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Brotherhood of the Sword & MacAllister #1
Master of Desire
A Dream of Desire Awakened . . .
Beautiful Lady Emily dreams of the rapture of love and the joys of marriage. The youngest daughter of an English lord at war, she is shaken by the arrival of a mysterious stranger to her father's castle. Could this breathtaking man be Emily's yearned-for lover? Indeed, Draven de Montague, Earl of Ravenswood, has come for Emily . . . but romance has nothing to do with it.
In the Tender Embrace of an Enemy . . .
Draven would never have entered the home of his most hated adversary had not the King himself ordered him to take in his foe's daughter for a year to forge bonds of peace between their two feuding houses. Worse still, here is a lass whose exquisite loveliness could tempt Draven to betray his sworn vow never to let anther close to his heart. Emily knows the searing heat of her passion could burn down the defenses of this proud warrior. But will the surrender of the sweet nectar of his lips and his bold, sensuous caress ignite a blaze so hot it consumes them both?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2001
259 people are currently reading
7120 people want to read
About the author
Kinley MacGregor
33 books1,576 followersSherrilyn McQueen
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Sherrilyn Kenyon & Kinley MacGregor
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Sherrilyn Kenyon & Kinley MacGregor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
January 28, 2016
At first, I thought this book’s blurb didn’t sound like my kind of thing. To tell the truth, if I had never known that Kinley MacGregor is the pen name of Sherrilyn Kenyon, I would probably have never contemplated reading this book. As I always say, historical romance isn't one of my top genres, but Master Of Desire took me by surprise! I felt truly lucky that I chose to pick up this book. The story was very well-written and descriptive. As soon as I started reading it, I was pulled into the story immediately, which rarely happens to me with this genre.
The characters were so vivid and endearing. Despite the fact that Emily could be so pushy and bossy at times, it didn’t take long for me to warm up to her. She desperately wanted to get married just to get away from her extremely protective father. When King Henry II ordered her father to hand her over to Draven for safekeeping, she saw her chance and tried every way to seduce Draven although she didn’t even know how to do that.
Draven was the right hand of King Henry II. He was a lonely knight who never let himself love any lady because he believed in his family’s curse. But then came this determined lady Emily who never gave up trying to show him how beautiful love was. He then realized that his loneliness was gone because of Emily, so he stopped fighting his true feelings for her. He would love her and have her, even if it cost him his life.
The story started off very interesting, I couldn't put it down, but it started to drag a bit in the middle. Fortunately, somewhere near the end of the third quarter, it picked up its pace and I found that here was where the things started to get very intense. And by the end, everything worked out far better than I had ever imagined it would be. Even though the ending was a little bit predictable, who cares?! I really enjoyed reading this book and I will definitely continue this series.
I loved this knight!
The characters were so vivid and endearing. Despite the fact that Emily could be so pushy and bossy at times, it didn’t take long for me to warm up to her. She desperately wanted to get married just to get away from her extremely protective father. When King Henry II ordered her father to hand her over to Draven for safekeeping, she saw her chance and tried every way to seduce Draven although she didn’t even know how to do that.
Draven was the right hand of King Henry II. He was a lonely knight who never let himself love any lady because he believed in his family’s curse. But then came this determined lady Emily who never gave up trying to show him how beautiful love was. He then realized that his loneliness was gone because of Emily, so he stopped fighting his true feelings for her. He would love her and have her, even if it cost him his life.
Heaven help him for what he was doing. But this was all he had ever wanted in his life. Someone who could accept him.
She was a part of him he hadn’t realized was missing until she had stumbled into his life, holding that damned red chicken in her hands.
The story started off very interesting, I couldn't put it down, but it started to drag a bit in the middle. Fortunately, somewhere near the end of the third quarter, it picked up its pace and I found that here was where the things started to get very intense. And by the end, everything worked out far better than I had ever imagined it would be. Even though the ending was a little bit predictable, who cares?! I really enjoyed reading this book and I will definitely continue this series.
I loved this knight!
July 24, 2015
I've read a TON of Sherrilyn Kenyon books (Hello! The Dark Hunter series ate up about a year of my life!), so I figured it was time to try her other series under her historical romance pen name. While this was a fun, sexy read, it also touched upon a few of my big pet peeves.
To start, this was really insta-lovey. GAH! Insta-love is the worst, am I right? I didn't get why Draven and Emily were so enamored with one another after just a short period of time. Please, more relationship buildup next time! There was also sort of a fluffy plot, and the historical details seemed sketchy at best.
However, this book also featured a weakness of mine, and a classic plot element of ALL Sherrilyn Kenyon books: the tortured hero. I've never read a book by this author where the MC isn't emotionally and/or physically scarred in some way. Here, Draven had an abusive, murderous father who killed his mother in front of him... ouch. I loved psychologically scarred Draven and thought he made a very nice match with the feisty Emily.
Overall, this book was light, fun reading but I don't think I'm going to become a devotee of this series.
To start, this was really insta-lovey. GAH! Insta-love is the worst, am I right? I didn't get why Draven and Emily were so enamored with one another after just a short period of time. Please, more relationship buildup next time! There was also sort of a fluffy plot, and the historical details seemed sketchy at best.
However, this book also featured a weakness of mine, and a classic plot element of ALL Sherrilyn Kenyon books: the tortured hero. I've never read a book by this author where the MC isn't emotionally and/or physically scarred in some way. Here, Draven had an abusive, murderous father who killed his mother in front of him... ouch. I loved psychologically scarred Draven and thought he made a very nice match with the feisty Emily.
Overall, this book was light, fun reading but I don't think I'm going to become a devotee of this series.
January 15, 2012
5 stars – Historical/Medieval Romance
Oh how I enjoyed this one! Yes, it’s got the tried and true romance cliché of a brooding, tortured hero who doesn’t believe himself worthy of happiness or love fighting his intense lust for the spirited maiden who’s determined to convince him otherwise. But Master of Desire manages to standout splendidly with its endearing, unforgettable characters, witty dialogue, and the perfect mix of angst, humor, sweetness, and heat.
Draven is such a sigh-worthy hero. I just wanted to hug him tight and help Emily heal his self-loathing and pain. And Emily is one of the pluckiest, most tenderhearted, amiable, and lovable heroines ever. They’re absolutely wonderful together...truly a romantic H/h for the keeper shelf! I just loved this!
Although I’ve enjoyed Sherrilyn Kenyon’s League series, this is the first book I’ve read under her Kinley MacGregor pen name, and I feel like I’ve been missing out. I’ll definitely read more by this author! 5 stars!
Oh how I enjoyed this one! Yes, it’s got the tried and true romance cliché of a brooding, tortured hero who doesn’t believe himself worthy of happiness or love fighting his intense lust for the spirited maiden who’s determined to convince him otherwise. But Master of Desire manages to standout splendidly with its endearing, unforgettable characters, witty dialogue, and the perfect mix of angst, humor, sweetness, and heat.
Draven is such a sigh-worthy hero. I just wanted to hug him tight and help Emily heal his self-loathing and pain. And Emily is one of the pluckiest, most tenderhearted, amiable, and lovable heroines ever. They’re absolutely wonderful together...truly a romantic H/h for the keeper shelf! I just loved this!
Although I’ve enjoyed Sherrilyn Kenyon’s League series, this is the first book I’ve read under her Kinley MacGregor pen name, and I feel like I’ve been missing out. I’ll definitely read more by this author! 5 stars!
April 7, 2009
This book is going straight to my keepers shelf! :)
I loved everything about it: Draven (a tortured hero I just wanted to hold and never let go), Emily (a spunky heroine determined to win the hero´s heart), Simon (the most adorable second character I´ve met) and, last but not least, the story (it made me laugh and it made me cry, what more could I ask for?)
I loved everything about it: Draven (a tortured hero I just wanted to hold and never let go), Emily (a spunky heroine determined to win the hero´s heart), Simon (the most adorable second character I´ve met) and, last but not least, the story (it made me laugh and it made me cry, what more could I ask for?)
January 24, 2024
Bazı şeyler havada kaldı ona rağmen keyifle okudum kitabı ☺
December 3, 2025
When the hero is the one walking around in lust
── .✦ Original rating: 4 ★, review below.
── .✦ Re-read rating: 4 ★
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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── .✦ Original rating: 4 ★, review below.
── .✦ Re-read rating: 4 ★
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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July 8, 2020
2020 Reread-Raised to 5 stars
Incredibly witty, full of conflict, extremely well written. I love the authors dialog style which gave a fantastic medieval feel. I laughed out loud several times.
I usually avoid rereading books I have read in 2015, during a time when I had no triggers. The reason I decided to reread it, is because I saw several reviewers tag this as virgin hero. As you can see by my current revised tags, those reviewers were not correct. In fact I almost put the book down when I read that the hero had a past. Fortunately, it was worded so that it didn't bother me. I kept going and I am glad I did. I found this is SAFE for me. I also feel reading this book may have helped me overcome some triggers. Perhaps realizing the past doesn't matter, as long as the heroine is the special one that erases all others. I felt that here.
I'm GLAD I read it anyway. I'll mention all in the safety section at the end.
Summary - Hero Draven has a tortured past and believes he is cursed. He has been bred for battle by his unscrupulous father who abused him and . He has a terrible rage, and has resolved himself to a life of solitude.
Heroine Emily is the youngest of three High bred daughters, of an overprotective father. None have been allowed to leave their home for fairs or other fun things. No man has been allowed to court them. One of the sisters was sent to convent. Emily always dreamed about marrying and having children. Emily is bold, stubborn and intelligent. Very fun, and full of life. She is witty and just a great heroine.
Emily is sent as a ward by King Henry to stay with Draven (her father's enemy) for one year. In that time she plans to make Draven her husband and will never give up the chase.
This is all I plan to write so as not to give too much away, but enough to remember why I enjoyed it.
Safety
Incredibly witty, full of conflict, extremely well written. I love the authors dialog style which gave a fantastic medieval feel. I laughed out loud several times.
I usually avoid rereading books I have read in 2015, during a time when I had no triggers. The reason I decided to reread it, is because I saw several reviewers tag this as virgin hero. As you can see by my current revised tags, those reviewers were not correct. In fact I almost put the book down when I read that the hero had a past. Fortunately, it was worded so that it didn't bother me. I kept going and I am glad I did. I found this is SAFE for me. I also feel reading this book may have helped me overcome some triggers. Perhaps realizing the past doesn't matter, as long as the heroine is the special one that erases all others. I felt that here.
I'm GLAD I read it anyway. I'll mention all in the safety section at the end.
Summary - Hero Draven has a tortured past and believes he is cursed. He has been bred for battle by his unscrupulous father who abused him and . He has a terrible rage, and has resolved himself to a life of solitude.
Heroine Emily is the youngest of three High bred daughters, of an overprotective father. None have been allowed to leave their home for fairs or other fun things. No man has been allowed to court them. One of the sisters was sent to convent. Emily always dreamed about marrying and having children. Emily is bold, stubborn and intelligent. Very fun, and full of life. She is witty and just a great heroine.
Emily is sent as a ward by King Henry to stay with Draven (her father's enemy) for one year. In that time she plans to make Draven her husband and will never give up the chase.
This is all I plan to write so as not to give too much away, but enough to remember why I enjoyed it.
Safety
June 18, 2025
Current 2025 rating: 4-stars
Original 2013 rating: 5-stars and a keeper.
⚔️ grumpy x sunshine
⚔️ forbidden
⚔️ she pursues him
⚔️ she tries to get him to laugh with constant jokes
⚔️ adorable epilogue
🛡️ Draven de Montague, the fourth earl of Ravenswood. Rumored to be the devil himself. Most feared warrior in all of Christiandom. Raised and trained by an abusive father that forbade him to partake in any non-warrior training activities. Which would include smiling and laughing.
👱🏼♀️ Emily, the gentle youngest daughter of an overprotective father who refuses to let his daughters go. She’s desperate to break free and get married, find true love and have children.
To settle a dispute between neighboring lords, King Henry decrees Draven to hold his neighbor’s daughter for one year in hopes that the neighbor will cease their fighting. If the neighbor behaves for one year and the king feels he can be trusted again, his daughter will be returned to him (intact). Draven makes an oath to the king that he will not touch or harm Emily while she is in his care. Emily had other plans 😃.
Emily decided that she would use this year to get him to fall in love with her and marry her. But he was a stubborn man. Draven had multiple reasons why he would never touch her or get married in general.
🧡 Emily was up for the challenge.
“He stifled the urge to toss her over the horse like a sack of grain. “You’re doing this apurpose,” he said in a low whisper.
Her playful look confirmed his suspicion. “I told you what I wanted, milord, and I am not above using any means to win.”
He dumped her in the saddle. “Perhaps I should warn you, milady. No one has ever bested me.”
“Then I would say you are due for a good besting.”
🧡 Emily’s hard work pays off.
“And then the most wondrous thing of all happened. He looked upon her face and smiled. Emily’s heart leaped at the gesture.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Are you never sated?” she asked in awe.
She arched a questioning brow at him, and then he did the most unexpected thing of all.
He laughed.
Stunned, she sat upright as the musical sound filled her ears. “Draven?”
He shook his head. “I couldn’t help myself,” he whispered. “You make me happy, Emily.”
Reread opinion: I remember reading this series when it first came out during my Fluffy Era and being in love with such likable characters and more steam than I was used to reading at the time. Upon this reread, the characters are still very likable, the steam was ok yet doesn’t kick in until 80% (with a few kisses sprinkled thru out beforehand) and I would definitely say that this was leaning towards fluffy. No focus on wars or politics, just the couple’s relationship. I think though that I personally would have loved more animosity, or enemies-to-lovers feel to the couple. But! It was a cute story that had me smiling while reading. Julie Garwood fans would approve!
Bingo Reading Challenge 2025
Square #52 - a highlander or medieval book
Progress - 62/100
Original 2013 rating: 5-stars and a keeper.
⚔️ grumpy x sunshine
⚔️ forbidden
⚔️ she pursues him
⚔️ she tries to get him to laugh with constant jokes
⚔️ adorable epilogue
🛡️ Draven de Montague, the fourth earl of Ravenswood. Rumored to be the devil himself. Most feared warrior in all of Christiandom. Raised and trained by an abusive father that forbade him to partake in any non-warrior training activities. Which would include smiling and laughing.
👱🏼♀️ Emily, the gentle youngest daughter of an overprotective father who refuses to let his daughters go. She’s desperate to break free and get married, find true love and have children.
To settle a dispute between neighboring lords, King Henry decrees Draven to hold his neighbor’s daughter for one year in hopes that the neighbor will cease their fighting. If the neighbor behaves for one year and the king feels he can be trusted again, his daughter will be returned to him (intact). Draven makes an oath to the king that he will not touch or harm Emily while she is in his care. Emily had other plans 😃.
Emily decided that she would use this year to get him to fall in love with her and marry her. But he was a stubborn man. Draven had multiple reasons why he would never touch her or get married in general.
🧡 Emily was up for the challenge.
“He stifled the urge to toss her over the horse like a sack of grain. “You’re doing this apurpose,” he said in a low whisper.
Her playful look confirmed his suspicion. “I told you what I wanted, milord, and I am not above using any means to win.”
He dumped her in the saddle. “Perhaps I should warn you, milady. No one has ever bested me.”
“Then I would say you are due for a good besting.”
🧡 Emily’s hard work pays off.
“And then the most wondrous thing of all happened. He looked upon her face and smiled. Emily’s heart leaped at the gesture.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Are you never sated?” she asked in awe.
She arched a questioning brow at him, and then he did the most unexpected thing of all.
He laughed.
Stunned, she sat upright as the musical sound filled her ears. “Draven?”
He shook his head. “I couldn’t help myself,” he whispered. “You make me happy, Emily.”
Reread opinion: I remember reading this series when it first came out during my Fluffy Era and being in love with such likable characters and more steam than I was used to reading at the time. Upon this reread, the characters are still very likable, the steam was ok yet doesn’t kick in until 80% (with a few kisses sprinkled thru out beforehand) and I would definitely say that this was leaning towards fluffy. No focus on wars or politics, just the couple’s relationship. I think though that I personally would have loved more animosity, or enemies-to-lovers feel to the couple. But! It was a cute story that had me smiling while reading. Julie Garwood fans would approve!
Bingo Reading Challenge 2025
Square #52 - a highlander or medieval book
Progress - 62/100
October 29, 2017
If you wish to be indulged by a fluffy mushy romance masquerading as a medieval romance, this would be a book to go to. And let me admit it, I enjoyed it!
The H was all one would wish a H to be - tortured but tempting to anything remotely female!
The h was after my own heart - she decides she wants him for a husband and goes all out for it - plotting, planning and seducing.
Rest of the story is just convenient plot dressing.
The H was all one would wish a H to be - tortured but tempting to anything remotely female!
The h was after my own heart - she decides she wants him for a husband and goes all out for it - plotting, planning and seducing.
Rest of the story is just convenient plot dressing.
February 27, 2017
Me encantó. Yo, que no soportaba las historias de épocas ni nada por el estilo y ahora estoy enganchada.
Amo las historias en las que los personajes masculinos son rudos y maleducados y sobre todo se niegan a amar. Me encanta el hecho de tener que ayudarles a aprender lo que es el amor. Y Emily y Draven son un gran ejemplo. No tengo quejas de ninguno de los dos. Han sido un par de personajes increíblemente perfectos, he disfrutado de todos... aunque, soy la única que tiene desconfianza de Simon? No sé por qué, pero hay cosas de el que sucedían en el libro que me hacían pensar que esconde algo, como si estuviese a veces en contra de Draven. Bueno nada que decir excepto que ha sido una historia maravillosa <3
Amo las historias en las que los personajes masculinos son rudos y maleducados y sobre todo se niegan a amar. Me encanta el hecho de tener que ayudarles a aprender lo que es el amor. Y Emily y Draven son un gran ejemplo. No tengo quejas de ninguno de los dos. Han sido un par de personajes increíblemente perfectos, he disfrutado de todos... aunque, soy la única que tiene desconfianza de Simon? No sé por qué, pero hay cosas de el que sucedían en el libro que me hacían pensar que esconde algo, como si estuviese a veces en contra de Draven. Bueno nada que decir excepto que ha sido una historia maravillosa <3
October 26, 2017
*Edited to add* - Read for URR Halloween challenge- Romance involving murder
I really enjoyed this. It was filled to the brim with cliches but they were done well enough that it didn't really bother me. In fact, I loved it. A lot.
Lady Emily's father is in a feud with Draven, the Earl of Ravenswood and the king is sick of it. In an attempt to bring a little peace between the two of them, the king orders Lady Emily to live with Draven for a year. Draven has been warned that if he touches one hair on Emily's head, either in violence or lust, his life is forfeit. Unfortunately, no one told Emily this. To Emily, this is an adventure. A few of her sisters (and her mother I think?) died in childbirth so her father is overly protective Emily hasn't been allowed out of her home so instead of dreading being forced to live with her father's enemy, she's actually excited. Because you know, she actually gets to leave. Draven...not so much. Emily stirs something in him he'd long thought dead and he refuses to give into because 1) he'd end up very dead and 2) he's afraid of the Ravenswood temper. The last few generations of Ravenswood lords have all been cursed with violent tempers and have in one way or another (okay, directly) been responsible for the deaths of their wives. In fact, Draven's super evil father murdered his mother right in front of him, at dinner. This has understandably caused a significant amount of emotional trauma for Draven. Draven's father believed emotion was a weakness and made sure he beat it out of his son. Lady Emily, however, has complete faith in Draven and pursues him relentlessly, making it clear she wants to marry him. From there we have drama, sexytimes, and romance.
This book lost me a little in the beginning. I'm not really a fan of romances with the heroine chasing the hero, especially historical romances because it just doesn't seem realistic. It wasn't done. Emily constantly chased Draven down and told him she was going to marry him. He told her no repeatedly but she ignored it. I have a really difficult time believing any woman, especially in a medieval romance, would act this way. Draven is the only man that Emily has ever desired and it seemed a little far-fetched that she would be so forward. It was way to instalovey on her part but then again he was gorgeous, secretly kind, super protective, and thoughtful. The complete opposite of every other non-family man she's known. I get it, girl. I'd want to marry him too.
There was one thing that really separated this book from its leave me alone I don't need your love because I am scarred and brooding and undeserving of your love counterparts. Draven actually kept his word until he had his it might actually work out between us epiphany. He might have given in and kissed her two or three times but that was it. When he told himself he would distance himself from her so that he wouldn't be tempted by her, he actually kept away for weeks at a time. She would eventually find him and kiss him herself, but then he would step back and ask her to stop and leave. It sounds weird to say this, but it was so refreshing to read about a hero actually trying to do what he told himself he would do, ignore her. He didn't give her a couple of orgasms and then push her way until the next time they were alone and then do it again. He was truly afraid of becoming his father and only when he proved to himself that he wouldn't, did he let himself feel the feels he had for her. And when he did? So damn romantic. Seriously good stuff, you guys.
I really, really liked this book. I know it'll end up on my re-read shelf. Why isn't it a five star then? Oddly enough, I rate most of my favorite HRs four stars. I think this is because they're usually completely unrealistic and I'm well aware of that. The hero is unbelievably romantic/mushy, the heroine is way too feisty and independent for her time, and the dialogue is anachronistic. There's a little of all of that in this book. Do I care? Nope.
I really enjoyed this. It was filled to the brim with cliches but they were done well enough that it didn't really bother me. In fact, I loved it. A lot.
Lady Emily's father is in a feud with Draven, the Earl of Ravenswood and the king is sick of it. In an attempt to bring a little peace between the two of them, the king orders Lady Emily to live with Draven for a year. Draven has been warned that if he touches one hair on Emily's head, either in violence or lust, his life is forfeit. Unfortunately, no one told Emily this. To Emily, this is an adventure. A few of her sisters (and her mother I think?) died in childbirth so her father is overly protective Emily hasn't been allowed out of her home so instead of dreading being forced to live with her father's enemy, she's actually excited. Because you know, she actually gets to leave. Draven...not so much. Emily stirs something in him he'd long thought dead and he refuses to give into because 1) he'd end up very dead and 2) he's afraid of the Ravenswood temper. The last few generations of Ravenswood lords have all been cursed with violent tempers and have in one way or another (okay, directly) been responsible for the deaths of their wives. In fact, Draven's super evil father murdered his mother right in front of him, at dinner. This has understandably caused a significant amount of emotional trauma for Draven. Draven's father believed emotion was a weakness and made sure he beat it out of his son. Lady Emily, however, has complete faith in Draven and pursues him relentlessly, making it clear she wants to marry him. From there we have drama, sexytimes, and romance.
This book lost me a little in the beginning. I'm not really a fan of romances with the heroine chasing the hero, especially historical romances because it just doesn't seem realistic. It wasn't done. Emily constantly chased Draven down and told him she was going to marry him. He told her no repeatedly but she ignored it. I have a really difficult time believing any woman, especially in a medieval romance, would act this way. Draven is the only man that Emily has ever desired and it seemed a little far-fetched that she would be so forward. It was way to instalovey on her part but then again he was gorgeous, secretly kind, super protective, and thoughtful. The complete opposite of every other non-family man she's known. I get it, girl. I'd want to marry him too.
There was one thing that really separated this book from its leave me alone I don't need your love because I am scarred and brooding and undeserving of your love counterparts. Draven actually kept his word until he had his it might actually work out between us epiphany. He might have given in and kissed her two or three times but that was it. When he told himself he would distance himself from her so that he wouldn't be tempted by her, he actually kept away for weeks at a time. She would eventually find him and kiss him herself, but then he would step back and ask her to stop and leave. It sounds weird to say this, but it was so refreshing to read about a hero actually trying to do what he told himself he would do, ignore her. He didn't give her a couple of orgasms and then push her way until the next time they were alone and then do it again. He was truly afraid of becoming his father and only when he proved to himself that he wouldn't, did he let himself feel the feels he had for her. And when he did? So damn romantic. Seriously good stuff, you guys.
I really, really liked this book. I know it'll end up on my re-read shelf. Why isn't it a five star then? Oddly enough, I rate most of my favorite HRs four stars. I think this is because they're usually completely unrealistic and I'm well aware of that. The hero is unbelievably romantic/mushy, the heroine is way too feisty and independent for her time, and the dialogue is anachronistic. There's a little of all of that in this book. Do I care? Nope.
November 15, 2014
Great book! 4.5 stars for this one. Had a bit of everything I like, esp. humour. I loved Emily, the heroine, she knew what she wanted and went after him without being shrewish or manipulative. Her character remained consistent all through the story. This is not always the case. Authors change their characters to suit their purpose in their stories. But both Emily and Draven remained true.
I loved Draven! I thought he was an honourable hero who could park his shoes under my bed any time! His tortuous past was portrayed very well and the way his character was built was extremely believable and I for one was feeling for him even through his bad bits. He's an alpha male without all the usual arrogant macho b/s. He was just a hard, strong and scarred man who believed himself to be evil and tried to keep ppl away, and ends up loving Emily to distration. Loved it!! The sexual tension between the two was great. AND it wasn't culminated in the first few chapters either. I loved the build up to their first sex scene. Build up is always better. By the time they actually made love, I wanted it for them as much as they did. This, to me, makes for a great sex scene.
There were one or two spots in which I thought the author missed the cue for more intensity in the plotline (the curse, keeeping Emily as a virgin), but overall a wonderful romance. Although this is medieval it is not full of history. I am so looking forward to reading the next ones in the series and more by this author.
Highly recommended.
I loved Draven! I thought he was an honourable hero who could park his shoes under my bed any time! His tortuous past was portrayed very well and the way his character was built was extremely believable and I for one was feeling for him even through his bad bits. He's an alpha male without all the usual arrogant macho b/s. He was just a hard, strong and scarred man who believed himself to be evil and tried to keep ppl away, and ends up loving Emily to distration. Loved it!! The sexual tension between the two was great. AND it wasn't culminated in the first few chapters either. I loved the build up to their first sex scene. Build up is always better. By the time they actually made love, I wanted it for them as much as they did. This, to me, makes for a great sex scene.
There were one or two spots in which I thought the author missed the cue for more intensity in the plotline (the curse, keeeping Emily as a virgin), but overall a wonderful romance. Although this is medieval it is not full of history. I am so looking forward to reading the next ones in the series and more by this author.
Highly recommended.
January 21, 2021
In a bid to halt the fighting between border neighbour Lords Draven and Hugh the king Henry Plantagenet orders Hugh to hand over his most precious possession into Draven’s care his youngest daughter Emily.
In return, he is to offer a vow that on his own honour he will keep his enemies daughter safe.
Emily is to be Draven de Montague the Earl of Ravenswood guest for the period of a year and as the king's ward and with his name as protection Emily leaves behind the only home she has ever known to reside under Draven’s roof.
So Emily is a pragmatic sort and sees this as an opportunity to secure her freedom away from her father whom she loves but also finds far to overprotective.
She wants husband and children but her father scared of losing her has sworn that she is never to wed.
Emily plans to secure herself a future by her own hand now she just needs to entice the Earl to make a move and offer for her.
Draven is rough around the edges he is a solemn soul with a dark past, All he has known is war and violence and he’s sworn never to wed.
He believes his temper is a curse and that he will damage any under his care proving himself his father's son.
His home itself is initially quite basic providing the essentials but lacking any comfort.
He’s more at home on a battlefield than behind its walls so he is not prepared to host the lady Emily.
But against all of these odds, he is instantly drawn to Emily and has to fight against his own nature that longs to claim her for his own.
Emily is relentless and plans to wear Draven down and the more she learns the more she likes what she sees.
Getting brief glimpses beneath Draven’s mask right to the heart of the man underneath, a heart he proclaims not to have only fortifies her determination.
This was excellently written and my second read-through of this, it reminded me of everything I love about this particular genre taking me right back to my roots.
I used to read a historical romance by the bucketload and I enjoyed this just as much as I did when I first read it years ago.
This is definitely one of the better examples out there for sure.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 5, 2016
There's no getting around it - simply put, I did not like this book.
It's all about the characters for me when it comes to books. It used to be about the story but after reading for years any romance book I could get my hands on like there's no tomorrow I can honestly say I've seen it all in this genre. Maybe this is an overstatement, but it's definitely hard for a book to suprise me - and that's okay. Like I said it's all about the characters now.
I'm sorry to say that there was no interesting trait about the two MCs. I finished the book 4 days ago and I can't even remember their names. They were complete caricatures IMO.
Unfortunately, the writing was not great either. I hate to criticize a writer's style as I know how much effort they put into writing a book. I'm not skilled enough to write a book myself so I really don't want to undermine any writer's work, but here are a couple of examples:
""Something came up." Aye, and it had been up since the moment he met the little minx and her teasing ways."
"Emily sighed and looked to Simon. "Your brother is a hard man."
Draven choked on his wine.
She frowned. "Milord, are you all right?" she asked, pounding her hand on his back.
"Fine," Draven said, then he shrugged off her touch. "Your choice of words just caught me offguard.""
""Where are you taking me?"
"Wherever and as many times as it suits me to.""
Let me remind you at this point that this is a medieval romance and the hero is talking to a maiden. I'm not too stict about historical accuracy, but I have to draw a line somewhere.
I've heard good things about the third book in the series. I'm wondering, is it really worth going on with the series?
P.S. I am sick of all these oversexualised romances out there. Lust is definitely part of love, but it's not the only thing. Lusting after somebody isn't the same as loving them.
It's all about the characters for me when it comes to books. It used to be about the story but after reading for years any romance book I could get my hands on like there's no tomorrow I can honestly say I've seen it all in this genre. Maybe this is an overstatement, but it's definitely hard for a book to suprise me - and that's okay. Like I said it's all about the characters now.
I'm sorry to say that there was no interesting trait about the two MCs. I finished the book 4 days ago and I can't even remember their names. They were complete caricatures IMO.
Unfortunately, the writing was not great either. I hate to criticize a writer's style as I know how much effort they put into writing a book. I'm not skilled enough to write a book myself so I really don't want to undermine any writer's work, but here are a couple of examples:
""Something came up." Aye, and it had been up since the moment he met the little minx and her teasing ways."
"Emily sighed and looked to Simon. "Your brother is a hard man."
Draven choked on his wine.
She frowned. "Milord, are you all right?" she asked, pounding her hand on his back.
"Fine," Draven said, then he shrugged off her touch. "Your choice of words just caught me offguard.""
""Where are you taking me?"
"Wherever and as many times as it suits me to.""
Let me remind you at this point that this is a medieval romance and the hero is talking to a maiden. I'm not too stict about historical accuracy, but I have to draw a line somewhere.
I've heard good things about the third book in the series. I'm wondering, is it really worth going on with the series?
P.S. I am sick of all these oversexualised romances out there. Lust is definitely part of love, but it's not the only thing. Lusting after somebody isn't the same as loving them.
November 26, 2020
Geçen yine "bu ne şehvet bu celal" dediğimiz bir kitapla daha karşınızdayım.
Ama gerçekten yani...
Benim historicallarda sevdiğimin aksine fazla şehvetli. İlk görüşte şehvet.
Bi durun aq.
Aceleniz ne.
Olay şu, babasının aşırı korumacı tavrından hiç dışarı çıkmamış ve yaşı gelmiş (20), bebek sahip olmak isteyen arsız ve cesur bir bakire.
Babası gibi cani olduğunu düşünen, canavar diye anılan mıymıntı ve homurdak bir savaşçı bey.
Kızın babasıyla bizim savaşçı beyin bir davası var. İkisi de birbirini suçluyor saldırılar için. Kral da 'madem öyle ikinizin de en değerli şeyi diğerinin yanında olursa saldırmazdınız' deyip kızı bizim beyin himayesine veriyor, bizimkinin en kıymetli şeyi şerefi olduğu için de uygun bulunuyor bu durum.
İşte sonra ilk karşılaşma ve şehvet falan filan fişman.
Kız ben bu herifi alıcam al beni lağn diye kafaya koyyo.
Beyimiz de tadına bakmak istiyom ama bir yemin ettim ki dönemem dırırım diye ortalıkta dolanıyo.
Sonra daha çok şehvet ve celal ile entrikalar yumağı.
Bu ikisinin de celallenmesi tamamen fiziksel çekim ha. Her ne kadar adam kızın başka bir herifi tavukla kışkışladığını gördüğünde vurulduğunu söylese de- ki kız da işte gün geçtikçe adamın mert yüreğini vesaire.
Celal celaldir.
Nys.
Mesela bir klişe olarak bizim beyin şatosu ahır gibi adfasdf bitki yok, uşak yok, mobilya yok, temiz değil.
Kız pek tabii 'adam edicem burayı, seni edeceğim gibi' deyip (daha çok 'kral ben nasıl ağırlanıyorsam öyle ağırlayacaksın kızı' dedi bi kere tmm mı gibi çemkiriyor adfasdf) işveli işveli konuşuyo.
Sonra ona gerek kalmadan beyimiz her şeyi organize edicek adamı ayarlıyo.
Sorun şu, iki taraf da diğerinin kendisi için yaptığı şeyi tatlı tatlı övmüyo içinden.
Tamam dramaya gerek yok ve seks yok diye YA okuyamıyorum da biraz şefkat be...
Savaşçı bey fazla sakin aq şu an bok atıyorum ama ne ara manipülatif herodan başkasına bakmayan tip oldum ben de biliyom kdlfşsşşajsk
Her şeye rağmen fazlasıyla da komik ki bu iyi yanı.
Çeviri güzel.
Şefkatli bir barbar, korkunç ama romantik beklediğim aşikar ama yani historical okuyoz o kadar.
xoxoxo
iko
January 26, 2011
A fun escape, although I am getting terribly tired of the horrendously overused plot device of "he swore never to let a woman close to his heart again".
December 24, 2017
"Babanız sizden yeryüzündeki en narin kız olarak bahsetti."
"Babam genellikle hassasiyetimi abartır, lordum."
"Ama güzelliğinizi abartmamış." (Syf:60)
____________________
Çok güzel bir kitaptı.. ♥️
Emily'nin Draven'a olan aşkına, bağlılığına, onu ikna etme çabalarına, cesaretine ve sevecenliğine hayran kaldım. Draven, geçmişte yaşadığı problemler yüzünden kendini sadece savaşmaya programlanmış bir şövalye olarak görüyor. Onun dışında her şeyi boş ve anlamsız görüyor. Mal varlığı yerinde olsa da hiç bir lüksü yok. Gülmüyor, pek uyumuyor her an tetikte.. Bunda lanet babasının etkisi büyük tabi.. Draven'ın hikayesini okuduğumda üzülmemek elde değil. Hele bazı sahnelerde gözlerim doldu.
Emily ve kardeşleri ise annelerinin ölümünden sonra babalarının gözetiminde büyümüş, babaları onları gözünden sakınır bir halde büyütmüş. Haliyle sınırlı bir alanda yaşam sürmüşler. Ama bir gün yolları Lord Draven ile kesişince Emily bunu bir fırsata döndürmekte oldukça kararlı.
Emily'nin tek istediği kendi yuvasını kurup, bir aile olmak. Eh, Draven'ı görünce de eline bir fırsat geçmiş oluyor. İşin aslı öyle değil aslında.. İkisi de birbirlerini ilk gördükleri anda etkileniyorlar birbirlerinden. Draven ondan uzak durmaya çalışsa da Emily'nin onu ikna etme çabaları sonunda meyvesini veriyor.
Draven'in kahramanlığına ve cesaretine, fedakarlığına hayran kaldım. Ama Emily'nin hakkını yememek lazım. Hikayenin kilit noktası o. Ve Emily olmasaydı Draven geçmişin bağlı kalıp, kaybolup giderdi sanırım.
Yaa, cidden çok güzeldi. İkili arasındaki diyaloglar, didişmeleri, birbirlerine meydan okumaları, Draven'ın inadı ve Emily'nin aşkı çok güzeldi. Yazar, duyguları çok iyi hissettirmiş. Birbirlerini keşfetme çabalarını okumak hem güzel hem de keyif veren bir serüvendi. Emily'nin kararlı tavrından ödün vermemesi ve kitap boyunca çizgisini aşmaması yönüyle kalbimi çaldı. Kadın ne istediğini biliyor anlatabiliyor muyum? Hedefe kilitleniyor. Çok güzel seviyor. Daha ne olsun, yahu! ♥️
Sherrilyn Kenyon daha önce hiç okumadım ama Historical Romance türünde bu kadar iyiyse diğer kitaplarının da öyle olduğuna eminim. Kitabın son bölümü ise o kadar güzeldi ki.. Yüzümde aptal bir sırıtış ile bitirdim satırları. ♥️
Son olarak Historical Romance severlerin bu yazarı ve kitabı kesinlikle kaçırmaması gerektiğini düşünüyorum. ♥️
"Babam genellikle hassasiyetimi abartır, lordum."
"Ama güzelliğinizi abartmamış." (Syf:60)
____________________
Çok güzel bir kitaptı.. ♥️
Emily'nin Draven'a olan aşkına, bağlılığına, onu ikna etme çabalarına, cesaretine ve sevecenliğine hayran kaldım. Draven, geçmişte yaşadığı problemler yüzünden kendini sadece savaşmaya programlanmış bir şövalye olarak görüyor. Onun dışında her şeyi boş ve anlamsız görüyor. Mal varlığı yerinde olsa da hiç bir lüksü yok. Gülmüyor, pek uyumuyor her an tetikte.. Bunda lanet babasının etkisi büyük tabi.. Draven'ın hikayesini okuduğumda üzülmemek elde değil. Hele bazı sahnelerde gözlerim doldu.
Emily ve kardeşleri ise annelerinin ölümünden sonra babalarının gözetiminde büyümüş, babaları onları gözünden sakınır bir halde büyütmüş. Haliyle sınırlı bir alanda yaşam sürmüşler. Ama bir gün yolları Lord Draven ile kesişince Emily bunu bir fırsata döndürmekte oldukça kararlı.
Emily'nin tek istediği kendi yuvasını kurup, bir aile olmak. Eh, Draven'ı görünce de eline bir fırsat geçmiş oluyor. İşin aslı öyle değil aslında.. İkisi de birbirlerini ilk gördükleri anda etkileniyorlar birbirlerinden. Draven ondan uzak durmaya çalışsa da Emily'nin onu ikna etme çabaları sonunda meyvesini veriyor.
Draven'in kahramanlığına ve cesaretine, fedakarlığına hayran kaldım. Ama Emily'nin hakkını yememek lazım. Hikayenin kilit noktası o. Ve Emily olmasaydı Draven geçmişin bağlı kalıp, kaybolup giderdi sanırım.
Yaa, cidden çok güzeldi. İkili arasındaki diyaloglar, didişmeleri, birbirlerine meydan okumaları, Draven'ın inadı ve Emily'nin aşkı çok güzeldi. Yazar, duyguları çok iyi hissettirmiş. Birbirlerini keşfetme çabalarını okumak hem güzel hem de keyif veren bir serüvendi. Emily'nin kararlı tavrından ödün vermemesi ve kitap boyunca çizgisini aşmaması yönüyle kalbimi çaldı. Kadın ne istediğini biliyor anlatabiliyor muyum? Hedefe kilitleniyor. Çok güzel seviyor. Daha ne olsun, yahu! ♥️
Sherrilyn Kenyon daha önce hiç okumadım ama Historical Romance türünde bu kadar iyiyse diğer kitaplarının da öyle olduğuna eminim. Kitabın son bölümü ise o kadar güzeldi ki.. Yüzümde aptal bir sırıtış ile bitirdim satırları. ♥️
Son olarak Historical Romance severlerin bu yazarı ve kitabı kesinlikle kaçırmaması gerektiğini düşünüyorum. ♥️
May 27, 2024
I was hoping for more of an enemies-to-lovers romance, but the heroine decides almost immediately that she's going to marry the hero, the hero is attracted to her, so there was not a lot of animosity or (sexual) tension for me. Hero has daddy issues, believing that he'll get angry enough and kill someone like his dad did, so he resists marriage. The heroine pursues the hero, which is a plus for the book. She tries to make him laugh by telling jokes she heard from a jester. Those were kind of fun to read about.
Overall, I was disappointed that there was no animosity and tension between the H/h, so 2 stars.
Content Warning:
I don't usually provide these but I feel that I should because even I was surprised. These are the ones I can remember.
Overall, I was disappointed that there was no animosity and tension between the H/h, so 2 stars.
Content Warning:
I don't usually provide these but I feel that I should because even I was surprised. These are the ones I can remember.
June 7, 2021
Emily has been made to live with Draven as his ward, by king Henry. Who wants to stop a feud between Emily father and Draven.
Emily want Draven for a husband. This was a nice story, with plenty of humour and I liked both H & h .
Emily want Draven for a husband. This was a nice story, with plenty of humour and I liked both H & h .
November 29, 2018
Me ha parecido muy muy flojo.
Al principio me aburría y me parecía soso y lento, y despues se soluciona todo demasiado facil y el final ni te lo esperas de lo rapido que es ....
No lo recomiendo.
Al principio me aburría y me parecía soso y lento, y despues se soluciona todo demasiado facil y el final ni te lo esperas de lo rapido que es ....
No lo recomiendo.
June 12, 2012
This is the first book by Kinley MacGregor I have ever read! I fall in love with the story, I loved Draven and Emily. I love the way the story flow that keeps me hooked. I loved the epilogue, it's make me sad to see this story end. I just want more and more.
It's a must read to those who loved Highlander and medieval story.
** SK, I love you but I love you more as Kinley MacGregor
**
It's a must read to those who loved Highlander and medieval story.
** SK, I love you but I love you more as Kinley MacGregor
**
August 7, 2018
Okuması çok keyifliydi. Kahkaha attığım çok fazla yer oldu :D
Emily'nin kararlılığı, Draven'in eskiden yaşadığı şeylerin sonrasında hayatını nasıl etkilediği beni de çok etkiledi. Ha bir de birbirlerine karşı duydukları arzudan sebep kendime gelemedim bir süre gjdklhsh
Önlerinde birçok zorluk olmasına rağmen neyse ki mutluluğu buldular.
Emily'nin kararlılığı, Draven'in eskiden yaşadığı şeylerin sonrasında hayatını nasıl etkilediği beni de çok etkiledi. Ha bir de birbirlerine karşı duydukları arzudan sebep kendime gelemedim bir süre gjdklhsh
Önlerinde birçok zorluk olmasına rağmen neyse ki mutluluğu buldular.
July 9, 2018
Ne istediğini bilen ve açıkça ifade eden kadın karakter mi? Allah'ım bu bir mucize...
June 4, 2019
Wow. I'm almost speechless.
This book had all of my favorite things. A brooding hero who might have to resist yet you absolutely know without a doubt that he's so into the heroine and it's a noble reason he stays away..
But to balance that angst we have a feisty, head strong heroine that knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it.
Draven was a man who left his heart on the floor of his childhood home long ago. He was determined to never let anyone close.
Emily was a spoiled girl, yet she had the biggest heart. She saw the good in others and just loved people. She knew Draven was for her immediately and that was that.
So much slow burn passion. Secondary characters that just lept off the page.
An epilogue that has me sighing in bliss.
This is definitely a #TopFav
Now I am going check out the rest of the series.
This book had all of my favorite things. A brooding hero who might have to resist yet you absolutely know without a doubt that he's so into the heroine and it's a noble reason he stays away..
But to balance that angst we have a feisty, head strong heroine that knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it.
Draven was a man who left his heart on the floor of his childhood home long ago. He was determined to never let anyone close.
Emily was a spoiled girl, yet she had the biggest heart. She saw the good in others and just loved people. She knew Draven was for her immediately and that was that.
So much slow burn passion. Secondary characters that just lept off the page.
An epilogue that has me sighing in bliss.
This is definitely a #TopFav
Now I am going check out the rest of the series.
July 15, 2021
I didn't know that this Sherrilyn Kenyon, but I am glad that I found this series because it was good!
The Earl of Ravenswood, Draven de Montague and his arch nemesis Earl Hugh Kensington were at constantly accusing the other of attacks on their land as well as other nefarious deeds. King Henry was so concerned of an all out war that he insisted that they form a truce of sorts. The King insisted that Draven hosts Hugh's daughter Emily as a guest in his keep for a year. King Henry knew that Hugh adored his daughters so much that he would not allow an attack on Ravenswood because he would never risk his daughter getting hurt in any way. I also wonder if the King suspected that the Earl of Ravenswood would be unable to resist the feisty and intelligent Emily.
Emily was so tired of her over protective dad, that she schemed to get Draven to marry her so that her 1year of freedom from her father's overprotective guidance could turn into a forever freedom. The only problem was that Draven was wholly uninterested in marriage and certainly not to the daughter of his nemesis. But Emily was determined to win Draven and thus win her freedom to live!
Buckle up because Emily was a hoot. I mean she had some of the lamest jokes ever but I applaud her for her efforts. I really liked her, her maid Alice, Draven and his brother Simon. This is definitely a Sherrilyn Kenyon-ish story. There was angst, some sexy times and some good characters. I am excited to try the other audiobooks in this series
The Earl of Ravenswood, Draven de Montague and his arch nemesis Earl Hugh Kensington were at constantly accusing the other of attacks on their land as well as other nefarious deeds. King Henry was so concerned of an all out war that he insisted that they form a truce of sorts. The King insisted that Draven hosts Hugh's daughter Emily as a guest in his keep for a year. King Henry knew that Hugh adored his daughters so much that he would not allow an attack on Ravenswood because he would never risk his daughter getting hurt in any way. I also wonder if the King suspected that the Earl of Ravenswood would be unable to resist the feisty and intelligent Emily.
Emily was so tired of her over protective dad, that she schemed to get Draven to marry her so that her 1year of freedom from her father's overprotective guidance could turn into a forever freedom. The only problem was that Draven was wholly uninterested in marriage and certainly not to the daughter of his nemesis. But Emily was determined to win Draven and thus win her freedom to live!
Buckle up because Emily was a hoot. I mean she had some of the lamest jokes ever but I applaud her for her efforts. I really liked her, her maid Alice, Draven and his brother Simon. This is definitely a Sherrilyn Kenyon-ish story. There was angst, some sexy times and some good characters. I am excited to try the other audiobooks in this series
December 27, 2017
Draven ne nazlandın be :D
August 18, 2022
Cute, likable main characters and solid enough development.
However, the characterization was a little superficial and the plot was generic. Again, one of those that had I read it years ago, it probably would have had a bigger impact for me.
However, the characterization was a little superficial and the plot was generic. Again, one of those that had I read it years ago, it probably would have had a bigger impact for me.
October 9, 2008
First let me admit a bias: I don’t like Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series. I’ve tried it, don’t like it. So, when I realized that Kinley Macgregor was Sherrilyn Kenyon, well, I was peeved. Now, with that in mind, I have to say I liked the book. It was good.
The basic set up is that Emily, the female protagonist, is forced to live with Draven (Yes, I know, the names scream 1990’s, but go with it) to stop the fighting between their two families. It’s a cliché, but Kinley Macgregor aka Sherrilyn Kenyon makes it work. For one thing, King Henry doesn’t make them marry, in fact Draven has promised not touch her in anger or lust which make it a bit difficult for Emily who has decided that she wants to marry him. Emily has been overprotected all her life so when she is made a ward of King Henry and sent off with Draven, she, very practically, knows that this is her one chance to marry and leave her father’s care. The situation puts Emily in the position of doing the perusing and Draven doing the maidenly fleeing. I think this makes Emily the Master of Desire.
One of the really clever things Kinley Macgregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon does in the book is use Emily’s father to explain why a 22 year old woman in the middle ages has never been married - which is good, because, really, I don’t want to read about 14 and 15 year old girls getting married. Eeew. With the characters of Emily’s sister and friend, the author also makes it clear that Emily’s situation is unusual. For example, Emily has a young friend, Christina, who is married to a widower with children older than she. As for Emily’s sister, it is very clear that her fiancé is more interested in her dower properties than herself. It’s a nice way to make the point that most marriage of the time were not for love but rather for political reasons or property/wealth, adding some realism, without losing the light tone of the novel.
Good relationship building, good plotting, bad names, and believable characters - somehow I ended up liking the book despite myself.
The basic set up is that Emily, the female protagonist, is forced to live with Draven (Yes, I know, the names scream 1990’s, but go with it) to stop the fighting between their two families. It’s a cliché, but Kinley Macgregor aka Sherrilyn Kenyon makes it work. For one thing, King Henry doesn’t make them marry, in fact Draven has promised not touch her in anger or lust which make it a bit difficult for Emily who has decided that she wants to marry him. Emily has been overprotected all her life so when she is made a ward of King Henry and sent off with Draven, she, very practically, knows that this is her one chance to marry and leave her father’s care. The situation puts Emily in the position of doing the perusing and Draven doing the maidenly fleeing. I think this makes Emily the Master of Desire.
One of the really clever things Kinley Macgregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon does in the book is use Emily’s father to explain why a 22 year old woman in the middle ages has never been married - which is good, because, really, I don’t want to read about 14 and 15 year old girls getting married. Eeew. With the characters of Emily’s sister and friend, the author also makes it clear that Emily’s situation is unusual. For example, Emily has a young friend, Christina, who is married to a widower with children older than she. As for Emily’s sister, it is very clear that her fiancé is more interested in her dower properties than herself. It’s a nice way to make the point that most marriage of the time were not for love but rather for political reasons or property/wealth, adding some realism, without losing the light tone of the novel.
Good relationship building, good plotting, bad names, and believable characters - somehow I ended up liking the book despite myself.
December 23, 2015
I don't know what to say about this book. It was really boring. Draven, the dark warrior, and Emily, the fair maiden, they were not supposed to love each other but they did, yada yada yada. What can I say? I have read many books with similar plots. Honestly there is litte new under the sun. I don't mind some cliche. But this was not a successful use of cliches.
Maybe it is me being in a rather unromantic phase right now. I can't seem to feel the chemistry in any romances I have read recently. Draven and Emily bored me. I did not like Emily so much, didn't really find anything special about her. I just know that she wanted to leave her father's hall and somehow Draven became her prime target for a husband. Draven is just the usual warrior hero, no surprise here. He was supposed to be "cursed" with a horrible temper and somehow that was why he didn't think that he could find love with a woman. But then in the end this "curse" had absolutely no importance in the story. When they had sex finally I was thinking, what happened to the curse??
It is my theory that cliches are fine. It is how the writers use the cliches in their stories that make the difference. Master of Desire is not one of the success stories. And honestly, what master and what desire? The title has nothing to do with the book. But considering that this was a rather old book, I will let it pass. Overall, not recommended.
Maybe it is me being in a rather unromantic phase right now. I can't seem to feel the chemistry in any romances I have read recently. Draven and Emily bored me. I did not like Emily so much, didn't really find anything special about her. I just know that she wanted to leave her father's hall and somehow Draven became her prime target for a husband. Draven is just the usual warrior hero, no surprise here. He was supposed to be "cursed" with a horrible temper and somehow that was why he didn't think that he could find love with a woman. But then in the end this "curse" had absolutely no importance in the story. When they had sex finally I was thinking, what happened to the curse??
It is my theory that cliches are fine. It is how the writers use the cliches in their stories that make the difference. Master of Desire is not one of the success stories. And honestly, what master and what desire? The title has nothing to do with the book. But considering that this was a rather old book, I will let it pass. Overall, not recommended.
September 17, 2021
Un argumento simple, extremadamente estereotipado en el género y con una resolución de intrigas muy predecible. Sin embargo, el encanto de la novela viene indiscutiblemente de la mano de la autora que, a pesar de todo lo anterior, con un lenguaje fresco y desenfadado logra un producto literario buenísimo, entretenido y muy, pero muy enganchador, que te mantiene en sus páginas hasta que lo terminas.
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