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The Medieval Plantagenet Trilogy #3
ศัตรูคู่วิวาห์
“โรซามอนด์ มาร์แชล” เป็นเด็กกำพร้าที่อยู่ในปกครองของ “เอเลนอร์ เดอ มงฟอร์ต” พระขนิษฐาของพระเจ้าเฮนรี่ที่ 3 ภริยาของขุนพลผู้มีชื่อเสียงขจรขจาย... “ไซมอน เดอ มงฟอร์ต” ภายใต้การอบรมสั่งสอนจากเคาน์เตส หล่อนไม่ได้ถูกฝึกฝนให้แค่รู้จักการปกครองดูแลปราสาท แต่ยังรู้จักใช้เสน่ห์หญิงด้วยการแต่งกายงดงาม พูดคุยอย่างชาญฉลาดและโปรยเสน่ห์ใส่ชายอย่างไร้ความปรานี แต่เมื่อหล่อนถึงวัยสาวสะพรั่ง ทายาทสาวสวยผู้นี้กลับกลัวที่จะไปจากความมั่นคงปลอดภัยของครอบครัวเดอ มงฟอร์ตเพื่อทำหน้าที่คู่หมั้นของอัศวินหนุ่มรูปหล่อ...“ร้อดเจอร์ เดอ เลย์เบิร์น” หล่อนพยายามใช้กลอุบายเพื่อล้มเลิกการหมั้น แต่เจ้าชายเอ็ดเวิร์ดไม่ยอมรับฟังข้ออ้างใดๆ ของโรซามอนด์เพื่อถ่วงเวลาแต่งงาน เพราะเจ้าชายทรงตั้งใจแน่วแน่แล้วว่าจะมอบรางวัลให้แก่เพื่อนรักที่สุดของพระองค์ด้วยภรรยาสูงศักดิ์ผู้มั่งคั่ง
ร้อดเจอร์เกี้ยวพาโรซามอนด์และทำให้หญิงสาวเชื่อมั่นในความรักของเขาที่ยิ่งใหญ่กว่าทรัพย์ศฤงคารของหล่อน แต่เมื่อโรซามอนด์กลายมาเป็นภรรยาของร้อดเจอร์และได้รู้จักความงดงามของความรักที่ชายมอบให้แก่สตรีผู้เป็นที่รัก หล่อนก็พบว่าตัวเองและสามีกลายฝ่ายตรงข้ามกันในสงครามกลางเมือง เพราะร้อดเจอร์ต่อสู้เคียงข้างกับเจ้าชายเอ็ดเวิร์ดและกษัตริย์เพื่อปราบกบฏของพวกบารอน ที่นำโดยไม่ใช่ใครอื่นไกล แต่เป็นผู้ปกครองที่โรซามอนด์รักและมอบความภักดีให้...ไซมอน เดอ มงฟอร์ต
ร้อดเจอร์เกี้ยวพาโรซามอนด์และทำให้หญิงสาวเชื่อมั่นในความรักของเขาที่ยิ่งใหญ่กว่าทรัพย์ศฤงคารของหล่อน แต่เมื่อโรซามอนด์กลายมาเป็นภรรยาของร้อดเจอร์และได้รู้จักความงดงามของความรักที่ชายมอบให้แก่สตรีผู้เป็นที่รัก หล่อนก็พบว่าตัวเองและสามีกลายฝ่ายตรงข้ามกันในสงครามกลางเมือง เพราะร้อดเจอร์ต่อสู้เคียงข้างกับเจ้าชายเอ็ดเวิร์ดและกษัตริย์เพื่อปราบกบฏของพวกบารอน ที่นำโดยไม่ใช่ใครอื่นไกล แต่เป็นผู้ปกครองที่โรซามอนด์รักและมอบความภักดีให้...ไซมอน เดอ มงฟอร์ต
404 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2000
49 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Henley
73 books639 followersVirginia Syddall was born on December 5, 1935 in England, where her father, Thomas Syddall, taught her to love history. She obtained a degree in History in the University. In 1956, Virginia married Arthur Henley. They moved to America, and now they live most of the year in St. Petersburg, Florida, and they spend the hot summers in Ontario, Canada, where they have their two adult children and three grandsons.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 2, 2022
Read: 10/31/22
I'm always impressed with VH's books!
