Sir Drogo LaForce has spent a lifetime chasing the family honor and wealth denied him by his bastard birth. A clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown finally promises to win him everything he desires... Lady Isabel has been in hiding ever since an evil Norman lord killed her father and usurped her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is threatened when a mysterious Norman knight abducts her with plans to use her for espionage. Drogo’s fascinating captive is nothing like he anticipated. Outspoken but innocent, Isabel reluctantly submits to Drogo's tutoring in the spymaster's craft, as well as the art of making love. But their potent attraction nearly leads to disaster. In the end they must decide between their dueling appetites for riches and revenge...or love. Each book in the Rogues of Rouen series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order. Series Book #1 Come to Me Book #2 A Knight of Her Own
Ever since I first read The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, I've been pretty much obsessed with books that feature the Norman Conquest. There is something about that period of upheaval that draws me, maybe because my father's relatively rare surname is found in the Domesday Book organized by William some 20 years later. I even got my son to portray William for his "bring history to life" project in school, and he is now equally obsessed. It goes without saying that William the Conqueror is a character in this book.
Drogo LaForce is on a mission for his liege lord in the border area of Northumbria, challenged by both Scots and Danes. Drogo is there to discover if the Norman earl installed at this strategic place is colluding with the Danes. The mercenary, who became one of William's "Rogues of Rouen," has decided that the quickest way to expose the conspiracy is to send the former lady of the manor, the very young Isabel, to spy upon the wicked earl. Since she was a child during the Norman invasion, Isabel has been living with the peasants in the region, moving from place to place, and even living in caves, to evade the earl. I thought using a disenfranchised noblewoman, regardless of the high level of loyalty she inspires in her people, was a strange way to gain access to the earl and the weakest point of the plot. It didn't make a lot of sense to me, but I thought everything else in this book was terrific.
Isabel is courageous and vengeful and beautiful; the perfect tool for Drogo to use against the vain and vicious de Belleterre. Once Drogo captures the elusive lady, he only needs to convince her to use her wiles and her brains to ensnare the traitorous Norman. Unfortunately, living rough among the salt of the earth hasn't enhanced Isabel's courtly manners, and Drogo first needs to give her a crash course in how to eat properly at a table, speak French, and apply her feminine attributes. Like I said, not the best of plans. Fortunately, even the author recognizes this, and known inadequacies in the spy plan plague both Drogo and Isabel as the date to implement the strategy comes closer.
Growing apace with Isabel's rediscovered refinement, is Drogo's intense regard for this girl who is both brave termagant and starry-eyed romantic. As he teaches her modern niceties and, of all things, how to seduce a man, Drogo falls hopelessly in love. Hopeless is the key word, because as a landless and illegitimate mercenary, he can never have the fair Isabel.
Oberon Wonch weaves an impressive romance between two characters who seem destined to have separate futures and little control over their fates. Their attraction is lusty and virtuous, tempting and honorable, all at the same time. Even the first look these two get of one another is filled with a palpable awareness. Isabel first sees Drogo tied up, and she is amazed at the "bulk in his beefy shoulders...his sinewy forearms...and the powerful thighs that looked as if honed by the constant command of a restless stallion." Yummy, right? In this opening volley between Isabel and Drogo, the author tantalizes with promised lust and glimpses of a story behind the story. Four percent into the book, and I was hooked to the very satisfying end. Throughout this well-done historical romance novel, the author does a very fine job of illustrating carnal appreciation without being crude. She strikes a strong balance between romance, characterization, historic fiction and action adventure.
The journey along the way was full of discovery. After all, "He was willing to submit her to vilest man she'd ever known, was he not? How honorable could he really be?" It takes time to establish trust - on both sides. Wonch had me wondering about the honorable intentions of our hero, and that made this book a total page turner. There are several highly dramatic moments that are excellently plotted and flawlessly executed.
"Her spirit fell to her toes to hear not words of devotion, but words of war." Drogo and Isabel risk much for honor, and later for love. This books gets an applause and 4.5 amazing stars (.5 star off for that one hard-to-grasp plot motivation). Now, I am off to download Come to Me, book one in the Rogues of Rouen series. It was absolutely not necessary to read book one in order to understand book two, but it might be necessary to read for my William the Conqueror obsession!
This is an adventure packed historical romance with the hero, Sir Drogo LaForce, striving to prove to King William that his suspicions of treasonous behaviour are correct. He is endeavouring to win the King's favour and gain honour and wealth both of which he believes have been denied him as his noble father failed to acknowledge him or his birth. His scheme to achieve this involves capturing the notorious Blue Lady, Lady Isabel, who had been in hiding for five years following the murder of her father by the Norman Lord who usurped his lands.
Lady Isabel never expected to be captured by a Norman knight but he's even more shocked to realise she really is an innocent virgin, not the wicked, spell casting Blue Lady of local legend. Isabel is outspoken and has no respect for the Normans, not really surprising after all she's seen and how the local people have been mistreated since her father's demise. Drogo, however, plans to use her to gain access to her former home and discover the plots of the present incumbent. As he convinces Isabel of his plans, others are also scheming and Isabel has to decide just who she can trust and who to actually work with. As the attraction between her and Drogo flourishes, there are constant danger, new allies to convince and two Kings to decide between. Add in the dangers from the Norse invaders and there are battles of all kinds ahead!
This is a fast paced historical romance with plenty of angst and turmoil as Lady Isabel has to decide just who to trust and how to achieve her ultimate goal. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way as the number of rival sides just seems to keep on growing! This isn't just a Norman v English adventure - you need to remember the Scots and Norsemen, too! Isabel is a feisty, independent and very caring young lady who has been thrust into an unwanted and unexpected role by warfare and the dastardly deeds of a traitorous Norman Lord. As more is revealed regarding his past and other connections between protagonists the story takes on a life of its own. It is an enthralling page turner, a great story to escape into and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys well written, action packed, historical romance.
Many thanks to the publishers who gifted me, with no obligation, a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
I loved it. I especially loved the ending. Story is quite interesting and thrilling. There were some parts which seemed dragged out to me but overall it was a superb reading experience. It's perfect for historical fiction fans.
Lady Isabel has lived at outskirts of her home for years now. She is in hiding and most important thing for her is to protect her siblings. She is the strong one, she is the one who can take care of them so that is what she must do. Until Sir Drogo kidnaps her and forces her to be more than a lady.
Drogo has heard so much about elusive "blue lady" and he is confident that she can help him in defeating his enemy and get reward from the King. But when he kidnaps lady Isabel he realises how wrong he has been. She is not a bold woman who can skilfully seduce someone into revealing all his secrets. So now its up to him to train her and send her into dragon's lair and get what is required to bring down their common foe.
At first Isabel is doubtful of his plan but the more she things the more sense it makes. After all an enemy of her enemy might just be her friend. The only trouble is that more time she spends with Drogo more in love with him she fell. Will they ever be able to be together and live happily or is their affair is doomed from the very star. There are so many hurdles in their paths, so many responsibilities, and they both must do what they have to. After all family comes first....
It's one adventure which you don't want to miss. I'm so glad I got the chance to be part of Isabel and Drogo's exciting exploits. http://www.mineofbooks.blogspot.com
The book was a page turner and I enjoyed the plot. The main characters are interesting people. I especially liked Isabel because she is wild and sometimes said something quite funny she made me laugh. Drogo is tortured, damaged soul man and I am happy he finally had his happily ever after in Isabel’s arms. The only problem I have with the story is that the battle is told less. Anyway, I would love to know and read more about Normandy because honestly, when I started this series I totally clueless about them. It’s nice to have found something new.
It took me a little too long to get into this book to really enjoy it. I liked the hero, but both characters lacked progression for much of the novel. I love medievals, so I would give this author another try, but this was a little too slow a burn for my taste.
A Knight of her Own was a fantastic historical read and exactly what I needed after a string of contemporary romances. Sir Drogo Laforce has a plan to use Lady Isabel of Wulflandt to help to get information on the man who murdered her father and stole her land, thus forcing her to live in hiding in the woods. This information needed would oust de Belleterre and in turn she would be avenging her father.
This story was filled with action and adventure and while frustrating at times, the romance between Drogo and Isabel was heartfelt. Isabel was strong, blunt and honest. She gave as good as she got and never hesitated to speak her mind. As a result, their relationship became a battle of wills - her challenging him and making him question his true wants and needs and what was most important to him - status and duty or love. I really enjoyed this passionate and action filled story and look forward to reading more from this author.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an advanced copy of this novel for review. ~ Ratula 4 Stars
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When asked how I felt about this book, my answer was that it was an easy book to get swept up in. There was no rushing to get to the end, no wondering how much longer it would be. I simply stepped in and became immersed in the plot. That's the mark of a good read, one that lets you flow along with the current without being pulled under.
“He still had no idea with whom he was dealing. There was nothing for her to lose, only knowledge and expertise to gain, and she hadn't survived this long by balking at difficulty.”
Those lines so perfectly sum up so much of Isabel's personality. She is in one way all that a gentle lady should be. Yet her strength and resolve were almost staggering. Having to live through horrors that could turn stronger men to madness, she proves the resilience of the female gender with grace.
“He could withstand this version of her, for this woman was beyond him, untouchable and unreal.”
Drogo was first and foremost a knight of great honor. His kind way with Isabel's sister, the loyalty he inspires in his companions. He is, simply put, the kind of an a woman swoons over. He had a few moments however, where his honor made me want to shout in frustration because of how stubborn it made him in regards to a possible relationship with Isabel.
“It was like kissing sunshine. And when she kissed him back, there was nothing he could do but nudge her head backward and kiss her some more.”
Overall, A Knight of Her Own was a wonderful interlude in my reading life, and it hit the spot perfectly. Washed down with a little happily-ever-after and I was thoroughly satisfied. ~ George, 4 Stars
A Knight of Her Own by Oberon Wonch is Book 2 of her intriguing "Rogues of Rouen" series. I feel it can be read as a stand alone. This is my first time reading this series and a new author to me. I did not feel lost or wondered what was before. Sir Drogo LaForce, is trying to uncloak a traitor against the Crown, with a clever scheme. But, will his scheme finally win him everything he has dreamed, wealth and honor. He is hoping to impress the King with his findings and gain his favor. Lady Isabel has been in hiding, since a Norman lord killed her father and took her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is definitely threatened when a mysterious, handsome, Norman knight abducts her with plans of his own, to use her in his scheme of espionage. Drogo tutors Isabel in the art of spymaster as well as the art of romance. Their powerful attraction and their passion runs hot and deep, but can they lay aside their desire to seek revenge, wealth, honor destroy all they have worked toward or will they find their HEA? Well written, fast paced adventure with captivating and engrossing characters, as well as political intrigue, danger and revenge. Powerful story! Easy to read and easily captures your heart. The ending felt rushed to me. Otherwise, this was a great story. I look forward to reading more from Oberon Wonch. An enjoyable and satisfying read! I received a complimentary copy.
Set during the time of William the Conqueror, A Knight of Her Own tells the story of a young English maiden and a Norman knight. She's been fighting the Normans for years, trying to get back what was lost from her family. He is beholden to his liege and vows to rid a land of a possible traitor. When Isabel and Drogo meet it wasn't love at first sight. But when he instructs her on ways to seduce their common enemy it did not exactly go as planned. As the day of reckoning arrives, can Drogo and Isabel forsake their feelings for the sake of their people? A Knight of Her Own may have a very straightforward plot with interactions mainly centered on the two main characters but it is these two that really carries the story. Its a very engaging read with memorable characters and it will hook readers to read more of this series. Isabel was delightful! She may be fair maiden material but her adventurous spirit is admirable. This lady doesn't whimper or cower even when scared out of her wits. Drogo is definitely the tortured knight in shining armor. He wasn't at the start especially once readers find out what his plans for Isabel are. Still these two will capture readers heart and will be rooting for their happy ending.
Just didn't take to this one despite the novel being set at the time of the Norman Conquest. I found no real empathy with the characters or the fanciful storyline, and thus found my attention waive. I gave it a good go but at 100 pages in, left it there.
Lady Isabel of Wulflandt has been living in hiding for 5 years avoiding the Norman knight who killed her father and took over their home and land. With the help of a hermit, a friend and some of the peasants that have rebel against the current lord and cloaked under the myth of the Blue Lady, she’s been able to survive along with her sister Phoebe while plotting how to help her people and avenge her father’s murder. When she’s ambushed and captured by Norman knight, Sir Drogo LaForce, Lady Isabel fears what will happen to them and will do everything in her power to escape. Sir Drogo has been sent to find proof the current Earl of Wulflandt is plotting against the King and his plan is to get Lady Isabel into the castle to spy for him and gather the information he needs. Unfortunately for his plans, she’s not the seductress myth claims her to be and he’ll find himself teaching the wild girl how to entrance and seduce a man which will place then both dangerously close to the flame either one wants to acknowledge. This is my first book by the author and I honestly enjoyed every minute of it. The writing is good, with such descriptive that you’ll find yourself immersed in the characters’ surroundings. The banter between Isabel and Drogo, their passion defending their beliefs and the fact that they’re, not only opposed to each other in them, but her lady status to his bastard knight are also great elements to the story. If you like historical romance, you’ll definitely love this book. It has all the elements of romance, secrets and adventure that one will expect. Isabel is a force of nature, strong and indomitable, ready to do anything for those she loves and Drogo is the perfect knight. Tall, dark, handsome, brave and virtuous, a man carrying his secrets and past guilt he won’t soon forget, bound by honor, duty and loyalty to his king. He is truly swoon worthy and he and Isabel are one explosive mix! I’ve already added the first book in the series to my TBR and will definitely be looking out for the other Rogues of Rouen!
4.5 stars *An ARC was given by NetGalley for an honest review*
Publisher's Description: Sir Drogo LaForce has spent a lifetime chasing the family honor and wealth denied him by his bastard birth. A clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown finally promises to win him everything he desires...
Lady Isabel has been in hiding ever since an evil Norman lord killed her father and usurped her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is threatened when a mysterious Norman knight abducts her with plans to use her for espionage.
Drogo’s fascinating captive is nothing like he anticipated. Outspoken but innocent, Isabel reluctantly submits to Drogo's tutoring in the spymaster's craft, as well as the art of making love. But their potent attraction nearly leads to disaster. In the end they must decide between their dueling appetites for riches and revenge...or love.
My Thoughts:
Be prepared for a lengthy, well thought out read.
This is not a quickly read book. With forty eight chapters this is not one for the faint at heart. It reminds this reader of expansive tales such as The Thornbirds although written about an entirely different period in history.
If you like descriptive stories of medieval times this is a book for you.
I gave this book 4 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and 2.5 of 5 flames for heat. It is more a violent tale than a sex filled one matching the times completely.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book.
I'm notoriously bad at not being able to finish books- I get distracted too easily! But this one I had to finish, because it was different from my usual fare of Regency romances (which I also write, hint hint!). We have a very lustful hero with a complex character and well-thought out backstory, although each time his whiskers were mentioned I kept picturing a walrus, to my shame! The pacing of the story is perfect, and some of the descriptive passages are just brilliant, so atmospheric! The medieval background is nicely evoked, rarely anachronistic, and filled with gritty realism that brings it all very believably to life. The plot works really well, keeping the reader guessing right up to the end whether or not a happy ending is possible. This was the second of two books in the Rogues of Rouen series and works perfectly as a stand-alone. I already have book #1 ready and waiting for me on my Kindle! I thoroughly enjoyed the author's style of writing and would recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction and historical romance. This was a verified purchase, by the way, but I haven't worked out yet how to show that on Amazon!
Oh how I love a historical romance. And this one is truly awesome. This book is so wonderfully written. It has such an elegant flow to it. This is my first book by Oberon Wonch. But I do plan to read more by her.
This story is about Isabel or is she infamously known the blue lady. Known to wither a man Nether region if he so treat her wrong. The blue lady lives in the forest and is known to prey on men. Then there is the night we not only capture her but capture her heart as well. Not at first but eventually she is overly and totally in love with him. He has taken a vow of chastity, to a woman long gone. But not forgotten. And Isabel doesn't know how to complete with a dead woman. But the more Drago tries to teach her how to seduce the enemy, the harder it is for him to keep his vow. They have to take down this evil man he is responsible for her father’s death and for trying to keep her so many years ago. What he's done to her and everyone she loves deplorable. In the end as Drago falls more in love with her will you be able to go through with his plan. And the more she falls in love him she seems there may be no other way but to go through with the plan after all. Hopefully in that in the end they will be able to be together. But it is an impossible match for she’s a Lady and he is nothing but a knight. And a match for them is not allowed. But fate has a funny way of interfering when we least expect it.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two is the Roguess of Rouen series. I will admit that I have not read the first one in the series but I was able to follow the story. We have a knight who is fighting to overcome his status from birth and a Lady who is just trying to survive and protect her family. I did end up really enjoying this story. It was a nice romance and I did enjoy the action in the book as well. Now, this is a long read but pretty good.
I enjoyed the first book in this series (Come to Me) immensely, and this one is even better. Drogo LaForce is a knight who would knock my stockings off, and he's met his match in Isabel of Wulflandt. I loved how smart, strong and resourceful they both were, while also having enough human frailties to make me sympathize with them. The words "hero" and "heroine" are routinely used to describe the lovers in a romance novel, but these characters truly are worthy of the word “heroic.”
What I liked most about this book was the meaty plot. It's abundantly clear what these characters want, and they encounter numerous roadblocks along their path, which includes more twists and turns than I ever saw coming. I'm not usually a fan of action scenes, but they're very well done here and kept me flipping the pages. There's also a villain who's just about as vile as they get!
While this story has loads of sexual tension and enough steamy sex to please, I like that it doesn't overwhelm the plot or rely too much on the erotic to keep the reader emotionally involved and entertained.
The author’s rich writing style is lovely, and lush descriptions certainly brought Camelot to mind. She also peppers in just enough medieval language and realism to make the story sound authentic.
All in all, this romantic journey into the past is well worth the trip.
I would be lying if I said that I thought this was an okay book. My normal historical reading isn’t Medieval at all. I might time travel there but to actually read a whole book set in the period…no. I love movies from that time period. I’m a huge Robin Hood, Crusades, etc. fan. In fact, as I type this review I’m listening to the original soundtrack from the movie Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Don’t judge…I loved that movie and well, Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman, and Christian Slater. But moving on…
I have to admit that I almost didn’t initially want to review the book. *hangs head* I didn’t think that I would have time to read it. I made time to read it and I’m so glad that I did. I’m so picking up the first book in this series. Like today. Ms. Wonch has written a wonderful book filled with snark (yes, snark from Lady Isabel/Blue Lady), romance, nuisances from the time period, and knights to swoon over. There is more than one knight in the book but our hero, Drogan is so dang swoon-worthy that I think my heart stopped a couple of times.
I won’t go into the synopsis in regards to either Drogan or Isabel, but I will tell you that Ms. Wonch slowly weaves their back story into the present that really sets them up as great characters and gives them a chance to become so much more. Isabel is the one that has the most to lose or gain from their partnership. I instantly liked her and liked how her relationship grew from hatred to friends to lovers when it came to Drogan. Plus, let’s not forget the other men that surrounded Drogan. She truly grew from the feral child to the rightful Lady of the castle. What a transformation.
Drogan, on the other hand, only had to get Isabel to agree with his plan. He had already lost so much before the book and my heart broke a bit for him. What endeared him to me was his vow of chastity. Yes, chastity. You don’t find too many men that take that as seriously as Drogan. But oh how the mighty will fall. *giggle*
This book had everything for me. Romance, smexy times, a coming of age trope, enemies to friends to lovers, action, intrigue and ending that I didn’t see coming. Truly, I didn’t see it.
Sir Drogo LaForce has spent a lifetime chasing the family honor and wealth denied him by his bastard birth. A clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown finally promises to win him everything he desires...
Lady Isabel has been in hiding ever since an evil Norman lord killed her father and usurped her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is threatened when a mysterious Norman knight abducts her with plans to use her for espionage.
Drogo’s fascinating captive is nothing like he anticipated. Outspoken but innocent, Isabel reluctantly submits to Drogo's tutoring in the spymaster's craft, as well as the art of making love. But their potent attraction nearly leads to disaster. In the end they must decide between their dueling appetites for riches and revenge...or love.
Review:
Reading this book kind of reminded me of Saturday afternoons watching old swashbuckling movies growing up. I can picture Errol Flynn playing a role in this movie. So, I am showing my age, google it if you don't know who he is ;) I was submersed in this tale from the beginning. The Author did a great job of setting the scene in this book, it was very descriptive. Her characters were fun and interesting too. Isabel is tough, smart and has had so much thrust upon her at a young age and handles it with courage and resilience. Drogo is a man who has been changed by his circumstance. The bastard son of a noble man who tries to do better than has been done to him. Even the evil baddie is done excellently, you really can go along with Isabel, Drogo and the others with their plan to take him down. This is the second book in the series, but can be a stand alone. At this point I am not even sure who the first book is about and I was not lost. This is the first time I have read this Author and I would totally read more especially if her other works are like this one!
Great, historical romance to escape for an afternoon!
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
This was only the 3rd Historical Romance I have read, but I absolutely love anything to do with knights, so I was excited to be approved for an ARC! From the beginning, I was transported to medieval Europe and captivated by the characters.
Isabel and her sister have been hiding out for 5 years, ever since their father, a Lord, was murdered in the name of the new king, William. She and those loyal to her despise the usurper and all of his men. LaForge is a soldier who was in the right place at the right time and was able to improve his station in life. A former Rogue of Rouen, he was quite a ladies man, but vows to be chaste after a particular situation in his past.
I loved the slow-building desire between Isabel and LaForge, and the "Eliza Doolittle" aspect of LaForge needing to teach Isabel how to be a seductress and a Lady was so very, very well done (and so much fun!). They had such wonderful chemistry! The way that they pushed, pulled, and poked at each other was perfect. Isabel won me over quickly with her fiery and stubborn spirit, not long before I was taken in by LaForge and HIS stubbornness.
This had some really great political intrigue, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat! I actually have a note from about halfway through that is "Holy sh*t! I did NOT see that coming! Well done." as I read one of the many unveiled secrets woven throughout this.
If you are at all a fan of this time period, this will knock your socks off!
I received an ARC from the publisher to voluntarily review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
Read and reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
A Knight of Her Own is a great historical romance by Oberon Wonch. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of historical romance books and this one did not disappoint. The book was really well written and had some great descriptive writing in it that enabled me to envisage what I was reading. I will admit the story was slow to start off but once it did it was full of action and a lot of sexual chemistry! The two main characters Isabel and LaForce had amazing chemistry which led to a fantastic love/hate relationship! This was definitely a will they won’t they story! Always like it when the female lead in a historical story is strong and Isabel was definitely that! She definitely gave as good as she got and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind! I liked LaForce (he sounded particularly HOT!!) and thought that he was genuinely a nice person; you could see that with how he was towards Isabel’s sister even if he didn’t always show that side towards Isabel herself! I loved the plot of the story and it was nice to read something a little bit different in this genre. I found myself totally immersed into the story and it was that way the whole way through.
A good story and I definitely recommend it especially for fans of historical romance stories!
The heroine, Lady Isabel has been a fugitive, hiding in the woods since her father’s lands were taken over by a cruel Norman lord who brutally killed her father. Helped and protected by her loyal people, stragglers and survivors of the Norman conquest, she only hopes to somehow regain her father’s lands. Her chance for revenge comes when she meets Sir Drogo LaForce who has his own agenda in wanting to reveal Isabel’s father’s killer for the traitor he is. Drogo elicits Isabel’s help to obtain the Earl of Wulflandt’s agenda by planning to have her infiltrate the Earl’s (her own really) castle & seduce him to gain information that will expose him. Being lacking in (almost all!) womanly arts including seduction, it’s up to Drogo (right!!) to ensure she is able to pull if off (that’s where it gets interesting of course).
I liked that the heroine was spirited. No lady, but a determined, brave and plucky heroine who can cuss with the best. A bit of a Pygmalion story where in their plan for Isabel to learn how to seduce the villain to learn of his plotting she needs to become the epitome of someone he would be attracted to – a refined lady who is also able to seduce him. What Drogo didn’t bargain for was for the extent of his feelings when he starts to tutor her.
The story starts off with both characters being quite antagonistic and distrustful of each other and develops nicely thereafter.
Isabel is a Lady who has been run from her home during an invasion from the Normans. When the enemy approaches with a plan to get rid of the man who killed her father she is unsure what to do. She knows she wants the man to pay but she has to think about her family. Will Isabel do the work with her sworn enemy or go back to the caves where she's been hiding for the past 5 years with siblings?
Drogo has a mysterious past, with lost love and vows of honor. But he takes one look at the Blue Lady and he forgets it all, but Drogo is holding strong and fights for vows to his lost love. I wonder who will win this internal battle?
There's a lot of twists and turns in this book. Overall this book was the interesting read I like the storyline but it dragged on a bit more then I would have liked in a book. I think the author wanted to add as much detail as they could, but I think it was over done a bit. I was not overly impressed with the main female character Isabel. I've never been a big fan of wishy washy back and forth I love him, I don't, he's bad, he's good kind of dialogue.
With all of that said it was an OK book. Some interesting turn of events. And some very entertaining steamy moments. If you're looking for historical romance with Adventure, action, and dash of love this book is perfect for you!
I'm getting this book three hearts and I'm an independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock
Every time I read a medieval romance that I really like, I wonder why I don't read more historical romances set in the medieval period.
So right now I'm wondering--why don't I read more historical romances set in the medieval period? ;)
I loved the main characters here; Lady Isobel and Sir Drogo were strong characters with a lot of fantastic qualities. They're both trying to do everything they can to protect those they care about, which for both of them, despite their antagonistic start, soon includes each other. Ms. Wonch does a great job of pitting the two of them against each other, and of making it difficult to see how the two of them can be together in the end. Uncertainty at how they can get to their HEA causes both the characters and the reader more than a little bit of angst throughout, right up until the very last chapter of the book!
Though this is the second book in the Rogues of Rouen series, it worked just fine as a standalone. Drogo mentions the main characters and their basic plot from the first book (Come to Me) once, but that was it--neither of them is in this one at all.
Of course, that once is enough to make me want to read that one too...and I'll be first in line to read a book three, should it come along (subtle hunt).
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Sir Drogo LaForce knows he is unworthy of any lady hand in marriage; he’s baseborn his father was a Count from Normandy who never legitimized him before his death, but he has a clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown that will finally win him everything he desires. Sir Drogo LaForce has been sent by King William to find and get information on the traitor that has taken the Northumbrian stronghold of Wulflandt. What he finds is Lady Isabel of Wulflandt is still living in hiding with what is left of her family. Lady Isabel is nothing like Drogo expected. Her people have spread rumors about her as the “Blue Lady” who enchants soldiers and emasculate them to make the Normans fear her. He finds that she is outspoken, but innocent and she reluctantly agrees to his plan to get information on the traitor that has taken the Northumbrian. She has other plans to exact her revenge on de Belleterre and in turn she would be avenging her father. Isabel is strong minded, blunt and challenges Drogo at every turn. The chemistry between this is perfect. The romance between Drogo and Isabel was heartfelt, it’s a slow burn that finally turns into a fiery passion they can no longer deny. I loved the story it has several twist and turns with love and revenge thrown into the plot. I received an ARC copy from Net Galley in exchanged for my honest opinion and review.
It is a few years into the reign of William the conqueror, and Lady Isabel of Wulflandt is still living in hiding with what is left of her family. She still tries to help her people and they in turn have spread rumors about her to make the Normans fear her. Dragon LaForce needs help to get information on the traitor that has taken the Northumbrian stronghold of Wulflandt. Who better than the Blue Lady who is said to enchant soldiers and emasculate them. This is a wonderful historical romance with an unusual story line. I was hooked on the first page, and it kept me reading until 3am because I just had to finish it. Lots if twists and turns. Plenty of excitement and a little hot sex. I loved every page.
If you are looking for a historical romance that is not regency, but still set in England this one may be for you. Strong, interesting characters with very little "simpering".
Lady Isabel of Wulflandt has been hiding since her father’s death, waiting for her chance to avenge him. Unfortunately her plans are interrupted when she is abducted. While I like reading stories in different eras, I had never actually read a book from this one, at least that I can remember. I liked both main characters and enjoyed the book. I recommend. **I voluntarily read and reviewed this book