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Sir Arthur's Legacy #3
Conquering William
"Sarah Hegger has a gift for storytelling that is not to be missed. She's a personal favorite of mine." -Kathryn Le Veque, USA Today bestselling author A practical marriage... He married for convenience, but William of Anglesea had hoped for more than piety from his new bride. Raised in a convent and thrice widowed, prim Lady Alice of Tarnwych seems like an innocent when it comes to the marriage bed-except for the tentative passion he senses in her touch, and sees in her eyes. It seems the bold knight has a new challenge in alluring Alice. But will seducing his intriguing wife lead to his downfall? An inconvenient desire... Everything about charming, free-spirited William defies the cloistered world Lady Alice comes from. Duty brings her to their bed-and a long-held hope for a child. Yet after three indifferent husbands, the desire William shows her awakens her own. Little did Alice expect the powerful feelings he would inspire, emotions that make her ready to abandon her rigid beliefs, and the only family she's ever known-when William's life is on the line....
258 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2016
About the author
Sarah Hegger
47 books643 followersBorn British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). If only it made her multilingual, but the best she can manage is idiosyncratic English, fluent Afrikaans, conversant Russian, pigeon Portuguese, even worse Zulu and enough French to get herself into trouble.
Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.
She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.
She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 16, 2017
“Conquering William” is my first book by Sarah Hegger, and is the third in the Sir Arthur’s Legacy series of medieval romances. I love historical romance, particularly medieval, but usually they don’t really transport me to that time period. Sure, they mention riding horses and having servants “draw baths”, but other than a few basic setting mentions, the stories are like any historical. Thankfully, this one is different.
The Story
Alice has just married her 4th husband and has low expectations for this match since the others didn’t exactly make marriage an enjoyable state for her. Her plan is to “grin and bear it” until she can conceive a child, then ignore her new husband and carry on. William’s marriage to Alice was arranged for a land deal, but he plans to make the best of it. Alice’s advisor/keeper (jailer), Sister Julianna, continues to get in the way of his potential happiness. Additionally, the more he learns about his new home, the more he finds that needs fixing.
My Thoughts
I think that the historical setting really informed the characters here. Alice is more the product of her environment and raising than a strong, sassy medieval heroine that we often encounter, but she is probably a more realistic representation of women in that time. It was incredibly rewarding to see William win her over as he emboldens her to take her place in the household. William is a great character; he is the perfect representation of a pretty boy turned responsible. The only thing that took me out of the book was Sweet Bea and the couple of times she took her anger out on Alice. Perhaps I would understand her personality better if I went back and read her book, but it seemed a little rash and over-reacting. This one quibble is not enough to take away from my enjoyment of this book though, and I had trouble putting it down. The story in this one doesn’t let up and continues to reveal surprises up to almost the last page. The secondary characters enrich the story, and as I’ve said, the setting is completely realized and is the perfect backdrop to tell this tale.
The Bottom Line
If you enjoy medieval romance, this is a must! It is a true medieval with great characters and a captivating plot that clips right along. There were many well-thought-out, witty moments, and I will definitely read this author again. 5 stars
The Story
Alice has just married her 4th husband and has low expectations for this match since the others didn’t exactly make marriage an enjoyable state for her. Her plan is to “grin and bear it” until she can conceive a child, then ignore her new husband and carry on. William’s marriage to Alice was arranged for a land deal, but he plans to make the best of it. Alice’s advisor/keeper (jailer), Sister Julianna, continues to get in the way of his potential happiness. Additionally, the more he learns about his new home, the more he finds that needs fixing.
My Thoughts
I think that the historical setting really informed the characters here. Alice is more the product of her environment and raising than a strong, sassy medieval heroine that we often encounter, but she is probably a more realistic representation of women in that time. It was incredibly rewarding to see William win her over as he emboldens her to take her place in the household. William is a great character; he is the perfect representation of a pretty boy turned responsible. The only thing that took me out of the book was Sweet Bea and the couple of times she took her anger out on Alice. Perhaps I would understand her personality better if I went back and read her book, but it seemed a little rash and over-reacting. This one quibble is not enough to take away from my enjoyment of this book though, and I had trouble putting it down. The story in this one doesn’t let up and continues to reveal surprises up to almost the last page. The secondary characters enrich the story, and as I’ve said, the setting is completely realized and is the perfect backdrop to tell this tale.
The Bottom Line
If you enjoy medieval romance, this is a must! It is a true medieval with great characters and a captivating plot that clips right along. There were many well-thought-out, witty moments, and I will definitely read this author again. 5 stars
August 27, 2016
I have been trying to work a book by Sarah Hegger into my calendar ever since I met her at RT earlier this year. Trust me when I say that she is one cool cat! I had planned to start with Sweet Bea, but I ended starting the series out of order with Conquering William. There is some character crossover from the earlier books of the series. I believe that William is the sister of the two prior heroines in Sweet Bea and My Lady Faye. But even with the character crossover, I didn't feel lost or have any trouble following the story. So you should be fine if you are reading out of order like me.
