At a young age, Summer has sacrificed herself for the sake of her family by marrying the evil and abusive Baron Mowbray of Suffolk. A few years after birthing him a son, the baron mysteriously dies, leaving her toddler heir to his estate. The king grants Summer one month to find and marry a man of her choice. But Summer would never consider marrying any relative of her late husband, especially not his domineering nephew.
Sir Warren Mowbray returns from battle to find his uncle has died and with him went the man's promise that Warren would inherit his holdings. Now, to add insult to injury, the king has assigned him as the widow's guardian and advisor while she chooses a husband. Once he arrives at the castle, he discovers Summer is a beautiful, smart, determined woman but with a mind of her own. He plans to woo her, but she wants nothing to do with him. He also has his suspicions that the hated baron might have been murdered - and Summer is the main suspect.
Can a strong, determined woman and a controlling warrior find love between them or will they destroy each other first?
Elizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.
Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:
Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award. Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest
RONE Award finalists include: Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles Tristan - Pirate Lords Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude
Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist: Highland Secrets Forgotten Secrets
International Digital Award finalist: Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude
Golden Palm Finalist: Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme
Raven Awards Best Cover finalist: May Queen - Holiday Knights
Raven Awards Runner-Up: Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales
Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice: Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Sapphire Award Finalist: Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice: Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Seen on the History Channel: The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
And More!
Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:
Below the Salt Series Highland Outcasts Portals of Destiny Legacy of the Blade Daughters of the Dagger Elemental Magick Series Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series MadMan MacKeefe Series Legendary Bastards of the Crown Seasons of Fortitude Secrets of the Heart Second in Command Pirate Lords Highland Chronicles Barons of the Cinque Ports Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme Holiday Knights Dark Encounters Cowboys of the Old West Working Man Series, and more!
Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.
Following the death of her cruel husband, Baron Mowbray, Summer wants very much to choose her next husband. King Edward agrees, if she can do it in a month. He also sends the baron’s nephew, Sir Warren Mowbray, to protect and advise her. The battle of wills that results from this partnership is frustrating for our hero and heroine, and quite entertaining for the reader. In addition to an extremely stubborn hero and heroine, this story contains a conniving aunt, a murder mystery, and a tent city of perspective suitors, a handmaid with a problem, a squire with a rather dry sense of humor, the Ross parents and sisters, and the Legendary Bastards. This story began with a tragic event, but moves quickly to become a tale of life renewed. It definitely holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. There’s a little bit of everything: intrigue, mystery, murder, new beginnings and romance. Another great story written by Elizabeth Rose and brought to life by Brian J. Gill.
Lady Summer Monbray, Baroness of Suffolk, was once again reduced to tears. For the third time, she has lost a child at birth. Thankfully she has her son, Dominick, as heir to her husband’s barony but she has yet to produce the required “spare”, to ensure a successful continuation of the house of Monbray. Lady Summer’s husband, Norbert is both abusive and cruel. This latest tragedy will certainly be perceived as being, in some way, her fault. From the onset, Lord Norbert is someone you just love to hate. His utter disregard for others (especially his wife, Summer) makes him the, almost perfect, scoundrel. Unfortunately, this love affair is short-lived, as Lord Norbert mysteriously dies in his sleep. This leaves Lady free of her nemesis, but once again in danger of being wed to someone of another’s choosing. King Edward gives her a reprieve, of sorts, by giving her the opportunity to choose her own husband. He adds just two stipulations, she must find her heart’s desire within a month, and his best knight, Sir Warren Monbray, her late husband’s nephew, must accompany her as her advisor and protector. The Middle Ages are renowned for chivalry in respect to certain women. Women of birth, rank, and stature were often placed on pedestals. This, however, didn’t save them from being bartered for financial, physical, and/or political gain. This puts ALL women in a vulnerable position. This story is a prime example of this. The author has succeeded in writing a moving tale with an occasional touch of humor. A possible disadvantage in using real historical figures in a novel is that you are bound to facts. As a writer, you are expected to know the facts and time the story to coincide. This author set the story during the reign of King Edward III, of England (1312-1377). His wife, Queen Philippa of Hainault (1314-1369), in fact, died the year before this tale is set; I hardly think they took more than six months before laying her to rest. This oversight is a major mistake for historical sticklers, such as myself.
The love story of Lady Summer and Sir Warren. Summer is marry to the baron who treat her like a slave with one job " to give him children ". After her third miscarriage he died. Now other Mowray come in her life and think he will rule her. Summer state she will have nothing to do with hoor any other Mowbray. Can she win and keep her lands for her son or will love with out? Great story of a tie when love did not come in marriage.
Another "Can't Put It Down Book", by Elizabeth Rose!
I started with The Legendary Bastards of the Crown Series then HAD to follow with Highland Spring. I so enjoyed all 5 of those books. After Highland Spring, I just didn't think the other sisters in the series would be as interesting as Spring's story but I was so wrong. Summer's story was another great book. I so enjoyed it. As usual Ms Rose keeps us posted on how all the prior characters are doing and what's happening in their lives. You will never get bored just want to read more.
I am so looking forward to Autumn's story, Autumn's Touch due out in Sept.
At a young age, Summer has sacrificed herself for the sake of her family by marrying the evil and abusive Baron Mowbray of Suffolk. A few years after birthing him a son, the baron mysteriously dies, leaving her toddler heir to his estate. The king grants Summer one month to find and marry a man of her choice. But Summer would never consider marrying any relative of her late husband, especially not his domineering nephew.
Sir Warren Mowbray returns from battle to find his uncle has died and with him went the man's promise that Warren would inherit his holdings. Now, to add insult to injury, the king has assigned him as the widow's guardian and advisor while the woman chooses a husband. Once he arrives at the castle, he discovers Summer is a beautiful, smart, determined woman but with a mind of her own. He plans to woo her, but she wants nothing to do with him.
Can a strong, determined woman and a controlling warrior find love between them or will they destroy each other first?
My Thoughts:
What starts out as a serious story of an abused bride turns into a delightful mixture of mystery and love with a decidedly comical nature.
Summer chose to marry the baron in the place of another. After all he only wanted a bride to give him sons. After three unsuccessful pregnancies, she has given birth to a stillborn son.
The cruel man states she is to report to his chambers the same night after giving birth to submit to him once again in an effort to again conceive. Summer falls asleep and fails to appear until the next morning. When she goes in search of her young son who had been taken from her by the baron after she gave birth to the stillborn babe she finds her husband dead. He is thought to have died in his sleep until the arrival of his nephew who suspects foul play.
Sir Warren is the baron's nephew who has been assigned the duty of being Summer's guardian by the king. He doesn't immediately suspect that his uncle's death is not just what it seems, but he soon begins to think otherwise.
Can Warren and Summer get past this inauspicious beginning and find love?
This story takes a comical turn when Warren begins to desire Summer and due to stress and a lack of sleep acts on his desire by sleepwalking. Summer constantly finds him in her room and in her bed. Although nothing untoward happens she decides to make him think otherwise by planting a story of love making in the mind of Warren's manservant.
This is a story filled with mystery and the search for a murderer but still has a comical nature.
I liked this book more than I did book #1, Spring's story, Highland Spring.
Both are well written but to me this one was more compelling.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5 flames.
Most of the scenes that could have been really heated turned comical because of our hero's habit of sleepwalking.
I received a complimentary advance digital copy of this book from the author to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Summer was no wilting flower. Yes, she went under the axe for her family, married at 14 to a man to bring peace between the families, but hated her life. Her husband, Baron Mowbray, died suddenly in his sleep. He is a bastard in every sense of the word in his manner toward his wife.
Author Rose depicts well how some women were just commodities in these times. With that moment came Summer’s freedom, but little did she know how to use it! She certainly knew one thing. She didn’t want to be dictated to by a man and with this thought she took over the keep.
The King had already set things in motion for her to remarry. Ugh! She did get him to give her one month to find her own husband. She didn’t want another baron, a man who bedded her over and over, even immediately after a miscarriage. She had several of those. With each one, Baron Mowbray showed her less respect. She became a brood mare without any rights!
When the king sent Mowbray’s nephew to protect her until she married, she baulked at the very idea. No one with the name of Mowbray could be good. Summer has a rather quick tongue much to the reader’s amusement. The narrator does a fine job putting the reader directly in scenes which are highly amusing.
Summer shows her very worse, and becomes quite the wild little thing. It doesn’t put Sir Warren off, however, it only piques his interest and desire for her. He hopes to marry her. She is determined to run her keep, making decisions of her own and dealing with the surfs. We see the mettle and intelligence Summer has.
Sir Warren has a wee bit of a problem he has managed to keep from most people. Only his closet men know. He sleepwalks. This has made him a hero on the battlefield, but here at the keep, he gets himself into a bit of a pickle. Fun stuff!
Funny, ironic events propelled forward by Edna, a disgustingly irritating woman, sister to deceased Baron Mowbray, produce laughable scenes. Narrator Gill portrays this woman well, adding further depth to this character.
There is a bit of a mystery going on which Sir Warren is eager to solve. He doesn’t believe his uncle died naturally. Who did it? Who would gain from his death? There are worthy possible perpetrators. Is anyone within the family also in danger?
I enjoyed the fast-paced narration, produced by Brian J. Gill, being one of my favored narrators with his accents and voice inflexions. The old midwife’s voice and wisdom were high points in the telling, along with Edna, the sister-in-law to Summer. The mystery, the romantic inclination Sir Warren has and Summer’s denial of her inclination and interest in Sir Warren, make for a hilarious, entertaining listen.
Summer's Reign by Elizabeth Rose is a wonderful Historical Romance. While, #2 in her amazinf "Seasons of Fortitude" series, it can be read as a stand along. See, book 1, "Highland Spring".
Summer has sacrificed herself for the sake of her family when she marries the evil and abusive Baron Mowbray of Suffolk. She has a small son, finally, has had several miscarriages, a stillborn and still her evil husband, is not satisfied. After the last stillborn, he's furious, so he plans to kill her, but he mysteriously dies instead. Of course, Summer is under suspicion. ...enter her family to help, the "Bastards of the Crown" triplets and a young Knight to her rescue.
Sir Warren Mowbray, her late husband's nephrew, when he's called from battle by the King, he finds his uncle has died and with him went the man's promise that Warren would inherit his holdings. The King gives Summer thirty days to find a new husband, or he will choose her for her. Love or duty! At first, she doesn't trust nor like Warren, aka War, but as their love blossoms so as does the mystery of Summer's late husband. He was more evil then she even knew.
Well written, with enjoyable characters, who will capture her heart. Summer suffered so much for her family, more than they were even aware. The story flowed seemingly and was well executed, in my humble opinion. The plot was interesting and intriguing, with a bit of mystery, some twists and turns, passion and finding a HEA. I so wanted Summer to find her HEA.
Once again, Elizabeth Rose, has brought her readers an intense story, were it begins tragically, but comes full circle by the end. I was surprised to learn what truly happened to Summer's husband and why. "Summer's Reign" will capture your heart as you watch her grow and find her HEA. Another great read by one of my favorite Historical Romance authors. I can hardly wait for "Autumns' Touch", coming soon. Fantastic read, beautifully written and masterfully executed! Well done, Ms. Rose!!
Rating: 4.5 Heat rating: Mild Reviewed by: April
For your reading pleasure, here's a list of the "Seasons of Fortitude" titles.
"Highland Spring - Book 1 Summer's Reign - Book 2 Autumn's Touch - Book 3 - (Preorder now) Winter's Flame - Book 4 - (soon)
For the most part I enjoyed this story. The character of Rigg added a star rating - brought some lightness to the story and made me laugh many times.
If you are a stickler for time period pieces to be that, you may at times be disappointed. The language at times falls into American modern. It didn't bother me but wanted to bring it to the buyer's attention.
