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Brethren Origins #1
Arucard
WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE.
It is the year of Our Lord 1307, and by papal decree, Templar Knight Arucard of Villiers is a hunted man. One of a handful of mariners to escape the Inquisition and Philip the Fair’s treachery, Arucard sets sail for England, where good King Edward II has outlawed torture. While the Crown is more than happy to offer exile and create a new Order to accommodate the famed warriors of the Crusades, such assistance comes with a price. But is the cost one Arucard is willing to pay?
The world in which Isolde de Tyreswelle exists defines her as chattel. Nothing more than a means to an end, she is a puppet in her unscrupulous father’s dastardly play and is thrown into the courtly arena. To further her family’s political aspirations, she is betrothed to a man she has never met and, with her husband, must fight to survive the intrigues and betrayals of her new life. With good reason, she fears men. Can Isolde learn to trust Arucard before they are destroyed by their enemies?
It is the year of Our Lord 1307, and by papal decree, Templar Knight Arucard of Villiers is a hunted man. One of a handful of mariners to escape the Inquisition and Philip the Fair’s treachery, Arucard sets sail for England, where good King Edward II has outlawed torture. While the Crown is more than happy to offer exile and create a new Order to accommodate the famed warriors of the Crusades, such assistance comes with a price. But is the cost one Arucard is willing to pay?
The world in which Isolde de Tyreswelle exists defines her as chattel. Nothing more than a means to an end, she is a puppet in her unscrupulous father’s dastardly play and is thrown into the courtly arena. To further her family’s political aspirations, she is betrothed to a man she has never met and, with her husband, must fight to survive the intrigues and betrayals of her new life. With good reason, she fears men. Can Isolde learn to trust Arucard before they are destroyed by their enemies?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
About the author
Barbara Devlin
53 books517 followersBarbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 2, 2017
++Spoilers++
2.5 stars meh.
Overdone, thin and predictable plot.
Author overused and abused period language in an effort to conceal a poorly crafted medieval world.
Low angst with cartoonish antagonist and cartoonish conflict. Flat characters with no dimension.
The heroine's actions were not true to her character considering her background of being abused.
There were too many sex scenes, that were mediocre at best. Having so many made them lose potency. They didn't feel special, instead they became eye rolling.... boring even!
I would not recommend to anyone who enjoys medieval romance on any serious level.
Safety - Abuse, violence, detailed sex scenes.
2.5 stars meh.
Overdone, thin and predictable plot.
Author overused and abused period language in an effort to conceal a poorly crafted medieval world.
Low angst with cartoonish antagonist and cartoonish conflict. Flat characters with no dimension.
The heroine's actions were not true to her character considering her background of being abused.
There were too many sex scenes, that were mediocre at best. Having so many made them lose potency. They didn't feel special, instead they became eye rolling.... boring even!
I would not recommend to anyone who enjoys medieval romance on any serious level.
Safety - Abuse, violence, detailed sex scenes.
Read
July 21, 2019Arucard is the name of our hero. He is a dedicated knight who believes in being honorable. Him and his comrades (whom he considers to be more like brothers) are captured and spend several years in prison. Upon being released, he is told about his engagement to a noble lord's daughter. The pair don't meet until they are at the alter.
Isolde is his bride and has had a ROUGH life. This poor thing. Her father is terrible to her. He beats her regularly and runs her ragged. MINI SPOILER ALERT - Arucard eventually sees Isolde's naked back (because they are a married couple and this is a romance) and is totally taken a back by the scars on her back, they go from her shoulders to her hips. I was reminded of Jaime from 'Outlander' (at one point) when Arucard showed Isolde's back to someone to demonstrate the evil nature of her father and why he needed to be taken down. FULL SPOILER ALERT - near the 60/70% mark Isolde's father has her publicly flogged. This scene is semi-graphic and worth noting for those who might be uncomfortable reading this type of violence. But, our heroine, Isolde, is a fighter and doesn't let it stand in the way of HEA.
I will note that this book is written with a historic mindset. There are a lot of "thou(s)" and old English terms. These phrases were not sprinkled throughout, they were consistently used on every page, by every character. This type of writing isn't for everyone, so I wanted to make sure that I mentioned it. I will admit that it took me a few chapters to get used to the very old English language used (having been reading contemporaries this week until this one), but once I realized that this was how the book was written, I was fine.
