Royal herald Sir Talon Quereste plans to someday settle on a quiet little estate, marry well, and raise a family. The wife of his daydreams will enhance his standing with his peers--she's certainly not an overly adventurous, impulsive, argumentative woman of dubious background who threatens everything he values, until he meets his father's wife.
Lady Larkin Rosham lost more than everyone she loved when her family was murdered--she lost her identity. Now no one believes she's Lady Larkin, least of all Sir Talon, whose dreams of owning Hawksedge go up in smoke if she is, indeed, his father's lost bride.
But when the murderer strikes again, danger and betrayal lurk around every corner. Can Larkin and Talon discover how to save their lives without risking their hearts?
Award winning romance author, Rue Allyn has a life long passion for happy ever after. She lives south of the border with her husband of more than forty years and their cat, Tonto. She has two sons and is a proud veteran of the US Navy. She writes heart melting romance in all sub-genres, but her favorite is historical romance, especially medieval. Subscribe to Rue’s News where you may learn more about Rue and receive a FREE download. https://www.rueallyn.com/subscriber-e...
Those were the days, when marriages were arranged for power, land or fortune. The days when sight unseen you can become the wife and property of a man you know nothing about. Marriages of convenience, for political reasons are fine for some, but when the King’s Royal Herald, Sir Talon Querete finds a wife, he wants a quiet life, a woman who loves him and a family to cherish. Until then, he must discover what has happened to his father, and discern whether the beautiful and fiery woman claiming to be his new stepmother is a liar or not.
Lady Larkin Rosham’s family has been murdered and the husband she married by proxy is missing and no one will believe she is who she says she is, as the proof she needs is locked up somewhere within her husband’s castle. Having earned the name Liar Larkin, it is only her helpful and kind-hearted nature that has kept her safe while waiting for her missing husband. It is time to act, to find the missing box that contains her history, the history of her family and proof of whom she is. Getting caught in the act was not what she had in mind, but caught she is by Talon himself.
They each soon discover that something is amiss at the castle and it involves the convent nearby. As shock after shock explodes on the pages, the raging inferno of desire between this swarthy Scot and this iron-willed woman will leave swooners with vapors as, in spite of their “alleged” relationship, passion and desire are growing out of control. When the last shred of deceit and dark secrets are unveiled, will they part as enemies, friends or family?
Rue Allyn’s THE HERALD’S HEART is historical romance to both wince at and adore as we witness the customs of the times in Scotland and the inner strength required to live in a land where battles can be fought at a moment’s notice. Meet Larkin and discover what true grit in the face of desperation and loss looks like for a woman of the times. Hard to believe a man as caring as Talon could act so cruel at times, but this is a time of survival of the fittest, wealthiest and most powerful.
Great storytelling on Ms. Allyn’s part makes the centuries fall away while the use of contemporary language makes the pages fade away as each page comes to life. Like your men from the land of kilts? You have them right here along with a suspenseful mystery or two to solve!...and did I mention very passionate romance?
I received this copy from Rue Allyn in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Crimson Romance (September 19, 2016) Publication Date: September 19, 2016 Genre: Historical Romance Print Length: 230 pages Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Atmospheric and Fast Paced. Vivid descriptions of Hawksedge Keep—its cliffs, its caves, its stone and dungeons all lay down a powerful background that establish mood and emotion for this story over and over. I could almost feel the thick fog in the opening sequence and the description of rising seas at high tide in the caves raised the mounting tension of the later sequences. The claustrophobic atmosphere and horror of the locked chapel also grabbed this reader.
The romance plot has the elements that matter most, a strong, plucky heroine and a hero who has it all. He is loyal, responsible, honorable, strong, handsome—and just enough of a clueless male to frustrate the heroine. The secondary characters are well drawn as well, from Mother Clement to Cleve.
The plot is complex and believable. One quibble is that the fate of the villain and his helper is somewhat glossed over and rushed. I could have used some resolution. The author, however focused on something more important: getting her hero to happily every after. Full disclosure: I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Larkin and Sir Talon are two characters I want to see in a future book. She is feisty and determined, he is the clueless male who has no idea that she is what he needs, not the sweet compliant wife he imagined. When they unite, they are unstoppable in thwarting the villain. The supporting characters were well drawn. I received a copy from the author as a gift. My opinion is my own.
Here is another wonderful story by Rue Allyn. This story is about learning to trust each other and learning to listen to your heart. I have read most of Eye's stories and have enjoyed reading them. I hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
One of the best historical romances I have ever read!! The chemistry between Larkin and Talon was one for the history books!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!