I'll first announce that I skipped book 2. It was a romance between princess Eleanor and Simon De Montfort. I know how the rebellious baron ends up in history and it was not a HEA. Luckily, this could be read as a standalone.
First, I have to say that I fell in love with Rodger. He was the perfect H! Strong, handsome, charming, silvertongued, smart, and mature. Definitely swoonworthy!
Unfortunately, the h got on my nerves. I hate how the h is so spoiled and modern. In this era, a betrothed woman was as good as married. The ceremony was just a formality. A medieval woman would know this and accept it. The h seemed to always flip flop. She loves him..she hates him.. the pattern goes on and on through the whole book 🙄. It was exhausting! The H, God Love him, never forces her.
Now, the historical aspect was a little wonky for me. The author didn't stick to some crucial history facts and I didn't understand why. For instance, how prince Edward was captured by Montfort. In the book, Edward chased down the army not knowing his father and uncle failed on their side. In history, Montfort had a broken leg and was traveling in a carriage. Prince Edward broke away from the army to capture the carriage only to find it empty. A great trap!
Another example, Prince Edward killed Montfort's son in battle. He then carries his banners tricking Montfort into thinking they are reinforcements. Once Montfort realizes his son is died, he himself desires death. His body was cut into pieces and sent all over England as a warning. Edward did not feel bad (anybody remember Braveheart). There also wasn't a funeral that was attended by the traitor's sons and wife (exile). In fact, King Henry heard some of his body parts were stolen and put on consecrated ground, so he had them dug up.
I still don't understand why the author omitted the real history. Truth is stranger than fiction and in this case better.
So, I would say this was a pretty good hr just don't expect historical accuracy!
I'm always impressed with VH's books!
I'll first announce that I skipped book 2. It was a romance between princess Eleanor and Simon De Montfort. I know how the rebellious baron ends up in history and it was not a HEA. Luckily, this could be read as a standalone.
First, I have to say that I fell in love with Rodger. He was the perfect H! Strong, handsome, charming, silvertongued, smart, and mature. Definitely swoonworthy!
Unfortunately, the h got on my nerves. I hate how the h is so spoiled and modern. In this era, a betrothed woman was as good as married. The ceremony was just a formality. A medieval woman would know this and accept it. The h seemed to always flip flop. She loves him..she hates him.. the pattern goes on and on through the whole book 🙄. It was exhausting! The H, God Love him, never forces her.
Now, the historical aspect was a little wonky for me. The author didn't stick to some crucial history facts and I didn't understand why. For instance, how prince Edward was captured by Montfort. In the book, Edward chased down the army not knowing his father and uncle failed on their side. In history, Montfort had a broken leg and was traveling in a carriage. Prince Edward broke away from the army to capture the carriage only to find it empty. A great trap!
Another example, Prince Edward killed Montfort's son in battle. He then carries his banners tricking Montfort into thinking they are reinforcements. Once Montfort realizes his son is died, he himself desires death. His body was cut into pieces and sent all over England as a warning. Edward did not feel bad (anybody remember Braveheart). There also wasn't a funeral that was attended by the traitor's sons and wife (exile). In fact, King Henry heard some of his body parts were stolen and put on consecrated ground, so he had them dug up.
I still don't understand why the author omitted the real history. Truth is stranger than fiction and in this case better.
So, I would say this was a pretty good hr just don't expect historical accuracy!
January 6, 2016
I read this book way back in my youth. I recalled the book right away after reading the blurb. I remember that I liked it. It is a well-written old-fashioned medieval story. I liked Rodger but was not so impressed with Rosamond (surprise surprise). I just dont like willful heroines and Rosamond was exactly that. She supported Simon de Montfort and was willing to betray her husband, who she came to love. I dont get this decision. I think it is ok to have different opinions. But your loyalty must be clear. Either you support your husband or you support your guardian. Doing the latter meaning you sacrifice your marriage so dont freak out when he wouldnt change his allegiance for you because you did not do that for him either. Accept it and move on.
