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Langlinais #1
My Beloved
They call her the Langlinais Bride—though she's seen her husband only one time... on their wedding day, twelve years ago.
For years, naive, convent-bred Juliana dreaded being summoned to the side of the man she wed as a child so long ago. Now her husband, Sebastian, Earl of Langlinais, has become ensnared in his villainous brother's wicked plots—and has no choice but to turn to his virgin bride for help.
Juliana now finds herself face-to-face with a man so virile and so powerful that she's fascinated by him—just as he asks her to go against everything she holds true. Sebastian never counted on being enchanted by the beauty of this innocent angel he intended to keep as wife in name only—and he dares not reveal to her the secret reason why their love can never be . . .
For years, naive, convent-bred Juliana dreaded being summoned to the side of the man she wed as a child so long ago. Now her husband, Sebastian, Earl of Langlinais, has become ensnared in his villainous brother's wicked plots—and has no choice but to turn to his virgin bride for help.
Juliana now finds herself face-to-face with a man so virile and so powerful that she's fascinated by him—just as he asks her to go against everything she holds true. Sebastian never counted on being enchanted by the beauty of this innocent angel he intended to keep as wife in name only—and he dares not reveal to her the secret reason why their love can never be . . .
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
41 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ranney
100 books947 followersI’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)
I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.
Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 5, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
My Beloved by Karen Ranney was a classic medieval romance with a writing style that I
have missed so much over the years. Its definitely has a old school feel, and it is part of the Avon Romantic Treasures line, so if you loved that line of romances, you will have a good time with this one. Karen Ranney has always been such a fun author to read over the years and picking up this classic of hers, made me remember why I fell in love with her writing many years ago in the first place and man I miss reading historical's like this. Full of depth and emotion and drama and a great plot of mystery. This one definitely packs a punch, and yeah its not a perfect read but quite an enjoyable one.
It starts off with our hero and our heroine when they get married as children. Its an arranged marriage, and afterwards Sebastian has left to Europe to join in the wars and fighting and Juliana has been sent to the convent. Juliana has spent years in the convent, and barely remembers her husband. But now he has returned and wants her as his wife, but not in the ways that she expects or looks forward to. Sebastian had been imprisoned, and he hides a great secret that no one but his squire knows the truth....a truth that keeps him from being close to Juliana....the one woman he wishes he could show his love and affection. But their lives are in danger from the Templars who are after a treasure.
This is a slow burn romance that builds very gradually and nothing happens as far as sex scenes until the end of the book. Of course, once you understand Sebastian's secret, you can definitely see why they can't be intimate. (But of course, its Karen Ranney, so you just know it will happen) but I felt like sometimes it's nice to build up the sexual tension in the ways that Karen Ranney handles her books. I felt like the bedroom scenes in the end were so much more satisfying and sensual because you feel the build up more and more with each chapter. I loved seeing Sebastian and Juliana become really good friends and seeing emotional intimacy build stronger that eventually matches the physical intimacy between these two. There is a plot of danger and intrigue of course, which wasn't a super strong element, but a element that adds some intensity to the story line. I did feel that the romance was the primary focus which was so delightful. At times the story is slow going, but due to the set up of the story and the how story evolves....you can see why. But I did get a kick out of reading this one for sure. Highly recommend for historical romance lovers, especially those that love medieval era themes.
[foogallery id="58286"]
My Beloved by Karen Ranney was a classic medieval romance with a writing style that I
have missed so much over the years. Its definitely has a old school feel, and it is part of the Avon Romantic Treasures line, so if you loved that line of romances, you will have a good time with this one. Karen Ranney has always been such a fun author to read over the years and picking up this classic of hers, made me remember why I fell in love with her writing many years ago in the first place and man I miss reading historical's like this. Full of depth and emotion and drama and a great plot of mystery. This one definitely packs a punch, and yeah its not a perfect read but quite an enjoyable one.It starts off with our hero and our heroine when they get married as children. Its an arranged marriage, and afterwards Sebastian has left to Europe to join in the wars and fighting and Juliana has been sent to the convent. Juliana has spent years in the convent, and barely remembers her husband. But now he has returned and wants her as his wife, but not in the ways that she expects or looks forward to. Sebastian had been imprisoned, and he hides a great secret that no one but his squire knows the truth....a truth that keeps him from being close to Juliana....the one woman he wishes he could show his love and affection. But their lives are in danger from the Templars who are after a treasure.
Aristotle was once asked the definition of a friend. He answered that it was a single soul dwelling in two bodies. What is love? I think it is the same. Be my soul, my dearest Juliana.
This is a slow burn romance that builds very gradually and nothing happens as far as sex scenes until the end of the book. Of course, once you understand Sebastian's secret, you can definitely see why they can't be intimate. (But of course, its Karen Ranney, so you just know it will happen) but I felt like sometimes it's nice to build up the sexual tension in the ways that Karen Ranney handles her books. I felt like the bedroom scenes in the end were so much more satisfying and sensual because you feel the build up more and more with each chapter. I loved seeing Sebastian and Juliana become really good friends and seeing emotional intimacy build stronger that eventually matches the physical intimacy between these two. There is a plot of danger and intrigue of course, which wasn't a super strong element, but a element that adds some intensity to the story line. I did feel that the romance was the primary focus which was so delightful. At times the story is slow going, but due to the set up of the story and the how story evolves....you can see why. But I did get a kick out of reading this one for sure. Highly recommend for historical romance lovers, especially those that love medieval era themes.
[foogallery id="58286"]
November 7, 2019
My Beloved https://amzn.to/2WLirvw
I went with 5 stars for My Beloved
, not because the entire book was a 5-star read, but for the parts of it that were just that. I enjoyed the first 33% especially. The slow-building up of the relationship with the couple mainly talking with each other and learning about each other, even with Sebastian's constant pulling back and emotional restraint, was the kind of interaction that helps convince readers that a couple is falling is love. Their first sex scene, about 33% into the story, is not to be missed. I think the rest of the story would have rated 5-stars for me had there been more of the kinds of interactions presented in this first part. I expected them and kept reading to get to them, but they didn't happen, so the rating floated between 3 and 3.5 stars. What came after wasn't bad or even boring. I found it to be quite interesting. It just needed more romance added in there, especially since that is what kind of story this was labeled as being.
I did like the remainder of the book. I especially liked the way Sebastian's problem was resolved. The events leading up to this and after it rated 4 stars. The inclusions of information about the Templars and the wonderful details involving the nature of Juliana's talent provided the story with a nice depth. I just wish the romance and intimacy between Sebastian and Juliana had been explored more, as there were definitely ways in which it could have been.
The story is written in 3rd person, and, in addition to Sebastian's and Juliana's, there are several other points of view, which, for the most part, were necessary as opposed to distractions.
The sex scenes are explicit. The main ones come towards the end of the story.
June 19, 2018
4.5/5. Beautifully written, it is about the slow brewing love between the parties of an arranged marriage, one committed to many years earlier, when she was a 5 year old cheeky little girl and he only a youth. This boy became the earl of Langlinais who fought abroad for many years in the war of the Crusades. During this time, he was imprisoned and his freedom was engineered by his brother, who himself was entrenched in the Knights Templar movement. And so the freedom came with a price.
Sebastian, returned to his estate and proceeded to finally claim his forgotten bride, Juliana, who had been languishing in a convent all these years, married, yet an innocent. Her innocence status did not change in a hurry upon her move to live with her enigmatic husband, who remained withdrawn and at a physical arm's length from her. The love and sexual tension evolved at a painful rate as we slowly discovered the horrible secret that the earl had been trying to hide from his bride and the rest of the world. There's a bit of mystique and mythical underlying tones and a Ben Hur moment thrown in there also in between the Christian power struggle. The story died out a bit after their long awaited physical union, but the calibre of the writing was so good before that, I was willing to overlook the blah sort of ending. My first book by this author but not the last.
Sebastian, returned to his estate and proceeded to finally claim his forgotten bride, Juliana, who had been languishing in a convent all these years, married, yet an innocent. Her innocence status did not change in a hurry upon her move to live with her enigmatic husband, who remained withdrawn and at a physical arm's length from her. The love and sexual tension evolved at a painful rate as we slowly discovered the horrible secret that the earl had been trying to hide from his bride and the rest of the world. There's a bit of mystique and mythical underlying tones and a Ben Hur moment thrown in there also in between the Christian power struggle. The story died out a bit after their long awaited physical union, but the calibre of the writing was so good before that, I was willing to overlook the blah sort of ending. My first book by this author but not the last.
November 13, 2012
****Warning: This review is somewhat spoilery, (but I'm too lazy to add spoiler tags) so read at your own risk.****
I really liked the two-thirds. It was emotional and powerful, and almost made me cry in places, which is exceedingly rare. Things seemed pretty hopeless, as incurable diseases are not conducive to HEAs, and although I was pretty sure that his disease would not be what he thought it was, I was still interested in seeing how the author would deal with it.
And then comes the Miracle Cure™. And the whole story kind of fizzles out. The hero's cured, the Templars are done harassing them (or are they? Yes. They are. Despite frequent POV shifts to the brother.), and the hero and heroine are free to be in love and do whatever they want. For 100 pages. It was not that interesting.
And the cure itself was too miracle-y for me. The author implies in the afterword that he had something else and was misdiagnosed, and there were a bunch of changes leading up to the cure, but I would have liked to see something a bit more gradual. What did happen was he had sores when the Templars came, and then just a few days after they left, they were gone. Just like that.
So I'm giving the book four stars because I adored the beginning, but the end was disappointing. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could, but I'll round up.
I really liked the two-thirds. It was emotional and powerful, and almost made me cry in places, which is exceedingly rare. Things seemed pretty hopeless, as incurable diseases are not conducive to HEAs, and although I was pretty sure that his disease would not be what he thought it was, I was still interested in seeing how the author would deal with it.
And then comes the Miracle Cure™. And the whole story kind of fizzles out. The hero's cured, the Templars are done harassing them (or are they? Yes. They are. Despite frequent POV shifts to the brother.), and the hero and heroine are free to be in love and do whatever they want. For 100 pages. It was not that interesting.
And the cure itself was too miracle-y for me. The author implies in the afterword that he had something else and was misdiagnosed, and there were a bunch of changes leading up to the cure, but I would have liked to see something a bit more gradual. What did happen was he had sores when the Templars came, and then just a few days after they left, they were gone. Just like that.
So I'm giving the book four stars because I adored the beginning, but the end was disappointing. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could, but I'll round up.
May 15, 2009
Possibly the best book Karen Ranney has ever written, and definitely in the top 5 medieval romances I've ever read. Too few medievals really draw the reader into the period, and show the hardships & brutality of daily life. This one does so most convincingly. Sebastian is truly a tortured 13th Century hero, and has probably the mother of all dark secrets for this period in history. Unlike far too many other romance "dark secrets", when Sebastian's secret comes to light, the reader isn't left sitting there wondering why these people are letting such a silly little thing get in the way of their HEA - the situation really DOES look hopeless and completely beyond their control. I chewed a few nails and shed a few tears getting to the happy ending, but the payoff was well worth the wait. A keeper & VERY highly recommended.
Sensuality Rating: PG-13
Sensuality Rating: PG-13
June 7, 2024
Beautifully written. A magnificent medieval love story!
December 2, 2017
I really loved this. Never have I read a romance where the couple can't even touch for 3/4ths of the book. The emotional connection and chemistry were off the charts. I absolutely loved the heroine, and there is a scene where she refuses to leave the hero that almost made me cry. Beautiful.
December 20, 2016
When it comes to this author I think, at least for me, it is more hit than miss. However, this story was so well written that I don't just think that this is one of the best book Karen Ranney has ever written. I know so. It is THE best medieval romance I've ever read.
With the power of her immaculate prose, she drew me into this brutal and unforgiving medieval period, so deep that I could feel the pain, sorrow and in the end love.
#####
"It was the first time he'd said her name. It had never seemed so lovely before, a word comprised of rolling syllables. It flowed from his mouth like a brook might tumble over round and polished stones."
#####
"He bowed his head again, forced into humility not by faith or devotion but by a despair as wordless and deep as a night sky. For what should he pray? Absolution for the sin of killing, even in the name of faith? For the sins of the flesh? Or for once enjoying them so heartily? Perhaps he should pray only for death, oblivion rendered fast and just. A swift end, like those he'd meted out in battle. This was nothing less than war, wasn't it? One fought in solitary, with Death on one side and him on the other, the adversaries so unevenly matched that the outcome was certain."
#####
Sebastian and Juliana are one of those lovers that you'll never forget, like Tristan and Isolde, maybe even better because their story is told with such care to detail that I had tears in my eyes as I read it. If you've ever read a romance just for the tortured hero and heroine, then this is a story for you.
Everything about this story touched my heart and I highly recommend it.
Melanie for b2b
With the power of her immaculate prose, she drew me into this brutal and unforgiving medieval period, so deep that I could feel the pain, sorrow and in the end love.
#####
"It was the first time he'd said her name. It had never seemed so lovely before, a word comprised of rolling syllables. It flowed from his mouth like a brook might tumble over round and polished stones."
#####
"He bowed his head again, forced into humility not by faith or devotion but by a despair as wordless and deep as a night sky. For what should he pray? Absolution for the sin of killing, even in the name of faith? For the sins of the flesh? Or for once enjoying them so heartily? Perhaps he should pray only for death, oblivion rendered fast and just. A swift end, like those he'd meted out in battle. This was nothing less than war, wasn't it? One fought in solitary, with Death on one side and him on the other, the adversaries so unevenly matched that the outcome was certain."
#####
Sebastian and Juliana are one of those lovers that you'll never forget, like Tristan and Isolde, maybe even better because their story is told with such care to detail that I had tears in my eyes as I read it. If you've ever read a romance just for the tortured hero and heroine, then this is a story for you.
Everything about this story touched my heart and I highly recommend it.
Melanie for b2b
January 24, 2013
Best leper love story that I have ever read.
August 29, 2016
Blurb: They call her the Langlinais Bride—though she’s seen her husband only one time . . . on their wedding day, twelve years ago.
For years, naive, convent-bred Juliana dreaded being summoned to the side of the man she wed as a child so long ago. Now her husband, Sebastian, Earl of Langlinais, has become ensnared in his villainous brother’s wicked plots—and has no choice but to turn to his virgin bride for help.
Juliana now finds herself face-to-face with a man so virile and so powerful that she’s fascinated by him—just as he asks her to go against everything she holds true. Sebastian never counted on being enchanted by the beauty of this innocent angel he intended to keep as wife in name only—and he dares not reveal to her the secret reason why their love can never be . . .
*Spoilers!!
I have sat on this review for two weeks. Now I have forgotten what I really wanted to say. First off, I gave this book 3-1/2 stars. The book had a unique ping to it which intrigued me. Do I want to spoil it for you ? Yes!!! But let’s just say, there is a pretty darn good reason that Sebastian, (another of my favorite names for men) does not want Juliana to touch him. Unfortunately the story dragged. It went on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on…Lots and lots of religious undertones. Living in a convent will do that to a girl. Her not me. The book deals with religious artifacts and all kinds of things to do with the church. Needless to say, Sebastian is very sick, and really there is not a cure to be found. (I do not know if there is one to this day.) I will have to look into that.
It is hard to write this without actually spilling the beans about his problems, but lets just say, we have just about given up on these two having any sort of relationship, which is pretty unique for a romance novel, so I knew something had to happen, But what! Then it happened… … ta da!!! He is cured!!! Oh wow!! that was ….. um ..Easy. Okay. But, Yay! The story can continue!!!! They can actually have a real marriage! And like that, (snaps fingers) within a 24 hour period, life changes for these two love birds.
And all this because of his mishandling of secret parchments?? The story seems to weaken here. To me this is a big ‘what’? Everything suddenly speeds up and I find I am missing key points. He is healthy now? As in, all of the sudden? This part was difficult for me to comprehend. I have already put all my eggs in one basket, thinking she is making this awesome sacrifice , giving up her life basically by kissing him. It is a tragic love story that can never be. Only then to be surprised by a magic potion. Well, not a magic potion, but it sure felt like “And God’s love shined down and blessed this man, giving him his life back.”
So, after he is miraculously cured, they have a passionate night together. But, I am still hung up on all the undertones of nuns and priests and religious stuff. Now I feel guilty. Guilty because I am now reading sex scenes. Sex is a pivotal point to any relationship, and in any good romance novel. (I know that point can be argued, but go along with it for a moment, I am trying to get a point across before I forget what I am saying.) but I am still at “ewe”.
Now sex between married people should be awesome, but it is just not cool because I want to look away. ewe, again. He might still have residual cooties. Maybe he took a bath. I really cannot remember! Let’s just say he took a bath. Yes. Sebastian took a bath and scrubbed all the cooties off before he did the deed with our faithful nun like sister, Juliana. of course the scenes are completely ruined for me because I feel like my grandmother is watching or worse, my Sunday school teacher.
Of course, now that things are better, Juliana and Sebastian can’t keep their hands off each other. I am still having thoughts of going to confession ( I am not catholic, but I think I want to go anyway, just in case.) maybe start listening to gospel music. Holy water, yes.
And then, I keep thinking, what if the disease comes back? What if Sebastian is wrong? What if he was just in some sort of remission? What if he just gave her his disease?! If it was me, in her shoes, I would wait a little while before I ran my hands down his body. I mean a week, that is not all that long. Give it some time to resurface! Have some common sense, lady!
Then, uncomfortable feeling of now prudish girl (thanks Karen) turn to , what should they do with the healing powers of these papers? So I read on, trying to skim over the kissing and stuff that good girls like myself would never do! (snark). Back to the papers, and I am at a standstill. They decide too hide them. (?)
Yeah. he is cured, so I guess the other hundred people who also suffer from this incurable disease are not important. Guess ole’ Seby just did not feel goodness in his heart after the gift God obviously gave him. Yes, lets just put this away somewhere. Someone who needs it might find them!
There was a bad guy in the story, and I was kind of hoping he would come and smack some sense into Sebastian. Maybe shoot him. Give Juliana a reason not to touch him so soon after his ‘cure’. I was thinking the bad guy was going to come in and ruin the day, maybe give these characters some life, but instead it was said that he understood what Sebastian was doing. Wait? Did half the book fall out? I went back through it a couple of times, (skipping over you know what. What is wrong with me!!) And nope.. Still says the same thing, still really does not make a lot of sense. I have to be missing something here, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what it is.
There was a happy ending, but it did not include curing ANYONE else.
For years, naive, convent-bred Juliana dreaded being summoned to the side of the man she wed as a child so long ago. Now her husband, Sebastian, Earl of Langlinais, has become ensnared in his villainous brother’s wicked plots—and has no choice but to turn to his virgin bride for help.
Juliana now finds herself face-to-face with a man so virile and so powerful that she’s fascinated by him—just as he asks her to go against everything she holds true. Sebastian never counted on being enchanted by the beauty of this innocent angel he intended to keep as wife in name only—and he dares not reveal to her the secret reason why their love can never be . . .
*Spoilers!!
I have sat on this review for two weeks. Now I have forgotten what I really wanted to say. First off, I gave this book 3-1/2 stars. The book had a unique ping to it which intrigued me. Do I want to spoil it for you ? Yes!!! But let’s just say, there is a pretty darn good reason that Sebastian, (another of my favorite names for men) does not want Juliana to touch him. Unfortunately the story dragged. It went on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on…Lots and lots of religious undertones. Living in a convent will do that to a girl. Her not me. The book deals with religious artifacts and all kinds of things to do with the church. Needless to say, Sebastian is very sick, and really there is not a cure to be found. (I do not know if there is one to this day.) I will have to look into that.
It is hard to write this without actually spilling the beans about his problems, but lets just say, we have just about given up on these two having any sort of relationship, which is pretty unique for a romance novel, so I knew something had to happen, But what! Then it happened… … ta da!!! He is cured!!! Oh wow!! that was ….. um ..Easy. Okay. But, Yay! The story can continue!!!! They can actually have a real marriage! And like that, (snaps fingers) within a 24 hour period, life changes for these two love birds.
And all this because of his mishandling of secret parchments?? The story seems to weaken here. To me this is a big ‘what’? Everything suddenly speeds up and I find I am missing key points. He is healthy now? As in, all of the sudden? This part was difficult for me to comprehend. I have already put all my eggs in one basket, thinking she is making this awesome sacrifice , giving up her life basically by kissing him. It is a tragic love story that can never be. Only then to be surprised by a magic potion. Well, not a magic potion, but it sure felt like “And God’s love shined down and blessed this man, giving him his life back.”
So, after he is miraculously cured, they have a passionate night together. But, I am still hung up on all the undertones of nuns and priests and religious stuff. Now I feel guilty. Guilty because I am now reading sex scenes. Sex is a pivotal point to any relationship, and in any good romance novel. (I know that point can be argued, but go along with it for a moment, I am trying to get a point across before I forget what I am saying.) but I am still at “ewe”.
