What do you think?
Rate this book
Peregrine #2
The Conquest
Lovely Zared Peregrine was the pride of her family, a treasure her rough-hewn brothers would strive at any cost to protect from their ancient enemies, the Howards. The Peregrines had suffered loss enough. Thus Zared's brothers trained her in the arts of war, and dressed her in boy's clothing. Beyond the castle walls, none knew that the youngest Peregrine was a girl.... Yet when the magnificent Knight Tearle Howard returned from a lengthy sojourn in France, it took him but one glance to discover that Zared was most definitely female, and beautiful. Now, as the enmity between their families raged on, Tearle would mount a bold campaign to win the ravishing spitfire's heart -- and save her from his brother's dark and deadly obsession!
309 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
31 people are currently reading
1716 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
199 books7,066 followersJude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
February 19, 2011
I hate to write a review with spoilers, but the fact is that the reason this book got two stars comes entirely down to the ending. Before that, I was rather enjoying it. I admit, the whole blind hatred thing got a little annoying, but there were also some fun times.
Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, there's a haunted room. What? And it opens. And inside, a note flutters to the ground with a silly cryptic riddle. And then the jerk duke dies, leaving only one son, and a ghost shows her the stolen church ledger that proves her brother is the true duke. Because the woman who had arranged to convince the world that her husband was never really married to his first wife and their children were bastards (so her son would be the duke) would then conveniently hide the proof behind a stone instead of, say, burning it. And then, suddenly, a ghost shows us where to find it. Bah. Deus ex machina.
Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, there's a haunted room. What? And it opens. And inside, a note flutters to the ground with a silly cryptic riddle. And then the jerk duke dies, leaving only one son, and a ghost shows her the stolen church ledger that proves her brother is the true duke. Because the woman who had arranged to convince the world that her husband was never really married to his first wife and their children were bastards (so her son would be the duke) would then conveniently hide the proof behind a stone instead of, say, burning it. And then, suddenly, a ghost shows us where to find it. Bah. Deus ex machina.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2013
No man--or woman--can see that the youngest Peregrine brother is a female--that is aside for Tearle. The story is romantic enough that if Tearle is for real, the human female species in this century would fall head over heels in love with him. That's why a lot would really hate Zared in this story. But hey, who could blame her when she was raised to hate any man who is under the Howard name for...hmmm, all of her life? Still not excuse enough? How about this? Any woman being forced to live as a guy even for just a day can make anyone cry, right? And yes, try that for all your life because that's what happened to her.
Seriously, this story turned me to mush with fluffy feelings where Tearle slowly helps Zared into the world where she can be free and live as a woman should--of course, as his woman. I love Jude Deveraux's works and I'm sure you'll love it too.
Seriously, this story turned me to mush with fluffy feelings where Tearle slowly helps Zared into the world where she can be free and live as a woman should--of course, as his woman. I love Jude Deveraux's works and I'm sure you'll love it too.
February 21, 2011
Zared Peregrine finds herself torn between family loyalty and new found love when Tearle Howard (in disguise) worms his way into her life. The Howard's & Peregrine's have been at war over land for years & both families have suffered tremendous losses.
Tearle Howard, raised by his Mother, is an innocent in this war and wants nothing more than to see the bloodshed come to an end. When he first sets eyes on Zared, who for her own safety had been raised as a boy, he decides he wants her as his own (somehow he realizes right off the bat that she's a girl though no one else can). In Tearle's arms Zared comes to realize there is more to life than training & fighting and she starts to enjoy being a woman. But because Tearle carries the Howard name Zared can never trust him completely. When her brothers discover Tearle's identity all hell breaks loose.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a cute read that isn't immediately put off by that old "girl raised as a boy" theme. Though it wasn't what I'd call remotely emotionally intense it was lots of fun. I liked Tearle who had a great sense of humor & wasn't afraid to admit he was lazy (whatta guy!). He was a refreshing change when compared to the harsher personalities of Zared's brothers. The scenes where Zared is pining over all the gorgeous young hunks while dressed as a boy really cracked me up. I had a few minor problems with the hero kissing the heroine upon their 1st meeting & then again with the kissing every time he ticked her off but the heroine handled this great. Actually, I kind of felt bad for the poor guy after awhile because he must've been one hurting sucker!
Tearle Howard, raised by his Mother, is an innocent in this war and wants nothing more than to see the bloodshed come to an end. When he first sets eyes on Zared, who for her own safety had been raised as a boy, he decides he wants her as his own (somehow he realizes right off the bat that she's a girl though no one else can). In Tearle's arms Zared comes to realize there is more to life than training & fighting and she starts to enjoy being a woman. But because Tearle carries the Howard name Zared can never trust him completely. When her brothers discover Tearle's identity all hell breaks loose.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a cute read that isn't immediately put off by that old "girl raised as a boy" theme. Though it wasn't what I'd call remotely emotionally intense it was lots of fun. I liked Tearle who had a great sense of humor & wasn't afraid to admit he was lazy (whatta guy!). He was a refreshing change when compared to the harsher personalities of Zared's brothers. The scenes where Zared is pining over all the gorgeous young hunks while dressed as a boy really cracked me up. I had a few minor problems with the hero kissing the heroine upon their 1st meeting & then again with the kissing every time he ticked her off but the heroine handled this great. Actually, I kind of felt bad for the poor guy after awhile because he must've been one hurting sucker!
October 20, 2018
Set in the 1400's, Tearle Howard is a gentler man, although well-trained in warfare, than Rogan or Severn Peregrine. Zared, still more boy than girl, is beginning to wonder what it would be like to be a woman when she runs into Tearle, the first man to realize that she is not a boy. You can imagine some of the situations that result. The hatred between the Peregrines and the Howards gets a bit old by the end of the book. It is appalling how the Peregrines lives are affected by it and almost ruined by it. It was good to find that not all Howards are bad.
May 26, 2019
The second in Jude Deveraux' Peregrine series and a fun read. Love Zared in The Taming and loved her even more in this one. Zared Peregrine was brought up disguised as a boy. This is for her protection, of course. The Howards are their bitter enemies and the cause of their parents deaths. Severn, Zared's brother, decides he will marry and chooses to attend a tournament for Lady Anne Marshall's hand. Zared goes along as her brother's squire. Tearle Howard was raised in France and not subjected to the feud between the families. He has come back to England but it's not in his plans to continue the feud. Instead, he wishes to win the young Peregrine's heart.
Its got the love-hate thing going on and it was fun to read the banter between Zared and Tearle.
Its got the love-hate thing going on and it was fun to read the banter between Zared and Tearle.
April 4, 2012
Two families battling a deeply ingrained and decades old hatred set in 1447 Medieval England. A heroine and hero on opposite sides finding one another, dealing with the fallout, hatred and their families trying to kill each other. While not the most original concept I did like the way the story played out with Zared, her brother and Tearle all attending a jousting competition. Tearle pretending to be a servant for the family so he could be close to Zared.
Zared Peregrine, the heroine, was a bit frustrating to me. She lashes out, doesn't trust, is always confused about her feelings. I had to keep reminding myself that she was very young and raised by men who were filled with hate and raised her as a boy for her safety. She'd basically been brainwashed into accepting the war between the families and that the Howard's were the devil's span and could never be anything else. She's very inexperienced about life outside of the family feud including what it's like to be a girl. What I got tired of most of all was her continued anger and how just plain mean she was to our hero Tearle Howard. Tearle (love that name!) is a good man and very honorable. He's not been part of the family feud and just recently returned home. The man is patient beyond belief. He falls for Zared as soon as he saves her from his brothers men, knowing right away she is indeed a woman and not a boy. I loved that he didn't just go along with the feud and set out to be near Zared regardless of the family drama. Willing to do anything to be with her even if it put him in horribly uncomfortable and frustrating situations. I couldn't believe how long he stuck it out when so many people on her side of the battle were hateful towards him, when Zared refused to trust him no matter what he did or said. How easily she doubted and turned her back on him. Thinking the worst of his character even though he'd done nothing to ever make her thing poorly of him. By the end of the story I really wasn't all that sure I wanted Zared to have her happily ever after. Tearle deserved a better woman and one who treated him decently. Grrr. Frustrating feeling to have with regards to your hero and heroine. I will admit though there were some funny moments when she was calling his manhood into question, thinking him week and not all that manly not knowing that he'd been faking weakness so she'd care for him. His reactions were fantastic.
One thing about Deveraux's writing style was that she switches point of view a LOT. I'm used to stories that flip back and forth between the heroine and hero but this went a bit further. I stopped counting after ending up in the 8th person's head. I actually didn't mind this. It flows nicely but you do have to keep paying attention or you can easily get confused suddenly being in another person's head. There's also a surprise bit of paranormal towards the end that I actually kind of liked. I'm not sure I'll pick up another Deaveraux book. While I liked the style and the hero the women in this book, the heroine and secondary female characters, were very unlikable. There's a big difference between a bit of snark and just being plain old mean spirited. If this is how her typical heroines behave I don't think I'd enjoy reading their stories.
Originally posted at Herding Cats & Burning Soup
Zared Peregrine, the heroine, was a bit frustrating to me. She lashes out, doesn't trust, is always confused about her feelings. I had to keep reminding myself that she was very young and raised by men who were filled with hate and raised her as a boy for her safety. She'd basically been brainwashed into accepting the war between the families and that the Howard's were the devil's span and could never be anything else. She's very inexperienced about life outside of the family feud including what it's like to be a girl. What I got tired of most of all was her continued anger and how just plain mean she was to our hero Tearle Howard. Tearle (love that name!) is a good man and very honorable. He's not been part of the family feud and just recently returned home. The man is patient beyond belief. He falls for Zared as soon as he saves her from his brothers men, knowing right away she is indeed a woman and not a boy. I loved that he didn't just go along with the feud and set out to be near Zared regardless of the family drama. Willing to do anything to be with her even if it put him in horribly uncomfortable and frustrating situations. I couldn't believe how long he stuck it out when so many people on her side of the battle were hateful towards him, when Zared refused to trust him no matter what he did or said. How easily she doubted and turned her back on him. Thinking the worst of his character even though he'd done nothing to ever make her thing poorly of him. By the end of the story I really wasn't all that sure I wanted Zared to have her happily ever after. Tearle deserved a better woman and one who treated him decently. Grrr. Frustrating feeling to have with regards to your hero and heroine. I will admit though there were some funny moments when she was calling his manhood into question, thinking him week and not all that manly not knowing that he'd been faking weakness so she'd care for him. His reactions were fantastic.
One thing about Deveraux's writing style was that she switches point of view a LOT. I'm used to stories that flip back and forth between the heroine and hero but this went a bit further. I stopped counting after ending up in the 8th person's head. I actually didn't mind this. It flows nicely but you do have to keep paying attention or you can easily get confused suddenly being in another person's head. There's also a surprise bit of paranormal towards the end that I actually kind of liked. I'm not sure I'll pick up another Deaveraux book. While I liked the style and the hero the women in this book, the heroine and secondary female characters, were very unlikable. There's a big difference between a bit of snark and just being plain old mean spirited. If this is how her typical heroines behave I don't think I'd enjoy reading their stories.
Originally posted at Herding Cats & Burning Soup
October 2, 2015
I like to think this books stands alone. The Taming was awful. Who can forget the "wedding night" in that book? Gawd, The Conquest was soooo much better. Tearle is exactly what Zared needs. He is gentle, patient, heroic, and hilarious!
