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The Montbryce Legacy #11
Forbidden
Swan FitzRam and Rodrick de Montbryce share a common ancestor four generations in the past. The powers that be in the Church refuse to sanction their marriage. Rodrick must abandon the woman he loves or forfeit his earldom. A poignant love story set against the turmoil of civil strife as King Stephen and Prince Henry Plantagenet fight for the throne of England.
- GenresHistorical Romance
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
62 people are currently reading
65 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 16, 2019
Ellesmere Castle, England 1153AD
The amazing Montbyce family and a timeless love story that really pulled at my heart. With her detail to history that brings it alive, Anna Markland is a master at creating the medieval atmosphere. The politics and treachery of the times brought many families to battle and also kept many apart.
A meeting of the families to discuss the civil strife tearing England apart had Montbryce's and FitzRam together and many other peers. Swan FitzRam was being forced by her inlaws to go to a convent since her bethroded had died. Her brother Bronson did not want to take her there but he had no choice. They were second cousins of the Montbryce's and Rodrick de Montbryce was there with his sister Grace who was back home after losing her husband.
It did not take long for Roderick and Swan to set sparks flying! Also Bronson and Grace had a strong alchemy also! Just loved these characters and holding my breath to see if these two couples could obtain a special approval since they were related. Can you imagine how hard it was back then?
I truly could not put this one down once I started and as all of the stories in this series, it was wonderful revisiting some characters from before.. Do not miss Forbidden or any in this amazing series The Montbryce Legacy!!
The amazing Montbyce family and a timeless love story that really pulled at my heart. With her detail to history that brings it alive, Anna Markland is a master at creating the medieval atmosphere. The politics and treachery of the times brought many families to battle and also kept many apart.
A meeting of the families to discuss the civil strife tearing England apart had Montbryce's and FitzRam together and many other peers. Swan FitzRam was being forced by her inlaws to go to a convent since her bethroded had died. Her brother Bronson did not want to take her there but he had no choice. They were second cousins of the Montbryce's and Rodrick de Montbryce was there with his sister Grace who was back home after losing her husband.
It did not take long for Roderick and Swan to set sparks flying! Also Bronson and Grace had a strong alchemy also! Just loved these characters and holding my breath to see if these two couples could obtain a special approval since they were related. Can you imagine how hard it was back then?
I truly could not put this one down once I started and as all of the stories in this series, it was wonderful revisiting some characters from before.. Do not miss Forbidden or any in this amazing series The Montbryce Legacy!!
July 14, 2019
Forbidden is book 11 in the Montbryce Legacy series by Anna Markland. Markland has a wonderful talent of weaving historical fact into her stories without becoming boring. This story is set during the time when King Stephen and Prince Henry Plantagenet fight for the throne of England(1153 AD). It’s not necessary to read this series in order, but I believe that the reader will have a much richer experience beginning with the first Montbryce Story “Conquest” and going all the way through the series. The Montbryce family is an amazing one and Markland fully displays her talent for creating an incredible Medieval world. I enjoyed the romance in this one that actually has two sets of lovers. Each character is put to the test. Will true love win? There are some steamy scenes. On the whole, another great book by Markland. I was gifted a copy of this book.
May 9, 2014
I was lucky enough to get a A.R.C. of this book,but that doesn't colour my review.
This book belongs with the others concerning the Mountbryce and FitzRam families, but could be read as a stand alone. There are two couples in this book, Roderick, one of our heroes is the twin brother of Grace one of our heroines.So their stories fit together.
Bronson is on his way to claim an inheritance. The property is close to the Earldom of some distant relatives, so he will take his sister Suannoch (known as Swan) for a visit. Suannoch is furious because she is being sent to become a nun just because her betrothed died. She is determined to enjoy her last days of freedom. Bronson has lost two wives to childbirth and will not take a chance on marriage ever again.
Roderick is the heir to the Earldom where a large political meeting is about to take place. The outcome of this meeting will have far reaching results, and bring danger of the personal kind and the normal danger involved where knights defend the realm.
Grace has returned home after being widowed,she is pleased to have left her adult stepson with his father's property.
This foursome face a lot of adventure, sadness and danger. There was a paragraph that I highlighted which is something I have never done before. It is where a man is badly wounded and the ingredients in the poultice being used made it sound as If she was preparing him to roast in the oven. I was giggling while the poor man was fighting for his life. I just couldn't help it.
A wonderful read with a lot of fascinating historical insights.
This book belongs with the others concerning the Mountbryce and FitzRam families, but could be read as a stand alone. There are two couples in this book, Roderick, one of our heroes is the twin brother of Grace one of our heroines.So their stories fit together.
Bronson is on his way to claim an inheritance. The property is close to the Earldom of some distant relatives, so he will take his sister Suannoch (known as Swan) for a visit. Suannoch is furious because she is being sent to become a nun just because her betrothed died. She is determined to enjoy her last days of freedom. Bronson has lost two wives to childbirth and will not take a chance on marriage ever again.
Roderick is the heir to the Earldom where a large political meeting is about to take place. The outcome of this meeting will have far reaching results, and bring danger of the personal kind and the normal danger involved where knights defend the realm.
Grace has returned home after being widowed,she is pleased to have left her adult stepson with his father's property.
This foursome face a lot of adventure, sadness and danger. There was a paragraph that I highlighted which is something I have never done before. It is where a man is badly wounded and the ingredients in the poultice being used made it sound as If she was preparing him to roast in the oven. I was giggling while the poor man was fighting for his life. I just couldn't help it.
A wonderful read with a lot of fascinating historical insights.
July 16, 2019
Another great story in this series - I can’t get enough! This is a twofer with dual romances with duplicate obstacles. I think what I like the most about Ms. Markland’s stories is the amount of history you absorb along with an engaging tale. English and papal history unfold as this story spans a couple years, and considerable miles with two extremely chivalrous heroes and their steadfast, brave women. I loved it and hope to meet up with these characters in subsequent books!
July 16, 2019
SETTING: ELLESMERE CASTLE, SALOP, England, July 1153 AD
Against the backdrop of the turbulent times when King Stephen and Maud (the daughter of the previous king, King Henry) fought for their offspring to have rulership of England, the de Montbryce and FitzRam families are brought together at a conclave of the powerful men of England who are deciding which son to back for the kingship upon King Stephen’s death. At this meeting, distant cousins, a lady and a man from each family, fall in love. However, the local priest is not willing to give permission for them to marry due to their being related, albeit distantly.
As these young people work through the problems they encounter along the path to marriage, we see history taking place through their eyes. The death of an heir, the death of a pope and the installation of an English Pope, whom they meet at the end of their “crusade” to Rome, uncovers the uncertainty of the era, and the danger to lords of treachery within their gates is clearly depicted.
CRITIQUE: I thoroughly enjoyed this view into the lives of people living during the turbulent times when King Stephen and Maud fought for their offspring to have rulership of England. Via 2 families, distantly related but drawing together to support a new king, we see how people were affected by the unsettled times. We enjoy seeing another generation from the families of Montbryce and FitzRam as they mature and prepare to take headship of their family. Compelling storylines, well-drawn characters against the backdrop of true history—the very essence of historical fiction! I enjoyed this book, which readers of historical fiction will enjoy and appreciate the skillful writing.
Against the backdrop of the turbulent times when King Stephen and Maud (the daughter of the previous king, King Henry) fought for their offspring to have rulership of England, the de Montbryce and FitzRam families are brought together at a conclave of the powerful men of England who are deciding which son to back for the kingship upon King Stephen’s death. At this meeting, distant cousins, a lady and a man from each family, fall in love. However, the local priest is not willing to give permission for them to marry due to their being related, albeit distantly.
As these young people work through the problems they encounter along the path to marriage, we see history taking place through their eyes. The death of an heir, the death of a pope and the installation of an English Pope, whom they meet at the end of their “crusade” to Rome, uncovers the uncertainty of the era, and the danger to lords of treachery within their gates is clearly depicted.
CRITIQUE: I thoroughly enjoyed this view into the lives of people living during the turbulent times when King Stephen and Maud fought for their offspring to have rulership of England. Via 2 families, distantly related but drawing together to support a new king, we see how people were affected by the unsettled times. We enjoy seeing another generation from the families of Montbryce and FitzRam as they mature and prepare to take headship of their family. Compelling storylines, well-drawn characters against the backdrop of true history—the very essence of historical fiction! I enjoyed this book, which readers of historical fiction will enjoy and appreciate the skillful writing.
July 22, 2019
Forbidden
Anna Markland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forbidden is book 11 in the Montbryce Legacy series. King Stephen and King Henry are at war and fighting for the throne of England. Swan FitzRam is being forced by her in laws to go to a convent now that her bethroded has pased away. Her brother Bronson is taking her there even though he does not want to.
When Roderick de Montbryce meets Swan he is not sure if he likes her or not, but Swan is attracted to him from the get go. Roderick, Grace, Swan, and Bronson all have the same great Grandfather so they all are family even if it's only being distant cousins.
Roderick and Swan fall in love, but the church will not sanction a marriage between them so Roderick has to abandon the woman he loves or give up his Earldom.
Will Roderick be able to give up the woman he loves or will he simply give everything up for her?
Anna Markland is fantastic. She weaves a tale of love set in a time of strife when one never knew what was just around the corner. Her characters have a chemistry that just clicks them together perfectly. Her books are chalked full of history and facts. Ms. Markland you have outdone yourself once again.
Anna Markland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forbidden is book 11 in the Montbryce Legacy series. King Stephen and King Henry are at war and fighting for the throne of England. Swan FitzRam is being forced by her in laws to go to a convent now that her bethroded has pased away. Her brother Bronson is taking her there even though he does not want to.
When Roderick de Montbryce meets Swan he is not sure if he likes her or not, but Swan is attracted to him from the get go. Roderick, Grace, Swan, and Bronson all have the same great Grandfather so they all are family even if it's only being distant cousins.
Roderick and Swan fall in love, but the church will not sanction a marriage between them so Roderick has to abandon the woman he loves or give up his Earldom.
Will Roderick be able to give up the woman he loves or will he simply give everything up for her?
Anna Markland is fantastic. She weaves a tale of love set in a time of strife when one never knew what was just around the corner. Her characters have a chemistry that just clicks them together perfectly. Her books are chalked full of history and facts. Ms. Markland you have outdone yourself once again.
July 15, 2019
This is entertaining, dramatic and romantic. Rodrick didn't like his cousin Swan when they first met, but he wondered what was hiding beneath nun's habit. She came to dinner on the last day before she was to go to the nunnery dressed to the nines, and Rodrick fell in love with her. But nothing could come of it because of her being his cousin, and because she was to become a nun. Swan didn't want to be a nun, her former betroths father wanted her put there. She was attracted to Rodrick from the start, and was looking angry at fate for introducing her to him.
Rodrick's sister wanted Swan's brother Bronson, but he had sworn off marriage after losing two wives and two babies. The four kept getting separated because of war, but Brodrick was determined to marry Swan, so they did everything to secure the church's permission to marry. The fighting between kings has them separated, as does working on behalf of the king. This is a beautiful love story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Rodrick's sister wanted Swan's brother Bronson, but he had sworn off marriage after losing two wives and two babies. The four kept getting separated because of war, but Brodrick was determined to marry Swan, so they did everything to secure the church's permission to marry. The fighting between kings has them separated, as does working on behalf of the king. This is a beautiful love story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
July 19, 2019
The Delimma Of Cousins
Saunnoch and Bronson FitzRam are at the de Montbryce family home for a meeting of the heads of each household to discuss the political and country unrest. Suannoch is there on her way to a Convent against her and her twins wishes.
Heir to the Patriach Gallian de Montbryce, Rodrick is taken with the beautiful Saunnoch or Swan as she is called. They have experienced love at first sight. Rodrick's twin sister Grace is home after the death of her uncaring husband. She is instantly attracted to Swans brother Bronson. He feels the same but is afraid of the curse he feels he carries since his first and second wife died in childbirth with each a dead baby.
The political and religious faction interfere with the romances of these two innocent young couples. This is the beginning of Henry Plantaganet as King of England so is a very important time in history.
Saunnoch and Bronson FitzRam are at the de Montbryce family home for a meeting of the heads of each household to discuss the political and country unrest. Suannoch is there on her way to a Convent against her and her twins wishes.
Heir to the Patriach Gallian de Montbryce, Rodrick is taken with the beautiful Saunnoch or Swan as she is called. They have experienced love at first sight. Rodrick's twin sister Grace is home after the death of her uncaring husband. She is instantly attracted to Swans brother Bronson. He feels the same but is afraid of the curse he feels he carries since his first and second wife died in childbirth with each a dead baby.
The political and religious faction interfere with the romances of these two innocent young couples. This is the beginning of Henry Plantaganet as King of England so is a very important time in history.
July 16, 2019
A story of forbidden love when Suannoch “Swan” FitzRam and Rodrick de Montbryce share a common ancestor four generations in the past. Poor Swan being sent to the Abby forced by her in-laws to go to a convent and this is her one chance to enjoy freedom outside of the convent. At a meeting of the families to discuss the civil strife tearing England apart is where Swan FitzRam and Rodrick de Montbryce meet for the first time and their attraction consumes them as sparks fly in every direction. Her brother Bronson and Grace (Roderick’s sister) had a strong chemistry and attraction in this book too. We have 2 love stories in one. I loved this emotional story of a love they could not deny and more than they could stop breathing, theirs is a love of a lifetime. If you love history this book has plenty of historical details too. I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent book.
July 5, 2019
There is no limit for these twins when they find love. Their trek to do the proper thing is long, adventurous, dangerous and gives them the opportunity to learn more about their loved ones. Of course, the Montbryce always have an unique challenge to fill the plot with intrigue and the battle to survive constantly surrounds them. I love this addition to the legacy and thoroughly enjoyed reading it, once I started it, I couldn’t stop!! Author did an excellent job blending the twins and their different love stories with the plot. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
August 13, 2020
Double Wedding
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced novel about twins, Rodrick and Grace who fell in love with FitzRam cousins Bronson and Suannoch who were sister and brother. Since they had the same Grandfather 3 generations back the priest wasn't inclined to marry them. It was enjoyable to watch them call in love, be separated by war and politics. During Yuletide season Grace was kidnapped to force her father to change his political policy to support Maud and Stephen instead of Henry. Excitement all through this book. Some happy, some sad, some angst but love conquered all. Great read..
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced novel about twins, Rodrick and Grace who fell in love with FitzRam cousins Bronson and Suannoch who were sister and brother. Since they had the same Grandfather 3 generations back the priest wasn't inclined to marry them. It was enjoyable to watch them call in love, be separated by war and politics. During Yuletide season Grace was kidnapped to force her father to change his political policy to support Maud and Stephen instead of Henry. Excitement all through this book. Some happy, some sad, some angst but love conquered all. Great read..
September 3, 2019
Forbidden, Book 11
Well written novel which takes place in England around the 1150s. It involved a brother and sister who fall in love with a set of twins, who are their 2nd cousins, once removed. It shows the trials and tribulations of people during this time period, especially dealing with love and marriage between cousins.
Well written novel which takes place in England around the 1150s. It involved a brother and sister who fall in love with a set of twins, who are their 2nd cousins, once removed. It shows the trials and tribulations of people during this time period, especially dealing with love and marriage between cousins.
August 7, 2019
Good read
Interesting that cousins second removed had to go through so much to get married. It was well worth reading of the gatherings and troubles deciding who would be King. Loving ending.
Interesting that cousins second removed had to go through so much to get married. It was well worth reading of the gatherings and troubles deciding who would be King. Loving ending.
August 13, 2022
Double trouble
Finding twin brother and sister that are both marriageable and the only ones they want are also the great grandchildren of the same great-grandfather makes them cousins a couple times removed.
Will they ever get the chance to marry?
Finding twin brother and sister that are both marriageable and the only ones they want are also the great grandchildren of the same great-grandfather makes them cousins a couple times removed.
Will they ever get the chance to marry?
July 12, 2019
What amazing adventure these characters are having. This book kept me enthralled from start to finish.
Absolutely loved it
Voluntary reviewed this book.
Absolutely loved it
Voluntary reviewed this book.
July 14, 2019
Excellent story about medieval times and the strife that there is. A love story and the powers that be who try to keep them apart.
July 15, 2019
Another great read in the series. Ms. Markland takes you back in time and immerses you in the customs, battles, and intrigue of the past. I received an arc of this book.
July 16, 2019
I loved this book! I totally got caught up in the story and had trouble setting it down! Would highly recommend!
July 19, 2019
another wonderful story by a wonderful author! Interesting storyline, complex characters and a poignant story that will move you!
March 3, 2022
Facinating
Another intriguing novel in the Montbryce Legacy series. Full of all the spice and battles you have come to expect from Anna.
Another intriguing novel in the Montbryce Legacy series. Full of all the spice and battles you have come to expect from Anna.
July 14, 2024
The story was ok
I love Anna Markland stories and the first 10 I. The series was great but I just wasn’t feeling the characters I. This story.
I love Anna Markland stories and the first 10 I. The series was great but I just wasn’t feeling the characters I. This story.
May 9, 2014
Ms Markland never ceases to amaze, this new book in the Montbryce series is as good if not better than the others. It's a story of not two but four characters connected to the family and the trials in which they have to overcome to be together from the Clergy. If you've not read the Montbryce Legacies by Anna Markland, I suggest that you do. Try Conquering Passion, the first book, you will be blown away by the historical elements and you have everything you could wish for, laughter, romance, tears, some happy, some sad but overall love. Once you've read one, you'll want to read the rest. I know I can't wait for more, I hope Ms Markland has plenty in her mind to release on paper.
July 8, 2015
Montebryce perfection!
Great book in the Montebryce collection. I absolutely love the family in this serious. The Montebryce men kind of ruin the modern day man for us all; but they are chivalrous; handsome; skilled!; brave; compassionate everything a girls fairytale could hope for just these are for grown up girls! Fantastically written! Love it love it!!
Great book in the Montebryce collection. I absolutely love the family in this serious. The Montebryce men kind of ruin the modern day man for us all; but they are chivalrous; handsome; skilled!; brave; compassionate everything a girls fairytale could hope for just these are for grown up girls! Fantastically written! Love it love it!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews