The Unchained Heart

Hearts of the Conquest #2

by Paula Quinn

Norman lord Dante Risande never met a woman he couldn't seduce... until a lovely servant named Gianelle refuses his attention and his help when she’s accused of murder. As the King's right hand, he can't sit idly by. It's his duty to investigate. But in order to save Gianelle, he must buy her, which makes him an enemy in her eyes. She’s no easy woman to win over, which makes her even more alluring. The more time he spends with her, fighting, laughing, breathing the same wonderfully charged air –like being on the ocean when lightning strikes nearby, the more he begins to long for her to be his. He’ll give her anything she asks, but he can’t give her what she truly wants while her accusers are alive.

A slave all her life, Gianelle Dejiat wants nothing to do with men. Especially the abusive kind. That’s why she’s caught trying to escape her lord’s castle, and why she’s accused of killing him when he’s found dead in his bed. But the true danger is just beginning. The only thing worse than a mean-tempered master taking interest in her is a silver-eyed, velvet-tongued warrior like Lord Dante Risande. What Gia wants is her freedom, to disappear and live her own life, not to become another of Dante's conquests. But when he buys her and brings her home to Dover, will his castle high on the cliffs become a new prison or the place where she finally learns how to fly?

And when her accuser shows up in her life again, this time to kill her, will she use her wings to fly away to live her own life? Or will she leap into the arms of the man who unchained her heart and set her free to keep her close?

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

306 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Paula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, Hearts of the Highlands featuring the brave, romantic MacPhersons on Amazon now!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!

Reviews

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dante için 4🥰

[Çisem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fena değildi diyelim.
Bu tarz çok kitap okumuşum sanırım çünkü kötü olmamasına rağmen kitapta bir farklılık olmadığı için ortalama kaldı.🤷‍♀️

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh a TSTL heroine, I hate.

Dante (What a name, I have always associated this name with Inferno) the hero was a rake and a warrior serving under King William after William the Conqueror was made King. His brother Brand was the hero in the first book of the series and I have read about Dante in Brand's book. Dante appeared to be a light-hearted, friendly, charming character who had women falling all over for him everywhere he went.

I should have known that with such a rakish character, of course his match would have to be a woman who did not care about him at all. This is not very original and I found the idea rather boring. But like I said before, I like Paula Quinn and medieval is one of my favorite period setting. I decided to read Dante's book anyways. Dante is paired with Gia, a servant in another Lord's home. I do not mind that she was a servant. But I certainly mind her hypocrisy and childishness.

I read another reviewer's observation that Gia was playing hard to get. Such an acute observation. Gia was totally playing hard to get. She was just unnecessarily mean to Dante, who had been nothing but nice to her. I don't know why "women of her own mind" always have to act like an idiot in a fiction. Can you not tell that this man is kind to you? Gia treated Dante like crap because she was distrustful of nobility and afraid of being abandoned again (her father left her). I got tired of her idiotic behaviors very early on and wanted to slap her. Everything about her screams insecurity and low self-esteem.

But I read on, because Paula Quinn always paints a vivid historical picture and I love it. I could almost like the book. Dante is sweet and the writing is good. Then Gia did something. I snapped.

So Dante was obvious in his interest. He told Gia that if she wasn't interested in a liaison with him, she could go to another holding of his or go to his brother's home. If it was Gia's wish to not be involved with him, he did not want Gia to stay in the same place as he was because understandably, out of sight out of mind.

I thought that was reasonable, no? He did not owe Gia anything but he was offering her freedom and safe passage to a new home and a secure future, if she turned him down. I mean, how much more reasonable can a noble man be?

So our dear wonderfully rebellious Gia (you hear the sarcastic tone in my voice?), who listened to nobody and was so very tough, pulled out all the wicks in the candles during the night. Why? Because she was angry, of course! How dare Dante told her to go!

I mean how is that cute? You told the guy you didn't want him. Guy said ok, that is fine but I will keep my distance. I am the Lord of the castle so unfortunately I cannot leave. I will send you to another holding where I rarely visit. Then you get pissed because he is sending you away? I mean I thought you didn't want him. Why do you care if he is indeed sending you away? And how is pulling all the wicks out of the candles supposed to help? This is what children do. They throw a tantrum when they do not get what they want. But wait, I thought you got what you wanted? Guy is leaving you alone, as you have demanded. So you got what you wanted and that is why you pulled all the wicks out of the candles?

........How........is........that........logical?

I really could have liked this book and given the book 3 stars. But I cannot abide such idiocy from a woman. I never could tolerate childish behaviors. An insecure woman not knowing her mind and acting childishly while being in denial, this could kill any great books for me.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I like that it shows the life of a serf.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable instalment in this series. I really enjoyed the first book but this touched my emotions a bit deeper especially when Dante and Gianelle think the worst has happened to the other! I also like the setting at Graycliff Castle and how atmospheric it is. Lovely!

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying these at the moment. They're entertaining, and all I can handle at the moment with the stress of COVID, the election, my son being deployed, etc. Thank you Paula Quinn!

[Wal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yani ne diyim ki. Bir sürü historical romans okumuşumdur, ondan mı oldu emin değilim ama kitabın hiçbir olayı yoktu gibi geldi. Literal olarak hiçbir olayı yoktu ya. Benzerlerinin aynısı olan son derece ortalama bir romandı. Tamam, anlıyorum bu işin blueprinti belli de ya bi komplo olur ya bir karakter olur illa bir şey öyküyü farklılaştırır. Bunda hiçbiri yoktu. Son derece sıradan ve ortalamaydı. Elimden çıkaracağım kitaplar bölümünde yerini aldı.

[Elis Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Paula Quinn's first published book, Lord of Desire, despite a few quibbles over historical details and occasionally florid prose. This, her second, is even better, both in terms of the historical research and the writing. I could hardly find a nit to pick.

Gianelle and her friend Casey are trying to escape a cruel master and his even crueler brother when they stumble into Dante Risande, who is visiting their master's keep to investigate the brothers' possible collusion with rebel Hereward the Wake. When their master is poisoned, Dante suspects Gia, having seen her serve a cup of wine to a butt-pinching noble, who, after drinking, lurched off to the outhouse. Despite his suspicions, and the direct accusation made by the villainous brother, Dante refuses to leave the girls to the predation of their new master. He buys them and takes them back to his home, promising to fully investigate the murder.

The romance progresses nicely, despite the fact that Gia's initial sass and defiance seemed a little childish and maybe out of character for a slave accustomed to cruel punishments for small infractions. By the end, I was caught up with her, even crying during some of her low moments.

Meanwhile, the villain isn't done with either Gia or Dante, and his threats add just the right amount of suspense through the story. There were moments when I wasn't at all sure this would have the HEA that is required these days in romance, and the resolution to all the problems doesn't come easy. I'm giving this one the full five stars.

[Lucimar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lorde Dante Risande era um conquistava todas mulheres de quem se aproximava. Um bonito guerreiro, bondoso e justo. Jamais se prendia as suas conquistas até encontrar encontrar a escrava Gianelle que pertencia a Dermott e que foi acusada de assassiná-lo enquanto Dante estava em seu castelo. Este toma a escrava e sua amiga Casey, sob sua guarda e jura protegê-las dos irmão ambicioso de Dermott- Edgar. Gianelle, é um mulher que já sofreu todo tipo de castigos na vida e mesmo assim luta pra manter sua liberdade e nem deseja ficar presa a ninguém. Mas com alguém tão carismático como Dante sua liberdade se encontra ameaçada, pois ele não vai permite que ela se distancie dele.De forma paralela o amor de Casey e o capitão Balin
Uma boa leitura para aqueles que não desejam nada muito emotivo, bons diálogos, e personagens bem construídos.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit different that the usual Lord meets Lady situation. Gianelle is a slave and when her Lord is poisoned, Lord Dante is sent by the King to investigate. Fearing she will be accused for a crime she did not commit, she escapes with her friend Casey. she is terrified of the Lord's brother who has made no secret that he desires her. But she runs right into Dante, who after hearing the story decided to save them. He buys her to save her. But Edgar sends an army to get her back. Dante is not interested in marriage but finds himself entranced by Gianelle. Full of suspense, humor and romance, this is a good read.

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of the series so far! It was a marked improvement over the first one and it had such a fantastic location (unf Dover). What I really enjoyed was the fact that Gianelle wasn't the usual blushing virgin you find in these books. I mean, I love those characters too but it's been done to death. And the fact that Gianelle was capable of killing people to defend herself made her simply awesome.

I'll probably re-read this one at some point.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these women!

[Alexandra Taco · Rating 4 out of 5]

En esta historia tenemos a Dante como protagonista. Él es todo un coqueto, un amante de las mujeres. Muy leal a su rey y que carga una gran pena por la muerte reciente de su hermana.
Un día está de visitante en el castillo de Lord Dermott y ahí conoce a la más bella doncella que ha visto, Gianelle.

Gianelle es una sirvienta de Dermott, maltratada por su amo así que quiere huir. Pero la noche que lo intenta es detenida por Dante y luego se conoce que Dermott está muerto.
Para salvarla de las acusaciones, Dante se la lleva a su castillo de Graycliff. Él desea conquistarla para tenerla en su cama pero poco a poco se empieza a enamorar y ella igual.
Caen en las sendas de la pasión y terminan casándose. Al final logran derrotar al malvado Dermott y son felices.

Al inicio no me gusta la actitud de Gianelle y la coquetería de Dante, pero poco a poco se van acoplando y al final yo soy la más feliz de verlos juntos. Son bellísimos juntos.

[Jimena Bermolen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otra hermosa historia que sorprende. En la era de Guillermo el conquistador, Lord Dante Risande, es el más apuesto de los caballeros. Letal en el capo de batalla y con las damas, este amado caballero no estaba dispuesto a comprometerse, pero cuando conoce a la intrépida Gianelle, una maltratada pero orgullosa sirvienta de su archienemigo; ella está en peligro de muerte ya que el malvado hermano de su amo la quiere para él. Dante siente que debe protegerla, y cuando la conoce mejor y la lleva a sus tierras sentirá deseos de domar su indomable espíritu, la sorpresa es que en esa aventura perderá su propio corazón.
Este libro es mucho más poético que el anterior. De nuevo los personajes secundarios son muy buenos.

[Alexandra Taco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia de pasión dónde el seductor Dante Risande, se enamora de una sirviente rebelde, la hermosa Gianelle.
Se conocen de manera imprevista, la forma en que Gianelle rechaza a Dante es muy divertida pero con el paso del tiempo y las circunstancias, se empezarán a enamorar. Al final su amor tendrá una prueba que la superarán.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Mi gran pero de este libro es que el desarrollo de su relacion se me hizo forzada. Me encanto volver a ver a Brand y Brynna junto a sus hijos y en definitiva Brand me gusta más, igualmente me hubiera gustado ver más de Guillermo y de Hereward, este último me llamó mucho ka atención. A ver como va el siguiente y último libro de esra trilogía.

[Priscila Vera Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Dante only seeked for revenge until he met Gianelle, who only wanted to be free to choose her path. Who would have thoguht those two needed each other? I loved the way you write and I hope to read more from you.

[Micky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Dante is so different than his brother in the first book of the series. He is more relatable. And his love interest, Gianelle is fiery and a great match for him. The book had great turns and twists that I enjoyed navigating. I look forward to the next book.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

So syrupy sweet it gave me a toothache. It started off good then at about 50% it got super boring and I skimmed until the end. No surprises, predictable, and they were madly in love the entire time.

[KMKB · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost didn't finish it. She really got on my nerves. I love a strong woman, but she confused me to no end. There were some nice steamy bits and the story itself had some intrigue. 3.5 stars

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Lord of Desire, so I thought a sequel or addition to the series would be wonderful. I can't say I liked it as much as the first but it was still very good. I have liked other stories by Paula Quinn in the past and I just recently (as recent as the first book) decided to see what else she had to offer. I must say I've been pleasantly surprised as fluff reading goes. No none of her stories are serious tales that everyone should read but they are enjoyable. And I'm hoping I get her next installment to this series soon though I doubt we will get to read about Casey and Balin who were a wonderful addition to this story.

Let's see. The premise, I think, is what I dislike the most. She is a servant who is accused of murdering her master. While I like the idea of the dash hero/laird falling for a beautiful servant (Cinderella?) I can't say I like the circumstances of this one. Of course, I do like that Gianelle isn't weak. She isn't about to gush over Dante even if she thinks he's a handsome man. He can flirt with her all he likes but she won't just cave and what I like most is that she doesn't... for the most part.

Gianelle wants him, to be sure, but she doesn't want to be another conquest and Dante isn't exactly known for his lasting relationships. So I'm with her on everything up until he proposes to save her. He's taking this whole thing a bit far isn't he?

The story does become and interesting tale of this relationship and it's origins and I like that despite all the pain Gianelle has dealt with she is still fighting. There is a big discovery later on in the story that makes me like her all the more because it shows that she is strong enough to keep going despite hardship. I actually really liked the emotional attachment between Dante and Gianelle because while it was a touch overdramatic... it was a poetic love story with two characters who didn't seem to understand anything about being in love.

A nice touch was the budding relationship between Balin and Casey. A relationship I for one would love to read more about but I think that was the case with the first book. It was also nice to see Brand and Brynna in this story.

While I did like this book and the previous one, I have decided I would like to swap them on PaperBackSwap.com. I can't see myself re-reading them any time soon and if I want to, I will just have to obtain them again.

[Tkmla · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Das Herz des furchtlosen Lords“ ist der zweite Band der abenteuerlichen Lords of Desire Reihe von Paula Quinn.
Sie schöne Sklavin Gianelle will endlich gemeinsam mit ihrer Freundin Casey ihren Fluchtplan umsetzen, um die Freiheit von ihrem grausamen Herrn zu erlangen. Doch leider lösen sich ihre Pläne in Luft auf, als der attraktive Lord Dante Risande, der gerade zu Gast auf der Burg ist, ihren Plan unfreiwillig vereitelt. Als in der gleichen Nacht der Burgherr vergiftet aufgefunden wird, gerät Gianelle schnell unter Verdacht. Dante möchte ihr unbedingt helfen, aber um sie aus der Schusslinie zu bringen, muss er sie erst kaufen, was bei Gianelle keine Begeisterungsstürme auslöst. Dantes Traum von einem heißen Intermezzo rückt in immer weitere Ferne, obwohl sich all seine Gedanken nur noch um die rebellische Frau drehen.

Die mittelalterliche Lovestory wird von Paula Quinn unterhaltsam erzählt und ich mag vor allem die amüsanten Schlagabtausche zwischen Gianelle und Dante, bei denen sie ihm wirklich nichts schenkt. Der Schreibstil liest sich leicht und flüssig und die Handlung ist abwechslungsreich gestaltet, so dass es nie langweilig wird.
Dante ist ein absoluter Frauenheld und dabei immer charmant und liebenswert. Man kann ihm nicht wirklich böse sein, denn sein Herz ist auf dem richtigen Fleck. Dantes Eingreifen rettet Gianelle vor dem rachsüchtigen und bösartigen Bruder des getöteten Burgherrn, aber überraschenderweise fällt sie ihm nicht vor Dankbarkeit um den Hals.
Gianelle hat ihr Leben in der unteren Schicht verbracht und sich immer ihre Würde und ihren Stolz bewahrt. Auf die harte Tour hat sie gelernt, dass sie niemals leichtfertig ihr Vertrauen und ihre Liebe verschenken darf.
Es ist witzig und mitreißend beschrieben, wie der erfolgsverwöhnte Dante sein Herz an eine Sklavin verliert und sie unbedingt glücklich sehen will. Man spürt die knisternden Funken und nebenher sorgen unerwartete Twists für ausreichend Spannung.

Mein Fazit:
Ich hatte Spaß beim Lesen und gebe gern eine Leseempfehlung!

[Shittu Jadesola · Rating 3 out of 5]

curious about what would happen in the end.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

2 Star (First Read - 2018)
1 Star (Reread - 2023)

After rereading the first book I'm not sure why I'm torturing myself. I should just continue my reread of PQ's Highlander series but alas...here I am.

This one was actually more entertaining in the first 20% but then before you know it it taken up the same cheesy, inconsistent ridiculousness that book one was.

I could probably write more in depth about my annoyances but it's not worth it. These early works of PQ are awful. Somehow during my first read of each book I overlooked alot. I must've...or I've just changed since then.

But they're silly, contrary, cheesy, and PQ abuses the use of verbs. Just because there are three ways to describe something doesn't mean you must use each one in a sentence. 🙄

Personally I loved how not only the hero Dante but the heroine Gianelle both went from not believing themself capable of loving one person (Dante) and finding love a pointless emotion due to abandonment issues (Gianelle) and within a matter of a chapter or two suddenly everything has shifted into a Disney movie with fairies and true love and everyone suddenly just believes it! 😂

[Terri Pray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as engaging as the first in the series but still enjoyable. Closer to a 3.5 or 3.75 than a 4 and I'll certainly read the third book in the series.

Gianelle has been a serf all of her life and her Master is abusive and cold - his brother no better. So when she's accused of killing her Master, Gianelle assumes she'll be executed. But Dante has other ideas for her. He knows she's innocent and there's something about the serf woman that calls to him. So, in order to save her from execution, he buys both her and her friend Casey.

Dante's used to getting his own way with women, he's used to them falling at his feet eager to share his bed, but Gianelle isn't like other women. She's not interested in his bed, she doesn't want his touch, and he really isn't quite sure how to handle that...

A sensual read set barely 5 years after the Battle of Hastings, and one I'd probably read again in a few years time.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This and the book before it were finished as quickly as possible. The two Risande brothers are unbelievably good, but not in a sickeningly sweet way. Oh, and I think there were a few times that the author thankfully avoided using the word "twinkling" to refer to what a character was doing. I really, REALLY hate that... "She twinkled at him," or "He stared at her as she sat and twinkled." ya know... it's just...so excruciatingly cheesy. But the author doesn't do it, and instead describes the act of "twinkling" in a better, more profound way. Love that. I'm sorry if this isn't making sense, my hatred of people whose eyes twinkle. I've read books in the past that the characters are a little tongue-in-cheek and the author has used the word "twinkled" so much I just about quit reading.

If you read the first book, don't hesitate to read this book!

Dante may have been a slut, but he's just way too charming to be disliked by me.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters were not interesting.

Most women flirt with and fall for Dante, a georgous man. Gia is a servant who plays hard to get with him because she has other things on her mind. He is drawn to her because she is a challenge. Eventually they get together, but the attraction is based on physical beauty rather than interesting character traits or other reasons for them to like each other. The theme of two good looking people meeting and getting together didn't do much for me. There is also a bad guy who wants Gia and wants to kill Dante.

Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: 1071 England. Copyright: 2006. Genre: historical romance.

To date, I have read two Paula Quinn books. The other one is "Lord of Desire" copyright 2005. My 4 star review of that book was posted on 1/26/07.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigh~ Now that was the Paula Quinn I'm talkin' about!!!! Immensely enjoyed this story. It pulled me in and kept me wanting to return to it shortly after I set it down. The relationship build between Dante and Gianelle was gradual and plausible. My favorite character in the series, William (the Conquerer) only makes a cameo in this one, but Dante fill his spot nicely. Quite the dreamy hero. Gianelle was a good mix of fiery spirit and devotion. This one wasn't as light hearted as the first but there were some chuckle worthy moments. Quinn's one of the authors I can count on to watch her series get better with each book. I liked the first one, but I liked this one better. (And the preview of the third had me buying half way through the first chapter.) Very romantic, heartfelt just plain great climax. Definite recommend, but read them in sequence.

[Bunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ini cerita tentang adiknya Lord Brand di buku 1, Dante yang rake, dan Gianella, seorang gadis budak. Agak mirip cinderella sebenernya, karena Gia yang seorang pelayan bisa nikah sama Dante yang seorang bangsawan. Yang bikin buku ini menarik adalah karakteristik Hero-Heroinenya. Karakter Gia juga unik, karena dia punya sisi 'jahil' yang evil dalam dirinya. Jadi, Gia ini suka mencampurkan benda-benda aneh ke dalam minuman majikannya setiap kali majikannya berbuat kasar kepadanya. Suatu saat majikannya ini tewas keracunan dan menjadikan Gia sebagai tersangka utamanya. Demi menyelamatkan Gia dari tiang gantung, Dante pun membeli Gia dan membawanya pulang. Cerita transformasi Gia dari seorang budak menjadi istri seorang Lord juga menarik. Terutama karena bickering Gia-Dante yang kocak dan bikin gemes.

[Sheilam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Paula's earlier books. Takes place during the Norman/ Saxon wars. Lord Dante Risande is a rake- never met a woman who didn't throw herself at him...until slave Gianelle. She and her friend try to escape from the cruel owner but Dante just happens to spot them. The next morning dawns to find out the owner is dead and his even nastier brother now owns her and suspects her of poisoning his brother. He buys her from the brother, who basically spends the rest of the book trying to find and kill her. If you are a fan of Paula you will know she puts lots of humor- and sex- in her books. Yes this is a 5 star!