Tropes/Archetypes - virgin alpha hero, forced marriage/arranged marriage, and traumatized/abused heroine. Arucard and Isolde are each other's first and last loves.
Isolde is his bride and has had a ROUGH life. This poor thing. Her father is terrible to her. He beats her regularly and runs her ragged. MINI SPOILER ALERT - Arucard eventually sees Isolde's naked back (because they are a married couple and this is a romance) and is totally taken a back by the scars on her back, they go from her shoulders to her hips. I was reminded of Jaime from 'Outlander' (at one point) when Arucard showed Isolde's back to someone to demonstrate the evil nature of her father and why he needed to be taken down. FULL SPOILER ALERT - near the 60/70% mark Isolde's father has her publicly flogged. This scene is semi-graphic and worth noting for those who might be uncomfortable reading this type of violence. But, our heroine, Isolde, is a fighter and doesn't let it stand in the way of HEA.
I will note that this book is written with a historic mindset. There are a lot of "thou(s)" and old English terms. These phrases were not sprinkled throughout, they were consistently used on every page, by every character. This type of writing isn't for everyone, so I wanted to make sure that I mentioned it. I will admit that it took me a few chapters to get used to the very old English language used (having been reading contemporaries this week until this one), but once I realized that this was how the book was written, I was fine.
Tropes/Archetypes - virgin alpha hero, forced marriage/arranged marriage, and traumatized/abused heroine. Arucard and Isolde are each other's first and last loves.
October 14, 2016
Loved it!!
I loved this book, but it took my brain a little while to acclimate to the medieval verbiage.
Once I was over that hurdle - the book was fantastic. I love the premise of Templar Knights seeking asylum in England and the challenges they face.
Arucard was such a delight. I loved that he was a virgin and pretty much terrified of having to consummate the marriage. And the banter between him and his fellow knights was priceless.
Isolde is the perfect match for Arucard. She has been treated horribly by her father and has little faith that she will fare better with her new husband.
Arucard is kind and gentle with Isolde and works hard to make his marriage work. Isolde blossoms with Arucard and begins to fall in love with her giant of a husband. When they finally consummate their marriage, their reaction was priceless.
Isolde's father plots and tries to use Isolde in his evil plans. When Arucard is summoned by the king, Isolde begs him to take her with him. He tells her he can't focus if she is with him and leaves her at home.
While Arucard is away, her father makes his move and Isolde's life is in danger.
My heart broke for her and for the guilt that Arucard suffered.
I highly recommend this book. Their love story is a must read!
I loved this book, but it took my brain a little while to acclimate to the medieval verbiage.
Once I was over that hurdle - the book was fantastic. I love the premise of Templar Knights seeking asylum in England and the challenges they face.
Arucard was such a delight. I loved that he was a virgin and pretty much terrified of having to consummate the marriage. And the banter between him and his fellow knights was priceless.
Isolde is the perfect match for Arucard. She has been treated horribly by her father and has little faith that she will fare better with her new husband.
Arucard is kind and gentle with Isolde and works hard to make his marriage work. Isolde blossoms with Arucard and begins to fall in love with her giant of a husband. When they finally consummate their marriage, their reaction was priceless.
Isolde's father plots and tries to use Isolde in his evil plans. When Arucard is summoned by the king, Isolde begs him to take her with him. He tells her he can't focus if she is with him and leaves her at home.
While Arucard is away, her father makes his move and Isolde's life is in danger.
My heart broke for her and for the guilt that Arucard suffered.
I highly recommend this book. Their love story is a must read!
Read
July 1, 2015I can never put the words for how amazing Ms. Devlin is. I swear each book she has outdone her self in her magnificent world of Historical Romance and yet I am delighted that she has surpassed my wildest dreams in the next. The History she spins in her tales and the details so exact she sweeps the reader to that time. I could never say anything to explain how wonderful I find these books. Arucard and Isolde Story not only touches the heart but the soul and can not wait to read more...
Brethren of the Coast, the fledgling order formed by his new master, a price paid to accommodate the fighting men without a home. The seal, fashioned of gold, featured a wind-star design, a large blue diamond at the center, and the Latin phrase Nulli Secundus, Second to None, as was their motto.