Poor Zared has been raised as a boy most of her seventeen years. She's between a rock and a hard place as far as figuring out where she belongs. Tearle is the only one who doesn't have blinders to the miraculous fact that his sworn enemy, the Peregrine boy, is actually a girl. Instantaneous recognition--good for you, sir.
Reasons why I loved this book, with spoilers:
1. After reading Catherine Coulter, where domestic abuse runs rampant, Deveraux writes a story where the guy does his damned best to win the heroine without slapping her in the face. Tearle's version of courting is winning. He takes a knife to the ribs, uses his body as a shield against a trampling horse, and gets the hell beaten out of him by Zared's brothers. And he sticks around? Yup!
2. He never forces Zared to have sex. We have a winner.
3. The H/h dynamic is adorable. He is playful and she is hilarious. My two favorite interactions were when Tearle tries to show Zared how to carry the train of her dress and, of course, when the guards believe Tearle is in bed with a boy rather than his wife. She plays up the misunderstanding beautifully.
This book is a keeper. I read it again and again. The only reason I subtracted a star was due the fact that I found Zared a little too composed at the end. It seemed out of character, but ah well. Would have liked an epilogue or a little more meat to the ending. Overall, fantastic story.
2.
Poor Zared has been raised as a boy most of her seventeen years. She's between a rock and a hard place as far as figuring out where she belongs. Tearle is the only one who doesn't have blinders to the miraculous fact that his sworn enemy, the Peregrine boy, is actually a girl. Instantaneous recognition--good for you, sir.
Reasons why I loved this book, with spoilers:
1. After reading Catherine Coulter, where domestic abuse runs rampant, Deveraux writes a story where the guy does his damned best to win the heroine without slapping her in the face. Tearle's version of courting is winning. He takes a knife to the ribs, uses his body as a shield against a trampling horse, and gets the hell beaten out of him by Zared's brothers. And he sticks around? Yup!
2. He never forces Zared to have sex. We have a winner.
3. The H/h dynamic is adorable. He is playful and she is hilarious. My two favorite interactions were when Tearle tries to show Zared how to carry the train of her dress and, of course, when the guards believe Tearle is in bed with a boy rather than his wife. She plays up the misunderstanding beautifully.
This book is a keeper. I read it again and again. The only reason I subtracted a star was due the fact that I found Zared a little too composed at the end. It seemed out of character, but ah well. Would have liked an epilogue or a little more meat to the ending. Overall, fantastic story.
2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
I should have wondered why I couldn't find this book. After the "Taming " I had high
hopes to continue the story. Why? oh why?
Zarad was so annoying. I get she was raised with hatred of the Howards ( with good cause) and forced to dress as a boy, but it got old. Here she had the perfect guy who wanted her but she never trusted him. Throughout the whole story, exception of last 20pgs, she questioned his loyalty. Enough was enough. It was tedious!
Zarad redeeming quality was her vulnerability. Her longing to be a girl and wear dresses. Teale seemed to be the only one who sensed this yearning.
I don't recommend this book but at least it was free on openlibary.
hopes to continue the story. Why? oh why?
Zarad was so annoying. I get she was raised with hatred of the Howards ( with good cause) and forced to dress as a boy, but it got old. Here she had the perfect guy who wanted her but she never trusted him. Throughout the whole story, exception of last 20pgs, she questioned his loyalty. Enough was enough. It was tedious!
Zarad redeeming quality was her vulnerability. Her longing to be a girl and wear dresses. Teale seemed to be the only one who sensed this yearning.
I don't recommend this book but at least it was free on openlibary.
May 17, 2022
re-read 2022
July 6, 2024
I was irritated with the Peregrines. They were so blinded by hatred that they couldn’t see the good man in front of them. Zared was especially disappointing. Tearle should’ve let her grovel more.
I’m still giving this 3 stars because the story is saved by Tearle’s love for Zared.
By the way, I was taken aback by the abrupt ending. I wanted to see a more detailed resolution of the conflict between the families.
I’m still giving this 3 stars because the story is saved by Tearle’s love for Zared.
By the way, I was taken aback by the abrupt ending. I wanted to see a more detailed resolution of the conflict between the families.
July 6, 2025
#107 - 2025
Genre: Historical Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
February 26, 2019
#2 of 2. #1 is The Taming. This book is even better than the 1st one. Patience. And I LOVE Ghosts! The register is revealed! Who owns everything?
September 3, 2009
This was a great love story that expressed the wishes, wants, desires, doubts and fears of any truly great love affair. I really could identify with some of the thoughts and feelings that plagued Zared, and it would be wonderful if men were as patient and willing to try harder as Tearle. Most of the men I've known would have just thrown their hands in the air and quit after the first couple of attempts to get Zared's attentions.
This was a good follow up to The Taming; however, I found myself confused in a couple of portions because it didn't seem to "mesh" with the feelings and thoughts I had at the end of the preceeding book. And there are a few sentences that I had to read and re-read because a word was wrong in it--like where the author made a reference to "Tearle and Rogan's son" being lost. I know that she meant "Liana and Rogan's son".
It would be nice to see if there is a story that more closely follows the "taming" of Lady Anne Marshall by Severn. This book alludes to the fact of Lady Anne beginning to appreciate Severn; however, I would like to know what happened between them.
This was a good follow up to The Taming; however, I found myself confused in a couple of portions because it didn't seem to "mesh" with the feelings and thoughts I had at the end of the preceeding book. And there are a few sentences that I had to read and re-read because a word was wrong in it--like where the author made a reference to "Tearle and Rogan's son" being lost. I know that she meant "Liana and Rogan's son".
