Fire and Steel

Fire #2

by Anita Mills

A reluctant young bride finds her heart pulled in two directions in medieval Normandy in this romance by “a superlative writer” (RT Book Reviews).   Although Catherine de Brione is being forced to wed the Norman lord Guy of Rivaux, she has vowed never to give him her heart. That belongs to the dashing Brian FitzHenry, who had held her in thrall since childhood. But she had no inkling of the fire her new bridegroom could rouse within her . . .   As the turmoil of intrigue and battle, danger and deception erupt around her in eleventh-century Normandy, Catherine finds that the daring and passionate man she was so eager to leave is now the man she can’t bear to lose.  Fire and Steel is a thrilling historical romance from an author whose “unexpected plot twists keep the reader turning pages” (Publishers Weekly).   “A superb storyteller.” —Heather Graham, New York Times–bestselling author of Come the Morning  

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Medieval, Historical, Medieval Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Historical Fiction

433 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 1988

About the author

A former history and English teacher, Anita Mills turned to writing in the mid-1980's. After her regency romance SCANDAL BOUND was published followed by her highly acclaimed LADY OF FIRE, Anita Mills went on to enjoy an award filled career. Her historical novels and regency short stories are ranked among the best in their respective genres. The parents of four children, Anita and her husband Larry find peace on a small farm near Plattsburgh, Missouri. This former teacher has drawn upon her love for both history and English to enrich her novels.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read:10/30/22
Another great book in the series! I regret not continuing the series.

Only negative was the h was very spoiled and got on my nerves in the beginning, but I warmed up to her. This is definitely a book I'll be rereading in the future!

I want to thank my friend, Amy, for the recommendation 😀

[Precious ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bath scene alone was worth the stars 😭🤣😭 Guy is everything I hoped for and I loved their love. The beginning felt slow but I’m still rounding up.

[Regan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stirring Second in the Fire Series!

Set in 1106, 13 years after LADY OF FIRE, this is the story of Guy, Count of Rivaux and Catherine, Demoiselle of the Condes, daughter of Roger de Brione and Eleanor (from book 1).

The story begins as William the Conqueror’s surviving sons are at war. Henry is King of England and his older brother Robert Cuthose reigns in Normandy. Guy, Count of Rivaux has been sent to Condes to take Lady Catherine as hostage for Curthose to ensure her father’s neutrality. Catherine has been promised to Robert of Caen, King Henry’s favorite son but she’s not enthusiastic about him. She would have another of the king’s bastards, Brian FitzHenry. However, when Cuthose needs men and money, he bargains with Guy for men and money using Catherine’s hand as the incentive. Guy marries her but as she is only 13, he does not take her, wanting to allow her time to grow. And then comes the war…

Like LADY OF STEEL, this tale is rich in the history of the time as England and Normandy battle for control. Caught in the middle are Guy and Catherine and their tenuous emerging love. The villain from LADY OF FIRE, Robert, Count of Belesme, is back and just as compelling a figure as before. If you loved book 1, you must read this one for a dramatic finish.

It has great dialog and exciting twists and turns—a fast-moving story that will keep you turning pages. Another great medieval in the Fire series from Mills.


The Fire Series:

LADY OF FIRE
FIRE AND STEEL
HEARTS OF FIRE
THE FIRE AND THE FURY
WINTER ROSES

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning I wished Cat was older because it's uncomfortable reading Guy's feelings knowing she was only 13. Age aside, the attraction was there though quite innocent on her part. With Rivaux though one can immediately feel he fell for her the very first time he saw her.

I loved this book because more than the love story there is the aspect of family. The dynamics of family life in and outside the keep. How they dealt with problems that arose from actions done in the past.

To close, this book is superb to say the least.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4stars

The H wasn't celibate while separated with the h and the h was still celibate but kissed OM that she thought she loved. But I could somewhat dismissed them all. I enjoyed it pretty well.

[Heather]

I'm going to pause this book at page 39 for now. I looked at some reviews and I'm led to believe that the H might be unfaithful during their separation. There aren't that many written reviews and there's even less "spoiler reviews" so I can't get the exact information I'm looking for, but with all the disappointment I've had recently with the books I've attempted, I'm just not in the mindset to deal with that right now if that's the case. I do want to circle back to it eventually, though, so I can write a more in depth review for readers like me who need the details before they commit.

[Aneca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Catherine de Brione, daughter of Eleanor and Roger FitzGilbert, is forced to wed Guy of Rivaux, a Norman lord ... but in her heart, Catherine longs for her childhood love, Brian FitzHenry, the illegitimate son of King Henry. Soon after their wedding, Guy of Rivaux abandons her. Upon his return, five years later, Guy expects to find his faithful wife anxiously awaiting him.

This book continues the story of Lady of Fire in the next generation. This time it is the oldest daughter of Lea and Roger who takes center stage. Taken as a political hostage by Robert Curthose as guarantee of his good behavior during Curthose’s war with his brother she is taken to court by Guy of Rivaux very much against her will. Despite being somewhat childish in her initial behavior Catherine rises to the occasion when faced with a difficult situation. Forced to marry Guy she understands that there is no way out and that she should make the best of it. Guy is a wonderful hero, thoughtful and caring, him and Catherine and on the verge of falling in love when the war separates them. Catherine goes back to her family and Guy is imprisoned as are all of Robert Curthose’s allies.

Several years pass and although the marriage wasn’t put aside they never saw each other again. But Catherine longs for a family and her parents decide it’s time for her to be reunited with her husband. They won’t have an easy path to happiness as a few misunderstandings have brought a wedge between them but they are willing to work on it. As in the previous book Mills does a wonderful job with believable characters that stay true to their time and in their beliefs.

We revisit here the bad guy of the previous book, Robert de Belleme (a real person btw ) and he will have an unexpected influence in the action in this book and in the future of the Rivaux family.

A very satisfying read with none of the problems of the first book.

Grade: B+

[S Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 śtars - He was drawn to her when she was 13, I know no biggy back then but I don’t prefer historical accuracy for those norms. Anyway, old school HR through the many many ups and downs of the H/H. There was a certain point where I felt the story must end now, but no, they were off again to drama. She was sometimes spoilt and he was a broken, sweet alpha.

[Mary23nm · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I like Ms. Mills writing, I had quite a few nit picky problems with Fire and Steel.It took a long time to get over my initial reaction (Ick!) of the many men in this book, including the hero, who are lusting after a thirteen year old girl. I know very young brides were not uncommon in medieval times, but the author went on and on about these different (much older) men reacting to the heroine. When reading the first part of the book, the (19 yr old) hero wants to wait to bed his 13 year old bride, but you don't actually know that he will wait. Then they are separated and it is five years later, but it is unclear if the married hero has been true or not during those five years away. When he is called back to reunite with his now 18 year old bride, he cheats and sleeps with a woman. Of course, when reunited, he is completely obsessed with the heroine's virginity or lack of (not). Things really slow down after that and there are some superficial conflicts but not much to keep your attention. 3/5 stars. Upon re-reading 4/5 stars

[Naksed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Robert de Bellesme. He can't catch a break because villains are not supposed to get their happy ending in the romance genre. He is the most compelling character in this series, having first made his appearance in Lady of Fire, and the only one to be based on an actual historical figure.

From a man who had some potential to redeem himself in the first book, he grows to become a complete monster in this second book of the series, Fire and Steel. I was disappointed in that. What a waste of a great character.

The story picks up where Lady of Fire ended, centering around the offspring of the characters Roger of Brione and Eleanor of Nantes. These books should be read in order as constant references are made to previous characters and plot points. I was still engrossed even if I was frustrated at what the author chose to do with her most compelling character.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

È uno dei libri di AM che ho comprato, sfogliato e messo da parte per leggerli con calma in un momento di grande fortezza d'animo. Come gli altri due ('Autumn Rain' e 'Secret Nights', ambientati però in epoca 'regency') è un racconto spietato, ma la collocazione in periodo medievale favorisce la narrazione cruda, violenta, a tratti insostenibile, piena di colpi di scena.
Un romanzo molto bello, tuttavia, molto ben scritto e ben documentato.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many sweet moments in this story I’m glad I didn’t give up after the first 20% when Cat’s stubborn high-born entitled princess mentality nearly killed me.

I love William’s love for the son of his heart, Guy. Roger De Broine and Eleanor were sweet. Brian and Aislinn we loveable too.

[Shen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story to learn one thing or two about Medieval lives, in particular the cruelty as well as the madness (of certain people).
Apart from everything else, the romance btw the H and h is usual. I like Guy more than Cat. Finally, upon finishing it and reflect my reading briefly, I tend to believe the book is a little bit too long.

[Joano · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second novel in the series I loved this novel based on the following:

1. The set up of Catherine and Guy meeting and marrying as children. You see the growth in both as the novel progressed.

2. The depth of the secondary characters - Brian FitzHenry, Aslinn of the Condes, and Old Willianm- Guy's keeper were well developed.

3. The subtle details of 12th century Europe and the feudal system. The harshness of life with constant raiding and killings, and the need of a lord to look after all those who follow him. The consequences if you follow the wrong lord into war

4. The villain of the previous novel Robert of Bellesme returns and there is a twist to the story.

This one was a real page turner. A very enjoyable book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Favorite

Fire and Steel is not only my favorite Medieval romance but also makes my top ten best books ever list!

[Angelyn Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant sequel to Lady of Fire. I got chills as well when the heroine's mother listens to the hero play the lyre. The heroine is not a favorite of mine but Guy of Rivaux would not be as compelling had she been more amiable.

[Diane Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the "fire" series and again an excellent read. I can't say enough good things about this author. I am only disappointed that she is not currently writing and is apparently retired.