By royal dictate, Lady Jacqueline, tempestuous Duchess of Wolvarden and tall, dark and dashingly handsome Prince Leopold of Mercia, are to be married, whether they want to or not. Although their first meeting is less than promising, they eventually reach an understanding, but what began as a discharge of duty for Leopold, quickly becomes his most fervent wish. The only obstacle to Leopold's desire seems to be Red Wolf, resident champion knight of Wolvarden. Will the only knight able to defeat Prince Leopold stand in the way of his quest to win his duchesses heart? Meanwhile, danger stalks Wolvarden, and Leopold may find Red Wolf is not the enemy after all.
British born, now Australian, Lilly Rayman writes steamy paranormal romance and hot historical fantasy for Leilani Indie Publishing. In 2014, she won iParchment's best work and most popular work for An Unexpected Bonding. As a wife, mother, and farmer, when she's not writing she's reading or cooking delicious meals from scratch; her kitchen always smells of fresh bread or pizza.
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Lilly has given us a great novel full of adventure, romance, and drama. And a strong heroine. All in a well written medieval castle (or two) and the Court of a greedy king. I love the knights, ladies and conflict. I recommend this novel which I received from StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For a mere second when I started the book I feared that it would be like every other fantasy period story. I feel that I was wrong, and very pleasantly surprised. Rayman brought life to each of her characters and each one was unique and either loved or hated as she saw fit. I was entranced by her air of mystery surrounding the identity of Red a Wolf, though I correctly guessed the identity early on. I found Rayman’s voice to be entertaining, engaging, and humorous. The author left me wanting more. Readers beware of mature content in the story. I look forward to reading more of Rayman’s work.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review via Voracious Readers Only.
Lilly created this unique place in Wolverden, Merica, and Angilo. She snagged me from the first page and I could not put this story down. Creating a beautiful tale with a strong woman leading the helm, it enchanted and enraptured me. I feel like this is going to be a long post on this novel, so sit back, grab some coffee, and snuggle in. It is a five star read for me because of the humor, strength, strong female, and honor amongst those considered family. Jacqueline is the Duchess of Wolverden. She has been given a chance no other woman in this time period has, to run a duchy without a man. Jac, as her friends call her, is not a woman to be trifled with. She is strong, faithful, loyal, and everything you want in a woman. Lilly captured every side of Jac without discrediting Jac's need for being strong and able to support her duchy. The feminine side came out in such subtle ways but it made the story all the more enjoyable. I keep coming back to add things because I loved so much about Jac. She has grit and strength of character that is admirable even in the men who serve her and know her. Leopold is the prince of Merica and betrothed to Jacqueline. He has his own assumptions but Richard tries to assure him to give Jac a chance. His role in this story is one of strength and wisdom. How he speaks to Jac and offers her guidance as well as wisdom will melt your heart. There were times I was laughing by what his judgement clouded to, and other times I was cheering as he stood by Jac's side through it all. Richard and Heather bring some comedic relief in this tale but also friendship and family not bound by blood. Heather is the sister Jac never had but wouldn't live without. Heather has some sass in her and I love watching it come out at the best times in this story. I was smirking and chuckling. Richard did not disappoint either and you can see why the two are in love and married. I will admit period/historical romances are not the norm for me. I don't tend to gravitate to them. That said, I LOVED this one. It was thrilling and exciting with suspense, action, romance, and honor. Writing this review makes me want to read it again. That's how much I enjoyed it. The surprises that came out in this story only made it that much sweeter of a romance. I don't think Lilly could have had it play out any other way and end as magnificently as it did.
*Thank you Voracious Readers and Lilly Rayman for the free copy of this book in exchange with an honest review*
The first thing I want to point out is the way this book was written, that made it a bit difficult for me to read, because I didn't really like it. I understand that we are in an era of knights and dukes and kings and so forth and that the characters are supposed to speak a bit more old-fashioned. That doesn't mean though, that the whole book should be written like that. I am not reading a book that was written in 1600s, I am reading a book written about that time and that's a line that should be clearer.
My favourite character has to be Jacqueline, how so strong-willed and clever she was. Her passion for Wolvarden was really admirable and I believe that she and Leopold make a rather fine match. Apart from them, I really loved Richard and Heather's relationship, they were simply way too cute!
Now, there were some points that I felt were not well written. For example, when Richard is asked to escort Leopold to Wolvarden, he decides on the way that he won't tell Jacqueline that Leopold is her betrothed, so as to give them a chance to know each other. Can you guess what was the first thing Richard told her when they were alone in her study, after they just arrived in Wolvarden? Yes, you guessed correctly, he told her that Leopold and her are to be married. I was like, didn't you just decide not to tell her???
When Jacqueline was captured and we supposedly didn't know who did it, first of all it was pretty obvious it was the Mercian King, because he entertained the thought just a few pages before the kidnapping happened. Also, it was kind of dumb to pay the kidnappers with Mercian gold, because then you'd of course be accused of the kidnapping! I mean, he's a king, he supposedly runs a country, he should know how to do this better!
Lastly, there's a big reveal at the end of the book. Well, it's not that big of a surprise because not so subtle hints are thrown to the reader almost from the moment we meet Jacqueline. After a while, it doesn't even try to hide it from you and I didn't like the fact that the 'secret' was so easily give away by the author.
All in all, "Red Wolf" is an easy read that could do with some altering, but other than that, it's rather enjoyable.
Jac is fierce and independent and Leo is perfect for her. I loved how her loves her warrior spirit, respects her as the Duchess and ruler of the Duchy and her fighting skills without feeling emasculated or needing to dominate her. He is confident enough in his abilities and who he is that he can accept, love and appreciate Jac for who she is. He does take the lead in love making but he has more experience and it wasn't in a controlling way. I was worried about how the Red Wolf revelation would affect his feelings and that it might lead to a must dominate in the bedroom or rescue Jac scenario to prove his manhood But I was delightfully surprised that Jac & Leo remain true to who they are. Jac, the fierce independent warrior rescues herself, Leo the bad ass warrior and secure in his masculinity with nothing to prove kills her kidnapper/would be rapist (that Jac brought him as a gift to make up for rescuing herself haha) , scolds his wife for going off unattended so she could get kidnapped, so Jac punches him in the face then Leo sweeps her over his shoulder off to their room and they declare their love for one another.
Lilly Rayman is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, her novels are always an exciting combination of drama, romance and adventure. Red Wolf is no exception. Leopold, Prince of Mercia is sent to Wolvarden to court the Lady Jacqueline, Duchess of the tiny freehold. Wolvarden is also home to the notorious Red Wolf - a knight of whose identity remains a mystery, yet one so skilled in swordsmanship, none has ever beaten him. Jacqueline is not interested in marriage, knowing that once wed, she will lose control of her duchy, while Leopold presumes his prospective wife to be typical simpering lady of the court. Neither could foresee the strength of their attraction, but just as they stop fighting their hearts, a whole other battle erupts as treachery abounds. The danger lurking, not only threatens Wolvarden, but also the very existence of Red Wolf. This is a magical tale woven around chivalrous knights, murderous intent, royal intrigue and secrets Red Wolf a lively cast of characters, all of whom are beautiful crafted, bringing their medieval world to life. I loved it!
Red Wolf by Lilly Reyman is much more than a romance. There is your standard ordered betrothal but then all bets are off. The Duchess of Wolvarden is a single woman managing a prosperous duchy (gasp, horrors). The Kings of Mercia and Anglio decide that, for this year’s arranged marriage between the kingdoms, it will be Duchess Jacqueline and Prince Leopold of Mercia. It is time that we “marry the chit off to a capable man.” What happens when you have two very strong-willed people, an iron-clad codicil, a greedy monarch, a lecherous prince, and two very powerful warriors? (Not to mention marauders and outlaws.) What you do have is a very well written story that keeps you turning the pages until the end.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Red Wolf has become one of my favorite historical books instantly. I really love kick-ass, strong, and doesn't care about image heroine. Jacqueline is the perfect example!
Leopold, Prince of Mercia was told by his father ,King James,to marry Wolvardern Duchess, Jacqueline. They both didn't agree at first, but after series encounters, Leopold found himself flling in love with her. Jacqueline, on the other hand, fought so hard not to lose her heart to the Mercian Prince.
I really love Leopold's and Jac's bathing scene. I found it so cute and romantic😂😂
I received a copy of this book through Story Origin in exchange for an honest review. Lady Jacqueline - a very strong willed lady who won't allow herself to be bullied into a marriage she doesn't think she wants. Prince Leopold of Mercia who is the guy who falls in love with her and fights for her love . The setting of this story is intriguing as I love everything medieval. I love strong characters who don't let anything stand in their way and I am fascinated in the way Lilly pulled everything together to make this story so fascinating. I love Lilly as an author and she has fast moved to the top of my favorite author list.
For a historical story I found this very interesting, the strength of the main character showed through from the beginning. For her to remain so strong with everything so against her showed in her love by her people and the way in how her new love came to be. Sweetly deceiving at times but a great read. I am enjoying this authors work thoroughly.
This is one of the most intriguing books I’ve read this year, partly because I love a strong female heroine and a man who loves her and is unthreatened by her prowess. Highly recommended.
A book to be read and recommended! It was my first experience with the author but not the last for sure. I enjoyed every minute of it! Lilly you have a new fan!