OK I think it is quite enough with my heroine hating. lol I have such a hard time with willful women who do what they do and expect no consequences. There are always consequences to every action we take. These old-timer romance stories from the 80s have a lot of such heroines (think Johanna Lindsey, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and our Virginia Henley here). They go against their husbands and get pissed when the men have a different opinion or are not willing to back down. Why should they? It is not that these heroines are exactly accommodating either.
I would probably not reread this story because of Rosamond. I recall vividly how she defied Rodger because of her political inclination. I am not a fan.
OK I think it is quite enough with my heroine hating. lol I have such a hard time with willful women who do what they do and expect no consequences. There are always consequences to every action we take. These old-timer romance stories from the 80s have a lot of such heroines (think Johanna Lindsey, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and our Virginia Henley here). They go against their husbands and get pissed when the men have a different opinion or are not willing to back down. Why should they? It is not that these heroines are exactly accommodating either.
I would probably not reread this story because of Rosamond. I recall vividly how she defied Rodger because of her political inclination. I am not a fan.
January 19, 2013
One of the best books I've ever read. I own the paperback and though am steadily with great difficulty shedding my huge quantity of paperbacks, I refuse to let this one go, probably forever. It was just soooooo good. But you know I am tenative about rereading it because it actually is filled with so much passion and emotion, fierce heartwrenching, paralyzing love, it's hard to invest unless you have an entire week because at times I just had to put it down and cry or get out of the numbness because the way she writes it can affect her reader just that much. I loved this book is just too simple of a way to describe it.
March 27, 2021
"-Anticipation is said to harden the pleasure, no?
-Heighten the pleasure -Rod corrected-, though there is likely more truth in the way you say it".
"She found him more than attractive, she found him as magnetic as a lodestone".
"But that's what bravery is all about... overcoming fear enough to do the couragous thing".
-Heighten the pleasure -Rod corrected-, though there is likely more truth in the way you say it".
"She found him more than attractive, she found him as magnetic as a lodestone".
"But that's what bravery is all about... overcoming fear enough to do the couragous thing".
July 26, 2013
I love anything Henley. I love the drama, the hot sex, the macho men and the history. sexy, smart and passionate. love it, love her
February 7, 2017
I really really really wanted to love this book but it just didn't happen . Also the ending of this book spoilt the previous two for me .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2012
This must have been a difficult one for Henley to write...and it is easy to see why some fans of her work liked this one less than the others in the trilogy. Third in Henley's Plantagenet trilogy (The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize), it is set in 13th century England, continuing with the reign of King Henry III but focused on his son, Edward, the future king. The characters we came to love in books 1 and 2 are suddenly enemies when civil war breaks out in England.
In the second book, Henry's sister, Princess Eleanor married Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester, and the great War Lord. Theirs was a magnificent love story well told by Henley. In this last in the trilogy, they continue to be characters but Simon's desire to see justice brought to the common man puts him at odds with the weak King Henry. At first Lord Edward, who was trained by his godfather, Simon de Montfort, joins with him against his father. But Edward is eventually lured to the Plantagenet side against Simon. Friends become enemies and many we love die in the war that inevitably comes. (This isn't a spoiler...it's history.) Henley tells the story well but she had to include the facts and some are difficult to take.
This book opens in 1253, as 12-year-old Rosamond Marshal, the fictional niece of Eleanor Plantagenet's first husband, is betrothed to Sir Rodger de Leyburn, Prince Edward's steward. Rosamond was considered a great "marriage prize" because of her family's wealth, which she inherited upon the death of her brother, Giles, her only relative. Five years later, King Henry is chaffing at the parliament imposed on him by his barons and has fled to France to seek aid while Simon de Montfort's power grows in England. Rosamond, now 17, resents the marriage imposed upon her as a child, and Rodger must woo her to claim her.