It was heart wrenching in the beginning when we meet the h. What her truly awful husband did to her is sad. But, at times the h came across as a "b". I realize she was just finding her voice so she did grow on me. The H is a different character and I liked him. His story line how he won so many battles was very unique (no spoiler's). That is where the secondary character of Rigg is hysterical.
I read the stories about the King's triplets and was nice seeing them in this story with their sister/cousin. This is a stand alone story. The author does a great job of filling in the back stories so you are not lost.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4-4.5 out of 5. Described only once in full detail, other times, only partial.
We have some nasty character's, rape off page (not the h) so be warned if trigger.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and steam. (ljb)
Summer's Sacrifice is Finally Rewarded. I have wanted to see Summer get her Happy Ever After, ever since she volunteered to marry Baron Mowbray in exchange for her brother Reed's life. After 4 years of misery her husband has unexpectedly died but her freedom will not last long. Unusually for the times, the King has agreed that she can choose her next husband but it must be within the month, or the King himself will arrange her next marriage. Summer is determined that her next husband will not be a cruel tyrant and is not at all happy that the King has appointed her husband's nephew as her protector and advisor. With well developed characters and interesting plot, this is a recommended read. Can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Summer's Reign was a book I read in a boxed set by Elizabeth Rose. It was my favorite read in the set and very worthy of 5 stars. Summer was married young to the older and abusive Baron Mowbray of Suffolk and births him one surviving son. Her husband is found dead one morning in his bed. The king allows Summer to pick her next husband but she must do it within one month and rely on the advisement and protection of Sir Warren Mowbray. Warren happens to be the nephew of the deceased baron. When he arrives, Warren is skeptical of whether his uncle died a natural death. There are several hilarious moments in this book. And Warren has a secret that is discovered by Summer one night. All in all, this was a highly entertaining book with engaging characters, and some not so. I sincerely recommend to anyone looking for a lovely, fun romance set in the Medieval period. Elizabeth Rose excels at this type of tale.
This one had emotional hook right from the first paragraph. Heartbreak from start. But then, Summer's story was full of hardship since her brother Reed's tale. One would think there was nowhere to go but up from here. But, it's rarely that simple or that tidy. Humans with all their emotional baggage are messy, especially in matters of the heart. Oftentimes, they end up creating problems trying to avoid other ones. And the stronger the personality, the more true this seems to be. Summer and Warren are certainly no exception. Don't start reading until you have time to finish. Trust me, you'll be glad. Ms. Rose has outdone herself. Love this series! If I could have given it more than 5 stars, I would've without hesitation. Bring on Autumn, let's see where these sisters go next!
Summer, is the Baroness of Suffolk and has just suffered the tragedy of giving birth to a stillborn son. Her husband is an evil bully and is angry at her for only giving him one son out of four pregnancies. Her husband is found dead in his bed the next morning. Is it natural or murder?. Sir Warren Mowbray is one of King Edward's strongest knights and the nephew of the Baron who has just died. The King has decided that he must protect and advise Summer until she finds a new husband. There is lots of excitement, emotion and mystery in this story, as well as a beautiful but unlikely romance. We meet up with the other family members that have had their own stories in this series. You can easily read this as a stand alone but if you want to read the other books this does include spoilers. I can't wait for the next book. This is a fascinating family. I loved it.
Sir Warren-Nephew of the Baron thought he was to inherit but it would be his 3 yr old cousin would inherit. Summer-after the birthing her stillborn son the abusive Baron/husband dies, no one is sad about that not even her. I enjoyed reading/listening to this fast paced riveting story that is well written with loveable and unforgettable characters. Summer is a woman of fortitude and wants to rise above the life of abusive deceased husband and Sir War A knight trying to figure things out as he falls in love with his deceased uncles wife as he is betrothed to another for an alliance with France and then there is Rigg and Nairnie Wonderful addition with their wittiness and fore-knowledge. Their story has a fairytale like HEA with a just ending for the greedy Aunt. Narrated by Brian J Gill - did another wonderful job telling this story.
This was a good book and an entertaining read. Summer’s story starts out as a tragedy, but she never loses her goodness nor her spirit. Sir Warren has been commanded by King Edward that he accompany Lady Summer back to her castle and be her protector and advisor since she has recently become a widow. He resents having to do it because he claims his grandfather had written a missive stating that Warren was to inherit the castle and all its wealth, only he doesn’t know where to find it. Then he becomes suspicious that his late uncle, Summer’s husband, was murdered. What follows is a lot of hurt, anger, resentment, secrets revealed and a deep desire to find happiness.
Summer sacrificed herself to save her brother by marrying Baron Norbert Mowbray. Since then her life has been nothing but pain and suffering. After two miscarriages and one live birth, she delivers a stillborn son. Her cruel husband orders her to his bed that very night so he can try to impregnate her again.
However, an exhausted Summer falls asleep. When she awakens, she knows she will be punished for disobeying. She hurries to his chamber only to find him dead.
We meet Summer in previous novels, where she volunteered to marry the Baron Mowbray, to save her brother Rook. In this book, we see what a disaster the marriage to such a bombastic man as the Baron was. However, as usual, life changes, and we see Summer widowed, and granted permission to find her own husband. The king has a condition, and will that create further problems for the young lass, as she now has an advisor and protector in the form of her husband's nephew, another Mowbray.
Engaging story line with a mystery thrown in to make it more interesting. A few amusing scenes and scenarios help to make the reader turn the pages. I wasn't sure if I liked the hero or Summer at times, but they grew on me as the story progressed. Some of the back stories (mainly about the triplets) were a tad repetitive, especially if you have read any of the previous books.
I was give an ARC to read and give an honest review.
Summer sacrificed herself so her brother could marry for love. She certainly got the raw end of that deal with her cruel husband. After the tragic loss of yet another child she awakes to discover that her cruel husband is dead. Everyone is a suspect and things get even more intriguing when the King sends the nephew of the dead noble to guard the widow. Does cruelty run in the family? Is the greedy Aunt involved. Whodunnit and can Summer find the love she craves.
I loved this story! Summer finally got the love of her life after years of neglect and abuse. After the death of her husband she is given one month to find a suitable husband or the King will choose for her. She falls in love with the one person she said she would never marry. This story will make you laugh and cry! You will love this book! Thank you Elizabeth Rose for another wonderful book
A lovely romance of the Victorian times. Lady Summer has sacrificed a lot for her family by marriage to someone she didn't really care for. When he unexpectedly dies after a few years, her infant son is now heir. The king decrees that she must remarry, but allows her to choose. At last there is a happily ever after . Amazing author.
Summer is a selfless kind tender hearted woman. She was married to a baron who treated her shamelessly. After the barons mysterious death in the night of delivery of a stillborn son, she convinces the king to give her a month to find herself a new husband before checking arranged a marriage for her. A lot can happen in a month!
In order to save her brother, Summer sacrifices herself, by marrying the abusive and evil Baron Mowbray. One night the Baron mysteriously dies in his sleep. The king grants Summer one month to remarry.
Per the kings orders, the Baron's nephew, Sir Warren, comes home to protect Summer.
A wicked baron and abused wife, who is relieved when the Baron unexpectedly dies. Nice to hear more from the triplets and the family. Enter the hero the nephew of the Baron not quite what the wife wants in her household The romance of the two progress to a happy ending. Look forward to reading more from this author
I actually won an audible copy of this. I normally hate audible. I can always use my imagination and visualize the story better when I read the story myself. This was not the case in this instance. The narrator was excellent and this fantastic story came to life right before my yes. I loved very minute and I’ll definitely be listening to more Audibles, at least Elizabeth Rose’s Audibles.
Did the Baron die in his sleep or did he happen to get murdered? What a fun mystery that was! Also a great love story was woven in to boot! I love Elizabeth's writing.
This is another good book by Elizabeth. I have enjoyed reading her books about the triplets as well the first book of this series. Her characters are interesting and entertaining.
Summer's reign book two.. young Summer got hit with adulthood,marriage and ripped out of a good life. My author Elizabeth has done it again with this amazing story. This story is about sacrifice , hurt, hope and happily ever after.