The Wild Swans

by Kate Holmes

What do women want?

King Richard has had it with frivolous females filling his ears with their foolishness. Yet for all his castles and dragon-slaying, he still needs a wife. Preferably one who won't plague him with womanly whining. One who knows when to shut up. So why not lay claim to the sweetly saucy—and utterly silent—wench he encounters in an enchanted forest?

A man who really listens!

Princess Arianne has had it with meddling males making her life miserable. When her twelve brothers anger an ogre, she is the one stuck spinning nettles into shirts to save them from eternal servitude as swans. And she has to complete the task in total silence! To make matters worse, along comes chatty King Richard, wanting to bed her, wanting to wed her. Rugged Richard makes her virginal knees weak. But could even a king know a woman's mind—without her speaking it?

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Historical Romance, Adult, Fiction, Paranormal Romance

394 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 13, 2000

About the author

Anne Holmberg was born on 1938 in Colorado, USA, where her family resides during four generations. She obtained a degree in Engineering from the University of Colorado.

Anne wrote historical romance novels as Anne Avery, contemporary romance novels as Kate Holmes, and fantasy romance novels as Anne Woodard. She has been a four-time nominee for a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times Book reviews.

Reviews

[Kit Sinatra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love reading romance books with a fairytale retelling, especially on the rare occasion when it’s not beauty and the beast inspired. 3.5 stars for being a 12 swans retelling (which is one of my many faves), but it was just a little bit too campy and goofy for my tastes. The MMC was too icky around women and I could not stand that he named his body part and frequently mentioned it by name throughout the whole entire book. I really do not know what the heroine saw in him.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun brain candy. Don't expect anything outside the box or the most gripping tale, but it's an easy read and a sweet story with great chemistry between hero and heroine even without her speaking.

[Knight Of · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit the book started on shaky ground with MMC, but he managed to grow on me and showed some sincerity in the end.

[Elise Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book. I had read the Grimm's version as well. Both are well written, but I find this version more to my liking.