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The Black Lyon
alternate cover edition of ISBN 038075911X / ISBN13: 9780380759118
Darkly handsome and rich beyond imagining, the bold English conqueror was called Lyon for his-lion like fierceness. He had no match among enemies, or women ... until he met Lyonene, the green-eyed beauty whose fiery spirit matched his own. Through a whirlwind romance and stormy marriage, she endured every peril to be by his side... until jealousy and vicious lies drove her across the Irish Sea and into grave danger. One man could save her -- only the fierce Black Lyon had the courage to destroy the ruthless plot that had driven them apart and threatened the bond of love they had vowed could never be broken.
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1980
1410 people are currently reading
12318 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
199 books7,059 followersJude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 677 reviews
February 21, 2012
There's nothing like your first romance.
This one was mine, and I still love love love it best.
This one was mine, and I still love love love it best.
dnf
January 27, 2019DNF @ 35%
I know this is a crazy popular historical romance, but if I have to read one more page of this madness then I might end up going postal.
There is simply way too much bullshit miscommunication going on here for my liking, and it’s not the fun, pushing the story along and engaging the reader kind of miscommunication either, it’s the too stupid to live, makes me wanna tear my hair out kind. Ugh.
What started off as a sweet and intriguing love at first sight romance quickly devolved into a melodramatic absurdity featuring a naive doormat of a heroine and an irrationally angry, and I dare say abusive, hero.
The fact that I’ve only ever DNF’d five other books in my entire reading life tells you just how serious I am. I may be failing as a buddy reader - sorry Anne 😔 - but to save my mental sanity, I have to call time of death at 35%.
I know this is a crazy popular historical romance, but if I have to read one more page of this madness then I might end up going postal.
There is simply way too much bullshit miscommunication going on here for my liking, and it’s not the fun, pushing the story along and engaging the reader kind of miscommunication either, it’s the too stupid to live, makes me wanna tear my hair out kind. Ugh.
What started off as a sweet and intriguing love at first sight romance quickly devolved into a melodramatic absurdity featuring a naive doormat of a heroine and an irrationally angry, and I dare say abusive, hero.
The fact that I’ve only ever DNF’d five other books in my entire reading life tells you just how serious I am. I may be failing as a buddy reader - sorry Anne 😔 - but to save my mental sanity, I have to call time of death at 35%.
March 6, 2013
Updated 3/1/2013 - While doing a re-read with my local book club I was anxious to see if this would stand the test of time. I once again devoured the book and I’m glad to find it's still one of my all time favorites.
Ranulf, The Black Lyon is a fierce, alpha warrior. He’s well known for his viciousness on the battle field and none can best him. Bitterness from a past rejection has shaped him into the callous man he is. His self worth took a beating at the hands of a woman. He doesn’t believe in love nor does he trust the fairer sex.
Lyonene is a beauty, an innocent who quickly wins his heart and brings laughter to this hardened man. The chemistry sizzles and Ranulf is amazed at his response to her. After only a few days spent together they are betrothed. Shortly after, Ranulf must return to his home. While there, the doubts and insecurities start to plague him, and by the time he returns for the wedding, Lyonene encounters a stranger, one who is harsh and brutal.
This story is filled with jealousy, angst and even though you must be able to suspend disbelief along with a fair amount of cheesiness, I still found this to be one of my all time favorites.
This is an older written book, (I believe 1980?) and may not appeal to many. There are no explicitly written sex scenes and no deeply written historical content. Many of the character's thoughts and actions are as they would be for the time period. Women are treated harshly and this is portrayed in the story.
I first read this many years ago. I immediately fell in Love with Deveraux's writing. This is the prequel to her Montgomery Series and their Taggert cousins. Deveraux has given me many hours of pleasure with her books. I’m glad to find this bodice ripper still sits on my favorite shelf.
Ranulf, The Black Lyon is a fierce, alpha warrior. He’s well known for his viciousness on the battle field and none can best him. Bitterness from a past rejection has shaped him into the callous man he is. His self worth took a beating at the hands of a woman. He doesn’t believe in love nor does he trust the fairer sex.
Lyonene is a beauty, an innocent who quickly wins his heart and brings laughter to this hardened man. The chemistry sizzles and Ranulf is amazed at his response to her. After only a few days spent together they are betrothed. Shortly after, Ranulf must return to his home. While there, the doubts and insecurities start to plague him, and by the time he returns for the wedding, Lyonene encounters a stranger, one who is harsh and brutal.
This story is filled with jealousy, angst and even though you must be able to suspend disbelief along with a fair amount of cheesiness, I still found this to be one of my all time favorites.
This is an older written book, (I believe 1980?) and may not appeal to many. There are no explicitly written sex scenes and no deeply written historical content. Many of the character's thoughts and actions are as they would be for the time period. Women are treated harshly and this is portrayed in the story.
I first read this many years ago. I immediately fell in Love with Deveraux's writing. This is the prequel to her Montgomery Series and their Taggert cousins. Deveraux has given me many hours of pleasure with her books. I’m glad to find this bodice ripper still sits on my favorite shelf.
Read
August 9, 2023The heroine was not smart at all regardless her 17 years of age and the hero was abusive and brute.
This story was very boring…
Dnf @ 55%
This story was very boring…
Dnf @ 55%
May 13, 2022
3.5 stars
The Black Lyon tends to be most people's favorite book by JD. I can understand why!
The story starts out so cute! I loved how smitten the MC were. Then before they marry Lyon does a 180 and treats the h like shit. Luckily, he soon finds out how wrong he was about her character. The rest of the story was a delight!
Another reason I enjoyed this book was because I prepared myself before reading it. I've read a few JD books and knew what to expect. She writes Bodice-rippers. Her H is always going to mess things up and be a dick to the h. And even though I like her books , I've never read one that was great. Her books tend to stay in the middle but that doesn't stop them from being entertaining. Just never expect a masterpiece!
The Black Lyon tends to be most people's favorite book by JD. I can understand why!
The story starts out so cute! I loved how smitten the MC were. Then before they marry Lyon does a 180 and treats the h like shit. Luckily, he soon finds out how wrong he was about her character. The rest of the story was a delight!
Another reason I enjoyed this book was because I prepared myself before reading it. I've read a few JD books and knew what to expect. She writes Bodice-rippers. Her H is always going to mess things up and be a dick to the h. And even though I like her books , I've never read one that was great. Her books tend to stay in the middle but that doesn't stop them from being entertaining. Just never expect a masterpiece!
June 27, 2014
I'd been meaning to read this series for-evah, as Jude Deveraux tops a lot of lists for Historical Romance favorites. I hate to say it, but I don't think she'll top mine. I read this book three weeks ago, and have forgotten most of it already. Hate to say that, but it's true, and I'm guessing that means that I should have read these books a very long time ago like most people. Maybe I'd have appreciated them more.
As it is, the thing I remember most is that the Black Lyon is not shy about abusing the heroine. A sign of the times, I know, but it was still a standout couple of moments, and not very endearing that he did it so casually.
Thing is, I can usually just accept a moment or two like that in HR because I know that's how it really was back then. Somehow, it felt seedier here because it was such an invasive abuse/assault, and there are certain lines that I don't want crossed. If rape is a trigger for you, don't read this book! For this reason alone, I deducted a star from three to two. It was too blatant for me. No shades of gray here...that shit really happened, and it's hard to move past that.
JD's writing definitely feels dated. Aside from the obvious bodice ripper themes, the heroine had that too-innocent thing going on. Now, I've never lived in the Dark Ages, but I'm assuming that people had to grow up fast back then, and her uber innocence didn't feel genuine. I think that this use of a naive heroine goes sort of hand in hand with the age in which this was written, so I did expect it to a certain extent, but I've also read it much better done.
I can see why people consider this book/series a favorite, I think she's just one of those authors that I can't connect with.
As it is, the thing I remember most is that the Black Lyon is not shy about abusing the heroine. A sign of the times, I know, but it was still a standout couple of moments, and not very endearing that he did it so casually.
Thing is, I can usually just accept a moment or two like that in HR because I know that's how it really was back then. Somehow, it felt seedier here because it was such an invasive abuse/assault, and there are certain lines that I don't want crossed. If rape is a trigger for you, don't read this book! For this reason alone, I deducted a star from three to two. It was too blatant for me. No shades of gray here...that shit really happened, and it's hard to move past that.
JD's writing definitely feels dated. Aside from the obvious bodice ripper themes, the heroine had that too-innocent thing going on. Now, I've never lived in the Dark Ages, but I'm assuming that people had to grow up fast back then, and her uber innocence didn't feel genuine. I think that this use of a naive heroine goes sort of hand in hand with the age in which this was written, so I did expect it to a certain extent, but I've also read it much better done.
I can see why people consider this book/series a favorite, I think she's just one of those authors that I can't connect with.
February 14, 2012
MILD SPOILERS
Gosh, I did not like this book at all! I thought that I might have liked it because it seemed like a nice medieval romance. Not the case! I found the heroine to come across like a giggling teenager of about 13 whilst the hero came across as an extremely abusive man and a complete jerk. Not to mention two rape scenes, potential affair and multiple cases of abuse towards the heroine due to paranoia (the word jealousy is too subtle for the hero's behaviour). I probably shouldn't call him a hero either he was more a villain, or at least had a multiple personality disorder.
I found myself so disgusted with scenes in this book I only read about 2/3rds of it. It obviously must get better due to the good reviews I saw on here, but I could not tough it out!
Gosh, I did not like this book at all! I thought that I might have liked it because it seemed like a nice medieval romance. Not the case! I found the heroine to come across like a giggling teenager of about 13 whilst the hero came across as an extremely abusive man and a complete jerk. Not to mention two rape scenes, potential affair and multiple cases of abuse towards the heroine due to paranoia (the word jealousy is too subtle for the hero's behaviour). I probably shouldn't call him a hero either he was more a villain, or at least had a multiple personality disorder.
I found myself so disgusted with scenes in this book I only read about 2/3rds of it. It obviously must get better due to the good reviews I saw on here, but I could not tough it out!
August 17, 2022
I liked it… I don’t know if I $9 liked it, but I’m a cheap ass. It was entertaining for the most part… except when it wasn’t… like a chunk of the middle. I also felt it was a smidge cheesy with the Black Lion and Lyonene and their lion belts, but to each their own.
The book opens with Ranulf de Warbrooke visiting Lyonene’s family estate where she's instantly smitten. Ranulf is older, widowed, and not looking for a wife, but they have an adorable little courtship, and he leaves betrothed.
“What if I put my small heart in your hands, my love?” he whispered. “Will you care for it or shun it?” He played with the hair, rubbing the fine silky stuff between his fingertips. “If you are but kind to me, I will love you more than any woman has ever been loved…
The beginning is quite sweet. Broody Ranulf is captivated by his little lioness, but then he leaves and starts stewing about his awful dead wife and how women can’t be trusted… and returns for the wedding day a grumpy, jealous asshole ruining her special day.
The look Ranulf gave her almost frightened her. He was not at all as she remembered. He seemed to frown at her and not be glad to see her. There were circles under his eyes.
Personally, I love some good old angst by asshole drama… add in a jilted wannabe psychotic OM, and this part was quite entertaining. But then they head off for his castle and things slowed down for me because we were stuck in a hot/cold and push/pull cycle with Ranulf and his constantly changing moods. Things pick up again around 60% with the introduction of an evil OW, but then we were sort of stuck in another holding pattern with her being nasty and Ranulf away, and Lyonene not communicating.
Bottom Line- I liked it. I read it in a day, but will probably never reread. There’re several drama-driven subplots throughout to keep the plot moving, but I felt like she sat in them for too long without much changing. Though I’m not the most patient reader so keep that in mind.
Safety-
Random thought- I’m by no means a historical romance savant, but I do have 100+ under my belt… and I can’t think of a single one where it was the Lady of the house’s duty to bath the special guests. So let’s just say I was a little taken back when Lyonene’s happily married mother was scrubbing down a naked Ranulf while planning to set him up with her daughter… AND… a little squicked out that a 12-yr old Lyonene was tasks to bath a pervy old knight. How is that proper when a woman’s virtue could be ruined for being alone with a man?)
The book opens with Ranulf de Warbrooke visiting Lyonene’s family estate where she's instantly smitten. Ranulf is older, widowed, and not looking for a wife, but they have an adorable little courtship, and he leaves betrothed.
“What if I put my small heart in your hands, my love?” he whispered. “Will you care for it or shun it?” He played with the hair, rubbing the fine silky stuff between his fingertips. “If you are but kind to me, I will love you more than any woman has ever been loved…
The beginning is quite sweet. Broody Ranulf is captivated by his little lioness, but then he leaves and starts stewing about his awful dead wife and how women can’t be trusted… and returns for the wedding day a grumpy, jealous asshole ruining her special day.
The look Ranulf gave her almost frightened her. He was not at all as she remembered. He seemed to frown at her and not be glad to see her. There were circles under his eyes.
Personally, I love some good old angst by asshole drama… add in a jilted wannabe psychotic OM, and this part was quite entertaining. But then they head off for his castle and things slowed down for me because we were stuck in a hot/cold and push/pull cycle with Ranulf and his constantly changing moods. Things pick up again around 60% with the introduction of an evil OW, but then we were sort of stuck in another holding pattern with her being nasty and Ranulf away, and Lyonene not communicating.
Bottom Line- I liked it. I read it in a day, but will probably never reread. There’re several drama-driven subplots throughout to keep the plot moving, but I felt like she sat in them for too long without much changing. Though I’m not the most patient reader so keep that in mind.
Safety-
Random thought- I’m by no means a historical romance savant, but I do have 100+ under my belt… and I can’t think of a single one where it was the Lady of the house’s duty to bath the special guests. So let’s just say I was a little taken back when Lyonene’s happily married mother was scrubbing down a naked Ranulf while planning to set him up with her daughter… AND… a little squicked out that a 12-yr old Lyonene was tasks to bath a pervy old knight. How is that proper when a woman’s virtue could be ruined for being alone with a man?)
October 15, 2021
The Black Lyon was my first Jude Deveraux read. I loved the first half, but the second half faltered a bit as a devious woman’s scheming separates the two protagonists.
Lady Lyonene is young, free-spirited, and really quite charming, while Ranulf de Warbrooke is a powerful and gruff knight. They meet and Lyonene instantly falls for the much older Ranulf. Lyonene has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she agrees to marry him so impetuously. A cruel monster of a man soon replaces the gentle man he seemed to be when they first met.
I loved how Lyonene makes her home on Ranulf’s fortress island, Malvoisin (it means “bad neighbor”), charming his retinue of black-haired knights while Ranulf is his grumpy self. He and Lyonene struggle to make their marriage work due to Ranulf’s turbulent nature. However, when the two are separated due to Amicia, a jealous evil Frankish woman who tries to comes between them, the story takes a bit of a downturn.
We do get to find out how the Montgomery family started, as Ranulf & Lyonene’s son is named Montgomery. Montgomery later shows up in Jude Deveraux’s The Maiden as a squire to that book’s hero, Rowan.
The Black Lyon was a great read, however Ranulf’s needless cruelty and the other woman’s antics made it one fall short of perfection.
Lady Lyonene is young, free-spirited, and really quite charming, while Ranulf de Warbrooke is a powerful and gruff knight. They meet and Lyonene instantly falls for the much older Ranulf. Lyonene has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she agrees to marry him so impetuously. A cruel monster of a man soon replaces the gentle man he seemed to be when they first met.
I loved how Lyonene makes her home on Ranulf’s fortress island, Malvoisin (it means “bad neighbor”), charming his retinue of black-haired knights while Ranulf is his grumpy self. He and Lyonene struggle to make their marriage work due to Ranulf’s turbulent nature. However, when the two are separated due to Amicia, a jealous evil Frankish woman who tries to comes between them, the story takes a bit of a downturn.
We do get to find out how the Montgomery family started, as Ranulf & Lyonene’s son is named Montgomery. Montgomery later shows up in Jude Deveraux’s The Maiden as a squire to that book’s hero, Rowan.
The Black Lyon was a great read, however Ranulf’s needless cruelty and the other woman’s antics made it one fall short of perfection.
April 21, 2011
Loved it- it was my kind of thing, fast moving, strong characters, alpha male, passionate love, jealousy that tears them apart, a perfect match. It drew me in immediately from their first meeting. Ranulf, the Black Lyon, named for his fierce look and black features, is a feared warrior and English Earl that never smiles or laughs. Lyonene (perfect name for his lioness) is just as strong. She is a baron's daughter, even though she has been protected and sheltered by her family she is happy, daring and fearless AND she makes the Lyon laugh. Their love story in the beginning is so sweet. I love how Lyonene's mother plots to bring them together as she recognizes the strong character and honor of the Black Lyon hidden behind his gruff exterior as the perfect match for her wild and free daughter. Their attraction is so strong that Lyonene throws herself at the Lyon and he fights her off to protect her virtue. They are betrothed after two days even though she is below his station- he wants her. Then the Lyon leaves for 3 weeks and thinks too much which causes too much trouble. She anxiously waits everyday dreaming about him, their wedding, and future and he returns a different person. He treats her horrible and shows her no love or tenderness in his return all because of remembering his previous marriage that broke and hardened his heart. His jealousy is over the top and because of a set up by a jealous previous suitor of Lyonene he is brutal to her and wants no love from her. She fights him every step of the way, never backing down even though she fears him. I love how she fights to find the love and connection they had when they first met especially with all obstacles put between them. It really is a beautiful love story.
I wasn't to sure about starting this series because I have seen some bad reviews (there is a scene where he slaps her- it didn't put me off), but yet it was recommended on an Amazon Discussion as favorite books with alphas and hero jealousy. I am glad I took the leap and look forward to reading the next book in the Montgomery series.
March 1, 2017
Excellent period detail and vocabulary
I read the kindle edition. Sometimes or often when old Skool historical romances are retroactively converted to eFormat, the author do some "fixing" to the text to bring the book in line with 21st C sensibilities. I am happy to say that is not the case here. The eEdition of this book is in tact with all of it's old Skool, un-politically correct charms.
I liked the hero and heroine for most of the book. There was a part of the story where things got really stupid and I nearly stopped reading at 75%, but worked through it and finished the book.
I guess I'd say the overriding theme of this love story is a lengthy process for the hero and heroine to learn to trust each other as a married couple as they hadn't known each other but a day or two before they became betrothed. Because of the very short duration that the couple had known each other, some of their misunderstandings seem possibly logical but YMMV.
Also, the Medieval period detail was to die for as well and is what I live for. If this book were written today, I think the editor would force the author to remove these details of Medieval life. More is the pity.
NTS: HRBC February 16-28, 2017 BOTM
I read the kindle edition. Sometimes or often when old Skool historical romances are retroactively converted to eFormat, the author do some "fixing" to the text to bring the book in line with 21st C sensibilities. I am happy to say that is not the case here. The eEdition of this book is in tact with all of it's old Skool, un-politically correct charms.
I liked the hero and heroine for most of the book. There was a part of the story where things got really stupid and I nearly stopped reading at 75%, but worked through it and finished the book.
I guess I'd say the overriding theme of this love story is a lengthy process for the hero and heroine to learn to trust each other as a married couple as they hadn't known each other but a day or two before they became betrothed. Because of the very short duration that the couple had known each other, some of their misunderstandings seem possibly logical but YMMV.
Also, the Medieval period detail was to die for as well and is what I live for. If this book were written today, I think the editor would force the author to remove these details of Medieval life. More is the pity.
NTS: HRBC February 16-28, 2017 BOTM
December 14, 2016
Very few times you come across books that leave a lasting impact.
For me The Black Lyon was such a book.
I remember reading it as a young kid- and adoring it then. Soon I got sidetracked by other books and completely forgot the name of the book.
Recently I asked about it in a group from the scenes I remembered and was instantly reminded of it.
It was time for a reread.
This is the story of Ranulf and Lyonene.
How the misgivings of the past shape your present and future.
When the acclaimed warrior Lion stops at Lyonene's house, who is a baron's daughter- sparks instantly fly.
They are smitten by one another and the match is encouraged by their relatives.
Soon they get married, but the shadow of their insecurities plague their vows and they are tested through difficult times.
I really liked the angst and passion between the main couple. Both were insanely jealous and insecure- and thought that got cumbersome at one point- still the tender love scenes made up for it.
Possible pet peeves
That being said- when it came to actual love between the main couple- it was ROARING! They had issues, yet they shared many laughs and tender moments. Also, to be mentioned- historical insta love! Many side characters to love, equally many to loathe.
This reread of wild romance between Lion and His Lioness leaves me happy.
Safe with exceptions (due to ambiguity)/ Safe for me
4/5
For me The Black Lyon was such a book.
I remember reading it as a young kid- and adoring it then. Soon I got sidetracked by other books and completely forgot the name of the book.
Recently I asked about it in a group from the scenes I remembered and was instantly reminded of it.
It was time for a reread.
This is the story of Ranulf and Lyonene.
How the misgivings of the past shape your present and future.
When the acclaimed warrior Lion stops at Lyonene's house, who is a baron's daughter- sparks instantly fly.
They are smitten by one another and the match is encouraged by their relatives.
Soon they get married, but the shadow of their insecurities plague their vows and they are tested through difficult times.
I really liked the angst and passion between the main couple. Both were insanely jealous and insecure- and thought that got cumbersome at one point- still the tender love scenes made up for it.
Possible pet peeves
That being said- when it came to actual love between the main couple- it was ROARING! They had issues, yet they shared many laughs and tender moments. Also, to be mentioned- historical insta love! Many side characters to love, equally many to loathe.
This reread of wild romance between Lion and His Lioness leaves me happy.
Safe with exceptions (due to ambiguity)/ Safe for me
4/5
December 31, 2012
This book was written like it may have been one of the author's first books. It was kind of choppy and lacked flowing details. I don't know that I really got a clear picture in my head while reading.
The hero Ranulf sucked in a major way. I understand many medieval heroes are pigheaded and are given lethal names because of their warrior prowess. This guy was not only insanely jealous, but he actually slaps the heroine. I don't think I liked that.
He and Lyonene (our fair heroine) fall in love two days after meeting. Then, the ghost of Ranulf's first wife, who was conveniently horrible to him, intervenes in a big way. So much so, that he somewhat rapes his heroine on their wedding night because he doesn't believe that she is a virgin. Um, hello! So begins their struggle to find happiness. I don't think they are ever really happy until the last page. Angst!
The heroine Lyonene was too weak for my tastes. She allowed herself to be tricked and walked all over. Lyonene allowed some jealous chick to come into her house and drive her out of it! No way!
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This wasn't one of them.
The hero Ranulf sucked in a major way. I understand many medieval heroes are pigheaded and are given lethal names because of their warrior prowess. This guy was not only insanely jealous, but he actually slaps the heroine. I don't think I liked that.
He and Lyonene (our fair heroine) fall in love two days after meeting. Then, the ghost of Ranulf's first wife, who was conveniently horrible to him, intervenes in a big way. So much so, that he somewhat rapes his heroine on their wedding night because he doesn't believe that she is a virgin. Um, hello! So begins their struggle to find happiness. I don't think they are ever really happy until the last page. Angst!
The heroine Lyonene was too weak for my tastes. She allowed herself to be tricked and walked all over. Lyonene allowed some jealous chick to come into her house and drive her out of it! No way!
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This wasn't one of them.
April 1, 2021
re-read
I have no idea if it was written first, but the Black Lyon is the prequel to Jude Deveraux’s Montgomery series- in fact, it’s the tale of the origin of the clan.
Written in a medieval setting, I’m guessing 1200’s because we’re talking vassals of English King Edward the 1st. (Whom by the way is painted waaaay more favorably then in Mel Gibson’s notorious William Wallace movie, Braveheart- yep, that King Edward, otherwise known as, Longshanks).
The characters in The Black Lyon are exactly that- medieval…especially the Black Lyon himself, Ranulf de Warbrooke, Earl of Malvoisin. Im gonna be honest here there are triggers. (at one point he cuffs his new bride, the heroine, across the mouth, after basically taking her against her will on their wedding night. )
When she takes an arrow for him on the field of battle, things change for them. This? Doesn’t bother me as much as it should, I must admit- although I will give it bothers me more than when I first read it back in my younger years which is a sad statement on my younger self esteem.
But look, this was written in 1980, barely in the Bodice Ripper heydays of the wild and wooly 80’s, it’s un-pc, but slightly more realistic (she’s 17 -in fact she was considered old for marriage, my guess) and more interesting to me than what’s out there as medieval historical romance right now- ::cough:: Outlander ::Cough::.
The guy is an angry, anxsty man, because of his deceitful, unfaithful first wife and unable to let himself believe how much a good woman stands before him- until she puts her life on the line to save him. Her bravery and laughter wins him over and when an evil woman under the power of a lesser knight arranges for her kidnapping, he’ll sell his soul to get her back.
This is what Jude Deveraux once did best. Create the most heinous manipulative lying bitches that somehow everyone else is blind to- including the hero- you just want to gauge their eyes out and push them off a cliff. Of course everyone eventually sees the error of their ways as their eyes are opened, but the sympathy it engages in me for the heroine under more threat from them than anything else, always yanks at my “let the underdog have his day” heartstrings. This story no less.
Yeah its not her best, that comes later down the Montgomery line, so I probably wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, but if you’re a fan? Then it’s a must read.
I have no idea if it was written first, but the Black Lyon is the prequel to Jude Deveraux’s Montgomery series- in fact, it’s the tale of the origin of the clan.
Written in a medieval setting, I’m guessing 1200’s because we’re talking vassals of English King Edward the 1st. (Whom by the way is painted waaaay more favorably then in Mel Gibson’s notorious William Wallace movie, Braveheart- yep, that King Edward, otherwise known as, Longshanks).
The characters in The Black Lyon are exactly that- medieval…especially the Black Lyon himself, Ranulf de Warbrooke, Earl of Malvoisin. Im gonna be honest here there are triggers. (at one point he cuffs his new bride, the heroine, across the mouth, after basically taking her against her will on their wedding night. )
When she takes an arrow for him on the field of battle, things change for them. This? Doesn’t bother me as much as it should, I must admit- although I will give it bothers me more than when I first read it back in my younger years which is a sad statement on my younger self esteem.
But look, this was written in 1980, barely in the Bodice Ripper heydays of the wild and wooly 80’s, it’s un-pc, but slightly more realistic (she’s 17 -in fact she was considered old for marriage, my guess) and more interesting to me than what’s out there as medieval historical romance right now- ::cough:: Outlander ::Cough::.
The guy is an angry, anxsty man, because of his deceitful, unfaithful first wife and unable to let himself believe how much a good woman stands before him- until she puts her life on the line to save him. Her bravery and laughter wins him over and when an evil woman under the power of a lesser knight arranges for her kidnapping, he’ll sell his soul to get her back.
This is what Jude Deveraux once did best. Create the most heinous manipulative lying bitches that somehow everyone else is blind to- including the hero- you just want to gauge their eyes out and push them off a cliff. Of course everyone eventually sees the error of their ways as their eyes are opened, but the sympathy it engages in me for the heroine under more threat from them than anything else, always yanks at my “let the underdog have his day” heartstrings. This story no less.
Yeah its not her best, that comes later down the Montgomery line, so I probably wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, but if you’re a fan? Then it’s a must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2015
Considered the first book in Jude Deveraux's Montgomery series but reads as a stand-alone. Set in Medieval times. Ranulf is a great warrior who meets the gentle and beautiful Lyonene and is betrothed very quickly.
Beautiful beauty tames the beast story. An old favorite. One that has stood the test of time for me. Ranulf is an alpha jerk but I couldn't help but love him.
Beautiful beauty tames the beast story. An old favorite. One that has stood the test of time for me. Ranulf is an alpha jerk but I couldn't help but love him.
dnf
December 6, 2021DNF
The title is Black Lyon, right? The dude's name is lion but they also describe every little thing about him with the actual animal lion which despite author's attempts, it doesn't come out in a positive way.
Btw did I mention his eyes and hair and armor and horse and mood are also black?
I swear everyone including the narrator kept reminding 24/7 that this white man is so black and it felt so cringe and wrong for some reason, I-
I honestly don't know how to arrange my thoughts about it.
I feel like I'm having a major brain fart because of this book rn🥴
Oh, also about his age, so we know he's big and dark and all but the author never mentions how old is he. BUT IT'S CLEAR this dude is near 50 because he has married before, he has a daughter around heroine's age and although everyone keep calling him "Young man" he's actually not?! I mean this girl literally told him, Yeah I'm 17 and you are twice my age but who cares, I saw you for two hours and we definitely gonna marry :|
I have nothing against age gap guys. I love this trope but here in this book, it felt SO WRONG!
And the heroine's name is Lyonene? Which means lioness? Talking about subtlety here lol
She was one of those naive doormat heroine's that swooned and shivered by their hands touching and thought kissing is the ultimate intimacy until her mother hit her in the face with the "Talk" so yeah, that kind of heroine and OH MY GOD, every time this boar started to frown for the smallest reasons she was like "dId i dO sOmEtHiNg mY lIoN?"
These two saw each other in the morning, fell in love by lunch, kissed in the afternoon and she bathed him (Yeah =))) apparently it was a thing back then. Men could kill and maim and be dark all over but they couldn't take a bath) and he pulled an Edward Cullen by night watching her sleeping and decided yeah, I'm gonna marry this little girl *gag*
The writing, the plot, everything was trash and I don't think this book meant to be funny but I was dying from sheer ridiculousness so I can't say it was all terrible time until we fast forward to wedding night and he randomly raped the girl :| and I had to say my peace with this book.
Yeah I know this an old school historical but this was just nasty!
The title is Black Lyon, right? The dude's name is lion but they also describe every little thing about him with the actual animal lion which despite author's attempts, it doesn't come out in a positive way.
Btw did I mention his eyes and hair and armor and horse and mood are also black?
I swear everyone including the narrator kept reminding 24/7 that this white man is so black and it felt so cringe and wrong for some reason, I-
I honestly don't know how to arrange my thoughts about it.
I feel like I'm having a major brain fart because of this book rn🥴
Oh, also about his age, so we know he's big and dark and all but the author never mentions how old is he. BUT IT'S CLEAR this dude is near 50 because he has married before, he has a daughter around heroine's age and although everyone keep calling him "Young man" he's actually not?! I mean this girl literally told him, Yeah I'm 17 and you are twice my age but who cares, I saw you for two hours and we definitely gonna marry :|
I have nothing against age gap guys. I love this trope but here in this book, it felt SO WRONG!
And the heroine's name is Lyonene? Which means lioness? Talking about subtlety here lol
She was one of those naive doormat heroine's that swooned and shivered by their hands touching and thought kissing is the ultimate intimacy until her mother hit her in the face with the "Talk" so yeah, that kind of heroine and OH MY GOD, every time this boar started to frown for the smallest reasons she was like "dId i dO sOmEtHiNg mY lIoN?"
These two saw each other in the morning, fell in love by lunch, kissed in the afternoon and she bathed him (Yeah =))) apparently it was a thing back then. Men could kill and maim and be dark all over but they couldn't take a bath) and he pulled an Edward Cullen by night watching her sleeping and decided yeah, I'm gonna marry this little girl *gag*
The writing, the plot, everything was trash and I don't think this book meant to be funny but I was dying from sheer ridiculousness so I can't say it was all terrible time until we fast forward to wedding night and he randomly raped the girl :| and I had to say my peace with this book.
Yeah I know this an old school historical but this was just nasty!
June 12, 2022
I have seen this book appear lately in my updates from other reviewers. I read it a few years ago and decided time for a re-read. It was my first Jude Deveraux book and I still enjoy it now as I did then. Ranulf and Lyonene have an instant attraction, but misunderstandings and insecurity on the part of Ranulf causes him to be a very different man to the one Lyonene fell in love with. They have their angst moments, as well as a villain who tries to split them up.
It is an age-gap romance, also medieval historical which I enjoy reading. Jude Deveraux has a large booklist which centers around different generations of the Montgomery and Taggerts. This book introduces the beginning of the Montgomery family.
Old - school historical romance and still a great read.
It is an age-gap romance, also medieval historical which I enjoy reading. Jude Deveraux has a large booklist which centers around different generations of the Montgomery and Taggerts. This book introduces the beginning of the Montgomery family.
Old - school historical romance and still a great read.
September 24, 2024
So, uh... why do people like this book?
I just... the misogyny is astounding, and despite that, the heroine is constantly looking for ways to "prove her love" to a broody douchebag who out of nowhere decided she was a lying whore after his money, and who rapes her a couple of times (and before you react strongly to that characterization, I'd like to remind you that he himself used the word "rape" and then passively blamed her for driving him to such a vile act) and then hits her hard enough that he splits her lip.
I despise him. And anyone who doesn't needs to see a fucking therapist.
And she is TSTL. Like, astonishingly so. Like, just when I think she can't possibly be more dumb, she's like "hold my beer"... *sigh*
Wtf, people?
I just... the misogyny is astounding, and despite that, the heroine is constantly looking for ways to "prove her love" to a broody douchebag who out of nowhere decided she was a lying whore after his money, and who rapes her a couple of times (and before you react strongly to that characterization, I'd like to remind you that he himself used the word "rape" and then passively blamed her for driving him to such a vile act) and then hits her hard enough that he splits her lip.
I despise him. And anyone who doesn't needs to see a fucking therapist.
And she is TSTL. Like, astonishingly so. Like, just when I think she can't possibly be more dumb, she's like "hold my beer"... *sigh*
Wtf, people?
February 22, 2024
наскільки жахлива книжка, що навіть ставить 1⭐️ – це забагато.
у авторки легкий стиль написання, тому читалося легко й цікаво. історія дочки барона та Чорного Лева, чоловіка, якого знають і бояться всі. на диво, але перша зустріч Лайонін і Ранульфа виявилася непоганою. той перший день їхнього знайомства був ідеальним. вони багато сміялися та відчували себе щасливими одне з одним. вона була першою жінкою, яка змусила щось у ньому перевернутися, хоча досвід у нього багатий. я відкидаю їхній вік сторону. бо це 13 століття, тоді це було ніби як нормально, що їй 17, а він вдвічі, а то й більше старший. найгірше почалося, коли у голову графа Мальвуазен стукнула ревність.
очевидно було з його думок після першої зустрічі, що у нього серйозні проблеми з довірою до жінок. але згодом стало очевидно, що проблеми у нього ще з головою та контролем. як виявилося, то лише одному лихому слову від когось лівого йому було достатньо, щоб повірити у не щирі наміри дружини. наступний шматок книжки я вже заливалася слізьми, наче це я була на місці цієї сімнадцятирічної дівчинки. у якої теж не все в нормі, якщо вона палко кохає цього чоловіка, навіть після того, як він її зґвалтував, та ще й не один раз. мені розривало душу, коли я читала про те, як вона плакала і як їй було боляче 💔. а потім ще побиття, ось так чинить справжній чоловік Ранульф. бридкішого персонажа я ще ніде не бачила. шкода дівчину, що попри все погане, що він їй заподіяв, вона все ще була закохана і готова була життя віддати взамін, бо ж кохання! ось таких любовних романів я не розумію. хай що я читала, але ЦЕ було НАЙГІРШИМ.
бралася за книжку і думала, що буде щось на кшталт «Бріджертонів». але ні, навіть порівнювати не буду, щоб не осквернити вище написану серію цим ла%ном.
про кохання ґвалтівника і жертви я ще не читала. захоплююсь своєю стійкістю дочитати це горе-чтиво до кінця.
0/5 ~ 0/10
у авторки легкий стиль написання, тому читалося легко й цікаво. історія дочки барона та Чорного Лева, чоловіка, якого знають і бояться всі. на диво, але перша зустріч Лайонін і Ранульфа виявилася непоганою. той перший день їхнього знайомства був ідеальним. вони багато сміялися та відчували себе щасливими одне з одним. вона була першою жінкою, яка змусила щось у ньому перевернутися, хоча досвід у нього багатий. я відкидаю їхній вік сторону. бо це 13 століття, тоді це було ніби як нормально, що їй 17, а він вдвічі, а то й більше старший. найгірше почалося, коли у голову графа Мальвуазен стукнула ревність.
очевидно було з його думок після першої зустрічі, що у нього серйозні проблеми з довірою до жінок. але згодом стало очевидно, що проблеми у нього ще з головою та контролем. як виявилося, то лише одному лихому слову від когось лівого йому було достатньо, щоб повірити у не щирі наміри дружини. наступний шматок книжки я вже заливалася слізьми, наче це я була на місці цієї сімнадцятирічної дівчинки. у якої теж не все в нормі, якщо вона палко кохає цього чоловіка, навіть після того, як він її зґвалтував, та ще й не один раз. мені розривало душу, коли я читала про те, як вона плакала і як їй було боляче 💔. а потім ще побиття, ось так чинить справжній чоловік Ранульф. бридкішого персонажа я ще ніде не бачила. шкода дівчину, що попри все погане, що він їй заподіяв, вона все ще була закохана і готова була життя віддати взамін, бо ж кохання! ось таких любовних романів я не розумію. хай що я читала, але ЦЕ було НАЙГІРШИМ.
бралася за книжку і думала, що буде щось на кшталт «Бріджертонів». але ні, навіть порівнювати не буду, щоб не осквернити вище написану серію цим ла%ном.
про кохання ґвалтівника і жертви я ще не читала. захоплююсь своєю стійкістю дочитати це горе-чтиво до кінця.
0/5 ~ 0/10
February 22, 2021
Safety warning:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 4 books
Feels: 🦋🦋 2 butterflies
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 3 broken hearts
Sensuality: 🔥 1 fire
Romance: 💞💞 2 hearts
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ 2 lightnings
Sex Scene Length: 🍑 1 peach
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆🍆 3 eggplants
I’d like to make a note about eggplants. This book actually has a lot of sex. Probably 5+ scenes if you’re counting. But they are far from explicit. They are quite short, at most 3 paragraphs, some as short as 2-3 sentences, with not many details. This is why I give 3, because even with the number of scenes, the eggplants just aren’t high.
The Black Lyon is feared among everyone and stories of his ferocity have reached all. When his company stops at Lyonene’s family’s estate, they begin an epic journey of love.
Give this book a try if you want:
- Old school! This book was published in 1980 and has all the elements of a classic bodice ripper – there are some scenes of rape, which the hero does admit in the book, the rest are consensual.
- Lower to mid steam – explained above, there are a number of scenes but none are remotely long or detailed. Much of it is explained in euphemisms and is at most a handful of sentences.
- A saga of a story. This book takes place over the course of a year (about) with so many plot devices being introduced and resolved all while the journey of the couple grows stronger.
- Jerk heroes/alpha male – you’re going to have to excuse a lot of, well, crappy male behavior to love this book. Ranulf is high handed, arrogant, demanding, jealous, and filled with assumptions. Please be aware of what kind of hero you are getting here.
- Age gap for older hero – the heroine is 17 and I don’t know how old the hero is, but his deceased child would have been around her age, so I am guessing he’s around 40.
- A bit of beauty and the beast/enemies to lovers/class difference tropes – Ranulf is feared by all and he’s covered in black hair and called The Black Lion while Lyonene is beautiful and turns everyone’s head. Ranulf is an earl, while Lyonene the lowly daughter of a baron (so not super class differences, but there is quite a bit of talk about how she is beneath him), and a splash of enemies to lovers since they hate each other for part of the book (though their initial marriage was a love match)
- Medieval time period. I actually don’t know what year this takes place, perhaps someone else knows. There is talk of King Edward, Queen Eleanora, and a Rhys causing war in Wales. But it has knights, tournaments, and castles.
- You like lots and LOTS of drama 🙂
- You don’t mind miscommunication – it’s a repeated plot point in the book
I am going to go in to specifics about this book, since it’s over 40 years old! 🙂 So, spoiler warning for details of the book ahead.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 4 books
Feels: 🦋🦋 2 butterflies
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 3 broken hearts
Sensuality: 🔥 1 fire
Romance: 💞💞 2 hearts
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ 2 lightnings
Sex Scene Length: 🍑 1 peach
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆🍆 3 eggplants
I’d like to make a note about eggplants. This book actually has a lot of sex. Probably 5+ scenes if you’re counting. But they are far from explicit. They are quite short, at most 3 paragraphs, some as short as 2-3 sentences, with not many details. This is why I give 3, because even with the number of scenes, the eggplants just aren’t high.
The Black Lyon is feared among everyone and stories of his ferocity have reached all. When his company stops at Lyonene’s family’s estate, they begin an epic journey of love.
Give this book a try if you want:
- Old school! This book was published in 1980 and has all the elements of a classic bodice ripper – there are some scenes of rape, which the hero does admit in the book, the rest are consensual.
- Lower to mid steam – explained above, there are a number of scenes but none are remotely long or detailed. Much of it is explained in euphemisms and is at most a handful of sentences.
- A saga of a story. This book takes place over the course of a year (about) with so many plot devices being introduced and resolved all while the journey of the couple grows stronger.
- Jerk heroes/alpha male – you’re going to have to excuse a lot of, well, crappy male behavior to love this book. Ranulf is high handed, arrogant, demanding, jealous, and filled with assumptions. Please be aware of what kind of hero you are getting here.
- Age gap for older hero – the heroine is 17 and I don’t know how old the hero is, but his deceased child would have been around her age, so I am guessing he’s around 40.
- A bit of beauty and the beast/enemies to lovers/class difference tropes – Ranulf is feared by all and he’s covered in black hair and called The Black Lion while Lyonene is beautiful and turns everyone’s head. Ranulf is an earl, while Lyonene the lowly daughter of a baron (so not super class differences, but there is quite a bit of talk about how she is beneath him), and a splash of enemies to lovers since they hate each other for part of the book (though their initial marriage was a love match)
- Medieval time period. I actually don’t know what year this takes place, perhaps someone else knows. There is talk of King Edward, Queen Eleanora, and a Rhys causing war in Wales. But it has knights, tournaments, and castles.
- You like lots and LOTS of drama 🙂
- You don’t mind miscommunication – it’s a repeated plot point in the book
I am going to go in to specifics about this book, since it’s over 40 years old! 🙂 So, spoiler warning for details of the book ahead.
February 4, 2023
Tooo stupid MCs 🤦🏻♀️
March 16, 2022
Adoro romance de época, mas claramente tenho uma preferência na época que gosto de ver retratada nas histórias... É uma questão pessoal e a verdade é que outros leitores podem ter uma opinião diferente da minha.
Esta história ocorre algures no século XV, ou seja, um período mais medieval - estando eu mais habituada a ler sobre uma sociedade mais rica e bela, com bailes e castas tão bem delineadas, é "estranho" ler algo num período tão...retrógrado. Ainda assim foi uma leitura muito agradável que conseguiu cativar-me.
O romance em si é apressado, mas ao mesmo tempo é também lento...parece estranho dizer isto, mas a verdade é que tem as duas vertentes - vemos todas as facetas boas e más da relação do Ranulf e da Lyonene. Adorei que ela domasse este leão negro e que ele se tenha rendido a alguém.
Lá para metade a história muda e torna-se mais interessante, contudo é um pouco confuso porque acontece muita coisa em pouco tempo/páginas - ainda assim é curioso tentar desvendar o rumo final de toda a ação. As reviravoltas foram inesperadas, mas muito bem vindas.
Tenho a dizer que já não me lembrava de me zangar tanto como uma personagem, como aconteceu neste livro - uma das personagens secundárias é simplesmente detestável, que ódio que senti. Graças aos céus adorei a força e determinação dos protagonistas, tiveram um crescimento incrível e valeram por tudo!
Até que fiquei curiosa com os restantes volumes desta saga e espero em breve lê-los apesar de se focarem noutros personagens.
Esta história ocorre algures no século XV, ou seja, um período mais medieval - estando eu mais habituada a ler sobre uma sociedade mais rica e bela, com bailes e castas tão bem delineadas, é "estranho" ler algo num período tão...retrógrado. Ainda assim foi uma leitura muito agradável que conseguiu cativar-me.
O romance em si é apressado, mas ao mesmo tempo é também lento...parece estranho dizer isto, mas a verdade é que tem as duas vertentes - vemos todas as facetas boas e más da relação do Ranulf e da Lyonene. Adorei que ela domasse este leão negro e que ele se tenha rendido a alguém.
Lá para metade a história muda e torna-se mais interessante, contudo é um pouco confuso porque acontece muita coisa em pouco tempo/páginas - ainda assim é curioso tentar desvendar o rumo final de toda a ação. As reviravoltas foram inesperadas, mas muito bem vindas.
Tenho a dizer que já não me lembrava de me zangar tanto como uma personagem, como aconteceu neste livro - uma das personagens secundárias é simplesmente detestável, que ódio que senti. Graças aos céus adorei a força e determinação dos protagonistas, tiveram um crescimento incrível e valeram por tudo!
Até que fiquei curiosa com os restantes volumes desta saga e espero em breve lê-los apesar de se focarem noutros personagens.
November 29, 2021
This was a fun old school read.
The H is very fearsome and alpha. He’s super jealous/possessive because he had a bad experience with his first marriage.
The h is sweet and clever and impetuous. Everyone loves her, and that drives the H a little crazy.
There are so many things that happen that nearly tear our MCs apart. I like drama, but I was getting annoyed toward the end. So many misunderstandings.
Bottom Line? Overall I enjoyed this book. I wished the OW drama had been resolved in a more satisfying way, and I wished the H had come out and promised his fidelity… it was left a little too ambiguous for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - a very devious woman causes the H and h a lot of angst
- OM drama - the h has a crazy childhood friend who causes problems
- dubcon
- h is a virgin
- H is experienced and has been married before - wife is dead and he is not grieving her
The H is very fearsome and alpha. He’s super jealous/possessive because he had a bad experience with his first marriage.
The h is sweet and clever and impetuous. Everyone loves her, and that drives the H a little crazy.
There are so many things that happen that nearly tear our MCs apart. I like drama, but I was getting annoyed toward the end. So many misunderstandings.
Bottom Line? Overall I enjoyed this book. I wished the OW drama had been resolved in a more satisfying way, and I wished the H had come out and promised his fidelity… it was left a little too ambiguous for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - a very devious woman causes the H and h a lot of angst
- OM drama - the h has a crazy childhood friend who causes problems
- dubcon
- h is a virgin
- H is experienced and has been married before - wife is dead and he is not grieving her
March 27, 2021
This is my first Jude Deveraux. I don't know how I skipped on this author. Anyway, to the story. For a book that was released 14 years before I was born, I accept that this is the product of its time and I for sure cannot judge this book according to today's standard (because I have so many problems with this one). All I can say was that it was bearable.
However, let me summarize this book for you.
That's a good summary, right?
However, let me summarize this book for you.
That's a good summary, right?
June 17, 2013
Ugh. This book.
I know this was one of Jude Deveraux's first novels, if not the first. The pacing is off. To me, it felt like the story unfolded over weeks, but instead it was a year. I could never tell how much time passed until it was spelled out for me. I know it's a romance novel, but the corniness/cheesiness was sometimes overwhelming. There were times I had to set the book aside because of what the characters were saying or doing; for example, when Ranulf and Lyonene first meet, and they play in the woods. I don't like how Ranulf is always staring hard at her either. Every time she says something, it's like, "Ranulf turned and gazed at her with a fierce gaze." (That wasn't taken directly from the book, I just made that up, but that's what it's like).
The characters themselves are annoying too. Ranulf's a jerk and a hypocrite. I don't see Lyonene as being insecure exactly, but he rapes her twice after they're married, and instead of being angry with him, she just wonders why he hates her so much. I don't feel he ever really redeems himself either, and there are times afterwards where he blames her for their problems. Every time she brings up the rape afterwards, he basically acts like, "Shut up. That's in the past. I've always been nice."
I'll probably read Deveraux's other books from the Montgomery series because I saw potential in this book. I know she's gotten better over the years. The Black Lyon will simply never be my favorite.
I know this was one of Jude Deveraux's first novels, if not the first. The pacing is off. To me, it felt like the story unfolded over weeks, but instead it was a year. I could never tell how much time passed until it was spelled out for me. I know it's a romance novel, but the corniness/cheesiness was sometimes overwhelming. There were times I had to set the book aside because of what the characters were saying or doing; for example, when Ranulf and Lyonene first meet, and they play in the woods. I don't like how Ranulf is always staring hard at her either. Every time she says something, it's like, "Ranulf turned and gazed at her with a fierce gaze." (That wasn't taken directly from the book, I just made that up, but that's what it's like).
The characters themselves are annoying too. Ranulf's a jerk and a hypocrite. I don't see Lyonene as being insecure exactly, but he rapes her twice after they're married, and instead of being angry with him, she just wonders why he hates her so much. I don't feel he ever really redeems himself either, and there are times afterwards where he blames her for their problems. Every time she brings up the rape afterwards, he basically acts like, "Shut up. That's in the past. I've always been nice."
I'll probably read Deveraux's other books from the Montgomery series because I saw potential in this book. I know she's gotten better over the years. The Black Lyon will simply never be my favorite.
June 18, 2018
I had to reread the novel in order to start the series anew and to be able to express my opinion properly. Let's see...
So much jealousy, so many misunderstandings, such weak-minded characters... For all their faults though, they were rather okay, I suppose, taking into consideration how old this book is and the type of the plot. There is rape, for lack of a more accurate term - the Black Lyon hurts Lyonene on purpose - and the hero strikes the heroine across the face. Of course it can all be blamed on his past which was full of lies and betrayal, but his viciousness is uncalled for. Thus if you have such issues or take offense, you'd better not pick this book, since at least half of it is full of bad mojo. For its' length though, a slightly slower pace would've helped - or fewer pages for that matter - and better development instead of those time and emotion leaps it had.
All in all, it was a promising start for the series.
So much jealousy, so many misunderstandings, such weak-minded characters... For all their faults though, they were rather okay, I suppose, taking into consideration how old this book is and the type of the plot. There is rape, for lack of a more accurate term - the Black Lyon hurts Lyonene on purpose - and the hero strikes the heroine across the face. Of course it can all be blamed on his past which was full of lies and betrayal, but his viciousness is uncalled for. Thus if you have such issues or take offense, you'd better not pick this book, since at least half of it is full of bad mojo. For its' length though, a slightly slower pace would've helped - or fewer pages for that matter - and better development instead of those time and emotion leaps it had.
All in all, it was a promising start for the series.
June 13, 2012
Umm was I the only one who had a problem with the fact that he hit her? Also I think she is sort of pathetic for trying to win him over when he is acting like a complete ass who let me say this one more time HIT HER.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2021
Ugh my heart
This was wayyyy too good, Ranulf and Lyonene’s story will stick with me forever, a love story that has completely imbedded itself into my soul
This was wayyyy too good, Ranulf and Lyonene’s story will stick with me forever, a love story that has completely imbedded itself into my soul
August 6, 2022
I actually read a book written many years later from the Nantucket Brides series and one in this series Montgomery Taggart Family which made me curious about the mystique of the family history and characters. This is the 1st book in the series on Jude Deveraux’s website.
Things I liked about this story. The H character changes from one of seriousness and projecting terror and fear in both men and women to laughter and joy kindness and gentleness towards his wife. All his knights and servants notice this big change. The H Ranulf de Warbrooke, Earl of Malvoisin rescues his wife after she was held for ransom for four months. The h Lyonene Countess of Malvoisin saves her husbands life twice. She took an arrow for him and she didn’t give up when her men thought he perished in the sea trying to save people from a sinking ship during a storm at sea. She asked his men to not give up looking for him. She and her men prayed for his safe return. The h tells her husband she loves him. The H helps deliver his baby son whom he names Montgomery. The H has a special belt made for his wife on their wedding with a black lion and a lioness with tawny blond hair and emerald eyes. The couple are both lions, he the Black Lyon and she his Lyonene (lioness). He gave her a special cup after their son Montgomery de Warbrooke, 4th Earl of Malvoisin was baptized with a lion and lioness with words expressing his love for her. I enjoyed all their love scenes and the way they bantered teasing each other.
Things that didn’t work for me. The groom became untrusting of her feelings for him and was jealous of any men she paid attention to. He treated her badly on their wedding night making her miserable and fearing him. She Lyonene knew the woman Amecia was no good but yet she buys into her lies and ends up in Ireland held for ransom.She thinks her husband loves this woman and doesn’t see clearly.
It was a story of their first year in marriage. Lots of distrust, jealousy, lust, passion, love, bravery, trust, heroism, joy, laughter. A great medieval tale.
Jude Deveraux Montgomery /Taggart Family.
Family Tree Link: https://thejudedeverauxboard.proboard...
1.The Black Lion.
1100 Ranulf de Warbrooke Earl of Malvoisin & Lyonene
2.The Maiden
1100 King Rowan and Princess Jura of Lanconia son of Ranulf and Lyonene is a squire to King Rowan (Montgomery de Warbrooke.4th Earl of Malvoisin
3.The Velvet Promise.
1501 Gavin Montgomery & Judith Revedoune
5 Montgomery siblings: Gavin, Stephen, Raine, Miles and Mary
4.Highland Velvet.
1501 Stephen Montgomery & Bronwynn MacArran
5.Velvet Song
(Robinhood) 1501-2 Raine Montgomery (The nicest brother)
6.Velvet Angel
1502 Miles and Elizabeth Chatworth
Gavin and Judith had at least 2 children. Later one of their descendants who looks like Judith shows their estate to tourists and meets an American millionaire who says he is a descendant of Miles Montgomery.
Stephen and Bronwynn have 5 sons and 1 girl
Raine and Alyx had 3 girls
Miles and Elizabeth had 23 children some adopted. Two sons emigrated to America.
7.The Heiress.
1572 James M and Axia Maidenhall
8.The Raider
.( Zorro) 1766 America Warbrooke Massachusetts Alexander Montgomery and Jessica Taggart
9.Mountain Laurel
( Lone Ranger)America 1859 Ft. Breck Rocky Mountains Capt.CH (Ring)Montgomery escort Opera Singer Maddie Worth. Warbrooke Shipping in Maine.
10.Eternity.
1865 Warbrooke, Maine Montgomery family 7 boys Ring, Jamie, Ranleigh, Lachlan … 2 girls Carrie …
h youngest sister “Carrie” and H Joshua Greene Templeton a divorcee with 2 children. Eternity Colorado children Josh’s two Tem and Dallas plus one of their own
11.The Duchess
1883 Scotland H MacArran and h Claire Wiiloughby American heiress
.
12.Twin of Fire.
1892 Chandler Colorado. Twin girls Blair and Houston
Blair marries Dr. Lee Westfield. They have a son Blair also a doctor. (Invitation )Houston marries Kane Taggert. Issues: Female doctors, Miners and Unions, Women’s rights, Range wars, Criminals. The town is named after the girls father.
13.Twin of Ice
1892 H Kane Taggert and h Houston Chandler. Kane Taggert Self made millionaire relatives: Parents Charity Fenton ( daughter of Horace Fenton mine owner) Frank Taggert miner. Cousins Jean and Ian. Uncle Rafe. Uncle Sheldon (Jeans father) Business partner Edan orphaned when 17 family died of dysentery. Son Zachary Younger. Houston twin Blair. Their mother Opal married Gates stepfather. Their dad founded Chandler.
14.The Temptress
1890’s Washington state. A charming rom com HR with lots of action. Montgomery female Christiana Chris Mathison. Her mother is a Montgomery. H is Tynan ( Samuel Dyson) grandson of Samuel Dyson.
15.Wishes
1896 Chandler Colorado Jace (Jocelyn)Montgomery parents (Ring Montgomery and Madeleine Worth )& Nellie Grayson. They have 12 children
Ghost Berni assignment is to help Nellie
16.The Awakening
1913 Kingman, California Dr. Henry Reine ( Hank )Montgomery & Amanda Caulden Unionization Hop pickers Amanda’s father goes broke. Henry’s parents are James Montgomery and Laurel Worth. Hank would be Jace’s first cousin.
Dr.Henry Reine Montgomery grew up in Maine.
17.”The Invitation” (Invitation)
1934 Eternity and Chandler Colorado William (Billy) Montgomery & Jackie O’Neill ( Jace &Nellie Parents of Billy)Jackie is 10 years older than Billy. They marry and have two children.
Kane Taggert H and Cale Anderson h. Kane a widower with twin boys Trevor and Jamie. Cale is a Murder Mystery bestseller author. Mike his twin brother and his wife Sam have twin boys.
18.The Princess
1942 WWll Florida Keys h Princess Aria from Lanconia History King Rowan & Queen Jura ( Amazon) Bk. #2. Aria Grandfather King and one sister Gena. H JT Jarl Tynan Montgomery Warbrooke Shipping Maine. Parents Amanda Caulden & Henry Reine Montgomery ( The Awakening). Brother Adam and Cousin Freddy Taggart. Aria and JT have a daughter Victoria.
JT’s lineage: Family came to America in the Elizabethan era. They were there to meet the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. Miles Montgomery’s two children emigrated to America ( Velvet Angel) Family Motto ‘ Never Sell the Land’ They still own the land of Ranulf de Warbrooke the Black Lyon 1100’s in England ( the Black Lion) In the 18th century the Montgomery’s were wealthy but through marriage to a Taggert they ended up owning 1/2 of Maine.The Raider, Alexander Montgomery and Jessica Taggert 1766. 1880 Kane Taggert made a lot of money ( Twin of Ice) JT’s Aunt married a Taggert and they own Fenton Taggert Steel in Colorado ( ) He is also related to Tynan Mills in Washington State ( The Temptress Chris Mathison and Samuel Dyson “Tynan”) Another ancestor who was the Grand Duchess in Russia ( The Duchess ) another Aunt who was a French Duchess and several Earls and a few gunslingers. His ancestors have fought and been decorated in every American war as well as many of the women.
*19.A Knight in Shining Armor
20.Sweet Liar
1991 NY CityLouisville KY and 1928.
h Samantha Elliott father Dave Elliott parents Maxie and Cal Elliott ( real dad Michael Ransome) H Michael Taggert twin Kane (Matchmakers)parents Pat and Ian Chandler (have 11 kids)Colorado Kane Taggert and Houston grandparents.
21”Matchmakers” (Invitation)
Invitation above
*22.”Change of Heart”(Holiday of Love)
*23.”Just Curious “ (Gift of Love)
24.High Tide
New York and Florida 1999 H Ace Montgomery
Dr. Paul Montgomery ( Maine Montgomery’s) cousins Frank Taggert, Mike Taggert. h Fiona Burkenhalter creator of Kimberley doll. Marry 3 months pregnant.
*25.Holly
*26.Always
c.2004 missing husband Adam Montgomery
*27. Somebody to love
Read 21 August 2022
Left to read
19 A Knight in Shining Armour
22 Change of Heart
23 Just Curious
25 Holly
26 Always
27 Somebody to Love
Things I liked about this story. The H character changes from one of seriousness and projecting terror and fear in both men and women to laughter and joy kindness and gentleness towards his wife. All his knights and servants notice this big change. The H Ranulf de Warbrooke, Earl of Malvoisin rescues his wife after she was held for ransom for four months. The h Lyonene Countess of Malvoisin saves her husbands life twice. She took an arrow for him and she didn’t give up when her men thought he perished in the sea trying to save people from a sinking ship during a storm at sea. She asked his men to not give up looking for him. She and her men prayed for his safe return. The h tells her husband she loves him. The H helps deliver his baby son whom he names Montgomery. The H has a special belt made for his wife on their wedding with a black lion and a lioness with tawny blond hair and emerald eyes. The couple are both lions, he the Black Lyon and she his Lyonene (lioness). He gave her a special cup after their son Montgomery de Warbrooke, 4th Earl of Malvoisin was baptized with a lion and lioness with words expressing his love for her. I enjoyed all their love scenes and the way they bantered teasing each other.
Things that didn’t work for me. The groom became untrusting of her feelings for him and was jealous of any men she paid attention to. He treated her badly on their wedding night making her miserable and fearing him. She Lyonene knew the woman Amecia was no good but yet she buys into her lies and ends up in Ireland held for ransom.She thinks her husband loves this woman and doesn’t see clearly.
It was a story of their first year in marriage. Lots of distrust, jealousy, lust, passion, love, bravery, trust, heroism, joy, laughter. A great medieval tale.
Jude Deveraux Montgomery /Taggart Family.
Family Tree Link: https://thejudedeverauxboard.proboard...
1.The Black Lion.
1100 Ranulf de Warbrooke Earl of Malvoisin & Lyonene
2.The Maiden
1100 King Rowan and Princess Jura of Lanconia son of Ranulf and Lyonene is a squire to King Rowan (Montgomery de Warbrooke.4th Earl of Malvoisin
3.The Velvet Promise.
1501 Gavin Montgomery & Judith Revedoune
5 Montgomery siblings: Gavin, Stephen, Raine, Miles and Mary
4.Highland Velvet.
1501 Stephen Montgomery & Bronwynn MacArran
5.Velvet Song
(Robinhood) 1501-2 Raine Montgomery (The nicest brother)
6.Velvet Angel
1502 Miles and Elizabeth Chatworth
Gavin and Judith had at least 2 children. Later one of their descendants who looks like Judith shows their estate to tourists and meets an American millionaire who says he is a descendant of Miles Montgomery.
Stephen and Bronwynn have 5 sons and 1 girl
Raine and Alyx had 3 girls
Miles and Elizabeth had 23 children some adopted. Two sons emigrated to America.
7.The Heiress.
1572 James M and Axia Maidenhall
8.The Raider
.( Zorro) 1766 America Warbrooke Massachusetts Alexander Montgomery and Jessica Taggart
9.Mountain Laurel
( Lone Ranger)America 1859 Ft. Breck Rocky Mountains Capt.CH (Ring)Montgomery escort Opera Singer Maddie Worth. Warbrooke Shipping in Maine.
10.Eternity.
1865 Warbrooke, Maine Montgomery family 7 boys Ring, Jamie, Ranleigh, Lachlan … 2 girls Carrie …
h youngest sister “Carrie” and H Joshua Greene Templeton a divorcee with 2 children. Eternity Colorado children Josh’s two Tem and Dallas plus one of their own
11.The Duchess
1883 Scotland H MacArran and h Claire Wiiloughby American heiress
.
12.Twin of Fire.
1892 Chandler Colorado. Twin girls Blair and Houston
Blair marries Dr. Lee Westfield. They have a son Blair also a doctor. (Invitation )Houston marries Kane Taggert. Issues: Female doctors, Miners and Unions, Women’s rights, Range wars, Criminals. The town is named after the girls father.
13.Twin of Ice
1892 H Kane Taggert and h Houston Chandler. Kane Taggert Self made millionaire relatives: Parents Charity Fenton ( daughter of Horace Fenton mine owner) Frank Taggert miner. Cousins Jean and Ian. Uncle Rafe. Uncle Sheldon (Jeans father) Business partner Edan orphaned when 17 family died of dysentery. Son Zachary Younger. Houston twin Blair. Their mother Opal married Gates stepfather. Their dad founded Chandler.
14.The Temptress
1890’s Washington state. A charming rom com HR with lots of action. Montgomery female Christiana Chris Mathison. Her mother is a Montgomery. H is Tynan ( Samuel Dyson) grandson of Samuel Dyson.
15.Wishes
1896 Chandler Colorado Jace (Jocelyn)Montgomery parents (Ring Montgomery and Madeleine Worth )& Nellie Grayson. They have 12 children
Ghost Berni assignment is to help Nellie
16.The Awakening
1913 Kingman, California Dr. Henry Reine ( Hank )Montgomery & Amanda Caulden Unionization Hop pickers Amanda’s father goes broke. Henry’s parents are James Montgomery and Laurel Worth. Hank would be Jace’s first cousin.
Dr.Henry Reine Montgomery grew up in Maine.
17.”The Invitation” (Invitation)
1934 Eternity and Chandler Colorado William (Billy) Montgomery & Jackie O’Neill ( Jace &Nellie Parents of Billy)Jackie is 10 years older than Billy. They marry and have two children.
Kane Taggert H and Cale Anderson h. Kane a widower with twin boys Trevor and Jamie. Cale is a Murder Mystery bestseller author. Mike his twin brother and his wife Sam have twin boys.
18.The Princess
1942 WWll Florida Keys h Princess Aria from Lanconia History King Rowan & Queen Jura ( Amazon) Bk. #2. Aria Grandfather King and one sister Gena. H JT Jarl Tynan Montgomery Warbrooke Shipping Maine. Parents Amanda Caulden & Henry Reine Montgomery ( The Awakening). Brother Adam and Cousin Freddy Taggart. Aria and JT have a daughter Victoria.
JT’s lineage: Family came to America in the Elizabethan era. They were there to meet the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. Miles Montgomery’s two children emigrated to America ( Velvet Angel) Family Motto ‘ Never Sell the Land’ They still own the land of Ranulf de Warbrooke the Black Lyon 1100’s in England ( the Black Lion) In the 18th century the Montgomery’s were wealthy but through marriage to a Taggert they ended up owning 1/2 of Maine.The Raider, Alexander Montgomery and Jessica Taggert 1766. 1880 Kane Taggert made a lot of money ( Twin of Ice) JT’s Aunt married a Taggert and they own Fenton Taggert Steel in Colorado ( ) He is also related to Tynan Mills in Washington State ( The Temptress Chris Mathison and Samuel Dyson “Tynan”) Another ancestor who was the Grand Duchess in Russia ( The Duchess ) another Aunt who was a French Duchess and several Earls and a few gunslingers. His ancestors have fought and been decorated in every American war as well as many of the women.
*19.A Knight in Shining Armor
20.Sweet Liar
1991 NY CityLouisville KY and 1928.
h Samantha Elliott father Dave Elliott parents Maxie and Cal Elliott ( real dad Michael Ransome) H Michael Taggert twin Kane (Matchmakers)parents Pat and Ian Chandler (have 11 kids)Colorado Kane Taggert and Houston grandparents.
21”Matchmakers” (Invitation)
Invitation above
*22.”Change of Heart”(Holiday of Love)
*23.”Just Curious “ (Gift of Love)
24.High Tide
New York and Florida 1999 H Ace Montgomery
Dr. Paul Montgomery ( Maine Montgomery’s) cousins Frank Taggert, Mike Taggert. h Fiona Burkenhalter creator of Kimberley doll. Marry 3 months pregnant.
*25.Holly
*26.Always
c.2004 missing husband Adam Montgomery
*27. Somebody to love
Read 21 August 2022
Left to read
19 A Knight in Shining Armour
22 Change of Heart
23 Just Curious
25 Holly
26 Always
27 Somebody to Love
April 10, 2021
Wow this book, it was crazyyyyyyyy. I must admit, I’m some sections I just think the behavior of our heroine and hero is so uncalled for and I’m sat there like ‘why would you think that though?’ And before you know it, everything is blown out of proportion, miscommunication and generally not communicating at all, just adds onto the issue. The way some of the characters were so easily manipulated was just annoying 😒.
Overall it was quiet humorous in other areas, I just found myself laughing, the banter between the two of thems something to point out.
First Jude deveuxel novel and certainly not my last ❤️
Overall it was quiet humorous in other areas, I just found myself laughing, the banter between the two of thems something to point out.
First Jude deveuxel novel and certainly not my last ❤️
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