Rogues, rapscallions, knaves, scoundrels, hellions, scallywags, blackguards, outcasts, and firebrands. They may be villains, but they're irresistible, and sometimes the right hero can steal their hearts and help them mend their wicked ways.
Heiress to her Irish clan, spirited Temair O'Keeffe forsakes her destiny and instead joins a band of woodland outlaws who rob from the rich and give to the poor who've been impoverished by her greedy father. So when a powerful English knight, Sir Ryland de Ware, is sent by the newly crowned King John to form an alliance by wedding Temair, Ryland's first quest is to find his runaway bride. Independent Temair doesn't wish to be found, but she can't abandon her clan to a land-hungry foreigner. So she boldly waylays her bridegroom in the forest and holds him captive, demanding her rightful title as ransom, unaware the irresistible knight intends to earn her trust, steal her heart, and claim her as his prize.
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GLYNNIS CAMPBELL is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling "medieval action-adventure romances," mostly set in Scotland, and a charter member of The Jewels of Historical Romance--12 internationally beloved authors. She has over two dozen books published in eight languages. Glynnis once rocked in an all-girl band called The Pinups on CBS Records, did voiceovers for the MTV animated series, "The Maxx," Diablo and Starcraft videogames, and Star Wars audio adventures, and is married to a rock star. She loves to transport readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well!
Loved this story, which reminded me of Robin Hood, but with a female lead. Loved Ryland de Ware, too. A fabulous, steamy, medieval romance. I loved all 3 books in the Medieval Outlasw series!
This is an action-packed historical romance with some disturbing violence but also strong characters and some steamy scenes. Recommended for fans of the genre and the series.
As a young girl Temair O’Keeffe has been used to the abuse meted out by her father. Temair even knows how to escape from the physical abuse since she has the love of her sister Aillenn and her two wolfhounds. One night when Aillenn comes to Temair she advises her to run far away. Temair begged and pleaded with her sister to come with her but her sister would not budge. When Temair witnesses her sister die; Temair hides in the woods and is befriended by the woodkerns, a band of outlaws. Temair grows up knowing one day she will find justice against her father somehow someway. Unfortunately her father also has a motive of his own wed Temair to an English knight, Ryland de Ware. When Temair and Ryland meet sparks of hatred fly but there is also an even stronger attraction that if they can wade through all the lies and betrayal they will find love. What an amazingly good rollicking adventurous story! I’ve always love the tale of Robin Hood but this one is trussed up and made new by having a female portray the famous outlaw. The story also never slows down and manages to capture my attention holding me spellbound until the very end. The character development is rich with everyone from the main heroine and hero to even the side characters. Yes there were times when the element of surprise works great in the story yet still left me wondering where things were going with the plots twists. Despite my confusion and wanting some more explanation the story wasn’t difficult to understand. Temair is just a wonderful heroine, clever, witty and knows how to use weapons she is one to seriously cheer for. I honestly loved her and yes I will admit it I had a little girl crush on her. Of course Ryland isn’t a slouch either and can hold his against Temair yet also is just a great guy for Temair. So it’s hard to resist falling for him and that I also had little crush on too. After reading this one I look forward to reading the other two in series or more by Ms. Campbell!
A wonderful story! Kept me riveted till the last page loved every single word.
Temair O'Keeffe is witness to her sisters devastating death, after being abused by their despicable father she runs off in the woods with her faithful hounds. Bran and Flann were her family now and the Woodkerns who took her in that fateful day.
For six years they took from the rich and gave to the poor, Temair felt responsible for the people under her fathers rule.... knew the miserable bastard wouldn't miss the few pieces of silver they took. So when Aife came with news from the keep that her father has allied with Sir Ryland de Ware the English king's trusted knight to wed the O'Keefe heiress. Knowing her father's conniving mind he has probably some other woman to pass as his heir, thinking that Temair's dead. Temair needs to devise a plan she can't afford to have the English take what is rightfully hers....until the solution to her problem comes to her literally, her knight ransomed for a Kings purse in gold!
I don't want to give too much away but a cat and mouse game ensues between Temair and Rys, some scorching kisses to get things going, just when they seem to be on even ground trusts are breeched and Temair is off to deal with things on her own.
What an entertaining and engaging story. The story is reminiscent of Robin Hood a female Robin hood which I found different, Temair is unconventional and a strong heroine. I loved Rys he's a man of his word and honorable. I enjoyed their banter and the sexual tension was HOT! Lots of twist and fast paced an enjoyable read. I received an ARC from the author for my unbiased honest opinion.
Witty & evocative adventure reminiscent of Robin Hood.
Vividly reflects the cruelties and dangers of the time, the torment and misguided guilt that manifests from a childhood overshadowed by loss and traumatic abuse and encases and holds your attention through a vibrate chemistry that sparks between the romantic leads, Temair and Ryland. I do love Campbell's books they have this incredible power to instantly zap me into a place and time of her choosing and have me so enraptured in her characters' mindset, emotional musings, insecurities and desires that she keeps me glued from the very first word and Desire's Ransom is an amazing example of these qualities. Temair and Ryland's first encounter is a pure electric delight; all sizzling chemistry, wit, intimate interaction and evocatively teasing banter. With the addition of a magnetic array of characters you can really get your teeth into, admire, be awed by, laugh with, get emotionally entangled with and even be intensely repulsed and sickened by, all added to my enjoyment and swept me along effortlessly. A wonderfully well written adventure story that is brimming with heartache, trauma, loyalty, camaraderie and a deep love fueled by a true meeting of minds, spicy allure and heart wretching revelations. Loved every minute of it; highly recommended!!
On a dark night, young Temair finds out just how dark and dastardly her father is, and when her sister Aileen tells her to run, she has no choice but to do so. The horrors laid out by Connor O'Keefe force her to turn her back on her inheritance and her rightful place as the leader of the O'Keefe clan.
Six years later, Temair has reinvented herself as Lady Gray, leader of the Outlaws. But when they capture Ryland deWare and his knights making a trek to the O'Keefe manor, she discovers he has been promised to the youngest daughter by the English king - the daughter named Temair. As their story continues, she finds herself drawn to Ryland, though she fights her attraction throughout the story. And in the background, her father has even more horrifying plans to keep his power over the clan and the lands.
It's been so long since I've had the time to read one of this author's books, and I'm glad I took a couple of days to spend in the pages. I've missed the magical way she has of telling a Highland story and how quickly I fall in love with the characters. Her women are strong and many times strong-willed, and their tales leave me smiling and looking forward to the next time I have the chance to go on another Scottish adventure.
This emotional yet humorous love story is filled with everything a romantic heart could desire in Glynnis Campbell's captivating book. Raven haired beauty Temair O'Keefe is in hiding for her life, joining a band of caring and honourable outlaws, who keep her safe, alive and her identity secret. Harbouring dangerous secrets, she runs into the devilishly handsome, strong, honest and chivalrous English Knight, Sir Ryland de Ware, sent to Ireland to forge an alliance by marrying the O'Keefe Clann heiress. Though completely loyal to a woman and bride he has never met, Ryland is intoxicated by the outspoken, independent and alluring grey eyed outlaw and she in turn, is drawn to this sexy, charming and smiley hero. And so Temair's tragic story begins to unfold and their love and passion for each other ignites. Glynnis keeps you entertained on every page, and although there is tragedy, there is also humour, emotion, camaraderie, two loyal wolfhounds, endearing characters and more than a sizzle of attraction. With Glynnis' descriptive writing, it is easy to the story conjure colourfully in your mind, wishing it would never end. "He was everything a knight should be and everything a man should be" I absolutely loved it!
This book. I tried so hard to keep updating periodically. One thing I know, I'm hating the O'Keefe chieftan, the next I'm over half way through the book and my weekend with my husband is completely gone.
Temair is a great female protagonist and Ryland is every bit as swoon-worthy as an English knight should be. From the first moment they meet, the chemistry is undeniable. Temair and Ryland match each other in both wits, strength and passion.
And let's not ignore the writing. Campbell has a wonderful skill with the written word. I was amazed. I have only recently started reading from the romance section and I haven't been overly impressed. But this was absolutely beautiful.
I love it. I picked it for a friend to read and I'm so glad she convinced me to read it. Needless to say, I'm looking at her other books.
Well - written Medieval romance (particularly descriptive analogies) depicting a young girl (Temair) abused by her father who runs away following her older sister's suicide to join the Woodland (Robin Hood style) outlaws now known as Gray. Six years later a respected knight, Sir Ryland, comes through with orders from King John to marry Temair, however, no one knows where she is or will admit to her identity. Much is covered in this story between cover-ups, lies, betrayals, aftermath of abuse and suicide, power, greed, lust, power and dominance, all which the main characters must work through to obtain true love and trust. Hot and steamy but it was not dominant in story for Temair, once again, to overcome her evil father and earn her place in the castle....
Temair 's father will use anything and anyone to get what he wants, which includes her sister Aillenn. Who killed herself to get away from him. Temair ran. Lived in the woods for six years, stealing from the English nobleman, her father were paying off for power. Until she learns that her father has made arrangement for her to marry one of them. Sir Ryland de Ware rode into a war between father and daughter. Seeking the bride that he was promised. What do the fates have in store for these two proud people.
Well she has done it again. Another book I found very hard to put down. It was a relatively short read but it had so much in it to keep you turning the page. I very much enjoy the way Ms Campbell portrays her characters and how the story flows over a matter of years. Because the story is short, there isn’t a lot of fillers but there is enough to be able to identify the beautiful setting. When you are finished it leaves you with a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. There are a few sex scenes but this reviewer skipped them as always and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
Temair O'Keeffe's father will do anything to get what he wants including Temair’s sister Ailenn who killed herself to get away from her father. Temair ran away into the woods and befriended the woodkerns a band of outlaws in the woods. Temair learns that her father has arranged for her to marry the English knight Sir Ryland de Ware. At first Temair and Ryland don’t like each other but they soon learn to fall in love. This tale of a female Robin Hood who steals from the rich and gives to the poor and finds love with a knight is an amazing read.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I will admit that this wasn't a book I'd normally pick for myself, so I picked three books and asked a friend to pick one. I'll definitely be reading the other books in the series. I'm not exaggerating when I say I laughed and yelled while reading. The story is well paced and keeps you wanting more (like an excellent dessert).
A spirited outlaw lass with fire in her heart and a bow in her hands, crosses a dashing knight's path and together they live an amazing adventure. This medieval romance was so emotional, so passionate, so thrilling and so humorous that I couldn't put it down for a minute! Glynnis Campbell's pen is exquisite. Surely, one of my top favourite medieval stories!
Unusual setting back to the early centuries. Ahe has run away from her cruel father and heads up her own band of thieves. They rob to give to the poor...like robin hood. Then England sends a lord to marry the daughter. But where is she? Certainly an entertaining book
Thank you for your story's ?Glynnis! I love the time period of your stories! The definition of demanding and cruel parenting unfortunately has not changed throughout history. The description of the country side is unbelievable! Research done well by an author can bring the reader to the time era the story and the process England took Ireland.
Dramatic adventure with a little of everything - violence, humour, and spicy romance. This story is somewhat reminiscent of Robin Hood, and kept my interest right up until the end. Sir Ryland de Ware is what a hero should be: intelligent, noble, and valiant, while Temaire is strong and resourceful.
One of my favourite authors, I read this in one sitting! Full of adventure, humour, loveable characters and romance. This was similar to Robin Hood but reverse in sexes, and the villain being her father. Great read, definitely recommend.
I know few people who end up in the life they expected. To an extent, I think that's how it was with this duo. They had a lot to fight for, but initially it was total opposites! Good story.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great writer and a great unforgettable story. The story was great the characters great and unforgettable. The first page grabbed my attention and I could not stop reading until the last page
Abused by her father, she leaves the castle to live with the local outlaws. They take from the rich and give back to the poor. She dreams of taking control of her father's clan.
I found this to be a most interesting book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It held your interest page after page. Every thing you expect in a book was in this story, Thoroughly written that leaves you wanting more.!
I love this story so much and would highly recommend any of Glynnis’s books because she writes with such passion about her characters and puts passion between the characters!!
Great story! I loved the banter between Temair and Ryland and the move to a deep attraction. This is not your typical young maid being forced to marry the man her father chooses for gain and alliance, yet the theme runs through it. Temair's cruel father was the worst of all, sexually abusing his elder daughter and regularly beating his younger one. I was a little disappointed that there was no confrontation between Temair and her father at the end. I would have liked to see her display her skills and force him to humiliation. Perhaps he could have then escaped with his coffers and met the same end. I also didn't like that Temair and Ryland's relationship seemed stuck in violence. Even the sex scene after marriage was of conflict, long after it should have been resolved and loving. It almost condoned violence in a relationship. For these reasons, I gave it four stars when it could easily have earned five.
When a couple of honorable people try to keep secrets from each other, how can they deceive the other without outright lying? This book is so much fun as the characters stretch their justifications to the limit until (Oops. Spoiler!) I love both the main characters. Temair is a young Robin Hood. With the odd collection of thieves, she robs from the rich and takes care of the poor and downtrodden, even as they plot to overthrow the greedy chieftain. The characters's interactions are delightful and often a bit raunchy. Their not-as-secret-as-they-think growing romance delightfully balances the coarse and at times intense story and the evil and cruel chieftain.
Desire’s Ransom by Glynnis Campbell sweeps you straight into the wild heart of medieval Ireland a world of daring outlaws, forbidden love, and fierce loyalty. Temair O’Keeffe is everything you want in a heroine fiery, fearless, and driven by justice. Her decision to defy her father and become a woodland outlaw gives this story the thrilling pulse of a Robin Hood legend with a sensual twist.
Enter Sir Ryland de Ware the formidable knight sent to claim her hand and her lands. What follows is a fiery clash of wills, wit, and undeniable chemistry. Their cat-and-mouse game through the Irish forests is filled with danger, passion, and just the right touch of humor.
I thought this book was great! It reminded me of The Outlanders tv show and the Reign tv show. I felt like I was in that world! I couldn't put it down for a minute. It's a real page-turner! I can't wait to see what book Glynnis writes next!
A recommendation from @bookbub it was such a wonderful adventurous historical romance. Found the princess humble yet practical while her betrothed a bold character with a balance of decipline & an awareness to ones animal instincts. A good read I enjoyed reading.