Winter's Heat

The Graistan Chronicles #1

by Denise Domning

Her years in a nunnery taught Rowena of Benfield many things, but not how to be a wife to the powerful lord who claimed her as his bride. She vows never to submit to this aloof and ruthless man who claims her.

Rannulf of Graistan has been a woman's fool once before and has sworn to never be again, but he cannot refuse the rich estate that this marriage brings him.

But a tide of treachery is rising around them and their only hope lays in daring to trust and to love unconditionally.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Medieval, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval Romance, Marriage Of Convenience

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

About the author

What can I say? I’m single and over sixty, I write and I farm on eight acres of slowly improving red earth (it originally looked like Mars had exploded!) on Oak Creek in northern Arizona. I started with chickens, then there were turkeys and Jersey milk cows. But with livestock came the predators: coyotes, bald eagles, black hawks, mountain lions, and, worst of all, raccoons. Dang those nasty creatures! They kill just because they can; think dogs with opposable thumbs. (Five chickens in one night–they reached in through the chain link and killed the birds with no expectation of being able to eat them.) They are the reason I keep livestock guardian dogs. There's the massive Polar Bear, a 135 pound Hungarian Kuvasz, Radha, the svelte and sleek 90 pound Anatolian Shepherd and her new chew toy, Rupert who is some sort of terrier mix and small enough to walk under her belly.

As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!

If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great medieval drama! The h is fantastic!

Reread: 4/18/22 4 stars
Not as good as the first time but still a pretty good read, even if you want to smack the H.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! I love Medieval romances, and now that I've gotten through most of Patricia Ryan's back list, I'm happy to have found another author whose writing talents and historical knowledge I can appreciate. I love this book and all of its characters, and it was a good introduction to the world of this series.

I especially liked this heroine, because she was strong-willed and intelligent, and yet still behaved in a manner that was realistic for her time period.

I knew I was going to like her early on in the story when she said this:

"I know nothing of being a wife, but have learned much about the running and maintenance of an estate. It may be that you will find my manner too straightforward for your tastes, but, my Lord, it is just that - my manner. Would that I die before I give up that part of me."

This is a story about an arranged marriage between a very reluctant hero and heroine, that eventually becomes true love - one of my favorite themes in the romance genre. Right from the start these two characters had some hot chemistry, but it took time and patience for that to become anything more. In fact, their interactions at first are quite painful, and they clash in many ways. It's only until they begin to open up to one another that past hurts are revealed and subsequently begin to heal. At one point, my heart nearly broke as the hero wants to be close to his wife, he says "What do we have servants for if you do all their work? Did you not just say you carried Graistan's good in your heart? Am I not Graistan? I have nothing to do and would greatly enjoy your company."

Watching as the hero waffled between hard and soft, anger and pain, warrior and lover - it was very sweet, and totally endeared me to him.

Also, he says this at one point, "By God's cock!" which made me laugh out loud.

The historical detail is very well done, but it's so beautifully interwoven into the story that it never feels like you're reading anything but a novel. Highly recommend!

[Wendy, Lady Evelyn Quince · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mini Review:

A medieval romance that takes medieval life seriously is usually one I enjoy, but Winter's Heat fell a bit flat for me. Rowena is forced into marriage with Lord Rannulf of Graistan. After a quick consummation, Rannulf leaves Rowena at his castle to deal with his surly servants, evil sister-in-law, Maeve, and young son.

After more than 30% into the book, I realized that the hero was nowhere to be found, and I was ok with that. I enjoyed reading about Rowena's attempts to turn Rannulf's pigsty into a liveable home. Unfortunately once Rannulf re-enters the picture, the book doesn't get better. Rannulf mistrusts his capable wife and only believes Maeve's ridiculous lies. This book reminded me of the worst of Johanna Lindsey's romances, with the hero and heroine bickering for no real reason, refusing to engage in basic communication and making lots of love even though they hate each other.

As this was Domning's first book, I'm willing to forgive the unsatisfying romance and read on to the next book in the Graistan series, as I did appreciate the historical authenticity. Hopefully the characterization and romance is better handled in her later works.

2 1/2 stars

[Shabby Girl ~ aka Lady Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by Mary from the group I spend most of my time in with Goodreads, the Romance Refugees forum. I'm so glad she did. I enjoyed it a lot. This book was first published in 1994, so it's far from new, and I'm thinking 1994 was a pretty good year as so many books I've loved just happened to have been published in that year.

It's so hard to find a good medieval romance, so many of them set in that period don't follow life as it was then which takes away a lot of the enjoyment. This book, as far as I could tell, was pretty true to the times.

This book also has one of my favourite tropes, a marriage of convenience turning into true and deep love. It took most of the book for the H to realise he loved his wife, and there were many misunderstandings along he way since the H was a bit of a dolt, but then it wouldn't be as enjoyable if everything went smoothly.

The h is a very strong woman, and this also contributed to my enjoyment of the story. There's no fluff involved with this h. I like that she took everything in her stride and moved on and did her best, even when things didn't go in her favour, but she didn't hold grudges and acknowledged her love in spite of the bad treatment given her by the H.

Okay, so I am looking forward to the next book, which is next on my list. I really want to read both Gilliam's and Temric's stories - both strong secondary characters in this story, and brothers of the H.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves medieval and historical romance as a well-written and enjoyable start to a series. And, joy, because it's written a while ago, all the books are available so no waiting involved. That's always a good thing, as I spend so much time waiting, waiting, waiting for books to come out.

[Izzah ꒰Duchess of Cabria ಇ ⭑✧ ᴏɴ ᴘᴀᴛʀᴇᴏɴ ✧ ⋆꒱ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too angry at the ending to write a proper review


🚨 "Alert❗ Alert❗ Hero-meter reaching unredeemable levels of assholery."

(֊⎚-⎚) <( Ma'am, our sensors' numbers aren't very promising. )
(ﾐ●ﻌ●ﾐ)ฅ <( Wait! Don't press the DNF button yet, check out our other romance-meters. )
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowena and Rannulf

John of Benfield strikes a contract with Lord Rannulf FitzHenry of Graiston for the hand of his daughter, Rowena of Benfield, in marriage. First Rannulf doesn't want to marry. Then he sees Rowena and changes his mind.

Rowena's first weeks at Graiston Keep are not easy. The Keep needs cleaning up and renovation. Rannulf doesn't acknowledge Rowena as the Lady Graiston. He treats her no better than a servant. She is constantly hurt, shamed and embarrassed. Rowena feels her marriage is doomed, yet she keeps reaching out to him and doing things for him. Is Rowena's marriage destined to be a loveless union? Can Rannulf let his guard down to reach for the love being offered?

I felt like the hurt, shame, embarrassment and grief at times dragged out in the middle of the story. Jealousies wreck troubles between the hero and heroine. Sir Gilliam (half brother), Temric (bastard brother) and Ilsa (servant) were secondary characters, who are relief characters that brake up the tension. Sir Gilliam and Temric must have their own books. They are so well formed. I enjoyed this novel and would like to read more books by this author.

[Jericho McKraven]

DNF

*maybe spoiler*

🤔

🤷🏼‍♀️

So I stopped reading when Rowena threatened to have some random guy whipped in order to... establish herself in her new household?

Idk, it seemed contrary to who she was as a person- raised in a convent, to be meek, and humble, and kind, and forgiving, but she is constantly snapping at everyone, even her father, and acting all high and mighty.

The author did a decent job trying to justify it by saying she was going to have a high position in the Abby (or whatever) but it just didn't resonate with me so I stopped reading.

All these poor abandoned books. 😮‍💨 I must stop being such a terrible book owner. 🤭

[Gerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard book to rate. There's so much about it that's really first rate. The author is a very good writer and story teller. And she has done her research. The book is set in England at the end of the 12th Century, and feels very authentic. I really love to see the history get equal time with romance in my historical romances, and I feel that here it certainly does.

This is an arranged marriage between Rowena and Rannulf. They're both nobility, and as is so typical of the period the marriage is for land and wealth. Rowena is a wonderful character. She's spent most of her life in a convent, where she was basically trained to someday run a convent herself. Her training has also instilled in her the confidence and belief that she can manage anything. Unusual for a woman of her time, she's also literate. That's why she's able to tackle Rannulf's dilapidated estate, turn it around, uncover fraud in the accounts, and have the servants obey and respect her. And it's believable. Also, while she's a competent, strong-willed person, she acts believably within the context of her times. She's no modern-day woman in medieval costume. While she may be a little too perfect, she's immensely likable and sympathetic.

The problem for me was the hero. He has decided he will never love again (which gets very old very fast), and his treatment of Rowena is just out-and-out cruel. The author tries to show us that Rannulf is really a kind and caring person and leader, but his behavior to Rowena just made him a jerk. And, he didn't listen to anyone. Not only Rowena, but his brothers and others close to him try to warn him of several situations time and again, and he won't even listen. He just shuts them out. Which of course leads to disaster. As one reviewer so accurately said, Rannulf is TSTL. I will always lower a rating when I dislike either the hero or heroine. Especially here where the hero is a first class jerk to the heroine, and won't take advice or information from anyone else. Although he ultimately recognizes that his behavior has been the catalyst for the catastrophes that occur, it only marginally improves him in my opinion.

I would give the book 4 stars for the good writing, the use of history, and a wonderful heroine. I would give it a 2 for the hero, so my rating is actually about a 3.5 stars. There was most certainly enough good things about this book that I intend to read the other books in the series.

[Sbuchler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Medieval Romance

I tend to avoid Medieval romances - the main characters (especially the heroine) usually have modern attitudes that make me gag in a medieval setting. This one was a very pleasant surprise. Rowena is a 12th century noblewoman... she may not want her marriage, and while she could refuse it, her father would only find someone else. Once married she undertakes the tasks of the lady of the manner with a will. The one sword-wielding girl in the book is regarded as the social pariah she is.

I don't know a lot about 12th century England - there were many instances of food or other details that made me wonder if they were correct, but nothing that I KNEW to be incorrect for the period. Such details have a tendency to jar me so much I can't get back into the story.

The story itself is a nice rendition of the love-after-marriage trope, and the issues that beset the pair are (imo) believably entrenched in the time. As the couple is married in the first chapter, there are sex scenes. These don't just "fade to black" but neither are they blow-by-blow accounts.

I think the real charm of this book is the supporting cast of characters. Both hero and heroine have pasts (although the reader is introduced to his far more, as the majority of the novel takes place on his estates) that are peopled. It's Rannulf's family - his half brothers and bastard son as well as his staff and hanger's on that give the story a rich texture (as well as providing the plot twists and turns).

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't realistic at all, but I enjoyed it for what it is.

Feminism is a dirty word in this book. There was one kick-ass character named Nicola, who needs to call me. *throws panties*



Okay, I don't know what came over me there. *clears throat*

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, I spotted a medieval romance and one-clicked it onto my Kindle shelf. I did the same for each consecutive book in the series. Then it languished. I even read a connected historical mystery series which got me briefly determined to progress on to this series. Then, I was distracted. However, thanks to our Series on Sundays challenge, I have finally taken the plunge into talented Denise Domning’s 12th century medieval world.

Winter’s Heat is the first in series. The series goes by two titles- the Graistan Chronicles or the Seasons series. It has a related historical mystery series set in same time, Servant of the Crown, a follow up duology for the next generation, Children of Graistan, and a distant follow up about descendants of Graistan with The Elizabeth Lady series.
All that to say, this is the best place to start one’s first encounter with Denise Domning’s medieval historicals. I was struck in the Servant of the Crown series by her attention to historical detail that built up a powerful mental image of twelfth century life across the class spectrums from village serf to high lords and ladies. She gives no less to her characters and plots so that background and story mesh and pace out well.

Winter’s Heat opens when a woman is dragged by her father from the convent in which she voluntarily committed herself so that she could be married off to a wealthy lord. Rowenna knew from her earliest awareness that her own mother hated her and doted on her older, gorgeous sister while her father was indifferent at best to her while hating his wife and oldest daughter. Now, her father, in a gleeful decision to thwart his wife has dowered his wife’s property on Rowenna making her a prize to the unknown Lord Graistan. Turns out her spoiled and pampered sister was not her father’s first born, but only being passed off as such by her mother so all that her mother brought into her marriage will go to her hated daughter.
Rowenna wants nothing to do with her parents’ spats or to be bartered off in marriage, but she reluctantly decides to give the handsome lord a chance- until he freezes her out on their wedding night and makes it clear he’s only after the lands and wealth she can bring him. He dumps her at his main estate before going off to answer the king’s call to arms. Rowenna is no wilting miss and pushes up her sleaves to take the household and estate in hand, forced to wade into situations of intrigue by some who are taking advantage of Lord Graistan’s distraction. The neglected way the Graistan holdings are held challenge her talents and skill so that her lordly husband may not recognize his own home when he returns.

Rannulf is a twice-widowed man who lost wives and mother to childbirth, but the second wife left him determined never to let a woman get past his emotional wall again. He weds Rowenna because her father dangled a huge prize that he can’t resist to shore up his own family’s holdings and wealth. He was stunned to discover that the woman he first meets the day of their marriage isn’t what he thought. Knowing most women are wed at fifteen or sixteen years old, this one was now over twenty and readying to take her vows so he thought she was ugly or had some issue. But no, the tart-tongued fiery female who challenges him from the start is a punch to his iced over senses and forces him to re-engage with life. But, there are others who would just as soon things remain as they’ve always been and will do what it takes to keep it that way.

A dramatic, fiery romance, the harsh realities of the medieval times, family struggles and clever intrigues made this a riveting read. I’ve definitely caught the fever for more from the Seasons series and recommend it heartily to other medieval romance fans.


My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 7.20.25

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in the Graistan Chronicles (or Seasons) series by Denise Domning. Rowena of Benfield is taken from the convent where she spent the last fourteen years of her life by her father. Circumstances have changed her fate and she is almost immediately married to Rannulf, Lord of Graistan. He then sends her on to Graistan and leaves to serve the king.

I originally read this and the following three in the series back in the 1990s when they were first published and I loved them. A few years ago I read them again and loved them still. The story took me to medieval England and I felt I was truly there. The story and characters were wonderfully developed. I have not yet read the fifth book in the series but I hope to someday. I would definitely recommend this to Historical Romance lovers who especially love the medieval setting.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by the cover this is a bodice riper. I got to chapter 3 and had to put it down. Not a clean read like I thought.Just writing this for those that care.

[Anna Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been high on my "I really need to read that" list, since it first came out in the 90s. Too long to get to it, for sure, because so much of what I love anout historical romance, in general, and medeival romance, in particular, came flooding back over me, very early in this book.

Do I believe Denise Domning spent a decade and change researching the era, after she first dreamed the story? Yes, I do, and what a story it is, grounded in time and place, with two people who must earn their happy ending, and blaze a path for those whose stories follow. Highly recommended.

[Elis Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's England, around 1194. Richard I is king, but held in captivity. His brother John has incited a rebellion and is now holed up in Nottingham.

Rowena of Benfield's parents dumped her at a convent when she was a little girl. She got past that rejection and mapped out a plan for her future—she's going to be an abbess (not the fun kind). Women outside the cloister are nothing more than slaves to men—but in the convent, a woman can have real independence and power.



Unfortunately, events outside the cloister intervene. Her sister, Pippa, has been declared a bastard, and now Rowena is her father's only heir. He's found her a strong husband who can hold her and her inheritance, and he drags Rowena from the convent for the wedding.

Rannulf's first marriage was a complete disaster, and as happens with romantic heroes, he's all


He's marrying her for her dowry—he's a passionate and generous lover in the sack, but the rest of the time he treats her like something he's stepped in. He sends her, with no support, to the castle with instructions to run the place as she sees fit while he goes on to aid in the siege against Prince John. When he returns, he bellyaches about every change she's made and refuses to believe anything she says in her own defense. Add in a minor villain who makes her life miserable, and a female relation who apparently is the undeserved exception to Rannulf's "Women stink" rule, and let's just say his stupidity becomes quite dangerous.

The romance had its moments, though I had some trouble believing that this pair could come together passionately in bed every night after the way this jerk treated her all day. The stuff he said and did to her would be enough to squash any sane woman's libido. Still, the resolution is believable and he does do some penance. So start off with 3 stars. Plus this is a Medieval—add a half star. Plenty of danger by the end, so I'll add another half to round it out to 4 stars.

[Regan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Medieval Romance

Doming said she got the idea for this novel in a dream and then spent 12 years researching the medieval time period in which to set it and the novels that followed. It is the first in the Graistan Chronicles (see list below). I really enjoyed it and think she captured the time, though there is a bit less history than in some romance novels of the period.

It takes place in 1194, during the latter part of the reign of King Richard I. It tells the story of Rowena of Benfield, who at 21, was taken by her father from the abbey where she’d planned to spend her life to be wed to Rannulf FitzHenry, the powerful Lord of Graistan. Rannulf is a man with emotional baggage from a past betrayal and Rowena wants but does not expect his love. She is a masterful chatelaine and does his estate proud. While all come to love her, Rannulf treats her with disdain, holding himself back, presumably for fear of being betrayed once again.

I loved Rowena’s strength and feisty attitude; but Rannulf was at times too mean. Yes, it was an arranged marriage and Rowena was determined to make it work, but how many times can you be publically cut by your husband and not want to leave him? When he finally came around, it was a dramatic change and I was still harboring bitter thoughts about him from his earlier actions toward his wife. (How we do get into these stories!) But this is romance so it all comes right in the end.

The story is interesting, the plot held my interest, and I can recommend it. I intend to read the others in the series. But for those of you history lovers, you may want to consider others I’ve recommended on my Best Medieval Romances list if you like deep history with your love stories.

The Graistan Chronicles:

WINTER’S HEAT (Rannulf and Rowena)
SUMMER’S STORM (Temric and Philippa)
SPRING’S FURY (Gilliam and Nicola)
AUTUMN’S FLAME (Geoffrey and Elyssa)
A LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS (Robert and Johanna)

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are times when I am in the mood for a good medieval romance and this did not disappoint. Rannulf and Rowena are that couple I rooted for. Both are strong-willed and give as good as they get. Both have scars and trust issues. I love how Rowena, in spite of her not wanting to be married, manages to make Graistan--both the residence and the man--her own without giving up her autonomy. And while Rannulf could be a total pigs' arse at times (not to the point of being an asshat jerkwad of an alpha which I HATE), he was also a kind, loving and honorable man.

I love authors who immerse me in history without getting bogged down by it. Yes, Medieval Times might be a fun place to visit, but seriously, no one who depends on their smartphones would ever really want to live back then. Even the secondary characters are engaging (especially Temric and Gillian whom are obviously going to have their own books).

By the way, I much prefer the new cover for the Kindle edition rather than the cheesy clench from the 90's. This cover gives you a hint as to the personality of Rowena. No shrinking violet, this damsel.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love historical fiction and appreciate that the author spent 12 years researching the period, her writing leaves something to be desired. The plot was simple and predictable. The number of grammatical and spelling errors was unacceptable.

[Misfit]

3/3/12. Kindle freebie today. A redo of a 1997 romance.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter’s Heat Earns 5+/5 Medieval Hearts…Engaging Page-Turner!

I have become an eager fan of Denise Domning’s twelfth-century historical fiction work whether steeped in mystery or rich in romance, and although book one, “Winter’s Heat” from The Seasons series (aka The Graistan Chronicles), has characters with whom I’ve became familiar through her Servant of the Crown series, it isn’t the same genre nor would I call it a crossover. It is, however, a brilliant, engaging, and compelling read! As the second daughter of Sir John of Benfield, Rowena had limited prospects for marriage since any opportunities and amount of inheritance was destined for her elder sister Phillippa. Her best option was to take up residence in a convent. Although her father refused to allow her to take final vows, she learn to read, write, and become competent at “tallying up numbers.” Although her “commanding” manner is not truly suitable for the cloistered life, she happily resigned herself to that existence. Until one wintery morning her father arrives accompanied by several chain-mail clad men and drags her, kicking and screaming, out of the convent—a bruised jaw will attest to his intentions. A shocking revelation has her locked in her father’s chambers set to marry the wealthy Rannulf FitzHenry, Lord of Graistan. Quite a change to her future, but is it one she’ll regret or one she’ll thank God Almighty?

Denise Domning’s “Winter’s Heat,” set in 1194 A.D., has elements of a prequel to Domning’s “Season of the Raven” in her Servant of the Crown series. Lord Graistan was peripherally introduced as one who turned down a crucial position newly created in hopes of spending more “quality” time with his new wife. This book, however, provides the background into Lord Graistan acquiring his new wife, her disgruntled family, and her ingratiating herself into the fabric of Graistan Keep. The couple’s conflicts and passion (deliciously intimate) are a compelling contrast along with the vicious intent and intrigue created by Lady Maeve, Graistan’s former sister-in-law. Their rocky marriage pits his arrogance against her assertiveness creating a dismissive attitude by Lord Graistan to his wife and her acerbic tongue admonishing him, then through revelations of covert actions to undermine their union and efforts to steal her inheritance, their ultimate happiness is shocking, nail-biting, and heartwarming. Well written with a fascinating world created and rich characters whose banter is engaging and illustrates well the era and personalities. Loved it!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/1/2021)! 🎁

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess in a way it was good. The first part was really engaging. Unfortunately I started reading the book at 11:00 pm night. I couldn't stay past 3:00 am and during my sleep my entire thoughts was on waking up early and finishing the book. Then came morning and there were times I just wanted to skip pages to get it with.

Good things

1)Historical details accurate or atleast I think it is
2)Nice story build up
3)Great heroine though unbelievable at times
4)Great vamp

Bad things

1)A frustrating hero
2)Overly long descriptions of stuff
3)Lot of misunderstanding
4)An incomplete end (OOH!!!!!How I hate those things. If this was some kind of a tyrannical world and I was the tyrant in charge I would have made it a rule that all books ends with an epilogue series or no series))

I am a fan of married couple romance and if you go through my shelf you will see that those are exactly the kind of books I read. I make exceptions when the book is a second book in the series and I want to know more about the married couple. So there you have it this book is no different. There is this guy and a girl forced into marriage with girl wanting to be a nun and the guy burned too many times by women. Then the usual the girl can't hold her tongue the guy tries to distance himself because he feels the girl will hurt him (It is at times like this I think that I had enough of this genre)The girl hates that the guy uses her and casts her aside. All the people in the guy's keep and his brothers adore the girl. The rest lot of misunderstanding and a villanous sister by marriage of the guy trying to drive a wedge between them yadda ..yadda... Basically this is the story.

Now for the characters: The Guy was absolutely frustrating...and I mean really, even Clayton in Judith Mc Naught's Whitney My Love did not frustrate me this much. Atleast Clayton had something to go on but this guy just cooks up stuff in his head. Would it hurt him too much if he was atleast civil? Now the girl on the other hand is quite resourceful and strong. She gives as good she gets which is why I was surprised when she fell in love with the hero after all the insults and mistrusts he had heaped on her. Even he seemed surprised by it. The guy was married two times before because of which he is scared of another relationship. But there is not much said about the pain he suffered in either of the relationship because truth is the guy never loved either of his wives. All he feels is guilt which makes it difficult to understand his reaction to the heroine. The only thing said about his first marriage is that it was dull and boring. Nothing about how she died or how she made him suffer. The end was incomplete and that made me reduce another star for this book. But it is enjoyable for most part and wouldn't be a waste of time if you decide to give it a go.

[♥ Vonda M. Reid ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 4.85 // Action: 3.5 / Emotion: 4.5 / Romance: 3 / Sensuous: 2 / Intrigue: 4 / Medieval Flavor: 5 / Humor: 3 / Tears: 2

Readers of medieval romances will want to read Winter's Heat , the first book in Denise Domning's five-book series, The Graistan Chronicles. This book was so engaging and intriguing that it was almost impossible to put down. Not only did Domning write a book filled with action, suspense, romance and emotion, but she did so while keeping the dialogue, descriptions and feelings true to the era in which the book was set (twelfth century England).

The hero, Rannulf FitzHenry, Lord of Graistan, was portrayed as a tortured, yet driven, alpha warrior, who was determined not to fall in love with the heroine. Rannulf had to keep reminding himself that he was marrying Rowena for the lands she would bring to him. Rowena of Benfield, was a strong-willed, sharp-tongued, convent-bred heroine, who wanted to find a secure place in the world -- having been uprooted from her home to be given to a convent; whereupon she then strove to make a place for herself, only to be uprooted again to be married against her will.

Domning included several secondary characters that added a lot of depth and interest to the story -- and instilled interest in reading the future books of the series. Rannulf's love of his family was revealed by the male camaraderie that flowed between him and his older, bastard brother Temric and the caring he had toward his youngest brother (and current Graistan steward), Gilliam.

Winter's Heat is a must read. Domning kept the story running at a fast pace, full of adventure and intrigue. The characters were well-developed and so realistic they inspired strong emotions (whether sympathy or hated).

A more detailed, spoiler-ridden synopsis/review of Winter's Heat appears at Wolf Bear Does Books

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was just ok. The writing was engaging enough. There were so many things that bugged me about this story, but I kept reading anyway, so I guess that's telling. However, I didn't like either MC very much. The H was a jerk and didn't do nearly enough groveling to make up for how downright nasty he was toward the h. The h was annoying with her "holier than thou" attitude and her need to fix everything. Even though she spoke her mind, she still managed to be a doormat because she had nowhere else to go. Her lot as a noblewoman in medieval times was slightly depressing and while I found her courageous for making the best of things, the way she so easily accepted her love for the H grated. He was just so mean, I couldn't find myself liking him even after his whole sad past was revealed. I might have found myself more empathetic had his character been more thoroughly developed, but it wasn't. We knew nothing of his first wife and the existence of his natural born son also wasn't explained to satisfaction.

The villain(ess) was also too one dimensional and OTT. The action scenes and scenes in which characters argued didn't flow very well either and I often found myself laughing which probably wasn't the author's intent. Plus the use of the term "nether lips" just about had me put this book on the DNF shelf. Overall, this is very much a romance story set in medieval times. The historical aspect was merely a backdrop to the love between the MCs, and since the romance aspect of this story was underwhelming, I found myself underwhelmed by this tale as a whole.

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this ebook up as a Kindle Unlimited offering, and as I read it reminded me so much of the richness of detail found in medieval romances popular a couple decades ago (think Garwood, Deveraux, Lowell) that I had to look up if it was a reissue. Lo and behold, it was - this novel was first published in 1994. The level of detail dates it, the unapologetic role of genders dates it, and the fully explored secondary characters date it....and I loved every second of it. It was good to get immersed in a medieval world full of color and life and well-drawn characters.

