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Rhona

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In the year 1091, the Scottish king, Malcolm III, is a thorn in England’s side. He is constantly invading and taking English lands for his own gain. The English king, William II, has had enough. Seeking to bring Malcolm to heel, he demands the capture of his nieces to use as hostages against him.

By the king’s command, Rhona and her cousins are captured and taken south, where they are imprisoned as pawns to be used in a battle between kings.

But Rhona is no milksop. With steel in her heart and fire in her belly, she seeks to escape at every opportunity. A difficult task, when her gaoler is a handsome Norman knight who has no compunction in taking a feisty maiden to task.

Leon has never met a woman like Rhona. Her fiery spirit stirs him like no other and he finds himself falling in love with the passionate, auburn-haired maiden. But can he win her heart? Will she ever be able to love the man who took her captive?

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2017

17 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

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Maryse Dawson

64 books89 followers

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5 stars
22 (44%)
4 stars
18 (36%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
2 stars
4 (8%)
1 star
2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
521 reviews62 followers
June 15, 2017
I enjoyed the first part of this book very much, particularly the fact that it veered away from the more typical story lines in this genre. Rhona and her cousins were strong and admirable women who refused to bend to the will of the men trying to use them as pawns in their political machinations. I'll admit I don't know much about this time period - 1091 and 1092 in England - but there were times things felt a bit muddled up historically.

For example, as the story proceeded I found the attempts to use more historically accurate dialog increasingly irritating. I realize this is often a no win situation for authors of historical fiction, but the dialog was often stilted and confusing rather than evocative of the period.

The second part of the story was less interesting to me, mainly because the central conflict simply disappeared suddenly in a case of confusion between lust and love. I was also expecting considerably more erotic content based on the blurb I received, but in fact there was very little.

All in all a somewhat interesting story with a lackluster relationship between the protagonists. Hopefully when we get to the stories of Rhona's cousins things will heat up a bit more.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
383 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2017
I enjoyed this story set amid the conflict between eleventh century Scotland and England. The characters were well-developed, with three distinct personalities for the three girls who were captured. Rhona is the most obstinate of the three, and earned quite a few punishments from the handsome knight, Leon. I liked her character and Leon's as well. I have no knowledge regarding the historical accuracy of the book, but as it's fictional, I don't care about that. The plot was interesting with several conflicts, the last being the forbidden romance. The book was easy to read, despite the period language. I'm looking forward to book two.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
June 16, 2017
YOU SEEM TO HAVE A KNACK FOR GETTING INTO TROUBLE

The story starts in the year 1091 with two Kings, Malcolm of Scotland, and William Rufus of England, battling on land and control. William will dispatch three of his knights to kidnap and capture the daughters and nieces of Donald, brother to Malcolm to try and gain the upper hand.
Alana alerts her cousin, Rhona, daughter of Donald, that she has seen Normans in the area and while out scouting, they are captured, along with Heather and taken from Scotland to England to be held as political prisoners in the hope of gaining the attention of King Malcolm.

The plot will send Leon, along with his brother, Theodore, and cousin, Jacques, sent by their King William, II to capture the daughters and nieces of Donald, brother to King Malcolm. The girls may be captured, but they don’t go along easily, and Rhona will fight hard, and try anything to escape in route, earning the ire of Leon, and a spanking for her attempts. Even at the castle, she is constantly stirring up trouble, looking for an escape route and causing problems. Maybe King William was too kind to allow these girls freedom of movement in the keep.

You can’t help but love the spunky, ingenuity, determination, grit, and meddle of Rhona. Between her and her two cousins, they hatch some clever plans for escape. What Leon and Rhona never counted on was a hate-love scenario and to develop feelings for each other. Leon proves to be a man of his word, shows his strength and control over Rhona without breaking her spirit. His brawn will make capturing and restraining her easily enough, holding to his word and spanking her, but also proving a tenderness and determination to woo her later on. When they admit their feelings for each other, their new battle will be winning her father over.

“Never is a very final word, Rhona. Mayhap, over time, your father will soften?”

There is chemistry and sparks between Leon and Rhona, even if at first it is hate, it will change. The story is full of angst, anger, dubious consent, with feisty Scottish lasses and dominant Norman Knights. There are several spanking scenes and a couple of intimate scenes. I look forward to the next book in The Moorland Maidens series.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
April 29, 2018
An enjoyable read starting out with a kidnapping and love follows. I enjoyed the struggle the girls give and how Rhona out witted Leon. For a minute I thought it was going to go in to BSM with the spankings but nothing became of that which was great by me. I enjoyed the conflict the two had as well as their romance. There was romance but it moved a little fast, they are kidnapped, something happened, she is back with her parents, they meet again, and they fell in love. There wasn’t a lot of enter action but it was a good story that for the most part held my attention. It isn't all cut and dry there are issues they have to overcome to be together which is intersting.

