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Brethren Origins #3
Aristide
The charming Dionysia de Beaumais conceals more than her face behind a scarf. Despite her pleas for mercy, she is betrothed to a man with whom she shared pleasant conversation at court, and she dreads the inevitable disclosure of a painful past and her most intimate secret. But the giant knight is not what he appears, and he wins her heart. When an old enemy resurfaces, threatening her newfound happiness, Dionysia risks everything to save Aristide.
Reconciled to an arranged marriage, Nautionnier Knight Aristide de Laurentiis takes matters into his own hands and expresses interest in a mysterious but modest lady blessed with sharp intellect and wit, and His Majesty obliges the one-time Templar. When Aristide discovers the cruel truth his gentle wife hides behind her veil, his insatiable lust for revenge threatens to destroy them. Can love conquer evil and heal old wounds?
Reconciled to an arranged marriage, Nautionnier Knight Aristide de Laurentiis takes matters into his own hands and expresses interest in a mysterious but modest lady blessed with sharp intellect and wit, and His Majesty obliges the one-time Templar. When Aristide discovers the cruel truth his gentle wife hides behind her veil, his insatiable lust for revenge threatens to destroy them. Can love conquer evil and heal old wounds?
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2016
40 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Devlin
53 books517 followersBarbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 2, 2017
Good points:
The author reduced the "Old" or is it "Middle" English ? dialogue. She did well in keeping it just enough to retain a medieval feel without going overboard. She also reduced the number of "chin dips" the characters did.. thank goodness.
Another plus is that the hero in this book had met his future bride prior to marrying her and chose her (to the delight of the king) and was not frightened at the prospect of marriage but welcomed it, because the heroine was someone he already had a care for.
The bad:
It was the shortest of the three books, had little to no conflict, and what small amount there was, resolved within a few sentences. Dull.
Like the others, the antagonist was pathetic and not used to his full potential.
Considering the heroine's past trauma, her character acted in a manner that seemed unlikely. I'll leave it at that.
The characters were again, flat and dull, even more so than the others. The H & h had no personality.
I didn't feel the love, believe their actions nor understood why they even feel in love.
The sex was blah.
The plot was boring and uneventful.
What I hated most was that Isolde was AGAIN used to set the hero right, instead of the heroine doing it or the hero figuring it out on his own. Lazy in my opinion. It was obviously "easier" to solve everything with her than to have the characters make their own discoveries and observations.
But! I will say, sometimes we all like a good low angst quick read, and perhaps I just need a little more then that. I need conflict, or at least good sex like Alexa Riley, here we get neither.
The next book is about Morgan, and I will not read that one since he is a manwhore.
I may however read the one for Geoffrey if he remains honorable.
Safety- No issues except that the heroine was attacked and forced to give serval attackers head. No ow/om, no cheating. First last and only.
The author reduced the "Old" or is it "Middle" English ? dialogue. She did well in keeping it just enough to retain a medieval feel without going overboard. She also reduced the number of "chin dips" the characters did.. thank goodness.
Another plus is that the hero in this book had met his future bride prior to marrying her and chose her (to the delight of the king) and was not frightened at the prospect of marriage but welcomed it, because the heroine was someone he already had a care for.
The bad:
It was the shortest of the three books, had little to no conflict, and what small amount there was, resolved within a few sentences. Dull.
Like the others, the antagonist was pathetic and not used to his full potential.
Considering the heroine's past trauma, her character acted in a manner that seemed unlikely. I'll leave it at that.
The characters were again, flat and dull, even more so than the others. The H & h had no personality.
I didn't feel the love, believe their actions nor understood why they even feel in love.
The sex was blah.
The plot was boring and uneventful.
What I hated most was that Isolde was AGAIN used to set the hero right, instead of the heroine doing it or the hero figuring it out on his own. Lazy in my opinion. It was obviously "easier" to solve everything with her than to have the characters make their own discoveries and observations.
But! I will say, sometimes we all like a good low angst quick read, and perhaps I just need a little more then that. I need conflict, or at least good sex like Alexa Riley, here we get neither.
The next book is about Morgan, and I will not read that one since he is a manwhore.
I may however read the one for Geoffrey if he remains honorable.
Safety- No issues except that the heroine was attacked and forced to give serval attackers head. No ow/om, no cheating. First last and only.
May 5, 2018
I have to say that I truly enjoy Devlin's books. If I have any complaints, it's that they end too soon. I love all of her books, but this Origins series really has made an impression on me. Yes, they are romance stories at their core, but the integrity of the characters really has me striving to be a better person. I can't really explain it, but an author who is able to have that affect on me will always receive a 5 star rating!
Thanks, Barbara Devlin because your writing does have a positive affect on me.
Thanks, Barbara Devlin because your writing does have a positive affect on me.
December 19, 2018
Beauty To His Eyes
What one man used to shame her lost it's victory when Aristide looked not at her face, but her spirit. A woman of beauty inside as well as out she was to be desired above a pretty face. This special Knight was more than she ever dreamed possible after the shame and wounds to her heart and reputation.
What one man used to shame her lost it's victory when Aristide looked not at her face, but her spirit. A woman of beauty inside as well as out she was to be desired above a pretty face. This special Knight was more than she ever dreamed possible after the shame and wounds to her heart and reputation.
December 28, 2016
Another great book from a great author....
I love these books and only five stars will be given to this one as well.
Love stories one and all. Can't wait till the next one....oh how the cocky do fall.
Never say never ......
I love these books and only five stars will be given to this one as well.
Love stories one and all. Can't wait till the next one....oh how the cocky do fall.
Never say never ......
Read
June 18, 2019Another amazing story
I love all the characters. In a time when one was unable to choose their own mates without the kings promise or being order to marry a person these characters where since able to find love with each they were order to marry.
I love all the characters. In a time when one was unable to choose their own mates without the kings promise or being order to marry a person these characters where since able to find love with each they were order to marry.
December 29, 2016
Much better than book 2
I found book 2 repetitive of book 1 but this one is much better. Though I do tire of the theme of damaged women forced to face their past at least this woman got hers back. I won't spoil it but I really enjoyed her revenge.
I also liked that this Knight wasn't dragged kicking, screaming or vomiting to the altar. He wanted what his brethren had and would work to get it. Aristide is now my favorite knight. He almost seemed a little too perfect but not much.
I did wonder what happened to Dion's parents after Arucard left. A little character building in the lesser players would have been good.
Still the occasional typos: his instead of hers, etc. Another beta read would help as I have seen these in every BD book. But, I still love them!
I hope Morgan gets his self-absorbed b*tt kicked though I portend some dark history coming from him. Bring it on!
I found book 2 repetitive of book 1 but this one is much better. Though I do tire of the theme of damaged women forced to face their past at least this woman got hers back. I won't spoil it but I really enjoyed her revenge.
I also liked that this Knight wasn't dragged kicking, screaming or vomiting to the altar. He wanted what his brethren had and would work to get it. Aristide is now my favorite knight. He almost seemed a little too perfect but not much.
I did wonder what happened to Dion's parents after Arucard left. A little character building in the lesser players would have been good.
Still the occasional typos: his instead of hers, etc. Another beta read would help as I have seen these in every BD book. But, I still love them!
I hope Morgan gets his self-absorbed b*tt kicked though I portend some dark history coming from him. Bring it on!
January 4, 2017
Great. Book great author
Oh wow another great book. Romance pirate, a great story to read. Such a great family they look after each other they are so close. This book and all of her other books are great reads. I can't wait for another book to come out.
Oh wow another great book. Romance pirate, a great story to read. Such a great family they look after each other they are so close. This book and all of her other books are great reads. I can't wait for another book to come out.
December 30, 2016
Another fantastic installment to the Brethren Origins series! In fact this is my favorite to date.
Ms. Devlin toned down the medieval verbiage and that resulted in smoother read.
Aristide and Dionysia's story is treat to read. There are laugh out loud moments and heartbreaking moments. While it is not a steamy read, there is enough steam to keep it interesting.
Dionysia bears a mark on her face which is a constant reminder of the shame she bears. She is thrilled to marry Aristide, as she never dreamed she would ever be given the chance to be a wife and mother, yet she is terrified of the rejection she expects once the truth of her shame is revealed.
Aristide knows he will have to marry and is happy that the bride the king has chosen for him is the exact woman he wants! Aristide is a good man and wants nothing more than to love his wife. He tries so hard to be a good husband and often asks his fellow knights for advice (hence, the laugh out loud moments). He is all you would expect from one of Ms. Devlin's Origin heroes.
I truly loved this book and am looking forward to Morgan's story - I hope his bride brings him to his knees and makes him suffer (LOL).
I would recommend reading this series in order, but you could read this as a stand alone title with no problems.
Ms. Devlin toned down the medieval verbiage and that resulted in smoother read.
Aristide and Dionysia's story is treat to read. There are laugh out loud moments and heartbreaking moments. While it is not a steamy read, there is enough steam to keep it interesting.
Dionysia bears a mark on her face which is a constant reminder of the shame she bears. She is thrilled to marry Aristide, as she never dreamed she would ever be given the chance to be a wife and mother, yet she is terrified of the rejection she expects once the truth of her shame is revealed.
Aristide knows he will have to marry and is happy that the bride the king has chosen for him is the exact woman he wants! Aristide is a good man and wants nothing more than to love his wife. He tries so hard to be a good husband and often asks his fellow knights for advice (hence, the laugh out loud moments). He is all you would expect from one of Ms. Devlin's Origin heroes.
I truly loved this book and am looking forward to Morgan's story - I hope his bride brings him to his knees and makes him suffer (LOL).
I would recommend reading this series in order, but you could read this as a stand alone title with no problems.
December 28, 2016
Aristide (Brethren Origins #3)
Suggest you read in order. Several former Knights Templar flee and seek sanctuary in England. It's eventually granted but they must accept titles, responsibilities and wives and must produce children to inherit. This is the tale of the third brother who chooses his wife. He then seeks to protect her from her violent past and ptsd.
Suggest you read in order. Several former Knights Templar flee and seek sanctuary in England. It's eventually granted but they must accept titles, responsibilities and wives and must produce children to inherit. This is the tale of the third brother who chooses his wife. He then seeks to protect her from her violent past and ptsd.
January 4, 2017
Devlin does it again
I have enjoyed the Brethren Origins and the Brethren of the Coast series. This installment is no exception. I look forward to the next.
Don't start here. Start with book 1 of Brethren Origins.
Be aware that the author uses words appropriate to the time. I like it, but it can take a few pages to become accustomed to it.
I have enjoyed the Brethren Origins and the Brethren of the Coast series. This installment is no exception. I look forward to the next.
Don't start here. Start with book 1 of Brethren Origins.
Be aware that the author uses words appropriate to the time. I like it, but it can take a few pages to become accustomed to it.
December 30, 2016
This was good read.
It's still a page turner though I thought there would be more action, as I have become accustomed in her Brethren series, but I due appreciate the story immensely. I can't wait to read about Morgan and especially the elusive Geoffrey.
It's still a page turner though I thought there would be more action, as I have become accustomed in her Brethren series, but I due appreciate the story immensely. I can't wait to read about Morgan and especially the elusive Geoffrey.
December 31, 2016
Aristide's story is a good one, but fell short compared to the first two books. Once again the characters are great. This book is a quick read and flows nicely, but it also felt rushed. I recommend you read in order. Now I am waiting for Morgan's and Geoffrey's books.
January 2, 2017
Heart warming
Loved the 3rd book in the series. It was different than the other 2 books, not as "hot", but still a great story. I am really looking forward for the next one. The set up for which seems exciting.
Loved the 3rd book in the series. It was different than the other 2 books, not as "hot", but still a great story. I am really looking forward for the next one. The set up for which seems exciting.
December 31, 2016
Another great story
This author never disappoints. This is another outstanding book about the Brethren and their adventures into love and marriage. I look forward to the next book.
This author never disappoints. This is another outstanding book about the Brethren and their adventures into love and marriage. I look forward to the next book.
May 24, 2021
First in New Series
Love all of this authors books. Great to read the origins of the Brethren series. Can't wait to read the next
Love all of this authors books. Great to read the origins of the Brethren series. Can't wait to read the next
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews