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Brides of Northumbria #1
Born in Deception
A young woman desperate to escape a lecherous cleric. A battle-hardened knight who's haunted by his past. A marriage of convenience and a deception that could ruin them both.
Abandoned as an infant, Isabeau de la Frêne has lived a sheltered life at the abbey of St. Leonard's, under the protection of the abbess.
When Isabeau catches the eye of a lecherous bishop, she finds herself in a desperate situation; stay and endure the bishop's attentions, or find a means of escape.
The abbess sees only one way to protect Isabeau: grant her the land that the abbey sits on as a dowery, and then offer her, as an eligible wife, to the family who originally owned the land.
In desperation, Isabeau agrees to the marriage, but she must conceal a secret, that if discovered, could destroy her and the future she craves.
Ranulf d'Argentan is driven by a desire to out-run his past. Haunted by his family's betrayal, he is given an opportunity he can't resist. He can reclaim the birthright his father lost, but only if he marries Lady Isabeau de la Frêne.
He agrees to the terms, not for love, but for land. Land that will give him the security he craves.
However, when he marries the beautiful and mysterious Lady Isabeau, he becomes aware of a deeper need: to be loved for himself.
Can Ranulf and Isabeau overcome their own tormented pasts and embrace a future where love truly does conquer all?
Born in Deception is a story about forbidden love and a marriage of convenience, where class and religion dictate every aspect of life. But nothing is as it seems. Everyone has secrets, but some secrets are too dangerous to ever be revealed.
Will love and forgiveness find a way to overcome such enormous obstacles? Read Ranulf and Isabeau's story to find out more.
Abandoned as an infant, Isabeau de la Frêne has lived a sheltered life at the abbey of St. Leonard's, under the protection of the abbess.
When Isabeau catches the eye of a lecherous bishop, she finds herself in a desperate situation; stay and endure the bishop's attentions, or find a means of escape.
The abbess sees only one way to protect Isabeau: grant her the land that the abbey sits on as a dowery, and then offer her, as an eligible wife, to the family who originally owned the land.
In desperation, Isabeau agrees to the marriage, but she must conceal a secret, that if discovered, could destroy her and the future she craves.
Ranulf d'Argentan is driven by a desire to out-run his past. Haunted by his family's betrayal, he is given an opportunity he can't resist. He can reclaim the birthright his father lost, but only if he marries Lady Isabeau de la Frêne.
He agrees to the terms, not for love, but for land. Land that will give him the security he craves.
However, when he marries the beautiful and mysterious Lady Isabeau, he becomes aware of a deeper need: to be loved for himself.
Can Ranulf and Isabeau overcome their own tormented pasts and embrace a future where love truly does conquer all?
Born in Deception is a story about forbidden love and a marriage of convenience, where class and religion dictate every aspect of life. But nothing is as it seems. Everyone has secrets, but some secrets are too dangerous to ever be revealed.
Will love and forgiveness find a way to overcome such enormous obstacles? Read Ranulf and Isabeau's story to find out more.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2021
125 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Cate Melville
4 books15 followersCate loves all things historical. Before she could read she was often found with a book in her hands looking at the pictures of long forgotten worlds. It’s no wonder she went on to graduate with a double Bachelor’s degree in Classics and Medieval Studies (Canterbury University). She also holds a PhD focusing on ancient literature (Otago University).
The other love in her life is travel. She has lived on several continents, and traveled off the beaten track in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, or re-reading, her favorite books, discovering the wilderness of New Zealand, or sharing a meal (excellent wine is always included) with friends.
Cate lives in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand with her own Scottish hero, and their two wee dogs, Poppy and Lily.
The other love in her life is travel. She has lived on several continents, and traveled off the beaten track in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, or re-reading, her favorite books, discovering the wilderness of New Zealand, or sharing a meal (excellent wine is always included) with friends.
Cate lives in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand with her own Scottish hero, and their two wee dogs, Poppy and Lily.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 30, 2022
Read: 12/29/22
An okay read! Nothing special but not bad either. The beginning was a little slow but I did enjoy the last 100pgs. I might try another of her books since it's free on KU
An okay read! Nothing special but not bad either. The beginning was a little slow but I did enjoy the last 100pgs. I might try another of her books since it's free on KU
October 9, 2022
I wanted to love this one because good medieval HR are hard to find. While I liked the author’s style and the plot in general, there were several things that irked me and ruined my full enjoyment of this book.
I really enjoyed the H, Baron Beauforde. I love knights! He was endlessly patient in the face of Isabeau’s deception and mercurial temperament. When she flew off the handle on him and started hitting him for no reason, I almost stopped reading. Her behavior was ridiculous and not really plausible for the time period. Hilde withholding so much information was also exasperating. I was glad the disgusting bishop and arch bishop got their comeuppance. Not sure if I will continue with this series or not.
I really enjoyed the H, Baron Beauforde. I love knights! He was endlessly patient in the face of Isabeau’s deception and mercurial temperament. When she flew off the handle on him and started hitting him for no reason, I almost stopped reading. Her behavior was ridiculous and not really plausible for the time period. Hilde withholding so much information was also exasperating. I was glad the disgusting bishop and arch bishop got their comeuppance. Not sure if I will continue with this series or not.
December 20, 2020
A wonderful Medieval Romance
I inhaled this story! It has everything I love in a Historical Romance ... and I adore the fact it’s set in the 12th Century, in the Anglo-Scottish borderlands of Northumbria. This is the story of Isabeau and Ranulf - a tale of many layers of deception, but a love strong enough to overcome them all.
Here’s what I particularly loved about Born in Deception:
- The hero … Ranulf is swoonworthy. He’s both hard-core Alpha male, yet deeply kind and honourable. He’s also tormented, which always makes a hero more interesting! The opening chapter when we meet Ranulf depicts him as a ruthless baron with a very bad temper … but luckily we soon see a very different side to him. His chemistry with Isabeau brought every scene they share vividly to life.
- The heroine Isabeau is also tormented. The story opens with her trying to come to terms with a near rape at the hands of a lecherous bishop. Isabeau is a kind soul, but also a tortured one. She feels adrift in the world, and has known very little kindness, despite being brought up by nuns. She has a quiet strength though, which emerges as she comes into her own.
- All the twists and turns – the plot is a twisty one with quite a few surprises to keep you on your seat
- The historical setting – the author’s knowledge of 12th Century history and the way she integrates it into the story is fabulous. She’s certainly done her research, but she layers it in beautifully so you’re never overwhelmed. Instead you feel richly immersed in the world she has created, and you truly feel what it would have been like to live at that time, with the political turmoil, the border problems, and the at times oppressive influence of the church.
- The passionate and emotional romance – I really wanted Ranulf and Isabeau to overcome their fears and find love … and their resolution is definitely worth the wait!
- The deeper underlying themes: Born in Deception isn’t a light-hearted ‘fluffy’ romance. It’s got grit, violence, and it definitely takes you to the time-period. It also explores deep themes like forgiveness, self-determination, justice, and courage. I love it when authors do this. And although this novel does have quite a lot of realism and grit, the heady romance and inclusion of humour keeps the balance just right.
- The inclusion of animals in the story – as I read the novel I could tell the author is an animal lover. I really enjoyed her depiction of horses, dogs, and cats, and watching her characters interact with them. Once again, this detail really brought the time period, and the characters to life for me. The scene in which Ranulf and Isabeau meet (warning, possible spoiler here), where she’s trying to stop her dog and the abbess’s cat from killing each other in the woods and he rides up behind her, unseen, was really fun.
This is a wonderful debut for Cate Melville, and I can’t wait to read the next book in The Brides of Northumbria series!
I inhaled this story! It has everything I love in a Historical Romance ... and I adore the fact it’s set in the 12th Century, in the Anglo-Scottish borderlands of Northumbria. This is the story of Isabeau and Ranulf - a tale of many layers of deception, but a love strong enough to overcome them all.
Here’s what I particularly loved about Born in Deception:
- The hero … Ranulf is swoonworthy. He’s both hard-core Alpha male, yet deeply kind and honourable. He’s also tormented, which always makes a hero more interesting! The opening chapter when we meet Ranulf depicts him as a ruthless baron with a very bad temper … but luckily we soon see a very different side to him. His chemistry with Isabeau brought every scene they share vividly to life.
- The heroine Isabeau is also tormented. The story opens with her trying to come to terms with a near rape at the hands of a lecherous bishop. Isabeau is a kind soul, but also a tortured one. She feels adrift in the world, and has known very little kindness, despite being brought up by nuns. She has a quiet strength though, which emerges as she comes into her own.
- All the twists and turns – the plot is a twisty one with quite a few surprises to keep you on your seat
- The historical setting – the author’s knowledge of 12th Century history and the way she integrates it into the story is fabulous. She’s certainly done her research, but she layers it in beautifully so you’re never overwhelmed. Instead you feel richly immersed in the world she has created, and you truly feel what it would have been like to live at that time, with the political turmoil, the border problems, and the at times oppressive influence of the church.
- The passionate and emotional romance – I really wanted Ranulf and Isabeau to overcome their fears and find love … and their resolution is definitely worth the wait!
- The deeper underlying themes: Born in Deception isn’t a light-hearted ‘fluffy’ romance. It’s got grit, violence, and it definitely takes you to the time-period. It also explores deep themes like forgiveness, self-determination, justice, and courage. I love it when authors do this. And although this novel does have quite a lot of realism and grit, the heady romance and inclusion of humour keeps the balance just right.
- The inclusion of animals in the story – as I read the novel I could tell the author is an animal lover. I really enjoyed her depiction of horses, dogs, and cats, and watching her characters interact with them. Once again, this detail really brought the time period, and the characters to life for me. The scene in which Ranulf and Isabeau meet (warning, possible spoiler here), where she’s trying to stop her dog and the abbess’s cat from killing each other in the woods and he rides up behind her, unseen, was really fun.
This is a wonderful debut for Cate Melville, and I can’t wait to read the next book in The Brides of Northumbria series!
February 14, 2023
Long and drawn out
But it was still good. I am debating about four stars instead of three. I was able to put the book down and come back to it and that is unusual. Once I like a book I can't put it down. It was about a girl raised in a convent who is married to a Baron for convenience and to keep the convent safe from a lecherous archbishop. He had attempted to abuse the heroine and the Abbess thought this would keep her safe. Then he shows up and tries to get the contract annulled and the marriage canceled. There is a King, the church and some powerful men with all their own agendas. The heroine and hero fall in love of course pretty early on in the book. But I loved her dog Flea. He was pretty awesome. Books with dogs are definitely my favorites.
But it was still good. I am debating about four stars instead of three. I was able to put the book down and come back to it and that is unusual. Once I like a book I can't put it down. It was about a girl raised in a convent who is married to a Baron for convenience and to keep the convent safe from a lecherous archbishop. He had attempted to abuse the heroine and the Abbess thought this would keep her safe. Then he shows up and tries to get the contract annulled and the marriage canceled. There is a King, the church and some powerful men with all their own agendas. The heroine and hero fall in love of course pretty early on in the book. But I loved her dog Flea. He was pretty awesome. Books with dogs are definitely my favorites.
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December 13, 2023DNF 50%
I just couldn't with this one, I tried several times but I couldn't get into the story, I truly love this type of stories, medieval, forced marriages, love stories, war, bad people kingdoms in war, and that, but the begging is so boring and slow that I found myself eager to stop reading and change the book what I actually did 3 or 4 times, until I forced myself to go on, but at the end I was not enjoying the book at all so I decided to leave it, once and for all.
Look the writing wasn't so bad, but was not awesome, and the story seems just too plain and predictable in my opinion, It could have worked, but it didn't, we have a girl who was abandoned in a nunnery, and is very lonely, unloved and unprotected, specially from a bishop who tried to ravish her, so her "aunt" the abess, decided to marry her to a knight who can protect her and the nunnery, and what does this girl in "danger" did? Slaps her future husband, 😂 and just like that, because he kissed her hand ( WTF GIRL!!!) and her aunt the abess who is supposed to be very strict and smart, sees all and is like ooooopsi ( again WTF!!!) I mean seriously 😳 what type of woman who was raised in a nunnery to be obedient, prudent and good would react that way ??? In MEDIEVAL TIMES!!!! And don't missunsertan me that could have worked if at least she had a good reason to slap him, if her lifer were not in danger, and her behavior doesn't make sense at all!!! She supposed to be insecure, obedient, shy, afraid or something not this crazy woman but of course he is like " Oh my god she hit me, I love her " Yes because there was nothing better for a medieval warrior than having a woman who clearly doesn't know how to behave, who is clearly crazy and who seems to come from the future with her speaches type "You will not rule me " "I will not obey you" " Arrogant and useless man you are not better than me " I was like Hello!!!! is not what church used to teach back then??? That the woman should be obedient and the man was the boss and all that crap ???? Is not like I believe it or live that way but is your putting your story in medieval times at least make it believable, or plausible. Anyway as I said he likes her because you know she is different, beautiful, rebeld, smart blah blah and he is patient, faithful, charming and basically perfect so their love and marriage is perfect, there is of course some secrets that honestly are not even interesting. I wanted to like her for being a victim of the life and destiny but I never get to like her at all, her loneliness is not present, and the author never did her feelings to be something else than empty words.
Of course that the story is not new, is very common but here is at least for me very childish and simple, in the beginning you are describing and going to a very interesting topic, abuse from a man of the church, that was something that actually happened back then, so I was very interesting in it, I mean it could have gone deep to the corruption of the church to the trauma of a woman who is indeed unprotected, but the abuse and stalking is not even showed is just told, and when this opened she is jumping enjoying the time with her dog, just thinking time to time "oh that bad man can do bad things " and that's it, that's all what we have of the topic, then of course she doesn't want to be touched what doesn't even have impact or sense, because we don't really know what he did to her or how that affected her.
Now I can buy a crazy story, one that Is not plausible and certainly I have enjoy some books like that but not here, and honestly I read so many 5 stars review, and good comments that I wonder if there is something wrong with me I don't know perhaps I was not in the mood for a story so predictable and sweet, or perhaps I just have been reading great novels with similar topic, I don't know but this one was not for me.
I just couldn't with this one, I tried several times but I couldn't get into the story, I truly love this type of stories, medieval, forced marriages, love stories, war, bad people kingdoms in war, and that, but the begging is so boring and slow that I found myself eager to stop reading and change the book what I actually did 3 or 4 times, until I forced myself to go on, but at the end I was not enjoying the book at all so I decided to leave it, once and for all.
Look the writing wasn't so bad, but was not awesome, and the story seems just too plain and predictable in my opinion, It could have worked, but it didn't, we have a girl who was abandoned in a nunnery, and is very lonely, unloved and unprotected, specially from a bishop who tried to ravish her, so her "aunt" the abess, decided to marry her to a knight who can protect her and the nunnery, and what does this girl in "danger" did? Slaps her future husband, 😂 and just like that, because he kissed her hand ( WTF GIRL!!!) and her aunt the abess who is supposed to be very strict and smart, sees all and is like ooooopsi ( again WTF!!!) I mean seriously 😳 what type of woman who was raised in a nunnery to be obedient, prudent and good would react that way ??? In MEDIEVAL TIMES!!!! And don't missunsertan me that could have worked if at least she had a good reason to slap him, if her lifer were not in danger, and her behavior doesn't make sense at all!!! She supposed to be insecure, obedient, shy, afraid or something not this crazy woman but of course he is like " Oh my god she hit me, I love her " Yes because there was nothing better for a medieval warrior than having a woman who clearly doesn't know how to behave, who is clearly crazy and who seems to come from the future with her speaches type "You will not rule me " "I will not obey you" " Arrogant and useless man you are not better than me " I was like Hello!!!! is not what church used to teach back then??? That the woman should be obedient and the man was the boss and all that crap ???? Is not like I believe it or live that way but is your putting your story in medieval times at least make it believable, or plausible. Anyway as I said he likes her because you know she is different, beautiful, rebeld, smart blah blah and he is patient, faithful, charming and basically perfect so their love and marriage is perfect, there is of course some secrets that honestly are not even interesting. I wanted to like her for being a victim of the life and destiny but I never get to like her at all, her loneliness is not present, and the author never did her feelings to be something else than empty words.
Of course that the story is not new, is very common but here is at least for me very childish and simple, in the beginning you are describing and going to a very interesting topic, abuse from a man of the church, that was something that actually happened back then, so I was very interesting in it, I mean it could have gone deep to the corruption of the church to the trauma of a woman who is indeed unprotected, but the abuse and stalking is not even showed is just told, and when this opened she is jumping enjoying the time with her dog, just thinking time to time "oh that bad man can do bad things " and that's it, that's all what we have of the topic, then of course she doesn't want to be touched what doesn't even have impact or sense, because we don't really know what he did to her or how that affected her.
Now I can buy a crazy story, one that Is not plausible and certainly I have enjoy some books like that but not here, and honestly I read so many 5 stars review, and good comments that I wonder if there is something wrong with me I don't know perhaps I was not in the mood for a story so predictable and sweet, or perhaps I just have been reading great novels with similar topic, I don't know but this one was not for me.
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February 13, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/13/2022)! 🎁
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June 5, 2023DNF at 45%
The main character was a ninny and her broody husband was a teddy bear... nothing was happening at all. I got bored. 🤷🏼♀️
The main character was a ninny and her broody husband was a teddy bear... nothing was happening at all. I got bored. 🤷🏼♀️
January 14, 2021
Be prepared to feel everything the author had the characters feel. The emotions are so realistic, so raw, so unpredictable that you will go on an emotional roller coaster all throughout the book. The attention to the time frame when the catholic religion ruled above any royal court; there were clerics who used their position for greedy monetary gain, sexual assault and threatened those who would not comply; superstition abound, and men lived for pride and honor. Women were relegated as political pawns and marriage to a stranger one never met was common. I adored the main male character. Honorable, emotional in a good and bad way, but always controlled. He never meant to fall in love but he did. The lead female character in the beginning did not impress me. However, it was only a prelude to the blossoming confident, mature woman. She went threw ħɛll to become the woman she ended up being. In a world where women where mostly treated as possessions our hero was not like that. Our heroine was attacked and almost rāpeđ. After that she feared men and enclosed spaces with no escape if confronted. Our hero was so patient with her. It was not normally in his personality to be so but he was with our heroine. She thought never to fall in love but she was convinced by the hero's kindness, fairness to his people and patience with her. There was never any pressure despite his impatience. He in turn received a gift from her of absolute acceptance of who he was, just as he was. He never knew he needed that. Both their pasts were tragic but they were survivors and one could not help but admire them. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed.
March 26, 2021
Born in Deception: A Medieval Romance (Brides of Northumbria Book 1) by Cate Melville is a fascinating tale set in the 12th Century, in the Anglo-Scottish borderlands of Northumbria. This first time reading this song authors work but I can assure you it won’t be my last.
This is the story of Ranulf d’Argentan, a man who agrees to marry to reclaim the land of his birthright his father lost and Lady Isabeau de la Frêne, a woman seeking to escape the clutches of a vile bishop at the abbey of St Leonards, where she has lived under the protection of the abbess since she was abandoned at birth.
Oh my word!!! Or rather the words of Cate Meville, so eloquently written that this novel is simply superb and well worth the wait! Once I started reading I became so entranced in the story then I was oblivious to all else. I just couldn’t put it down until the very last word.
The characters are authentic, animated and realistic with such depth and individuality you get immersed so deep until nothing else matters. The scenes are vividly descriptive with such colorful detail its easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance.
Thank you so much Ms. Melville for such a beautifully written story of love.
This is the story of Ranulf d’Argentan, a man who agrees to marry to reclaim the land of his birthright his father lost and Lady Isabeau de la Frêne, a woman seeking to escape the clutches of a vile bishop at the abbey of St Leonards, where she has lived under the protection of the abbess since she was abandoned at birth.
Oh my word!!! Or rather the words of Cate Meville, so eloquently written that this novel is simply superb and well worth the wait! Once I started reading I became so entranced in the story then I was oblivious to all else. I just couldn’t put it down until the very last word.
The characters are authentic, animated and realistic with such depth and individuality you get immersed so deep until nothing else matters. The scenes are vividly descriptive with such colorful detail its easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance.
Thank you so much Ms. Melville for such a beautifully written story of love.
January 8, 2021
This book was beautifully written. I really liked seeing the characters grow and accept love. I'll be honest, I don't know much about 12th century Europe but I do know that religion is a part of everything. While usually, I would opt to not read a book that has religion at such a forefront, I feel like Ms. Melville balanced out religion and romance amazingly. So it wasn't that difficult to read (even if it was a little frustrating at times). I really liked watching them grow into love - it was sweet. And of course I appreciate the smut scenes.
Anyways~ thank you so much for the great read.
Anyways~ thank you so much for the great read.
January 9, 2021
This is the story of Isabeau who is abandoned and raised by nuns. When a priest tries to do illicit things to her they offer her as a bride. Ranulf wants the land that was his birthright that his father lost. The imagery and the history makes this book outstanding. The characters and the story itself is wonderful. This is my first venture into this author but it will not be the last. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the deceptions that are this story. It is simply a wonderful book. I was hooked and could not put it down. Wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2021
Isabeau was left at a convent as a baby after she was born with a scrap of cloth and a ring. Now as a young woman it was imperative that the Mother of the nunnery wed her to Ranulf d’Argentan. When Ranulf was called to the convent he didn’t have any idea what he was being summoned for. When Ranulf and Isabeau first saw each other they knew they were lost. Their interesting and exciting romance was riddled with intrigue, danger, deception, lies, betrayal a few twists and a deep love. Fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2021
With an intriguing story and great characters, Born in Deception is an overall good read that held my interest until the end.
The author does an excellent job of setting the scene, and as I immersed myself into the world of Ranulf and Isabeau, the vivid picture she had painted throughout the pages, really came to life.
The chemistry between Ranulf and Isabeau is beautifully written and, at times, fun as Isabeau’s feisty personality comes to the fore.
I also found the history on early Christianity interesting, but by no means overdone.
Overall, a wonderful debut.
The author does an excellent job of setting the scene, and as I immersed myself into the world of Ranulf and Isabeau, the vivid picture she had painted throughout the pages, really came to life.
The chemistry between Ranulf and Isabeau is beautifully written and, at times, fun as Isabeau’s feisty personality comes to the fore.
I also found the history on early Christianity interesting, but by no means overdone.
Overall, a wonderful debut.
September 15, 2024
Frustrating and so annoying!
What in the world was everyone else reading?
I think Isabeau’s cheeks reddened, face crimson,blush throughout her chest was mentioned 578 times by the 50% mark.
Let’s not forget the licking lips because her throat was so dry and the bile rising… And the crying going on throughout the entire book!!! I know she went through a lot, but I just couldn’t help that this author made her seem utterly pathetic— Ranulf was too good-
And two measly sex scenes —
I will never read another book by this author
What in the world was everyone else reading?
I think Isabeau’s cheeks reddened, face crimson,blush throughout her chest was mentioned 578 times by the 50% mark.
Let’s not forget the licking lips because her throat was so dry and the bile rising… And the crying going on throughout the entire book!!! I know she went through a lot, but I just couldn’t help that this author made her seem utterly pathetic— Ranulf was too good-
And two measly sex scenes —
I will never read another book by this author
November 5, 2022
Darn it, she is a new author for me, now I have more books to buy!
This is the first book of hers that I have read. I have a Kindle Unlimited membership, and now turn it, I have to buy her books! I am 74, and a history and trivia buff. I am so glad when I find a new author that besides written an extremely good book, she has done her historical research! At my age I am a very picky reader, so it is wonderful to find a new author.
This is the first book of hers that I have read. I have a Kindle Unlimited membership, and now turn it, I have to buy her books! I am 74, and a history and trivia buff. I am so glad when I find a new author that besides written an extremely good book, she has done her historical research! At my age I am a very picky reader, so it is wonderful to find a new author.
March 10, 2023
This was my first book by this author. It had a lot of periodic detail and political drama to make it an authentic medieval romance. I enjoyed the unravelling of Ranulf into someone who accepted and deserved love, and I also enjoyed how isabeau’s flaws and fears were addressed. The unveiling of her heritage was also nicely done, and their love felt authentic. I enjoyed the story and can’t wait to read book 2!
December 17, 2020
This is a lovely medieval romance that is well written and well plotted. The romance is not rushed and goes at just the write pace. The two main characters Isabeau and Ranulf are highly likeable, and well characterised. The author give great back story into their lives. We get to see their characters grow both individually and as a couple. 4/5/5 stars
January 5, 2021
Isabeau and Ranulf meet in unlikely circumstances after they both suffered some terrible situations but now have the opportunity to build a future together if they can put away their past treatments at the hands of others. Loved the authors description of the surroundings and times along with a unique plot and great characters.
February 3, 2021
Thoroughly Heart Warming story
I fell in love with the characters and this story. It was laughter, despair, sadness and joyfulness. There were many examples of being deceived, but sorting though and taking steps toward forgiveness.
I fell in love with the characters and this story. It was laughter, despair, sadness and joyfulness. There were many examples of being deceived, but sorting though and taking steps toward forgiveness.
February 18, 2021
Born in Deception
Please, please write more books. You have a gift for words and should continue to bless us with wonderful stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If I could I would give this book a perfect 10.
Please, please write more books. You have a gift for words and should continue to bless us with wonderful stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If I could I would give this book a perfect 10.
November 16, 2022
Loved it
Ranulf and Isabeau were a unlikely couple. A arranged marriage with secrets on both ends. The relationship was slow with each dealing with their own insecurities. It's A good story.
Ranulf and Isabeau were a unlikely couple. A arranged marriage with secrets on both ends. The relationship was slow with each dealing with their own insecurities. It's A good story.
November 6, 2023
Exciting Love Story
This was a exciting story. I think the stories should tell a little more in the end instead of changing subjects and have some one else talking. Thank you for a great story anyway.
This was a exciting story. I think the stories should tell a little more in the end instead of changing subjects and have some one else talking. Thank you for a great story anyway.
January 8, 2021
A medieval tale of intrigue,romance, and adventure that I enjoyed. This was a new author for me and will be looking for her other tales
June 5, 2021
A strong debut. Lots of angst between the characters and the setting felt very authentic.
July 3, 2022
Twist after twist
I loved the story but found vulgar words
unneccesary and detracted from a beautiful love story. Characters well written . Good
I loved the story but found vulgar words
unneccesary and detracted from a beautiful love story. Characters well written . Good
March 13, 2023
A sweet story
I liked the story and will read the next in the series. There seemed to be gaps which is why I gave it 4 stars.
I liked the story and will read the next in the series. There seemed to be gaps which is why I gave it 4 stars.
January 2, 2024
3 stars
February 19, 2024
Born in Deception
Wow, I could not put the book down. There were so many turns in the story. I never sure of a happy ending coming.
Wow, I could not put the book down. There were so many turns in the story. I never sure of a happy ending coming.
November 12, 2024
Had its moments
Overall an enjoyable read although it dragged a bit in places. The book is an odd mix of modern language and medieval terms.
Overall an enjoyable read although it dragged a bit in places. The book is an odd mix of modern language and medieval terms.
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