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So Speaks the Heart
Born a wealthy French heiress but betrayed into bondage, Brigitte de Louroux swears she will never be any man's slave. Rugged and powerful Rowland of Montville sees only a beautiful enchantress in peasant's rags--a wench to serve his every need. Defenseless against his unbridled passions, Brigitte is forced to yield her innocence to the desires the warrior lord arouses in her heart. But her surrender will vanquish the handsome knight--awakening within him a love as mighty and relentless as his conquering sword.
358 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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2811 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Lindsey
151 books7,275 followersJohanna Helen Howard was born on March 10, 1952 in Germany, where her father, Edwin Dennis Howard, a soldier in the U.S. Army was stationed. The family moved about a great deal when she was young. Her father always dreamed of retiring to Hawaii, and after he passed away in 1964 Johanna and her mother settled there to honor him.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
In 1970, when she was still in school, she married Ralph Lindsey, becoming a young housewife. The marriage had three children; Alfred, Joseph and Garret, who already have made her a grandmother. After her husband's death, Johanna moved to Maine, New England, to stay near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride in 1977 "on a whim", and the book was a success. By 2006, with over 58 Million copies of her books have been sold worldwide, with translations appearing in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the world's most popular authors of historical romance.
Johanna's books span the various eras of history, including books set in the Middle Ages, the American "Old West" and the popular Regency England-Scotland. She has even written a few sci-fi romances. By far the most popular among her books are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey died on Oct. 27, 2019 in Nashua, N.H. She was 67.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
March 15, 2021
As another reviewer mentioned, it's fair to compare "So Speaks the Heart," aka "Medieval Norman Psychopath Meets French Co-Dependent" to another of Johanna Lindsey's works, "A Pirate's Love" which had a similar captor/captive trope. But this book is way better than the latter because: A) this heroine is not a spineless jellyfish, fights back, and is strong in her own way and 2) The hero is more than just a good-looking rapist who eventually falls in love with the woman he's been tormenting. Ok, he's as deep as a crack in the sidewalk and yeah, he's still a bully and a douche. But his background is fleshed out a bit so we understand why he's such an asshole, so I can forgive this knighted hunk for his caveman behavior. Plus the heroine is spunkier, but not in a too-fiesty-she's-annoying-way, but giving as good as she gets to a hero who is a thick-headed stubborn block of wood.
After his life is saved in battle, Sir Rowland de Montfort vows to repay his savior by visiting the guy's sister's castle and making sure all is well with her. What happens instead is that Rowland is tricked by the avaricious relatives into believing Lady Brigitte is really a trouble-causing serf. Rather than listen to reason the dude is dead set against hearing anything the filthy peasant has to say. Rowland is a crazy character and would be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. He goes from spouting things like this:
“On the contrary. I know a woman can have sweet words when she wants something, and that otherwise, she is a bitch. No, I want no wife nagging at me. I would sooner rot in hell than marry.”
and
“'You have no rights at all.' He was cold again, the laughing lights gone from his eyes. 'Let us be clear, girl. You speak to no one without permission...'"
To nice:
"He brought his hand up and caressed her cheek with his fingers. 'For you I will change.'
There was a long, surprised pause, and then she asked, 'Why?'
'To see you smile more often.'”
To back to crazy, this time rapey and violent:
"Before Brigitte could find the words to plead with him, Rowland’s belt descended on her back. She gasped and cried out."
He's insane and all over the place, but for some reason, it works for me. Rowland refuses to believe Brigitte is who she claims she is because he'd rather believe he's just raping a serf girl rather than abusing the sister of the man who saved his life.
“'I do not ever want to hurt you!' he said furiously. 'You force me to it!'
'Oh, of course, milord,' she said, just as furiously. 'I am the cause of all my pain. I even beat myself.' He stepped toward her menacingly, but she stood her ground. 'What? Am I going to beat myself again, milord?'
'You are awfully saucy for a wench who has just been beaten.' He frowned. Her eyes grew larger.
'Norman bastard! If I were a man I would kill you!'”
Rowland's not the only one who catches Brigitte's ire. When catty ladies call Brigitte a bitch, she gives it right back:
Brigitte laughed humorlessly. “Well, perhaps a bitch is what I am, but of the two of us, you are the whore. I have heard the gossip about you, and surely Rowland has, too.”
Rowland denies to himself how cruel he was to Brigitte, but in the end, he realizes what a jerk he was, and tries to become a changed man because he realizes he's finally in love.
“'What do you want to hear from me? That I could not bear to see you go? That if you are not near me I feel as if a part of myself is gone? I am a man of war, Brigitte. I know nothing of tender words. So do not expect them from me.'
'You just said them, Rowland,' she whispered softly."
If this kind of stuff melts your twisted heart, regardless of how dickish the hero's been, then you might like this un-PC old school "romance":
"But there was a rage in him that fought to be released, the rage of a little boy begging for love, the rage of a little boy beaten, scorned, humiliated cruelly. All of it, his rage reminded him, need not have been."
I'm twisted. And have bad taste, so I like this sort of thing.
4 stars
After his life is saved in battle, Sir Rowland de Montfort vows to repay his savior by visiting the guy's sister's castle and making sure all is well with her. What happens instead is that Rowland is tricked by the avaricious relatives into believing Lady Brigitte is really a trouble-causing serf. Rather than listen to reason the dude is dead set against hearing anything the filthy peasant has to say. Rowland is a crazy character and would be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. He goes from spouting things like this:
“On the contrary. I know a woman can have sweet words when she wants something, and that otherwise, she is a bitch. No, I want no wife nagging at me. I would sooner rot in hell than marry.”
and
“'You have no rights at all.' He was cold again, the laughing lights gone from his eyes. 'Let us be clear, girl. You speak to no one without permission...'"
To nice:
"He brought his hand up and caressed her cheek with his fingers. 'For you I will change.'
There was a long, surprised pause, and then she asked, 'Why?'
'To see you smile more often.'”
To back to crazy, this time rapey and violent:
"Before Brigitte could find the words to plead with him, Rowland’s belt descended on her back. She gasped and cried out."
He's insane and all over the place, but for some reason, it works for me. Rowland refuses to believe Brigitte is who she claims she is because he'd rather believe he's just raping a serf girl rather than abusing the sister of the man who saved his life.
“'I do not ever want to hurt you!' he said furiously. 'You force me to it!'
'Oh, of course, milord,' she said, just as furiously. 'I am the cause of all my pain. I even beat myself.' He stepped toward her menacingly, but she stood her ground. 'What? Am I going to beat myself again, milord?'
'You are awfully saucy for a wench who has just been beaten.' He frowned. Her eyes grew larger.
'Norman bastard! If I were a man I would kill you!'”
Rowland's not the only one who catches Brigitte's ire. When catty ladies call Brigitte a bitch, she gives it right back:
Brigitte laughed humorlessly. “Well, perhaps a bitch is what I am, but of the two of us, you are the whore. I have heard the gossip about you, and surely Rowland has, too.”
Rowland denies to himself how cruel he was to Brigitte, but in the end, he realizes what a jerk he was, and tries to become a changed man because he realizes he's finally in love.