It would be nice to see if there is a story that more closely follows the "taming" of Lady Anne Marshall by Severn. This book alludes to the fact of Lady Anne beginning to appreciate Severn; however, I would like to know what happened between them.
July 3, 2016
The girl was incorrigible. No man, in 1437 or in present times, can be as patient as Tearle. There were times when I wished I could get into the Peregrine-Howard world and slap her. There was no end to her pig-headedness. She did not believe in his good intentions until the end. If a man saved a lady from getting trampled by a horse by putting himself between the said lady and the horse, one can be sure that he wants the lady. And if the argument is that he did it because he was playing the long game, then it's a flawed one. There are other ways of acquiring wealth. Although the girl infuriated me tremendously and the plot was much too drawn out for my comfort, this book was a decent read.
April 5, 2013
This was a good book! I liked the story line and both main characters in it. But at the end he had put up with so much from her and he forgave her a little to quick. Also I would like to have seen what became of her brothers with the new information they found out in the end.
It ended to quick and with no information in what happen
But it was a love at first site story and I enjoyed his kindness and patience with her. And him trying to prove to her that he was indeed a man and not the puny weakling she thought of him, was funny.
It ended to quick and with no information in what happen
But it was a love at first site story and I enjoyed his kindness and patience with her. And him trying to prove to her that he was indeed a man and not the puny weakling she thought of him, was funny.
November 13, 2021
I was about to give this book a 5 out of 5 stars but I was so confused. At the last 10 pages or so, the house ended up being hunted and I ended up laughing so hard out of anger and confusion. xD But, I love Tearle so much. He's too soft and too good for Zared. He's perfect. The ending, on the other hand seems a bit off. All I ever wanted for the Peregrines and Howards is peace. I want their child to own the properties. But anyways, a lovely house in comfort would still be perfect for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2015
I like Tearle very much but the ending is kind of a 'huh'. Still a happy ending but I wish it's less abrupt.
June 5, 2021
Amazing. “The Conquest” has easily worked its way into my top five favorite Jude books. I really did not expect such a good story after not loving “The Taming” which is the story before this one BUT I LOVED it.
This is another hidden in disguise story. After years of feuding with the Howards, the Peregrines have had enough of losing their family members. In an attempt to protect their little sister Zared, they disguise her as a boy. The Peregrine brothers teach her fight and train her as they would any other knight. One day she wanders off and is attacked by the Howard’s, when Tearle Howard immediately recognizes her feminine beauty and falls in love. Tearle is the only person whose ever known she’s a woman beneath her disguise. He saves her from the attack and vows to end their family feud.
Tearle is easily my favorite male protagonist in a Deveraux book ever. Constantly in other Deveraux books, the male lead is so temperamental, angsty, and horrible at communication. Don’t get me wrong I love the Montgomery men, Armstrongs and the Taggerts. It’s part of their character and helps lead the story. But boy after so many thick headed, and uncooperative husbands I needed Tearle to remind me why I love Jude’s books so much. In other books it’s always the women breaking down the barriers of their guarded husbands. But Tearle was the one hopelessly pining for Zared and breaking down her walls. He is everything a man should be. He’s kind, sweet, caring, he actually talked through problems and because of the the conflicts in the book were much more minor. He did everything humanly possible to show that he loved Zared and that he was not just an enemy. Tearle was not just a masculine, strong warrior, but was so gentle and showed Zared the softer side of life she never experienced. At times I wanted to strangle Zared because Tearle proved himself to be trustworthy so many times, and she still had doubts. I don’t blame her though because she was conditioned since birth the Howard’s were enemies. I mean this man gave up his title, took beatings from her brothers and even pretended to be a servant just to be near her. I loved Zared too but Tearle was just everything.
I also LOOOVED the setting of this book. I loved the tourney and the jousting, as well the Howard Manor where Zared and Tearle resided. I loved that they didn’t spend months apart after a fight that could’ve easily been solved. In fact they probably spent more time together than any other couple in these books. It was so satisfying that everything just worked out without a hitch. Anytime a problem arose, I didn’t groan anticipating a horrible fight, I knew Tearle would handle it easily. What a good story!!
This is another hidden in disguise story. After years of feuding with the Howards, the Peregrines have had enough of losing their family members. In an attempt to protect their little sister Zared, they disguise her as a boy. The Peregrine brothers teach her fight and train her as they would any other knight. One day she wanders off and is attacked by the Howard’s, when Tearle Howard immediately recognizes her feminine beauty and falls in love. Tearle is the only person whose ever known she’s a woman beneath her disguise. He saves her from the attack and vows to end their family feud.
Tearle is easily my favorite male protagonist in a Deveraux book ever. Constantly in other Deveraux books, the male lead is so temperamental, angsty, and horrible at communication. Don’t get me wrong I love the Montgomery men, Armstrongs and the Taggerts. It’s part of their character and helps lead the story. But boy after so many thick headed, and uncooperative husbands I needed Tearle to remind me why I love Jude’s books so much. In other books it’s always the women breaking down the barriers of their guarded husbands. But Tearle was the one hopelessly pining for Zared and breaking down her walls. He is everything a man should be. He’s kind, sweet, caring, he actually talked through problems and because of the the conflicts in the book were much more minor. He did everything humanly possible to show that he loved Zared and that he was not just an enemy. Tearle was not just a masculine, strong warrior, but was so gentle and showed Zared the softer side of life she never experienced. At times I wanted to strangle Zared because Tearle proved himself to be trustworthy so many times, and she still had doubts. I don’t blame her though because she was conditioned since birth the Howard’s were enemies. I mean this man gave up his title, took beatings from her brothers and even pretended to be a servant just to be near her. I loved Zared too but Tearle was just everything.