Templar Knight Arucard of Villiers Is on the run and has only one place to go England and put himself in the hands of a King to save him. A long 5 years later the king has found a use for him and his other Templar Knights The will swear to him there Fidelity and as the leader Arucard will marry and help with a problem area where treachery against the crown is a foot.
The Brethren of the Coast was formed : "Love, honor, and devotion were the beginning of our Order. Bonds of kinship and friendship, all-important. We uphold these principles embrace for embrace, desire for desire, for one, for all. For King and Country we stand, for love and comradeship we live."
Isolde de Tyreswelle a woman lost in the world Hated by a father that blames her for the loss of his beloved wife. Forced to suffer the thought of a woman is to be beaten for her failures. When the Kings commands she wed her Father gives her one last thing to remember its at his divine right to punish her. With head held high she marry's a man she knows not and sets of On a journey into life and marriage she will never forget.
Can she put they pain and doubt behind her?
Can Arucard except how his life has changed and his beliefs to except a wife?
Will the Fathers treachery be discovered in time to save them both?
Can to people thrown together by a king be happy in marriage and the start of the Brethren Origins with Arucard ?
“I cannot tell thee what I feel, as I know it not, but I am conquered.” As something between euphoria and pain assailed her senses, she clutched her throat. “I can only say that I wish to be alone with thee. Nay—I need to be alone with thee, as I require the warmth and comfort of thy body. I need thee.”
Brethren of the Coast, the fledgling order formed by his new master, a price paid to accommodate the fighting men without a home. The seal, fashioned of gold, featured a wind-star design, a large blue diamond at the center, and the Latin phrase Nulli Secundus, Second to None, as was their motto.
Templar Knight Arucard of Villiers Is on the run and has only one place to go England and put himself in the hands of a King to save him. A long 5 years later the king has found a use for him and his other Templar Knights The will swear to him there Fidelity and as the leader Arucard will marry and help with a problem area where treachery against the crown is a foot.
The Brethren of the Coast was formed : "Love, honor, and devotion were the beginning of our Order. Bonds of kinship and friendship, all-important. We uphold these principles embrace for embrace, desire for desire, for one, for all. For King and Country we stand, for love and comradeship we live."
Isolde de Tyreswelle a woman lost in the world Hated by a father that blames her for the loss of his beloved wife. Forced to suffer the thought of a woman is to be beaten for her failures. When the Kings commands she wed her Father gives her one last thing to remember its at his divine right to punish her. With head held high she marry's a man she knows not and sets of On a journey into life and marriage she will never forget.
Can she put they pain and doubt behind her?
Can Arucard except how his life has changed and his beliefs to except a wife?
Will the Fathers treachery be discovered in time to save them both?
Can to people thrown together by a king be happy in marriage and the start of the Brethren Origins with Arucard ?
“I cannot tell thee what I feel, as I know it not, but I am conquered.” As something between euphoria and pain assailed her senses, she clutched her throat. “I can only say that I wish to be alone with thee. Nay—I need to be alone with thee, as I require the warmth and comfort of thy body. I need thee.”
December 21, 2016
My favorite part of the book was, without doubt, the hilarious euphemisms used for penis and vagina. I couldn't stop myself from laughing out loud whenever I came across the hero's penis being called:
Are you laughing your ass off yet? Wait till I present you with the heroine's:
All joking aside, this book was absolutely fantastic. Bravo to the author for writing a convincing virgin hero. Often times heroes are described as virgins but act like the most experienced gigolo in bed, even though it's their first time *cough Unclaimed *cough*. But Arucard's experiences very realistic and endearing.
I really loved Isolde. She was a strong and smart heroine and I liked how she really communicated with the hero without holding any secrets after the first incident.
I know some had a problem with the archaic language used, but it really didn't bother me. In fact, I really loved it because it transported me into the medieval setting. You get the hang of it pretty quickly, even if you're not used to old English. I barely even noticed it by the end.
BTW, Arucard is horrible at nicknames. I mean, honey flower? Seriously?
"Franciscan monk's bald head"
"Fire breathing dragon"
"One eyed horse"
Are you laughing your ass off yet? Wait till I present you with the heroine's:
"Nether eye"
"Honey sheath"
"Pliant folds"
All joking aside, this book was absolutely fantastic. Bravo to the author for writing a convincing virgin hero. Often times heroes are described as virgins but act like the most experienced gigolo in bed, even though it's their first time *cough Unclaimed *cough*. But Arucard's experiences very realistic and endearing.
I really loved Isolde. She was a strong and smart heroine and I liked how she really communicated with the hero without holding any secrets after the first incident.
I know some had a problem with the archaic language used, but it really didn't bother me. In fact, I really loved it because it transported me into the medieval setting. You get the hang of it pretty quickly, even if you're not used to old English. I barely even noticed it by the end.
BTW, Arucard is horrible at nicknames. I mean, honey flower? Seriously?
July 13, 2015
I was introduced to the Brethren last fall and have been in love with this author's work since then. Barbara Devlin is refreshingly accurate in her historical detail and even going as far as to ensure the characters' speech patterns are correct. That being said it may be difficult for some to follow at first if they are not familiar with historical romances and the way they spoke back then. However, if you can either overlook that or follow along, you will love every minute.
After several looks at the descendants of the Brethren, Devlin finally lets us in on the original four men who started it all. Hunted by their king under false accusations, these Templar knights must do what is contrary to everything they've stood for and run. But where can these hunted men go and feel at least a small measure of safety instead of the hangman's noose or even worse? Their choice is clear. It's off to England with them, where the English king has outlawed torture. Here they hope to get at least some measure of sanctuary. However, things are not always as they seem, for sanctuary sometimes comes at a steep price.
For disgraced Templar knight Arucard who has sworn his life and sword to the church, marriage and the expectation of providing an heir is the worse form of punishment. But for the safety of his men, he will do as the king bade and marry a noblewoman he has yet to meet. He expected a frail, spoiled noblewoman. What he got was a woman any knight would be proud to call his own.
Beautiful and heart wrenching, I read Arucard, often with my heart in my throat, unsure of what our poor Isolde must survive next. Although, that is not to say the entire story was without it's laughs. Arucard's unexceptional attempts at deflowering his bride had me in stitches. I laughed aloud so many times, my husband was starting to wonder what was wrong with me. Freedom and sanctuary came at a high cost for Arucard. But in the end it was a cost he was most willing to pay. And I dare say if given the chance he would do it all over again.
Historical romance lovers will laugh, cry and cheer for our unlikely but well suited couple.
After several looks at the descendants of the Brethren, Devlin finally lets us in on the original four men who started it all. Hunted by their king under false accusations, these Templar knights must do what is contrary to everything they've stood for and run. But where can these hunted men go and feel at least a small measure of safety instead of the hangman's noose or even worse? Their choice is clear. It's off to England with them, where the English king has outlawed torture. Here they hope to get at least some measure of sanctuary. However, things are not always as they seem, for sanctuary sometimes comes at a steep price.
For disgraced Templar knight Arucard who has sworn his life and sword to the church, marriage and the expectation of providing an heir is the worse form of punishment. But for the safety of his men, he will do as the king bade and marry a noblewoman he has yet to meet. He expected a frail, spoiled noblewoman. What he got was a woman any knight would be proud to call his own.
Beautiful and heart wrenching, I read Arucard, often with my heart in my throat, unsure of what our poor Isolde must survive next. Although, that is not to say the entire story was without it's laughs. Arucard's unexceptional attempts at deflowering his bride had me in stitches. I laughed aloud so many times, my husband was starting to wonder what was wrong with me. Freedom and sanctuary came at a high cost for Arucard. But in the end it was a cost he was most willing to pay. And I dare say if given the chance he would do it all over again.
Historical romance lovers will laugh, cry and cheer for our unlikely but well suited couple.
July 1, 2015
Arucard and his brothers are fleeing to England to gain asylum per say against wrongful accusation from king Philip of France against the Knights of Templar but when they arrive in England. It is not what they expected. Not many left, they were imprisoned for five years.
Arucard was summoned to the king.. He thought he was to be killed but the king had another idea. Arucard and his men are to join the England army and serve under him and a new name, The Brethren of the Coast. It sounded good but later Arucard was told he had to marry the Earl of Rochester's daughter, Isolde. Not to happy and a bit nervous because he has never had relations of any kind with a woman.. Being a knight of Templar didn't allow it. So how would this turn out?
Isolde is hated by her father because her mother died in child birth. Her brother and father both are horrible to her and her father beat her most of her life never treating her like a daughter. She swore he was going to eventually kill her. So when he told her of marriage she was excited . She no longer would belong to him . But at first sight of Arucard was that he was a big man and if he was like her father she would never survive one of his attacks..
As they are married there relationship was starting to really show how they were falling for each other. Isolde couldn't believe how gentle he was but things quickly started to come into action to tear them apart when she learns of her fathers intentions and this frightens her. Her father is trying to take the crown at the expense of her and Arucard.
Will Arucard and Isolde claim their innocence and survive the attacks or will her fathers ploy to destroy them all prevail?
Another amazing story by Barbara. I have been in love with this series from the beginning. She made me fall in love with historical romance.Her attention to detail is fabulous. She really does and amazing job with the times.. You can tell how much research is done with each book she writes. and I look forward to more. Definitely pick up a copy of Arucard! You won't be disappointed . I recommend for the mature reader!
Arucard was summoned to the king.. He thought he was to be killed but the king had another idea. Arucard and his men are to join the England army and serve under him and a new name, The Brethren of the Coast. It sounded good but later Arucard was told he had to marry the Earl of Rochester's daughter, Isolde. Not to happy and a bit nervous because he has never had relations of any kind with a woman.. Being a knight of Templar didn't allow it. So how would this turn out?
Isolde is hated by her father because her mother died in child birth. Her brother and father both are horrible to her and her father beat her most of her life never treating her like a daughter. She swore he was going to eventually kill her. So when he told her of marriage she was excited . She no longer would belong to him . But at first sight of Arucard was that he was a big man and if he was like her father she would never survive one of his attacks..
As they are married there relationship was starting to really show how they were falling for each other. Isolde couldn't believe how gentle he was but things quickly started to come into action to tear them apart when she learns of her fathers intentions and this frightens her. Her father is trying to take the crown at the expense of her and Arucard.
Will Arucard and Isolde claim their innocence and survive the attacks or will her fathers ploy to destroy them all prevail?
Another amazing story by Barbara. I have been in love with this series from the beginning. She made me fall in love with historical romance.Her attention to detail is fabulous. She really does and amazing job with the times.. You can tell how much research is done with each book she writes. and I look forward to more. Definitely pick up a copy of Arucard! You won't be disappointed . I recommend for the mature reader!
August 16, 2015
The story of Templar Knight Arucard of Villiers and Isolde de Tyreswelle. Arucard is a hunted man, so he seeks asylum in England. After, having spent 5 years in prison, he is summoned by the king, thinking his last day has come and will be executed. But he soon discovers that his time has not come yet, he is asked to swear loyalty and obedience to the king. The start of the Order of the Brethren of the Coast. But another surprise is waiting for him! Enters Isolde in his life that will change. Arucard is the perfect knight, kind, patient, passionate and loyal. Just follow their amazing journey filled with tenderness, passion and intrigue. Since, he had made vows of chastity and has a new wife, he started to have feelings of passion and desire, which created some tender passionate love scenes, which he is not accustomed. But wiill their new life together survive? I really enjoyed this book and I going to read the whole series.
October 20, 2015
Barbara Devlin delivers a breathtakingly sensual introduction into her incredibly popular Brethren of the Coast series, which captivates and entices the heart.
Discover the Knights of the Brethren of the Coast in this raw, emotionally charged story. The heroine, Isolde and the hero, Arucard, are challenged from the get-go as to what they hold near and dear to their heart, and challenged every moment as to what they will fight for. Can these two strangers who are pushed together find comfort in dark times?
This series is a must read and readers that are loyal to Barbara Devlin have been treated to a sprinkle in each book of the Knights of the Brethren about the founding members . Now we will get their full stories.
Please check out my Blog Books I Love A Latte for my full review.
Discover the Knights of the Brethren of the Coast in this raw, emotionally charged story. The heroine, Isolde and the hero, Arucard, are challenged from the get-go as to what they hold near and dear to their heart, and challenged every moment as to what they will fight for. Can these two strangers who are pushed together find comfort in dark times?
This series is a must read and readers that are loyal to Barbara Devlin have been treated to a sprinkle in each book of the Knights of the Brethren about the founding members . Now we will get their full stories.
Please check out my Blog Books I Love A Latte for my full review.
July 1, 2015
The nightly devotion continues!
As anyone who has read the Brethren book knows it is not hard to fall in love with the knights. Now we meet Arucard and Isolde and learn of their journey and what an emotional journey it has been. From the beginning I was entranced and had to force myself to put it down and though there was one character that I wished get revenge from I couldn't help but love Arucard,Isolde,and the other knights. So as not to ruin anything I encourage you all to read this wonderful journey and if you are like me and love the knights you too will eagerly await the next knightly tale!!!
As anyone who has read the Brethren book knows it is not hard to fall in love with the knights. Now we meet Arucard and Isolde and learn of their journey and what an emotional journey it has been. From the beginning I was entranced and had to force myself to put it down and though there was one character that I wished get revenge from I couldn't help but love Arucard,Isolde,and the other knights. So as not to ruin anything I encourage you all to read this wonderful journey and if you are like me and love the knights you too will eagerly await the next knightly tale!!!
July 23, 2015
Speechless!!
My eyes r burning and my house n children r, well less than acceptable...I could never have guessed how this was to turn out. Surprises on nearly every page.....and WHOA WHAT AN ENDING!!!! I didn't think I could hate as much as I did for the villain, love the others. My daughter was laughing at me as I finished the book, apparently I had made several faces, as well as cried...lol. Keep these books coming PLEASE!!!
My eyes r burning and my house n children r, well less than acceptable...I could never have guessed how this was to turn out. Surprises on nearly every page.....and WHOA WHAT AN ENDING!!!! I didn't think I could hate as much as I did for the villain, love the others. My daughter was laughing at me as I finished the book, apparently I had made several faces, as well as cried...lol. Keep these books coming PLEASE!!!
August 21, 2015
This was a fabulous story about the Brethren origins. If you've read the series Brethren of the Coast, you'll know what I mean, and if you haven't you really need to. This is a wonderful stand-alone though. I enjoyed Arucard and Isolde's story, it was full of excitement, intrigue, and a blossoming love story. The bigger they are, the harder they fall in love, comes to mind! That's how I see Arucard.
I can't wait for the rest of the Brethren to find their mates and hear their stories.
I can't wait for the rest of the Brethren to find their mates and hear their stories.
July 24, 2015
I can seriously say Barbara Devlin out done herself yet again, this was a complete awesome sauce story and I can not wait to read the up coming series. It was fantastic and captivating. A well worth romantic tale and a must read. I don't give out spoilers, but I must say of you like a lot of romance, a little bit of humor and a whole lot heroism then this series will be just right for you...Amazing!
July 3, 2015
Another excellent love story!
I loved it, but you really need to ad a dictionary for some of the more obscure terms and phrases. And, I've wanted to ask this for all of books (all five stars, by the way,) what does Nautioneer mean? B.D. , you done good. Our Judi would be proud.
I loved it, but you really need to ad a dictionary for some of the more obscure terms and phrases. And, I've wanted to ask this for all of books (all five stars, by the way,) what does Nautioneer mean? B.D. , you done good. Our Judi would be proud.
July 4, 2015
Great book
This is one of the best authors I have come across in a long time. She writes stories that will soon have you immersed in long ago times. I love the fact that she decided to let us into the world of the original brethren of the coast. The only bad part was I finished the book and now have to wait until November for the next installment of the brethren of the coast.
This is one of the best authors I have come across in a long time. She writes stories that will soon have you immersed in long ago times. I love the fact that she decided to let us into the world of the original brethren of the coast. The only bad part was I finished the book and now have to wait until November for the next installment of the brethren of the coast.
August 26, 2015
Arucard
Excellent reading......Barbara Devlin had delivered a 5 star book again.
I loved it, as I do all of her books. Keep them coming. The love between the main characters builds along with the story. The innocence of two virgins male an female was refreshing to read about. Read this book and then discover the Brotherhood the Coast Series.
Excellent reading......Barbara Devlin had delivered a 5 star book again.
I loved it, as I do all of her books. Keep them coming. The love between the main characters builds along with the story. The innocence of two virgins male an female was refreshing to read about. Read this book and then discover the Brotherhood the Coast Series.
October 18, 2015
3.5/5.0
“Arucard” is a sweetly romantic story of love and fidelity in the face of political intrigue and familial treachery.
Read full review in the 2015 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Arucard” is a sweetly romantic story of love and fidelity in the face of political intrigue and familial treachery.
Read full review in the 2015 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 14, 2015
I look forward to the rest of the series. damsel in severe distress and misery finds love with her arranged husband. she faces peril, torture, pain...but is rescued by her husband.
October 27, 2015
VERY GOOD
I enjoyed this novel. Good balance of action suspense and lovemaking. I had a little problem with the verbiage of the time period.
I enjoyed this novel. Good balance of action suspense and lovemaking. I had a little problem with the verbiage of the time period.
May 9, 2020
4.5 stars
Beautiful love story between Arucard and Isolde. I love both characters as their love grew stronger along with the story. Kind hero and strong heroine. The characters spoke old English language which I found a little bit difficult to understand but it made the story more realistic and accurate in history details.
Beautiful love story between Arucard and Isolde. I love both characters as their love grew stronger along with the story. Kind hero and strong heroine. The characters spoke old English language which I found a little bit difficult to understand but it made the story more realistic and accurate in history details.
December 23, 2022
Arucard and Isolde
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved these 2 characters. They are so strong, determined, and proud. Yet they are completely clueless about love and marriage. It was a real treat to read their story and play witness as they found their way to each other And a love like no other.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved these 2 characters. They are so strong, determined, and proud. Yet they are completely clueless about love and marriage. It was a real treat to read their story and play witness as they found their way to each other And a love like no other.
Read
June 16, 2019Amazing story
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves old English setting and can understand language of the time. I found it realistic and romantic.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves old English setting and can understand language of the time. I found it realistic and romantic.
November 30, 2016
Wonderful story! This was a refreshing read . . . it's so rare to find a historical novel where the man is a virgin and has a strong moral core. The characters spoke in old English, which was strange at first, but I found myself substituting modern words in my head as I read it. Arucard is the perfect hero, he's deeply spiritual, handsome and brawny, and yet a fierce warrior when needed. It was fun to read about two virgins consummating their marriage and learning about sensual delights together . . . a nice change. The cover is beyond beautiful,and I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
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March 15, 2016Purple prose and thou/thee/prithee type language make it hard to read.
Also his man parts are referred to as a "one eyed dragon", a "man yard", etc.
Finally after reading the following, I just gave up:
"A violent shudder seized him, and his seed shot forth as though launched from an imposing carro-ballista. ”
DNF
Also his man parts are referred to as a "one eyed dragon", a "man yard", etc.
Finally after reading the following, I just gave up:
"A violent shudder seized him, and his seed shot forth as though launched from an imposing carro-ballista. ”
DNF
April 2, 2016
A virgin knight takes a bride
Arucard begins the story of the Brethren of the Coast however there isn't much seafaring in this story. There is new life and love and familial treachery and royal intrigue in the early fourteenth century.
What I consider Elizabethan English is not hard to get used to reading.
Arucard begins the story of the Brethren of the Coast however there isn't much seafaring in this story. There is new life and love and familial treachery and royal intrigue in the early fourteenth century.
What I consider Elizabethan English is not hard to get used to reading.
Read
October 31, 2016Good read!
Good read, though it took a while for me to adjust. I had to tell my brain to read (me, you , your). Instead of (thee, thy, though). I was getting confused in the first chapter, but eventually got used to it! The story line is good, love the romance! The humor was on point! Didn't want to put the book down. Finished it in a few hours!
Good read, though it took a while for me to adjust. I had to tell my brain to read (me, you , your). Instead of (thee, thy, though). I was getting confused in the first chapter, but eventually got used to it! The story line is good, love the romance! The humor was on point! Didn't want to put the book down. Finished it in a few hours!
March 21, 2016
Having read and enjoyed the Brethren series, I was looking forward to reading "the beginning". The story line on its own would have been 4 starts. Unfortunately I found myself tripping over the writers prolific use of "ye olde English".
August 27, 2015
I just can't
I just can't get past the 'tho, dost, thee. That's why the one star. I didn't even read a chapter! I just can't !
I just can't get past the 'tho, dost, thee. That's why the one star. I didn't even read a chapter! I just can't !
September 10, 2015
I can't even begin to express how much I loved this book! It transported me back in time and kept me flipping pages from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.
October 27, 2016
Interesting premise - entertaining story
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