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The Feud #2

Baron of Emberly

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A WARRIOR DANGEROUSLY IN CONTROL
England, 1334 ~ In the second book of The Feud series, Baron Magnus Verdun is a warrior whose handsome face gives little indication of the darkness he struggles to contain. While pursuing the murderous brigands who plague his lands, he becomes the unwitting savior of the woman the king has decreed he wed—the reckless Lady Thomasin, whose very presence threatens his carefully ordered life. And more so when she proves outspoken beyond what is required of a dutiful wife. Can he tame this woman whose willful ways ought to offend, but instead captivate? More, dare he allow her near and risk exposing the secret that could push her away?

A LADY PERILOUSLY IMPROPER
Despite efforts to make a proper lady of her, the illegitimate Thomasin de Arell knows she is no match for the Baron of Emberly. Though she expects her new husband will think her beneath him, she is unprepared when he insists on separate chambers. When he also demands she control her behavior, the spurned Thomasin rebels—and unknowingly becomes the pawn of forces determined to further the feud. But upon finding herself in Magnus’s arms, she discovers he is not as indifferent as he would have her believe. And when she glimpses his torment, she is determined to shine light on his darkness. Will he let her in? Or will their enemies use the distrust between husband and wife for their own ends?

In this sequel to the bestselling medieval romance, Baron Of Godsmere, join Baron Verdun and his lady as they discover that true love seeks first the soul, and is as easily seen in the dark as in the light.

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

200 people are currently reading
313 people want to read

About the author

Tamara Leigh

70 books968 followers
Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and tamaraleightenn@gmail.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,161 reviews704 followers
February 4, 2016


This has been nominated for a 2016 Swoony Award. Share the love and vote for it here.

I always look forward to a new Tamara Leigh medieval book! This is the second book in the series, it had been awhile since I read the first one, but didn't feel lost when I picked this one up. It's probably better to read them in order though.

Lady Thomasin has accepted that she will wed her family enemy, Baron Mangus Verdun. I liked Thomasin quite a bit and Mangus as well. I really grew to love his character as the book progressed. I really liked them together, I also liked that their relationship was based on more than just looks. I liked that Thomasin was "plain" but because beautiful to Mangus. Her inner beauty really shown threw. Lots of swoony moments!

There is a bit of a mystery that carries over from the first book, but thought it stood well on its own. Ms. Leigh always amazes me at how she is able to transport me to the medieval setting so effortlessly. I always get sucked in and have a hard time putting down her books. I look forward to the final book in the series, I have my suspicion on who the "bad guy" is and am dying to see if I am right!

Content
Romance: Pretty clean, PG13. Couple is married, any intimacy is closed door/fade-to-black. Maybe a handful of fade to black or implied intimacy
Language: None
Violence: Mild, nothing overly descriptive
Religious: Mild, nothing preachy just true to the times
Profile Image for Regan Walker.
Author 31 books823 followers
October 20, 2019
The Saga Continues, a Medieval Romance to Savor

Set in England in 1334, this second book of The Feud series is a good story. Magnus Verdun, Baron Emberly, is a handsome nobleman who struggles to hide an affliction. While pursuing the murderous brigands who plague his lands, he becomes the unwitting savior of the woman the king has decreed he wed—the young Lady Thomasin, whose very presence threatens his carefully ordered life.

Having been common born, her noble father, the Baron of Blackwood, loves her and expects the Baron of Emberly to make her a good husband. Without explaining why, her new husband confines her to sleep in a separate chamber and does not consummate the marriage. When he also demands she do as he asks, Thomasin rebels, which makes her the pawn of those determined to further the feud between their families.

This story began with an attack by villains on the heroine and a marriage neither she nor her handsome betrothed wanted. Still, she means to make the best of it and become the lady he expects. As with the first book in the series, this one has an authentic medieval feel so that you truly feel placed in the 14th century. I loved that about it. It’s slower-paced than others I have read but the story does not disappoint.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,544 reviews270 followers
January 14, 2020
I really didn't like B of Godsmere the first book in this set and so didn't read anymore of this till now. I enjoyed this one. I liked spunky bluntly honest Thomasin. She was a great leading lady. Mangus is the dark brooding hero with too many secrets. These two are being forced to wed by the king. I loved how simple their story was. Sometimes these books can get to be too much. When you read a Leigh book you really have to leave the present behind and step all in to the middle ages. The language normally takes me a couple chapters to finally fall into. Once I am 'in' one of her books, I am all in. You also have to know that you are going to get a clean, but not clean book. Her books are never squeaky clean and I like that. She lets you in on the sensuality they feel for one another without the explicit scene. Her books are adult and a bit graphic. This book talks a lot about blood. Every kind of blood, from small cuts, to period blood, to blood spraying as you cut someone open. I would say these are a pg13 read. You know bad stuff is going on but you don't get the details. This one does deal a lot with blood so if that bothers you, you might want to steer clear.
Profile Image for Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd .
422 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2016
Took me a few days to listen to this one as I was busy with work. I found myself being annoyed with the progression of the book but I realized I was more annoyed with my job. I may revisit this one during a less stressful time--perhaps when the third book comes out I'll revisit the entire series.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,834 reviews39 followers
January 9, 2017
Romance, steamy (but clean), period, Christian elements
This was a great read. All the machinations between the Baronies, the family dynamics, Mangus and Thomasin's worries, hearts and their sweet and troubled fall. It really was a dynamic, intense, packed read with many twists and turns. Mangus and Thomasin's hearts, both hurting, but hopeful, were so deeply written in the pages of this novel. Lovely, personable, troubled, hurting, hopeful, and beautiful how their two hearts came together to trust and to learn to love each other. This saga is a great read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys period novels with all the family/political intrigue. Great twist at the end, and part of the mystery in the series unfolded.
Profile Image for Rosanne Lortz.
Author 28 books215 followers
May 25, 2019
When Bayard de Boursier marries Elianor, ending the feud between their two houses at the king's behest, that leaves Baron Magnus Verdun no choice but to wed Thomasin, the illegitimate daughter of de Arell. Strikingly handsome in an era when a man's brawn is far more important than bis beauty, Magnus is everything that is proper, correct, calculated, and controlled. Thomasin, on the other hand, runs wild like a forest sprite, speaking in the accent of the lower class and unwilling to be confined by the dictates of what a lady should be. Aware that Magnus might recoil from her illegitimacy and her upbringing, Thomasin is surprised to find her husband drawn to her. But there is more than one area of his life he insists on hiding from her scrutiny, and she knows their love cannot be fully realized until he reveals his true self to her. 

Magnus was an intriguing hero. His quirks of character are gradually revealed, showing a man who must struggle hard to fit into the rough society of the medieval world and who is braver and more worthy because of it. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that I love how Tamara Leigh's couples all have a different obstacle to overcome, and the way she painted the challenges for the Baron of Emberly and his wife made a delightful story. 
Profile Image for April.
965 reviews32 followers
December 31, 2015
Fans of Leigh's Age of Faith series will be held captive once again in her new series, The Feud; especially with Book 2, Baron of Emberly! I will admit to skimming back through Book 1 to refresh my memory. You will find it important to set right in your mind who is who and in which family, as well as each families part in the betrayal. While each story is a separate story with different main characters, the story is a continuing one in which all the characters will play a part either in the forefront or as secondary characters. This is a series that does need to be read in order.

Baron of Emberly, swept me up and had me fully engaged throughout the whole book! Thomasin and Magnus are characters you can root for and ones that are well fleshed out. There were several themes woven into the book, but one that I want to mention is that of the importance of inner beauty and what is lasting. Leigh did a wonderful job of bringing this truth to light. She also had me on the edge of my seat at the end! Truly, a wonderful and exciting novel!

I enjoyed every moment of this journey with these characters and cannot wait for the final book, Baron of Blackwood due out in 2016!
Profile Image for Pat.
1,104 reviews
February 24, 2017
I LOVED this book so much. After reading the first book of this series (Baron of Godsmere), I was prepared to NOT really like either Thomasina or Magnus and, thus, to not like this book as much as the first. So I was completely unprepared for how much I loved both of them. Great fully developed characters -- easy to relate to in their weaknesses and insecurities -- and for whom I was anxiously awaiting their HEA. This one is definitely a keeper and one I will surely read again. I hope to find updates on some further aspects of their lives in future releases of this series.
Profile Image for Tamara Tilley.
Author 10 books23 followers
November 18, 2017
Two amazing series from author Tamara Leigh, THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES and THE FUED are absolutely incredible!

I’m not going to review the books individually, because I read both series so fast (nine books in all), I have too many stories buzzing around in my head; I would not do them the justice they deserve. Needless to say, it was an incredible journey filled with knights and ladies, castles and baronies, romance, intrigue, and tragedy.

The true center of THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES is the Wulfrith family. Baron Wulfrith, Lady Beatrix, Lady Gaynor, Sir Abel, and Sir Everard, these are the main characters, and each has a book devoted to them. Everything about their stories captivated me, including the alluring covers. Currently, there are six books in this series, with the seventh to be released in Winter 2018. I can’t wait!

The FUED series tells the tale of three noblemen: the Baron of Godsmere, the Baron of Blackwood, and the Baron of Emberly, and their family feud that spans twenty-five years. The King wants an end to the feud, so he demands that the families inter-marry, creating bonds instead of rivals. Begrudgingly, the families follow the King’s command, and the stories that unfold keep you turning page after page.

My genre of preference is usually contemporary pieces. I’m not one for Regency era, Amish, or fantasy, so I don’t generally give period pieces my attention. However, a blogger I follow and respect, showcased books by Tamara Leigh, on more than one occasion, so I decided to give them a try. After reading, THE UNVEILING from THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES, and THE BARON OF GODSMERE from THE FUED SERIES, I was hooked, and immediately bought the other seven books that completed these two series. Each story transported me to a dark but magical era. Passion and pride, rivals and rogues, deception and dalliances. These series are escapism at its best! Exactly what I look for in a book. Thank you, Ms. Leigh, for an incredible journey.
222 reviews
February 12, 2019
To me, this was the least believable of the three couples. The author kept stating how handsome Verdun was and how plain Thomasin was, and even though she tried to show how Verdun looked past that and saw more, I was never really sold. With Thomasin being so young, I did see how she could fall so quickly, but Verdun seemed to be a conundrum. Someone always in complete control, but then couldn't wait for a bed to consummate his marriage? Maybe that was to show his passion towards Thomasin, but it was too early, and for me, too out-of-character.
Again, I did like how the two worked together and gained trust of each other. I liked how Thomasin loved unconditionally and helped Verdun to see that he was worthy of that love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2023
This is my favourite book in this series, easy to relate to Thomasin and Magnus in their weaknesses and insecurities. I like how tamara weaves her stories with hope and love all pointing to God's love. I liked the growth of Thomasin relationship with magnus, how they both helped each other grow and learn. I liked how Thomasin loved unconditionally and helped Verdun to see that he was worthy of that love. Pointing towards God's Love for his children. One of my Favourite quotes - "seeking first the soul that has no chance of pleasing the eye. And upon finding it, longing to be as near another in the dark as in the light."

547 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2023
3.75 stars
New to me author, entertaining story that kept me reading. It’s the second in the series which I am deliberately reading out of order to diminish the impact of the other storylines being a distraction to the current drama. It wasn’t enough though, the constant references to the beauty of the FMCs in the other stories was such a turn off, made this FMC seem second best. She was a free spirit who was willing to conform to appease those she loved and deserved more credit. Another downside, the blood obsession was a bit much for my taste but I understood its relevance.
I liked her writing and will try other books.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
278 reviews
February 19, 2019
This is the 2nd book in THE FEUD series. I loved the characters and the way little bits of info are coming together to get a better picture of who is behind the Foucault uprising. Some friends are enemies, who to trust? Well written, bringing Magnus and Thomasin together gradually. So many secrets and lies, but as always there is a Happily Ever After. Gave it 4*'s instead of 5 because I felt there should have been a few more romantic moments between Magnus and Thomasin and more about them trusting in God.
256 reviews
June 25, 2020
Round 2 of the Feud - another knock-out! This second book in "The Feud" series does not disappoint, but highly recommend reading "Baron of Godsmere" first. Magnus and Thomasin's story is beyond sweet and resonates the message that true beauty is within. Magnus' tenderness towards Thomasin and her calmness towards him makes their love story all the more sigh worthy. Plus, there are some hidden twists that make this intricately woven story into a magnificent tapestry of storytelling. Well done, Mrs. Leigh. Well. Done.
Profile Image for Tayo.
588 reviews25 followers
August 6, 2021
I've been making my way through some of Leigh's clean romances and this has certainly been my favourite read from her. I always find her novels very readable and extremely difficult to put down, however usually they fall a little short with me with the characters and the romance. But not this one. I found the plot very engaging despite not reading the first novel and the characters were wonderful and endearing. I won't read the first novel because I don't think I'm interested in Bayard and Elinor's story but I will read the last entry simply to get my plot resolution.
Profile Image for Sharon Rose.
Author 24 books124 followers
October 21, 2021
Satisfying romance spiced with a good mystery.

Every character in this story has depth and behaves consistently with who they are. When the characters grow and begin to love, their story is as believable as if they were real people. That makes the romance portion of the story deeply satisfying.

An underlying mystery flows through the series. A portion of that mystery is solved in each book, but the ultimate villain is yet to be revealed. Enough is solved so the story feels complete even with the hook for more.
563 reviews
July 13, 2022
Ok, I admit I had no idea before I started reading the story that these were the next two characters. Initially I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t Griffen and Quintin (Since they had kind of seemed like logically the next story based on the first), but that didn’t last long. I quickly fell in love with Magnus and Thomasin. They were such strangers to each other, but were such champions of each other by the end. They balanced each other. I stayed up WAaaaaaY too late reading this until I finished.
2,041 reviews
July 24, 2023
Whelp, I did not think I could like the next story more than the first, but this is my favorite of the series. Thomasine and Magnus's romance was so good I can barely wrap my head around it. As we know from the first book, Elianor of the Verdun's changed everything. Now Thomasine is wed to Magnus, Baron of Emberly. Magnus is described as very handsome, so much so they call it a curse. He has other issues that weigh on his mind, and that has much to do with his keeping in control.

However his wife is the illegitimate daughter of Griffin de Arell and she has not lived the life of a noble woman for long. In fact she was a servant and commoner until her father rescued her. And she is described as plain. Needless to say, Thomasine is less in control than what Magnus would like.

But oh their love story was one for the ages. So intense and new. And like the first couple, they are surrounded by danger and traitors in their midst.

I purchased this book for my reading enjoyment. All views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...
Profile Image for Nicole.
879 reviews78 followers
March 14, 2017
Sword fights, ambushes, secret alliances, and a steamy (but clean) romance. What is not to love! Leigh has crafted another winner, in the third book of this series. I personally liked this one better than the first. Both main characters are wounded and haunted by their past's but they seek to look to God to help them forge their future.
Profile Image for Sara Turnquist.
Author 28 books475 followers
August 6, 2017
This ended up being my favorite of The Feud Series. I just loved these characters and I felt for their struggles. After loving the first book in this series so much, I was truly surprised to find that I enjoyed this book even more. Tamara Leigh does not disappoint with her complex characters and storylines that have enough twists and surprises to keep you turning the pages.
Profile Image for Sherri.
366 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2018
Yet another great medieval romance!

Thomasin and Magnus’s love story is fraught with misconceptions, secrets, and peril. Tamara Leigh is a master at penning tales of the Middle Ages. This book, and series, is a pleasure to read. I loved both Thomasin and Magnus’s characters. The mystery of who’s behind the treachery is starting to be revealed. On to the Baron of Blackwood.
Profile Image for Kathy.
143 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2018
Secrets in plain site

Lady Thomasin, lowly born wed to Baron Magnus. The King's decree to settle the dispute between the warring families of the Boursiers, De Arells and Verduns. Thomasin hopes to make a good marriage as did Lady Elianora may come crashing down by one she should be able to trust but instead is compelled towards her death.
50 reviews
August 31, 2018
Another excellent read.

I really enjoyed the story of Thomason and Marcus but
Disappointed the story did not come to a satisfactory tying of loose ends but then there is another book. I found this story rather different with Thomason being full of life and Marcus so cold but .....I do not want to divulge the end.
Profile Image for Stephani Austin.
267 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2018
Lovely!

I really enjoy stories where the hero and his heroine fall in love after marriage, so this whole series has been so fun. I appreciate how the stories are so intertwined. Looking forward to the conclusion! I enjoyed watching Thomasin grow into a lady, Magnus break down walls, and all the twists and turns the story took. What a wild ride!
Profile Image for Jeanne .
408 reviews
November 27, 2019
Intriguing!

Wow, the second in series did not disappoint! Baseborn, Lady Thomasin de Arell and Lord Magnus Verdun, Baron of Emberly's story is phenomenal. We are coming that much closer to learning the truth about who is behind the Foucault's treachery and I can't wait to read the next installment in this series. Strongly recommend!
4 reviews
December 31, 2019
Really enjoyed

This is only the second book I have read from this author, and I really enjoyed it! It took me a bit to get all of the people straight, ( I didn't read the first book in the series - which would have been helpful but not completely necessary ),. But once i did, it was filled with romance, suspense, and so much more. Will definitely read more!
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,499 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2018
Fast pace

The first book was good, but I think the second was just as good or better. The pages flowed smoothly and at a fast pace. Likable characters. Hard to put down. It can be read alone, but will make more sense as a series.
Profile Image for Darla C. James.
118 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2018
Great Characters

I enjoyed this book and will read the third n the series. It has one star deducted because I had a very difficult time keeping straight on all the characters - but perhaps that's just me!
Profile Image for Austin Ryan.
Author 5 books21 followers
February 6, 2019
Oh my. This book was *intense*, and so so good. 😍

Please stay away from it after dark, it will be impossible to put down, and you will finish it at 2.04 am.

Excellent story, but then I've come to expect nothing less from Tamara Leigh!
107 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2019
Medieval action

Unlike book one, it didn't take long for me to get into this story. Baron of Emberly moves along nicely with lots of action,twists and turns! Magnus and Thomasin make a great couple, both grow and learn and develop into very likeable characters. I'm on to book 3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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