I also LOOOVED the setting of this book. I loved the tourney and the jousting, as well the Howard Manor where Zared and Tearle resided. I loved that they didn’t spend months apart after a fight that could’ve easily been solved. In fact they probably spent more time together than any other couple in these books. It was so satisfying that everything just worked out without a hitch. Anytime a problem arose, I didn’t groan anticipating a horrible fight, I knew Tearle would handle it easily. What a good story!!
January 30, 2022
Da dieci anni a questa parte sto cercando i libri della Deveraux in italiano, per un colpaccio di fortuna Indomabile è arrivato tra le mie mani e, piena di trepidazione e di aspettative, mi sono accinta alla lettura aspettando di trovarmi di fronte un bel romanzo avvincente in una cornice medievale che adoro.
C'erano i presupposti per una bella storia ricca di colpi di scena e di personaggi pieni di carisma contornata da castelli, foreste ed eroi cavallereschi, invece si è rivelato un romanzetto senza nerbo, senza verve, senza trovate, piatto come un asse da stiro, a tratti persino noioso, scontato a dire poco e che non s'impegna a sfruttare le sue potenzialità.
Una storia dove non ci sono cattivi, dove i protagonisti sono veramente da latte alle ginocchia, una Lady Oscar vestita da maschio che vorrebbe fare la signorina e provarsi piume e vestiti e un lui che non mi stupirei se venisse fuori che è gay, torppo attento all'abbinamento cromatico, alla moda, a tutto quello che è apparenza, che si diverte con la nostra Zared come se fosse la sua Barbie personale, l'agghinda e la parrucca e la fa sfilare davanti ad allibiti fratelli di lei. Si chiama Tearle, il nostro LUI, è cresciuto in Francia, dice di aver combattuto tornei e battaglie, ma una spada in mano la prende giusto quel minimo sindacale per dire d'essere uomo virile, ha l'animo del poeta romantico, compone versi, suona il liuto, canta, apprezza le tende e l'arredamento e si fa dare consigli erotici dalla migliore amica di sua madre, a mio parere è identico al mio amico gay, non so che dire, i sospetti sono forti...
L'elemento soprannaturale, poi, buttato nel mucchio a venti pagine dalla fine mi ha disturbata, l'enigma dei Peregrine anche di più, non ha senso riciclare un romance alla frutta come finto mystery, non convince.
Il cattivissimo Oliver tira opportunamente le cuioia anche sui giusto in tempo per non fare troppi danni. La moglie di lui si scopre sul finire che esiste, di lei non viene detto nulla così come del passato del protagonista e della di lui madre, entrambi personaggi che potevano essere raccontati molto di più e molto meglio.
Dall'autrice che mi ha iniziata al genere Romance con La Principessa (più spocchiose, principesche e credibili di lei ne ho trovate davvero poche, ottima caratterizzazione di Aria, ma anche di lui che di adattarsi alle situazioni non ne ha neanche per l'idea) mi aspettavo moooooolto di più.
So boring.
C'erano i presupposti per una bella storia ricca di colpi di scena e di personaggi pieni di carisma contornata da castelli, foreste ed eroi cavallereschi, invece si è rivelato un romanzetto senza nerbo, senza verve, senza trovate, piatto come un asse da stiro, a tratti persino noioso, scontato a dire poco e che non s'impegna a sfruttare le sue potenzialità.
Una storia dove non ci sono cattivi, dove i protagonisti sono veramente da latte alle ginocchia, una Lady Oscar vestita da maschio che vorrebbe fare la signorina e provarsi piume e vestiti e un lui che non mi stupirei se venisse fuori che è gay, torppo attento all'abbinamento cromatico, alla moda, a tutto quello che è apparenza, che si diverte con la nostra Zared come se fosse la sua Barbie personale, l'agghinda e la parrucca e la fa sfilare davanti ad allibiti fratelli di lei. Si chiama Tearle, il nostro LUI, è cresciuto in Francia, dice di aver combattuto tornei e battaglie, ma una spada in mano la prende giusto quel minimo sindacale per dire d'essere uomo virile, ha l'animo del poeta romantico, compone versi, suona il liuto, canta, apprezza le tende e l'arredamento e si fa dare consigli erotici dalla migliore amica di sua madre, a mio parere è identico al mio amico gay, non so che dire, i sospetti sono forti...
L'elemento soprannaturale, poi, buttato nel mucchio a venti pagine dalla fine mi ha disturbata, l'enigma dei Peregrine anche di più, non ha senso riciclare un romance alla frutta come finto mystery, non convince.
Il cattivissimo Oliver tira opportunamente le cuioia anche sui giusto in tempo per non fare troppi danni. La moglie di lui si scopre sul finire che esiste, di lei non viene detto nulla così come del passato del protagonista e della di lui madre, entrambi personaggi che potevano essere raccontati molto di più e molto meglio.
Dall'autrice che mi ha iniziata al genere Romance con La Principessa (più spocchiose, principesche e credibili di lei ne ho trovate davvero poche, ottima caratterizzazione di Aria, ma anche di lui che di adattarsi alle situazioni non ne ha neanche per l'idea) mi aspettavo moooooolto di più.
So boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
Зарид Перегрин и Търл Хауърд
Преди почти 200 години, след смъртта на съпругата му, лордът на Перегрин се жени за жена от рода Хауърд. Възрастен и не с всичкия си акъл, лордът позволява на новата му съпруга да го убеди, че предишният му брак не е бил валиден и да завещае всичките си имоти и пари на сина й. Така законните наследници Перегрин са прогонени от земите си, а наследниците на Хауърд влзат във владение. Това води до почти 200 години вражда между двата клана, които са в непрестанна война и се избиват един друг.