“'What do you want to hear from me? That I could not bear to see you go? That if you are not near me I feel as if a part of myself is gone? I am a man of war, Brigitte. I know nothing of tender words. So do not expect them from me.'
'You just said them, Rowland,' she whispered softly."
If this kind of stuff melts your twisted heart, regardless of how dickish the hero's been, then you might like this un-PC old school "romance":
"But there was a rage in him that fought to be released, the rage of a little boy begging for love, the rage of a little boy beaten, scorned, humiliated cruelly. All of it, his rage reminded him, need not have been."
I'm twisted. And have bad taste, so I like this sort of thing.
4 stars
July 25, 2013
This seems to be a love it/hate it type of book. I loved it! Rowland had a vulnerability that sets him apart from the typical bodice-ripper alpha.
***Spoilers****
He does rape her once, but it's not brutal or described in detail. He doesn't intend to hurt her, he just thinks it is his right since she's supposedly his slave. Right? No, of course not, but in historical context it is accurate. He believed she was his property and he intended to look after her and protect her. He didn't really understand what her problem was with yielding to him, which was kinda funny at times. After the initial rape, though, he decides he wants to see her smile at him and doesn't want to have to force her. So, he tries to be more gentle and patient with her. He courts her even though he believes she's just a servant. I found it endearing because Rowland was basically a brute who had never been to court or had much experience with "ladies". He was really out of his depth and so dense at times.
There was one scene where she steals a horse & runs away and he finds her and strikes her twice with his belt before realizing he can't stand to hurt her. Normally that would really bother me, but I can see where he was conflicted. He warned her that was what would happen and any other slave would have probably been stripped and flogged without question. Again, historical context. I do not feel Brigitte was actually hurt. She was afraid, appalled, and not used to such treatment, but she didn't have scars, marks, etc. Rowland is even accused by his nasty stepmother of coddling Brigitte, because it is obvious she's unharmed and he's more concerned with assuring her everything is okay and she is safe/forgiven than punishing her for stealing a horse (apparently a death worthy offense).
At some point he begins to suspect that she really is the lady she claims to be, but doesn't want to face that fact. He evens breaks a promise to her to checkout her claim, because he knows deep down she's telling the truth and he is afraid to lose her (just as his father is afraid the truth of his birth will make him lose Rowland). I was able to forgive Rowland his deception because he had never known any love or tenderness and was so afraid of losing her. He did make a lot of stupid moves because he was used to using brute force and taking what he wanted. He also did not believe that a lady would want him, so it was safer for him to live in denial with Brigitte as a 'slave'. However, I think if it had never come out that she was a lady, he would have lived happily faithful with her for the rest of his life anyway. He didn't need her to be a lady to love her or find her acceptable. I believe he would have ended up marrying her one way or the other.
***Spoilers****
He does rape her once, but it's not brutal or described in detail. He doesn't intend to hurt her, he just thinks it is his right since she's supposedly his slave. Right? No, of course not, but in historical context it is accurate. He believed she was his property and he intended to look after her and protect her. He didn't really understand what her problem was with yielding to him, which was kinda funny at times. After the initial rape, though, he decides he wants to see her smile at him and doesn't want to have to force her. So, he tries to be more gentle and patient with her. He courts her even though he believes she's just a servant. I found it endearing because Rowland was basically a brute who had never been to court or had much experience with "ladies". He was really out of his depth and so dense at times.
There was one scene where she steals a horse & runs away and he finds her and strikes her twice with his belt before realizing he can't stand to hurt her. Normally that would really bother me, but I can see where he was conflicted. He warned her that was what would happen and any other slave would have probably been stripped and flogged without question. Again, historical context. I do not feel Brigitte was actually hurt. She was afraid, appalled, and not used to such treatment, but she didn't have scars, marks, etc. Rowland is even accused by his nasty stepmother of coddling Brigitte, because it is obvious she's unharmed and he's more concerned with assuring her everything is okay and she is safe/forgiven than punishing her for stealing a horse (apparently a death worthy offense).
At some point he begins to suspect that she really is the lady she claims to be, but doesn't want to face that fact. He evens breaks a promise to her to checkout her claim, because he knows deep down she's telling the truth and he is afraid to lose her (just as his father is afraid the truth of his birth will make him lose Rowland). I was able to forgive Rowland his deception because he had never known any love or tenderness and was so afraid of losing her. He did make a lot of stupid moves because he was used to using brute force and taking what he wanted. He also did not believe that a lady would want him, so it was safer for him to live in denial with Brigitte as a 'slave'. However, I think if it had never come out that she was a lady, he would have lived happily faithful with her for the rest of his life anyway. He didn't need her to be a lady to love her or find her acceptable. I believe he would have ended up marrying her one way or the other.
October 18, 2022
"So Speaks the Heart" is the story of Brigitte and Rowland.
Be-warned: This is a bodice ripper.
The meh and negatives:
The book begins and we are introduced to our h who is being forced into servitude and captivity by her evil aunt :- whipped, shamed, slapped, and almost married off to an old perv. They believe her brother is dead, and hence the dipshit aunt has taken over her guardianship. When she is unexpectedly found in a compromising position with the hero, who BTW was about to rape her when she was bruised and passed out, and he was mad drunk- her fcktard of an aunt foists her off onto the knight to get rid of her. He then takes her away as his serf, then takes her virginity, but soon starts developing feelings for her. But does that stop him from taking his belt to her when she runs away? Nope. Also he does not believe her claims.
The redemption:
There's a LOT of violence in this book tbh. The hero grew up in it, suffering through his share of beatings- so that's all he knows when threatened. But we also see a softer side of his emerge with the h. The heroine is as expected- obstinate, passionate yet impulsive. She and the hero make a dysfunctional pair in this unusual love story. There are a lot of chase sequences in the book between the h and H, who cannot let go.
The discoveries:
While the h tries to prove her identity, the hero ends up finding his in a bittersweet reunion too.
The pinnacle:
The best thing about this book is the amazing dog Wolff- who is loyal, brave and ruthless.
The conclusion:
Despite everything, the book undergoes a drastic change in the second half, for the better. The hero turns into this obsessed, kind giant- the heroine into a forgiving, brave lass. The angst and heartbreak is real, and the couple rely on each other to get through the trials. Then their comes a time when lies a revealed, and choices are made- but the separation leads to a dramatic, but so insanely sweet HEA.
I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Safe
4/5
Be-warned: This is a bodice ripper.
The meh and negatives:
The book begins and we are introduced to our h who is being forced into servitude and captivity by her evil aunt :- whipped, shamed, slapped, and almost married off to an old perv. They believe her brother is dead, and hence the dipshit aunt has taken over her guardianship. When she is unexpectedly found in a compromising position with the hero, who BTW was about to rape her when she was bruised and passed out, and he was mad drunk- her fcktard of an aunt foists her off onto the knight to get rid of her. He then takes her away as his serf, then takes her virginity, but soon starts developing feelings for her. But does that stop him from taking his belt to her when she runs away? Nope. Also he does not believe her claims.
The redemption:
There's a LOT of violence in this book tbh. The hero grew up in it, suffering through his share of beatings- so that's all he knows when threatened. But we also see a softer side of his emerge with the h. The heroine is as expected- obstinate, passionate yet impulsive. She and the hero make a dysfunctional pair in this unusual love story. There are a lot of chase sequences in the book between the h and H, who cannot let go.
The discoveries:
While the h tries to prove her identity, the hero ends up finding his in a bittersweet reunion too.
The pinnacle:
The best thing about this book is the amazing dog Wolff- who is loyal, brave and ruthless.
The conclusion:
Despite everything, the book undergoes a drastic change in the second half, for the better. The hero turns into this obsessed, kind giant- the heroine into a forgiving, brave lass. The angst and heartbreak is real, and the couple rely on each other to get through the trials. Then their comes a time when lies a revealed, and choices are made- but the separation leads to a dramatic, but so insanely sweet HEA.
I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Safe
4/5
August 2, 2019
The blistering Epic Love-Tale about the hardened and fear-less Warrior Rowland of Montville who will mistake the Golden-haired and stubborn Lady Brigitte of Louroux for a slave, and he will take her away on a unforgettable journey where they both will find the rapture in falling irrevocably in love with each other.
Johanna Lindsey writes in a addictive way of her own where she drowns you into the historical medieval world and simply enchants you with her intriguing characters.Plot is simply amazing with it`s intrigue of hidden secrets that presents you to a shocking twist you could never imagine, ferocious rivals willing to stab your back at any minute, bitter and disgusting family members that has hurt our hero and heroine,final intense battle at the end...and the romance between Rowland and Brigitte was Oh So simply severe and sincere. They are both characters to die for and i simply rooted for their love that are also based on so many misunderstandings..and in the end they will give up their pride for it, as they simply know they can`t live without each other.
Knowing that he didn`t start out right with her,Rowland decides to woo her and it was a beautiful journey to watch. He craved her attention and acceptance of him-AND he was willing to change for her-this hardened man with a black heart..but ah how i love it! This is romance after all.!
The ending made me cry of improbable happiness...!!!
His voice was tender.
"But you are my stubborn witch. Mine!" He held her very close to him. "And they are mine, a boy and a girl, two jewels from my little jewel. What a wonder you are! And how I love you, lady. Oh, God, how I love you! I will never let you go."
-Rowland to Brigitte
Johanna Lindsey writes in a addictive way of her own where she drowns you into the historical medieval world and simply enchants you with her intriguing characters.Plot is simply amazing with it`s intrigue of hidden secrets that presents you to a shocking twist you could never imagine, ferocious rivals willing to stab your back at any minute, bitter and disgusting family members that has hurt our hero and heroine,final intense battle at the end...and the romance between Rowland and Brigitte was Oh So simply severe and sincere. They are both characters to die for and i simply rooted for their love that are also based on so many misunderstandings..and in the end they will give up their pride for it, as they simply know they can`t live without each other.
Knowing that he didn`t start out right with her,Rowland decides to woo her and it was a beautiful journey to watch. He craved her attention and acceptance of him-AND he was willing to change for her-this hardened man with a black heart..but ah how i love it! This is romance after all.!
The ending made me cry of improbable happiness...!!!
His voice was tender.
"But you are my stubborn witch. Mine!" He held her very close to him. "And they are mine, a boy and a girl, two jewels from my little jewel. What a wonder you are! And how I love you, lady. Oh, God, how I love you! I will never let you go."
-Rowland to Brigitte
December 5, 2020
#RetoRita4 #RitaFabio
1 Estrellita y vaya truñazo. Hace años me planté y dije que no volvía a leer a Johanna Lindsey, pero el #RetoRita4, otro de Goodreads y que tenía mi madre éste libro, hizo que me animara a darle la oportunidad. ¡En qué momento!
Si algo no me ha gustado nunca de ésta escritora es que no evolucionó. Daba igual en qué época escribiera el libro y la época histórica. Sus libros son malos, y punto. Tramas llenas de clichés, brutalidad a mansalva, violaciones y maltrato por todos lados, y luego hay personajes tan malos, mentirosos y sibilinos, que directamente no puedes creerte el libro.
Será cosa mía y a lo mejor he dado con los peores libros que escribió ésta mujer (que en paz descanse), pero sus obras no son para mí.
"Así habla el corazón" es una de sus primeras obras, una "joyita" ochentera con todos los clichés despreciables que podías encontrar en la novela romántica en esos tiempos. Lo cierto es que esta novela me ha recordado a "El lobo y la paloma" de Kathleen Woodiwiss, otra "joya" del género que también se ganó una estrella nada más.
Éste libro ocurre en la Francia de finales del siglo X. El protagonista, Rowland de Montville es el hijo bastardo de un barón normando, despreciado y maltratado toda la vida por su madrastra y hermanastras. Rowland es un hombre rudo, machista y cruel que ha vivido siempre odiando a las mujeres por la vida que le dieron sus más cercanas, y sólo las quiere cuando las busca para satisfacer sus apetitos.
Brigitte de Louroux es hija y hermanastra de un barón francés, la pequeña y mimada de la familia, pero el barón hace tiempo que murió y Brigitte está bajo la tutela de su hermanastro Quintin, pero acaba de llegarles la noticia de que éste ha fallecido. El problema de Brigitte en éste momento, es que la tía de su hermano, Druoda, se ha presentado en el castillo y se ha autoproclamado ama del mismo, en ausencia de Quintin, y espera hacerse con la tutela de Brigitte para desposarla con el primero que venga y quitársela de en medio.
Un día, Rowland es salvado por un francés que resulta herido por él, y durante su convalecencia le ruega que le haga el favor de ir a su castillo e informar a su hermana de que está vivo.
Así es como Rowland y Brigitte se conocerán, con toda la suerte de infortunios que podamos imaginar. La trama es tan tonta y enrevesada, que Druoda inventará una serie de mentiras hacia Rowland para deshacerse de Brigitte, y el muchachote es tan idiota de creérselo, de tomar a Brigitte por una sierva y tratarla como tal durante todo el libro.
Ya de por sí el libro empieza mal, porque no me gustan las tramas donde hay engaños, mentiras y encima los protagonistas sean tan estúpidos de creérlas, y lo que es peor, al ser un libro que tiene más de treinta años, está lleno de crueldades y maltrato, y no pienso justificarlo, se haya escrito en la época que se haya escrito. No me gustan los maltratos, ni las violaciones ni los malentendidos.
El libro es un rollo patatero que no deja mucho a la imaginación salvo cabrearse leyéndolo, un culebrón lleno de clichés y cursilerías al que la traducción le ha hecho un flaco favor.
Ésta vez de verdad creo que he acabado con Johanna Lindsey. Quizás el problema es mío, pero nunca le he visto el qué a ésta mujer ni el furor que despiertan sus libros. No lo recomiendo para nada, salvo si os veis obligadas a leerlo y perder un par de tardes, por suerte es corto y no hay que sufrirlo mucho.
1 Estrellita y vaya truñazo. Hace años me planté y dije que no volvía a leer a Johanna Lindsey, pero el #RetoRita4, otro de Goodreads y que tenía mi madre éste libro, hizo que me animara a darle la oportunidad. ¡En qué momento!
Si algo no me ha gustado nunca de ésta escritora es que no evolucionó. Daba igual en qué época escribiera el libro y la época histórica. Sus libros son malos, y punto. Tramas llenas de clichés, brutalidad a mansalva, violaciones y maltrato por todos lados, y luego hay personajes tan malos, mentirosos y sibilinos, que directamente no puedes creerte el libro.
