Stefan

Blood Sword Legacy #3

by Karin Tabke

Most of England has submitted to King William, but Wales refuses to yield. The King’s trusted Blood Swords are unable to prevail, and while Stefan de Valrey is left unconscious on the battlefield, his sworn brothers are captured. Despite terrible injuries, Stefan vows to liberate them. Even rescuing a delectably beautiful—and naked—maiden from peril cannot deter him, for the silver-eyed Arianrhod is a Welsh princess, a hostage Stefan can exchange for his brothers…so long as Arian remains as pure as when he met her. But that is a constraint Stefan finds harder to honor with every passing day.

When the mysterious knight slings her across his saddle, Arian knows she should fix her thoughts on escape. But Arian has never before experienced the deep, soul-changing desire that Stefan arouses with merely a glance. Breaking their vows could set two kingdoms ablaze—can they control the sweet, terrible fire burning between them?

Genres: Historical Romance, Medieval, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval Romance, Fiction

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Karin is a multi-published, national bestselling, award-winning author.

Karin has sold more than a dozen stories to US publishers: Kensington, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Random House. Her self-publishing debut, THE CHRONICLES of KATRINA, was met with resounding enthusiasm. Never one to disappoint her readers, Karin happily launched the spinoff series The Bad Boys of the Bay, featuring the heroes she knows so well–hot cops. Translation rights to Karin’s books have been licensed in Japan, Thailand, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy, Portugal and the UK.

In 2008, Karin’s novel JADED (Simon & Schuster) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance Suspense. In 2011, her paranormal romance BLOOD LAW (Berkley) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice award for Best Erotic Fiction and was the first book in her Blood Moon Rising series. In 2012, the second book in the trilogy, BLOODRIGHT, was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Paranormal Romance. Karin’s other awards include a CAPA and the Holt Medallion, as well as a finalist nod for the Prism. Her debut single title, GOOD GIRL GONE BAD (Simon & Schuster), was featured in the October 2006 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.

Karin’s most rewarding award, however, was not bestowed for her storytelling skills but for her mentorship of unpublished writers. She was honored to receive RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) Pro Mentor of the Year award in 2008. She has served as president of her local RWA chapter in San Francisco and as Director-at-Large on the RWA National Board of Directors.

Karin has been married to her own hot cop–now licensed Private Investigator–for over thirty years and she writes what she knows. She has also started and sold several profitable businesses, but her true love is writing passionate love stories. When she isn’t writing, Karin loves to travel and does so extensively, meeting readers and sharing her knowledge via workshops at writer conventions and conferences.

Reviews

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in Karin Tabke's Blood Sword Legacy. It's been a while since I read the previous two books in the series and it probably would have help if I had refreshed my memory before reading this.

Stefan de Valrey wakes up wounded on the battlefield and discovers his brothers are gone. He swears he will find them and get them back after learning they were captured by the Welsh. While tending to his wounds near a pond, he spies a woman who has come to bath in the water. A man arrives and assaults the woman and he is forced to save her. She is the Welsh Princess Arianrhod. Stefan knows he can use her to free his brothers.

I'm not sure what it was that kept me from enjoying this as much as the first two. While I liked the characters, I never quite loved them. Their actions were often inconsistent to what they said. While I wouldn't exactly call it a cliffhanger there is the matter of the unresolved issues at the end. It is set up for continuing the series but it has been several years and I don't see anything about any more additions to it. Still it wasn't a bad read and had some moments and I'm sure it will appeal to Medieval Romance fans who enjoy a little spice in their reading material.

[Bookaholics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Of Craving by Karin Tabke
Historical Romance-
4 ½ Stars

Master of Craving by Karin Tabke is the third installment in her Blood Sword Legacy Series. The main hero is Stefan de Valrey, one of the most fearsome knights in medieval England. After a terrible battle where he is left unconscious on the battlefield and his sworn brothers are captured he acquires a stroke of luck, and manages to rescue the beautiful princess, Arianrhod. Stefan plans to exchange Arianrhod for his brothers who are now in the hands of the Welsh. The only catch is that she must remain a virgin or he will not be able to liberate his brother which becomes increasingly difficult for him to honor with each passing day that he spends with the enchanting princess.

Even though I don't really read medieval England due to my fuzzy knowledge on English history, I thought this book was really well written. There were no modern slangs and Karin stayed true to the time period. That said, I was a bit confused whenever it focuses on the Norman, Saxon, Viking, and Welsh! Still, I thought the book was well paced with enough 'hot' scenes interspersed. The sexual tension between the two leads was very well developed and exciting. My only complaint is that I thought princess, Arianrhod could have been a bit tougher. I understand her need to escape Stefan, but sometimes her character struck me as unreasonable and too much of a softie. Personally, I like a tougher female protagonist.

All in all, if you are a big fan of medieval romance, Tabke's 3rd installment is a MUST read.

Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of England has submitted to King William, but Wales refuses to yield. The King's trusted Blood Swords are unable to prevail and while Stefan du Valrey is left unconscious on the battlefield, his sworn brothers are captured. Stefan has terrible injuries, Stefan vows to liberate them. Stefan saves a beautiful and naked maiden from peril, cannot deter him. Arianrhod is a silver-eyed Welsh princess hostage that Stefan can trade for his brothers, as long as Arian remains as pure as when he met her. This constraint for Stefan finds harder to honor with every passing day. Arian knows that she should be finding a way to escape this knight, however, Arian has never before experienced the deep soul-changing desire that Stefan arouses with merely a glance. Breaking their vow could set two kingdoms ablaze. Can they control the sweet terrible fire burning between them?

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected to get bored as I read furher into this series but Karin is very creative with her love stories. The wariors are bold and braw but each has his own personality. Her choice of Stefan for her third story surprised me but I am pleased with his tale. I admire her commitment to all of the Blood Sword warriors as she engages them equally in each other's tales. Many authors would leave a warrior to his love and he would be little mentioned in the next tale but not so for Karin. I'm so so so glad to see Wulfson and Rohan return to the battlefield. I have to say I half expected Lady Tarian to be there as well! Karen has deftly managed to blend the stories into one another and I look forward to learning the fate of all.

[Gemma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too lusty for my taste. It says in the blurb about the author that she also writes erotic romance. Well, it shows. I don't mind some sexual tension in romances, but the sheer volume of it in this book was just a bit much for me. I didn't really feel like they loved one another at all--merely turned each other on.

And I was curious about the hero noticing the heroine's blush-colored personal hair when he spies her bathing. So it was pink? Huh?? Considering that the heroine was a blonde, that made no sense.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

AS GOOD AS THE FIRST 2 BOOKS! I had no expectations from Stefan. He seemed happy-go-lucky (and uninteresting) from the few times we met him in Rohan and Wulfson's story. Imagine my surprise when I was proven wrong - that he COULD be serious, he COULD fight for what he wanted. The only immorality that disgusts me (and true to history), was how these warriors couldn't care less about siring a trail of bastards from one campaign to another. Ironically, they themselves were bastards...it seems the cycle never ends.

I kid you not...😳
The entire debacle of how Stefan and Arian met has never been more hilarious or exhilarating. They were freaking naked the entire time; on horseback no less! And not by design. Our story opens with the Bloodswords fighting a battle that ends up with 6 captured and Stefan left for dead. Determined to save his comrades, yet injured, he needed time to heal and plot. Fortunately, he encountered Arian who was bathing in the river/stream. And yes, salute COCK STAND! I can't begin to tell you how horny these men were in the olden days. Yes, men are lustful creatures, but my goodness, the lack of control they had was...debatable!! 🙄🙄

Anyways, Arian's the key to saving his comrades due to her royal blood, so he kidnapped her, after saving her life from attempted rape - naked - while she was on her way to marry a Viking Jarl.

STEFAN was a complete brute with Arian. He blew hot and cold, often treating her roughly, even wounding her with his sword, but still he cared for her, especially when she fell ill - and not because he feared she would perish and be useless to him. Having never experienced love, he wouldn't even know if it hit him in the head. He does fuck up aplenty, but they're not actions I'd condemn him over. Typical of warriors, he does as he wishes, and proves himself with his sword(s). 🍆⚔️😏

One thing I adore about Karin Tabke's writing, despite having similarities between her MMCs, I didn't find it repetitive or a copy paste version. Or maybe I'm just blinded. 😂 Rohan, Wulfson and Stefan had their own distinctive traits apart from the obvious - hot tempered, lusty, possessive, stubborn and believing without lands, they could never offer a woman more than sex. But there was something captivating about them. Driven. And while dishonourable, still retaining an amount of respect.

ARIAN was a far cry from TARIAN or ISABEL, being the pampered Princess she was...honestly she was useless apart from being a hostage. Naturally passionate, I enjoyed the closed encounters, steamy scenes and sexual awakenings she shared with Stefan. THEY WERE THE ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT OF THE ROMANCE, I literally held my breath as the intensity escalated. 🔥🔥

FINAL THOUGHTS? The fact that I couldn't put this down should attest to how engaging the story was. I'm only saddened that the author never picked up the rest of the series. I AM SO EAGER TO KNOW THORIN'S STORY...but alas, I'm certain this was the final novel in the BloodSword legacy, and we don't even know what happened to Rhys. 😩😩

IT HAS BEEN A LONG AND RARE TIME FOR ME TO DEVOUR A COLLECTION BOOK FOR BOOK, MC TO MC. Usually, I'd nitpick over the plot or characters,skipping a book or two within a series. Karin Tabke's story transported me back to medieval times with its enriching culture and setting that I don't feel from modern day HR authors. This by itself, should tell you what a gem the BloodSword Legacy is.

I hope the author will make a comeback. I really do.

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were moments when I wanted to shove Arian's head up her arse. I mean seriously, you get to a keep and become a petulant child demanding crap. Then really......some proud Norwegian guy is going to let you take his wife's virginity when a) he's the husband and b) the HUGE part of the story was she come to his bed a virgin. Little far fetched regardless if you want Stefan and Arian to end up with the HEA.

[Everalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://leslecturesdeveralice.blogspot...
Changement de cap avec ce tome : l'héroïne n'a plus rien de la farouche guerrière du tome 2, et ce virage à 180° est de prime abord assez déroutant. A l'opposé de Tarian et de sa conduite presque masculine, l'héroïne ici fait penser, dans les premiers chapitres, à un petit chat, toute innocence, toute douceur. Ne pas s'y tromper, ça ne dure guère...
Ariane, farouchement décidée à préserver son cœur de tout sentiment amoureux, de peur de se transformer en morte-vivant, à l'image de son pauvre papa, n'est absolument pas disposée à s'ouvrir à la passion. Mais avec la rencontre de Stefan, sa ligne de conduite prend du mou... Elle ne cessera dès lors d'osciller entre l'attirance brute qu'elle éprouve pour ce bâtard viril qui en fait sa monnaie d'échange, et son souci de décorum et de confort affectif. Elle ne cédera pas grand-chose dans cette lutte à un Stefan froid, abrupt et péremptoire, malgré toutes les sensations qu'elle peut éprouver dans sa proximité immédiate !.
De son côté, il n'hésite pas à se livrer à des actes extrêmes pour obtenir ce qu'il estime lui être dû.

Ces personnalités tranchées auraient du faire de cette romance une histoire forte, passionnée, voire envoûtante. Malheureusement, il m'a manqué des jalons : la tendresse du partage, les conversations où l'on se livre, les gestes doux, les non-dits feutrés ou les clins d’œil complices. Chacun vire et revire tant qu'à la fin, la tête me tournait !
Elle, j'ai regretté qu'elle ne se départisse pas davantage de sa froideur toute raisonneuse. Et je n'ai pas très bien compris le statut de Stefan. C'est un détail, mais pourquoi est-il devenu capitaine des Épées Rouges avec Wulfson à ses côtés? Son caractère aussi m'a paru un peu obscur : presque indifférent et déterminé à se passer de tout sentiment dans sa vie, il se retrouve tout à coup submergé par un sentiment de folie amoureuse. J'ai sans doute raté des étapes, mais l'évolution des caractères ne m'a pas convaincue totalement.
Sans compter que les 30 dernières pages m'ont laissée sur une mauvaise impression. Pourtant l'ensemble reste vraiment une belle histoire, dans la droite ligne des deux premiers tomes, en moins violent que le premier néanmoins.
Disons que mon ressenti pâtit sûrement de l'excellente impression laissée par les très bons premiers tomes. Et disons aussi que c'est une histoire d'atomes crochus.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I read the books in the WRONG order. I read this one first instead of the 1st book in this series. I think I was also confused with the genre of this book. I specifically picked up Ms. Tabke's books for the more racy ones. Instead, I end up with historical romance. Not exactly my cup of tea anymore. The writing was well done. The characters were fine. Arian was a practical princess I could visualize quite well. Her "hero" Stefan was rough around the edges. I liked the struggle they put themselves through. The sexual tension was there.

I didn't really like this books as much as I could have, because I went into it expecting a different story line. However, I can appreciate Ms. Tabke's writing. Her imagery was well done. I could visualize the pool and the forests as she described each scene. The castle and dungeon were easy to picture in my mind as she described them. Since I read the 3rd book in this series, I'm not going to go back and read the other two. However, I will be moving forward to read the books that are supposed to be in the genre I like.

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy the historical romances. Those who like stories of kings, knights, princess and ladies. It was rather well done.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much. I enjoyed the characters Stefan & Arian very much. Both characters were very interesting. Arian starts out as a very quiet, spoiled, naive, sheltered,virtuous princess who gets kidnapped & turns out after awhile into her kidnapping to be quite the wanton, quite outspoken who puts Sir Stefan in his place. Stefan kidnap Arian initially with the thought with her as a means of her being the key to get his brother Blood Swords who are being held captive free. He is a harsh warrior & kidnaps her naked. He had been treated badly by a highborn woman in the past & had shut his heart down to ever loving again. Slowly he warms to Arian & starts treating her differently. I thought it was a very good book. Hard to put down. Good sex scenes, very hot. It also has battle scenes & treachery. Enjoyed the loyalty of the Blood Swords. Good writing by the author. I will be getting more of her books. Read this book because I got Knight to Remember free on kindle(which is the story that follows this one), & enjoyed it and wanted more. I still want more.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Blood Swords except Stefan and Rhys are taken prisoner after a battle. Stefan vows to see them freed and luckily stumbles upon Arianrhod, a Welsh princess and devises a plan to use her in exchange for his brothers. Of course, it isn't quite that easy.

I really liked Stefan (who was burned romantically and vowed to never love again) and Princess Arian (who after watching her father fall apart when her mother died, vowed to never fall in love). So we have two strong people with an undeniable attraction traveling across England together overcoming unbelievable odds who just happen to fall in love. Unfortunately Princess Arian is promised to a Norse Lord to promote peace between their lands. And Stefan is determined that he doesn't (or can't) love anyone. Chaos ensues, hearts break and danger reigns.

A thoroughly enjoyable story. I sincerely hope this is not the end of the series as we've only experiences 3 of the 8 Blood Swords HEA. Where are the rest of them?

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars*

*Review soon*

[Stevie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style is great, Tabke can create a whole world with the way she wields her pen. Very talented author. This particular book, however, did not demonstrate her ability to create a story line that enthralls, binds, and grips the reader. Compared to the first two in the series, this one didn't hold a candle to them. I didn't like the story as it progressed. I didn't like the predicament the princess was put in from the time she meets Stefan until the book ended. The entire time, I was uncomfortable for her and it distracted from the story. I liked Stefan's character but I didn't like his actions, especially as the story climaxed. The relationship between Arian and Stefan never seem to solidify for me. I am hoping there will be more to this series because I loved the first two enough to overlook this one and pick up the next without hesitation.

[Sbatdorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series.

Adrian the Princess that is taken hostage by Stefan, one of the Blood Sword Knights, is kind of whiney, but if you made me wait for like 300 pages to have sex, I'd be whiney too. But she won me over in the end.

This book had way too much of Adrian's internal dialog for me. The constant "I want him, but I can't have him, blah, blah, blah got old. But I love these kinds of stories and this kind on alpha bad ass knights that easily overlooked it.

Can't wait for the next.

[Kristy Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bloodswords are taken down during a battle and held as prisoners. Stefan stumbles upon a princess named Arian and realizes she is the key to getting his brothers back. So he kidnaps her.

This book really wasn't as good as the first two, in my opinion. I didn't feel the same attachment to the characters. Arian kind of annoyed me. Every time Stefan would save her, which happened a lot, she would throw it back in his face. It got annoying. I thought the ending was really weird, how it all played out. It just didn't flow very well, to me.

[BookChick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, didn't like it as much as the first two, but still good. I just didn't like Arian as much as the other two heroines from the first books. She redeemed herself in the VERY end, but much too late. I had to suffer with her for the entire book.

I still like the series and am sadden to see that other than the novella in 2009, I haven't seen mention of the rest of the series coming out. So sad, I hope Tabke plans to pick up this series again and finish what she started. It's just not fair to leave us in suspense for 3 years of Rhys' fate.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karin Tabke makes you want to live in the past. Vikings! Norsemen! Saxons! OH MY!

The story of Blood Sword Stefan de Valrey and Princess Arianrhod is a wonderful, delicious romp through Wales. Blood, Lust, Honor, Desire...what more could you ask for in an amazing and compelling story of soul-mates?

[Modesty_b · Rating 5 out of 5]

no one can predict 'what happens next?' in this book. an absolute page turner, especially near the end.the way HE marries the heroin is absolutely dramatic. the only disappointment- again no mention of THE prophecy, though if we look closer we'll find all elements. still I'd have liked the threads connected.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encore un très bon tome.
Stephan a des manières un peu cavalières mais il a une sorte de virilité brute qui est poignante. C'est le mâle dans toute sa grandeur avec un côté brute de décoffrage qui passe finalement assez bien.
Ariane est très sympathique mais parfois un peu trop naïve et superficielle.
J'aime beaucoup cette saga et j'attend les autres tomes avec impatience !

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Karin as an author and this series is goof, not great, but good. I enjoyed reading it but it's not a five for me and again that's my I could read it over and over again but this is just a one time good read but she's got some great books and this series is creative, set back in time, the blood swords are powerful and hot....worth picking up if you like historical.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the third book in the Blood Swords series tells the story of Princess Arian and the dark knight Stephan. Karin Tabke is amazing in her story telling. She keeps you interested and wanting for more.

[Garrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read like the legacy's before. Karin just draws you into the stories from the very first paragraph. You tend to fall for the characters immediately. I am trying patiently to await the next legacy. Hope to see it very soon.

[Mumsgang · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first two books in this story , this book had a lot of depth ,good story line,wonderful charactors that come to life, i applaud KarinTabke on her writing and cant wait for the next book in the blood sword legacy .

[Junie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite so far in the Blood Sword Legacy series. It keeps you going with lots of twists and turns and passion that will keep you glued to the pages.

There is only one thing that I found missing, that there was no mention of the character Manhku in this book?

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was spectacular. I can't wait till the rest ^.^

[Mymyworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ma chronique ici : http://songedunenuitdete.com/2013/11/...

[Aileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro entretenido al igual que el resto de la serie, pero el final fue muy rápido.

[P J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding DARK Historical Romance with strong alpha male characters!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this book, especially the ending - kept me in suspense wondering how they were going to work it out. I hope Tabke continues with the rest of the series but I don't think that she does.

[Rach~The Highlander luverrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

***********sigh*************luv this series*****
nuf said