Now sex between married people should be awesome, but it is just not cool because I want to look away. ewe, again. He might still have residual cooties. Maybe he took a bath. I really cannot remember! Let’s just say he took a bath. Yes. Sebastian took a bath and scrubbed all the cooties off before he did the deed with our faithful nun like sister, Juliana. of course the scenes are completely ruined for me because I feel like my grandmother is watching or worse, my Sunday school teacher.
Of course, now that things are better, Juliana and Sebastian can’t keep their hands off each other. I am still having thoughts of going to confession ( I am not catholic, but I think I want to go anyway, just in case.) maybe start listening to gospel music. Holy water, yes.
And then, I keep thinking, what if the disease comes back? What if Sebastian is wrong? What if he was just in some sort of remission? What if he just gave her his disease?! If it was me, in her shoes, I would wait a little while before I ran my hands down his body. I mean a week, that is not all that long. Give it some time to resurface! Have some common sense, lady!
Then, uncomfortable feeling of now prudish girl (thanks Karen) turn to , what should they do with the healing powers of these papers? So I read on, trying to skim over the kissing and stuff that good girls like myself would never do! (snark). Back to the papers, and I am at a standstill. They decide too hide them. (?)
Yeah. he is cured, so I guess the other hundred people who also suffer from this incurable disease are not important. Guess ole’ Seby just did not feel goodness in his heart after the gift God obviously gave him. Yes, lets just put this away somewhere. Someone who needs it might find them!
There was a bad guy in the story, and I was kind of hoping he would come and smack some sense into Sebastian. Maybe shoot him. Give Juliana a reason not to touch him so soon after his ‘cure’. I was thinking the bad guy was going to come in and ruin the day, maybe give these characters some life, but instead it was said that he understood what Sebastian was doing. Wait? Did half the book fall out? I went back through it a couple of times, (skipping over you know what. What is wrong with me!!) And nope.. Still says the same thing, still really does not make a lot of sense. I have to be missing something here, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out what it is.
There was a happy ending, but it did not include curing ANYONE else.
July 18, 2011
An amazing book that had me tearing up: a perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day with a blanket and hot chocolate!!! Sebastian was heartbreaking, and I loved him and Juliana so much!!! No, it's not your traditional fast-paced intrigue-filled HR, but if you're looking for a good and sweet medieval romance that has you rooting for the HEA, this is it:-) 5* for me!
November 26, 2017
This was really good & Sebestian was really good..His strong will to protect her & then heroines strong will to be with him, was really nice..I liked how he supports her interests, how he arranges things for her, how he longs to spend time with her but still controls himself only for her..I was relieved when his disease is cured..
April 14, 2018
This was ok.
October 2, 2012
England 1251
I have to force myself to finish this book. And the only reason I did was in the hopes that it picked up yet never did. It only got 1 star just so it would rank with my other books. It read more like a Da Vinci Code novel with some sex in there. Which by the way doesn't happen till like the last couple of chapters. And they drug on for pages! Sebastian and Juliana were bland, blank and made no connection with me at all. I almost felt more with Jared than them, and he's only a secondary character. I found it hard to believe that this came from Ranney when I have liked just about all of her books i've read so far.
I have to force myself to finish this book. And the only reason I did was in the hopes that it picked up yet never did. It only got 1 star just so it would rank with my other books. It read more like a Da Vinci Code novel with some sex in there. Which by the way doesn't happen till like the last couple of chapters. And they drug on for pages! Sebastian and Juliana were bland, blank and made no connection with me at all. I almost felt more with Jared than them, and he's only a secondary character. I found it hard to believe that this came from Ranney when I have liked just about all of her books i've read so far.
May 20, 2010
This book takes you on quite the ride....but it's definitely a SLOW ride.
I have read many romance novels, and I can day with confidence that this one is truly unique! This could be a good thing for you or it might have the opposite affect. I must say that I struggled to get through this one.
Sebastian has been betrothed to Julianna since childhood. As the story begins, he is in prison and as soon as her is released, he sends for his betrothed who is living with the nuns. Sebastian refuses to touch his wife and wears a monk outfit for most of the book. His secret is revealed halfway through the book and it was this "secret" that kept me reading. After the secret was revealed, the intrigue left and the story left much to be desired.
There is one scene that will stay with me....it is a love scene...passionate and sexy in which Sebastion never lays a hand on Julianna. You've never read one like this before!
I have read many romance novels, and I can day with confidence that this one is truly unique! This could be a good thing for you or it might have the opposite affect. I must say that I struggled to get through this one.
Sebastian has been betrothed to Julianna since childhood. As the story begins, he is in prison and as soon as her is released, he sends for his betrothed who is living with the nuns. Sebastian refuses to touch his wife and wears a monk outfit for most of the book. His secret is revealed halfway through the book and it was this "secret" that kept me reading. After the secret was revealed, the intrigue left and the story left much to be desired.
There is one scene that will stay with me....it is a love scene...passionate and sexy in which Sebastion never lays a hand on Julianna. You've never read one like this before!
May 14, 2011
*3.5 stars*
This book has been really difficult for me to rate.
On the one hand, it had one of the most heart-wrenching (and original) conflicts I've ever read, both the hero and heroine were compelling and multifaceted characters, the historical backdrop was portrayed vividly and you can tell that a lot of research went into making a cohesive story based on real events and myths. But even with all those good points, the story didn't touch me as much as I think it should have and that's why it's not getting a higher rating. I just didn't connect to the characters even though I could see their suffering and despair.
But maybe that's my failing so I definitely recommend the book to anybody that wants to read a medieval romance. It really captured the essence of the time and the plot is both unique and affecting.
This book has been really difficult for me to rate.
On the one hand, it had one of the most heart-wrenching (and original) conflicts I've ever read, both the hero and heroine were compelling and multifaceted characters, the historical backdrop was portrayed vividly and you can tell that a lot of research went into making a cohesive story based on real events and myths. But even with all those good points, the story didn't touch me as much as I think it should have and that's why it's not getting a higher rating. I just didn't connect to the characters even though I could see their suffering and despair.
But maybe that's my failing so I definitely recommend the book to anybody that wants to read a medieval romance. It really captured the essence of the time and the plot is both unique and affecting.
May 26, 2020
I read this back in high school and was intrigued by the setting as well as the characters. This book did not move as fast as other books, but this book has more to do with emotional drama between the hero and heroine and the confusion Juliana has about her new husband's actions or lack thereof.
It was one of the few romance novels that I thought had a deeper meaning than just being about sex. I thought it was quite beautiful and remains one of my favorites.
***
Rereading this book did not diminish my love for it and the characters. I still fell in love with Sebastian of Langlinais and Juliana. I wondered if I would find it very different after so many years but I had a deeper appreciation for it if anything.
This is not a book for those who need a lot of action or steaming sex scenes throughout. You will be disappointed because this is a slow simmering romance book.
It was one of the few romance novels that I thought had a deeper meaning than just being about sex. I thought it was quite beautiful and remains one of my favorites.
***
Rereading this book did not diminish my love for it and the characters. I still fell in love with Sebastian of Langlinais and Juliana. I wondered if I would find it very different after so many years but I had a deeper appreciation for it if anything.
This is not a book for those who need a lot of action or steaming sex scenes throughout. You will be disappointed because this is a slow simmering romance book.
September 19, 2007
My Beloved - VG
Karen Ranney
Sebastian and Juliana were wed 12 years prior to the story -he being about 12 and she the age of 5. The previous 5 years had seen Sebastian fighting the crusades, being imprisoned and finally ransomed out by the Knights Templar.
Having been finally summoned from the convent she had lived in for the last 12 years, Juliana was pretty much terrified of having to finally assume wifely duties. It was quite a shock to her to find that her husband would ask her to perpetuate a lie and say they were married without ever consumating the marriage bed.
Knight with leprosary back from the Crusades to claim the girl he wed when she was 12. She is not a scribe. Plot G+, Sensuality VG.
Karen Ranney
Sebastian and Juliana were wed 12 years prior to the story -he being about 12 and she the age of 5. The previous 5 years had seen Sebastian fighting the crusades, being imprisoned and finally ransomed out by the Knights Templar.
Having been finally summoned from the convent she had lived in for the last 12 years, Juliana was pretty much terrified of having to finally assume wifely duties. It was quite a shock to her to find that her husband would ask her to perpetuate a lie and say they were married without ever consumating the marriage bed.
Knight with leprosary back from the Crusades to claim the girl he wed when she was 12. She is not a scribe. Plot G+, Sensuality VG.
March 3, 2008
My beloved takes you back to Langlinais Castle in England, 1215, and tells the story of Sebastian and Julianna. Although I enjoy many of Ranney's stories, I did not find this one as interesting and/or enjoyable. I felt the story moved slow and did little to capture my interest. After some consideration, I think I might have enjoyed the story more if I had not already read My True Love; and was not already familiar with Sebastian and Julianna's story. Overall, if you choose to read this book, I would recommend reading My Beloved and then My True Love.
October 24, 2016
A beautiful romance! In most historical romances the plot other than the romance is often overlooked and uninteresting so much so that I tend to skip pages just to follow the couple but I didn't do it in this case. Every word in this story is poignantly written. If the plot was set anywhere but Cathar I would have found the miracle part a bit of an overkill but in this book it seemed but natural that such a miracle would take place there - a mystical place where people martyred themselves for a cause.
A must read for all romance lovers!
A must read for all romance lovers!
June 13, 2015
An intense, fascinating classic.
Whether you compare it to Beauty and the Beast or Cupid and Psyche (my preference), this deeply emotional tale of Templars and nuns, longing and denial, greed and redemption, is a keeper.
I think this was one of the first romance novels I read...it came out in the late 90's I think, but although I'd forgotten both title and author, I did remember the hero had leprosy...not hard to find it with a quick Google search.
Whether you compare it to Beauty and the Beast or Cupid and Psyche (my preference), this deeply emotional tale of Templars and nuns, longing and denial, greed and redemption, is a keeper.
I think this was one of the first romance novels I read...it came out in the late 90's I think, but although I'd forgotten both title and author, I did remember the hero had leprosy...not hard to find it with a quick Google search.
April 22, 2021
The beginning was very slow. Tried very hard to like it (due to the reviews). I can't comprehend all the 5 stars. Read until Pg. 200ish then I gave up. It just didn't do it for me.
March 8, 2017
Whatever happened to medieval romance?
The proverbial light-bulb went off. In my search for a good book, which included hopping into the Wayback Machine, it dawned on me. Most of the books I've been rereading take place in what I would call medieval times. After rereading them, even the ones I didn't particularly care for, I came to the conclusion that the historical genre is missing something. Most historicals now take place in the 1800s or early 1900s. After rereading some of my old books I have arrived at the conclusion that our authors are missing out on some very colorful time periods. It's a shame that medieval and dark ages aren't more popular. These books (even the ones not so good), have been very vivid. These time periods have a lot going on in them which we are missing.
My Beloved, by Karen Ranney. Karen Ranney is not an auto-buy author for me. I pick up her books when I hear good things about them - and, that is what happened with this one. My Beloved is/was a book which has a preponderance of glowing reviews. Since I am in a dry spell, I thought “what the hey, let’s give it a try.” I'm glad I did.
We have for our heroine, Juliana. A shy woman who has been betrothed to Sebastian forever and ever. She's been waiting for him patiently at the local convent. When he finally returns, she is eager to begin their marriage, but there is a stumbling block. Sebastian does not want the marriage to be consummated. He has a reason, a good reason, or at least better than a lot of Romanceland reasons. However, he doesn't tell Juliana what that reason is. Spoiler: I'll give you a hint, he's been locked up, he's wears cloths which cover him from head to toe and he cannot be touched. He is a leper. Not a fake leper, but a real one. Because he was a real leper, I wondered how the author was going to come up with a HEA. Especially considering this was a time period when the treatment of leprosy required isolation in some dark, dank cave somewhere.
Sebastian is a loyal man. He is responsible for his home Langlinais and the people who live on those lands, so his secret must never be found out. Juliana does not want to go back to the convent, so she accepts Sebastian's proposal. She remains with him at Langlinais and begins a life of not touching. Well, these two may not be able to touch, but they can talk to each other - and they do. They become friends and of course they fall in love.
This is a true love story. There is so much to love about My Beloved. Almost everything in this story is full, rich, and colorful. Ms. Ranney has written words which have sounds - you can hear the music of the time. This book contains tons of vivid imagery. The characters are strong, well-developed and lovely. Their time together is very poignant - I was tense myself with the worry of just how Ms. Ranney was going to resolve their problem. Did I like her resolution? Not really. I would have liked a cure coming from some herbal stuff that Juliana creates, instead I got a Ben-Hur cave moment. But that's just me, I'm not a "miracle" type person. Regardless of my dissatisfaction with the resolution, I found My Beloved to be a rich tapestry of lovely words and I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves romance books.
KaysBlog
The proverbial light-bulb went off. In my search for a good book, which included hopping into the Wayback Machine, it dawned on me. Most of the books I've been rereading take place in what I would call medieval times. After rereading them, even the ones I didn't particularly care for, I came to the conclusion that the historical genre is missing something. Most historicals now take place in the 1800s or early 1900s. After rereading some of my old books I have arrived at the conclusion that our authors are missing out on some very colorful time periods. It's a shame that medieval and dark ages aren't more popular. These books (even the ones not so good), have been very vivid. These time periods have a lot going on in them which we are missing.
My Beloved, by Karen Ranney. Karen Ranney is not an auto-buy author for me. I pick up her books when I hear good things about them - and, that is what happened with this one. My Beloved is/was a book which has a preponderance of glowing reviews. Since I am in a dry spell, I thought “what the hey, let’s give it a try.” I'm glad I did.
We have for our heroine, Juliana. A shy woman who has been betrothed to Sebastian forever and ever. She's been waiting for him patiently at the local convent. When he finally returns, she is eager to begin their marriage, but there is a stumbling block. Sebastian does not want the marriage to be consummated. He has a reason, a good reason, or at least better than a lot of Romanceland reasons. However, he doesn't tell Juliana what that reason is. Spoiler: I'll give you a hint, he's been locked up, he's wears cloths which cover him from head to toe and he cannot be touched. He is a leper. Not a fake leper, but a real one. Because he was a real leper, I wondered how the author was going to come up with a HEA. Especially considering this was a time period when the treatment of leprosy required isolation in some dark, dank cave somewhere.
Sebastian is a loyal man. He is responsible for his home Langlinais and the people who live on those lands, so his secret must never be found out. Juliana does not want to go back to the convent, so she accepts Sebastian's proposal. She remains with him at Langlinais and begins a life of not touching. Well, these two may not be able to touch, but they can talk to each other - and they do. They become friends and of course they fall in love.
This is a true love story. There is so much to love about My Beloved. Almost everything in this story is full, rich, and colorful. Ms. Ranney has written words which have sounds - you can hear the music of the time. This book contains tons of vivid imagery. The characters are strong, well-developed and lovely. Their time together is very poignant - I was tense myself with the worry of just how Ms. Ranney was going to resolve their problem. Did I like her resolution? Not really. I would have liked a cure coming from some herbal stuff that Juliana creates, instead I got a Ben-Hur cave moment. But that's just me, I'm not a "miracle" type person. Regardless of my dissatisfaction with the resolution, I found My Beloved to be a rich tapestry of lovely words and I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves romance books.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2024
Five glowing stars for this wonderful, wonderful book. Juliana and Sebastian’s love story had such a wonderful development, I couldn’t stop rooting for them the way they longed for each other and the way they cherished each other. I loved the first half of the book, the melancholic undertones enthralling I felt the pain of our ML and FL. It was such a departure from the light language of HRs I have read, but something I never thought I would enjoy. I loved the latter half, because it gave me adventure and a satisfying ending that I find quite rare in the books I have read. I loved the whole book because it gave me intrigue, suspense, and history without ever forgetting that this was, first and foremost, a love story of our leads. Karen Ranney somehow achieved all of this and more, in just one book of 300+ pages. I plan to read more of her works, and I hope to read more awesomeness.
And the way they professed their love for one another? The angst? I CAANOT HANDLE IT, SO DELICIOUS!
“The Cathars believed the soul lives again,” he softly said. “That our bodies are only vessels to be discarded after a lifetime. Perhaps one day we will meet again, my Juliana. In a place where I might touch you, where I might enfold you in my arms.”
“Then let it come quickly, Sebastian,” she said, her voice tremulous through her tears. “Not a hundred years or a thousand, but soon. I will wend my way through eternity seeking you.”
And the way they professed their love for one another? The angst? I CAANOT HANDLE IT, SO DELICIOUS!
“The Cathars believed the soul lives again,” he softly said. “That our bodies are only vessels to be discarded after a lifetime. Perhaps one day we will meet again, my Juliana. In a place where I might touch you, where I might enfold you in my arms.”
“Then let it come quickly, Sebastian,” she said, her voice tremulous through her tears. “Not a hundred years or a thousand, but soon. I will wend my way through eternity seeking you.”
August 7, 2024
Trying to decide whether to keep going. I really enjoyed the beginning, it seemed well written, but once again an author has taken a promising start and allowed it to devolve into mediocrity. The next 100 pages are basically " Why won't he touch me? What's wrong with me?" and then He thinks "Oh, I want to touch her but I can't because of my secret!" and the dialogue! So stupid - the characters use each other's names in every other sentence. She is CONSTANTLY saying things like "It sounds as if it could have withstood a siege, Sebastian" "Nothing I used to think seems right, Sebastian" "There are those who think.....of the devil, Sebastian" "you might be able to use your left hand,Juliana..." This is all within ONE PAGE worth of words. Who talks like that? NO ONE. And it goes on and on and on. The only reason I'm continuing to read it is the premise is intriguing although I have no doubt that he doesn't actually have the problem he thinks he has. I might have to give up or skip to the end or something. I wonder if her other books are this bad....I really had thought she could write, as I read the beginning of this. Maybe it's the editor's fault?
July 19, 2023
It took a while to get into the storyline but by about 3 quarters of the book I was hooked . These older HR are so interesting is because they are well researched bringing the particular period to life . The historical background blended with romance combined with good writing will keep you invested in the book till the end . I love how Julianna the h grows from a shy timid women to a extremely courages woman who will fight for those she loves what she believes in . Sebastian the h initially comes across as a morbid from man but once we know why , one can only feel compassion and I love how he gradually falls in love with his timid not -to be - touched wife . Karen Ranney also touches topics which most frothy HR writers avoid like miracles , disease, the pros & cons of a cloistered nunnery . Initially the romance is a slow burn but steam level is good once the couple gets going .
April 15, 2019
Historical fiction is my preferred reading material, but not medieval fiction. However, this story is an exception; Karen Ranney has written an engrossing tale taking place in the mid-1200s.
Sebastian is Earl of Langlinais, home from the Crusades and imprisonment/ransom. He is trying to earn enough from his estate to finish paying his ransom to the Templars. As a 12-year-old, he was married to 5-year-old Julianna, daughter of one of Sebastian's father's vassals. She has spent the intervening years in a nunnery, learning the housewifely tasks from the Sisters of Charity.
The story builds slowly, as Sebastian and Julianna come to love each other, in spite of never touching. This is a different type of love story. 4.5 stars
Loved
** 1. My Beloved (1999)
2. My True Love (2000)
Sebastian is Earl of Langlinais, home from the Crusades and imprisonment/ransom. He is trying to earn enough from his estate to finish paying his ransom to the Templars. As a 12-year-old, he was married to 5-year-old Julianna, daughter of one of Sebastian's father's vassals. She has spent the intervening years in a nunnery, learning the housewifely tasks from the Sisters of Charity.
The story builds slowly, as Sebastian and Julianna come to love each other, in spite of never touching. This is a different type of love story. 4.5 stars
Loved
** 1. My Beloved (1999)
2. My True Love (2000)
July 26, 2020
The most interesting part of the novel is its fresh, unique plot. I have never read a historical (or contemporary) novel where the main characters can't touch. This allowed the focus to stay on their relationship and their love grew organically. We weren't bombarded with physical intimacy that took away from the plot, so the angst here is real.
However, I did find the novel dragged a bit. Even major scenes/plot twists weren't as distressing or tormenting as they could have been. As a result, my attention waned. I would have dropped this novel if it weren't for the unique story line.
Read this if you want something cozy and fresh.
However, I did find the novel dragged a bit. Even major scenes/plot twists weren't as distressing or tormenting as they could have been. As a result, my attention waned. I would have dropped this novel if it weren't for the unique story line.
Read this if you want something cozy and fresh.
August 19, 2018
It was interesting to read about Knights Templar and how religion played a role in medieval life especially towards the sick. Pertaining to the story between Sebastian and Juliana, I agree that the miraculous recovery of Sebastian took away most of the power and beauty of their love. Was there no other way to reach to their HEA? I guess as the story skirted around religion and faith, miracles were not far behind.
January 29, 2019
I don't usually read medieval, but this was a very historically accurate book. The hero had leprosy, and I did not know how that was going to work out, but it did. The Templars played a large roll, as did the Cathars. Life in a nunnary was described as was the work of a scribe. A small mystery,
a love story, life on a large estate, all these and more are part of this book. Looking forward to the sequel.
a love story, life on a large estate, all these and more are part of this book. Looking forward to the sequel.
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