I thought the narrator was great he brings a lot of emotions to the story. His male and female character voices were pleasant as well as his normal voice. I always knew who was talking and what they were feeling. He made it easy to picture the limb that fell and the scenes that come after it. I thought that was funny and chuckled a few times. There is no repeating of words, no background, I could not tell if any breaks were taken, the volume stayed the same throughout. He gives a great performance that pulls you making you feel each emotion that the characters are feeling.

Rhona is a spit fire not taking the kidnapping laying down, she is always looking for a means to escape as well as giving her kidnapper a run for his money. It was very easy to like her and her spirited ways, as well as fiery attitude. Leon character fits with this time period, do as I say or else. He can be gentle but very strong willed. He doesn’t know just how to take Rhona which leads to some fun reading.

I thought the spanking scenes were a little much with her bare bottom in the air, I am sure they wear some type of underclothing back in that time period. For the most part it was a good listen, interesting and at times pulls you in. I laughed a few times and felt their pain a time or two. All in all it was not a bad listen and I did enjoy it. The story I give a 3.5 moving it up to a 4.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
April 10, 2018
I started this late last night and once started I was not putting it down so let's say 2:30 came really fast. This is the first book by this Author I have read and I know I want to read the next book in this series.Scotch woman Rhona gets kidnapped with two of her cousin, by the Charbonneau brothers who are Norman knights. Rhona being who she is gets into so much trouble that Leon decides to discipline her every time. Their love grows but will they be allowed to be together? A very well-written book, I would recommend this book.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
240 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2017
A short, sweet spanking romance. This story takes place in medieval times and involves couples from both sides of a border disagreement. Although the couples start out as enemies they come to see that you can't choose who you love. Convincing family and friends that their relationships should be allowed, is a whole other process. There are quite a number of spankings and a little humor with an interesting storyline. Choose this book when you're in the mood for a well written, short, sweet romance.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
May 15, 2018
I loved this story. It is true to its timeperiod which shows that the author has made her research and I like that. It is written with heart and passion and that shows in the storyline and plot. I like the characters and how they develop. Nothing is rushed and the spanking gives it a hint of kink that makes it more steamier and hot.
Rhona and Leon are such a great couple and they suit well together. They deny their attraction at first but give in to it and that inspite of their different background.
Keep up this amazing writing style and be true to your characters, Maryse Dawson! Loved it!
Profile Image for Anna.
790 reviews
June 20, 2017
This is a sweet story of Leon and Rhona finding love despite the fact their relationship started by him kidnapping her. But this is not dark. She's feisty. He's protective. They overcame a lot of barriers to be together. This is the first book in a series. It did not end in a cliffhanger, but it will be interesting to see how cousin Heather's story will continue. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Goldienut.
315 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2017
Meet Leon and Rhona. Well a political pawn King Malcolm III nieces are captured by King William II. Rhona is very much a fighter in her own rights and her attempts to escape all are almost stopped by Leon. Leon finds himself taking her in hand more than once. Everywhere that Rhona goes trouble is soon to follow.
70 reviews
July 12, 2017
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first in the Moorland Maidens series and I can’t wait for the sequels! It was well written, entertaining and had good flow. I felt like the character development and plot development were steady and well done. I recommend this story! Another great romance by Maryse Dawson!
16.7k reviews154 followers
April 10, 2018
he is a thorn in the king's side and he demands that his nieces are taken. she is taken, hostage and the sparks fly. he is her guard. will she be able to escape? will they fall for each other? see how this will end, great romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
30 reviews
September 17, 2018
I liked it - it's a straight forward period love story. Love the cover with Rhona and Leon!
My only negative is a scene towards the end that felt tacked on just cause and there was no explanation for it. It felt like the story was going to continue after that to tell us why it happened or who ordered it to happen, but nothing came of it. But other than that it's ok.
225 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2017
I really loved this book, it doesn't miss a beat. There is romance, adventure, a kidnapping, spankings, sex, and a happy ending. This can be read as a standalone. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,850 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2018
Rhona by Maryse Dawson The story is a little sexy (not overdone), has some intrigue. Nice short read. My free opinion ARC. Thanks.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for EvilAntie Jan.
1,590 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2017
A Captive Lovestory

What a great story. Highlander and English lasses. Can hardly wait for the next part. This story sweeps you up with engaging characters.
Profile Image for Suzie.
136 reviews
June 17, 2017
Three beautiful captives make for an entertaining read. I enjoyed this book about Rhona and Leon and am looking forward to Alana and Heather’s stories.
76 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2017
Rhona

A really good book, can't wait for more in this series. I liked Rhona's fiery character I hope this continues throughout following books
Profile Image for Barb VanderWel.
1,819 reviews30 followers
April 11, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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