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The Montbryce Legacy #10
Jeopardy
Only lies can keep her children alive...
Alexandre is a powerful Norman nobleman haunted by memories of a troubled past. He has sworn never to marry.
Elayne is a Scottish noblewoman masquerading as the nursemaid of her own children, sent to Normandy by King David as good faith hostages. Neither she nor her children are who they purport to be and only lies can keep them alive.
The struggle for the throne of England between Stephen and Maud in the 12th century provides the historical backdrop for this story.
Alexandre is a powerful Norman nobleman haunted by memories of a troubled past. He has sworn never to marry.
Elayne is a Scottish noblewoman masquerading as the nursemaid of her own children, sent to Normandy by King David as good faith hostages. Neither she nor her children are who they purport to be and only lies can keep them alive.
The struggle for the throne of England between Stephen and Maud in the 12th century provides the historical backdrop for this story.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2014
77 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
238 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 15, 2019
Jeopardy is book 10 in the Montbryce Legacy series by Anna Markland. Although you can read these books as stand alones, I don’t recommend that. I think you should begin at the first book which is called Conquest and read straight through. I have thoroughly enjoyed each one of these books. Jeopardy is no different. Markland weaves actual historical events all through the story and brings her characters to life masterfully. I enjoyed Alex and Elayne’s relationship. “His warm lips brushed hers gently, but his kiss rocked her. His mouth lingered, waiting for her reaction. She should protest, object, be outraged, but instead she opened for him.” There are steamy sex scenes, intrigue, mystery and humor all rolled into one great book. I was gifted a copy of this book.
May 5, 2019
What can say enough about this series!! It was so amazing!! I love the series and the story of Alex and Elayne was so good!! I loved world building, the side characters, and how love is s gift between one another!!
May 12, 2019
Jeopardy
By Anna Markland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elayne Dunkeld is a Scottish noblewoman masquerading as a nursemaid to her own children. They have been sent to Normandy as hostages. A show of goodwill for the most part. She cannot let anyone know that she is the children's Mother and has to remind them at times to call her Elayne and not Maman.
Alexandre de Montbryce is a powerful Norman nobleman who has basically decided that he will never be married. He feels an instant pull towards Elayne the first time he meets her as she holds the children's hands and he hasn't felt stirring affections like that in many a year.
Everything that is portrayed to be is not really how it is in this book. Anna Markland is a master story teller who weaves a fantastic story during a very turbulent time. The lies in this book are incredible yet the children are actually portrayed as sweet. I could almost hear their sweet little voices trying to pronounce big words. If you are looking for a book that is rich with history then look no further because Ms. Markland always delivers. I'm always eager to read Anna Markland's books as I find a bit if a history lesson in each one.
By Anna Markland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elayne Dunkeld is a Scottish noblewoman masquerading as a nursemaid to her own children. They have been sent to Normandy as hostages. A show of goodwill for the most part. She cannot let anyone know that she is the children's Mother and has to remind them at times to call her Elayne and not Maman.
Alexandre de Montbryce is a powerful Norman nobleman who has basically decided that he will never be married. He feels an instant pull towards Elayne the first time he meets her as she holds the children's hands and he hasn't felt stirring affections like that in many a year.
Everything that is portrayed to be is not really how it is in this book. Anna Markland is a master story teller who weaves a fantastic story during a very turbulent time. The lies in this book are incredible yet the children are actually portrayed as sweet. I could almost hear their sweet little voices trying to pronounce big words. If you are looking for a book that is rich with history then look no further because Ms. Markland always delivers. I'm always eager to read Anna Markland's books as I find a bit if a history lesson in each one.
August 26, 2016
This genre is and always has been a favorite of mine. I have not read any other books of this author and I find myself asking why not? I will be seeking out more of her books.
I love a historical that gives me just enough history to make the story and timeline one I can recognize - without giving me the full blown accounting. I also like feisty characters - because if one thinks about it - they must have had enormous strength to have survived the times. This book gave me both.
The only one thing that I did not care for - and I know it's a personal taste - is the amount of foreign language imposed in the story. It's detracting in that I find I have to keep going back over and re-read the section to ensure I have not missed anything.
Short of that, I found it to be an excellent read!
Thank you Anna!
I love a historical that gives me just enough history to make the story and timeline one I can recognize - without giving me the full blown accounting. I also like feisty characters - because if one thinks about it - they must have had enormous strength to have survived the times. This book gave me both.
The only one thing that I did not care for - and I know it's a personal taste - is the amount of foreign language imposed in the story. It's detracting in that I find I have to keep going back over and re-read the section to ensure I have not missed anything.
Short of that, I found it to be an excellent read!
Thank you Anna!
August 13, 2022
Another great story
I am enjoying all the Montbryce series books. Each one is a different story with different problems but some of the same characters from previous stories. I will be sad when the last book is done.
I am enjoying all the Montbryce series books. Each one is a different story with different problems but some of the same characters from previous stories. I will be sad when the last book is done.
July 9, 2024
Awesome story
This was a great story, Alexandre who always said he would never wed finds his love and realizes he also has the Montbryce curse.
This was a great story, Alexandre who always said he would never wed finds his love and realizes he also has the Montbryce curse.
May 15, 2019
TITLE: Scottish King’s grandchildren held hostage to ensure his support; at risk—their very lives!
SETTING: Montbryce Castle, Normandie, August 1136 AD. Alexandre de Montbryce is Comte of Montbryce in France. Stephen is King in England while Maud and Geoffrey are in Anjou plotting his invasion and overthrow. To this point the de Montbryce family in France has supported Maud in her claims to the throne, but the Montbryce family in England has changed sides to King Stephen as they think him the better choice for sovereign. As a bargaining chip to ensure the Scottish King David will fight in her behalf, Maud has had David’s grandchildren taken hostage and transported to Montbryce Castle, where Alexandre now is given the children, as the story opens. This is the story of what happens to the children and their “nanny” when it becomes known that the children are those of the bastard son, not the legitimate son.
Woven on the history of the times, Ms. Markland has picked up threads from the other Montbryce stories we have enjoyed, and incorporated them as either remembrances or as the offspring of the major characters. For example, Alexandre and his brothers Laurent and Romaine are the sons of Robert de Montbryce, whose story of being held in an oubliette at Caen Castle when Alexandre was born we cried through in another book. A Cousin, Gallien, is now the Earl of Ellesmere, a place with which we are quite familiar from the opening books in the series. Gallien and his brother Étienne make their appearance in our story as well. (Personally, I love this approach, as I know I can slip right into the story and settle down for a good read).
Of course, it would not be a true Montbryce story unless true lovers meet, and they do! And what terrible obstacles they must overcome to reach their HEA!
CRITIQUE: Wonderfully crafted storylines, blending past with the present for a thoroughly new and fresh story based on this time period. The characters are well defined, and there is a terrible surprise that appears out of nowhere to disrupt the happiness—and safety!—of our heroine. Just as I wonder “now how will Alexandre and our heroine reach their HEA”, when Ms. Markland surprises me yet again with her own unique solution to the problem! Once again, I read right through to the wee hours to finish this book. Ms. Markland does not disappoint!
SETTING: Montbryce Castle, Normandie, August 1136 AD. Alexandre de Montbryce is Comte of Montbryce in France. Stephen is King in England while Maud and Geoffrey are in Anjou plotting his invasion and overthrow. To this point the de Montbryce family in France has supported Maud in her claims to the throne, but the Montbryce family in England has changed sides to King Stephen as they think him the better choice for sovereign. As a bargaining chip to ensure the Scottish King David will fight in her behalf, Maud has had David’s grandchildren taken hostage and transported to Montbryce Castle, where Alexandre now is given the children, as the story opens. This is the story of what happens to the children and their “nanny” when it becomes known that the children are those of the bastard son, not the legitimate son.
Woven on the history of the times, Ms. Markland has picked up threads from the other Montbryce stories we have enjoyed, and incorporated them as either remembrances or as the offspring of the major characters. For example, Alexandre and his brothers Laurent and Romaine are the sons of Robert de Montbryce, whose story of being held in an oubliette at Caen Castle when Alexandre was born we cried through in another book. A Cousin, Gallien, is now the Earl of Ellesmere, a place with which we are quite familiar from the opening books in the series. Gallien and his brother Étienne make their appearance in our story as well. (Personally, I love this approach, as I know I can slip right into the story and settle down for a good read).
Of course, it would not be a true Montbryce story unless true lovers meet, and they do! And what terrible obstacles they must overcome to reach their HEA!
CRITIQUE: Wonderfully crafted storylines, blending past with the present for a thoroughly new and fresh story based on this time period. The characters are well defined, and there is a terrible surprise that appears out of nowhere to disrupt the happiness—and safety!—of our heroine. Just as I wonder “now how will Alexandre and our heroine reach their HEA”, when Ms. Markland surprises me yet again with her own unique solution to the problem! Once again, I read right through to the wee hours to finish this book. Ms. Markland does not disappoint!
May 14, 2019
This is gripping, intense, suspenseful, romantic and sweet. Alex is an honorable, stubborn, caring and protective man who has never felt comfortable being who he is, the Comte de Montbryce. The distance between him and his father always made him feel like an outsider in his family, he felt that his father's absence at the time of his birth, and the years when Robert was recovering, was to blame. He had never married, believing himself unable to love. When Elayne showed up with the hostages he was given charge of, he was fascinated by her. Elayne is strong, brave, fierce and vulnerable. She confused him, being a servant but not exactly acting like a servant. He finds out why the night he asks her to be his mistress. But he's definitely not upset by her revelation, because he's already in love with her and her children, because they can marry, because she's not a servant. But because of who the children aren't, their lives are all in danger. As hostages of Maud, they could be executed, including Alex if Maud suspects him of being a part if the deception. Switching to support Stephen meant incurring Maud's wrath, but safer for Elayne and her children. Things don't go as planned because of a surprise twist that puts everyone in a vulnerable position. The trip to the oubliette in Caen that had once housed his father as a prisoner gave Alex a new understanding of his father, and helped heal old wounds. I love all these Montbryce stories, but especially this one because I didn't cry throughout the whole thing as usual. I would love to sidestep from the Montbryce family and read one about King Stephen falling in love. And Romain. And Laurent.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
May 3, 2014
Once you start reading the saga of the Montbryce family, installment by installment, you cannot stop. Why?
Montbryce men are tormented and complicated beings. They only marry for love and their women are all healer of their souls and proved psychologists. I forgot to mention that their love relationships are always complicated by politic games, wars, and feuds. They have to fight hard to achieve the women they choose.
In this book, Alexandre and Elayne's destiny is not different from the other Montbryce couples. He is Norman, she is Scottish. Elayne has two children; they are all war hostages in the background of the civil war between Matilda of England and Stephen of Blois, the so called Anarchy. Like all the Montbryce males, Alex is tormented by his past. His father was severe and demanding with him beyond measure since he was a child. Even grown up, he still suffers a sense of guilt for not being loved by his father as his brothers and sisters were. He is a brooding and lonely adult, until he meets the other half of himself, Elayne. From this moment on, everything'll be clear and easy. His tormented self'll be at peace and his hesitation in politics'll be solved.
The writer disentangles this story of love and suffering with a fast pace, made of action, adventure and even introducing royalties in cameos. A pleasant reading. One of the most interesting installments of the saga.
Montbryce men are tormented and complicated beings. They only marry for love and their women are all healer of their souls and proved psychologists. I forgot to mention that their love relationships are always complicated by politic games, wars, and feuds. They have to fight hard to achieve the women they choose.
In this book, Alexandre and Elayne's destiny is not different from the other Montbryce couples. He is Norman, she is Scottish. Elayne has two children; they are all war hostages in the background of the civil war between Matilda of England and Stephen of Blois, the so called Anarchy. Like all the Montbryce males, Alex is tormented by his past. His father was severe and demanding with him beyond measure since he was a child. Even grown up, he still suffers a sense of guilt for not being loved by his father as his brothers and sisters were. He is a brooding and lonely adult, until he meets the other half of himself, Elayne. From this moment on, everything'll be clear and easy. His tormented self'll be at peace and his hesitation in politics'll be solved.
The writer disentangles this story of love and suffering with a fast pace, made of action, adventure and even introducing royalties in cameos. A pleasant reading. One of the most interesting installments of the saga.
June 18, 2019
This book really grabbed me from the beginning with the urgency of keeping up the deception for Elayne and her children, as they became hostages in the dispute between Maud and Stephen for the throne of England. Sent to Normandy to stay in the care of the Compte Montbryce, who was loyal to Maud, it was vital everyone think the children were the grandchildren of the Scottish king. Just when they had settled in to what they thought was a safe place, war threatens and the children and Elayne are again pawns to be traded back and forth.
Meanwhile, Alex, who thought he would never love anyone, finds his heart opening to Elayne and the children as they stay under his protection. As he deals with the ghosts of his past so that he can move forward with a family of his own, Elayne and the children are once again put in jeopardy. Can Alex and his Montbryce brothers avoid all-out war between Stephen and Maud while assuring the hostages' safety?
This was fast-paced for a medieval story, but it was rich with historical detail. The dialogue was fairly modern with not much dialect thrown in, other than a few words in Gaelic or French. I think this allowed me to read it more quickly, without having to figure out what they were trying to say.
This was my first book in the Montbryce series, and even though it is book #10, this story is pretty much self-contained. Of course, I am intrigued to read about all of Alex's family that has come before and what happens with his brothers.
Meanwhile, Alex, who thought he would never love anyone, finds his heart opening to Elayne and the children as they stay under his protection. As he deals with the ghosts of his past so that he can move forward with a family of his own, Elayne and the children are once again put in jeopardy. Can Alex and his Montbryce brothers avoid all-out war between Stephen and Maud while assuring the hostages' safety?
This was fast-paced for a medieval story, but it was rich with historical detail. The dialogue was fairly modern with not much dialect thrown in, other than a few words in Gaelic or French. I think this allowed me to read it more quickly, without having to figure out what they were trying to say.
This was my first book in the Montbryce series, and even though it is book #10, this story is pretty much self-contained. Of course, I am intrigued to read about all of Alex's family that has come before and what happens with his brothers.
February 27, 2014
I was lucky enough to be given an A.R.C. of this by the author, but that doesn't colour my review.
I have read all the previous books about this family, but you can read it as a stand alone. That said If you have read the others it will enhance your enjoyment of this.
Alexandre is the 4th Comte de Montbryce, he sees no reason to marry because his brothers can carry on the line. Alex has been given the job of holding two children hostage to ensure the good behavior of their grandfather King David of Scotland. David has his own agenda. He decides to send Elayne and her young twins instead of the legitimate heirs. Elayne's children are the King's grandchildren but from his illegitimate son. Elayne has to pretend to be the children's nanny. The history in this story is fascinating. A wonderful description of the tapestry that strongly involves this family. It is a beautiful love story. We have two very brave small children and a truly heroic dog.
I won't say too much on the story because I don't want to spoil it for you. It is an emotional rollercoaster. I loved every page. This story shows us Just how important our families are.
I have read all the previous books about this family, but you can read it as a stand alone. That said If you have read the others it will enhance your enjoyment of this.
Alexandre is the 4th Comte de Montbryce, he sees no reason to marry because his brothers can carry on the line. Alex has been given the job of holding two children hostage to ensure the good behavior of their grandfather King David of Scotland. David has his own agenda. He decides to send Elayne and her young twins instead of the legitimate heirs. Elayne's children are the King's grandchildren but from his illegitimate son. Elayne has to pretend to be the children's nanny. The history in this story is fascinating. A wonderful description of the tapestry that strongly involves this family. It is a beautiful love story. We have two very brave small children and a truly heroic dog.
I won't say too much on the story because I don't want to spoil it for you. It is an emotional rollercoaster. I loved every page. This story shows us Just how important our families are.
July 3, 2019
Maid Or Mother?
King David turns the tables on Maud as he substitutes his illegitimate Grandchildren for the legitimate ones that she has taken hostage to ensure his support of her claim to King Henry's throne. She sends them the Montbryce Estate for safekeeping. Alexander has no choice but to accept them. As well as both children they come with a beautiful red headed nursemaid. Alex is instantly attracted to Elayne the nurse but even though she is also attracted to him she must hide their secret that they are a substitute for the real Grandchildren but she is their mother. She fears for their lives if the truth is discovered. They are in danger from Maud and the followers of Stephen the rival for the throne of England. Alex has decided he has been supporting the worst choice for the throne.
The romance between Elayne and Alex the confirmed bachelor become very complicated with political intrigue and the disguises of the children and Maud's schemes. This is a good story with all the exciting points you could want in a good book.
King David turns the tables on Maud as he substitutes his illegitimate Grandchildren for the legitimate ones that she has taken hostage to ensure his support of her claim to King Henry's throne. She sends them the Montbryce Estate for safekeeping. Alexander has no choice but to accept them. As well as both children they come with a beautiful red headed nursemaid. Alex is instantly attracted to Elayne the nurse but even though she is also attracted to him she must hide their secret that they are a substitute for the real Grandchildren but she is their mother. She fears for their lives if the truth is discovered. They are in danger from Maud and the followers of Stephen the rival for the throne of England. Alex has decided he has been supporting the worst choice for the throne.
The romance between Elayne and Alex the confirmed bachelor become very complicated with political intrigue and the disguises of the children and Maud's schemes. This is a good story with all the exciting points you could want in a good book.
May 13, 2019
Another exceptional story in the Montbryce Legacy series. This one with Alex, the Comte de Montbryce, the chieftain of one of the wealthiest and most powerful Norman clans. He would gladly cede his title to his brother Romain but it was not to be. Determined not to marry again or sire a heir, it seems that fate steps in when he meets Elayne and her two children, Henry and Claricia. She is on the run hiding out pretending to be their nursemaid instead of their mother! No choice for the lies but when Alex comes into their lives, he becomes very taken with her almost at sight! What will happen when he finds out who they really are?
A story of suspense and emotions that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can. Anna Markland continues to pen new stories that are truly wonderful!
A story of suspense and emotions that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can. Anna Markland continues to pen new stories that are truly wonderful!
April 9, 2014
Very distant historical book - politics, intrigue, and love. I have not read many of these in the past many years, but this one sounded good. I regret, I did not realize it was not the first book in a series of four, but it was very captivating.
The characters were well-rounded - strong, yet, insecure emotionally. Stubborn, proud, loving, with a sense of humor. Watching love bloom amidst the intrigue of kings and queens and their loyal, or not, subjects, was both heartwarming and cause for worry. Would they survive???
I bought the boxed set of four books - have to go back to the beginning and read them all now. Enjoyed the simpler times, except for the eating with fingers!!!! ;)
The characters were well-rounded - strong, yet, insecure emotionally. Stubborn, proud, loving, with a sense of humor. Watching love bloom amidst the intrigue of kings and queens and their loyal, or not, subjects, was both heartwarming and cause for worry. Would they survive???
I bought the boxed set of four books - have to go back to the beginning and read them all now. Enjoyed the simpler times, except for the eating with fingers!!!! ;)
May 29, 2019
Yes!!! Love this, one of my favorite so far in this series. It's very heartwarming in many ways. Elayne is fierce when it comes to protecting her kids and she has gone through so much unhappiness. Alex attraction to her is just as fierce. The kids are so sweet, smart and connect with him immediately. As secrets are revealed both with hers and the legacy of the Montbryce family the whirlwind of support and love is outstanding. They are perfect for one another and their story captivated me from start to finish. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
May 13, 2019
This book transports the reader into the heart of the intrigue in this turbulent period in history. The characters are vivid and you can’t help but fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other. The children are a delight and Alex’s siblings are all colorful. This author has the gift of educating the reader about historical events while engrossing them with a fabulous romance.
May 26, 2019
Another brilliant read from this author.
The Montbryce family what an excellent book. Elayne and her two young children are sent to be hostages for Queen Maud. They are sent to Alex Montbryce castle with Elayne playing the role of the nanny.
Loved this book ,the characters and storyline.
Voluntary reviewed this book.
The Montbryce family what an excellent book. Elayne and her two young children are sent to be hostages for Queen Maud. They are sent to Alex Montbryce castle with Elayne playing the role of the nanny.
Loved this book ,the characters and storyline.
Voluntary reviewed this book.
August 11, 2020
Alexandre and Elayne
Wonderfully told story continuing the Montbryce's. Another great love story following the historic political problems for the Crown between Stephan, Maud and Geoffrey of Anjou. An enjoyable story of a forever love match.
Wonderfully told story continuing the Montbryce's. Another great love story following the historic political problems for the Crown between Stephan, Maud and Geoffrey of Anjou. An enjoyable story of a forever love match.
April 24, 2014
Alexandre & Elayne's story is really great. I love how he falls in love with her children as he's falling for her, and that her abusive lummox of a husband gets his just rewards in the end.
May 30, 2019
Excellent
Enjoyable adventure from the beginning until the end
Full of many twists and turns
I would highly recommend this story
Enjoyable adventure from the beginning until the end
Full of many twists and turns
I would highly recommend this story
May 14, 2019
Great continuation of the Montbryce series. Intrigue, love, and adorable twin eight year olds and their governess, who are not who they purport to be. I received an ARC of this book.
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