Será cosa mía y a lo mejor he dado con los peores libros que escribió ésta mujer (que en paz descanse), pero sus obras no son para mí.
"Así habla el corazón" es una de sus primeras obras, una "joyita" ochentera con todos los clichés despreciables que podías encontrar en la novela romántica en esos tiempos. Lo cierto es que esta novela me ha recordado a "El lobo y la paloma" de Kathleen Woodiwiss, otra "joya" del género que también se ganó una estrella nada más.
Éste libro ocurre en la Francia de finales del siglo X. El protagonista, Rowland de Montville es el hijo bastardo de un barón normando, despreciado y maltratado toda la vida por su madrastra y hermanastras. Rowland es un hombre rudo, machista y cruel que ha vivido siempre odiando a las mujeres por la vida que le dieron sus más cercanas, y sólo las quiere cuando las busca para satisfacer sus apetitos.
Brigitte de Louroux es hija y hermanastra de un barón francés, la pequeña y mimada de la familia, pero el barón hace tiempo que murió y Brigitte está bajo la tutela de su hermanastro Quintin, pero acaba de llegarles la noticia de que éste ha fallecido. El problema de Brigitte en éste momento, es que la tía de su hermano, Druoda, se ha presentado en el castillo y se ha autoproclamado ama del mismo, en ausencia de Quintin, y espera hacerse con la tutela de Brigitte para desposarla con el primero que venga y quitársela de en medio.
Un día, Rowland es salvado por un francés que resulta herido por él, y durante su convalecencia le ruega que le haga el favor de ir a su castillo e informar a su hermana de que está vivo.
Así es como Rowland y Brigitte se conocerán, con toda la suerte de infortunios que podamos imaginar. La trama es tan tonta y enrevesada, que Druoda inventará una serie de mentiras hacia Rowland para deshacerse de Brigitte, y el muchachote es tan idiota de creérselo, de tomar a Brigitte por una sierva y tratarla como tal durante todo el libro.
Ya de por sí el libro empieza mal, porque no me gustan las tramas donde hay engaños, mentiras y encima los protagonistas sean tan estúpidos de creérlas, y lo que es peor, al ser un libro que tiene más de treinta años, está lleno de crueldades y maltrato, y no pienso justificarlo, se haya escrito en la época que se haya escrito. No me gustan los maltratos, ni las violaciones ni los malentendidos.
El libro es un rollo patatero que no deja mucho a la imaginación salvo cabrearse leyéndolo, un culebrón lleno de clichés y cursilerías al que la traducción le ha hecho un flaco favor.
Ésta vez de verdad creo que he acabado con Johanna Lindsey. Quizás el problema es mío, pero nunca le he visto el qué a ésta mujer ni el furor que despiertan sus libros. No lo recomiendo para nada, salvo si os veis obligadas a leerlo y perder un par de tardes, por suerte es corto y no hay que sufrirlo mucho.
July 28, 2022
re-read 2021 - 5 ⭐️ and still one of my favs from Johanna Lindsey, THE Queen of epic bodice ripper romance. I love that none of her books have any sort of cheating in them.
No cheating
Bodice rapey- not pc.
No cheating
Bodice rapey- not pc.
September 4, 2025
Книгата е самостоятелна и не е част от поредица. Това е от най-първите романи на авторката и е по-различен от поредицата Семейство Малъри-Андерсон.
Действието се развива 972 г. във Франция, когато времената са били сурови и е имало постоянни интриги и битки. Бриджит е многострадална героиня, подложена на тормоз и насилие не само от своите близки, но и от мъжа, който я отвежда като слугиня в своя замък. Ролан не ѝ вярва, че е благородна дама и благоволи да я изнасили по пътя. Той даже не забеляза, че са я били с камшик, а на самата дама все едно нищо ѝ нямаше. Раняваха този чуден воин тежко и нееднократно, но той винаги оздравяваше чудодейно. Самата Бриджит се влюбва в него и забравя, че искаше да говори с графа, който може да я отърве от насилника и да я върне у дома.
Цялата книга е едно унижение и физически тормоз към една жена, нарочена за слугиня. Взаимоотношенията бяха наивни и дразнещи, а героите - контрастни и схематично описани.
Сюжетът имаше потенциал да се превърне в нещо интересно и приключенско, но книгата е написана по начин, който не харесвам вече. Жената е представена като наивна, слаба, беззащитна, податлива, унизена и мачкана от всички, включително от любимия и от брат ѝ накрая.
Според мен това се е търсело през 80-те години - да има повече интриги и драми, отколкото романтични взаимоотношения.
Действието се развива 972 г. във Франция, когато времената са били сурови и е имало постоянни интриги и битки. Бриджит е многострадална героиня, подложена на тормоз и насилие не само от своите близки, но и от мъжа, който я отвежда като слугиня в своя замък. Ролан не ѝ вярва, че е благородна дама и благоволи да я изнасили по пътя. Той даже не забеляза, че са я били с камшик, а на самата дама все едно нищо ѝ нямаше. Раняваха този чуден воин тежко и нееднократно, но той винаги оздравяваше чудодейно. Самата Бриджит се влюбва в него и забравя, че искаше да говори с графа, който може да я отърве от насилника и да я върне у дома.
Цялата книга е едно унижение и физически тормоз към една жена, нарочена за слугиня. Взаимоотношенията бяха наивни и дразнещи, а героите - контрастни и схематично описани.
Сюжетът имаше потенциал да се превърне в нещо интересно и приключенско, но книгата е написана по начин, който не харесвам вече. Жената е представена като наивна, слаба, беззащитна, податлива, унизена и мачкана от всички, включително от любимия и от брат ѝ накрая.
Според мен това се е търсело през 80-те години - да има повече интриги и драми, отколкото романтични взаимоотношения.
April 25, 2017
One of my least favorite of JL’s oldies, I still consider it just okay.
Brigette is forced to live as a scullery because her half brothers Aunt who has come to live in their household while her brother is away at war, has convinced everyone that is where she belongs.
Practically living as a captive in her own home, the French heiress has little recourse but to attempt to run.
When Rowland of Mountville happens upon what he believes is a peasant girl on his path to repay a debt to a gentleman who saved his life, he does as he’s always done- what he was raised to do. Take what he wants and damn the consequences.
Forced together because of lies and an unfortunate incident exacerbated by her Aunt's lies, Rowland stubbornly refuses to believe she is anything more than what she appears to be.
Because of love she begins to feel for him, she will overlook that...until she finds he’s lying to her as well.
Okay, this one’s a toughie. Rowland was raised by a brutish father, so he’s a bit of brute to at the beginning of the story, though his sense of justice shines through even all that. The beginning of their relationship is fraught with misunderstanding and one would say he forced her thru their first time together, but mostly because both were out of the minds- one with drink and one with pain.
She definitely changes him and her determination to keep her nobility even when everyone tries to make her into something else, endears her to the reader. And even though Rowland stubbornly refused to believe her, I *almost* forgave him, because he did it out of fear of losing her. *almost*
The slight twist at the end concerning Rowland made me want another story from this family, altho I don’t think JL ever went there. (Maybe I’m wrong?)
Still, meh. I don’t think I ever have to re-read it again. (I did it mostly because I hadn’t remembered it. Now I will.)
Brigette is forced to live as a scullery because her half brothers Aunt who has come to live in their household while her brother is away at war, has convinced everyone that is where she belongs.
Practically living as a captive in her own home, the French heiress has little recourse but to attempt to run.
When Rowland of Mountville happens upon what he believes is a peasant girl on his path to repay a debt to a gentleman who saved his life, he does as he’s always done- what he was raised to do. Take what he wants and damn the consequences.
Forced together because of lies and an unfortunate incident exacerbated by her Aunt's lies, Rowland stubbornly refuses to believe she is anything more than what she appears to be.
Because of love she begins to feel for him, she will overlook that...until she finds he’s lying to her as well.
Okay, this one’s a toughie. Rowland was raised by a brutish father, so he’s a bit of brute to at the beginning of the story, though his sense of justice shines through even all that. The beginning of their relationship is fraught with misunderstanding and one would say he forced her thru their first time together, but mostly because both were out of the minds- one with drink and one with pain.
She definitely changes him and her determination to keep her nobility even when everyone tries to make her into something else, endears her to the reader. And even though Rowland stubbornly refused to believe her, I *almost* forgave him, because he did it out of fear of losing her. *almost*
The slight twist at the end concerning Rowland made me want another story from this family, altho I don’t think JL ever went there. (Maybe I’m wrong?)
Still, meh. I don’t think I ever have to re-read it again. (I did it mostly because I hadn’t remembered it. Now I will.)
December 6, 2020
#retorita4 #ritafabio #asihablaelcorazon
Pensé que ya había leído otro libro de la autora, pero me equivoque.
Me estreno con este libro y no ha estado mucho a la altura.
Sobre todo por los protagonistas y más por él, la autora lo describe como un gran guerrero y tal. Pero esta empanado, por que no descubra el pastel hasta el final del libro, tiene guasa.
No me ha terminado de gustar y ella no se queda corta.
En si la trama no está mal, es entretenida y da un giro en la historia y todo. Pero no esta bien contada al menos para mí.
Pero por lo demás,la relación entre los dos, no me ha terminado de gustar.
Seguiré leyendo los demás libros que tengo de la autora, a ver si me gustan más
Pensé que ya había leído otro libro de la autora, pero me equivoque.
Me estreno con este libro y no ha estado mucho a la altura.
Sobre todo por los protagonistas y más por él, la autora lo describe como un gran guerrero y tal. Pero esta empanado, por que no descubra el pastel hasta el final del libro, tiene guasa.
No me ha terminado de gustar y ella no se queda corta.
En si la trama no está mal, es entretenida y da un giro en la historia y todo. Pero no esta bien contada al menos para mí.
Pero por lo demás,la relación entre los dos, no me ha terminado de gustar.
Seguiré leyendo los demás libros que tengo de la autora, a ver si me gustan más
August 16, 2020
Not as scandalous as one might hope, considering the hero believes the heroine to be his serf, but a fun story nevertheless. There is chemistry between Brigitte and Rowland but I wouldn’t consider this a steamy medieval read. Go for Brenda Joyce’s The Conqueror for that.
Picked this up because Rowland seemed like he would be an a-hole hero, but he reminded me of the hero in Mary Jo Putney’s Uncommon Vows - he takes the heroine away from her home, under an initial misunderstanding, but decides to keep her even when there is no real reason to. Reading this you may think he'd be an a-hole, but he sounds worse than he actually is.
Unlike Putney’s Uncommon Vows, our heroine, Brigitte, quickly falls in love with her captor and, at one point, convinces herself to give up on reclaiming her identity because it would mean separation from Rowland. That scene where she lies to Gui to break off the duel - OMG I was dying. I was so glad that Gui There are pivotal moments that show Brigitte’s true feelings for Rowland, and also the sacrifices that she makes to be with him, but I just couldn’t get down with the fact that Brigitte would not only accept her demoted station in life, but her very identity, because of Love.
Also, the reasons that kept both of them wanting to hold onto this illusion were very weak. Even if Rowland was scared of the repercussions of his actions, and Brigitte was scared of parting from him once her identity was discovered, do they both not realize that they would have been able to easily marry once it was all cleared up? More so than between lord and serf?
One thing that did surprise me in the story was the domestic violence.
Like, everyone was beaten. Brigitte. Rowland. Rowland’s stepmother. Rowland was beaten by his stepmother and stepsisters then when he was old enough to fend them back, he was picked on by his peers and his father.
Rowland also beat Brigitte. It wasn’t an extended episode or even a repeated occurrence. It was two lashes with his belt on her back. She wears a winter coat, and he is disgusted with himself. However, he had many threats about hitting her before this happened. There were like, casual instances of domestic violence peppered throughout the story, most often in the form of casual threats by men. That's not something I want to read - scared heroines who are quiet and get in line because they don't want to be hit by the hero. Brigitte reminded me, at times, of the heroine in Kathleen E. Woodiwess’s The Flame and the Flower because she was so scared of Rowland at times.
Overall, this was captivating to read from start to finish. Roger made a great villain. Can’t wait to read more by Lindsey.
Picked this up because Rowland seemed like he would be an a-hole hero, but he reminded me of the hero in Mary Jo Putney’s Uncommon Vows - he takes the heroine away from her home, under an initial misunderstanding, but decides to keep her even when there is no real reason to. Reading this you may think he'd be an a-hole, but he sounds worse than he actually is.
Unlike Putney’s Uncommon Vows, our heroine, Brigitte, quickly falls in love with her captor and, at one point, convinces herself to give up on reclaiming her identity because it would mean separation from Rowland. That scene where she lies to Gui to break off the duel - OMG I was dying. I was so glad that Gui There are pivotal moments that show Brigitte’s true feelings for Rowland, and also the sacrifices that she makes to be with him, but I just couldn’t get down with the fact that Brigitte would not only accept her demoted station in life, but her very identity, because of Love.
Also, the reasons that kept both of them wanting to hold onto this illusion were very weak. Even if Rowland was scared of the repercussions of his actions, and Brigitte was scared of parting from him once her identity was discovered, do they both not realize that they would have been able to easily marry once it was all cleared up? More so than between lord and serf?
One thing that did surprise me in the story was the domestic violence.
Like, everyone was beaten. Brigitte. Rowland. Rowland’s stepmother. Rowland was beaten by his stepmother and stepsisters then when he was old enough to fend them back, he was picked on by his peers and his father.
Rowland also beat Brigitte. It wasn’t an extended episode or even a repeated occurrence. It was two lashes with his belt on her back. She wears a winter coat, and he is disgusted with himself. However, he had many threats about hitting her before this happened. There were like, casual instances of domestic violence peppered throughout the story, most often in the form of casual threats by men. That's not something I want to read - scared heroines who are quiet and get in line because they don't want to be hit by the hero. Brigitte reminded me, at times, of the heroine in Kathleen E. Woodiwess’s The Flame and the Flower because she was so scared of Rowland at times.
Overall, this was captivating to read from start to finish. Roger made a great villain. Can’t wait to read more by Lindsey.
March 27, 2024
This will be brief.
I truly enjoyed this book. Had all the elements of a true bodice ripper: forced intimacy that gradually builds to very welcome and pleasurable advances that ultimately transforms into the consensual making of intense love... an OTT jealous and protective hero, an innocent, intelligent, and strong heroine that maintains the most admirable loyalty to those she loves. And let's also not forget an actual plot to the story beneath all the romantic elements.
A case of mistaken identity and one drug induced slumber leaves Brigitte in the care (and possession) of Rowland. Believing that she is a low class servant, he can't resist the temptation in thinking he has the right to force himself on her as her new master. As they travel to his home and especially once they get there, the love between the two of them grows significantly. But will their love be strong enough to withstand so many misunderstandings and betrayals?
If you love traditional bodice rippers that have morally grey heroes and sweet, yet strong, innocent heroines, then I highly recommend this one!
I truly enjoyed this book. Had all the elements of a true bodice ripper: forced intimacy that gradually builds to very welcome and pleasurable advances that ultimately transforms into the consensual making of intense love... an OTT jealous and protective hero, an innocent, intelligent, and strong heroine that maintains the most admirable loyalty to those she loves. And let's also not forget an actual plot to the story beneath all the romantic elements.
A case of mistaken identity and one drug induced slumber leaves Brigitte in the care (and possession) of Rowland. Believing that she is a low class servant, he can't resist the temptation in thinking he has the right to force himself on her as her new master. As they travel to his home and especially once they get there, the love between the two of them grows significantly. But will their love be strong enough to withstand so many misunderstandings and betrayals?
If you love traditional bodice rippers that have morally grey heroes and sweet, yet strong, innocent heroines, then I highly recommend this one!
December 5, 2024
This waste of Amazonian forest was not only awful, nonsensical and so very bad, it remained forever bad, but also exhaustingly, thunderously boring. One could not even seek refuge in the blessings of trashy imagery of evil females stripping the heroine bare to have her 'creamy flesh' flayed; of ancient counts in possession of keeps with BDSM chambers (this sadly is only alluded to, we never get an invite to said count's vices); nor is there anything amusing in the ridiculous dialogues, modes of address, or the rudimentary character sketches that never make it to the level of rudimentary character sketches. Nor can we make any sense of the asinine and glaring contradictions of the story line. Take, for example, the constant, nonsensical and swift transportation of the heroine from one place to another, while the writer constantly declares her to be a prisoner who cannot escape (Houdini escaped fewer times than she). Given all the above, it'll be pointless to dwell on whether any of the demands of semblance are met, or try to assess the writer's ability to convey anything remotely redolent of a 10th c. world -French, Norman or otherwise. The book never reaches the level where the need to address the requirement that a world be built, a world in which to place the romance, ever arises. And this was long before that requirement bit the dust at the hands of contemporary insufferable and utterly idiotic HRs.
I also fear my ears are badly damaged by the constant bickering, the trivial patter, the whining idiocy of the exhausting, zero-dimensional MCs. There was a point, rather early on in the book, where I wanted some knave to run them through with his sword (this happens to the hero twice, but like Lazarus he keeps coming back). As for plot twists, what could one say other than they were obviously made up as the constipated writing chugged along the path it failed to map. In a terrible mess such as this, the only saving grace would have been some story even remotely akin to a romance. Well, you won't find it in here, and, as if that was not enough, there are no purple prose sex scenes to compensate you for the tremendous effort of reading this ghastly mess to the end.
PS. I must say that I am shocked at the high ratings this book enjoys (and coming from good, astute and worthy reviewers of HRs too). I can only say that I found it truly awful, and I'm glad it is over and binned for good. Now, I can only hope that it will also be swiftly forgotten, and won't be leaving some of its sulphurous smell lingering in the brain.
I also fear my ears are badly damaged by the constant bickering, the trivial patter, the whining idiocy of the exhausting, zero-dimensional MCs. There was a point, rather early on in the book, where I wanted some knave to run them through with his sword (this happens to the hero twice, but like Lazarus he keeps coming back). As for plot twists, what could one say other than they were obviously made up as the constipated writing chugged along the path it failed to map. In a terrible mess such as this, the only saving grace would have been some story even remotely akin to a romance. Well, you won't find it in here, and, as if that was not enough, there are no purple prose sex scenes to compensate you for the tremendous effort of reading this ghastly mess to the end.
PS. I must say that I am shocked at the high ratings this book enjoys (and coming from good, astute and worthy reviewers of HRs too). I can only say that I found it truly awful, and I'm glad it is over and binned for good. Now, I can only hope that it will also be swiftly forgotten, and won't be leaving some of its sulphurous smell lingering in the brain.
October 21, 2010
"So Speaks The Heart" reminded me of why I love the older Johanna Lindsey books. It takes place in France A.D. 972 and she does a great job in her discriptions of the castle, keep , the knights and the serfs. I felt like I had a really nice mental holliday. I loved the mistaken i.d. theme. The H belives the h is a serf and was given to him by her wicked aunt but she is really a lady. With no way to prove otherwise and needing to excape her aunt, she goes with the with him. The scenes where she has to serve him and take care of him as a serf would do was fun to read, and the twist at the end with the H's family was really good too.
October 7, 2011
This novel started out a little rough for me because I was a taken aback by Rowland's inital treatment of Bridgette. But considering the horrible childhood Rowland had, it was a wonder he didn't behave even worse than he did. Really, it was a wonder he didn't just leave Bridgette to be stoned to death by her aunt at the beginning. Bridgette challenged Rowland from the start and tried several times to escape, but he wss never as brutal with her as I expected him to be in these instances. Rowland, who never before thought he'd desire marriage or having just one woman, becomes so attached to Bridgette that he can't imagine letting her go. This blinds him to the fact that she is actually a lady as she claims - instead of a servant. In fact, it takes a whole army to show up as his fief to believe she's the lady she's been claiming to be all along. Bridgette is able to forgive him for the pain he's caused her, over and over again. She is troubled by the truth of his childhood and aches for the little boy who knew no love. She even cares enough to help him discover his true identity and force him to face it down. When they are separated for months right before the conclusion, it seems that too much time has passed for Bridgette to forgive Rowland's absence. But Rowland risks imprisionment by Bridgette's brother to finally come after her a second time. Her anger towards him is so strong, she lies and says she feels nothing for him - but with the help of her brother she realizes she still loves him. The end of this novel is actually very beautiful.
July 30, 2021
Podría haber puesto 1.5 estrellas por el giro del final, pero no puedo pasar por alto que es un libro repleto de clichés, violencia y abuso constante hacia la protagonista. Seguramente uno de los peores libros (si no el peor) que he leído en los últimos años.
May 22, 2021
Ролан от Монвил и лейди Бриджит
Бриджит е френска аристократка, която живее глезена и обичана от семейството си. След смъртта на родителите й, тя си има само своя полу-брат Кейнтин, от първият брак на баща й, с който се обичат и са си упора. Всичко обаче се променя, когато в дома й пристига вестта, че брат й е загинал в битка със сарацините. Сега, лелята на брат й, който той е приютил само защото е сестра на майка му, започва да се разполага в дома на Бриджит, отнасяйки се с нея като със слугиня и кроейки планове да я омъжи за грохнал зъл старец, преди вестта за смъртта на брат й е да достигнал до господаря, под чийто флаг се е бил брат й, и да реши да поеме настойничеството на Бридижт в свой ръце. Бриджит се опитва всячески да се спаси от натрапеният брак и дори опитва да избяга, само за да бъде пленена от рицар, който я връща в дома й. След един побой с камшик и случка, която кара всички да смятат, че е обезчестена, Бриджит се оказва на път към Нормандия с рицар, който отказва да повярва, че тя е благородна дама и който се държи с нея като със слугиня.
Ролан е незаконен син на Нормандски благородник, който през целият си живот е бил обиждан заради потеклото си. Баща му е суров рицар, който никога не му е показвал любов или привързаност и затова самия Ролан расте студен и безкомпромисен. Когато е на път да се върне у дома, защото наследството му е заплашено от съпрузите на полу-сестрите му, той е нападнат от свой враг и спасен от французин, който пострадва доста при спасяването на Ролан. Чувствайки се задължен на мъжа, Ролан обещава да отнесе вест в дома на мъжа, и да успокои сестра му, че е жив и веднага щом оздравее достатъчно ще се прибере у дома. Пътувайки за дома на рицаря, Ролан се сблъсква с красавица яхнала кон и решавайки, че това е селянка откраднала коня, той я връща в дома й, който е и крепостта към която се е насочил. Той не знае името на сестрата на рицаря, който го е спасил, но говорейки с господарката на имението, той вярва, че е изпълнил дълга си. Същата вечер без да подозира, че е упоен, той вижда слугинята, която е върнал в дома й, и решава да я направи своя. На сутринта и двамата се събуждат без спомен за случилото се, но изглежда сега ще бъде принуден да вземе момичето със себе си в дома си.
В началото книгата беше мазало. Главния ни герой беше такова говедо, че когато и да го набиеш, все ще му е късно. Отнасяше се с героинята ни като с най-долна уличница, третираше я като слугиня и не вярваше на нито една нейна дума. Сляпо отказваше да приеме, че е сгрешил, и че тя може да е жената за която се представя. Едва когато се изпокараха и разделиха стана интересното.
Та, ако книгата беше продължила да е такава, каквато беше в началото, оценката й щеше да е доста по-ниска, но с напредването на книгата сюжета ставаше все по-интересен и в крайна сметка получава 4 звезди от мен.
Бриджит е френска аристократка, която живее глезена и обичана от семейството си. След смъртта на родителите й, тя си има само своя полу-брат Кейнтин, от първият брак на баща й, с който се обичат и са си упора. Всичко обаче се променя, когато в дома й пристига вестта, че брат й е загинал в битка със сарацините. Сега, лелята на брат й, който той е приютил само защото е сестра на майка му, започва да се разполага в дома на Бриджит, отнасяйки се с нея като със слугиня и кроейки планове да я омъжи за грохнал зъл старец, преди вестта за смъртта на брат й е да достигнал до господаря, под чийто флаг се е бил брат й, и да реши да поеме настойничеството на Бридижт в свой ръце. Бриджит се опитва всячески да се спаси от натрапеният брак и дори опитва да избяга, само за да бъде пленена от рицар, който я връща в дома й. След един побой с камшик и случка, която кара всички да смятат, че е обезчестена, Бриджит се оказва на път към Нормандия с рицар, който отказва да повярва, че тя е благородна дама и който се държи с нея като със слугиня.
Ролан е незаконен син на Нормандски благородник, който през целият си живот е бил обиждан заради потеклото си. Баща му е суров рицар, който никога не му е показвал любов или привързаност и затова самия Ролан расте студен и безкомпромисен. Когато е на път да се върне у дома, защото наследството му е заплашено от съпрузите на полу-сестрите му, той е нападнат от свой враг и спасен от французин, който пострадва доста при спасяването на Ролан. Чувствайки се задължен на мъжа, Ролан обещава да отнесе вест в дома на мъжа, и да успокои сестра му, че е жив и веднага щом оздравее достатъчно ще се прибере у дома. Пътувайки за дома на рицаря, Ролан се сблъсква с красавица яхнала кон и решавайки, че това е селянка откраднала коня, той я връща в дома й, който е и крепостта към която се е насочил. Той не знае името на сестрата на рицаря, който го е спасил, но говорейки с господарката на имението, той вярва, че е изпълнил дълга си. Същата вечер без да подозира, че е упоен, той вижда слугинята, която е върнал в дома й, и решава да я направи своя. На сутринта и двамата се събуждат без спомен за случилото се, но изглежда сега ще бъде принуден да вземе момичето със себе си в дома си.
В началото книгата беше мазало. Главния ни герой беше такова говедо, че когато и да го набиеш, все ще му е късно. Отнасяше се с героинята ни като с най-долна уличница, третираше я като слугиня и не вярваше на нито една нейна дума. Сляпо отказваше да приеме, че е сгрешил, и че тя може да е жената за която се представя. Едва когато се изпокараха и разделиха стана интересното.
Та, ако книгата беше продължила да е такава, каквато беше в началото, оценката й щеше да е доста по-ниска, но с напредването на книгата сюжета ставаше все по-интересен и в крайна сметка получава 4 звезди от мен.
November 23, 2011
This is one of those stories where I just didn't think the heroine ever did enough to help herself. She starts the story virtually the slave of her evil, greedy aunt. Auntie Druoda (what a name!) is trying to break her spirit and make her go along with a scheme to sell her in marriage to a creepy rich neighbor who likes to hurt women. Briggitte escapes her aunt, only to run into the "hero," Rowland, who decides to take her into custody--and he just happens to be heading back to her home, where evil Druoda waits. OK, she's wearing rags, so he assumes she's an escaped serf. She never even TRIES to make him understand why she's running away. If at ANY point in the first several chapters she had made ANY effort to explain her situation to him, a lot of misery could be avoided. All she'd ever have to do is mention her brother, and that would wake the hero up to the truth.
He, meanwhile, is basically TSTL throughout the entire story. He doesn't much like or trust women, so he's not inclined to believe the heroine--but for some reason, he DOES believe Druoda who tells him Briggitte is a serf who gets above herself and pretends to be a lady. And for some reason, he asks Briggitte for her word more than once, and is happy to accept it when she gives it, but he refuses to believe her when she tries to correct his misconception. FINALLY there comes a point where he admits she might be telling the truth and that he doesn't WANT to believe because then he'd have to do the right thing by her instead of keeping her as a slave and using her without benefit of marriage. Ugh. What a guy.
It's an OK story. Just OK.
He, meanwhile, is basically TSTL throughout the entire story. He doesn't much like or trust women, so he's not inclined to believe the heroine--but for some reason, he DOES believe Druoda who tells him Briggitte is a serf who gets above herself and pretends to be a lady. And for some reason, he asks Briggitte for her word more than once, and is happy to accept it when she gives it, but he refuses to believe her when she tries to correct his misconception. FINALLY there comes a point where he admits she might be telling the truth and that he doesn't WANT to believe because then he'd have to do the right thing by her instead of keeping her as a slave and using her without benefit of marriage. Ugh. What a guy.
It's an OK story. Just OK.
September 6, 2012
Everyone loves a Lindsey! I am certainly no exception. This book in particular holds a special place in my heart as it was the very first historical romance I ever read. Up to this book I was reading only contemporary series romances, such as Harlequin, Silhouette and Loveswept. My Aunt Jill lend me this one from her book shelf, and it was all over for me. This was my niche. I read each and every Lindsey novel that had been published to date, and then began the agonizing wait for the next release. Then the drooling over the hardcover editions I had no way of affording with my papergirl wages (Hey, I was like 13 at the time). Then finally the paperback would be released, and I would buy, devour it in hours and the agonizing would start anew. I can still remember reading, rereading and then re-rereading my books over and over again while waiting for my favorite authors to get with the program, and feed my addiction. I remember the joy of discovering yet one more author that would take precious space on my bookshelves, after all only the greats made my "collection." I still have 97% of all the books, and it makes me so happy to know that I kept them. Especially now that a lot of them are being reprinted, but not with their cover art. The cover art on those books were the stuff of dreams to a pubescent teenager.
After writing this I realize it has been years since I last read this one, or anything from my collection case. The hubby is away this weekend, and I'm thinking it would be a great time to catch up with some old friends.
After writing this I realize it has been years since I last read this one, or anything from my collection case. The hubby is away this weekend, and I'm thinking it would be a great time to catch up with some old friends.
January 24, 2022
I only stayed till the end because of the dog. He was a good boy.
March 2, 2019
Why did I re-read this?
I loved this book years ago when I read it and I should have left it that way. Reading it again was disappointing and a terrible let down. I was so angry at the first 30% of it I didn't want to read on. Drouda, the Aunt, was an evil evil person. Her machinations made me so angry. And then Rowland the hero was dumb as a rock. He believed her when he should have at least thought about it. That was frustrating and the way e treated the heroine was abysmal. I just wanted to throw the book across the room several times. And the ending just didn't do it for me either. More misunderstandings and relative interference. Give me a break. I was ready to just scream. Just too much. I took it down from four stars to three and promised myself I would not re-read another Lindsey ever. Well except for maybe that one about the slave girl, or one of the Mallory's maybe, or.... Oh who am I kidding. I will re-read her again but I hope it leaves a better taste in my mouth because this one was just a little too bitter for me. I really hate stupid people. And Rowland excelled at that.
I loved this book years ago when I read it and I should have left it that way. Reading it again was disappointing and a terrible let down. I was so angry at the first 30% of it I didn't want to read on. Drouda, the Aunt, was an evil evil person. Her machinations made me so angry. And then Rowland the hero was dumb as a rock. He believed her when he should have at least thought about it. That was frustrating and the way e treated the heroine was abysmal. I just wanted to throw the book across the room several times. And the ending just didn't do it for me either. More misunderstandings and relative interference. Give me a break. I was ready to just scream. Just too much. I took it down from four stars to three and promised myself I would not re-read another Lindsey ever. Well except for maybe that one about the slave girl, or one of the Mallory's maybe, or.... Oh who am I kidding. I will re-read her again but I hope it leaves a better taste in my mouth because this one was just a little too bitter for me. I really hate stupid people. And Rowland excelled at that.
July 1, 2021
1.5
The whole “you made me rape you because you’re so hot” shtick gets old real fast.
But a girl and her loyal dog never does. Less men, more dogs!
The whole “you made me rape you because you’re so hot” shtick gets old real fast.
But a girl and her loyal dog never does. Less men, more dogs!
November 5, 2018
ended up staying up way too late to read this (thank goodness for daylight saving time!)
story starts in 972, but I didn't think the characters always spoke/acted like they in 972
thankfully, nothing too jarring to disturb the flow, i just got that feeling of, "huh, they talked like that back then?" (like, when she talks about having to cook her dog's food because he's tame and doesn't eat raw food ... hmmm ... interesting)
I really hated the aunt and her despicable maid
Lindsey does not spare any pain for the main characters - he seems to be getting stabbed or knocked out, while she's getting beaten
I liked that she cried a lot (well, not really), but didn't become annoying (and this was the saving grace) - she didn't mind getting dirty and doing menial work. she was a survivor and kept trying to get away, even if it was probably the stupid thing to do, but at least she was focused on her freedom
there's so much going on in this story
story starts in 972, but I didn't think the characters always spoke/acted like they in 972
thankfully, nothing too jarring to disturb the flow, i just got that feeling of, "huh, they talked like that back then?" (like, when she talks about having to cook her dog's food because he's tame and doesn't eat raw food ... hmmm ... interesting)
I really hated the aunt and her despicable maid
Lindsey does not spare any pain for the main characters - he seems to be getting stabbed or knocked out, while she's getting beaten
I liked that she cried a lot (well, not really), but didn't become annoying (and this was the saving grace) - she didn't mind getting dirty and doing menial work. she was a survivor and kept trying to get away, even if it was probably the stupid thing to do, but at least she was focused on her freedom
there's so much going on in this story
January 3, 2016
C'est toujours un plaisir de relire cette romance historique qui est l'une des premières que j'ai lues. Le caractère de l'héroïne m'a toutefois un peu tapé sur les nerfs, à s'emporter pour un oui ou pour un non.
Je me suis rendue compte avec surprise que cette romance prenait place en France (il y en a si peu qu'il me semble important de le souligner !).
Je me suis rendue compte avec surprise que cette romance prenait place en France (il y en a si peu qu'il me semble important de le souligner !).
May 10, 2010
What can I say? I've always liked this goofy old book. Of course it wasn't old the first time I read it. :-)
June 30, 2018
Reread May 11, 2016
Re-read June 2018
Re-read June 2018
October 30, 2025
Medieval romance set in France. This story was such a fun read. It has everything... a feisty heroine who rallies against all odds, a rugged, brave hero who has never felt a feeling, mistaken identity, road-trip adventure, political/power struggles, a loyal wolf-dog pet and twins!
The only real problematic thing was the slightly rapey feeling, dub-con love scene, which was thankfully only mildly described. There was just enough to satisfy the plot and quickly move on. But I did take off one star for it. Keep in mind this book was published in 1983 and may be considered a product of its time.
I could read Brigitte and Rowland's story again one day.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
The only real problematic thing was the slightly rapey feeling, dub-con love scene, which was thankfully only mildly described. There was just enough to satisfy the plot and quickly move on. But I did take off one star for it. Keep in mind this book was published in 1983 and may be considered a product of its time.
I could read Brigitte and Rowland's story again one day.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
January 6, 2024
Well I never thought I would like a Johanna Lindsey but KatieV's excellent review convinced me to give it a shot and I am glad I did. I am not sure its going to be a reread for me because I feel like I just ran an angst marathon. Plus I had to suspend my dislike of several tropes (BBB) but JL handled it so well (with the help of medieval context - one of reasons I love historicals). So read this one without your reality hat off and enjoy the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
Es de esos libros que aunque tienen un poquito de cursilería hacen reír, ayudan a pasar un buen rato y desconectar. Yo los veo como un cuento antes de dormir o si se está triste y esta escritora es muy divertida.
September 10, 2018
When I came to the part (almost at the very end of the book) where the lost tween story was revealed, I finally remembered that I had read this book years ego.
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