Newly married against her will, but trained to serve as a convent abbess, Rowena is bold, assured and assertive. I liked her a lot. Rannulf is ambitious, bossy and a born leader. Beyond circumstances of a somewhat impromptu wedding, these two have personalities set up to battle one another on the home front. Both know their duties, but neither is willing to acknowledge the attraction that is becoming more. In particular, Rannulf fights attachment.

"To love a woman so deeply was perhaps not such a good thing. Women died too easily. He knew that well enough, having lost mother, stepmother and two wives already."

Once these two accept their love, they unite against the evil existing in their hamlet. To watch these two turn from squabbling foes to the strongest of loves is enchanting. It is a beguiling love story in the retro romance tradition.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this once, read one chapter and then DNF. Should have left it at that. Both of the main characters are so juvenile in their reactions to stress and disappointment, so ready to take offence at what the other was saying or doing that it was almost a wall-banger for me except I read from a Kindle and there's no way I would kill that. Ms Domning states in the end that this was her first book, first started in 1978 when she was seventeen and through fits and starts much due to her personal life never got finished until 1994. Perhaps that explains why the characters never really grew up. First novels of this sort should be stored away in the far back reaches of a desk drawer and left there. I need to add that many heroines are depicted as TSTL; in this book it certainly applies to the hero who is so blind and stubborn that HE is TSTL.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read much romance, but I picked this because of the time period. Denise drew wonderous pictures of life in the era 11-1200, and held a romantic tension throughout the book that continued to bring me back. Ive known people who must have been some of their descendants. The characters she developed resembled them so well, I could see their faces. Though I had several books on my Kindle awaiting attention, I immediately bought Spring Fury and started it.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Winter's Heat" is, in the most basic sense, a study in contradictions, frustration, and the woes that befall everyone who assumes. It's not so much a wild ride as it is a journey with two people that you really, truly like, but also really, truly want to box the ears of.

When Rowena and Rannulf first meet, it is on the day of their wedding, with Rannulf and Rowena's father have agreed upon and arranged. Given the time period and her father, Rowena has been given no say in the matter. Though being the younger of two girls (which typically would automatically mean a life for her in a convent), Rowena is surprised to learn that her father believes her older sister to be another man's child and so he has refused to claim her. This means that a great deal of property and wealth is Rowena's dowry. That wealth is what drew Rannulf into the arrangement, but it was sweet to see that concern for and genuine interest in Rowena is what secured it.

From the very beginning, sparks fly between this newlywed couple. Part of that is due to attraction, but a greater part, in my opinion, is from the natural reaction when you mix steel (Rannulf) and flint (Rowena). As they say, fire, when properly tended, can warm your home and enrich your life. If left to run wild, though, it can destroy all you've built and then some.

I have to admire the way that Rowena is written. This young woman has been ripped from all she's known, all that she's been trying to build for years, and thrust into a wholly new situation. She's married, but her husband all but abandons her before she even sets foot in her new home - off to the Crusades with him. There's unexpected opposition to her taking charge as mistress of the keep coming from several directions at once. Thankfully, years at a convent have taught Rowena many useful skills and she navigates the treacherous way fairly well, all things considered.

It's her relationship with Rannulf that is so frustrating. While Rowena is completely plainspoken with absolutely every other person she encounters, she is the exact opposite with her husband. Why?? It does make a certain amount of sense that she would be unsure of her footing with the only person she feels outranks her, but given her fiery nature and her bluntly honest way of speaking, at times it felt like I was reading a different character when the two were together.

As far as Rannulf goes, I could never get a real grasp of him as a character. At times, he's very sensitive and caring. He's completely devoted to his son. He's protective of Rowena. He strongly desires to keep his brothers near him. At times he's rigid to the point of senselessness. He argues that he would always listen to his people if they came to him with a care or a concern, but he's completely unwilling to give his new wife the same opportunity. He's at once unreasonable in his unwillingness to let the past hurts with his younger brother stay in the past. Then, seemingly seconds later, he mentally works through why he should let go of the past with astounding maturity and wisdom. Ultimately, he comes across as such a jumble.

I think part of the issue is that Rannulf does not get nearly as much "screen time" as Rowena does. This is really her story more than anything else (and I honestly quite liked that). But without more insight into Rannulf, it's very difficult to get a better idea of who he is as a complete, realized person.

The one thing that really, really bothered me, though, was the whole issue of Rowena's inheritance was just left hanging. These properties, her dowry, her inheritance, is the main reason that Rannulf married her in the first place. They've been challenged and he stands to lose a great deal. So an official is coming to the keep to hear the arguments of both sides, and he had just arrived towards the end of the book. But then nothing more is said on the issue! The book ends without this ever being resolved. It was very upsetting for me, as a reader.


Read this and more of my reviews at:
www.memoirsofabookwyrm.com

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVED THE HEROINE, NOT SO MUCH THE HERO. IT FELT LIKE SHE WAS THE ONE THROUGHOUT THAT MADE THE RIGHT AND WISE DECISIONS WHILE THE HERO WHINED LIKE A CHILD WHO HAD HIS TOY OR PLACE TAKEN. IT WAS...UNSIGHTLY. But I do so adore the setting and the spirit of the environment.

ROWENNA/WREN I shall honour her first because she was the best part of the story. Wedded to a man she didn't want or love by an conditionally abusive father, she made the best of her marriage by becoming a dutiful and loyal wife (who was very much taken for granted until later). She has fears of abandonment and I believe somewhere deep down, just wanted to be loved and accepted, since her father never did and abandoned her in a convent for 14 years. Wren was delightfully smart, firm and brave. She ruled her new home with a firm but gentle and fair fist, helping her husband to solve the keep's issue when he had neglected them after the death of his previous wife. She made friends and allies with her new family, except her husband who was only good for warming her bed, otherwise he was like a recalcitrant child despite being more than a decade older than Rowenna. The age gap here obviously didn't hold much appeal because it felt...immature.

RANNULF was a disgrace to mankind. It's not that he cheated but dammit, he was absolutely...unbearable with his judgments, his tantrums and his inability to forget his past. I was surprised when Rowena's actually his third wife, and one he didn't want. But as a man who is faced with a beautiful face, his objections quickly disappeared and he now has a wife whom he later abandons in the name of the King's campaign. Weeks or months later when he returns, he's appalled to see his home so different yet the same. It's cleaner, with better food and even the way its being run is different. Rannulf is mad because it no longer feels like the home he knows, taken over by his wife. I mean, I can sort of understand that anger if someone you don't like changes your home but still...he couldn't let it go. And, you'd think he would be glad his new wife is treating his son well but nope, Rannulf gets jealous instead because his son was supposed to be HIS. HAHAHAH. What a horrible and childish hero, I just couldn't! And he's a man in his early 30s?! Gosh, the pain of having to endure him! As a lord he couldn't even understand his own brothers wants or needs and instead nearly drove everyone who cared about him away!

OVERALL this would have been a beautiful 5 stars if the hero wasn't such a jealous dolt. Everyone in the story, even the villainess played their role splendidly, except Rannulf wasn't anyone's material of a fearsome and ruthless warlord - more like a whiny brat.

[Nightwitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know how I feel about this, really. It’s got a lot of the feel of old-school medieval romances, without as much of the rapeyness but with some real clunkers of lines (during the consummation of their marriage, we’re told, “The sensations he awoke were unbearable, yet she didn’t want them to cease. She tried to pull away, to escape the enormity of what she was feeling,” and later the book uses the actual phrase ”her virgin blood flowed” - that sort of thing). I didn't realize when I started reading that it dates from the 90s, but now that I know, I'm like, "oh, that seems right."

The plot is generally what you might expect: our heroine’s been in a convent until the age of 21, is pulled out by cartoonishly bad and unsympathetic parents in order to marry the hero, and is spirited and defiant because you can’t have a medieval romance without a heroine who is spirited and defiant. The plot just feels very plodding - nothing’s really happening, and the characters don’t feel real - Rowena especially feels like the author is conscientiously trying to insert all of her research about how ladies thought in the middle ages, while at the same time making her interesting, but interesting just means “shrieking a lot,” because again, in traditional medieval romances you know your heroine is Not Like Those Ladies In Ballads because she is spirited and defiant. And, like, no, she’s just loud. Meanwhile, the hero is brooding, and we’re given a lot of background on his manpain, and I think it’s coming out in dribbles because we’re supposed to be intrigued but I’m not. I’m generally not intrigued by manpain, in fact, which I know is a failing.

I stopped reading around the time the hero deposited the heroine at his home and left. Again, this isn't necessarily uncommon with medieval romances - I think Roberta Gellis did this fairly often - but where a Gellis heroine would be, like, defending herself from murder charges or running an apothecary shop or something, Rowena is just trying to establish herself as chateleine of a household. I'll probably try another book by Domning at some point in the hopes that she was able to pep up her openings and her characterization in later books, but this one wasn't for me.