while I like most historicals.... I have a much easier time reading those set in the 17-1800s... This one is more medieval and was harder to follow the English (Scottish-English, at that) at times.

But once I got past that (as much as I was able to), I was sucked into the story.

Princess Emlyn was to be married, but he was killed. Princess Emlyn is a bit of an anomaly -- while she is a princess, she's a tomboy -- well, whatever a tomboy would be called in the 1200s. She prefers a tunic and bottoms, to gowns; would much rather wield a sword than keep after a man's house.

And all of this is to her mother's deepest chagrin.

Her father allows her to train in sword fighting -- Emlyn thinks that she'll go to war for her father. She wants to be a soldier. Beyond that, she's not exactly 'pure' in the way a lady should be -- no man is going to want her, regardless of her inability to be a true lady.

When she meets James, a guardsman who is to bring her to Marshall, of whom she is being betrothed to, she falls for him -- but he could never accept her. She knows that when she gets to Marshall, she'll likely be killed -- as Marshall and her father are at war. When her father gives her the ok to find a way out of this arrangement, she decides James will do -- for if she's going to lay with a man, may as well be one that she wants to be with.

They both go on this journey with a secret -- she goes with James as a way out of Marshall's hands and with the idea she'll return home and fight for her father's army; James is taking her with a handsome bride price, so long as she agrees to marry him. James, as much as he's enthralled with Emlyn and her ability with a sword... he's of the mind that women do not belong on the war field. He takes her weapons, and when she realizes that as much as she wants James, he'll never want her for her... she leaves him.

Half of the book was leading up to the climax of the story, and the second half of the book was them fighting their ways back to the other -- a bit different than most stories. Most stories take 75% to get to the big fight, and 25% is groveling.

I had a hard time choosing what would be good excerpts for this, but bottom line:

I like Emlyn. I love her fierceness. I love her mind. I love her ability to play people.

I like James. I love his loyalty to his beliefs and as much as he doesn't want his faerie fighting... he recognizes her fighter spirit.

I hate Emlyn's mother.

Yes. Hate her.

And even though it took me a great minute to figure out how to wrap my mind around the dialogue...

I'm pretty hopeful to read Griffen's book -- he's a good brother and I'd like to see where this betrothal of his and Anne's goes, because surely something happened during their two-day ride...

Right?

Right?? Maybe...?

We'll see!
Profile Image for Joy.
81 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2015
In Love With A Warrior combines a bit of history, romance, and action into an intriguing plotline involving a Warrior Princess named Emlyn and a Highlander Guardsman named James. It’s the fourth book in the Gunn Guardsmen Series. Confession: I haven’t read the previous books in the series. However, I didn’t find that a problem while reading this book.

James Gunn is a sweet, intelligent and sexy Highlander who takes his position as a Guardsman seriously but when he meets the tough and beautiful Emlyn he’s caught between duty and his desire for the unconventional princess. When his leader informs him that he has to help Emlyn escape an arranged marriage to her enemy James is more than willing to help and protect the princess. There were some heart stopping and sweet moments when it came to the romance between James and Emlyn. The two were instantly attracted to one another but it took time building up the deep emotional connection.

When I read the prologue I was thrilled to read that the heroine of the story was a warrior princess and I was ready for a character that fit into the legends and lure of the Welsh Warrior Princesses of old. In my mind I had visions of someone with the attributes and warrior soul of Gwenllian Ferch Gruffyd. Initially Emlyn was depicted as someone with the same spirit of Gwenllian but as the storyline moved on I was a bit disappointed with Emlyn. I felt she went from tough warrior with a mind of her own to that of a woman who gave up on her dreams because of the council of the men in her life who thought having a woman in battle was unacceptable and unrealistic. I really wanted Emlyn to show them how wrong they were. I wanted her to become as fierce as Gwenllian Ferch. I was glad at the end she was able to become a trainer for the young soldiers but I wished there would have been at least one opportunity or scene for her to fully display her skills on the battlefield and to truly live up to the Warrior Princess title.

I appreciated the geographical descriptions of Wales and Scotland. Having been to Wales several times myself I felt the imagery was spot on and well written. I enjoyed the brotherhood, friendship, and interactions between the Guardsmen of the Gunn Clan. The adoration between the men was heartwarming and the friendly quips were funny. Overall, the book was a good fast paced read with some interesting history injected into a compelling storyline.

Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
4,816 reviews16 followers
January 13, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story for an honest review

This is the story of James Gunn, a guardsman of a Scottish lord, and Emlyn, a princess from Wales that would rather be on a battlefield than in a dress. James is a guardsman that arrives at Emlyn's home with his army to assist in a treaty between her father and another ruler. Rather than be turned over to the enemy, Emlyn seeks James' help in escape.

I know that many romance novels rely on the reader's belief in love at first sight, and when it's a good story, I can totally believe it. However, for this story, it just didn't work for me, especially considering his first sight is of Emlyn skinny dipping. One of the biggest problems I had with the story is that Emlyn is supposed to be an independent female warrior and yet right from the first moment she saw James, I felt she totally broke that character. I know some might argue the love at first sight theory, but considering she hadn't even been a virgin beforehand, their interactions just felt like anything but love. I also found it hard to believe the situation of her parents. I can't believe that a kind, who doesn't seem to have much feelings for his wife, would let her dictate so much on his rulings.
Profile Image for Belinda.
513 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2014
The author did a excellent job in writing a great storyline because it's medieval. This involves around English against Scots. I had a bit of trouble pronouncing some of the names. It was not that much a big deal.
Princess Emlyn is a fiery lady who takes her role of warrior seriously. She wants her father to be proud of her in doing her best on the field. She feels like herself when she holds a blade. Even though Emlyn was once betrothed to a man who was killed, she hates the idea of being married. Since her mother wants Emlyn out of her hands, she has little regard for her daughter. (She's mean and a bit of a harpy too!)
When she meets James a guardsman who is to escort to her betrothed Marshall, Emlyn knows that she might be killed once there. She wants to get away from home and needs James assistance to accomplish this. She seduces James but he's stubborn and won't do as she asks. The fellow is honorable and thinks he's not good enough for her.
You have to read and find out if Emlyn gets the one man she wants because love makes people do strange stuff.
I appreciate net Galley for this title to read and gave an honest review.
Profile Image for Carmella.
670 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2014
Awesome is the word for this story! If I could give more than 5 stars I would!

James and Emlyn are our couple in this story. James is a Guardsman for the Gunn Clan and Emlyn is a Welsh Princess.

All Emlyn ever wanted was to train and fight in War with her father. All James ever wanted was to serve his Laird and friend. Life doesn't always go as planned though and usually collects many bumps and bruises. In the end, what we get what we wanted anyway...to be happy...but maybe not the way we thought!

I absolutely loved this couple.! I loved the writing!. When I read a book, I want to be there and I was for this story, I could see the emotions and feelings in my mind, the seasons, descriptions of land and water. I couldn't have asked for anything more....well...besides James having a twin brother for me!

I even want an Aled and Lola of my own...you have to read the book to find out who they are!

Thank you Kara for this opportunity to read their story! It was pure pleasure. Now I have to read the previous Gunn Guardsman books!

Please note I received an ARC fir my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,020 reviews109 followers
February 1, 2015
I am sorry to say it, but this book was a deep disappointment for me. I had real troubles getting into the story, as we get no real insight on the characters and it feels especially at the beginning more like a acounting of events without real emotions.
this gets a bit better over the book but in the second half I war really annoyed with the heroine Emlyn, as she is acting as a spoiled brat who does not care about anyone else, except her. even as she tries to argue, at least to herself, that she does all that because she would not make a good wife.
Even in the end, when she knows what she did to James, she proclaims that she is the one who was hurt and lost the most.

I cannot understand how James could have fallen in love with her. the falling in love is so quick at the beginning and obviously his feeling strengthens during the story, but there is nothing, which would explain why.

the one thing which made it a bit better was the friendship between the men and the secondary characters. I really liked especially Sean and Grey

all in all it was a real disappointment and I am sorry to say but I don't think I will read another book by this author
Profile Image for Vi.
732 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2014
A swashbuckling, romantic historical bounty! Princess Emlyn is a warrior, in spirit and training. She has her father's, King Llewelyn Iorwrerth, respect and love and her mother's dismay. (Emlyn isn't proficient in womanly pursuits. ) Her betrothed was murdered by William Marshall, their enemy. William has shown himself to be dishonest, cruel and a thief.
James is a special guardian to Laird Gunn. He is strong, honorable, loyal and dedicated to his Laird and fellow guardsmen - a
warrior.
William Marshall offers a peace treaty if Llewelyn agrees to send Emlyn to wed William. Fearing for Emlyn's safety (and not believing the treaty will be honored), the king plots to save Emlyn. The protector is James. The action heats up here!
Though the newest in a series, the book stand on its own. The story is well written. Heartily recommend!
I was given this book for free for an honest review through Netgalley.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,486 reviews23 followers
December 14, 2014
Tremendously captivating! James Gunn is a delicious highlander who takes an interest in a water nymph he sees on his way to do a mission for the King. He is a guardsman to Laird Grey Gunn. The Gunn Clan is charged with delivering a lass to her enemy for marriage in order to main peaces in the region. James is a tremendous warrior, a secretly talented healer and a sexy as sin highlander.

Emlyn, a welsh warrior princess, trains and beats the men In her clan. On the training field she eyes a Gunn guardsman who peaks her interest. Under her helmet and mail she deams he will not know she is a woman. This woman endures much; from the death of her betroth, proving herself to her father and clan, her mother's hatred, having to be the sacrifice in a betrothel and more.

This was an exceptional novel. Readers can read this as a stand alone. This is book 4 of this author's Gunn Guardsmen. I know readers will look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Renay.
345 reviews
January 1, 2015
Oh what a great romance lovers dream book. In Love with a Warrior was such an enjoyable historical romance, I read it all in one night.

Talk about realism, romance, passion, a heat of battle, and remarkably accurate history. This fast paced and adventurous plot moved quickly and kept me interested all the way through.

Our heroine Welsh Princess Emlyn thinks of herself as a warrior, not a princess. She is definitely tough, strong-willed and unwilling to give up her sword for anyone. She believe she will fight and go to war in her father army. So she wants to be the best soldier in the unit. James is a Guardsman for the Gunn Clan. All he ever wanted was to serve his Laird and friend. These two alphas make you laugh, cry, cheer and rant!
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews72 followers
December 9, 2014
An awesome Scottish Romance! Fast paced and adventure filled with passionate days, sizzling nights, and passionate romance. The storyline is intriguing as well as well thought out. The characters are powerful, engaging and deliciously wicked. An absolute delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed diving into this tale of Scottish intrigue and romance. A masterfully done story that will capture your heart, as you dive into the lives of the characters,theirturmoil, their dangers, their romance and love. A must read!

*Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley*

Rating 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
December 24, 2014
James he's a flirty thing, a devilish grin came and his eyes crinkled in merriment. "Lass, if you wanted to roll around with me, we could've forgone our swords." Emlyn doesn't like when her man is angry she knows how to make it up to him, "but not angry, James. I didn't mean to deceive you. And I'll always be willing with you," she kissed the side of his neck, his face, and his lips." James is the type of man that will shower his woman with praise and a lot of love, "God, how you please me, Emlyn." He lay back on the high soft grass, taking her with him. She cuddled beside him, her hand played over his chest." This was a good read and I loved James and Emlyn.
Profile Image for Robin Danner.
Author 17 books24 followers
December 2, 2014
Kara Griffin does it again with her fourth Gunn Guardsman book. This series has it all...swoon-worthy heroes, fierce heroines, and detail to historical accuracy that few writers can duplicate. As always, Ms. Griffin showcases her love of all things Scotland and she takes you on a wild trip with Emlyn and James, two characters immensely suited for each other. A hint of intrigue, a dash of action, and a great heaping of romance will make In Love with a Warrior your favorite book of the year. It's certainly one of mine!
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,031 reviews43 followers
February 26, 2016
Invitation to review through Netgalley
In Love With A Warrior was an interesting read. The warrior in this instance was the female lead, Emlyn. She was one tough lady. She could fight with best if her father's guard and beat a few of them. War is brewing and her father is aided by James' clan. He is immediately attracted to Emlyn. The romance plays over time. The were a few passages that made me laugh. But over all the story kept you going. It flowed really well and was an enjoyable read. The characters likable, with exception of emlyn's mother.
555 reviews
Read
January 17, 2015
I tried, I really did. Multiple times. I just could not get in to this book. The main characters did not interest me, the way they spoke was irritating to me and the plot did not hold my attention enough to keep me reading. I made it to 25% before I gave up. I'm sorry!
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,793 reviews39 followers
May 16, 2016
Epic

What a brilliant ending for a great series, though I'm sad, as I loved each book, however I am looking forward to reading The Legend of the Kingsguard.

And who knows we might get to read more from their children, now there's a thought Ms Griffin
Profile Image for Victoria.
8,374 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2016
Is a great book to read forever and ever since the heart of a great book to read
Profile Image for Danielles.
541 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2016
Goed..jammer spatte er niet echt allemaal van af..maar was verder wel goed!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.