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Medieval Warriors Trilogy #2
The Champion
England 1076. An era of kings and their loyal knights, of grand castles and courts, and of passions too bold to be denied. Brought to life with power and grace, this is the story of a nobleman in need of a wife...and the woman who offers him the love of a lifetime.
Nicholas FitzTodd, Baron of Crane, has little interest in marriage—the privileges of rank are too many and too pleasurable. But when the bride he finally chooses refuses him, he takes out his frustration in wine and women. Simone DuRoche is but another lovely temptation, until a moment of indiscretion results in a hasty wedding. Nick is furious—Simone may be beautiful, but she is nearly penniless and rumored to be mad.
Simone hardly expects her reluctant husband to believe that her young brother's ghost has followed her to England—or that she suspects his death was murder. Marriage to the fierce, guarded Nicholas is difficult enough. But when she learns the truth behind her brother's death, a dangerous family secret threatens the fragile peace she and Nicholas have achieved, and she must risk everything she holds dear to prove that her love is worth fighting for.
Nicholas FitzTodd, Baron of Crane, has little interest in marriage—the privileges of rank are too many and too pleasurable. But when the bride he finally chooses refuses him, he takes out his frustration in wine and women. Simone DuRoche is but another lovely temptation, until a moment of indiscretion results in a hasty wedding. Nick is furious—Simone may be beautiful, but she is nearly penniless and rumored to be mad.
Simone hardly expects her reluctant husband to believe that her young brother's ghost has followed her to England—or that she suspects his death was murder. Marriage to the fierce, guarded Nicholas is difficult enough. But when she learns the truth behind her brother's death, a dangerous family secret threatens the fragile peace she and Nicholas have achieved, and she must risk everything she holds dear to prove that her love is worth fighting for.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
10 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Heather Grothaus
32 books172 followersHeather Grothaus has published twelve novels since 2006, which
have been translated into several foreign languages. She fell in love with
historical romance after reading a Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novel when she
was far too young to be doing so, and has since built a
reputation for crafting twisting adventures, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and
heart-wrenching emotion. When she’s not writing, she spends her time
gardening, listening to music, reading, and
watching Sherlock. She lives on a small farm in Kentucky with her family.
have been translated into several foreign languages. She fell in love with
historical romance after reading a Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novel when she
was far too young to be doing so, and has since built a
reputation for crafting twisting adventures, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and
heart-wrenching emotion. When she’s not writing, she spends her time
gardening, listening to music, reading, and
watching Sherlock. She lives on a small farm in Kentucky with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 26, 2017
Nicholas FitzTodd, Baron of Crane, has little interest in marriage., however, when he finally chooses a bride, she refuses him. Taking out his frustrations in wine and women. Simone DuRoche is but another lovely temptation, until a moment of indiscretion , which leads to a hasty wedding. Nick is furious. Simone may be beautiful, but she is nearly penniless and rumored to be mad, with a father who is so greedy for wealth and power, he all but sales Simone to pay his debts. So Simone can hardly expects her reluctant husband to believe that her young brother is ghost and has followed her to England, or that she suspects that he was murdered. Can Simone make her marriage to a fierce guarded Nicholas work, or will the her brother's ghost and his murder has other plans for both Nicholas and Simone?
April 25, 2011
AUTHOR: Heather Grothaus’ writing style is more about adventure, action, and mystery in medieval days. She is a writer that does not seem to get into the tasteful but detailed, passionate, romantic side of events in the story. While a few small hints of the passion are there, you are truly turning to the pages that will answer the medieval mystery.
SYNOPSIS -
NICHOLAS (Nick) FitzTodd is the Baron of Crane. His home is Hartmoore in England. He travels to Obny to propose marriage to his childhood best friend EVELYN. She has run away to a convent leaving him feeling betrayed.
HANDAAR, Lord of Obny, Evelyn’s father unfortunately has to deliver the bad news to Nicholas. Handaar advises that Evelyn’s leaving to join a convent were the last wishes of her mother before she passed away. Feeling betrayed and humiliated, Nicholas goes to the English King’s court where he spends his time drinking and debauchery. Also, the place where he will meet Simone.
SIMONE du Roche also grew up with a best friend CHARLES Beauville in France. He broke their engagement. She is considered to be not in her right mind. That reputation has forced she and her family to leave France to try and get a new start in England.
DIDIER, Simone’s 8 year old brother, is her ever constant companion. Being very protective of his sister has made it such that wherever she is, so is he. He is recognized by a “white feather” that had been gifted to him. He carries it around everywhere he goes.
ARMAND is on a mission to find a treasure. With the family fortune now gone he pushes his daughter Simone to marry someone rich. Due to an indiscretion on the part of Nicholas, Armand uses that as an opportunity to force a marriage between Simone and Nicholas.
TRISTAN and HAITH are Nicholas’s brother and sister-in-law. Tristan is his Nicholas’ voice of reason. His wife Haith has magical powers and can make unexpected things happen.
GENEVIEVE FitzTodd is Nicholas’ gracious mother living at Hartmoore. Her life is in danger and is connected to the treasure that Armand seeks. Simone reaches out to protect her.
MINERVA, Haith’s great aunt from Scotland is a healer and possessor of many magical powers. She arrives at Hartmoore and immediately attends to Handaar. He had been mortally wounded during an attack on Obny. Evelyn is summoned to Hartmoore and arrives to be with her father as he lies on his death bed. Minerva not only has her hands full with trying to save a man’s life, she also has a special connection to Didier. Later she will give Evelyn a means to trade in her old life for a new life.
JEHAN RENAULT has been denied the pleasure of enjoying a life with his children. As much as life would allow, he tries to correct the injustices that had been done by others.
Two people are dead. A mystery surrounds parents Portia, Genevieve, Armand, Robert and Jehan. Also their siblings Nicholas, Tristan, Simone and Didier.
SEX SCALE: Of the following five options: 1) NOT very descriptive and requires imagination' 2) WILL make you wiggle a little) 3) WISH it was me; 4) OH boy, do not have to use my imagination at all; 5) EROTICA and well over the top
******THIS BOOK GETS A ONE for " NOT very descriptive and requires imagination". *****
FAVORITE PART: Didier acting up on Simone’s wedding night.
LEAST FAVORITE PART: Armand’s bad moods
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Mystery behind parents and their siblings. Greed. Ghost. Vengeance, Special Powers, Jealousy. If you prefer plenty of heart racing action (yes heart racing) during medieval days, you will like this book. If you prefer yummy passion, this book probably is not for you.
This book gets FOUR STARS. This book was honestly heart racing regardless of the lack tasteful and detailed passion that I usually prefer to read about in a books.
SYNOPSIS -
NICHOLAS (Nick) FitzTodd is the Baron of Crane. His home is Hartmoore in England. He travels to Obny to propose marriage to his childhood best friend EVELYN. She has run away to a convent leaving him feeling betrayed.
HANDAAR, Lord of Obny, Evelyn’s father unfortunately has to deliver the bad news to Nicholas. Handaar advises that Evelyn’s leaving to join a convent were the last wishes of her mother before she passed away. Feeling betrayed and humiliated, Nicholas goes to the English King’s court where he spends his time drinking and debauchery. Also, the place where he will meet Simone.
SIMONE du Roche also grew up with a best friend CHARLES Beauville in France. He broke their engagement. She is considered to be not in her right mind. That reputation has forced she and her family to leave France to try and get a new start in England.
DIDIER, Simone’s 8 year old brother, is her ever constant companion. Being very protective of his sister has made it such that wherever she is, so is he. He is recognized by a “white feather” that had been gifted to him. He carries it around everywhere he goes.
ARMAND is on a mission to find a treasure. With the family fortune now gone he pushes his daughter Simone to marry someone rich. Due to an indiscretion on the part of Nicholas, Armand uses that as an opportunity to force a marriage between Simone and Nicholas.
TRISTAN and HAITH are Nicholas’s brother and sister-in-law. Tristan is his Nicholas’ voice of reason. His wife Haith has magical powers and can make unexpected things happen.
GENEVIEVE FitzTodd is Nicholas’ gracious mother living at Hartmoore. Her life is in danger and is connected to the treasure that Armand seeks. Simone reaches out to protect her.
MINERVA, Haith’s great aunt from Scotland is a healer and possessor of many magical powers. She arrives at Hartmoore and immediately attends to Handaar. He had been mortally wounded during an attack on Obny. Evelyn is summoned to Hartmoore and arrives to be with her father as he lies on his death bed. Minerva not only has her hands full with trying to save a man’s life, she also has a special connection to Didier. Later she will give Evelyn a means to trade in her old life for a new life.
JEHAN RENAULT has been denied the pleasure of enjoying a life with his children. As much as life would allow, he tries to correct the injustices that had been done by others.
Two people are dead. A mystery surrounds parents Portia, Genevieve, Armand, Robert and Jehan. Also their siblings Nicholas, Tristan, Simone and Didier.
SEX SCALE: Of the following five options: 1) NOT very descriptive and requires imagination' 2) WILL make you wiggle a little) 3) WISH it was me; 4) OH boy, do not have to use my imagination at all; 5) EROTICA and well over the top
******THIS BOOK GETS A ONE for " NOT very descriptive and requires imagination". *****
FAVORITE PART: Didier acting up on Simone’s wedding night.
LEAST FAVORITE PART: Armand’s bad moods
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Mystery behind parents and their siblings. Greed. Ghost. Vengeance, Special Powers, Jealousy. If you prefer plenty of heart racing action (yes heart racing) during medieval days, you will like this book. If you prefer yummy passion, this book probably is not for you.
This book gets FOUR STARS. This book was honestly heart racing regardless of the lack tasteful and detailed passion that I usually prefer to read about in a books.
February 26, 2014
J’ai adoré ce roman !
Je le relirais avec grand plaisir.
L’héroïne est combattive à sa manière notamment dans sa quête pour échapper à son père et à la rumeur lancée en France par son ex-fiancée. Elle bat aussi pour faire comprendre qu’elle n’est pas folle, que son frère à sa manière est vivant et présent. Coup de chance pour elle, sa belle sœur sera de son côté.
Le héros, homme malchanceux car sa future fiancée lui a préféré le couvent ! Ca porte un coup à l’égo de n’importe qui, même encore aujourd’hui !
Ils se retrouveront mariés après avoir été surpris ensemble. Et le début du mariage ne sera pas de tout repos…
J’ai beaucoup aimé car l’auteur aborde un temps rarement abordés dans les romans, les esprits des morts, la médiumnité. J’ai adoré découvrir les personnages du 1er tome, car tous m’ont donné envie de lire la série au final.
Je le relirais avec grand plaisir.
L’héroïne est combattive à sa manière notamment dans sa quête pour échapper à son père et à la rumeur lancée en France par son ex-fiancée. Elle bat aussi pour faire comprendre qu’elle n’est pas folle, que son frère à sa manière est vivant et présent. Coup de chance pour elle, sa belle sœur sera de son côté.
Le héros, homme malchanceux car sa future fiancée lui a préféré le couvent ! Ca porte un coup à l’égo de n’importe qui, même encore aujourd’hui !
Ils se retrouveront mariés après avoir été surpris ensemble. Et le début du mariage ne sera pas de tout repos…
J’ai beaucoup aimé car l’auteur aborde un temps rarement abordés dans les romans, les esprits des morts, la médiumnité. J’ai adoré découvrir les personnages du 1er tome, car tous m’ont donné envie de lire la série au final.
May 31, 2018
2.5. I need to start writing more reviews if only to help me remember why I may or may not want to continue with a series or an author. My biggest issue with this book was that the ending dragged on way too long. It was like one of those action movies where you just want the villain to get get his just desserts, but he just keeps going. Also, the lack of communication between the H/h was frustrating. I did enjoy Didier and I liked that Nick figured out a way to communicate with him. I don’t have any interest in continuing the series.
November 3, 2017
3,5** Una buena historia, pero le faltó amor. Y Nicholas, por Dios!!! Tuve ganas de darle un puñetazo en muchas ocasiones.
July 15, 2019
A well written story that keeps you engaged throughout the read.
September 19, 2017
Me ha gustado la historia, como se mezclan magia, historia y amor, pero me ha faltado un poco más de conexión entre los protagonistas para mi gusto. Este libro es la segunda parte de una serie, supongo que eso también ha ayudado a que a veces me desconcertase un poco, porque insinúa cosas pero no acaba de decirlas, es como si en el primero estuviese la información que aclare todas mis dudas.
Me ha gustado mucho la forma de escribir de la autora, la combinación de fantasía y realidad que invade las páginas de esta novela y que me ha llevado a leer con ganas hasta el final. Porque hay varios misterios, varias situaciones y varias dudas que poco a poco se van desvelando, pero la más importante queda para el final ;)
Me ha gustado mucho la forma de escribir de la autora, la combinación de fantasía y realidad que invade las páginas de esta novela y que me ha llevado a leer con ganas hasta el final. Porque hay varios misterios, varias situaciones y varias dudas que poco a poco se van desvelando, pero la más importante queda para el final ;)
April 17, 2025
After the disappointment of her previous engagement which ended when her fiancé discovered Simone still communicates with her deceased brother, she finds herself in London at the behest of her father to find another husband. Simone is beautiful and foreign so she is immediately attracting the interest of a wealthy Englishman and soon enough, she finds herself once again engaged. Sure, he is short and fat but her father seems pleased with the match so Simone, being the dutiful daughter, doesn’t protest. She does however, believes that for just one night, she deserves the attentions of a handsome Casanova with a dubious reputation.
Nicholas has lived his life recently without care of the consequences. Heartbroken after the love of his life chose the convent instead of his marriage, he is determined to drown his sorrows with ale and women. Simone catches his eye because she is truly stunning and obviously looking for an escape from her new fiancé. Nicholas has no interest in marriage and refuses to allow any women to entrap him however when her father discovers them and the King himself approves of the match, he finds himself married in less before he knows it.
The match was not intended and though Nicholas believes it was his new wife’s devious mind all along, however, they the pair does get on fairly well together. Regardless of Nicholas discovery of Simone’s dead brother’s ghost, he finds himself in love with his wife and she returning her love as well though neither share their feelings with the other. But their hope of marital bliss is ended upon their arrival back at Nicholas home as perilous danger, deep seeded jealousy and old resentment all come together to threaten not only Nicholas and Simone’s marriage but their very lives.
I loved this book and despite the ending which did threaten to dampen my lasting impression, I was totally invested in these characters from the jump. Simone was loyal, kind-hearted and in a lot of ways naïve. Enduring the guilt of believing she carries the blame for the death of her brother and mourning the loss of her mother all coping with a greedy and evil father, Simone still manages to want the best for her marriage and devotes all her time to trying to please her new husband. Nicholas was a childish in the start, selfish in his actions but when he marries, there’s a change in him. He doesn’t seek out whores anymore, nor does he drink away his nights. He is a better man and wants to do better, though his years of ‘freedom’ from his duties has dire consequences.
There were faults in this book yes, but I didn’t care. I was absolutely captivated – the kind of investment that kept me up far past my bedtime and that warrants a 5 star rating.
Nicholas has lived his life recently without care of the consequences. Heartbroken after the love of his life chose the convent instead of his marriage, he is determined to drown his sorrows with ale and women. Simone catches his eye because she is truly stunning and obviously looking for an escape from her new fiancé. Nicholas has no interest in marriage and refuses to allow any women to entrap him however when her father discovers them and the King himself approves of the match, he finds himself married in less before he knows it.
The match was not intended and though Nicholas believes it was his new wife’s devious mind all along, however, they the pair does get on fairly well together. Regardless of Nicholas discovery of Simone’s dead brother’s ghost, he finds himself in love with his wife and she returning her love as well though neither share their feelings with the other. But their hope of marital bliss is ended upon their arrival back at Nicholas home as perilous danger, deep seeded jealousy and old resentment all come together to threaten not only Nicholas and Simone’s marriage but their very lives.
I loved this book and despite the ending which did threaten to dampen my lasting impression, I was totally invested in these characters from the jump. Simone was loyal, kind-hearted and in a lot of ways naïve. Enduring the guilt of believing she carries the blame for the death of her brother and mourning the loss of her mother all coping with a greedy and evil father, Simone still manages to want the best for her marriage and devotes all her time to trying to please her new husband. Nicholas was a childish in the start, selfish in his actions but when he marries, there’s a change in him. He doesn’t seek out whores anymore, nor does he drink away his nights. He is a better man and wants to do better, though his years of ‘freedom’ from his duties has dire consequences.
There were faults in this book yes, but I didn’t care. I was absolutely captivated – the kind of investment that kept me up far past my bedtime and that warrants a 5 star rating.
December 24, 2007
"The Warrior" and "The Champion" are completely unrelated and do not need to be read in order. I thought both were pretty good.
This is a historical/paranormal romance. There is a friendly ghost that gives it just a dash of paranormal. Some of the scenes were funny. Simone is followed around by the ghost of her little brother. Only she can see and talk to him and that's why others believe her to be "mad."
Simone has a horrible father who, pretty much, sells her to Nicholas--to be his wife. Nick resents her because he was "forced" to marry her...I liked how he communicated with the ghost. It took him awhile, but he findly became a likeable character.
Good read!
This is a historical/paranormal romance. There is a friendly ghost that gives it just a dash of paranormal. Some of the scenes were funny. Simone is followed around by the ghost of her little brother. Only she can see and talk to him and that's why others believe her to be "mad."
Simone has a horrible father who, pretty much, sells her to Nicholas--to be his wife. Nick resents her because he was "forced" to marry her...I liked how he communicated with the ghost. It took him awhile, but he findly became a likeable character.
Good read!
February 20, 2014
C'est en lisant ce second tome que je me suis rendue compte à quel point j'avais aimé le 1 vu que ça remontait à quelques temps déjà. En effet tout y est bon, la romance, le côté surnaturel (parfois un petit peu tiré par les cheveux certes mais après tout, why not), le côté dramatique de l'histoire (qui vous rend le coeur gros pour les perso), les "coup d'état" et le suspense, un livre à lire au coin du feu avec une bonne tasse de chocolat chaud et un plaid douillet....que du bonheur!
November 16, 2016
Demasiados clichés para mi gusto...
A pesar que sabía muy bien que tipo de novela estaba leyendo, igual algunos personajes los senti demasiado planos y las situaciones muy forzadas.
La narración definitivamente no me gustó mucho, no sé si por la narracion propia de la autora o por la traducción.
No lo recomiendo.
A pesar que sabía muy bien que tipo de novela estaba leyendo, igual algunos personajes los senti demasiado planos y las situaciones muy forzadas.
La narración definitivamente no me gustó mucho, no sé si por la narracion propia de la autora o por la traducción.
No lo recomiendo.
January 3, 2011
The second book in the Medieval Warrior series. I found this one a little slow in the middle and a bit topsy turvy, but I still enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the authors style of writing and wish there were more on my 'to read' shelf.
May 26, 2015
Love this book
This is the second of her three novels I have read and I enjoyed both very much. The warrior was the other. The highlander is the last of the series. She / held my interest all through each book great reads. Can not wait to read the third.
This is the second of her three novels I have read and I enjoyed both very much. The warrior was the other. The highlander is the last of the series. She / held my interest all through each book great reads. Can not wait to read the third.
September 28, 2008
I've never read anything by this author before, but I enjoyed this book. If you don't believe in ghost and being able to communicate w/them...then i wouldn't reccomend this book for you.
March 8, 2014
3,75/5
un tome plein de suspense, d'intrigues mais aussi d'émotions.
http://les-lectures-de-titou.over-blo...
un tome plein de suspense, d'intrigues mais aussi d'émotions.
http://les-lectures-de-titou.over-blo...
January 15, 2015
Está bien, pero le falta un poquito de gracia, escenas de cama y más amor para mi gusto.
November 30, 2015
Loved it!
How do you measure what is a "good" book? For me, does it make me laugh, more telling though, does it make me cry. The Champion did both!
How do you measure what is a "good" book? For me, does it make me laugh, more telling though, does it make me cry. The Champion did both!
November 4, 2021
Muy buena secuela.
August 12, 2017
Impredecible. Completa. Asombrosa. Sin duda una de las mejores que he leído, tener un matrimonio arreglado nunca es en buen comienzo y que esta termina amándose en un buen y predecible final. Pero lo sorprendente de este libro es que Heather pudo lograr convertir esos pedazos de historia a algo asombroso cómo es, el protector. Debo admitir que no quise leerlo al comienzo porque todos podemos esperar un libro típico de odio y amor. Sin duda me demostró lo contrario el amor por la familia y la pareja son sin duda cosas importantes.
Amo a Nicolás y a Simone, la ninfa.
Amo a Nicolás y a Simone, la ninfa.
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February 4, 2018History with a touch of Romance
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