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Hearts of Blackmere #3
Forever His Champion
“I’ve faced the meanest, toughest warriors in Aldland, I’ve been stabbed and sliced and lanced, but I never trembled until I met you.”
After years of humiliating defeat, Brandon the Bear has at last found his strength renewed by the love of Natalie Blackmere. When he and his lady are called back to the Champion’s Guild, and the hosting nobleman demands they take part in the Grand Tourney, Brandon sees a chance to prove his worth once and for all.
Natalie is finally free to love her champion, but finds herself struggling with the newfound pressures of notoriety. Suffocating in silk and wilting under the prying eyes of Aldland’s nobility, she dreads the day she must return to her duties at the castle. But when she and Brandon return to the Champion’s Guild, she must decide who she wants to be; Lady Natalie, or the Lioness of Blackmere.
After years of humiliating defeat, Brandon the Bear has at last found his strength renewed by the love of Natalie Blackmere. When he and his lady are called back to the Champion’s Guild, and the hosting nobleman demands they take part in the Grand Tourney, Brandon sees a chance to prove his worth once and for all.
Natalie is finally free to love her champion, but finds herself struggling with the newfound pressures of notoriety. Suffocating in silk and wilting under the prying eyes of Aldland’s nobility, she dreads the day she must return to her duties at the castle. But when she and Brandon return to the Champion’s Guild, she must decide who she wants to be; Lady Natalie, or the Lioness of Blackmere.
410 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2021
5 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Marie Lipscomb
16 books99 followersMarie is a romance and fantasy author with a penchant for unlikely heroes, fantastical creatures, and finding romance in the midst of chaos. She has a particular fondness for big, squishy, cinnamon-roll heroes, especially if they're beardy.
She was born in Bolton, in the North West of England. After getting a bit taller, she attended The University of Cumbria, confusingly located in Lancaster, UK.
She studied Drama as her major, but needed to take a minor. In a spectacularly on-brand move, she left it to the last minute to look into things, and creative writing seemed the easiest choice (hahaha!)
Eventually, she realized drama was not for her, but loved creative writing. She went on to study creative writing at a postgraduate level and just never stopped setting herself homework.
Marie now lives in Virginia, USA, with her husband, Jacob, her dog, Alfie, Jacob's dog, Belle, and Merlin the bearded dragon. When she's not writing, she can usually be found playing the same three video games on a loop (*cough* Dragon Age)
She was born in Bolton, in the North West of England. After getting a bit taller, she attended The University of Cumbria, confusingly located in Lancaster, UK.
She studied Drama as her major, but needed to take a minor. In a spectacularly on-brand move, she left it to the last minute to look into things, and creative writing seemed the easiest choice (hahaha!)
Eventually, she realized drama was not for her, but loved creative writing. She went on to study creative writing at a postgraduate level and just never stopped setting herself homework.
Marie now lives in Virginia, USA, with her husband, Jacob, her dog, Alfie, Jacob's dog, Belle, and Merlin the bearded dragon. When she's not writing, she can usually be found playing the same three video games on a loop (*cough* Dragon Age)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 10, 2021
I’ve enjoyed following Natalie and Brandon through their travels and trials, but all good things must come to an end. This is the third book in the series, and the final book for Natalie and Brandon, so I wouldn’t recommend starting with this book.
Natalie and Brandon are now famous after she saved his life during the Midsummer Melee. Visiting the queen gets them away from the Guild Master and whatever punishment he wants to inflict on them, but neither of them are very comfortable with the nobles. Brandon freely admits he misses the Guild, but he knows he had to give up that life – and the possibility of being the next Guild Master – if he wanted a life with Natalie, so it’s an easy decision for him. Natalie still feels guilty, though, and when a chance comes for them to both compete in the Tourney while still being together, they seize the opportunity. Even if Natalie will only be a champion in name only, it’s still the fulfillment of a childhood dream, and it gives Brandon a chance for one last tournament. But while many of the Champions are happy to welcome them back, some resent Natalie’s elevation, and a much chastened Henry has been chosen by the Guild Master to be her teacher. While Brandon seems willing to forgive him, Natalie is still unsure, and even more worried about their future when she sees how happy Brandon is with his found family. Torn between the Guild and Blackmere, can they find a place where both Natalie and Brandon belong?
Natalie and Brandon are both at a good place in their relationship. They’re deeply in love and they know they want to spend their lives together, but the question of what that looks like still remains. Natalie still sees the attack at Blackmere as her failure to protect her people, and she dreads returning back there. Even worse, though she doesn’t doubt that Brandon loves her, he hasn’t asked her to marry him, and she worries about how happy he’d be as Lord Blackmere. His life – his family – is the Guild, so how could she take him away from that? But she hesitates to have that conversation with him because she’s afraid of what the outcome would be. I love how, even though she has a lot of worries about her future, she never gives up on her love for him, and she’ll do just about anything to protect him, which is certainly a new experience for a guy who’s spent several decades winning tourneys. On his side, Brandon worries that since he’s past his prime, he’ll have another poor showing at the Tourney, and that he’s taking a spot from a younger warrior who deserves a chance to shine as a Champion. They’re still adorably sweet with each other, too, especially when they’re communicating. It’s just very nice to read about two older people who are so very much in love and know it.
While the plot’s a bit predictable, it’s an enjoyable journey, and both Natalie and Brandon ended up in a place where I felt like they had a solid HEA. A few lingering plot threads get wrapped up, as well, and we get a little bit more to set the stage for the next book with Jenny and Genevieve. Overall, I’ve very much enjoyed this trilogy and can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advance review copy of this book from BookSprout. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“But I was forced to choose between that life and Lady Natalie. I chose the woman I love, and I’ll never regret that decision. It feels like I gave up my arms to make way for wings.”
Natalie and Brandon are now famous after she saved his life during the Midsummer Melee. Visiting the queen gets them away from the Guild Master and whatever punishment he wants to inflict on them, but neither of them are very comfortable with the nobles. Brandon freely admits he misses the Guild, but he knows he had to give up that life – and the possibility of being the next Guild Master – if he wanted a life with Natalie, so it’s an easy decision for him. Natalie still feels guilty, though, and when a chance comes for them to both compete in the Tourney while still being together, they seize the opportunity. Even if Natalie will only be a champion in name only, it’s still the fulfillment of a childhood dream, and it gives Brandon a chance for one last tournament. But while many of the Champions are happy to welcome them back, some resent Natalie’s elevation, and a much chastened Henry has been chosen by the Guild Master to be her teacher. While Brandon seems willing to forgive him, Natalie is still unsure, and even more worried about their future when she sees how happy Brandon is with his found family. Torn between the Guild and Blackmere, can they find a place where both Natalie and Brandon belong?
“You don’t just remind me of my strength, my lady. You remind me of my weaknesses, or rather, that I’m safe to share them with you, without judgement, without you thinking I’m any less. And I love you, now and always.”
Natalie and Brandon are both at a good place in their relationship. They’re deeply in love and they know they want to spend their lives together, but the question of what that looks like still remains. Natalie still sees the attack at Blackmere as her failure to protect her people, and she dreads returning back there. Even worse, though she doesn’t doubt that Brandon loves her, he hasn’t asked her to marry him, and she worries about how happy he’d be as Lord Blackmere. His life – his family – is the Guild, so how could she take him away from that? But she hesitates to have that conversation with him because she’s afraid of what the outcome would be. I love how, even though she has a lot of worries about her future, she never gives up on her love for him, and she’ll do just about anything to protect him, which is certainly a new experience for a guy who’s spent several decades winning tourneys. On his side, Brandon worries that since he’s past his prime, he’ll have another poor showing at the Tourney, and that he’s taking a spot from a younger warrior who deserves a chance to shine as a Champion. They’re still adorably sweet with each other, too, especially when they’re communicating. It’s just very nice to read about two older people who are so very much in love and know it.
While the plot’s a bit predictable, it’s an enjoyable journey, and both Natalie and Brandon ended up in a place where I felt like they had a solid HEA. A few lingering plot threads get wrapped up, as well, and we get a little bit more to set the stage for the next book with Jenny and Genevieve. Overall, I’ve very much enjoyed this trilogy and can’t wait for the next book!
I received an advance review copy of this book from BookSprout. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 1, 2021
Such a lovely finish for our beloved couple after 3 books! 4.5 Stars!
Natalie Blackmere is finally able to be with her beloved Brandon the Bear out in the open, now that he's left the Champion's Guild. Though neither she nor Brandon are comfortable rubbing elbows with Aldland's elite nobility, including the Queen! But when the next host of the Champion's Grand Tourney demands that Brandon and Natalie compete in the tournament, and the Guild Master requests it as well, they feel they must return to the Guild to train, one more time. The Guild has always been Brandon's family, and he hates how he left them, so he sees this as another chance for a final goodbye.
Natalie and Brandon have wildly hot chemistry, and it's hard for them to keep it in check, even when they must, while at the Guild. I enjoyed watching them really settle into their relationship, while both were facing the challenges and training required of them to get ready for the tourney. Their friends, and their foes, at the Guild made things interesting for them as well. But all may not be as it appears with some people there, who are NOT their allies.
Natalie was dreading having to return to Blackmere and her duties as it's mistress. She has never been cut out for noble life, and always dreamt of becoming a champion, and having a love like she's found with Brandon. Brandon is low-born, and has zero delusions of grandeur. He doesn't think he really has anything to offer Nat, and worries that he's not good enough for her, or to help her run Blackmere. Natalie is worried that Brandon will eventually resent her if they marry and he's forced to leave the Guild and live in Blackmere. They both have to learn to accept the other's love for them, as they are. It was a struggle for each of them.
The side characters here were mostly the same as the prior books. Some of the champions are wonderful and funny, like Darius and Thomas. Some are wretched, like Sara and Henry, and often the Guild Master. They each brought something to the story, and to Natalie and Brandon's journey together.
Watching Natalie become The Lioness of Blackmere was fantastic, and I enjoyed her progression so much. Watching Brandon really learn to know his worth and all he brings to their partnership was so lovely too. I really adored these characters, and I've so loved following their journey over these 3 stories. There will be a book 4, which it appears will be about Jenny & Genevieve, and I cannot wait for that one!! I highly recommend this series!!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Natalie Blackmere is finally able to be with her beloved Brandon the Bear out in the open, now that he's left the Champion's Guild. Though neither she nor Brandon are comfortable rubbing elbows with Aldland's elite nobility, including the Queen! But when the next host of the Champion's Grand Tourney demands that Brandon and Natalie compete in the tournament, and the Guild Master requests it as well, they feel they must return to the Guild to train, one more time. The Guild has always been Brandon's family, and he hates how he left them, so he sees this as another chance for a final goodbye.
Natalie and Brandon have wildly hot chemistry, and it's hard for them to keep it in check, even when they must, while at the Guild. I enjoyed watching them really settle into their relationship, while both were facing the challenges and training required of them to get ready for the tourney. Their friends, and their foes, at the Guild made things interesting for them as well. But all may not be as it appears with some people there, who are NOT their allies.
Natalie was dreading having to return to Blackmere and her duties as it's mistress. She has never been cut out for noble life, and always dreamt of becoming a champion, and having a love like she's found with Brandon. Brandon is low-born, and has zero delusions of grandeur. He doesn't think he really has anything to offer Nat, and worries that he's not good enough for her, or to help her run Blackmere. Natalie is worried that Brandon will eventually resent her if they marry and he's forced to leave the Guild and live in Blackmere. They both have to learn to accept the other's love for them, as they are. It was a struggle for each of them.
The side characters here were mostly the same as the prior books. Some of the champions are wonderful and funny, like Darius and Thomas. Some are wretched, like Sara and Henry, and often the Guild Master. They each brought something to the story, and to Natalie and Brandon's journey together.
Watching Natalie become The Lioness of Blackmere was fantastic, and I enjoyed her progression so much. Watching Brandon really learn to know his worth and all he brings to their partnership was so lovely too. I really adored these characters, and I've so loved following their journey over these 3 stories. There will be a book 4, which it appears will be about Jenny & Genevieve, and I cannot wait for that one!! I highly recommend this series!!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
March 8, 2021
This is the third book and the conclusion to Natalie and Brandon's story. The author once again brings strong characters and shows the love and support they give to one another. They have a hot chemistry and their love grows as the story unfolds. The secondary characters play a huge part in bringing the story around. I enjoyed and would recommend this book/series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 6, 2022
Great characters
Overall I like the characters of the series more than the plot. It’s a bit too violent/fight heavy for me I think. And in the end I felt more sympathy than hatred for the villain, which is confusing. Lol
Overall I like the characters of the series more than the plot. It’s a bit too violent/fight heavy for me I think. And in the end I felt more sympathy than hatred for the villain, which is confusing. Lol
March 15, 2023
I found out about this series on a random list on the internet. I was enticed by the idea of a plus-size hero - I had read loads of books with only plus-size heroines- and decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed these books.
Brandon is a fantastic cinnamon-roll hero, and Natalie has a great story arc.
I've seen some reviews talking about the fact that it bothered them that this book is not a first-person POV. I'm just really glad it isn't, Nat is a great heroine, but she can be so annoying and insecure sometimes, it probably wouldn't have worked for me if not for the third-person POV.
I also really enjoyed that we got to see the world expanding as the books progressed in the series. In the first book, we get to see only Blackmere, but by the end of the series, we are able to see different places and settings and understand a little more of the world the story is set in.
There is only one thing that bothered me a little: Brandon is a plus-size hero who gets lots of attention from women and men, but Natalie, a beautiful plus-size woman, does not. WHYYYY?
Well, I really enjoyed these first three books. Looking forward to reading the next one soon.
Brandon is a fantastic cinnamon-roll hero, and Natalie has a great story arc.
I've seen some reviews talking about the fact that it bothered them that this book is not a first-person POV. I'm just really glad it isn't, Nat is a great heroine, but she can be so annoying and insecure sometimes, it probably wouldn't have worked for me if not for the third-person POV.
I also really enjoyed that we got to see the world expanding as the books progressed in the series. In the first book, we get to see only Blackmere, but by the end of the series, we are able to see different places and settings and understand a little more of the world the story is set in.
There is only one thing that bothered me a little: Brandon is a plus-size hero who gets lots of attention from women and men, but Natalie, a beautiful plus-size woman, does not. WHYYYY?
Well, I really enjoyed these first three books. Looking forward to reading the next one soon.
March 4, 2021
We've come to an end of Natalie and Brandon's story and what an adventure it has been! Our lovers are finally together and in the open but they get pulled back into the world of the Champion's Guild for one final tournament. Natalie is struggling under the weight of the responsibilities waiting for her at Blackmere and her continuing desire to be a Champion. Brandon wants one last challenge to prove himself and retire on top. In the midst of this, both need to work out what their future will look like. Brandon and Natalie continue to love and support each other throughout their challenges and that's what I love most about this series. We've seen both characters grow and with that growth is their love for each other becoming strong with everything they overcome. Brandon is the most supportive of Natalie and that positive support and love just warms my soul. Cinnamon-roll heroes are absolutely the best. Natalie has the same support for Brandon and she just wants what's best for him. Their love is so pure and beautiful. This was everything I wanted for the two characters and closing this book, my heart was happy.
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2021
4.75 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books and this third one did not disappoint. Brandon and Natalie are just so sweet and pure together and I spent most of the book with a massive smile on my face.
The sex was even hotter than before, the plot interesting and fast-paced, and the supporting characters just as likeable and well-rounded as the MCs. As with the previous books, I would've liked dual POV rather than just Nat but that's just personal preference on my part.
One thing that definitely deserves a mention - I found the antagonist Henry's role and personality incredibly interesting in this book, as it was very different to his actions & temperament in the previous two.
All in all a wonderful finale to a great trilogy which deserves a round of applause for its body positivity, LGBTQ+ rep, cinnamon roll older hero and all round wholesome celebration of love and softness.
Eagerly awaiting more stories from this author and this world. Can't wait for Jenny and Viv!
The sex was even hotter than before, the plot interesting and fast-paced, and the supporting characters just as likeable and well-rounded as the MCs. As with the previous books, I would've liked dual POV rather than just Nat but that's just personal preference on my part.
One thing that definitely deserves a mention - I found the antagonist Henry's role and personality incredibly interesting in this book, as it was very different to his actions & temperament in the previous two.
All in all a wonderful finale to a great trilogy which deserves a round of applause for its body positivity, LGBTQ+ rep, cinnamon roll older hero and all round wholesome celebration of love and softness.
Eagerly awaiting more stories from this author and this world. Can't wait for Jenny and Viv!
March 10, 2021
The third book in the Hearts of Blackmere, and the end of Natalie and Brandon's story. This is a well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly from page to page. I enjoyed seeing this story come together they deserved to be together. A story that was well worth reading. This series should be read in order. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2021
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Marie Lipscomb; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the third book in the Hearts of Blackmere Series; this is Natalie & Brandon’s story; when they return to Champion’s Guild she has to decide if she wants to be Lady Natalie or the Lioness of Blackmere.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the Hearts of Blackmere Series; this is Natalie & Brandon’s story; when they return to Champion’s Guild she has to decide if she wants to be Lady Natalie or the Lioness of Blackmere.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2021
I can confused. I came in the end of the series. I didn’t realize until it was almost over. There is almost no recap that i could understand because I don’t have the two previous books. Sigh. It reads very well. I just have to go back start at the beginning.
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.
September 25, 2021
A satisfying end to the trilogy (though I'm excited there's more to come set in this world). Books 2 and 3 here really feel more like fantasy than romance, just so you know what you're getting into, but I enjoyed following the characters through all three! And as I've said before, it was refreshing to have two fat leads here and lots of diversity of various kinds in the supporting characters.
April 22, 2025
A fitting end to a good series.
A couple things I want to mention are the actual romance aspect to these books. I know they have explicit sex scenes in them but they don't read as "spicy" to me. I started skimming them to be honest or entirely skipping the scenes by the middle of the book.
The story was what got me to finish this book. I loved all the training, info about the tournaments and side characters.
The two MCs are great but a little too mushy lovey-dovey-weeping 24/7 for me.
Also... Henry. Typical of men to forgive and forget while the women are standing around like wtf, this guy can't be trusted.
I would have loved more in depth world building and side character development.
Overall a fun, easy read.
A couple things I want to mention are the actual romance aspect to these books. I know they have explicit sex scenes in them but they don't read as "spicy" to me. I started skimming them to be honest or entirely skipping the scenes by the middle of the book.
The story was what got me to finish this book. I loved all the training, info about the tournaments and side characters.
The two MCs are great but a little too mushy lovey-dovey-weeping 24/7 for me.
Also... Henry. Typical of men to forgive and forget while the women are standing around like wtf, this guy can't be trusted.
I would have loved more in depth world building and side character development.
Overall a fun, easy read.
April 20, 2021
I cant get enough of this author! I absolutely enjoy her books. I cant wait to keep reading them. I definitely recommend!
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.
October 4, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. I liked this book, but it's definitely my least favorite Marie Lipscomb book so far. I found Natalie whiny and Brandon a bit boring. I was way more interested in the side characters this time, especially Henry, and am looking forward to book 4.
March 9, 2021
Great ending for this story set ! can't wait for the next book!
September 5, 2021
Was really hoping for a Henry-demption but the end was predictable. Turns out he’s just a jerk. Good read, very sexy. Love the queens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
Read my full review here!
July 2, 2022
Forever His Champion is the third and final book in the Hearts of Blackmore trilogy. We pick up where we left off with Natalie and Brandon as the heroine and hero.
Everything is out in the open in this one and it's such a relief! I loved reading how Natalie progressed from the first book to this one. She experienced such an amazing growth! It was also so sweet to see Brandon get what he wanted in life.
It was a great ending to a compelling trilogy. I definitely recommend it if you want to read a romance trilogy with medieval historical elements in an original world.
Everything is out in the open in this one and it's such a relief! I loved reading how Natalie progressed from the first book to this one. She experienced such an amazing growth! It was also so sweet to see Brandon get what he wanted in life.
It was a great ending to a compelling trilogy. I definitely recommend it if you want to read a romance trilogy with medieval historical elements in an original world.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews