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Warrior #3
Lady of Valor
An award-winning medieval romance from New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author Lara Adrian (originally published under the pen name Tina St. John).
~ Lady of Valor ~
Left a widow by her cruel husband’s death, Lady Emmalyn of Fallonmour is determined to control her own destiny, until her hard-won vows of independence are threatened by the mysterious warrior sent to protect her castle on order of the king. Emmalyn is now at the mercy of Sir Cabal, a feared knight known as Blackheart.
Skilled at war and hiding a tormented past, Cabal swears allegiance to no one but himself and his country. But once he meets Emmalyn, he finds his strength tested by this proud beauty who stirs his blood with desire, tempting him to defy his king and surrender his heart. . . .
~ Lady of Valor ~
Left a widow by her cruel husband’s death, Lady Emmalyn of Fallonmour is determined to control her own destiny, until her hard-won vows of independence are threatened by the mysterious warrior sent to protect her castle on order of the king. Emmalyn is now at the mercy of Sir Cabal, a feared knight known as Blackheart.
Skilled at war and hiding a tormented past, Cabal swears allegiance to no one but himself and his country. But once he meets Emmalyn, he finds his strength tested by this proud beauty who stirs his blood with desire, tempting him to defy his king and surrender his heart. . . .
320 pages, ebook
First published April 4, 2000
180 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Tina St. John
11 books158 followersPseudonym of Lara Adrian
A Michigan native and descendant of Mayflower passenger Governor William Bradford, Tina St. John makes her home in coastal New England with her husband, the inspiration for all her heroes and her most devoted fan. The couple are the caretakers of two rescued felines who have trained them to surrender treats, tuna, and belly rubs on command.
She quit a full-time corporate job to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. In 1995, Tina St. John sold her first completed manuscript, Lord of Vengeance, and has since gone on to pen several more acclaimed medieval romances. She was frightened of vampires as a child. Luckily, she has overcome this fear and uses that early fascination to drive her paranormal romance novels as Lara Adrian. Her stories mesh fear, sensuality, and power into vampire romance fantasy novels and today she is well-known for the popular Midnight Breed series. She believes that “vampires as heroes in romantic fiction…are the ultimate bad boy.” Her books have been licensed in over sixteen countries. She is also a RWA RITA finalist and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice award recipient.
A Michigan native and descendant of Mayflower passenger Governor William Bradford, Tina St. John makes her home in coastal New England with her husband, the inspiration for all her heroes and her most devoted fan. The couple are the caretakers of two rescued felines who have trained them to surrender treats, tuna, and belly rubs on command.
She quit a full-time corporate job to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. In 1995, Tina St. John sold her first completed manuscript, Lord of Vengeance, and has since gone on to pen several more acclaimed medieval romances. She was frightened of vampires as a child. Luckily, she has overcome this fear and uses that early fascination to drive her paranormal romance novels as Lara Adrian. Her stories mesh fear, sensuality, and power into vampire romance fantasy novels and today she is well-known for the popular Midnight Breed series. She believes that “vampires as heroes in romantic fiction…are the ultimate bad boy.” Her books have been licensed in over sixteen countries. She is also a RWA RITA finalist and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice award recipient.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 22, 2012
1st in her Warrior trilogy, a Moving Medieval Story, Rich in Historical Detail
This was my second medieval by St. John (Lord of Vengeance was the first), and I thought it an amazing read. She has a great medieval voice and has meticulously recreated life in 12th century England while drawing the reader in to a compelling story of a tortured hero and a lady trying to maintain her independence in a world that leaves women few choices.
Sir Cabal, known as “Blackheart,” the fiercest of King Richard’s warrior knights, is commanded to return to England from the Crusade to hold Fallonmour castle until the king can name a new lord and find a husband for the young widow, Lady Emmalyn. Cabal cares nothing for the assignment, but he is a dutiful knight so he goes. He is not prepared for the beauty that greets him. Lady Emmalyn is not sorry her cruel husband is dead. In the three years he’s been away the keep has thrived under her care. Now she dreads what this new guardian will mean for her people—and for herself.
The characters are richly drawn, the story convincing, the emotion real. Cabal is a hardened soldier with an ignoble past who lives with regret for his brutal life of killing though it is all he has ever known. He falls in love with the beautiful, tenderhearted Emmalyn, but knows he can never have her. She returns his love and tries desperately to convince him he is a worthy hero—just the kind of heroine we love—but to no avail.
The dowager Queen Eleanor is a character as well as her son, Richard the Lionheart, adding realism to the story.
I wholeheartedly recommend this one.
The Warrior trilogy:
LADY OF VALOR (2000)
WHITE LIONS LADY (2001)
BLACK LION’S BRIDE (2002)
The chronological order:
WHITE LIONS LADY (1179 and 1189)
BLACK LION’S BRIDE (1192)
LADY OF VALOR (1192, 1193)
This was my second medieval by St. John (Lord of Vengeance was the first), and I thought it an amazing read. She has a great medieval voice and has meticulously recreated life in 12th century England while drawing the reader in to a compelling story of a tortured hero and a lady trying to maintain her independence in a world that leaves women few choices.
Sir Cabal, known as “Blackheart,” the fiercest of King Richard’s warrior knights, is commanded to return to England from the Crusade to hold Fallonmour castle until the king can name a new lord and find a husband for the young widow, Lady Emmalyn. Cabal cares nothing for the assignment, but he is a dutiful knight so he goes. He is not prepared for the beauty that greets him. Lady Emmalyn is not sorry her cruel husband is dead. In the three years he’s been away the keep has thrived under her care. Now she dreads what this new guardian will mean for her people—and for herself.
The characters are richly drawn, the story convincing, the emotion real. Cabal is a hardened soldier with an ignoble past who lives with regret for his brutal life of killing though it is all he has ever known. He falls in love with the beautiful, tenderhearted Emmalyn, but knows he can never have her. She returns his love and tries desperately to convince him he is a worthy hero—just the kind of heroine we love—but to no avail.
The dowager Queen Eleanor is a character as well as her son, Richard the Lionheart, adding realism to the story.
I wholeheartedly recommend this one.
The Warrior trilogy:
LADY OF VALOR (2000)
WHITE LIONS LADY (2001)
BLACK LION’S BRIDE (2002)
The chronological order:
WHITE LIONS LADY (1179 and 1189)
BLACK LION’S BRIDE (1192)
LADY OF VALOR (1192, 1193)
February 7, 2017
"Quell'uomo, che lei avrebbe dovuto disprezzare, la stava stregando. Quel guerriero imponente, che aveva tutte le ragioni per farle paura, l’aveva sedotta, privandola della sua volontà e rendendola incapace di resistergli."
Si chiude con questo volume la trilogia storica della Adrian e devo dire che nel complesso sono rimasta più che soddisfatta! ^_^ Avevamo incontrato Cabal ed Emmalyn innamorati e sposati alla fine del secondo libro, e qui l'autrice ci da finalmente modo di conoscere la loro storia, la storia di come de nemici siamo arrivati dall'odio all'amore e di come questo amore abbia scacciato il gelo e l'oscurità nel cuore del cavaliere che tutti chiamavano, non a caso, Cuore Nero! Devo dire che ho preferito la seconda parte della storia, dove i ritmi si fanno più incalzanti (con il nemico che bussa alle porte...letteralmente XD) e la storia d'amore che prende il volo, mentre la prima parte è più lenta e in alcuni punti, lo ammetto, mi ha anche un poco annoiata XD Il rapporto tra Cabal ed Emmalyn comunque è ben costruito in un sapiente crescendo, anche se non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto qualche approfondimento sul passato matrimonio di Emmalyn, di cui abbiamo solo qualche accenno qua e la... Il finale è un po' frettoloso, non si capisce come il cattivo di turno (cacciato e non sconfitto) sia uscito di scena...e volevo sapere se il nuovo arrivato sarebbe stato un lei o un lui ahahah XD Comunque pollice in su, la Adrian è sempre la Adrian! *ç*
Si chiude con questo volume la trilogia storica della Adrian e devo dire che nel complesso sono rimasta più che soddisfatta! ^_^ Avevamo incontrato Cabal ed Emmalyn innamorati e sposati alla fine del secondo libro, e qui l'autrice ci da finalmente modo di conoscere la loro storia, la storia di come de nemici siamo arrivati dall'odio all'amore e di come questo amore abbia scacciato il gelo e l'oscurità nel cuore del cavaliere che tutti chiamavano, non a caso, Cuore Nero! Devo dire che ho preferito la seconda parte della storia, dove i ritmi si fanno più incalzanti (con il nemico che bussa alle porte...letteralmente XD) e la storia d'amore che prende il volo, mentre la prima parte è più lenta e in alcuni punti, lo ammetto, mi ha anche un poco annoiata XD Il rapporto tra Cabal ed Emmalyn comunque è ben costruito in un sapiente crescendo, anche se non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto qualche approfondimento sul passato matrimonio di Emmalyn, di cui abbiamo solo qualche accenno qua e la... Il finale è un po' frettoloso, non si capisce come il cattivo di turno (cacciato e non sconfitto) sia uscito di scena...e volevo sapere se il nuovo arrivato sarebbe stato un lei o un lui ahahah XD Comunque pollice in su, la Adrian è sempre la Adrian! *ç*
August 11, 2012
Cabal is a soldier and, as we learn in the early pages, a murderer. It's hard to feel too bad about the murder part, though, when his victim is a kiddie raper named Sir Garrett of Fallonmour. We're not too sorry to see Cabal's story--that Garrett picked the wrong kiddie this time--go unquestioned.
Cabal is the bastard son of a common entertainer and an unnamed nobleman who gave her his signet ring as a keepsake for her services, and told her that if she conceived, she was to name her son Cabal. When he was a young man, another noble raped and murdered his mum, and stole the ring. Cabal slit his throat. The deed brought him to the attention of King Henry, and it should be a clue (but somehow I missed it) that this common bastard wasn't drawn and quartered for killing a noble. Instead, he was inducted into Henry's army. He's been a soldier ever since, so he's not thrilled when now-King Richard taps him to go home to England and hold Fallonmour until the king can return and award it to one of his loyal nobles. Fallonmour has become a wealthy holding and Richard's concerned that it will fall to one of John's men before he can get home.
It's also Richard's intention to award the widow, Lady Emmalyn, to one of his nobles, and it's evidently assumed that it won't be the same noble who gains the holding. I was a bit surprised at this, because I thought that usually the widow and any children remained with the land. As is the case here, the lady was often very loved and very important to the community and it was simply convenient to award the lady to a new husband who would also be lord of the estate.
Anyhoo, Lady Emmalyn has come a long way from the girl who was completely cowed by her abusive husband. She's made good use of his absence to make the estate more profitable, and she loves "her folk" as much as they love her. So Cabal's arrival, with news of Garrett's demise, is met with considerable angst--and it isn't angst because the old lord is dead.
Cabal starts off being almost as much of a horse's arse as Garrett, ordering Emmalyn around like a servant, belittling the captain of the keep's guard, and generally endearing himself to all concerned. Emmalyn immediately petitions Queen Eleanor, hoping the woman will award HER the land in her son's absence, so she can get rid of this intruder, who apparently can treat her like crap on a stick and still get her lather up.
Cabal is brought up short, though, when he hears Emmalyn speak about the cruelty and evil of the Crusader known as Blackheart. Evidently word has gone around England of the villain's bloody exploits, and not many approve of them, even though the victims are just Saracens. This seems to soften him up a bit, and Emmalyn soon realizes that big, tough, macho men have their uses--and not just on the battlefield, where Cabal, even with a pitifully poor garrison of aging knights and serfs who can barely lift a sword, manages to hold the estate against a powerful usurper--for now.
The romance from there is inevitable. The author created a good situation in that there is just no way the bastard of a commoner could ever hope to be given the lady or the land, however much the king may have valued his services. There's a nice twist at the end, though, that makes the unworkable workable.
This one doesn't go on a "favorites" shelf, but it gets an extra half star just because it's Medieval, and even despite the fact that I am not so sure about Richard's plans for Emmalyn, I think the history in general was reasonably well-researched.
Cabal is the bastard son of a common entertainer and an unnamed nobleman who gave her his signet ring as a keepsake for her services, and told her that if she conceived, she was to name her son Cabal. When he was a young man, another noble raped and murdered his mum, and stole the ring. Cabal slit his throat. The deed brought him to the attention of King Henry, and it should be a clue (but somehow I missed it) that this common bastard wasn't drawn and quartered for killing a noble. Instead, he was inducted into Henry's army. He's been a soldier ever since, so he's not thrilled when now-King Richard taps him to go home to England and hold Fallonmour until the king can return and award it to one of his loyal nobles. Fallonmour has become a wealthy holding and Richard's concerned that it will fall to one of John's men before he can get home.
It's also Richard's intention to award the widow, Lady Emmalyn, to one of his nobles, and it's evidently assumed that it won't be the same noble who gains the holding. I was a bit surprised at this, because I thought that usually the widow and any children remained with the land. As is the case here, the lady was often very loved and very important to the community and it was simply convenient to award the lady to a new husband who would also be lord of the estate.
Anyhoo, Lady Emmalyn has come a long way from the girl who was completely cowed by her abusive husband. She's made good use of his absence to make the estate more profitable, and she loves "her folk" as much as they love her. So Cabal's arrival, with news of Garrett's demise, is met with considerable angst--and it isn't angst because the old lord is dead.
Cabal starts off being almost as much of a horse's arse as Garrett, ordering Emmalyn around like a servant, belittling the captain of the keep's guard, and generally endearing himself to all concerned. Emmalyn immediately petitions Queen Eleanor, hoping the woman will award HER the land in her son's absence, so she can get rid of this intruder, who apparently can treat her like crap on a stick and still get her lather up.
Cabal is brought up short, though, when he hears Emmalyn speak about the cruelty and evil of the Crusader known as Blackheart. Evidently word has gone around England of the villain's bloody exploits, and not many approve of them, even though the victims are just Saracens. This seems to soften him up a bit, and Emmalyn soon realizes that big, tough, macho men have their uses--and not just on the battlefield, where Cabal, even with a pitifully poor garrison of aging knights and serfs who can barely lift a sword, manages to hold the estate against a powerful usurper--for now.
The romance from there is inevitable. The author created a good situation in that there is just no way the bastard of a commoner could ever hope to be given the lady or the land, however much the king may have valued his services. There's a nice twist at the end, though, that makes the unworkable workable.
This one doesn't go on a "favorites" shelf, but it gets an extra half star just because it's Medieval, and even despite the fact that I am not so sure about Richard's plans for Emmalyn, I think the history in general was reasonably well-researched.
April 6, 2016
Historical romance was never a genre that I was totally interested in. When I read the first in this trilogy I fell in love with t and this story is no exception. The characters are interesting and have a depth to them that keeps you wanting more from them. The setting is perfect and seems mostly authentic to the period, though some things seem more modern than others. It does grab you and draw you in from the start if you have read the previous two books because you know something of the main character already.
Sir Cabal a.k.a. Blackheart is in Palestine with King Richard and has been keeping watch over Sir Garrett of Fallonmour for his liege. When he comes upon Sir Garrett about to do very adult things with a child he kills him and releases the child. When King Richard is informed he decides to dispatch him to Fallonmour to give the news to Garrett's widow as well of letting her know that the King will be finding her another husband and a new holder for Fallonmour.
Lady Emmalyn of Fallonmour is 20 years old and has enjoyed life while her husband has been away. She loves the land and the people of Fallonmour and considers it to be her home as she has worked very hard to bring more revenue in. To have this man come from the King and tell her not only will the holding be given to someone else, she is to be given to someone as if she is nothing more than chattel. Lady Emmalyn decides to fight back but things can always change the way you see life.
An enjoyable look into the past with good action, a nice love story, and a hero and heroine that you could not help but like. Each has been hurt in some way and are reluctant to trust, but they want to trust each other. Anyone who loves romance will like this!
Sir Cabal a.k.a. Blackheart is in Palestine with King Richard and has been keeping watch over Sir Garrett of Fallonmour for his liege. When he comes upon Sir Garrett about to do very adult things with a child he kills him and releases the child. When King Richard is informed he decides to dispatch him to Fallonmour to give the news to Garrett's widow as well of letting her know that the King will be finding her another husband and a new holder for Fallonmour.
Lady Emmalyn of Fallonmour is 20 years old and has enjoyed life while her husband has been away. She loves the land and the people of Fallonmour and considers it to be her home as she has worked very hard to bring more revenue in. To have this man come from the King and tell her not only will the holding be given to someone else, she is to be given to someone as if she is nothing more than chattel. Lady Emmalyn decides to fight back but things can always change the way you see life.
An enjoyable look into the past with good action, a nice love story, and a hero and heroine that you could not help but like. Each has been hurt in some way and are reluctant to trust, but they want to trust each other. Anyone who loves romance will like this!
June 24, 2018
Eccoci al terzo appuntamento con gli eroi e le eroine della serie medievale “Warrior” della Adrian: questa volta tocca a La Signora del Coraggio. Stavolta nel cupo castello di Fallonmour incontriamo Emmalyn, il cui destino di essere la moglie di un uomo violento, crudele e senza scrupoli, (come la media degli uomini dell’epoca doveva essere) cambia per mano della morte, che si porta via il marito.
Assistiamo alla dura lotta della donna per governare il maniero ereditato, e gli altri suoi possedimenti. Forte e coraggiosa, la donna non arretrerà di fronte al terribile inviato del re Giovanni, Sir Cabal, il quale ha il compito di controllare, e governare, le terre e il castello. Purtroppo, Emmalyn è solo una piccola donna e non ha gli stessi diritti dell’uomo.
Sarà l’inizio di numerose schermaglie tra i due, perché la giovane, che non è stata mai amata, proverà attrazione e ammirazione per quell’uomo duro e implacabile, che sembra provenire dall’inferno. Lui, dal canto suo, ammirerà sempre di più quella donna che il destino gli ha messo di fronte, fino a proteggere lei e il suo popolo da vecchi nemici senza scrupoli, e lasciandosi alle spalle un passato doloroso.
Appuntamento imperdibile, dunque, con le atmosfere dell’Adrian, con i suoi personaggi dalla psicologia fine e ben studiata, e soprattutto con scene di sesso hot al punto giusto, dove non mancherà l’immancabile lieto fine per i protagonisti e giusta punizione per i nemici. Non è un caso che questo libro abbia vinto un prestigioso premio come “Romance Storico”.
Emanuela - per RFS
Assistiamo alla dura lotta della donna per governare il maniero ereditato, e gli altri suoi possedimenti. Forte e coraggiosa, la donna non arretrerà di fronte al terribile inviato del re Giovanni, Sir Cabal, il quale ha il compito di controllare, e governare, le terre e il castello. Purtroppo, Emmalyn è solo una piccola donna e non ha gli stessi diritti dell’uomo.
Sarà l’inizio di numerose schermaglie tra i due, perché la giovane, che non è stata mai amata, proverà attrazione e ammirazione per quell’uomo duro e implacabile, che sembra provenire dall’inferno. Lui, dal canto suo, ammirerà sempre di più quella donna che il destino gli ha messo di fronte, fino a proteggere lei e il suo popolo da vecchi nemici senza scrupoli, e lasciandosi alle spalle un passato doloroso.
Appuntamento imperdibile, dunque, con le atmosfere dell’Adrian, con i suoi personaggi dalla psicologia fine e ben studiata, e soprattutto con scene di sesso hot al punto giusto, dove non mancherà l’immancabile lieto fine per i protagonisti e giusta punizione per i nemici. Non è un caso che questo libro abbia vinto un prestigioso premio come “Romance Storico”.
Emanuela - per RFS
June 11, 2016
Nachdem ich "Die Rache des Ritters" gelesen hatte, war für mich klar, dass ich auch dieses Buch lesen muss und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht. Zwar fand ich die Geschichte an sich wenig überraschend, aber dennoch wurde ich gut unterhalten.
Emmalyn ist eine anmutige Lady, die zu ihren Burgbewohnern gerecht und freundlich ist. Als sie erfährt, dass ihr gewalttätiger Mann in einer Schlacht umgekommen ist, kann sie ihre Freude nur schwer verbergen. Was sie nicht ahnt ist, dass nun andere Probleme auf sie zukommen werden. Da wäre zum Beispiel der Ritter Cabal, der von der attraktiven Emmalyn sofort fasziniert ist. Er soll die Burg beschützen und gewinnt schon bald das Herz der Lady.
Das Buch lässt sich wirklich fließend lesen und Lara Adrian (alias Tina St. John) hat es wieder mal geschafft mich mitzureißen.
Hauptsächlich dreht sich das Buch natürlich um die Liebesgeschichte, gespickt mit ein wenig Erotik. Etwas anderes sollte man auch nicht erwarten, wenn man das Buch liest. Für mich lief dennoch alles einfach zu glatt. Die Probleme tauchten auf und verschwanden auch einfach wieder viel zu schnell. Trotzdem hat mich "Der dunkle Ritter" gut unterhalten.
"Der dunkle Ritter" ist ein unterhaltsames, historisches Buch mit einer schönen Liebesgeschichte. Die Geschichte ist ein wenig vorhersehbar. daher hat mir das Vorgängerbuch "Die Rache des Ritters" ein bisschen besser gefallen.
Emmalyn ist eine anmutige Lady, die zu ihren Burgbewohnern gerecht und freundlich ist. Als sie erfährt, dass ihr gewalttätiger Mann in einer Schlacht umgekommen ist, kann sie ihre Freude nur schwer verbergen. Was sie nicht ahnt ist, dass nun andere Probleme auf sie zukommen werden. Da wäre zum Beispiel der Ritter Cabal, der von der attraktiven Emmalyn sofort fasziniert ist. Er soll die Burg beschützen und gewinnt schon bald das Herz der Lady.
Das Buch lässt sich wirklich fließend lesen und Lara Adrian (alias Tina St. John) hat es wieder mal geschafft mich mitzureißen.
Hauptsächlich dreht sich das Buch natürlich um die Liebesgeschichte, gespickt mit ein wenig Erotik. Etwas anderes sollte man auch nicht erwarten, wenn man das Buch liest. Für mich lief dennoch alles einfach zu glatt. Die Probleme tauchten auf und verschwanden auch einfach wieder viel zu schnell. Trotzdem hat mich "Der dunkle Ritter" gut unterhalten.
"Der dunkle Ritter" ist ein unterhaltsames, historisches Buch mit einer schönen Liebesgeschichte. Die Geschichte ist ein wenig vorhersehbar. daher hat mir das Vorgängerbuch "Die Rache des Ritters" ein bisschen besser gefallen.
October 17, 2019
Wonderful read! Loved both Emmalyn and Cabal. Both of their stories were painful yet each managed to build a life of accomplishment with the limitation they had. When they meet they are both challenged with a change to what the came to accept as they own personal destiny and both don't like it AT ALL. But once they realize what they can have together it's hard not to hope and dream for a chance at a true second chance.
We've met Cabal - or as most people know him as "Blackheart" - in the previous installment, he is one of King Richard's most loyal man. Yet Blackheart isn't as cold-hearted as everything conceive him to be, or maybe he just had enough of it all, maybe he has changed, even he can't really tell. What he does know, what he knew from a very early age - he is good at fighting, he is good at killing, he has what it takes and now that King Richard reached a treaty with the King of Thieves and he is leaving back to England his future is about to change (and he isn't thrilled..).
Near the time they leave back to England Garrett of Fallonmour is killed. Remember that guy (from the previous installment)? Yeah, he's a HUGE douche, no-one is going to miss him (literally!) but he does own a huge estate and King Richard doesn't want anyone grabbing it until he decides who it should belong to, so he assigns the man he can trust to - not one of the power hungry people around him and the kind to do exactly what he is told - Cabal.
When Cabal arrives at the Fallonmour estate he expects to find the meek wife (rather widow) of Garrett and the person he finds couldn't be more different. She is strong headed, but she is also smart and capable. In the 3 years Garrett was away she managed the estate beautifully, turning more profit than it used to through new venues. She is respected but also adored by everyone and one thing is for sure - she does NOT want anyone interfering with her hard work. Not him and not Garrett's brother - Hugh de Wardeaux - who has his eyes on Fallonmour as well... (He is also one of Prince John's men, trying to take down Richard's reign).
Emmalyn Fallonmour married young to a horrible abusive man but for the past 3 years she was finally free to become the woman she WANTS to be. With Garrett gone she spreads her wings and flies. She is truly happy in the place she made for herself, her only regret when Cabal comes with the news her husband is dead is the guilt of HOPING he dies never to return again. But she realizes it's far more complicated now. She LOVES her home in Fallonmour and not only because she worked hard to make it more prosperous but also because the people around her feel like a true family and she doesn't want to give them up. Yet it's not for her to decide. For now, Cabal is here, but once the King returns he would probably give the estate to whomever he feels like and marry her off to someone else. Cabal's arrival doesn't bring much promise and that's besides how infuriating he is.
Cabal and Emmalyn circle one around the other. At first in a sort of adversaries, but it doesn't take them long to realize they far more appreciate one another than dislike each other, and though they might have a sort of different agenda's it's not that different at the moment. As long as Cabal is there he can help secure the estate (as much as possible) and she can continue her work. Question is what happens next? She can try and use her connections to Queen Eleanor (Richard's mother) but it's not LAW like Richard's word and he is currently captured so until he returns she somehow needs to stay above water and just SURVIVE.
As they keep spending time together, they warm up to one another. The peaceful and familial environment Emmalyn created affects Cabal. Her kindness humbles him. The people around him and his interaction with them as well. He never had that. He never fit in before, his life as the son of an entertainer was on the streets. He never knew who his father and once his mother is killed his destiny brings him to the palace to train as a guard. Emmalyn doesn't know the man who came into her estate is the infamous "Blackheart", she sees the good in him (almost) from the start. Every sweet or rather thoughtful gesture he makes shows her a capable honorable man even if he himself can't see himself as such, especially because he KNOWS his past was FAR from what Emmalyn is seeing now. If you've read the previous installment, you've already seen for yourself he DOES have a heart. While he was extremely loyal to the King when he could make a decision it was FAIR not cruel.
Cabal tries to keep Emmalyn away but he fails miserably, he cares for her too much. But time is running short, Hugh is getting impatient, they don't have enough weapons OR men to yield them and while the promise of a Queen might be their best bet it won't stop Hugh from trying to take Fallonmour by force.
There's a lot going on in this one, and yet there are enough tender moments between these two. I loved that. This was a great conclusion to the series, though deep inside I feel like I wish there was a book about Jane. Who's Jane you wonder? The promiscuous maid.. There's a story to be told there FOR SURE. I would LOVE seeing her get her HEA, though I accept the fact she might be happiest jumping from one bed to the other - nothing wrong with that ;)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as well!
More Reviews HERE
We've met Cabal - or as most people know him as "Blackheart" - in the previous installment, he is one of King Richard's most loyal man. Yet Blackheart isn't as cold-hearted as everything conceive him to be, or maybe he just had enough of it all, maybe he has changed, even he can't really tell. What he does know, what he knew from a very early age - he is good at fighting, he is good at killing, he has what it takes and now that King Richard reached a treaty with the King of Thieves and he is leaving back to England his future is about to change (and he isn't thrilled..).
Near the time they leave back to England Garrett of Fallonmour is killed. Remember that guy (from the previous installment)? Yeah, he's a HUGE douche, no-one is going to miss him (literally!) but he does own a huge estate and King Richard doesn't want anyone grabbing it until he decides who it should belong to, so he assigns the man he can trust to - not one of the power hungry people around him and the kind to do exactly what he is told - Cabal.
When Cabal arrives at the Fallonmour estate he expects to find the meek wife (rather widow) of Garrett and the person he finds couldn't be more different. She is strong headed, but she is also smart and capable. In the 3 years Garrett was away she managed the estate beautifully, turning more profit than it used to through new venues. She is respected but also adored by everyone and one thing is for sure - she does NOT want anyone interfering with her hard work. Not him and not Garrett's brother - Hugh de Wardeaux - who has his eyes on Fallonmour as well... (He is also one of Prince John's men, trying to take down Richard's reign).
Emmalyn Fallonmour married young to a horrible abusive man but for the past 3 years she was finally free to become the woman she WANTS to be. With Garrett gone she spreads her wings and flies. She is truly happy in the place she made for herself, her only regret when Cabal comes with the news her husband is dead is the guilt of HOPING he dies never to return again. But she realizes it's far more complicated now. She LOVES her home in Fallonmour and not only because she worked hard to make it more prosperous but also because the people around her feel like a true family and she doesn't want to give them up. Yet it's not for her to decide. For now, Cabal is here, but once the King returns he would probably give the estate to whomever he feels like and marry her off to someone else. Cabal's arrival doesn't bring much promise and that's besides how infuriating he is.
Cabal and Emmalyn circle one around the other. At first in a sort of adversaries, but it doesn't take them long to realize they far more appreciate one another than dislike each other, and though they might have a sort of different agenda's it's not that different at the moment. As long as Cabal is there he can help secure the estate (as much as possible) and she can continue her work. Question is what happens next? She can try and use her connections to Queen Eleanor (Richard's mother) but it's not LAW like Richard's word and he is currently captured so until he returns she somehow needs to stay above water and just SURVIVE.
As they keep spending time together, they warm up to one another. The peaceful and familial environment Emmalyn created affects Cabal. Her kindness humbles him. The people around him and his interaction with them as well. He never had that. He never fit in before, his life as the son of an entertainer was on the streets. He never knew who his father and once his mother is killed his destiny brings him to the palace to train as a guard. Emmalyn doesn't know the man who came into her estate is the infamous "Blackheart", she sees the good in him (almost) from the start. Every sweet or rather thoughtful gesture he makes shows her a capable honorable man even if he himself can't see himself as such, especially because he KNOWS his past was FAR from what Emmalyn is seeing now. If you've read the previous installment, you've already seen for yourself he DOES have a heart. While he was extremely loyal to the King when he could make a decision it was FAIR not cruel.
Cabal tries to keep Emmalyn away but he fails miserably, he cares for her too much. But time is running short, Hugh is getting impatient, they don't have enough weapons OR men to yield them and while the promise of a Queen might be their best bet it won't stop Hugh from trying to take Fallonmour by force.
There's a lot going on in this one, and yet there are enough tender moments between these two. I loved that. This was a great conclusion to the series, though deep inside I feel like I wish there was a book about Jane. Who's Jane you wonder? The promiscuous maid.. There's a story to be told there FOR SURE. I would LOVE seeing her get her HEA, though I accept the fact she might be happiest jumping from one bed to the other - nothing wrong with that ;)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as well!
More Reviews HERE
September 16, 2013
Love a wounded hero and the heroine who gives him a soft place to land.
February 5, 2014
Great ending to this trilogy! Although, she could've dragged this on for 10 books and I would have read every single one! She's amazing!!
October 17, 2014
real enjoyable read
April 7, 2021
Oggi vi presento un romanzo che è frutto della penna di Lara Adrian, più conosciuta per la sua saga LA STIRPE DI MEZZANOTTE (che pur ho amato sinceramente), ma che prima di affrontare questo genere si era dedicata al romance storico con il nome di Tina St. John.
LA SIGNORA DEL CORAGGIO è il terzo volume della serie WARRIOR, ma pur essendo il libro finale di una trilogia si legge facilmente senza avvertire il bisogno di scoprire quello che è successo in precedenza. Siamo nel pieno Medioevo, in un'Inghilterra tiranneggiata da Re Giovanni, mentre Riccardo Cuor di Leone è in procinto di lasciare la Terra Santa, dove ha condotto le crociate, e poco prima che finisca prigioniero in Germania.
Il nostro eroe di turno è il feroce guerriero Cabal, un bastardo figlio di una teatrante e di un nobile, cresciuto e addestrato come soldato, grazie alla benevolenza di Re Enrico. Cabal si è guadagnato la fama di spietato guerriero, tanto da essere soprannominato Cuore Nero, le cui gesta sono arrivate anche in Inghilterra ed utilizzate per spaventare i bambini.
Quando Lady Emmalyn accoglie il crociato, inviatolo direttamente da Riccardo, con la notizia della morte del feroce marito Garrett, la donna ignora la sua vera identità ed in un primo momento accoglie l'uomo piuttosto diffidente, sicura che Sir Cabal porti solo guai e sconvolgimenti, soprattutto al fronte del fatto che il Re deciderà di darla in sposa a qualche suo nobile alleato per garantire la fedeltà di Fallonmour, la prospera proprietà che Emmalyn ha diretto con ottimi profitti durante la lunga assenza del marito.
Quando i due si incontrato ci sono subito scintille, dovute allo scontro di caratteri, ma anche ad una strana e forte attrazione mai provata prima da nessuno dei due. Emmalyn finisce per conquistare l'uomo anche per il suo coraggio e la sua determinazione, mentre Cabal l'aiuta ad affrontare anche un gruppo di ladri che minacciano la zona. Pian piano Emmalyn si rende conto che il guerriero che le è a fianco è un uomo che dietro la scorza dura provocata dagli orrori della guerra, nasconde un cuore nobile e generoso e se ne innamora perdutamente, pronta a tutto pur di conquistarsi il diritto di scegliere cosa fare della sua vita, anche a chiedere l'intervento della Regina Eleonora.
Ma Cabal nasconde nel suo animo un segreto terribile, legato alla morte di Garrett, ed il timore di perdere l'unica donna che lo ha trattato con amore e comprensione lo induce a tacere, mentre dentro di lui infuria una battaglia ancora più feroce, legata al suo senso di inferiorità dovuto ai rifiuti dell'infanzia e alla consapevolezza di non essere mai stato voluto dal suo vero padre, che malvagiamente gli ha dato un nome come Cabal. Le ferite di Cabal sono di quelle che l'amore sa curare e spetterà a Emmalyn il compito di trovare la formula per sconfiggere la sua diffidenza e convincerlo della profondità dei suoi sentimenti.
Il romanzo non presenta una trama particolarmente originale o articolata, ma la cura del mondo interiore dei personaggi finisce per riscattarla e regalarci una storia sincera, appassionante e passionale, con una scrittura sicura ed un fuoco travolgente che emerge dal racconto con forza. Peccato per il finale che sembra troppo rapido rispetto a tutto il percorso, risolvendo le vicende in poche pagine, quando tutto il resto aveva avuto uno spazio perfetto per permettere ad ogni emozione di svilupparsi, anche se non so fino a che punto la colpa possa essere attribuita alla Adrian o ad una decisione editoriale di far rientrare la storia in un certo numero di pagine. Nel complesso, comunque, il libro decisamente merita. Da riscoprire.
LA SIGNORA DEL CORAGGIO è il terzo volume della serie WARRIOR, ma pur essendo il libro finale di una trilogia si legge facilmente senza avvertire il bisogno di scoprire quello che è successo in precedenza. Siamo nel pieno Medioevo, in un'Inghilterra tiranneggiata da Re Giovanni, mentre Riccardo Cuor di Leone è in procinto di lasciare la Terra Santa, dove ha condotto le crociate, e poco prima che finisca prigioniero in Germania.
Il nostro eroe di turno è il feroce guerriero Cabal, un bastardo figlio di una teatrante e di un nobile, cresciuto e addestrato come soldato, grazie alla benevolenza di Re Enrico. Cabal si è guadagnato la fama di spietato guerriero, tanto da essere soprannominato Cuore Nero, le cui gesta sono arrivate anche in Inghilterra ed utilizzate per spaventare i bambini.
Quando Lady Emmalyn accoglie il crociato, inviatolo direttamente da Riccardo, con la notizia della morte del feroce marito Garrett, la donna ignora la sua vera identità ed in un primo momento accoglie l'uomo piuttosto diffidente, sicura che Sir Cabal porti solo guai e sconvolgimenti, soprattutto al fronte del fatto che il Re deciderà di darla in sposa a qualche suo nobile alleato per garantire la fedeltà di Fallonmour, la prospera proprietà che Emmalyn ha diretto con ottimi profitti durante la lunga assenza del marito.
Quando i due si incontrato ci sono subito scintille, dovute allo scontro di caratteri, ma anche ad una strana e forte attrazione mai provata prima da nessuno dei due. Emmalyn finisce per conquistare l'uomo anche per il suo coraggio e la sua determinazione, mentre Cabal l'aiuta ad affrontare anche un gruppo di ladri che minacciano la zona. Pian piano Emmalyn si rende conto che il guerriero che le è a fianco è un uomo che dietro la scorza dura provocata dagli orrori della guerra, nasconde un cuore nobile e generoso e se ne innamora perdutamente, pronta a tutto pur di conquistarsi il diritto di scegliere cosa fare della sua vita, anche a chiedere l'intervento della Regina Eleonora.
Ma Cabal nasconde nel suo animo un segreto terribile, legato alla morte di Garrett, ed il timore di perdere l'unica donna che lo ha trattato con amore e comprensione lo induce a tacere, mentre dentro di lui infuria una battaglia ancora più feroce, legata al suo senso di inferiorità dovuto ai rifiuti dell'infanzia e alla consapevolezza di non essere mai stato voluto dal suo vero padre, che malvagiamente gli ha dato un nome come Cabal. Le ferite di Cabal sono di quelle che l'amore sa curare e spetterà a Emmalyn il compito di trovare la formula per sconfiggere la sua diffidenza e convincerlo della profondità dei suoi sentimenti.
Il romanzo non presenta una trama particolarmente originale o articolata, ma la cura del mondo interiore dei personaggi finisce per riscattarla e regalarci una storia sincera, appassionante e passionale, con una scrittura sicura ed un fuoco travolgente che emerge dal racconto con forza. Peccato per il finale che sembra troppo rapido rispetto a tutto il percorso, risolvendo le vicende in poche pagine, quando tutto il resto aveva avuto uno spazio perfetto per permettere ad ogni emozione di svilupparsi, anche se non so fino a che punto la colpa possa essere attribuita alla Adrian o ad una decisione editoriale di far rientrare la storia in un certo numero di pagine. Nel complesso, comunque, il libro decisamente merita. Da riscoprire.
December 30, 2023
Edge of my seat trilogy
Not on my list of genre reading but oh my goodness. Book 1 was the hook. Medieval reading is a new one for me and I was not sure I was going to like or continue with it. But I have not been able to stop until book 3 was done.
Griffin and Isabel in book 1 stole my heart. I wanted so much for them to have everything together, when so much seemed to pull them apart. The ending had me in tears.
Book 2 was less pulling on the heart strings for me, although, I could not stop reading.
Then came book 3 and I was not able to get anything done until I finished reading to the end. On the edge of my seat is an understatement.
This is the first I have read of this author and not sure about her other books, really not a vampire reader so won't go there. But truly enjoyed this trilogy.
Not on my list of genre reading but oh my goodness. Book 1 was the hook. Medieval reading is a new one for me and I was not sure I was going to like or continue with it. But I have not been able to stop until book 3 was done.
Griffin and Isabel in book 1 stole my heart. I wanted so much for them to have everything together, when so much seemed to pull them apart. The ending had me in tears.
Book 2 was less pulling on the heart strings for me, although, I could not stop reading.
Then came book 3 and I was not able to get anything done until I finished reading to the end. On the edge of my seat is an understatement.
This is the first I have read of this author and not sure about her other books, really not a vampire reader so won't go there. But truly enjoyed this trilogy.
October 6, 2019
Wonderful addition
This book was a wonderful addition to the series. I was hoping Blackheart, Cabal, got his own book. This book was a page turner. I devoured it in one sitting. The characters, as in the previous books, were well-written and I liked them immediately. Emmalyn was the perfect woman to help Cabal let go of his darkness. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. My only complaint is that perhaps the story or epilogue could have been longer. I was hoping that Sebastian from book two might make an appearance.
This book was a wonderful addition to the series. I was hoping Blackheart, Cabal, got his own book. This book was a page turner. I devoured it in one sitting. The characters, as in the previous books, were well-written and I liked them immediately. Emmalyn was the perfect woman to help Cabal let go of his darkness. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. My only complaint is that perhaps the story or epilogue could have been longer. I was hoping that Sebastian from book two might make an appearance.
August 25, 2019
Excellent series read
All three in the series are excellent reads. The storyline is paced well and the characters stories make it difficult to put ďown the book. My one complaint with all the stories I have read so far by the author is dismissal of the happy ever after. We know from book two ending that they were together in front of the king but not if they had a boy or girl. A year after epilogue would be nice
All three in the series are excellent reads. The storyline is paced well and the characters stories make it difficult to put ďown the book. My one complaint with all the stories I have read so far by the author is dismissal of the happy ever after. We know from book two ending that they were together in front of the king but not if they had a boy or girl. A year after epilogue would be nice
November 9, 2023
Eine Roman gefüllt mit Feuer und Leidenschaft und einigen Zeitangaben aus dem Mittelalter.
Schade, dass man zum Schluss nicht liest, ob der Widersacher, der Schwager von der Lady, noch bestraft wird vom König.
Auch hätte man gerne noch erfahren.ob der König überhaupt noch am Leben ist und vom Feind freigelassen wurde und ob er die Entscheidungen seiner Mutter bestätigt hat.
Irgendwie ist mam enttäuscht, dass der Schluss dieser Roman so abgebrochen rüberkommt.
Schade, dass man zum Schluss nicht liest, ob der Widersacher, der Schwager von der Lady, noch bestraft wird vom König.
Auch hätte man gerne noch erfahren.ob der König überhaupt noch am Leben ist und vom Feind freigelassen wurde und ob er die Entscheidungen seiner Mutter bestätigt hat.
Irgendwie ist mam enttäuscht, dass der Schluss dieser Roman so abgebrochen rüberkommt.
June 14, 2019
Gripping story that had me from start to finish
Good story with livable characters. Great scenery and wonderful descriptions. The sub characters did their part and supported the main story line. Definitely a read for the keeper shelf
Good story with livable characters. Great scenery and wonderful descriptions. The sub characters did their part and supported the main story line. Definitely a read for the keeper shelf
August 7, 2019
AWESOME
Omg this book was sooo good! It was perfect! I read a lot and too often I am disappointed when I try a different writer, but this time I was really surprised and very pleased. I will have to check out more of her books and she may even make my favored author list!
Omg this book was sooo good! It was perfect! I read a lot and too often I am disappointed when I try a different writer, but this time I was really surprised and very pleased. I will have to check out more of her books and she may even make my favored author list!
July 6, 2021
History, romance & a kick ass heroine, it’s got it all!
I enjoyed every aspect of the story, found it hard to put down. I’ve now read the entire trilogy and am keen to find more.
I enjoyed every aspect of the story, found it hard to put down. I’ve now read the entire trilogy and am keen to find more.
December 4, 2021
This was my favourite of the three books in the warrior trilogy. Emmalyn was a kick ass heroine and I love Cabal it’s good sometime to settle in with a good historical romance. Everyone deserves to be loved. I’m looking forward to reading more by Lara I really enjoy her style of writing.
September 8, 2023
Skip the other books in this series and READ this one - super sweet and heart warming. I love these two, but for me this author is always missing a little something. I’m a huge Johanna Lindsey, Judith McNaught, and Julie Garwood fan so I’m expecting that level of good love story.
December 21, 2019
Very nice book. The characters were likeable but not perfect...which was preferable to the alternative. The writing was well done and i would recommend this book to others.
July 14, 2020
Love can succeed
Even the blackest of hearts can thaw when in love. Sometimes you just need someone to believe in you for you to believe in yourself.
Even the blackest of hearts can thaw when in love. Sometimes you just need someone to believe in you for you to believe in yourself.
June 3, 2012
4.5 Stars. I loved this one, I think even better than the first one in the series. The story starts out back in the Acalon with the the Holy War just ending and Richard preparing to make his return to England. The infamous Blackheart, who is darkly described in the second book, comes across a much disliked knight, also in the second book, committing a horrible act of violence. Cabal, the Blackheart is one of the most fear knights in the realm. Stories are told of his battles and carnage to children to keep them from misbehaving less their actions get notice from the soulless knight. And Cabal hates himself for it. But in the second book, you also learn there is so much more to him with on single act. This to me is a great character, and watching him shed this veneer find a bit of self forgiveness was cheer worthy. When he finds the origin of his name, and he comes undone, my heart went out to him. Emmalyn was also a wonderful character, all heart and compassion and equally damaged, but not beaten, and extremely headstrong. And throughout the book, she is unaware that he is the feared Blackheart, and is forever trying to protect him. Very sweet. Both characters, as well as the secondary characters, were very strong and yet nothing in the story conflicted or was there an occasion of characters out shining other. The love relationship moved a bit fast but it did have a sense of back-building too. You also know the outcome of the story from the last scene in the second book, but that didn't hinder the story at all. The flow was excellent and the story solid, well rounded and balanced, the aspects of history very well done. I absolutely loved how the women of the castle out foxed the invading garrison, uniting to free the captives and the villians not cowering but also uniting to fight back too. Whole hearted recommend of the entire series. I wish she would write more medievals, she has such a talent for them. The ebook was 740 pages and I read it in a day, I enjoyed it so much.
January 24, 2013
Kinder werden von ihm gewarnt, die wildesten Gerüchte ranken um ihn: „Blackheart“ der berüchtigtste und der grausamste unter Richards Kreuzrittern. Nach dem Tod eines Vasallen wird er vom König persönlich als Verwalter auf dessen Besitz Fallonmour eingesetzt. Nur widerwillig übernimmt er diese Aufgabe, ist doch das Schlachtfeld seine Heimat und er ein geborener Krieger. Doch was Cabal nicht ahnt, ist das er sich bald einem mächtigeren Gegner gegenübersieht, denn die junge, aber starrsinnige Witwe denkt gar nicht daran sich so ohne weiteres das Zepter aus der Hand nehmen zu lassen. Viel zu verbunden ist sie mit Fallonmour und den Menschen die dort leben, als das sie sich Vorschriften machen lässt. Dennoch ist da eine Anziehungskraft zwischen den beiden, der sie sich nicht sehr lang entziehen können und ihr schon bald erliegen. Aber der Frieden währt nicht lange, denn der Bruder des Verstorbenen beansprucht das Lehen für sich, notfalls mit Gewalt.
Ein schöner Schmachtroman, wenn auch zwei drei Ungereimtheiten mir hier und da aufgefallen sind. Aber das tut dem Lesevergnügen keinen Abbruch. Es ist alles dabei was man sich von solch einem Roman wünscht: eine starke, für ihre Zeit arg emanzipierte Frau, ein zum niederknien gutaussehender Held mit ner Menge Herz, finstere, zum Teil übelriechende Schurken und ein hinterhältiger Feind, der bereit ist über Leichen zu gehen und vor allem ein Happy End. Ein bisschen mehr Focus auf Cabals Vergangenheit hätte vielleicht nicht geschadet, dann wäre die Wandlung vom mordenden Schrecken Jerusalems zum liebevollen, aufmerksamen Ritter nachvollziehbarer gewesen. Dafür fand ich Emmalyn hervorragend gezeichnet. Nicht auf den Mund gefallen, aber auch nicht zu emanzipiert um sich dem strahlenden Helden zu verweigern. Und all das in Lara Adrians wundervoller Erzählweise. Ein schöner Liebesroman, für kitschige Stunden. Nicht mehr, aber auch nicht weniger
Ein schöner Schmachtroman, wenn auch zwei drei Ungereimtheiten mir hier und da aufgefallen sind. Aber das tut dem Lesevergnügen keinen Abbruch. Es ist alles dabei was man sich von solch einem Roman wünscht: eine starke, für ihre Zeit arg emanzipierte Frau, ein zum niederknien gutaussehender Held mit ner Menge Herz, finstere, zum Teil übelriechende Schurken und ein hinterhältiger Feind, der bereit ist über Leichen zu gehen und vor allem ein Happy End. Ein bisschen mehr Focus auf Cabals Vergangenheit hätte vielleicht nicht geschadet, dann wäre die Wandlung vom mordenden Schrecken Jerusalems zum liebevollen, aufmerksamen Ritter nachvollziehbarer gewesen. Dafür fand ich Emmalyn hervorragend gezeichnet. Nicht auf den Mund gefallen, aber auch nicht zu emanzipiert um sich dem strahlenden Helden zu verweigern. Und all das in Lara Adrians wundervoller Erzählweise. Ein schöner Liebesroman, für kitschige Stunden. Nicht mehr, aber auch nicht weniger
December 31, 2015
Lady Emmalyn of Fallonmour führt ihr Leben so wie sie will seit, ihr Mann dem König zu den Kreuzzügen gefolgt ist. Doch dann kommt ein Ritter und teilt den Tod ihres gewalttätigen Mannes mit und das er bis der König kommt die Burg und sie beschützen soll. Doch Lady Emmalyn hat die letzten Jahre ohne einen Mann die Burg geführt und hat nicht vor Sir Cabal die Burg ohne Kampf zu überlassen.
Er ist nix anderes als ein Ritter, ein ausgebildeter Mörder. Jetzt hat er die Chance ein Leben ohne seine Vergangenheit zu führen. Die er ergreift, man kann sein Leben ändern, wenn der Wille da ist bzw. wenn das Schicksal einen die Chance gibt. Die Geschichte, zeigt einem das man die Chance hat sich zu ändern und man immer die Chance hat. Lady Emmalyn wurde durch die Abwesenheit ihres Mannes zu einer starken Frau und bleibt das auch weiterhin. Man merkt das sie immer noch kämpft, doch schafft sie es immer noch diese starke Frau zu bleiben. Cabal ist ein Mann, der viel durchlebt hat und sich selbst nicht leiden kann und versucht durch eine Illusion ein anderer Mann zu sein. Doch Illusionen halten nicht lange. Die Wortgefechte zwischen Emmalyn und Cabal sind sehr spannend, witzig und tiefen Gefühlen. Als die Bedrohung für die Burg immer stärker ist steigt die Spannung und eine Wendung gibt dem ganzen etwas sehr fesselndes.
Er ist nix anderes als ein Ritter, ein ausgebildeter Mörder. Jetzt hat er die Chance ein Leben ohne seine Vergangenheit zu führen. Die er ergreift, man kann sein Leben ändern, wenn der Wille da ist bzw. wenn das Schicksal einen die Chance gibt. Die Geschichte, zeigt einem das man die Chance hat sich zu ändern und man immer die Chance hat. Lady Emmalyn wurde durch die Abwesenheit ihres Mannes zu einer starken Frau und bleibt das auch weiterhin. Man merkt das sie immer noch kämpft, doch schafft sie es immer noch diese starke Frau zu bleiben. Cabal ist ein Mann, der viel durchlebt hat und sich selbst nicht leiden kann und versucht durch eine Illusion ein anderer Mann zu sein. Doch Illusionen halten nicht lange. Die Wortgefechte zwischen Emmalyn und Cabal sind sehr spannend, witzig und tiefen Gefühlen. Als die Bedrohung für die Burg immer stärker ist steigt die Spannung und eine Wendung gibt dem ganzen etwas sehr fesselndes.
July 25, 2015
rating: 2.5
The premise is interesting. Cabal, the hero, is a stereotype, but a consistent character, whom I can empathize. But I wasn’t able to like Emmalyn as much. I can’t understand how a woman can be so insightful when it comes to business and so naive (associated with a high degree of stubbornness) as regards all other situations. This is a character who consistently puts herself in entirely avoidable danger –there were times when I just wanted to shake her...
Another problem I had with this story had to do with the plot. I think there were some historical inconsistencies, particularly in the freedom of movement that Emmalyn was allowed. However, one of my big questions was due to the timing of the sex scene. Who is the woman who chooses to have sex for the first time with a man hours after almost being raped? Even if she was saved by Cabal, how was she mentally available for it?
Finally, the end it seemed rushed and very little enlightening. What happened to Lord Hugh? How in medieval times, a commoner bastard can marry an aristocrat and keep her land? Nothing was explained, it was simply shown a happy ending.
Overall, it was an ok reading. The language is simple, but I confess I was slightly disappointed. I was expecting more.
The premise is interesting. Cabal, the hero, is a stereotype, but a consistent character, whom I can empathize. But I wasn’t able to like Emmalyn as much. I can’t understand how a woman can be so insightful when it comes to business and so naive (associated with a high degree of stubbornness) as regards all other situations. This is a character who consistently puts herself in entirely avoidable danger –there were times when I just wanted to shake her...
Another problem I had with this story had to do with the plot. I think there were some historical inconsistencies, particularly in the freedom of movement that Emmalyn was allowed. However, one of my big questions was due to the timing of the sex scene. Who is the woman who chooses to have sex for the first time with a man hours after almost being raped? Even if she was saved by Cabal, how was she mentally available for it?
Finally, the end it seemed rushed and very little enlightening. What happened to Lord Hugh? How in medieval times, a commoner bastard can marry an aristocrat and keep her land? Nothing was explained, it was simply shown a happy ending.
Overall, it was an ok reading. The language is simple, but I confess I was slightly disappointed. I was expecting more.
June 7, 2012
This is a fantastic book of harden warrior male turned to mush by the love and strong will of a beautiful widow fighting to keep her land and castle. As king richard's best and most lethal knight Sir Cabel is sent to ensure the safety of the castle from the family of the lord killed in the battle field.
This has 2 very powerful emotional characters that can't seem to get along yet secretly burn for each others touch, with such a strong willed lady and battle bruised knight there r twists and turns throughout which keep you wondering just who will win the battle of the wills.
Great love story and the background and detailed characters through out book help you emerse yourself in the old english world of lords and ladys.
i have loved all of lara's knight series and am wishfully hoping she has more to re-release in the not so distant future x
This has 2 very powerful emotional characters that can't seem to get along yet secretly burn for each others touch, with such a strong willed lady and battle bruised knight there r twists and turns throughout which keep you wondering just who will win the battle of the wills.
Great love story and the background and detailed characters through out book help you emerse yourself in the old english world of lords and ladys.
i have loved all of lara's knight series and am wishfully hoping she has more to re-release in the not so distant future x
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February 5, 2017I guerrieri della signora Adrian,siano essi vampiri o crociati sanguinari come in questo caso sono sempre degni di nota...un bel romance storico ambientato nel medioevo normanno.Da leggere..
September 6, 2012
Loving many of St. John's historical romance novels, I was looking forward to reading this book and seeing Blackheart's story. Much to my dismay, I was dissapointed w/ this story. Although it was a sweet story and a fun, easy read, it was only okay for me. I found I had a hard time getting into it, and thought the story dragged at times. Despite my misgivings, I would still recommend it to other fans of historical romance.
August 24, 2012
Finished! I did enjoy this novel and love the idea that a woman can make a man become his true self, but I had a hard time getting involved in the story. Some parts I started feeling whiplashed in and out of the romance. Until about the midway point, I was sure I wasn't going to like this novel in the end, but I was wrong! A huge ending to the many jarring turns.
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