Sir William of Anglesea has traveled north to Tarnwych (in the borderlands) to finally take a bride. We weren't told much about how the marriage was arranged, but the union will bring him land... and a great lot of headaches! Almost immediately following the wedding feast, William realizes that he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Not only will he have to deal with a severely neglected keep and reluctant wife, but he faces the battle of his life with a mad nun who seems to be ruling the roost. I quite liked William. I get the feeling that he was a bit of a womanizer in previous books who was not quick to act responsibly, but he was nothing like that in this book. He was quick to take action where needed, right wrongs, and take care of the people newly under his care.
Despite this being her fourth marriage, Lady Alice of Tarnwych is a sheltered and meek woman. Neglected by her father, Alice was raised by a religious zealot who failed to instill necessary life skills in her charge. Not only does Alice have adequacy issues, but she is wholly unprepared for married life. She is totally ignorant about what has been happening on her lands and in her keep, deferring to Sister Julianna to make all the decisions about running the household. I went back and forth with Alice's character... her helplessness and ignorance would drive me batty one minute, and the next I felt sorry for her and she was back in my good graces.
Sister Julianna was the crazy old crone who has taken care of Alice since she was a girl. Filled with religious fervor to a maddening degree, the Sister does not make life easy for anyone at Tarnwych. It was funny at first to see her thwart William just when he was softening Alice up for seduction... but the crazy old bat went from piously funny to spiritually scary pretty fast.
Despite Sister Julianna's meddling, William and Alice did manage to make a go of their marriage. Often it was two steps forward and one step back, but it was fun to see William coax Alice out of her shell. I am a fan of this particular trope of story, where you have veritable strangers meeting for the first time at their wedding. It's always interesting to see how they deal with the awkwardness of intimacy issues and living together when they know nothing about one another.
The secondary characters in this installment were just as engaging as the hero and heroine. I think Aonghas the Red and his sons may have been my favorite, but I also enjoyed Bea and Faye. I definitely have to go back and read their stories soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 3 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
August 21, 2016
Conquering William by Sarah Hegger is a mesmerizing Medieval Historical Romance. Set with the English borderland as a background. Book 3 in the "Sir Arthur's Legacy", but can be read as a stand alone. See, "Sweet Bea", and "My Lady Faye".
Sir William of Anglesea, a Knight, free-spirited, sexy, steadfast, loyal, has a large, loving family just married for convenience and duty. But he's hoping for more than a piety marriage, from, Lady Alice of Tarnwych. Who is a widow three times over, comely, loyal to a fault, duty-bound, cloistered from the outside world, but dreams of one day having a happy, loving marriage with children of her own.
Sister Julianna, the nun who raised Lady Alice, and is also her Aunt, has big secrets of her own. There is an uneasy feeling that surrounds Sister Julianna. She influences Lady Alice, to distraction and is very selfish, self-serving and not very kind. I wanted to just slap her and send her packing, but bless William, he has the patient of a saint, in this regard. Lady Alice's father had no time or desire to be with his daughter, so she was raised by Sister Julianna, in a near-like convent environment, although, in a stronghold.
Fast paced, heart-pounding, tale of secrets, treachery, lies, deception, mystery, suspense, danger, passion and the beauty of finding love and hopefully, a peaceful HEA.
"Conquering William" has such a uniqueness that surrounds the story, and the characters, that the impact it has is tremendous, captivating and mesmerizing, or to me, anyway.
I was totally surprised from beginning to end and all throughout. While, the reader may think they know the secrets within, they will be shocked when they learn the biggest secret of all. It was hard to understand Lady Alice's reaction to William's youngest brother, who is handicapped. The reader knows it will be something overwhelming and catastrophic to a young Lady Alice, but will it destroy the tender relationship her and William are building?
Will Sister Julianna destroy the HEA William and Lady Alice is searching for, or will they stop her before it's too late?
What an amazing storyteller, Ms. Hegger is, one who draws the reader in and holds them in awe. You can feel the sensual tension, the tension amongst the people, the angst, turmoil and love as it flows off the pages. WOW! What a captivating and mesmerizing Medieval Historical Romance! Highly recommended for fans of Medieval Romance, uniquely written, highly explosive story with many twists and turns. I read it in one setting. Once you get started it was hard to put down.
Magnificent storytelling! Powerful, compelling and emotionally charged!
I can't wait to see what Ms. Hegger has in store for readers next. I hope you will put up a copy, of "Conquering William" you will not regret your choice of reading material.
Received for an honest review from Net Galley. However, all opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions.
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
Sir William of Anglesea, a Knight, free-spirited, sexy, steadfast, loyal, has a large, loving family just married for convenience and duty. But he's hoping for more than a piety marriage, from, Lady Alice of Tarnwych. Who is a widow three times over, comely, loyal to a fault, duty-bound, cloistered from the outside world, but dreams of one day having a happy, loving marriage with children of her own.
Sister Julianna, the nun who raised Lady Alice, and is also her Aunt, has big secrets of her own. There is an uneasy feeling that surrounds Sister Julianna. She influences Lady Alice, to distraction and is very selfish, self-serving and not very kind. I wanted to just slap her and send her packing, but bless William, he has the patient of a saint, in this regard. Lady Alice's father had no time or desire to be with his daughter, so she was raised by Sister Julianna, in a near-like convent environment, although, in a stronghold.
Fast paced, heart-pounding, tale of secrets, treachery, lies, deception, mystery, suspense, danger, passion and the beauty of finding love and hopefully, a peaceful HEA.
"Conquering William" has such a uniqueness that surrounds the story, and the characters, that the impact it has is tremendous, captivating and mesmerizing, or to me, anyway.
I was totally surprised from beginning to end and all throughout. While, the reader may think they know the secrets within, they will be shocked when they learn the biggest secret of all. It was hard to understand Lady Alice's reaction to William's youngest brother, who is handicapped. The reader knows it will be something overwhelming and catastrophic to a young Lady Alice, but will it destroy the tender relationship her and William are building?
Will Sister Julianna destroy the HEA William and Lady Alice is searching for, or will they stop her before it's too late?
What an amazing storyteller, Ms. Hegger is, one who draws the reader in and holds them in awe. You can feel the sensual tension, the tension amongst the people, the angst, turmoil and love as it flows off the pages. WOW! What a captivating and mesmerizing Medieval Historical Romance! Highly recommended for fans of Medieval Romance, uniquely written, highly explosive story with many twists and turns. I read it in one setting. Once you get started it was hard to put down.
Magnificent storytelling! Powerful, compelling and emotionally charged!
I can't wait to see what Ms. Hegger has in store for readers next. I hope you will put up a copy, of "Conquering William" you will not regret your choice of reading material.
Received for an honest review from Net Galley. However, all opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions.
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
August 23, 2016
Wow…just WOW! What a wonderful story!
Two people not expecting much find so much more than expected in this story of an arranged marriage. William, a younger son, wants land and marries Alice to get it. He brings wealth and charm to begin his new life in charge of the demesne that comes with marrying Alice. Alice, married three times already, has few positive expectations for marriage but sincerely desires a child and as a good daughter does as her father requests.
William is a charmer. He is a wonderful book boyfriend and just what Alice and Tarnwych needs. He begins to see and set to rights the things that have not been taken care of and in so doing brings out the best in his wife, his lands and the people who inhabit them. Alice has been raised in such a way that she is rather clueless and almost more monastic than worldly but William sees something in her, a spark, that he encourages and eventually manages to turn into a burning flame.
There are hurdles to jump, evil to overcome, love to find and a happily ever after to pursue – great story! This is the first book by this author that I have read but it will definitely not be my last!
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Two people not expecting much find so much more than expected in this story of an arranged marriage. William, a younger son, wants land and marries Alice to get it. He brings wealth and charm to begin his new life in charge of the demesne that comes with marrying Alice. Alice, married three times already, has few positive expectations for marriage but sincerely desires a child and as a good daughter does as her father requests.
William is a charmer. He is a wonderful book boyfriend and just what Alice and Tarnwych needs. He begins to see and set to rights the things that have not been taken care of and in so doing brings out the best in his wife, his lands and the people who inhabit them. Alice has been raised in such a way that she is rather clueless and almost more monastic than worldly but William sees something in her, a spark, that he encourages and eventually manages to turn into a burning flame.
There are hurdles to jump, evil to overcome, love to find and a happily ever after to pursue – great story! This is the first book by this author that I have read but it will definitely not be my last!
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2016
Well this story was certainly not what I was expecting. I was expecting your typical man marries woman for "practical reasons", man tries to win over cold fish of a wife (who would rather be a nun), cold fish shows passion and steamy sex scenes take over the entire plot.
What I got was this wonderfully told story of duty, love, passion and betrayal. The author did a superb job of taking characters who (on the surface) couldn't be more wrong for each other and allowed us as a read the opportunity to watch them grow and find a common ground. Then she added a complex variety of secondary characters mixed with a healthy dose of loyalty and a dash of the unexpected and gave us a gripping tale that will leave readers not only glued to the pages, but also surprised at how things play out.
Overall - I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good historical novel . I would definitely read more by this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
What I got was this wonderfully told story of duty, love, passion and betrayal. The author did a superb job of taking characters who (on the surface) couldn't be more wrong for each other and allowed us as a read the opportunity to watch them grow and find a common ground. Then she added a complex variety of secondary characters mixed with a healthy dose of loyalty and a dash of the unexpected and gave us a gripping tale that will leave readers not only glued to the pages, but also surprised at how things play out.
Overall - I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good historical novel . I would definitely read more by this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
January 31, 2017
This immersive adult romance is well woven with quite a few hidden depths. A young woman, Alice, has been wed three times already; even widows are valuable for alliances in her world, so she is married to a swordsman, William.
Childless and not expecting romance or passion, the dutiful Alice is shown a greater degree of respect and love by her new husband than ever in her life. Her miserly father orders hearth fires lit only after midwinter, which seems unlikely in northern England. The new lord of the castle keep changes that right away, along with better food, rousing up the idle guards and inspecting the neglected farming village. Not everyone is pleased by the changes - which include letting Alice show her bright red hair - and we begin to feel a sinister undercurrent.
I won't say any more to spoil the story, but a treat awaits you, as what could have been just a tale about bedding a wench becomes so much more. Read and enjoy. We meet characters from a previous tale, so I'd like to get a look at that one. This story stands well on its own merits.
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
Childless and not expecting romance or passion, the dutiful Alice is shown a greater degree of respect and love by her new husband than ever in her life. Her miserly father orders hearth fires lit only after midwinter, which seems unlikely in northern England. The new lord of the castle keep changes that right away, along with better food, rousing up the idle guards and inspecting the neglected farming village. Not everyone is pleased by the changes - which include letting Alice show her bright red hair - and we begin to feel a sinister undercurrent.
I won't say any more to spoil the story, but a treat awaits you, as what could have been just a tale about bedding a wench becomes so much more. Read and enjoy. We meet characters from a previous tale, so I'd like to get a look at that one. This story stands well on its own merits.
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
August 13, 2017
A marriage in medieval times, a castle, and the plague at the door makes for an interesting story line. Add in a nun who hasn't seen her convent in many years, and a wife who is marrying her fourth husband. Note the first three husbands died not exactly mysteriously, but the marriages were short lived.
The book is a fairly quick read, short enough with a tad bit of romance, and different from that which I ordinarily enjoy. The author has written a series such that some of the 'incidental' characters in this book are the major players in her others. She is a talented writer and I have no doubt I would enjoy her other books as much as this one.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The book is a fairly quick read, short enough with a tad bit of romance, and different from that which I ordinarily enjoy. The author has written a series such that some of the 'incidental' characters in this book are the major players in her others. She is a talented writer and I have no doubt I would enjoy her other books as much as this one.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 14, 2016
Did her father really just call her butter-face?
Girl, your husband is hot. Must be tough.
Sex shouldn't be painful, even I know that.
Who is this Sister?
She's going to argue him into sleeping with her?
She married a gay man, huh? Poor thing. No wonder this is her fourth marriage.
I can't handle her father and the nun. She's thankful for heat, for God's sake!
Ugh. The people are starving in the keep, and it's all a nun's fault.
Three cheers for Cook!
There's a girl. Take command!
Stop trying to make everyone else miserable, Sister, just because you're probably regretting your vows of chastity.
I know killing is wrong, but rape is worse.
Remind me never to make medieval soap. At least they washed?
That's a lot of kids. Aonghas. Does no one keep their knees closed at your house?
Crafty bargaining from William. And I see Aonghas didn't want to waste time thinking up new names for each kid..
Mathew has Down's syndrome, then?
If I didn't know better, I'd say Sister has an STD.
So Sister is not only cruel to disabled little boys, she can't explain menstruation to a scared girl? And she calls herself a nun?!
Are we absolutely sure her other husbands weren't helped to their deaths, by Sister?
You're all heart, Newt.
Seriously, woman? You're going to visit the crazy woman? Who cares if she goes hungry?
Wow, Beatrice is violent! Use your words, lady!
Personally, I would have euthanized Sister.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Girl, your husband is hot. Must be tough.
Sex shouldn't be painful, even I know that.
Who is this Sister?
She's going to argue him into sleeping with her?
She married a gay man, huh? Poor thing. No wonder this is her fourth marriage.
I can't handle her father and the nun. She's thankful for heat, for God's sake!
Ugh. The people are starving in the keep, and it's all a nun's fault.
Three cheers for Cook!
There's a girl. Take command!
Stop trying to make everyone else miserable, Sister, just because you're probably regretting your vows of chastity.
I know killing is wrong, but rape is worse.
Remind me never to make medieval soap. At least they washed?
That's a lot of kids. Aonghas. Does no one keep their knees closed at your house?
Crafty bargaining from William. And I see Aonghas didn't want to waste time thinking up new names for each kid..
Mathew has Down's syndrome, then?
If I didn't know better, I'd say Sister has an STD.
So Sister is not only cruel to disabled little boys, she can't explain menstruation to a scared girl? And she calls herself a nun?!
Are we absolutely sure her other husbands weren't helped to their deaths, by Sister?
You're all heart, Newt.
Seriously, woman? You're going to visit the crazy woman? Who cares if she goes hungry?
Wow, Beatrice is violent! Use your words, lady!
Personally, I would have euthanized Sister.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2016
I was very excited to have the opportunity to read an ARC of Conquering William. I loved the other two books in the Sir Arthur's Legacy series. Sarah Hegger always writes characters that are so rich and vivid. This book started with a very melancholy feel as Alice prepared for yet another wedding night, which had me curious about what had taken place previously in her life. I also wanted to know more about how this wedding alliance came to be formed. As everything came to light, I enjoyed watching William help Alice to assert herself and also attempt to better things at Tarnwych for everyone. He really had a time of it! I absolutely loved watching Alice gain confidence and come into her own. It was truly beautiful as the layers of her insecurity were peeled back to reveal the woman waiting beneath. From the first mention at the beginning of the story and then again when William's family arrives from Anglesea, I was very interested to know more about "The Abomination" and Sister Julianna's aversion to it. Conquering William was a very complex, multi-faceted story. There was always something going on that had me hooked and turning page after page. When things come to a head with Sister Julianna, I was both shocked and angered by her actions. Everything escalated so quickly and had my pulse racing as I worked toward getting to the end. Conquering William was an incredible story and a fantastic addition to the series. It comes highly recommended from me.
August 28, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love anything Sarah writes. I’ve read all of her books and they just keep getting better. Conquering William is the 3rd book in this series but it can be read as a standalone. However, I would highly recommend reading the first two. You will love them!!
Alice and William had an arranged marriage. Alice had no choice in who she married and William married for land and the hope that his new bride’s father could help restore his family’s good name with the influence he had at court. Alice had been married three other times and hoped to have a child with William. On their wedding day, Alice looked at William and wondered why he would want to marry her: a plain brown wren when he himself seemed more like a colorful peacock. At that moment, she never envisioned a marriage with love and intimacy. William considered Alice a challenge. Her other husbands had not made a good impression on her as far as the pleasures of the marriage bed. He looked forward to teaching her. William had other challenges. The food was tasteless, the men were lazy and in need of proper training, live stock was disappearing and danger lurking.
I love these characters. Alice finally becoming the woman she wanted to be and William the strong sexy man taking charge. I highly recommend this book and this fabulous author.
I love anything Sarah writes. I’ve read all of her books and they just keep getting better. Conquering William is the 3rd book in this series but it can be read as a standalone. However, I would highly recommend reading the first two. You will love them!!
Alice and William had an arranged marriage. Alice had no choice in who she married and William married for land and the hope that his new bride’s father could help restore his family’s good name with the influence he had at court. Alice had been married three other times and hoped to have a child with William. On their wedding day, Alice looked at William and wondered why he would want to marry her: a plain brown wren when he himself seemed more like a colorful peacock. At that moment, she never envisioned a marriage with love and intimacy. William considered Alice a challenge. Her other husbands had not made a good impression on her as far as the pleasures of the marriage bed. He looked forward to teaching her. William had other challenges. The food was tasteless, the men were lazy and in need of proper training, live stock was disappearing and danger lurking.
I love these characters. Alice finally becoming the woman she wanted to be and William the strong sexy man taking charge. I highly recommend this book and this fabulous author.
July 20, 2016
Conquering William is a delightful read set in medieval times. The set-up was intriguing. Mousy little Alice of Tarnwych has just married husband #4. William of Anglesea is the lucky gent.
He believes he's marrying a woman who's been running her keep since her first marriage. But Alice's austere upbringing at the hands of a nun haven't prepared her to manage much of anything. To her surprise, she finds unexpected passion in the marriage bed. A bed she entered due to a sense of duty, but dreaded due to the lack of emotion she experienced with her previous three husbands.
Sarah Hegger did a superb job creating tension between the couple, and balanced it beautifully with romance, despite the cards being stacked against them. The deck contains several jokers, like the Highland Laird who is their closest neighbor, Alice's intense fear of William's youngest brother, and the dislike of her new sister-in-law, Beatrice. And the biggest obstacle is Sister Julianna, a nun bent on keeping Alice pure in thoughts and deeds, despite her married state.
As the story unfolds, Alice discovers herself, and William helps her along the journey. The story is masterfully written and Hegger effortlessly delivers a dynamic cast of characters, suspense, tension and a love story for the ages. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. But read them all, you won't be sorry.
He believes he's marrying a woman who's been running her keep since her first marriage. But Alice's austere upbringing at the hands of a nun haven't prepared her to manage much of anything. To her surprise, she finds unexpected passion in the marriage bed. A bed she entered due to a sense of duty, but dreaded due to the lack of emotion she experienced with her previous three husbands.
Sarah Hegger did a superb job creating tension between the couple, and balanced it beautifully with romance, despite the cards being stacked against them. The deck contains several jokers, like the Highland Laird who is their closest neighbor, Alice's intense fear of William's youngest brother, and the dislike of her new sister-in-law, Beatrice. And the biggest obstacle is Sister Julianna, a nun bent on keeping Alice pure in thoughts and deeds, despite her married state.
As the story unfolds, Alice discovers herself, and William helps her along the journey. The story is masterfully written and Hegger effortlessly delivers a dynamic cast of characters, suspense, tension and a love story for the ages. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. But read them all, you won't be sorry.
July 8, 2016
William of Anglesea marries Lady Alice of Tarnwych it is a marriage of convenience, this book was not what i expected I thought it would be the story of a man who married an up-tight woman and they learn to love each other slowly.
What I got instead was a wonderfully written story, the author wove a rich tapestry of medieval life with descriptive scenes that transported you and made you feel everything along with the characters,from the smells of the time to the narrow minded way they treated differences such as the downs syndrome child in the story.
I spent a good portion of the first half of the book feeling sadness for Alice and rage over sister who I couldn't decide whether to hate or pity, I was torn between thinking she was a bitter twisted nasty woman or a rigid religious zealot.
Our handsome hero is surprised by the passion lurking under his new brides piety and even though she is on husband number four there is an innocence and vulnerability to Alice that I loved.
This book makes me want to re-visit this authors back catalog. It was a little hard to get into at first but then i could not put it down at all. An amazing book that makes five stars seem inadequate.
I received this arc for an honest review from netgalley
What I got instead was a wonderfully written story, the author wove a rich tapestry of medieval life with descriptive scenes that transported you and made you feel everything along with the characters,from the smells of the time to the narrow minded way they treated differences such as the downs syndrome child in the story.
I spent a good portion of the first half of the book feeling sadness for Alice and rage over sister who I couldn't decide whether to hate or pity, I was torn between thinking she was a bitter twisted nasty woman or a rigid religious zealot.
Our handsome hero is surprised by the passion lurking under his new brides piety and even though she is on husband number four there is an innocence and vulnerability to Alice that I loved.
This book makes me want to re-visit this authors back catalog. It was a little hard to get into at first but then i could not put it down at all. An amazing book that makes five stars seem inadequate.
I received this arc for an honest review from netgalley
August 10, 2016
In a marriage of convenience William of Anglesea marries Lady Alice of Tarnwych. She takes one look at him and thinks he’s the most handsome groom, especially compared to her other three husbands. Raised in a convent and thrice widowed, prim Lady Alice of Tarnwych and her harsh upbringing at the hands of, Sister a nun who hasn’t prepared her to manage much of anything. For Alice duty brings her to their bed for she dreams and hopes for a child of her own to love. William our handsome hero is surprised by the passion lurking under his new brides piety. William assumes Alice has been running the castle since her first marriage, but he’s continuously butts heads with “Sister” who seems to be running rough shod over everyone at the castle. Alice does not expect the powerful feelings she has for her husband as she gradually changes her rigid beliefs and see Sister in a whole different light. William awakens his bride’s passion and see a whole new challenge, but will he let himself fall in love with her. I really enjoyed this book and especially the secondary characters and the intertwining of their lives in the story.
I received an ARC copy from NetGally in an exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy from NetGally in an exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2016
I love love love this book. Sarah makes her characters so real and adds a mix of suspense, mystery, heartbreak, drama and action to a wonderful historic romance. I was kept guessing, every time I thought I knew how the story was going to unfold Sarah changed it. The character development of Sister Julianna went in a path I'd never have guessed at the beginning. Alice and William had their flaws and their shining moments as they both grew from independent people forced into a marriage to a truly married couple. Add in revisiting so many of the family we've come to know and love in earlier books, learning Faye had a daughter; as well as meeting new members i want to see again (especially Aonghas and his brood of fifteen plus sons). I hope there's a fourth book coming soon to see where Ivy and Tom's story goes.
June 23, 2016
I absolutely love Sarah Hegger's books. this story was a little hard to get into but once you did it come not be put down. William marries Alice. Alice has had 3 husbands before and William wants to be a better husband than the others. Alice never imagined that marriage could be this way. This was an amazing read and I can't wait for more.
July 16, 2016
Conquering William was just an okay read for me. It was slow at times but they were moments that I enjoyed.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
November 23, 2016
Love this book!
I enjoyed this book so much that I got the rest of the series so far Looking forward to more of Sarah Heggar's stories!
I enjoyed this book so much that I got the rest of the series so far Looking forward to more of Sarah Heggar's stories!
May 29, 2017
This is the second book I have read in the Sir Arthur's Legacy series, and I loved this one even more than Sweet Bea. Though part of a series, Conquering William is a stand-alone story. This is a marriage of convenience story with quite a few surprises.
At first, I didn't think I was going to like Alice, as I don't care for weak female leads, but she certainly comes alive and shows how strong she really is. And William is divine. If only all men could be as sweet, patient, and loving as he is, but fierce when the situation calls for it. He's a real dream.
As with Sweet Bea, I love all of Ms. Hegger's characters. Even the bad guys are so well portrayed, you have to admire her writing ability. Each one has his/her own defining characteristics that bring them to life.
Loved this story and can't wait to read the others in this series.
At first, I didn't think I was going to like Alice, as I don't care for weak female leads, but she certainly comes alive and shows how strong she really is. And William is divine. If only all men could be as sweet, patient, and loving as he is, but fierce when the situation calls for it. He's a real dream.
As with Sweet Bea, I love all of Ms. Hegger's characters. Even the bad guys are so well portrayed, you have to admire her writing ability. Each one has his/her own defining characteristics that bring them to life.
Loved this story and can't wait to read the others in this series.
August 28, 2017
Conquering William by Sarah Hegger is an awesome read. Ms Hegger has given us a book that is well-written and loaded it with amazing characters. William and Alice's story is full of drama, suspense, bits of humor and spice. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to my next book by Sarah Hegger. Conquering William is book 3 of the Sir Arthur's Legacy Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I won a copy of this book.
I won a copy of this book.
September 5, 2016
Having read this series from the beginning, each story brought forth a different challenge for readers and characters. From an unlikable (at first) character to one you wanted to see succeed and a woman swearing off men and the man who changed her outlook without requiring she ‘change’ to subjugate to his whims, Hegger has brought intrigue and interest into the stories.
In Conquering William, we meet Alice on her fourth wedding banquet. Her earlier marriages are not remembered fondly – but there are instant questions that arise surrounding Sister Julia (a nun and Alice’s aunt and de facto mother) and her influence to the negative or positive.
Alice isn’t particularly excited – the advantages to this marriage make it convenient for William – a bold, handsome and charming man who is also thinking the woman in the dull brown dress is less than spectacular.
From the gentle getting to know one another moments to the gradual connection that shows both Alice and William their suitability as their feelings of friendship grow into more. The relationship’s development and movement are wonderful – starting with the wedding night and her determination to do what is expected by everyone but her new husband. His bone-deep chivalry and curiosity about his bride, and his sense that things are ‘not quite right” in the relationship between Alice and the nun have him assessing moments almost from the start.
Oh – and one can’t forget the secrets and intrigues. From small to giant clouds, these move neatly through the story as William seeks to give Alice what she deserves: belief in herself and her worth. Thinking about it, this makes William a most uncommon man of his day – Alice was little more than property (as were all women of the day) and an advantageous trophy. But William was and wanted so much more than just another ‘thing’ to manage, and Hegger’s careful use of character and relationship growth for the two had me believing in them as a couple, and despising Julia’s role as a less than wonderful mother figure and ‘advisor’ to Alice. Piety takes many forms, but those using their position as a weapon for their own security and ill-feelings just illustrated her deception and black heart.
By far my favorite of the series, Hegger’s writing and storytelling hit a high for me in this story. Perfect to read alone or as part of the series, this is a not to be missed installment and a wonderful twist on the marriage of convenience trope.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
In Conquering William, we meet Alice on her fourth wedding banquet. Her earlier marriages are not remembered fondly – but there are instant questions that arise surrounding Sister Julia (a nun and Alice’s aunt and de facto mother) and her influence to the negative or positive.
Alice isn’t particularly excited – the advantages to this marriage make it convenient for William – a bold, handsome and charming man who is also thinking the woman in the dull brown dress is less than spectacular.
From the gentle getting to know one another moments to the gradual connection that shows both Alice and William their suitability as their feelings of friendship grow into more. The relationship’s development and movement are wonderful – starting with the wedding night and her determination to do what is expected by everyone but her new husband. His bone-deep chivalry and curiosity about his bride, and his sense that things are ‘not quite right” in the relationship between Alice and the nun have him assessing moments almost from the start.
Oh – and one can’t forget the secrets and intrigues. From small to giant clouds, these move neatly through the story as William seeks to give Alice what she deserves: belief in herself and her worth. Thinking about it, this makes William a most uncommon man of his day – Alice was little more than property (as were all women of the day) and an advantageous trophy. But William was and wanted so much more than just another ‘thing’ to manage, and Hegger’s careful use of character and relationship growth for the two had me believing in them as a couple, and despising Julia’s role as a less than wonderful mother figure and ‘advisor’ to Alice. Piety takes many forms, but those using their position as a weapon for their own security and ill-feelings just illustrated her deception and black heart.
By far my favorite of the series, Hegger’s writing and storytelling hit a high for me in this story. Perfect to read alone or as part of the series, this is a not to be missed installment and a wonderful twist on the marriage of convenience trope.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
August 30, 2016
Mystery and intrigue will have you turning the pages in this fast paced story.
William of Anglesea and Lady of Tarnwych are brought together in a marriage of convenience , each looking to fulfill different dreams and hopes. For Alice, this is her fourth wedding and she yearns for a child. William wanted a keep and lands of his own. Alice has only to look at her husband and realize that he's different from her previous husbands. He makes her feel, and the fluttering in her heart has her flustered. Alice isn't your typical chatelaine . Aside from doing her duty in the marriages her father has arranged for her, she knows nothing in running a castle. She feels honour-bound to Sister Julianna, the woman who has raised her from infancy, and has allowed her full rein of the castle. Sister Julianna runs the castle with a tight fist, and Alice as well. William has a way of stirring her passion and Sister Julianna is not happy, and tries to stir trouble and drive the newlyweds apart. Sister Julianna and William don't get along, and after certain events and accidents, he's almost sure that the "good " sister just might have something to do with it. Sister Julianna is evil and unhinged in my opinion . The passion between William and Alice is strong, and just when William thinks the layers that bind Alice are coming apart, the plot thickens !
Sarah Hegger is a new to me author and she has me hooked! This story was fantastic, and a definite must read!
My rating 41/2 stars
I was given an ARC for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
William of Anglesea and Lady of Tarnwych are brought together in a marriage of convenience , each looking to fulfill different dreams and hopes. For Alice, this is her fourth wedding and she yearns for a child. William wanted a keep and lands of his own. Alice has only to look at her husband and realize that he's different from her previous husbands. He makes her feel, and the fluttering in her heart has her flustered. Alice isn't your typical chatelaine . Aside from doing her duty in the marriages her father has arranged for her, she knows nothing in running a castle. She feels honour-bound to Sister Julianna, the woman who has raised her from infancy, and has allowed her full rein of the castle. Sister Julianna runs the castle with a tight fist, and Alice as well. William has a way of stirring her passion and Sister Julianna is not happy, and tries to stir trouble and drive the newlyweds apart. Sister Julianna and William don't get along, and after certain events and accidents, he's almost sure that the "good " sister just might have something to do with it. Sister Julianna is evil and unhinged in my opinion . The passion between William and Alice is strong, and just when William thinks the layers that bind Alice are coming apart, the plot thickens !
Sarah Hegger is a new to me author and she has me hooked! This story was fantastic, and a definite must read!
My rating 41/2 stars
I was given an ARC for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
September 2, 2016
Love this twist on the arranged marriage trope! It was an original premise, and I was surprised to be 25% in before I realized I'd been sucked into it. Sarah Hegger wrote an amazing and unusual cast of characters...I fell in love with both William and Alice! I've read all her books so far, and she has a great talent for writing believable relationships between the main characters and their family members. I laughed at their antics and ached at their mistakes. Her characters and stories are rich and complex, and she doesn't gloss over their flaws. I love that about her writing.
I lost track of time reading it and woke up earlier than usual to get a jump start on it the next day. I couldn't put it down. If you read a lot of historicals like me, you'll appreciate the original plot and the twist on the usual stereotypes!
I lost track of time reading it and woke up earlier than usual to get a jump start on it the next day. I couldn't put it down. If you read a lot of historicals like me, you'll appreciate the original plot and the twist on the usual stereotypes!
August 13, 2016
I don't know what I was expecting with this book. What starts out as a marriage of convenience turns into suspense and a story I could not put down.
Lady Alice has no idea what is going on in her castle she was raised by a Nun who is in complete control. William takes right over and starts making everything right.
Lady Alice is having issues when she sees with her own eyes what is going on and when she realizes how this all happens it causes an uproar.
William and Lady Alice are perfect together even when they have to get through some hurdles.
This is a book that must be added to your collection.
** I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Lady Alice has no idea what is going on in her castle she was raised by a Nun who is in complete control. William takes right over and starts making everything right.
Lady Alice is having issues when she sees with her own eyes what is going on and when she realizes how this all happens it causes an uproar.
William and Lady Alice are perfect together even when they have to get through some hurdles.
This is a book that must be added to your collection.
** I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
May 5, 2019
This was a nice change of pace from the others in the series and would work well as a stand alone. William Marries Alice and takes on the job of bringing a beautiful but hidden girl out into the world. Alice also shows William how to be a good husband and Lord. Throw in a horrible nun and a twist and you have a charming yet exciting book. I had a night of insomnia and read this in one sitting, I couldn't decided if I couldn't sleep or if I just wanted to read what happened next lol
August 25, 2016
I was given this copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
In the first opening pages I was hooked, this is a wonderfully written story and I went through lots of different emotions, laughter, anger, suspence, disbelief and happiness.
I hadn't heard of this series of Sarah's before, but I enjoyed it so much that I have now purchased the first two books
January 17, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author. This is a wonderful book with likeable engaging characters. The flow is so smooth and the story attention grabbing that I was reading for several hours before I realized it. I could not put it down and read it in one setting. It was well worth it.
Read
September 6, 2016This one is sooo good. I've been a fan of this series from book 1 but here Ms. Hegger kicks everything up a notch. Intense emotions, a unique villain, and plot twists that tie your heart in a knot. It usually takes me a week to read a novel, but this one I read in one day. Could not put it down.
June 6, 2019
Great read!
Sarah keeps on outdoing herself! The story of William and Alice keeps you wanting for more! Sarah weaves her storytelling with skill and love. She makes you love her characters more and more!
Sarah keeps on outdoing herself! The story of William and Alice keeps you wanting for more! Sarah weaves her storytelling with skill and love. She makes you love her characters more and more!
November 5, 2016
Loved this story! Their romance is just so sweet, despite everything that's thrown at them.
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