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THE WULFRITHS. IT ALL BEGAN WITH A WOMAN.

A battle. A crown. The conqueror. The conquered. Medieval England—forever changed by the Battle of Hastings. And the rise of the formidable Wulfriths.

A NAMELESS NORMAN

Born of scandal, Sir Dougray of the family D’Argent defies his illegitimacy by championing the oppressed—until the prospect of winning the hand of a lady persuades him to join the Duke of Normandy in conquering Saxon-ruled England. When an injury sustained at the Battle of Hastings causes the woman he loves to reject him, an embittered Dougray turns his efforts to uprooting Saxons resistant to their new king. But among those he must bring to heel is Em, an escaped slave-turned-rebel whose suffering at the hands of a fellow Norman tempts him to reclaim the man he was before he betrayed his conscience. And captivates him though he vowed never again to fall prey to a woman. Might yet another D’Argent warrior take a Saxon bride? Or will the one who made a possession of Em destroy what remains of her?

A FUGITIVE SAXON

Forced into slavery to ensure her siblings’ survival following the Norman invasion, Em escapes her abusive master and joins the Saxon resistance. Now trained in the ways of the warrior, she is determined to never again suffer the depravity of men. And will not, providing she can stay ahead of the one intent on recovering his property—and the usurping King William’s warrior scout, Sir Dougray, who also seeks to capture her. But when he appoints himself Em’s savior, thwarting an attempt to once more enslave her, she glimpses an honorable man beyond the conqueror and begins to feel that which is forbidden enemies—worse, forbidden one as ruined as she. Or so she believes until his kiss more thrills than frightens. And threatens to break a heart she would not have believed capable of being touched by a Norman.


From the Saxon victory at York, portending the fateful Harrying of the North, to the walls of Wulfen Castle, Sir Dougray and Em’s tale unfolds in the third book in the AGE OF CONQUEST series revealing the origins of the Wulfriths of the bestselling AGE OF FAITH series. Watch for HEARTLESS: Book Four releasing Spring 2020.

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

140 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Tamara Leigh

70 books967 followers
Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and tamaraleightenn@gmail.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews92 followers
March 1, 2020
A new release from Tamara Leigh is one of my all-time favourite indulgences, and I don’t even have to feel guilty about it! This series marries two of my favourite things—English medieval history and romance—and does so better than any other series I’ve yet encountered (this author’s other series excepted). And boy has she capitalised on the tensions that would have existed in the years immediately following the Battle of Hastings. Not just the tensions between Norman and Saxon, but also the conflicted loyalties that arise when “right” and “wrong” become entangled across political delineations.

First of all, I love that this series is so historically grounded. The Norman conquest isn’t just a convenient setting; it informs the whole series! Secondly, I love that, despite an almost 1,000-year gap between now and the setting of this series, these characters’ stories are still relevant in so many ways. Em’s story is one of survival, but at great cost as a result of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her Norman owner. Having seen parts of her story play out in the previous two books in the series, I was more than eager to see her gain freedom from both her physical and emotional bondage, and I think Tamara Leigh did a great job of capturing her unique combination of strength and vulnerability as she travelled that path.

And Dougray… well, let’s just say Tamara Leigh knows how to write heroes—flawed but honourable warriors who have their own struggles to overcome, in Dougray’s case, also physical and emotional. The care and respect he has for Em is chivalry at its best, and I loved watching the trust grow between them even while they were technically enemies. Here is an author who doesn’t need to have her hero and heroine constantly throwing themselves at one another to make you swoon. All it takes is a simple conversation:

“Dougray,” she breathed, “ever shall I be indebted to you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “There is a way to pay down your debt—indeed clear it completely.”
She turned to fully face him, and though the blanket slipped from a shoulder, she let it be. “Tell me.”
The lightness about his face fell. “Never again run from me. If you must run, run to me.”

And so this continues to be one of my favourite series ever. I now wait not-so-patiently for Sir Maël’s story in HEARTLESS.
26 reviews1 follower
Read
November 10, 2019
EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!

"Oh, WOW! Tamara Leigh outdid herself with this one. Just finished the book. Beautiful! Deep! Poignant! Gripping! It's a must read. A beauty for ashes story. I can't say enough about it. Trust me. Get the book. The audio book if you're busy like me.
Profile Image for Tara.
339 reviews
September 22, 2021
Do you ever have those books where you’re reading and you tell yourself “It’s ok…it’s all going to work out; they’ll get through this and end up happily ever after”…and you know it’s true because you know the author and you know the genre…but you still find yourself holding your breath at times? That was me with this book! There were certain times/scenes when I was reading as fast as I could (especially toward the end) just to make sure I saw the characters I loved seen safely through. ❤️
The story was so great and I couldn’t stop reading/listening…so much so that my husband would walk in the kitchen, look to see if my earbuds were in and say “is your book on?” 😂 The characters…I love how the series just continues to build on each and every character in their own way. I love this family! And the romance…oh this love story was beautiful. Utterly beautiful. I had a soft spot for the injured Dougray and heartbreaking Em before this…now I adore both. It’s going to take a lot to top Dougray and Em for me. ❤️ “It was, Em. And ever shall be.” *sigh* ❤️

Thoroughly enjoyed this one…my favorite of the series so far…now on to Mael’s story. ❤️
Profile Image for Ashley Nikole.
Author 6 books41 followers
June 9, 2020
DOUGRAYYYY, okay? Wow. Dougray. And Em--what a power couple. And their stories--le sigh! Honestly I didn't much care for Dougray in the earlier books, but...his character arc was pretty incredible. What a guy. His kindness just ministered to my soul. And Em--what a fierce lady. And so courageous, and beautiful, and good. I loved this book, through and through.
Profile Image for Necee.
359 reviews
November 14, 2019
“Hold, Em,” he whispered. “I come for you.”

Swoonworthy is all I can say. These are the most magical words of the heart, coming from Dougray for the one woman he yearns to protect, Em. If you want to know why he comes for her, you’ll just have to read “Nameless” for more of their story. As Book 3 from the Age of Conquest series, I believe this is my favorite. I love how real the characters are in their struggles and their story of hope.

This book had all the feels that make for a great novel. Nonstop medieval adventure. A brave, but wounded warrior wondering where he belongs. A broken woman, slave turned rebel, who just had me hoping for a way to believe in a hero. Melt your heart romance. And a devilish mercenary, slave owner bent on taking his slave back and inflicting harm worse than death. I found myself praying Dougray would be able to protect Em from him all the way through this book. I love the nuances of faith woven throughout the storyline, too. That God is the true hero of their lives.

Nameless is a masterfully woven tale of of what happens after the loss, grief, and brokenness of two characters that stole our hearts in Book 1 of the Age of Conquest series. It is a story that starts with war and succumbing to a new ruler and yet a story filled with so much love and hope. Leigh’s description of the time period, trials of slavery, abuse and war are poignantly written. She swept me through time into this ongoing story of the heartbreak of conquering and being conquered. Her artistic imagery was like watching a painter bring all the colors to light.

Oh, the hope you have for these two, wounded by life and circumstances beyond their control. Dougray & Em will both pull at your heartstrings and have you praying for their happy ending. Epically masterful storytelling as only Tamara Leigh can do. The Wulfrith’s are truly one of my favorite fictional families. For fans of romantic medieval adventure…or anyone that has a pulse! Seriously, don’t miss out on the amazing Wulfrith series. And it all started with a woman.

I purchased this book because, it’s Tamara Leigh, and I just have to read more about the Wulfrith’s. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for E.L. Cross.
Author 5 books15 followers
February 17, 2020
Highly Anticipated, Delivered in Full

Through beautiful descriptions and compelling dialogue, Tamara Leigh delivers a story of healing in the midst of the turmoil of medieval England. The hero and heroine are both crippled from deep physical and emotional wounds that neither is sure they will be able to conquer. Through the support of their family and dependence on our true Healer, they fight to overcome their brokenness to be made whole. NAMELESS is a novel I have anticipated since meeting the hero and heroine in book 1 of the series, and I am pleased to say it did not disappoint.

I thoroughly enjoy diving into each Tamara Leigh novel, especially this new series, Age of Conquest. Tamara is an accomplished writer who knows how to develop a story and write dynamic characters. Her works are well-researched and contain many historical details as well as verbiage that transports the reader to the setting. I enjoy lingering over each new novel and force myself to read them slowly to savor them which is difficult when the plot keeps me turning pages quickly and staying up late into the night to read.
Profile Image for Bess.
730 reviews
April 16, 2021
I lost some sleep with this one.
I really enjoyed Sir Dougray & Em's story. What redemption for both of them! What a lovely tale of restoration and healing!!
While Sir Dougray will never hold a candle to my Sir Durand, he is worthy and a strong man. His tale is very near my heart. And Em, what a wonder she turned out to be! I was very surprised, delightfully so, at how she evolved. Not just a rebel with vengeance in her heart but strong and human. I loved reading her side of the tale and how love blossomed with Dougray.
If you haven't read Ms. Leigh's stories, you are missing out on something spectacular. Be transported to a time before the modern era and let worthy men and strong women meet you there.
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,887 followers
January 16, 2020
Swoon!

Nameless is absolutely favorite in the Age of Conquest series. Dougray D'Argent has to be one of the best heroes Tamara Leigh has ever created. I loved how his story unfolded and he made the perfect hero for Em.

And Em! She's been through so much and it was great to see how she came to trust Dougray. I would totally read this again and will be sure I recommend all my friends read it.
Profile Image for Carole Johnson.
Author 19 books83 followers
January 19, 2025
Nice Romantic Elements

Love the story. A little hard to follow at times due to medieval dialogue. Could be toned down a bit.
Otherwise, waiting for the next tale!
Profile Image for Sarah Monzon.
Author 27 books773 followers
December 29, 2019
She’s one of my favorite authors for very good reason. *happy sigh*
352 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2022
Amazing

This is the first book that I have ever read where the hero has only one arm. But he is in no way disabled, as he fights for his king but also for the woman he will come to love. Just like the previous books, it takes place after the Norman Conquest and involves the D’Argent brothers, this time Dougray. Em was in the previous book as a slave to a vicious man and is now a rebel Saxon attempting to stay free of her captor. Lots of adventures and danger. Clean romance.
Profile Image for Liza Lehman.
287 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2022
This might have been my favorite Age of Conquest book yet. The theme of two broken, abused people seeking vengeance, yet finding redemption is powerful. I love how Ms. Leigh weaves all the characters throughout each book, so that I am anticipating learning each one's story.

Contains sexual abuse, medieval violence, intimacy, slavery
Profile Image for Sallie Soignet Gordon.
37 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2022
As always, Tamera Leigh writes another fabulous story! This one got in my feelings a bit more than the others because of the abuse and needed healing of Em. Dougray's awareness of her brokenness and his patience towards her made me tear up. I love how the author pulls me in making me feel a part of these fantastic Medieval stories! Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Cheyenne Davis.
304 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2020
Great read

Really enjoyed reading Dougray's and Em's story. We see them in previous books in the series and I enjoyed reading from their perspectives and seeing them overcome the internal and external obstacles in their paths. It was a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Kat Green.
1,147 reviews19 followers
November 3, 2020
Book 3 in this amazingly romantic series that touches all emotions! Tamara Leigh has done it again with her fabulous writing. Mary Sarah Agliotta has become a new favorite in my list of very talented narrators! Be sure to get the audiobook as well as the book. Both are extraordinary done! 😍
Profile Image for Tamara Tilley.
Author 10 books23 followers
July 17, 2021
I can't praise Tamara Leigh enough! Her imagery immerses the reader in a time of Lords, Ladies, rulers, and treacherous mercenaries. Romance abounds, though at a slower pace than I would prefer, but still satisfying. On to Heartless - book four in the series.
Profile Image for Gina Ann.
554 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2021
Not so nameless.....

Really like this third brother who is a loner, this storyline reads like a movie and hard to put down, I could picture every altercation and retreat. Loved Em's character, perfect for Dougray.
Profile Image for Sherry Deatrick.
645 reviews26 followers
February 14, 2023
Fascinating, heart wrenching and thoroughly absorbing. Tamara Leigh's books can take me to another place and time like no other. It's a long winding story but I learned so much medieval history and the romance is beautiful.
Profile Image for Christine Barth.
1,869 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2022
Okay, I'm hooked. Even though I knew they'd end up together, I really enjoyed the character growth. Can't wait for the next pairing.
Profile Image for Maureen Koeppel.
110 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2023
I think is my favorite of the three I've read so far. All three books are good, but I loved how two broken people became whole together.
18 reviews
February 3, 2024
great read

I loved everything about this book. The story, the characters, the ending. I can’t wait to start the next in this series
Profile Image for Tayo.
591 reviews25 followers
April 8, 2025
I've nearly caught up on my backlog of reviews and the future relief I'll feel is almost palpable. All this to say is I had a lot of thoughts about why I liked this so much when I read it weeks and weeks ago, and I can hardly remember them.

So yeah super enjoyed this one.

Sometimes a book is 5 stars to me because it really surprises me. And other times, like in this case, it's 5 stars because it exactly meets my expectations.

Dougray has been smitten (even if he's in denial) with Em since the moment they meet in the first book Merciless (this is also where I hypocritically say that this series should not be read out of order because the stories very much intersect and are also generally sequential). And since that introduction I've been waiting for their book which I expected to be fraught with big feelings and also some true emotional obstacles, and this delivered in spades.

Dougray has had to come to terms with the loss of his arm following the battle of Hastings. within this entry, he's made a lot of progress with this, and also his feelings of hatred towards the Saxons. He's always had a soft spot for Em, who he met as a horribly abused slave, and always looks out for her, even if he's unwilling to inspect his true feelings for her.

Em as a runaway slave truly hates most Normans and has an understandable mistrust of most men. So while she doesn't hate Dougray on sight based on him being a noble D'Argent, she's still wary of him.

After Em gets injured following on of the many skirmishes between the Saxon rebels and the Normans, Em lands herself in Dougray's temporary (and then permanent care).

I really don't have much to say (partly because I can't remember them), but this was just super cute. And also nicely grounded. We see Dougray understanding Em's fears and hesitancies following the abuse she suffered, and we also see Em testing just how far she'll be able to heal. There was also Dougray finding his birth father (I can't go into every plot) which was so adorable and wholesome, and the sort of pseudo-found-family I love to read about.

Anyway everything here worked for me, definitely my favourite of the series so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
29 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2026
So much to learn …

This excellent story is replete with godly hard tough lessons of forgiveness and love. Injured people by the world, healed by the Lord.
Profile Image for Jennifer Davids.
Author 7 books61 followers
June 6, 2021
I have been looking forward to this tale ever since Tamara introduced Dougray and Emma in Merciless. A hero with an inherent need to protect is soooo very appealing to me. I also appreciated how sensitively Emma's story was handled; it felt realistic and relevant. Once again, I am looking forward to the next in this excellent series.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,309 reviews45 followers
November 16, 2019
Each of the books in this series by Tamara Leigh is packed full of pageantry, colorful imagery, lots of action, drama, and romance which will leave you wanting more!

Nameless is the third book in this series and well worth waiting for! In this tale, we learn more about Dougray D’Argent the son who doesn’t have the silver hair, and Em, an escaped slave-turned-rebel. Will these two find the peace they strive for or will their past and their enemies keep them always feeling worthless?

Tamara Leigh is such a skilled writer. I am so totally amazed at how she weaves each of her stories, so we feel we are right there with the characters and in the era of these tales. Her detail to the history and customs of this era is remarkable. She brings the medieval world, to life. From the pageantry of the customs to the action of the fighting, as well as the language of the time, there is nothing left amiss.

I’m also extremely impressed with Tamar Leigh and all she packs into her stories. I truly felt I was getting a beautiful history lesson without it being boring.

I’ve said this before, but it needs to mention again.
Just like in the other stories Tamara Leigh has written, I have been spell-bound from the first page!
Her stories have larger than life heroes and heroines, whom you will come to love and cherish. These characters may at first seem flawed, but through their struggles and the trials they have, they develop into persons of honor and integrity.

I am fascinated with learning more about this family of heroes, and with the way Tamara Leigh writes, we come to know them each with all their struggles and victories.
I highly recommend this and ALL of Tamara Leigh’s books. Her storytelling will captivate you so much, you will not want to miss one of her books!
I’m waiting on pins and needles for the next in this new series to come out.
Profile Image for Rosanne Lortz.
Author 28 books216 followers
December 17, 2019
When Sir Dougray loses his arm at the Battle of Hastings, he also loses his reasons for living. Illegitimate and now maimed, he is rejected by his intended bride. He bitterly turns to subjugating the Saxons who maimed him, helping his d'Argent brothers carry out the whims of William the Conqueror. But when a mistreated Saxon woman crosses his path, Dougray feels a strange stirring of sympathy. He risks his position with the king and even his own freedom to redeem Em from slavery. Is it possible that a nameless man with a broken body and battered heart could ever find rest and love?

This continuation of the D'Argent brothers' saga follows the brother who has no silver hair. Born illegitimate, from the sin of his mother when she thought his father dead, Dougray has always felt unworthy to be one of the family. Now, missing his right arm in a world where might makes right, he is doubly cursed. Em has her own scars to bear--the nightmares she endures from being the plaything of a sadistic Norman baron will not allow her to sleep. The concern she has for the Saxon rebels will not let her stop striving. Even though her heart begins to care for Dougray, the thought of him touching her makes her want to retch. 

This story is a beautiful romance of redemption woven into a bellicose and bloody era of history. Dougray's sensitivity towards a sexual abuse survivor seems a little unusual for the time; however, I do appreciate how Tamara Leigh's romance plots are always relatable for today's readers. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Age of Conquest series--here's hoping that we get cousin Mael's story! It's going to be a good one...
Profile Image for Nicole.
879 reviews78 followers
November 3, 2019
Wow!
I have enjoyed every minute of each book in this series, but this one may be my favorite!
This story I have been waiting for since we were first introduced to Em in Merciless, there we were introduced to a very bad, bad guy as well. I couldn't wait to find out how the story was going to unfold.
Tamara Leigh did a fantastic job! Dougray was one of my favorite heroes that she has written (shhhhh don't tell Garr, that I said that)!
He had struggles and insecurities that he had to overcome, and this journey captured his growth perfectly. One thing that I truly loved about his character was his steady faith, and his steadfastness in seeking to protect Em. Totally swoon worthy in my book!
I have been rooting for Em since the first book and I 100% loved how this story turned out.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants adventurous medieval romance!
Now I have to go get over my book hangover...............
50 reviews
November 14, 2019
Nameless No Longer

Dougray and Em, A love story that is hard to believe. The characters were not as well developed as in the first two books. The ending seemed rushed and not totally believable. A king being nice to Em after her misadventures was a little hard to beleive. King William was made out to be a tyrant but turned nice guy? I hope the next book is better thought out with a more understandable ending that concurs with the story. I would rather wait for a few days or even weeks for a better story line and better ending. I have given Tamara Leigh five stars in the past but not this time. I will read the nest book within a week after purchase and I hope to be pleasantly surprised with the end result.
Profile Image for Sara.
7 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2019
out of their brokenness comes healing

She shrouds herself in hate and fear. He is finally coming out of the darkness that had consumed him. Can their broken pieces be put together to make a new whole.

Em is a rebel that is lead by a desperate fear she feels can only be assuaged by the removal of a conquering people. Her fear also include the damage wrought at the cruel hands of the man who bought her and made her his slave in every unimaginable disgusting way that a dishonorable man could.

Goodgrey serves his king as best he can while trying to regain the man he once was: an honorable man, one not prone to bloodshed, a merciful man. His actions to save the woman that has healed his heart may see him enslaved or tried for treason.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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