At times I found Rosamond annoying. She was not the strong character that was Eleanor Plantagenet (heroine in book 2); she often gave in to the demanding warrior that was her husband. At one point, she believed him when he told her he had her favorite knight trussed up and would kill him if she didn't come with him. I thought that made her look stupid. There were a few improbable moments, like when she is 9 months pregnant and her servants and men leave her completely alone in a castle (would never happen). But all in all, Henley did a great job of telling this story and it's an appropriate finish to the Plantagenet trilogy. Her meticulous attention to both historical details and character development are evident and set this and all her novels apart from those of the light romance fare so frequently found today.
If you like to read books in date order, here is the Plantagenet trilogy followed by the other books she wrote about the same time in chronological order:
* The Falcon and the Flower (1989) - late 12th century/early 13th
* The Dragon and the Jewel (1991) - 13th century
* The Marriage Prize (2000) - 13th century
* The Raven and the Rose (1987) - 15th century
* The Hawk and the Dove (1988) - 16th century
* The Pirate and the Pagan (1990) - 17th century
All the books are worthy reads. And, if you want Scotland's side of the story, you can read her wonderful Kennedy Clan romances, both set in the 16th century after the events of The Raven and The Rose:
* Tempted (1992)
* The Border Hostage (2001)
In the second book, Henry's sister, Princess Eleanor married Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester, and the great War Lord. Theirs was a magnificent love story well told by Henley. In this last in the trilogy, they continue to be characters but Simon's desire to see justice brought to the common man puts him at odds with the weak King Henry. At first Lord Edward, who was trained by his godfather, Simon de Montfort, joins with him against his father. But Edward is eventually lured to the Plantagenet side against Simon. Friends become enemies and many we love die in the war that inevitably comes. (This isn't a spoiler...it's history.) Henley tells the story well but she had to include the facts and some are difficult to take.
This book opens in 1253, as 12-year-old Rosamond Marshal, the fictional niece of Eleanor Plantagenet's first husband, is betrothed to Sir Rodger de Leyburn, Prince Edward's steward. Rosamond was considered a great "marriage prize" because of her family's wealth, which she inherited upon the death of her brother, Giles, her only relative. Five years later, King Henry is chaffing at the parliament imposed on him by his barons and has fled to France to seek aid while Simon de Montfort's power grows in England. Rosamond, now 17, resents the marriage imposed upon her as a child, and Rodger must woo her to claim her.
At times I found Rosamond annoying. She was not the strong character that was Eleanor Plantagenet (heroine in book 2); she often gave in to the demanding warrior that was her husband. At one point, she believed him when he told her he had her favorite knight trussed up and would kill him if she didn't come with him. I thought that made her look stupid. There were a few improbable moments, like when she is 9 months pregnant and her servants and men leave her completely alone in a castle (would never happen). But all in all, Henley did a great job of telling this story and it's an appropriate finish to the Plantagenet trilogy. Her meticulous attention to both historical details and character development are evident and set this and all her novels apart from those of the light romance fare so frequently found today.
If you like to read books in date order, here is the Plantagenet trilogy followed by the other books she wrote about the same time in chronological order:
* The Falcon and the Flower (1989) - late 12th century/early 13th
* The Dragon and the Jewel (1991) - 13th century
* The Marriage Prize (2000) - 13th century
* The Raven and the Rose (1987) - 15th century
* The Hawk and the Dove (1988) - 16th century
* The Pirate and the Pagan (1990) - 17th century
All the books are worthy reads. And, if you want Scotland's side of the story, you can read her wonderful Kennedy Clan romances, both set in the 16th century after the events of The Raven and The Rose:
* Tempted (1992)
* The Border Hostage (2001)
May 12, 2017
I enjoy a good historical romantic read....sadly I was disappointed and annoyed by this book.
Rosamond is definitely a very willful person who constantly throws tantrums when things don't go her way (um I know you want to model yourself after Eleanor, but she is a princess by birth and countess by marriage, she has royal blood going back generations and knows where her true powers come from!).