Зарид е седмото дете в рода Перегрин. Когато баща й, майка й и един от братята й се озовават в замък окупиран от Хауърд, и биват оставени да умрат от глад, останалите братя на Зарид решават да обявят, че е момче и от ранни години всички се държат с нея като с брат, обучавайки я да се бие, режейки косата й и обличайки я като момче. През годините Зарид губи още от братята си в тази война оставайки само с двама Роган и Севърн. Роган се жени за богата наследница с надеждата да може да наеме повече войници с които да се бие срещу Хауърд. Със същото намерение Севърн отива на рицарски турнир, където се надява да спечели ръката на богата наследница. Заедно с него, маскирана като оръженосец, замиава и Зарид, която през целият си живот не е напускала дома и иска да пътува. Там, тя отново среща мъжа, който едва преди няколко дни е опитала да убие, а именно Търл Хауърд.
Търл не е закърмен с омразата, която разяжда двете фамилии. Като най-малкото дете, майка му го отвежда във Франция, където той живее спокоен, весел живот. Той обича да се весели, да мързелува и да се наслаждава на живота, но също така е много опитен рицар и може да победи всеки в двубой. Когато майка му умира, той се прибира у дома, само за да разбере, че омразата между семействата е все така силна и че от всичките му братя е останал само един, озлобен и много болен. Търл иска да сложи край на враждата, и най-логичното му се вижда да го направи чрез брак. Той е решен да се ожени за малката мъжкарана, която се бие и облича като момче, и за която не може да повярва, че е прекарала целият си живот представяйки се за момче и никой не е осъзнал, че е жена. Търл е готов да се бори, да лъже, да мами и да спечели жената в която се е влюбил от пръв поглед. Но дали омразата не е по-силна от любовта?
Доста се колебах каква оценка да сложа на книгата. Хем ми беше на моменти много забавна, хем съм очарована колко прекрасен беше главния герой... и в същото време, главната героиня беше ОТВРАТ. Първо тя беше мъжкарана, която отхвърляше вс��чко женствено, второ, точеше лиги по друг мъж, трето, нито за миг не се довери на главния и постоянно го обиждаше и му повтаряше, че го мрази. До самият край тая злоба не се спря, да го наранява, да го обижда, да го отблъсква, да мисли най-лошото за него. Виждайки какъв е Роган в тази книга, мисля да не чета неговата история. За Севърн и Ан пък книга няма. Тук видяхме малко от историята им и ми беше доста интересно. Севърн беше пълен дивак, не се интересуваше от нищо и никой и си правеше каквото иска. Ан пък беше много умна, много глезена... и живееше с баща тиранин. Когато Ан скрои номера на Севърн, като напълни шлема му с кал, смени знамето му с карикатура, разхлаби седлото му и намаза бронята му с мед, тя го унижи и ги направи за смях... а Зарид взе, че обвини за всичко това Търл, което ме вбеси адски много. Тя му повтаряше, че е наполовина мъж, че е слабак и страхливец, и когато той се появи на турнира инкогнито, побеждавайки всички, за да й докаже, че е силен и умел воин, тя започна да го обвинява,че е направил брат й за смях, и беше тооооолко отвратителна към него. Много се забавлявах, когато Търл изобличи пред Севърн какви ги е свършила Ан. Може би в цялата книга това ми е най-любимата част. Много жалко, че няма книга за Севърн и Ан, мисля, че щеше да ми хареса, макар че в началото Севърн се показа като доста смотан герой.
От коментарите за тази книга, четох, че много хора са останали разочаровани от краят. Аз също го изпитах това раздразнение, но странно по рзлична причина. В последно време изчетох много книги на Джули и това е нещото, което мразя най-много в книгите й. Краят е някак рязък, без хубав епилог с преразказ какса се развили нещата след седмица... месец... година... Дори когато има епилог той е някак претупан и читателя остава с усещането, че нещо липсва, че не е получил цялата история, и това е наистина ужасно. Искам хубав категоричен завършек, а вече поредна книга от авторката не го получавам. Разочароващо е.
Преди почти 200 години, след смъртта на съпругата му, лордът на Перегрин се жени за жена от рода Хауърд. Възрастен и не с всичкия си акъл, лордът позволява на новата му съпруга да го убеди, че предишният му брак не е бил валиден и да завещае всичките си имоти и пари на сина й. Така законните наследници Перегрин са прогонени от земите си, а наследниците на Хауърд влзат във владение. Това води до почти 200 години вражда между двата клана, които са в непрестанна война и се избиват един друг.
Зарид е седмото дете в рода Перегрин. Когато баща й, майка й и един от братята й се озовават в замък окупиран от Хауърд, и биват оставени да умрат от глад, останалите братя на Зарид решават да обявят, че е момче и от ранни години всички се държат с нея като с брат, обучавайки я да се бие, режейки косата й и обличайки я като момче. През годините Зарид губи още от братята си в тази война оставайки само с двама Роган и Севърн. Роган се жени за богата наследница с надеждата да може да наеме повече войници с които да се бие срещу Хауърд. Със същото намерение Севърн отива на рицарски турнир, където се надява да спечели ръката на богата наследница. Заедно с него, маскирана като оръженосец, замиава и Зарид, която през целият си живот не е напускала дома и иска да пътува. Там, тя отново среща мъжа, който едва преди няколко дни е опитала да убие, а именно Търл Хауърд.
Търл не е закърмен с омразата, която разяжда двете фамилии. Като най-малкото дете, майка му го отвежда във Франция, където той живее спокоен, весел живот. Той обича да се весели, да мързелува и да се наслаждава на живота, но също така е много опитен рицар и може да победи всеки в двубой. Когато майка му умира, той се прибира у дома, само за да разбере, че омразата между семействата е все така силна и че от всичките му братя е останал само един, озлобен и много болен. Търл иска да сложи край на враждата, и най-логичното му се вижда да го направи чрез брак. Той е решен да се ожени за малката мъжкарана, която се бие и облича като момче, и за която не може да повярва, че е прекарала целият си живот представяйки се за момче и никой не е осъзнал, че е жена. Търл е готов да се бори, да лъже, да мами и да спечели жената в която се е влюбил от пръв поглед. Но дали омразата не е по-силна от любовта?
Доста се колебах каква оценка да сложа на книгата. Хем ми беше на моменти много забавна, хем съм очарована колко прекрасен беше главния герой... и в същото време, главната героиня беше ОТВРАТ. Първо тя беше мъжкарана, която отхвърляше вс��чко женствено, второ, точеше лиги по друг мъж, трето, нито за миг не се довери на главния и постоянно го обиждаше и му повтаряше, че го мрази. До самият край тая злоба не се спря, да го наранява, да го обижда, да го отблъсква, да мисли най-лошото за него. Виждайки какъв е Роган в тази книга, мисля да не чета неговата история. За Севърн и Ан пък книга няма. Тук видяхме малко от историята им и ми беше доста интересно. Севърн беше пълен дивак, не се интересуваше от нищо и никой и си правеше каквото иска. Ан пък беше много умна, много глезена... и живееше с баща тиранин. Когато Ан скрои номера на Севърн, като напълни шлема му с кал, смени знамето му с карикатура, разхлаби седлото му и намаза бронята му с мед, тя го унижи и ги направи за смях... а Зарид взе, че обвини за всичко това Търл, което ме вбеси адски много. Тя му повтаряше, че е наполовина мъж, че е слабак и страхливец, и когато той се появи на турнира инкогнито, побеждавайки всички, за да й докаже, че е силен и умел воин, тя започна да го обвинява,че е направил брат й за смях, и беше тооооолко отвратителна към него. Много се забавлявах, когато Търл изобличи пред Севърн какви ги е свършила Ан. Може би в цялата книга това ми е най-любимата част. Много жалко, че няма книга за Севърн и Ан, мисля, че щеше да ми хареса, макар че в началото Севърн се показа като доста смотан герой.
От коментарите за тази книга, четох, че много хора са останали разочаровани от краят. Аз също го изпитах това раздразнение, но странно по рзлична причина. В последно време изчетох много книги на Джули и това е нещото, което мразя най-много в книгите й. Краят е някак рязък, без хубав епилог с преразказ какса се развили нещата след седмица... месец... година... Дори когато има епилог той е някак претупан и читателя остава с усещането, че нещо липсва, че не е получил цялата история, и това е наистина ужасно. Искам хубав категоричен завършек, а вече поредна книга от авторката не го получавам. Разочароващо е.
November 22, 2025
“I will stay wherever you are. Do you mean to go into battle? I will go with you.”
—Zared Peregrine, Chapter 16
i will try to keep this brief because it was bad. not that i was expecting much from a 90s histrom, but the premise was interesting enough: youngest daughter of a war-torn family raised as a boy to hate the opposing family only to find herself tangled in situation after situation with her enemy who doesn’t seem to care about the feud at all. you’ve got gender/identity issues and the possibility of a secret relationship and i was like, what the hell sure. but i fear i’m just too woke for this, like genuinely. nothing about zared and tearle’s romance is compelling. not their fights or their conversations (many of which are just zared spouting a bunch of insults on his name). all the men, even tearle the “good one,” are fucking brutes. blah blah i’m reading a histrom blah blah it’s not regency or victorian blah blah why are you expecting the men to be second wave feminists blah blah . . . well no. but i find that being a woman in this specific histrom is so degrading in a way that over-pronounces the historical of historical romance. god, and it’s not even fun degrading. romance: bland. characters: stupid. my time: wasted. idk how i keep finding these things. sighhhh
whatever. love n light, guys.
November 8, 2023
Tearle is every woman's dream - handsome, kind, brave, strong, smart - perfect.
Zared is the youngest of a family of brothers, most of whom have been killed by Tearle's brother. But Tearle was brought up in France and cannot understand the hatred that exists between the Peregrine's and the Howards.
Zared is courageous, loyal and hard-headed. She is filled with hatred of the Howards part of which stems from the fact that she was raised as a boy to prevent her from becoming a target of the Howards. Even when Tearle proves himself to be nothing like her brother, she still cannot trust him.
Up until almost the end, when Zared's 3 yr old nephew is kidnapped and she and her brothers blame Tearle, I loved this book. After that, not so much. The fact that Tearle was deemed guilty of the kidnapping despite all evidence to the contrary and the treatment of Tearle thereafter was unconscionable. I also found the ending too abrupt. What happened when the Peregrine's found out the truth?
The sub-plot with Severn (Zared's brother) and Lady Anne was quite frustrating. If you are going to put in a sub-plot you should give it the attention it deserves. One minute Anne hates Severn and at the end she doesn't-why?
Zared is the youngest of a family of brothers, most of whom have been killed by Tearle's brother. But Tearle was brought up in France and cannot understand the hatred that exists between the Peregrine's and the Howards.
Zared is courageous, loyal and hard-headed. She is filled with hatred of the Howards part of which stems from the fact that she was raised as a boy to prevent her from becoming a target of the Howards. Even when Tearle proves himself to be nothing like her brother, she still cannot trust him.
Up until almost the end, when Zared's 3 yr old nephew is kidnapped and she and her brothers blame Tearle, I loved this book. After that, not so much. The fact that Tearle was deemed guilty of the kidnapping despite all evidence to the contrary and the treatment of Tearle thereafter was unconscionable. I also found the ending too abrupt. What happened when the Peregrine's found out the truth?
The sub-plot with Severn (Zared's brother) and Lady Anne was quite frustrating. If you are going to put in a sub-plot you should give it the attention it deserves. One minute Anne hates Severn and at the end she doesn't-why?
September 22, 2017
The conquest is an amazing , unique love story that show us that love is not easy to have. The story about two families : Howard and Peregrine . They hate each other and killed each other . The Howard family kidnapped the wives of Rogan Peregrine and that cause Peregrine family to let their youngest sister to disguise herself as a boy , wear as a boy. And they teach her how to fight like a boy and teach her the different kinds of swords and how to sharpener them.
Her brothers don't even let her get out of the house , because they scared of the Howard to kidnap her if they know she is a girl .
But, one day , she get out from the house and the Howard men take her as a Peregrine boy and give her to Tearle Howard, who is different from his older brother Oliver. Tearle lived with his mother in France and he don't know how to hate the Peregrine and he wanted peace and wanted to stop the war between the two families .
When Tearle saw the Peregrine girl , her name is Zared . From the first look , he discovered that she is a girl , from her eyes . And he felt that he liked her .
Many events will happen after this and we will discover through reading , how the relationship between Zared and Tearle will end . Will Zared love Tearle back ? Will they marry ?
Her brothers don't even let her get out of the house , because they scared of the Howard to kidnap her if they know she is a girl .
But, one day , she get out from the house and the Howard men take her as a Peregrine boy and give her to Tearle Howard, who is different from his older brother Oliver. Tearle lived with his mother in France and he don't know how to hate the Peregrine and he wanted peace and wanted to stop the war between the two families .
When Tearle saw the Peregrine girl , her name is Zared . From the first look , he discovered that she is a girl , from her eyes . And he felt that he liked her .
Many events will happen after this and we will discover through reading , how the relationship between Zared and Tearle will end . Will Zared love Tearle back ? Will they marry ?
June 6, 2025
Barely scrapes 3 stars because the hero Tearle was a lovely breath of fresh air, a very sweet man indeed.
But good Lord, Zarad was un-fucking-bearable. Imagine a crazed, hate-filled monkey in a cage and every time you draw near or attempt to be kind to it it loses it's fucking shit and starts screaming, thrashing about, spitting and clawing and flinging poop all over the place, it's eyes wild with fury and it's mind spiraling ever further down into a thoughtless pit of rage. This was Zared. Reading about her was simply exhausting, no, utterly infuriating. I kept putting the book down to mutter 'for fucks sake' as she had yet another screaming rage induced fit of anger.
I hated her. Hated her guts. Why of why such a lovely man as Tearle wasted his breath on her I'll never know.
Side characters were all dickheads too.
But good Lord, Zarad was un-fucking-bearable. Imagine a crazed, hate-filled monkey in a cage and every time you draw near or attempt to be kind to it it loses it's fucking shit and starts screaming, thrashing about, spitting and clawing and flinging poop all over the place, it's eyes wild with fury and it's mind spiraling ever further down into a thoughtless pit of rage. This was Zared. Reading about her was simply exhausting, no, utterly infuriating. I kept putting the book down to mutter 'for fucks sake' as she had yet another screaming rage induced fit of anger.
I hated her. Hated her guts. Why of why such a lovely man as Tearle wasted his breath on her I'll never know.
Side characters were all dickheads too.
July 13, 2021
Zared has been raised as a boy since she was a young child. Her brothers think this is the way to protect her from their hated enemies, the Howard's. They have been enemies for years and the Peregrine's train to fight on a daily basis. Zared is kidnapped by some of the Howard men while she's riding in the forest. Tearl Howard, the youngest brother recognizes her as a girl right away and saves her. He is very smitten and will do anything to win her and end the feud.
This was good but it seemed to be repetitive to me as far as the "boy" aspect and the feud and the hatred.
This was good but it seemed to be repetitive to me as far as the "boy" aspect and the feud and the hatred.
July 4, 2022
I read this book many years ago apparently and gave it a 4 star rating, but I came across a copy recently and read it again. I did not recall any of the story and I don't know why I would have rated it so highly. Now I am only able to give it 2 stars. I am a big fan of Jude Devereaux and have read all of her books. My favourite is still A Knight In Shining Armour.
In The Conquest I grew tired very quickly of Zared Peregrine and the whole family feud. Thank goodness the story had a satisfying conclusion.
In The Conquest I grew tired very quickly of Zared Peregrine and the whole family feud. Thank goodness the story had a satisfying conclusion.
August 23, 2017
I always, always go back to Jude Deveraux's earlier works when looking for something comfortable to read. I grew up reading her historical romances and her settings always feel like home.
This one's just a bit different as the hero is softer than the usual alpha warrior. I liked him though, and overall, the story was leisurely and delightful.
This one's just a bit different as the hero is softer than the usual alpha warrior. I liked him though, and overall, the story was leisurely and delightful.
November 9, 2021
I read this first probably 20 years ago. I enjoyed all Jude Deveraux's books at the time and read her whole collection. Skip to now, and I found a copy of The Conquest at a used bookstore and picked it up on a whim. Well it stands the test of time! Sweet and funny. Completely captivating once again!
August 20, 2019
I love Jude Deveraux's books! The men are manly, the women are fiesty, there is humor, and, most of all, happy endings.
This book was no exception. My favorite was the courtship between Severn and Anne. I wish we could have seen more of it.
If you want a fun read, this is the book for you!
This book was no exception. My favorite was the courtship between Severn and Anne. I wish we could have seen more of it.
If you want a fun read, this is the book for you!
January 20, 2021
A good story...
Kind hearted, yet strong hero..
Fierce and loyal heroine...
Stubborn family..
But I would say... The ending could have been a bit more detailed.. I mean it seemed liked incomplete..to me..
Kind hearted, yet strong hero..
Fierce and loyal heroine...
Stubborn family..
But I would say... The ending could have been a bit more detailed.. I mean it seemed liked incomplete..to me..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews