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Sapphire - Book 2

Sapphire is one of four sisters named after the gems in daggers bought by their late mother in regards to a superstition. She has been betrothed to Lord Roe Sexton, a man she's never met. But when she goes to Rye to meet him, she's told he's dead, and she's married off to the evil baron instead. So she sneaks out in disguise not only to get away from her abusive husband, but to find the meaning of true love, stopping at a nearby pub in the process.

Lord Roe Sexton returns from war overseas after being away for over a year. Victorious and celebrating their success, he stops with the soldiers at a pub looking for a drink and a woman for the night. The one he chooses seems to be trying to tell him she's a lady, but he doesn't believe her since she's dressed like a whore.

A mistaken identity turns into a night of passion that neither of them will ever forget. But when Roe returns to his castle the next day to find his lover there and also married, things get very complicated. And when he exposes a ring of smugglers, Sapphire's life is endangered and one wrong move could bring about disastrous results for both of them.

Can a woman who was thrown into an abusive marriage with a man she despises find love and passion with the man she was truly meant to marry, or will greed and deceit keep them apart? Emotions as well as intrigue are taken to the limit in the second book of the Daughters of the Dagger Series - Sapphire.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2013

400 people are currently reading
277 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Rose

296 books1,286 followers



Elizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.

Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:

Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest

RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude

Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets

International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude

Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme

Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights

Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales

Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown

Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

And More!

Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:

Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!

Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.

Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.

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5 stars
188 (43%)
4 stars
117 (27%)
3 stars
81 (18%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
1 star
18 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Mela.
2,022 reviews269 followers
December 31, 2017
No. No. No.

I can forgive many things, especially in historical romances. For example, a writer can be not much accurate in historical background or use a modern language when there is a charming love story written in a captivating way. But there is the limit. [e.g. There was a stable-boy who spoke with a lady like she was his equal and, of all things, they spoke about sex. Give me a break!]

I really tried. After a few pages I thought: "give it a chance". But after about 20 percent I just couldn't read more.

[I took it for free on Amazon and I hoped it would entertain me a little. I am sorry it didn't.]
Profile Image for Larry.
3,052 reviews17 followers
February 16, 2024
A good story

This is the second book in this series and it is as good as the first. I enjoy reading about couples who have found their true love after a few hardships and learning about each other. The characters are interesting, the plot is straightforward, and the premise is getting the couple together and finding and stopping the smugglers. I do recommend this book.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,404 reviews234 followers
August 27, 2017
Oh these Amazon freebies--they seem to be hit or miss with me.

This book wasn't terrible, but it's not something I'm going to write home about either. Now granted I came to this book wanting a hero who was a bit domineering, so I sort of knew what I was getting myself into.

However. The heroine was a bit TSTL for me to enjoy. Her actions were just so rash and not thought out AT ALL, and I just could not put up with her sh*t sometimes.

"So she wouldn't tell Roe right now, she decided. But instead she would try to find a way to investigate this further herself." This was the heroine on why--after she just learned pertinent information about who is smuggling stolen wool out of town--she decides to NOT tell her fiance and go back to the place where she where her ex-husband most likely is waiting to kill her for being nosy!!

Also, there was this passage: "She ran to the solar that she alone occupied and flung herself onto the bed. Burying her face in her arms, all she could think of was home." And all I could picture was Ariel's tantrum.





Overall, there were some good dialogue scenes in this book. It was fairly engaging and kept me reading so there's that. Some of the wording (ie. nay, squire, handmaiden, solar, tho etc.) I wasn't used to because I don't really read medieval historicals, so it took me some time to get used to (except for "nay!". That one still cracks me up!!) I don't regret reading it, but I don't think that I'll be reading it again any time soon. Would I recommend it? I guess, if you want something full of fluff and absurdity. On a side note, there is cheating per se in this novel. I usually don't like cheating in my novels, but I made an exception with this one as her husband is a total asshole who is already cheating and beating her.
Profile Image for Tina.
840 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2017
Oh my goodness...this is bad. I DNF at around 50%. I rarely DNF books. There is no relationship development. It's just sleep together and suddenly feel love for the hero even with the girl's bitchy demands to get her out of her marriage. It's awkward flirting and stilted dialog. It's obvious plot line with no action and poor character development along with dialog and behaviors that are completely inappropriate to the time period.

Goodreads usually doesn't steer me so wrong (although there are exceptions...like Crossroads; thankfully that one is a more reasonable 3.7 rating now) but romance novels can be a crapshoot on whether I agree with the average rating. I pick these historical romance novels up as light fillers between heavier novels; but this one didn't let me relax and run with it because it was...just.so.awkward.

Narrator might not be bad...it's dang hard to tell given the material he's reading. I only paid $1.99 for the audio book component of this, but I'm gonna get that $2 back from Audible!
Profile Image for Jeanne Johnston.
1,592 reviews15 followers
June 14, 2017
She's an idiot (I kept getting Scarlett O'Hara vibes--spoiled conniving, foolhardy, oblivious) and he's not much better, the villains suck, the finale a bit pat, and the weirdest part is the obvious research into things like how a hunt worked (in great detail) yet the interactions between nobles and commoners was ridiculously not in keeping with the era. And damn, for a book that starts out with illicit sex,the whole thing was strangely sickeningly wholesome-ish.

If I'd had to put it down more than once, I probably wouldn't have picked it up again. Sad when "mercifully short" is the highest praise you can give. 🙄
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,111 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2017
Interesting story, but not totally plausible.

A good story line, but not the author's best. The dialogue seemed stilted and some scenarios were a little difficult to believe. The heroine made some very odd and strange choices making the story seem contrived.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,492 reviews46 followers
May 14, 2017
Interesting story

Publisher's Description:

Sapphire - Book 2

Sapphire is one of four sisters named after the gems in daggers bought by their late mother in regards to a superstition. She has been betrothed to Lord Roe Sexton, a man she's never met. But when she goes to Rye to meet him, she's told he's dead, and she's married off to the evil baron instead. So she sneaks out in disguise not only to get away from her abusive husband, but to find the meaning of true love, stopping at a nearby tavern in the process.

Lord Roe Sexton returns from war overseas after being away for over a year. Victorious and celebrating their success, he stops with the soldiers at a tavern looking for a drink and a woman for the night. The one he chooses seems to be trying to tell him she's a lady, but he doesn't believe her since she's dressed like a whore.

A mistaken identity turns into a night of passion that neither of them will ever forget. But when Roe returns to his castle the next day to find his lover there and also married, things get very complicated. And when he exposes a ring of smugglers, Sapphire's life is endangered and one wrong move could bring about disastrous results for both of them. 

Can a woman who was thrown into an abusive marriage with a man she despises, find love and passion with the man she was truly meant to marry, or will greed and deceit keep them apart? Emotions as well as intrigue are
taken to the limit in the second book of the Daughters of the Dagger Series - Sapphire.

My Thoughts:

I have read other books by this author that I thought were better written than this one. Although it was not a totally disappointing read, I do think it could have been better.
In this reader/reviewer's opinion it had a decidedly child-like fairytale feel to it.
I prefer a more adult themed reads.
It is well written in spite of it's nature so I gave this title 3.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book in addition to purchasing both the eBook and the Audible copy.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Scherry  at The Novel Lady.
303 reviews8 followers
June 4, 2017
I love stories with strong willed female protagonists. But there is a fine line between strong-willed and downright stupid. Sapphire crossed that line a few too many times, in my opinion. All in all, it was still a very good story. The romance was tingly and sometimes hot! I liked several of the characters and the story was fast moving and kept my interest.

The story starts off with Sapphire's much-older, overweight, balding husband claiming his husbandly rights. Fearing his fists, she submits. This was not the life Sapphire had planned. When she arrived in Rye, she had been informed that her betrothed, Lord Roe Sexton (whom she had not yet met), had been killed while off fighting in France for King Edward III. Instead, Roe's uncle married her off to this disgusting Baron from Lydd.

While trying to find solitude away from her horrible husband and at the same time experience a bit of life, Lady Sapphire covers herself with a cloak to hide her identity and gets her stable boy, Dugald to accompany her to the Bucket of Blood, a local tavern. When Dugald leaves to spend a few moments with his love, Erin, Sapphire is mistaken for a local whore by a knight who had entered the tavern. Although she tried to explain that she wasn't who he thought she was, she got caught up in the sight and touch of him... and the rest you will just have to read about!

Matters get more complicated when Lady Sapphire discovers the identity of her knight, and he discovers her identity as well. Then there is smuggling, sword fights and much, much more. The story is really good and the characters are great. If it weren't for Sapphire's stupidity at certain times with how she put herself and others in danger, I probably would have given this 5 stars.

I must compliment Elizabeth Roe on her intriguing story and her historical research. There are other books in this series, Sapphire being Book #2. Each book tells the story of each of four sisters. Although I did not read Book #1, Ruby, it did not take away from Book #2.
Profile Image for Thom Swennes.
1,822 reviews57 followers
May 19, 2017
Nineteen-year-old Lady Sapphire de Burgh has been trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage for the last two years. When she left her father’s home for Rye, she was promised to Lord Roe Sexton. Their marriage would help forge a stronger alliance between Blackpool and Rye. Upon her arrival, she is informed that her intended has been reported killed in France fighting for King Edward III, and she is now to marry Baron Walter Poussin from Lydd. Feeling it her duty to her father and the king, Sapphire reluctantly agrees. Baron Lydd is a fat and wasted man, more than twenty years Sapphire’s senior and was both crude and abusive from the moment of initial consummation. As an escape from her husband’s unwanted and abusive advances, Sapphire started escaping the castle in disguise and visiting the Bucket of Blood, a very disreputable tavern, frequented by sailors and local fishermen. Although she spent these occasional visits dressed in borrowed peasant clothes and cloaked in the shadows of the taproom, she felt alive with the danger and debauchery around her.
The inevitable happened when she was discovered by a couple of low-life patrons and manhandled. The fortuitous entrance of a handsome knight saved her from her attackers. The knight, in an unbelievable twist of fate, is Lord Roe Sexton, her original intended. After their first passionate encounter, a flame is lit that won’t be distinguished by an ill-fated and loveless marriage.

I find it extraordinary, that in a time of renowned chivalry, females are either classifies as ladies or whores (not having lived in the times, I can’t judge the accuracy of this). I like strong, intelligent, and assertive women that are fearless and occasionally reckless. Sapphire is all of these and more. She displays a passion and ardor that can suddenly increase from a quiescent flame to a raging inferno in the blink of an eye. Just enough mystery and intrigue is added to temper the rampant passions of timeless love.
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews73 followers
May 17, 2017
Sapphire (Daughters of the Dagger Series Book 2) by Elizabeth Rose is an intriguing Medieval Historical Romance.
"Sapphire is one of four sisters named after the gems in daggers bought by their late mother in regards to a superstition." It can be read as a stand alone, although, I feel readers will be get a better understanding of the story, if read in order.
"Sapphire" is well written with well developed, but complex characters. The plot is unique, complicated, and the back story is well written.
I found Sapphire and Roe's story to be intriguing, adventurous, with twists and turns and a few surprises along the way.
"Sapphire" has deceit, smuggling, an abusive husband, greed, adventure, mystery, betrayal, suspense, a bit of humor and of course, romance.
Readers will be introduced to a cast of characters, were some will capture your heart and others are just greedy, irresponsible and a definite villian.

Steady paced and well worth the time to read, in my humble opinion.
Strongly recommended to fans of Medieval romance, superstition, smugglers, villains and romance.
I enjoy Elizabeth Rose and her stories. She never disappoints me with her stories, her characters or her plots. "Sapphire" was a wonderful story. I enjoyed Roe and Sapphire's story and very much look forward to reading next of the sisters story.


Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,117 reviews13 followers
May 15, 2017
Sapphire is an exciting story filled with adventure, mystery, betrayal, suspense, and humor. Sapphire, our heroine, is feisty, outspoken, and fun. Her curiosity get her, and by the end of the story others, into a lot of trouble. Our hero is a knight returning from serving the king in France. He is tall, handsome, brooding, and doesn’t believe in superstition or true love, or so he thinks. He spends a great deal of his time and energy trying to protect the women in his life. Although he and Sapphire were supposed to be betrothed, Roe’s uncle gave her to a cruel baron. He claimed he thought Roe was dead and that it was a good alliance. Roe did not trust his uncle and stayed away and failed to communicate. He regrets that now and blames himself for what has happened. He would like to save Sapphire from her cruel circumstance, but doesn’t know how. In addition to all this, he discovers that someone is stealing wool and smuggling it out of the country. Can Roe find and stop the smuggling? Is there any way for Roe and Sapphire to be together? True love and a happily ever after might lie just beyond the baron’s secrets. Read this fast paced, enjoyable story to find the answers.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2021
Lord Roe Sexton- came back from war learning his uncle had his betrothed marry someone else
Lady Sapphire- when arrived to marry her betrothed was told he was dead and had to marry the cruel and ugly baron for alliances and family reasons.
I am glad that I muddled through the begining usually I don't read any books with cheating no matter how justified it may be. I still do I do believe that the scene wasn't necessary but I really enjoyed reading/listening to the rest of the story it was dramatic, romantic, eventful and the mysterious old hag in there as well. This story is well written and has unforgettable characters with a strong heroine who could be foolish at times, good thing she had loyal friends and an understanding Hero. They had great chemistry together and their story has a loving HEA.

Narrated by Stan Chandler- Who did a decent job telling the story but something about his reading rhythm seemed off and his voice animation didn't seem to be the same for per character. Just my opinion but I still will listen to his books starting with Amber. I do have both audio and kindle, I love going back and forth Listen while I exercise, clean and cook and read when I want to sit and relax.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,087 reviews87 followers
May 10, 2017
Lady Sapphire de Burgh is trapped in an abusive marriage. The man she should have wed was killed fighting for the Crown. She was told marriage to the Baron was needed to keep the peace.
Now she is lonely and wants to experience love.
Lord Roe Sexton makes a final stop on the way home after a long time at war. He and his men are celebrating a good drink and a bad woman is just what he needs.
There is a dangerous band of smugglers in the area. Just who is involved? Life in the thirteen hundreds was very difficult for the normal villagers especially if the overlords can't be trusted.
An action packed medieval romance with strong characters and a compelling story line that you won't be able to put down.
This is the second book in the series, but each book could be read alone.
I loved it.
Profile Image for Lori.
599 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2022
Sapphire, book two of Elizabeth Rose’s Daughters of the Dagger series, is a wonderful story of what true love with the right partner is all about. Sapphire has been betrothed to Lord Roe Sexton, a man she's never met. But when she goes to Rye to meet him, she's told he's dead and married off to the baron instead. Lord Roe Sexton returns from war overseas after being away for over a year. Victorious and celebrating their success, he stops with the soldiers at a tavern looking for a drink and a woman for the night. A chance encounter with Sapphire, the woman who was to have been his wife, leaves him yearning for more, and when he arrives home to find her married to the Baron, who is cruel and abusive, it’s more than he can stand.

This books is filled with danger, intrigue and more, and was a thrill to read! I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stan Chandler.
2,130 reviews37 followers
March 20, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this story and it was very good. Love the narrator. This story is about the second sister, Sapphire. She is betrothed to Lord Roe, but when she finds out he died in war, she is forced to marry an evil and abusive man. There is no love here and she sneaks out to find it. While she is at the pub, she is mistaken for a working girl and is taken by a man. Oh but this man is what she always wanted, but still tries to tell him that she is a Lady. When she goes back home, she finds out that Lord Roe has not died and he is the man she was with. Her life is now more complicated. What will happen now.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,047 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2017
Dreaming of true love her whole life, Sapphire finds herself forced into a marriage with a brutal, greedy man who ruts around. She is naive, superstitious, lacks common sense, recklessly putting herself in harms way for her warped sense of honor, ultimately endangering those she professes to love.
Roe our hero, has much to regret & is trying to set things right but is being thwarted by those he should be able to trust.
The story around the daggers & the significance is interesting.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,789 reviews26 followers
May 24, 2017
Sapphire is a quick read and part of a series, but does stand alone. There are several twists in this story and a lot of adventure. I enjoyed Sapphire and her strength to keep going. When she meets Roe, her original betrothed. Roe is determined to make her his, and they must overcome a few obstacles. Their journey kept me turning the pages.

I received a copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
March 31, 2019
This is a series, I am finding, that I cannot put down. The stories are dramatic and thrilling, as well as, heartwarming and romantic.
Sapphire, unlike her sister, Ruby, had no skills as far as weapons, but is persistently getting herself into spots that may cause her demise, or the deaths of her companions. Luckily, there is big hunky knight, willing to step in and act as her guardian.
Profile Image for Anne Blyth.
1,980 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2020
The daughters of the Dagger are prone to not following orders which leads them into all sorts of interesting or dangerous situations. Sapphire is no exception but luckily for her Roe Sexton is alive and well and he is desperately trying to keep her safe. A helping of intrigue and smuggling adds an extra dollop of action. If you enjoy romp through medieval times you will no doubt enjoy this story.
969 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2021
roe and Sapphire

Well written and a good story . wished their had been an epilogue but as a reader I seem to always want a little more. Roe shows up after fighting for the king and meets Sapphire in a tavern thinking she was a paid woman until he meets her at Castle Rye and finds out he was betrothed to her. everything works out in the end and she gets her dagger as a gift from her husband and they have their HEA.
191 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2024
true love

Sapphire has been bethored to roe but they think he has died, the Barron of Lynn marries her. He abusive to her. She dresses as a
Peasant and goes to an inn. Soldiers come in that night and one graves Sapphire and she tries to tell him she is a noble woman.
He makes love to her but the next day he meets here and finds out she is married to the Barrie.Sapphire gets herself into a lot of trouble
But in the end she finds her true love Roe.
Profile Image for AIDA A LORENZANA.
83 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2020
Daughters Of The Dagger Series , book 2 . I LOVE this one so far. 2nd born Sapphire is betroth to a horrible man for alliance. But true love will win the game. Sapphire gets a second chance in true love because of a dagger. .. deception, secrets love and most of all humor and a happily ever after. Page turner ..
995 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2023
Sapphire

Entertaining reading. Blackmail, betrayal, greed lead some to make even more poor decisions. Roe and Sapphire seem to be intelligent individuals but somehow even after having enough info she wants more and gets captured. He goes off to find her but takes none of his men with him.
Profile Image for Sandra Standefer.
413 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2017
I really enjoyed the story of Roe and Sapphire! This is a series about sisters but each is a stand alone. If you love a story that is romantic, fun and quick to read you will love this book. I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Bev Ross.
1,005 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2017
Awesome book !

I loved Sapphire! And Roe! I can't believe Henry and Baron Lydd and their plot to steal everything! Greedy! I'm glad he saved her and she got her dagger back!! Great book I can't wait to read the next one!
12.7k reviews189 followers
June 7, 2017
Excellent romance story. Sapphire is named after a gem just as her sisters are. She is supposed to get married, but when she arrives is told he died. Now she's supposed to marry a not so nice baron instead. Kept me totally reading until the end.
209 reviews
February 18, 2018
Loved It

Loved this second book in this series. Sapphire was a true spitfire! Her and Roe balanced each other. I have many read of Elizabeth's series and I'm off to get Amber's book! I recommend you read Elizabeth's books!
Profile Image for Sonya .
228 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2019
Sapphire and Roe

This is full of twists and turns and surprises! I loved it! Just when Sapphire thinks she's going to be married to one man she gets dumped off on another! That's only the beginning of her problems in the first of chapter 1!!
6 reviews
November 14, 2020
Sapphire, named for a jeweled dagger and is married to a brutal wife beater, who is greedy and evil. She went to the tavern so the stable boy could meet his love and because of the color of her cloak thought her a whore she taken upstairs to couple with Lord Roe who doesn't buy her story of her being there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JoAnna McGarvie.
81 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2021
The Daughters of the Dagger is such a fun , witty Series! I enjoy The uniquness and individuality of each sister and Sapphire's Story was no diffrent , This book can be read as a Stand alone , But I love that I am listening to the Series In Order :)
You wont want to miss this series !
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