The whole trust issue Rod and Rosamond keep talking about is like non-existent, even though they keep talking over and over again about it. Seriously, Rod doesn't trust Rosamond enough with state secrets due to her connections with the de Montfort family and the truth of her brother's death. And Rosamond doesn't trust Rod enough to protect her and keep her from harm's way.
Not a fan of the language. How many times is it necessary to use the word ‘bitch’, it is really jarring and takes it away from the setting. I get it, they are horrible people that you want to curse at, blah, blah, blah.
The intimate scenes are pretty typical of romance books. There is enough to keep you interesting and reading, but nothing more than that.
The only thing that keep things interesting and me reading was the civil strife between Simon de Montfort and the royal Plantagenet. Otherwise, I'll pass on the story and the main characters.
Rosamond is definitely a very willful person who constantly throws tantrums when things don't go her way (um I know you want to model yourself after Eleanor, but she is a princess by birth and countess by marriage, she has royal blood going back generations and knows where her true powers come from!).
The whole trust issue Rod and Rosamond keep talking about is like non-existent, even though they keep talking over and over again about it. Seriously, Rod doesn't trust Rosamond enough with state secrets due to her connections with the de Montfort family and the truth of her brother's death. And Rosamond doesn't trust Rod enough to protect her and keep her from harm's way.
Not a fan of the language. How many times is it necessary to use the word ‘bitch’, it is really jarring and takes it away from the setting. I get it, they are horrible people that you want to curse at, blah, blah, blah.
The intimate scenes are pretty typical of romance books. There is enough to keep you interesting and reading, but nothing more than that.
The only thing that keep things interesting and me reading was the civil strife between Simon de Montfort and the royal Plantagenet. Otherwise, I'll pass on the story and the main characters.
December 17, 2021
I definitely have a love hate relationship with Virginia Henry. She is an amazing author who can spin a tale but sadly I could NOT give this book 5 stars. She killed off the hero of her previous book! I hated that! It kinda ruined the book for me even though I loved the H and h of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
I'm not a big fan of Ms. Henley and almost didn't check out this book, but it turned out to be a pretty good story. For once, the h, Rosamund had a reason for her actions and reluctance to wed/bed the H, Rodger instead of the usual stubborn, bitchy brat attitude. She had a lot of relevant fears and concerns, as well as nightmares, stemming from her brother's death. She didn't want to acknowledge her love for Rodger because she always lost the people she loved and didn't want that to happen again, which was a refreshing change from the h being a pain in the ass who expected the h to kiss hers.
As for Rodger, it was nice the way he cared for Rosamund, and didn't let his lust get the better of him by forcing himself on her and then claiming he couldn't help it, the usual BS excuse. He didn't go all autocratic, my-way-or-the-highway and kept out of other women's beds. He really loved Rosamund and waited for her to be ready to admit her love for him.
There were some pretty hot scenes, where he teaches her to enjoy lovemaking, yet keeping her a virgin until she asks him for more, which makes her determined to have him do the asking!
There are arguments and misunderstandings, but they don't drag on too long. There was also a secondary love story, between Edward (the future king) and Eleanor, which would have made a good separate novel. The book gives a good historical background.
If it were possible here, I'd have given it a half a star more.
As for Rodger, it was nice the way he cared for Rosamund, and didn't let his lust get the better of him by forcing himself on her and then claiming he couldn't help it, the usual BS excuse. He didn't go all autocratic, my-way-or-the-highway and kept out of other women's beds. He really loved Rosamund and waited for her to be ready to admit her love for him.
There were some pretty hot scenes, where he teaches her to enjoy lovemaking, yet keeping her a virgin until she asks him for more, which makes her determined to have him do the asking!
There are arguments and misunderstandings, but they don't drag on too long. There was also a secondary love story, between Edward (the future king) and Eleanor, which would have made a good separate novel. The book gives a good historical background.
If it were possible here, I'd have given it a half a star more.
August 27, 2025
ตอนแรกนะ กุเตรียมใจไว้เลย
เพราะเคยอ่านเรื่อง สงครามสวาท ซึ่งมันโครตโหด
สำหรับกุ แล้วอ่านเรื่องนี้ก็กลัวไปว่าต้องมี แต่สรุป
น่าร้าาาาากอะ ถึงนางเอกแม่งงี่เง่าหน่อย แต่ไม่มาก
พระเอกก็น่ารัก รักเมีย เห็นละชอบเมียเลย
ดีอะ ไม่น่าเชื่อ ไม่รู้จะหลอกให้กุตายใจไหม
พออ่านเรื่องหน้า สรุปกลับมาโหดนะคะคุณยาย
แต่ว่านะ เสียดายที่ในซีรีส์ไม่มีแปลอีก (หรือมี?)
เพราะหาไม่เจอเลยอะ อยากอ่าน
แล้วเล่มที่กุได้มาอะ เป็นเล่มเก่า สำนวนแก่มาก 555
แต่ดี สนุกดี NC แซ่บ มีอะไรขอให้บอกนะ 55555
เพราะเคยอ่านเรื่อง สงครามสวาท ซึ่งมันโครตโหด
สำหรับกุ แล้วอ่านเรื่องนี้ก็กลัวไปว่าต้องมี แต่สรุป
น่าร้าาาาากอะ ถึงนางเอกแม่งงี่เง่าหน่อย แต่ไม่มาก
พระเอกก็น่ารัก รักเมีย เห็นละชอบเมียเลย
ดีอะ ไม่น่าเชื่อ ไม่รู้จะหลอกให้กุตายใจไหม
พออ่านเรื่องหน้า สรุปกลับมาโหดนะคะคุณยาย
แต่ว่านะ เสียดายที่ในซีรีส์ไม่มีแปลอีก (หรือมี?)
เพราะหาไม่เจอเลยอะ อยากอ่าน
แล้วเล่มที่กุได้มาอะ เป็นเล่มเก่า สำนวนแก่มาก 555
แต่ดี สนุกดี NC แซ่บ มีอะไรขอให้บอกนะ 55555
December 28, 2019
Wow WTF was this? How can anyone like this drivel? I don't expect much from a silly romance, but it boggles my mind when a dumb, rough draft gets published. The historical elements read like a mashup of regency, tudor, and a visit to a ren fair. There is no flow, no pacing, headhopping galore, the characterization is laughable at first then irritating, and good god, what is it with the clumsy info dumps? Am I supposed to be impressed that Henley read some Plantagenet for dummies book as part of her pathetic research?
November 18, 2025
Better than I expected, but still pretty misogynistic and in my opinion not very sexy. Kind of the opposite of my typical "great concept, disappointing execution" critique when it comes to historical romance. I thought the initial concept was pretty weak and was pleasantly surprised by how much mileage Henley got out of it.
February 12, 2018
Broke my heart.
March 12, 2020
Love Henley
I love her books,when it comes to medieval romance she is the best. All her historical story is amazing and detailed.
I love her books,when it comes to medieval romance she is the best. All her historical story is amazing and detailed.
November 30, 2020
Nice beginning but got a bit too repetitive and I didn’t like the h.
February 21, 2023
Sweet and believable romance
October 4, 2024
Very good medieval 🏰 story. ⭐️❤️
November 9, 2013
Orphaned at a young age, Rosamond Marshal is the royal ward of Eleanor de Montfort - sister of King Henry III and wife of the renowned warlord Simon de Montfort. Under the worldly countess' wise tutelage, Rosamond learns not only the skills of a chatelaine, but also how to wield her feminine power by dressing exquisitely, conversing wittily, and charming men relentlessly. As the beautiful heiress approaches young womanhood, she is fearful of leaving the security of the de Montfort household and fulfilling her betrothal to the dark, imposing bachelor knight Rodger de Leyburn.
Just as Rodger de Leyburn devilishly outmaneuvers Rosamond's various strategic attempts to break their betrothal, so do her numerous entreaties to Prince Edward to forestall her marriage fall on deaf ears. For Rosamond Marshal is truly a marriage prize and the prince is determined to reward Rodger, his dearest friend, with a wealthy, noble wife. Wary of love, Rosamond is unsettled by Rodger's powerful presence, and she is convinced that Rodger's insistent pursuit of her is for her wealth alone.
Slowly and patiently Rodger woos Rosamond, convincing her that his love for her extends beyond her estates and her wealth. No sooner does Rosamond become Rodger's wife and begins to entrust her heart to him, than she finds herself and her husband on opposite sides of a bloody civil war. For Rodger is fighting alongside Prince Edward and the king to quell the barons' rebellion, led by none other than Rosamond's beloved guardian, Simon de Montfort. So, as civil war erupts around them, and Rodger is called to battle, Rosamond faces the ultimate test of loyalty and choices - between the man who stormed her reluctant heart, and the family who raised her as their own...
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I haven't read any of Virginia Henley's books before, although I may have several of her books hidden away on my bookshelf. This book is actually the third in a trilogy - the first two being The Falcon and the Flower written in 1989; and The Dragon and the Jewel written in 1991.
I usually love reading historical romances; primarily medieval and regency romances. And while I don't consider myself a stickler for historical accuracy, I do appreciate reading well-researched historical romances. I give The Marriage Prize by Virginia Henley an A+! and will certainly be looking for more books by this author to read in the future.
Just as Rodger de Leyburn devilishly outmaneuvers Rosamond's various strategic attempts to break their betrothal, so do her numerous entreaties to Prince Edward to forestall her marriage fall on deaf ears. For Rosamond Marshal is truly a marriage prize and the prince is determined to reward Rodger, his dearest friend, with a wealthy, noble wife. Wary of love, Rosamond is unsettled by Rodger's powerful presence, and she is convinced that Rodger's insistent pursuit of her is for her wealth alone.
Slowly and patiently Rodger woos Rosamond, convincing her that his love for her extends beyond her estates and her wealth. No sooner does Rosamond become Rodger's wife and begins to entrust her heart to him, than she finds herself and her husband on opposite sides of a bloody civil war. For Rodger is fighting alongside Prince Edward and the king to quell the barons' rebellion, led by none other than Rosamond's beloved guardian, Simon de Montfort. So, as civil war erupts around them, and Rodger is called to battle, Rosamond faces the ultimate test of loyalty and choices - between the man who stormed her reluctant heart, and the family who raised her as their own...
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I haven't read any of Virginia Henley's books before, although I may have several of her books hidden away on my bookshelf. This book is actually the third in a trilogy - the first two being The Falcon and the Flower written in 1989; and The Dragon and the Jewel written in 1991.
I usually love reading historical romances; primarily medieval and regency romances. And while I don't consider myself a stickler for historical accuracy, I do appreciate reading well-researched historical romances. I give The Marriage Prize by Virginia Henley an A+! and will certainly be looking for more books by this author to read in the future.
September 28, 2020
Empezamos esta
Saga Plantagenet
con Juan I (1199-1216), seguimos con Enrique III (1216-1272) y concluimos con Eduardo I (1272-1307).
La cantidad de datos históricos y cómo logra encajar su historia en los hechos históricos denota la gran habilidad de la autora. Siendo una de las mejores representantes del Romance histórico;mi genero favorito en cuanto a Romance.
En esta ocasión el protagonista, Rodger de Leyburn, fue un personaje con el que logre empatizar a diferencia de la novela anterior este si me dejo una buena impresión; además el príncipe Eduardo logra llevarse gran parte de la historia, siendo un personaje agradable que denota simpatía. Al centrarse la historia en el entorno de los Plantagenet, Simon de Monfort y Eleonor son pieza fundamental en el desarrollo de la historia, teniendo en cuenta el hecho histórico en el que centra el drama de la misma. En cuanto a los protagonistas de la primera novela, Falcon de Burgh y Jazmín, en esta ocasión no hacen ninguna aparición, salvo una breve alusión que hace Rodger cuando habla de las posesiones y el gran padre que tiene Rickar de Burgh -hijo de Jasmín y Falcon- que en esta novela es el interés amoroso de Rosamond -la protagonista-.
Entre lo que no me gusto esta precisamente el papel que le dan a Rickard de Burgh, como el eterno enamorado de Eleonor de Monfort, incluso una insinuación de que podrían llegar a tener algo en el futuro. Lo cual destruye lo que había dicho él en la segunda novela "que solo era leal a ella por la promesa que había hecho."
En conclusión fue una lectura entretenida e instructiva, superior a la anterior pero por debajo de la primera. Aun así un buen cierre para la serie Plantagenet.
La cantidad de datos históricos y cómo logra encajar su historia en los hechos históricos denota la gran habilidad de la autora. Siendo una de las mejores representantes del Romance histórico;
En esta ocasión el protagonista, Rodger de Leyburn, fue un personaje con el que logre empatizar a diferencia de la novela anterior este si me dejo una buena impresión; además el príncipe Eduardo logra llevarse gran parte de la historia, siendo un personaje agradable que denota simpatía. Al centrarse la historia en el entorno de los Plantagenet, Simon de Monfort y Eleonor son pieza fundamental en el desarrollo de la historia, teniendo en cuenta el hecho histórico en el que centra el drama de la misma. En cuanto a los protagonistas de la primera novela, Falcon de Burgh y Jazmín, en esta ocasión no hacen ninguna aparición, salvo una breve alusión que hace Rodger cuando habla de las posesiones y el gran padre que tiene Rickar de Burgh -hijo de Jasmín y Falcon- que en esta novela es el interés amoroso de Rosamond -la protagonista-.
Entre lo que no me gusto esta precisamente el papel que le dan a Rickard de Burgh, como el eterno enamorado de Eleonor de Monfort, incluso una insinuación de que podrían llegar a tener algo en el futuro. Lo cual destruye lo que había dicho él en la segunda novela "que solo era leal a ella por la promesa que había hecho."
En conclusión fue una lectura entretenida e instructiva, superior a la anterior pero por debajo de la primera. Aun así un buen cierre para la serie Plantagenet.
October 12, 2013
"I love anything Virginia Henley writes. I love the drama, the hot sex, the macho men and the history. When I did a google search of one the characters to see how their life fit into actual history, I was shocked to find out how factual her novel was. I shed tears about this novel. This is the third of the Plantagenet trilogy. The three novels are awesome. They are a must read. "The Falcon and the Flower", "The Dragon and the Jewel" and "The Marriage Prize".
August 8, 2008
what a good story. it was very sensual but very tasteful. and to intertwine it amongst the political vendettas of the characters was absolutely genius. virginia henley obviously did her homework. she definitely gave rise to these now popular "political" authors such as philipia gregory and diane heller
April 4, 2011
I liked this one better than the previous two in the series. Either I got used to the writing style problems or the story grabbed me enough I didn't notice. Anyway, very enjoyable, and generally pretty good history (some liberties again, but at least the author did enough research to do it deliberately).
July 25, 2011
Romance twisted with a lot of history type stuff!!! A story filled with more than just pretty girl beautiful women, but don't worry the story is takes a leaf from the pages of the stories written in the same time period, with lots of sexual slurs and political gambles!!
January 6, 2013
Ce qui arrive à Simon de Montford ici est juste horrible! Ok , c'est un fait historique, mais quand même...BOUH! (et c'est ce qui vaut cette cotation , parce que pas pu m'empêcher de penser à mon Simon tout le long de l'histoire, snif!)
October 27, 2008
Historical romance set in Medieval England. Excellent! I like Henley's book for a quick, entertaining read.
January 29, 2009
Henley is so easy to read and this is just another of her great books that are fun not only to read, but also to reread.
Want to read
August 28, 2009have
July 2, 2010
Love this book. The setting, plot and characters were superb. Rosamond and Rodger...perfect couple. Love the minor character Alyce, she adds slutty humor to the plot.
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