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Conqueror #1
The Bride Hunt
Her life is in the hands of a man she dares not love . . .
Lady Isabel Louvet is a woman of noble birth, wit, courage, and beauty. But though these qualities make her an excellent bride, they cannot save her when, on the night she was meant to choose a groom, wild Scottish brigands storm the walls of her father's castle. As what should be a celebration turns to terror and bloodshed, Isabel is carried away from her family to be offered to a Scottish chieftain as a slave . . . or worse.
But unbeknownst to Isabel, she has a champion, a feared warrior and knight of legend named Anvrai d'Arques. His visage bears the scars of battle, but his heart remains pure in its devotion to country and king - that is, until he sets out to rescue Isabel. Her fierce spirit of survival stirs his passion more than combat ever could, and with her touch his world forever shifts. Now, with the Scottish on their heels and a country on the brink of war, they must go forth in battle together to save themselves, to protect their countrymen, and to find a love that can set them both forever free.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 27, 2005
18 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Margo Maguire
63 books146 followersAs a nice, sane break from the drama and fast pace of working as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit, Margo Maguire returned to college to study history, and fell in love. Writing about the historical characters she encountered in her classes was a good way to unwind from a crazy day in the unit. She soon started creating her own fictional characters and putting them into historical settings.
Margo is the author of twenty historical romance novels. Her books have been published in numerous languages, and have even come out in Japan as manga—animated books. She is the mother of three grown children and lives with her scientist husband in southern Michigan.
Margo is the author of twenty historical romance novels. Her books have been published in numerous languages, and have even come out in Japan as manga—animated books. She is the mother of three grown children and lives with her scientist husband in southern Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 25, 2021
1.5 stars
Me being trash for a cover bites me in the butt once again. Sigh. But look at it, so glorious. But also, let me lodge a formal complaint, our main man Anvrai doesn't actually wear an eye patch until the second half of the story. Not quite a bait and switch but still, you know what the people were coming for with a cover like that.
Anyway, Anvrai is just wilding out with his scarred face in the beginning, which Isabel, the woman we are supposed to be cheering for, has this to say about that:
Isabel was too exhausted and cold to feel repulsed by the touch of this scarred and barbaric man. She concentrated her attention on the top of his head, away from the ugly scars that marred his visage.
But, once ole' Anvrai drops trou, Isabel starts singing a different tune:
Isabel’s face flushed with heat, and she swallowed thickly when he unfastened his belt and dropped his braies to the ground. She felt no fear or revulsion at the sight of his powerful body, the way she had when the Scottish chieftain had stood naked before her. What she felt was something more like wonder—at their differences, at Anvrai’s raw male potency.
RAW MALE POTENCY strikes again, folks.
This is kind of a road romance with the most annoying fifth wheel named Roger. Beautiful Isabel is about to choose her husband but Scots attack and she gets kidnapped along with Roger. Anvrai rescues her and Roger (why tho'?) and they are on the run. Isabel is tentative about liking the scarred RAW MALE POTENCY that is Anvrai because she grew up in a convent and Anvrai is way up in his feelings about not feeling good enough for her. Roger fifth wheels harder than any character I've ever read. They manage to pick up a woman and her baby to seventh wheel this and the whole second half is some descriptive sex scenes (more awkward because I didn't feel any emotional depth to characters' relationship), running from danger, waaaaa “I'm not good enough”, and some surprising real historical figures that gave us a setting for the times (I added the .5 to the rating because of this).
Pretty simple, no depth or chemistry with characters or story.
Me being trash for a cover bites me in the butt once again. Sigh. But look at it, so glorious. But also, let me lodge a formal complaint, our main man Anvrai doesn't actually wear an eye patch until the second half of the story. Not quite a bait and switch but still, you know what the people were coming for with a cover like that.
Anyway, Anvrai is just wilding out with his scarred face in the beginning, which Isabel, the woman we are supposed to be cheering for, has this to say about that:
Isabel was too exhausted and cold to feel repulsed by the touch of this scarred and barbaric man. She concentrated her attention on the top of his head, away from the ugly scars that marred his visage.
But, once ole' Anvrai drops trou, Isabel starts singing a different tune:
Isabel’s face flushed with heat, and she swallowed thickly when he unfastened his belt and dropped his braies to the ground. She felt no fear or revulsion at the sight of his powerful body, the way she had when the Scottish chieftain had stood naked before her. What she felt was something more like wonder—at their differences, at Anvrai’s raw male potency.
RAW MALE POTENCY strikes again, folks.
This is kind of a road romance with the most annoying fifth wheel named Roger. Beautiful Isabel is about to choose her husband but Scots attack and she gets kidnapped along with Roger. Anvrai rescues her and Roger (why tho'?) and they are on the run. Isabel is tentative about liking the scarred RAW MALE POTENCY that is Anvrai because she grew up in a convent and Anvrai is way up in his feelings about not feeling good enough for her. Roger fifth wheels harder than any character I've ever read. They manage to pick up a woman and her baby to seventh wheel this and the whole second half is some descriptive sex scenes (more awkward because I didn't feel any emotional depth to characters' relationship), running from danger, waaaaa “I'm not good enough”, and some surprising real historical figures that gave us a setting for the times (I added the .5 to the rating because of this).
Pretty simple, no depth or chemistry with characters or story.
October 14, 2008
my first by this author, and really enjoyed it. I love stories based on the premise that the hero and heroine can never be together because of external circumstances well beyond their control. In this novel, The hero and heroine are of different backgrounds, and he is not considered a suitable husband. Although a knight, he is physically scarred facially and has no land. She is a nobelmans daughter with suitors lining up for her hand. However, circumstances put these two together for survival (actually, three together as one of her suiters also escapes with them -- making for a fun twist of events), and their tension and passion begins to stir to life. The story is fast paced, and the romance gets quite steamy. Definately a hot read.
March 4, 2015
Lady Isabel is abducted by Scots from her father's castle the night she was supposed to choose a husband. Her elected husband is also abducted with her. On their rescue comes the formidable knight Anvrai d'Arques of powerful physique but scarred in the face and missing one eye. After many days they manage to escape the Scots but they have to get back to England through enemy territory. During their journey through Scotland, Isabel gets to know both men better and is surprised with her feelings. She grew up in a convent and always felt a sensitive, peace-loving courtier would be the best match for her; so why is she now attracted to the hardened warrior beside her?
Anvrai on the other hand, has long ago realised that no woman will ever come to his bed willingly and certainly none will have him as a husband. He has turned into a powerful warrior and knows that he'll never enjoy a family of his own. And though lady Isabel seems different that any womam he's met and is not so repulsed by him, she has said she's going to marry that weak but handsome and rich fiance of hers. Why would she ever give him up for a poor, scarred knight who does not have a property of his own?
There is a lot of action as those three make their journey through Scotland to get to friendly land. There is almost pulpable passion and heat between Isabel and Anvrai; you can really feel the sparks between them and even when the're just kissing, it's HOT. And the most refreshing part was that Isabel is not a weak, timid, shivering maid; she plans the escape from the Scots, helps Anvrai with the physical tasks, sews their wounds without hysterics, learns to cook and carries her own bag. I really couldn't put this down and medievals are not even my favorite genre. A keeper for me.
Anvrai on the other hand, has long ago realised that no woman will ever come to his bed willingly and certainly none will have him as a husband. He has turned into a powerful warrior and knows that he'll never enjoy a family of his own. And though lady Isabel seems different that any womam he's met and is not so repulsed by him, she has said she's going to marry that weak but handsome and rich fiance of hers. Why would she ever give him up for a poor, scarred knight who does not have a property of his own?
There is a lot of action as those three make their journey through Scotland to get to friendly land. There is almost pulpable passion and heat between Isabel and Anvrai; you can really feel the sparks between them and even when the're just kissing, it's HOT. And the most refreshing part was that Isabel is not a weak, timid, shivering maid; she plans the escape from the Scots, helps Anvrai with the physical tasks, sews their wounds without hysterics, learns to cook and carries her own bag. I really couldn't put this down and medievals are not even my favorite genre. A keeper for me.
August 9, 2016
What did I just read??
What I liked about this book was that the book was successful in creating that historic feeling. No modern ideas forced on the characters. I didn't mind the characters either.
But what's up with having the lead characters travel with a third wheel?? Was it Roger or something? I don't remember anymore. So hero and heroine were running for their lives with her future husband was in tow. And the entire time we see how the heroine was caring for this jackass. Why? Why? Why?
It isn't a very complicated book either. I read 50% of the book in less than an hour. Because nothing was happening. They were running, they were trying to survive, Roger was being an ass, and boom they met a pregnant girl and helped her with the birth of her daughter. So nothing happened between the lead characters. I forged on waiting for something to happen and I was disappointed.
I don't know what I can say about this book. It was not an awful read but I feel that I had just wasted 2 hours of my life reading about nothing.
What I liked about this book was that the book was successful in creating that historic feeling. No modern ideas forced on the characters. I didn't mind the characters either.
But what's up with having the lead characters travel with a third wheel?? Was it Roger or something? I don't remember anymore. So hero and heroine were running for their lives with her future husband was in tow. And the entire time we see how the heroine was caring for this jackass. Why? Why? Why?
It isn't a very complicated book either. I read 50% of the book in less than an hour. Because nothing was happening. They were running, they were trying to survive, Roger was being an ass, and boom they met a pregnant girl and helped her with the birth of her daughter. So nothing happened between the lead characters. I forged on waiting for something to happen and I was disappointed.
I don't know what I can say about this book. It was not an awful read but I feel that I had just wasted 2 hours of my life reading about nothing.
May 10, 2008
Naturally, there is a man with no shirt of the cover. Thus; I'm sure you know how this story is going to go. Go with it, it's hot and fun.
February 22, 2014
I should be giving this book five stars. Because technically, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. The characters are strong and well-developed, the plot was fast-paced and solid, and the writing had life.
BUT.
And I can't even tell you much about the 'BUT'. Except that there is one. And it takes a star away.
Isabel is the daughter of a nobleman in the time of knights and Scottish raiders. And being from such a time, of course the plot of the book is that the Scots raid her father's home (naturally, the night of the ball whereat she was to pick a husband from particular men her father favored). And also being from such a time, of course the big, brutish, ugly knight goes after her (and the young dandy she favors).
And of course our heroine is stronger than the average girl raised in a convent in the 1400s - she helps rescue not just herself, but the dandy, the knight, the pregnant waif alone in a cottage nearly in labor, and the whole of the king's army, as well. Naturally.
Maybe it's that Roger (said young dandy) is too cliched and whiny/obnoxious/useless. Maybe it was the cover... it's NOT what a big, ugly, brutish knight looks like. Maybe it was the hero's name (Anvrai... get your mind around THAT every twenty seconds!)... or the fact that every. single. person - Norman or Saxon - had French names (that drove me batty). I don't know.
I do know that I liked the book. It had waterfalls narrowly avoided. Living off the land, building things, evading things, fights with Scots, dead bodies,etc. And it was well written. It just... had something niggly that bothered me.
BUT.
And I can't even tell you much about the 'BUT'. Except that there is one. And it takes a star away.
Isabel is the daughter of a nobleman in the time of knights and Scottish raiders. And being from such a time, of course the plot of the book is that the Scots raid her father's home (naturally, the night of the ball whereat she was to pick a husband from particular men her father favored). And also being from such a time, of course the big, brutish, ugly knight goes after her (and the young dandy she favors).
And of course our heroine is stronger than the average girl raised in a convent in the 1400s - she helps rescue not just herself, but the dandy, the knight, the pregnant waif alone in a cottage nearly in labor, and the whole of the king's army, as well. Naturally.
Maybe it's that Roger (said young dandy) is too cliched and whiny/obnoxious/useless. Maybe it was the cover... it's NOT what a big, ugly, brutish knight looks like. Maybe it was the hero's name (Anvrai... get your mind around THAT every twenty seconds!)... or the fact that every. single. person - Norman or Saxon - had French names (that drove me batty). I don't know.
I do know that I liked the book. It had waterfalls narrowly avoided. Living off the land, building things, evading things, fights with Scots, dead bodies,etc. And it was well written. It just... had something niggly that bothered me.
June 9, 2011
A few things: Roger is kind of a beyotch and needs to die, Isabel's hair regularly changes lengths and she'll probably eventually become a mass murderer while screaming I'M JUST A WOMANNNN, Anvrai is a total emo but he has nice abs so it's okay, Queen Margaret is a bro, and there was a serious lack of sex scenes for the first 3/4 of the book.
Also, there are really random 'twases and ayes interspersed throughout perfectly modern english. That doesn't make it sound like old english, dear author.
But I read it with my best friend while going to/from/in New Orleans, so at least my brain registers it as pretty awesome.
Also, there are really random 'twases and ayes interspersed throughout perfectly modern english. That doesn't make it sound like old english, dear author.
But I read it with my best friend while going to/from/in New Orleans, so at least my brain registers it as pretty awesome.
February 21, 2019
It's fine. Typical.
October 25, 2012
This is my 3rd Margo Maguire book I have read, and my favorite of the three. This story has an interesting time period and was action packed until the very end. The sexual tension seemed very real and sincere, without being overbearing. (ie: I did not feel so embarrassed that I had to skip the sex scenes, as I do with many romances published over past few years.) The heroine was very likable, and I could relate to her easily. The hero was a little flatter than the last book of hers that I read, but I still liked him. This book earned 4 stars because I started reading at 9 pm and it was 1:15am by the time I hit the "Black Moment" and I had no idea how late it was. Great read. I would recommend this to medieval romance fans.
June 10, 2011
Scottish Romance Novel.
The end.
Actually, we named several objects (including dragonflies) after the characters. But that's about it.
ANVRAI, STOP FILLING MY SENSES
YOUR ARMS AND ABS ARE HARD = THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID
The end.
Actually, we named several objects (including dragonflies) after the characters. But that's about it.
ANVRAI, STOP FILLING MY SENSES
YOUR ARMS AND ABS ARE HARD = THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID
May 15, 2016
Quite an adventure. Well told, too.
Read
August 11, 2011Gotta read one Romance per month! One-eyed shirtless guy gets the girl in the end!
November 4, 2018
Una de mis historias favoritas =)
Me encanta.
Isabel es una mina con dos dedos de frente, una de mis protagonistas favoritas. Es muy femenina pero no se anda con remilgos a la hora de arremangarse, planear una fuga, huir por media campiña escocesa y jugarse por amor. Porque sí, la criaron en un convento y se las ingenió para que el padre la deje elegir marido, pero cuando llega la hora de ponerse firme, lo hace. Me gusta mucho, mucho ella.
Anvrai..., bué, qué voy a decir *laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargo suspiro*
Tiene muy claras muchas cosas, que no necesariamente le gustan: su aspecto y el impacto que produce, su lugar en la sociedad y sus perspectivas de futuro. No tiene familia, no tiene propiedades, no tiene dinero; sus habilidades se limitan a la batalla, al entrenamiento y a la lucha.
Una historia llena de aventuras, sin insta-love (es gradual y va armándose hasta ser casi inevitable), con protagonistas interesantes y momentos muy tiernos.
Me encanta.
Isabel es una mina con dos dedos de frente, una de mis protagonistas favoritas. Es muy femenina pero no se anda con remilgos a la hora de arremangarse, planear una fuga, huir por media campiña escocesa y jugarse por amor. Porque sí, la criaron en un convento y se las ingenió para que el padre la deje elegir marido, pero cuando llega la hora de ponerse firme, lo hace. Me gusta mucho, mucho ella.
Anvrai..., bué, qué voy a decir *laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargo suspiro*
Tiene muy claras muchas cosas, que no necesariamente le gustan: su aspecto y el impacto que produce, su lugar en la sociedad y sus perspectivas de futuro. No tiene familia, no tiene propiedades, no tiene dinero; sus habilidades se limitan a la batalla, al entrenamiento y a la lucha.
Una historia llena de aventuras, sin insta-love (es gradual y va armándose hasta ser casi inevitable), con protagonistas interesantes y momentos muy tiernos.
April 1, 2021
Reseña primera lectura (2005 aprox.)
Una de las primeras que me leí y que me encantó. Me llevé semanas imaginando cómo sería Anvrai (ahora no recuerdo si el nombre es así), pero aunque no tenga un ojo…. Al final del libro resulta irresistible :)
Reseña marzo 2021
He releído este libro pues tenía un recuerdo dulce y bonito de él. Creo que hay libros/películas/series que es mejor no volver a ver pues pierden parte de la emoción que sentimos esa primera vez. Con este libro me ha pasado un poco. La historia en sí es bonita y es fácil de leer. Sin embargo, me ha resultado mucho más plana y simplona que cuando la leí hace tantos años.
Es una novela sencilla y fácil de leer, sin demasiado trasfondo de personajes, salvo algunos detalles históricos para contextualizar la historia.
Una de las primeras que me leí y que me encantó. Me llevé semanas imaginando cómo sería Anvrai (ahora no recuerdo si el nombre es así), pero aunque no tenga un ojo…. Al final del libro resulta irresistible :)
Reseña marzo 2021
He releído este libro pues tenía un recuerdo dulce y bonito de él. Creo que hay libros/películas/series que es mejor no volver a ver pues pierden parte de la emoción que sentimos esa primera vez. Con este libro me ha pasado un poco. La historia en sí es bonita y es fácil de leer. Sin embargo, me ha resultado mucho más plana y simplona que cuando la leí hace tantos años.
Es una novela sencilla y fácil de leer, sin demasiado trasfondo de personajes, salvo algunos detalles históricos para contextualizar la historia.
dnf
October 18, 2022Uscito in italiano con il titolo In cerca di una sposa.
February 15, 2024
Loved it
November 24, 2014
Lady Isabel Louvet is the daughter of a noble, beautiful and intelligent but she is kidnapped the night she was to be betrothed by Scottish raiders who also took her gravely wounded intended and Anvrai d'Arques, a knight in her father's service. Anvarai is horribly scarred by a youthful injury and has only one eye but he is extremely brave and well-muscled. Taken back to Scotland to be sold as slaves, Anavarai and Isabel manage to free themselves and take the unconscious Roger to flee back to England. The trip didn't go easily or smoothly with many adventures along the way. With each one, a new challenge presented itself and more people joined their group. Through it all Anvari and Isabel fought their attraction to each since she was a noble's daughter with an intended along should he survive his wounds and Anvari was a bastard's child, landless and no prospects because he won't agree to the king's terms. Is there any way that these two can be together?
Despite the other reviews, I really liked this story. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because some of the adventures seemed implausible to me and there were too many of them.
Despite the other reviews, I really liked this story. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because some of the adventures seemed implausible to me and there were too many of them.
July 10, 2014
This was an uneventful read to me. I thought it was just my mind set, that maybe I didn’t feel like reading this genre, so I held off on writing this review till I read another book like it in between… It wasn’t my mindset. Nothing really stood out in this book for me and when I think back to it the only description that comes to mind was disjointed. I felt like I was being jumped about in the story and just never really got into it or the characters. This book just wasn’t for me apparently.
September 28, 2015
This was a good one for me. I suppose I'm a sucker for a tortured, sexy Hero with a physical imperfection. I loved both the H and h. The story was quick and done well, maybe his back and forth resistance to her was a tad drawn out but I can forgive it. I mean....who doesn't love a little angst? Not to mention this was steamy. It certainly doesn't hurt.
May 2, 2011
Cute.
But nothing special.
But nothing special.
August 20, 2011
I really wanted to like this book but there was just something about that was slightly off for me.
January 21, 2014
I know it's silly, but I love romance novels with historical background. Then you get some fun with your history lesson!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews