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de Piaget #8
騎士から逃げた花嫁
In this sweeping, emotional love story, Lynn Kurland takes us back to the thirteenth century--and all the passion and magnificence of medieval England...
Colin of Berkhamshire knows two things--the pleasures of warring and that brides do not want him. Two years ago his bride-to-be, Alienore, fled and hasn't been seen since. Yet his father keeps foisting prospects on him. The latest seems to do nothing but faint.
Alienore of Solonge knows two things as well--that fleeing not only Colin but also her scheming stepmother was the right thing to do. Yet as a knight in disguise she constantly fears discovery. At this point, she's not sure whom she fears more, the Butcher of Berkhamshire or her evil stepmother.
Through a bizarre twist of fate, she ends up journeying with her charge--Colin's latest intended--to England, where Alienore finds herself not only in the Butcher of Berkhamshire's garrison, but being made over into a knight by him personally. She thinks her life cannot worsen.
Until she begins to fall in love with him...
Colin of Berkhamshire knows two things--the pleasures of warring and that brides do not want him. Two years ago his bride-to-be, Alienore, fled and hasn't been seen since. Yet his father keeps foisting prospects on him. The latest seems to do nothing but faint.
Alienore of Solonge knows two things as well--that fleeing not only Colin but also her scheming stepmother was the right thing to do. Yet as a knight in disguise she constantly fears discovery. At this point, she's not sure whom she fears more, the Butcher of Berkhamshire or her evil stepmother.
Through a bizarre twist of fate, she ends up journeying with her charge--Colin's latest intended--to England, where Alienore finds herself not only in the Butcher of Berkhamshire's garrison, but being made over into a knight by him personally. She thinks her life cannot worsen.
Until she begins to fall in love with him...
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First published January 1, 2002
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1255 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
69 books1,566 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 31, 2008
Not too many romances have a hero who's describes as 'loutish,' has pervasive body odor, and is clueless about wooing a woman. I was a bit worried when I heard of this book. I didn't see how a hero would BO would possibly appeal to me. But, I loved it. It's very funny, but also touching. Alienore is so afraid of getting married to Colin (her betrothed), she runs off, dressing as a man. She ends up being reluctant squire to Colin, who is determined to make a 'man' out of her. This book is connected to This Is All I Ask, as Colin is Christopher's best friend. Colin really endeared himself to me in This is All I Ask. So, I was excited to read his story, BO aside. Colin turns out to be a great hero, and makes a wonderful husband. Minor spoiler: love the scene near the end when he finds out Alienore is pregnant and faints dead away! Too funny!
April 18, 2014
Ahhh, smelly Colin of Berkhamshire. What a tender heart he had under that gruff. And smell. Alienore was the perfect heroine for him once she realized he had a soft side :)
I think this is my favorite if the series so far.
I think this is my favorite if the series so far.
January 5, 2022
Re-read.
July 24, 2013
Making a man of your fiancee - well, that's one way to woo!
As you can tell, I've been on a bit of a romance novel binge lately (I find them a great way to de-stress) and the latest I am positively obsessed with is the hilarious From This Moment On by Lynn Kurtland. I've literally been laughing on every page.
Set at some unspecified time in the Middle Ages (though if you are looking for historical purity, look elsewhere), the book has everything I like, cross-dressing included :) Alienore hasn't had the greatest life with her new nasty stepmother, but it reaches new lows when the woman agrees to betroth her to the infamous Butcher of Berhamshire, a man with the reputation so fierce that it scared away a large number of prospective brides. His father is now willing to forego a dowry if any noble family will but send their daughter to wed the Butcher.
Alienore has no desire to become the Butcher's unfortunate wife-victim just to save evil stepmom some money, so she binds her breasts, steals her brothers' armor, spurs, sword, and horse, and escapes. The story proper starts two years later, when Alienore is now known as 'Sir Henri' and has the pretty cushy job of being a knight-in-waiting to a nobleman's daughter. Only her lucky streak is about to end - the nobleman's daughter is being wedded, and Sir Henri is to accompany her to her betrothed whom Sir Henri will now be expected to serve. The name and destination is being kept secret until the party gets there when Alienore discovers, to her horror, that her misteress' betrothed is none other than the infamous Butcher! What's a woman to do with nowhere to escape to?
This is where the book goes from entertaining to pure hilarious awesome. The Butcher (otherwise known as Colin) is neither a sexy antihero cured by the love of a good woman nor a misunderstood angstmuffin with a tragic backstory. No, what he is is a straightforward, uncomplicated, thick-as-a-plank warrior who loves the following things and the following things only: (1) fighting (2) hunting (3) horses (4) talking about 1, 2 and 3. He cannot comprehend why the dimwitted potential brides all beg off - can't they appreciate a real warrior? Not that he isn't better off without a wife - not like he could find one who'd prefer practicing swordfights over gowns and manners.
Finding himself stuck in the keep with nothing to do (having no interest to interact with his bride, who has no interest in interacting with him), the Butcher decides to occupy himself with a little charity - that poor weak knight, Sir Henri - he doesn't even know how to hold a sword properly! So the Butcher decides to take the poor girly young man under his wing and make a man out of him - teach him how to fight, ride, and curse. Little did Alienore think when she escaped becoming the Butcher's bride that she would become his protege man-at-arms instead.
Anyway, this book is hilarious and perfect and awesome. Alienore is tough, Colin is hilarious, and the whole book is a delight from beginning to end.
My favorite bit was after she accepted his proposal of marriage but asked to be wooed first. So he wooed her the only way he knows how - by polishing and sharpening all of her weapons. LOLOLOLOL.
So good.
As you can tell, I've been on a bit of a romance novel binge lately (I find them a great way to de-stress) and the latest I am positively obsessed with is the hilarious From This Moment On by Lynn Kurtland. I've literally been laughing on every page.
Set at some unspecified time in the Middle Ages (though if you are looking for historical purity, look elsewhere), the book has everything I like, cross-dressing included :) Alienore hasn't had the greatest life with her new nasty stepmother, but it reaches new lows when the woman agrees to betroth her to the infamous Butcher of Berhamshire, a man with the reputation so fierce that it scared away a large number of prospective brides. His father is now willing to forego a dowry if any noble family will but send their daughter to wed the Butcher.
Alienore has no desire to become the Butcher's unfortunate wife-victim just to save evil stepmom some money, so she binds her breasts, steals her brothers' armor, spurs, sword, and horse, and escapes. The story proper starts two years later, when Alienore is now known as 'Sir Henri' and has the pretty cushy job of being a knight-in-waiting to a nobleman's daughter. Only her lucky streak is about to end - the nobleman's daughter is being wedded, and Sir Henri is to accompany her to her betrothed whom Sir Henri will now be expected to serve. The name and destination is being kept secret until the party gets there when Alienore discovers, to her horror, that her misteress' betrothed is none other than the infamous Butcher! What's a woman to do with nowhere to escape to?
This is where the book goes from entertaining to pure hilarious awesome. The Butcher (otherwise known as Colin) is neither a sexy antihero cured by the love of a good woman nor a misunderstood angstmuffin with a tragic backstory. No, what he is is a straightforward, uncomplicated, thick-as-a-plank warrior who loves the following things and the following things only: (1) fighting (2) hunting (3) horses (4) talking about 1, 2 and 3. He cannot comprehend why the dimwitted potential brides all beg off - can't they appreciate a real warrior? Not that he isn't better off without a wife - not like he could find one who'd prefer practicing swordfights over gowns and manners.
Finding himself stuck in the keep with nothing to do (having no interest to interact with his bride, who has no interest in interacting with him), the Butcher decides to occupy himself with a little charity - that poor weak knight, Sir Henri - he doesn't even know how to hold a sword properly! So the Butcher decides to take the poor girly young man under his wing and make a man out of him - teach him how to fight, ride, and curse. Little did Alienore think when she escaped becoming the Butcher's bride that she would become his protege man-at-arms instead.
Anyway, this book is hilarious and perfect and awesome. Alienore is tough, Colin is hilarious, and the whole book is a delight from beginning to end.
My favorite bit was after she accepted his proposal of marriage but asked to be wooed first. So he wooed her the only way he knows how - by polishing and sharpening all of her weapons. LOLOLOLOL.
So good.
April 18, 2017
Ninth in the De Piaget historical paranormal romance series. This is one of the few that doesn't involve time travel and is, instead, firmly rooted in a medieval England.
My Take
It started off so sweetly and slowly drove me mad with Aliénore's idiocy. The biggest one is why would she believe the stories she heard from her hated and despised stepmother? Then she's stupid enough to believe Sir Etienne despite all evidence to the contrary. It seemed pretty obvious to me what Colin would do. I mean, duh…! Her actions just made me wince my way through the story so I could get it over with.
Then there are the comments Aliénore makes about her amazing ability to disguise herself. Oh, please. Lady Isabeau was protecting her right and left and almost everyone saw through her lame-ass attempts. I mean, the woman squeaks every time she's frightened. Which only occurred about every few minutes. She never made an attempt to learn how to curse so she could fit in. Never tried to deepen her voice. Never tried to learn how to at least appear to know how to use her sword. All she seemed to do with skitter around like a mouse. What knight acts like that?? Had she no observational skills??
I did enjoy the comments Kurland had for Sibyl and her constant need for food! The final romantic entanglements are somewhat unexpected, and I'm curious as to whether their adventures will appear in future.
The Story
Betrothed to the Butcher of Berkhamshire! The stories her stepmother tells her convince Aliénore that the only way she can survive is to run away. Admittedly, running away could only be a positive move as it would get her out from under Marie. Once Marie had married her father, life went downhill rapidly.
As fate would have it, her brother had left his mail and sword in the stables, and Ailenor quickly stole it. Just retribution for all the nasty tricks he had played on her in the past. She didn't get that far though, falling into service with Sir Humbert's lady and being assigned to guard his daughter, Sibyl. The greatest strain in serving her was getting back and forth from the kitchens with enough food to keep her happy.
When Sibyl sets out to her wedding with the unknown husband-to-be, Aliénore is the knight errant sent along to serve her. Then she discovers the bridegroom's identity...and she prays he doesn't recognize her.
The Characters
Colin the Butcher of Berkhamshire is too fearsome for any woman to want to wed.
Two years ago, Aliénore of Solonge ran away from home rather than submit; at least all the others tried to come up with some excuse. Unfortunately, as "Sir Henri", she is now attendant upon Sybil who is being sent to Colin. Lord Christopher, the Dragon of Blackmour, and his lady, Gillian, have two sons. Robin is three while William is not yet one. Jason of Artane has stayed on at Blackmour.
Denis of Solonge
lost all interest in everyday life and allowed his new wife, Marie, to run his and his children's lives including betrothing Aliénore to the Butcher of Berkhamshire and filling her ears with how incredibly awful the man was to those around him. Aliénore's brothers include Pierre, Robert, François, and two others.
In running away, Aliénore is lucky enough to fall in with the Lady Isabeau of Maignelay-sur-mer, Sibyl's mother. Isabeau immediately realized who she was and she protected "Sir Henri" for two years. Why neither Humbert nor Isabeau realized what a bestial nature Sir Etienne had or why they would put him in charge of their daughter's progress to Blackmour, I'll never understand.
Reginald of Berkhamshire is Colin's jerk of a father while his sisters, Ermengarde and Agnes, certainly aren't anything to brag about.
The Cover and Title
It's a lilac background with a book enhanced with a ribboned cover of interwoven pinks and greens, tied closed by pink silk ribbons and topped by a pink velvet flower and ruched velvet leaves.
The title is how Colin and Aliénore decide they will go From This Moment On.
My Take
It started off so sweetly and slowly drove me mad with Aliénore's idiocy. The biggest one is why would she believe the stories she heard from her hated and despised stepmother? Then she's stupid enough to believe Sir Etienne despite all evidence to the contrary. It seemed pretty obvious to me what Colin would do. I mean, duh…! Her actions just made me wince my way through the story so I could get it over with.
Then there are the comments Aliénore makes about her amazing ability to disguise herself. Oh, please. Lady Isabeau was protecting her right and left and almost everyone saw through her lame-ass attempts. I mean, the woman squeaks every time she's frightened. Which only occurred about every few minutes. She never made an attempt to learn how to curse so she could fit in. Never tried to deepen her voice. Never tried to learn how to at least appear to know how to use her sword. All she seemed to do with skitter around like a mouse. What knight acts like that?? Had she no observational skills??
I did enjoy the comments Kurland had for Sibyl and her constant need for food! The final romantic entanglements are somewhat unexpected, and I'm curious as to whether their adventures will appear in future.
The Story
Betrothed to the Butcher of Berkhamshire! The stories her stepmother tells her convince Aliénore that the only way she can survive is to run away. Admittedly, running away could only be a positive move as it would get her out from under Marie. Once Marie had married her father, life went downhill rapidly.
As fate would have it, her brother had left his mail and sword in the stables, and Ailenor quickly stole it. Just retribution for all the nasty tricks he had played on her in the past. She didn't get that far though, falling into service with Sir Humbert's lady and being assigned to guard his daughter, Sibyl. The greatest strain in serving her was getting back and forth from the kitchens with enough food to keep her happy.
When Sibyl sets out to her wedding with the unknown husband-to-be, Aliénore is the knight errant sent along to serve her. Then she discovers the bridegroom's identity...and she prays he doesn't recognize her.
The Characters
Colin the Butcher of Berkhamshire is too fearsome for any woman to want to wed.
Two years ago, Aliénore of Solonge ran away from home rather than submit; at least all the others tried to come up with some excuse. Unfortunately, as "Sir Henri", she is now attendant upon Sybil who is being sent to Colin. Lord Christopher, the Dragon of Blackmour, and his lady, Gillian, have two sons. Robin is three while William is not yet one. Jason of Artane has stayed on at Blackmour.
Denis of Solonge
lost all interest in everyday life and allowed his new wife, Marie, to run his and his children's lives including betrothing Aliénore to the Butcher of Berkhamshire and filling her ears with how incredibly awful the man was to those around him. Aliénore's brothers include Pierre, Robert, François, and two others.
In running away, Aliénore is lucky enough to fall in with the Lady Isabeau of Maignelay-sur-mer, Sibyl's mother. Isabeau immediately realized who she was and she protected "Sir Henri" for two years. Why neither Humbert nor Isabeau realized what a bestial nature Sir Etienne had or why they would put him in charge of their daughter's progress to Blackmour, I'll never understand.
Reginald of Berkhamshire is Colin's jerk of a father while his sisters, Ermengarde and Agnes, certainly aren't anything to brag about.
The Cover and Title
It's a lilac background with a book enhanced with a ribboned cover of interwoven pinks and greens, tied closed by pink silk ribbons and topped by a pink velvet flower and ruched velvet leaves.
The title is how Colin and Aliénore decide they will go From This Moment On.
August 14, 2018
¡Se me olvidó comentar este libro! Es una delicia, te ríes un montón, hay una historia de amor muy bonita, de esas que te hacen suspirar cuando cierras el libro... Recomendabilísimo.
June 8, 2018
Clean, funny, all the trappings of a classic romance—I’ll be reading more of Kurland!!
February 28, 2016
This book was a teeter-totter of unevenness.
I was an eager kid at the playground for the set up, which was full of tension and unique characters. Colin was an unusual, intriguing hero. I liked him, and I disliked him: he was such a simplified version of "manly"; but his base behaviour was believable. And his vulnerabilities made him forgiveable.
But, the playground became more oft annoying than fun:
1. I had a difficult time with Ali: the author told me how clever she was but showed me how dopey she was (100% UNconvinced a clever girl would still believe, by story's near end, that Colin was capable of slaying her).
2. I was powerfully put off with the author's portrayal of Sybil: she was cartoonish and it was extremely callous to many readers, I'm sure. Not once was her eating disorder displayed with understanding or empathy; rather, she was continually defined by, and mocked by, this one feature of her life.
3. Still, I was going to give the story three stars--it kept my attention, after all--but then the last 20%... I can't even.... The sex scene (that we eagerly waited for, that was a succulent scent for practically the whole book)? What sex scene? I blinked and I think MAYBE it happened in that span of time. The villains' murder plot pacing? What pacing? It was dead, no one cared, but someone forgot to tell the author.
I was an eager kid at the playground for the set up, which was full of tension and unique characters. Colin was an unusual, intriguing hero. I liked him, and I disliked him: he was such a simplified version of "manly"; but his base behaviour was believable. And his vulnerabilities made him forgiveable.
But, the playground became more oft annoying than fun:
1. I had a difficult time with Ali: the author told me how clever she was but showed me how dopey she was (100% UNconvinced a clever girl would still believe, by story's near end, that Colin was capable of slaying her).
2. I was powerfully put off with the author's portrayal of Sybil: she was cartoonish and it was extremely callous to many readers, I'm sure. Not once was her eating disorder displayed with understanding or empathy; rather, she was continually defined by, and mocked by, this one feature of her life.
3. Still, I was going to give the story three stars--it kept my attention, after all--but then the last 20%... I can't even.... The sex scene (that we eagerly waited for, that was a succulent scent for practically the whole book)? What sex scene? I blinked and I think MAYBE it happened in that span of time. The villains' murder plot pacing? What pacing? It was dead, no one cared, but someone forgot to tell the author.
January 10, 2022
Everybody loves a happy ending… this book put that song in my head. Nice little love story. Sometimes we need those, even if we’re lonely. Maybe especially if we’re lonely. This was just a sweet, happy little book. Just like a good love song, it hits all the right notes: the joy you find in sacrificing for you love bc their smile is everything to you, the acceptance of the other person’s faults, and growing into them as they grow into you, the complete joy of the journey to and with each other.
Fun, humorous dialogue too. Everyone “setting to their sustenance” or in “foul humours” or complaining about someone’s “get.” I always love that medieval comedic wording.
Fun, humorous dialogue too. Everyone “setting to their sustenance” or in “foul humours” or complaining about someone’s “get.” I always love that medieval comedic wording.
May 6, 2022
I loved how they slowly changed their perception of each other. Colin unfortunately stuck in my mind as Vinnie Jones from the anachronistic TV series Galavant. I knew he would never spout poetry or break into song, but I kept waiting for it.
January 18, 2022
The story was nice but drew on way too long.
April 7, 2012
I am a little stumped on how to start this review. This book is not for everyone! From This Moment On is about Colin of Berkhamshire, the lovable but not-quite-so-much a hero sidekick from This Is All I Ask. Here, Colin is revealed in all his glory! He still smells, he is still grumbly, he is still considered a scary guy, but the good news is, he is still the same lovable character underneath. If this book were a movie, it would be a romantic comedy. Not the heartbreakingly sweet book that its predecessor was, but a great book to read when you are in the mood for fun! :)
Colin of Berkhamshire is otherwise known as the Butcher of Berkhamshire. He is fierce, merciless, not that great to look at, and, generally, mannerless (but it should be noted, not unchivalrous). He is not considered to be such a great catch by the young maidens of England and France. In fact, when told that they are going to be married to Colin, most young women find a reason, any one at all, not to be able to marry him. They beg their fathers and guardians and they fake ailments. All to avoid the altar with Berkhamshire. Colin takes it all in stride, until one maiden, Alienore of Solongne doesn't just make excuses, she actually runs away, never to be heard from again. For some reason, that one hit Colin where it hurts and left a bit of a scar. Colin even promises retribution. Should he ever get his hands on Alienore, he promises a swift death for the girl for humiliating him.
For the full review, please go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
Colin of Berkhamshire is otherwise known as the Butcher of Berkhamshire. He is fierce, merciless, not that great to look at, and, generally, mannerless (but it should be noted, not unchivalrous). He is not considered to be such a great catch by the young maidens of England and France. In fact, when told that they are going to be married to Colin, most young women find a reason, any one at all, not to be able to marry him. They beg their fathers and guardians and they fake ailments. All to avoid the altar with Berkhamshire. Colin takes it all in stride, until one maiden, Alienore of Solongne doesn't just make excuses, she actually runs away, never to be heard from again. For some reason, that one hit Colin where it hurts and left a bit of a scar. Colin even promises retribution. Should he ever get his hands on Alienore, he promises a swift death for the girl for humiliating him.
For the full review, please go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2011
I really do enjoy Lynn Kurland's style...her stories are sweet, sad and compelling.
I had fallen in love with Colin in This Is All I Ask. His soft underbelly was there for me to see and now it is showing even more, but only to those that really know him.
His reputation as the fiercest fighter of all time has driven his betrothed to run away and hide, as a man! When she finds herself as his knight in training, she's pretty sure that she's descended into hell.
Colin comes across as stupid to some, but he's got a mind like a steel trap, when he isn't totally focused on this sword.
I laughed, a lot, and rooted for the those that were down...and hoped that the BAD GUYS would get what was coming to them.
And I wanted to hug Alienore each time she was hurt.
This story is rated T, no graphic sex, which doesn't mean that the sex is all fade to black. It's sweet and endearing and I enjoyed it very much. At one point Colin breaks Alienore's nose! But he didn't mean to and I found myself laughing in chagrin.
Had to laugh too, that they both didn't worry overmuch about bathing! A match made in heaven, that's for sure...
I had fallen in love with Colin in This Is All I Ask. His soft underbelly was there for me to see and now it is showing even more, but only to those that really know him.
His reputation as the fiercest fighter of all time has driven his betrothed to run away and hide, as a man! When she finds herself as his knight in training, she's pretty sure that she's descended into hell.
Colin comes across as stupid to some, but he's got a mind like a steel trap, when he isn't totally focused on this sword.
I laughed, a lot, and rooted for the those that were down...and hoped that the BAD GUYS would get what was coming to them.
And I wanted to hug Alienore each time she was hurt.
This story is rated T, no graphic sex, which doesn't mean that the sex is all fade to black. It's sweet and endearing and I enjoyed it very much. At one point Colin breaks Alienore's nose! But he didn't mean to and I found myself laughing in chagrin.
Had to laugh too, that they both didn't worry overmuch about bathing! A match made in heaven, that's for sure...
March 17, 2015
Alienore has a cruel stepmother. When she finds out that she has been engaged to Colin of Berkhamshire, a man with the fiercest of reputations, she knows her stepmother has set it up so that she will be miserable. So she disguises herself as a knight and flees. Then she ends up escorting Colin’s newest fiancee to his keep. Colin is busy avoiding his fiancee and improving Alienore’s fighting skills is the perfect excuse. The more time Alienore spends with Colin, the more she sees he is not as bad as his reputation suggests, but can she trust him enough to tell him who she is?[return][return]I enjoyed Lynn Kurland’s Nine Kingdoms series so much that I decided to try out some of her other works. While there are similarities in the style …light humor, strong fighters, and romance, this lacked the charming quality that I enjoyed so much in the Nine Kingdom series. I did however enjoy that the plot was not super predictable. There were twists and turns that I was not expecting and really enjoyed. If you are looking for a light, clean romance with a solid plot, this will fit the bill.
October 9, 2007
I love this books. The one that makes this books special for me is that the character is unlikely hero and heroine. The hero, Colin of Berkhamshire, is an uncouth knight with bad manner and fearsome character. But inside, he has a kind heart especially for anyone weaker than others. But beware all bullies. He will trounce them. The very funny thing is the arrogance of him. He believes that he is the best knight and always brag of it. He has rough outside but fine heart indeed. The heroine, Alienore, was engaged to him once. But because of his fearsome reputation, she ran away disguised as a boy. Imagine her reaction when her journey brings her back even nearer to him. Huahaha
October 25, 2009
I'm no fan of Kurland because most times she presents a premise and I’m bored from the get-go, but this is one book I actually liked. The heroine got her faced rubbed in her own vomit, beat constantly, and the hero blew his nose into his sleeve. Aside from those wins, it’s a gender bender and the hero was unintelligent, socially defunct, self-delusional, apathetic, and ugly. It made me laugh a few times.
The biggest problem with the book is that it is 100 pages too long. Those pages lagged so much you could have torn them from the book and I wouldn't have ever noticed.
The biggest problem with the book is that it is 100 pages too long. Those pages lagged so much you could have torn them from the book and I wouldn't have ever noticed.
January 26, 2011
Very Sweet and silly book.The story of Colin of Berckhamshire and Alienore of Solenge with no time travel. It was just what I have come to expect from Kurland. I liked this one, it was cute and clean. One of her better ones in my opinion.
March 12, 2016
4.5 stars.
September 12, 2023
DNF
Well after Lynn Kurland’s “The More I See You”, this was a real disappointment. It was very similar to “This Is All I Ask” (where we first meet Colin of Berkhamshire) with just a few slight changes. Our heroine Alienore of Solonge/Sir Henri was a stupid, weak, foolish woman much like Gillian in “This Is All I Ask” and Colin of Berkhamshire was another strong and silent (almost oafish) male, liked his friend Christopher of Blackmour from the same book.
The plot was weak, predictable, tedious, and boring. The secondary characters had little depth, apart from the de Paigets of Artane, and the action was disjointed. The basic story was so similar to Gillian and Christopher’s that it seemed to me a waste of time in writing (and reading) this book. It certainly didn’t add to the de Paiget/MacLeod series, apart from the brief mentions of the de Paigets from Artane, but even that seemed to be perfunctory. I did think that the inclusion of Colin’s boorish family and Alienore’s family and the contrast to the de Paigets was about the best part of the book. Again, as with “This Is All I Ask”, the inclusion of Berengaria, Nemain and Magda was farcical.
I read the first few chapters and then just skimmed the rest
Well after Lynn Kurland’s “The More I See You”, this was a real disappointment. It was very similar to “This Is All I Ask” (where we first meet Colin of Berkhamshire) with just a few slight changes. Our heroine Alienore of Solonge/Sir Henri was a stupid, weak, foolish woman much like Gillian in “This Is All I Ask” and Colin of Berkhamshire was another strong and silent (almost oafish) male, liked his friend Christopher of Blackmour from the same book.
The plot was weak, predictable, tedious, and boring. The secondary characters had little depth, apart from the de Paigets of Artane, and the action was disjointed. The basic story was so similar to Gillian and Christopher’s that it seemed to me a waste of time in writing (and reading) this book. It certainly didn’t add to the de Paiget/MacLeod series, apart from the brief mentions of the de Paigets from Artane, but even that seemed to be perfunctory. I did think that the inclusion of Colin’s boorish family and Alienore’s family and the contrast to the de Paigets was about the best part of the book. Again, as with “This Is All I Ask”, the inclusion of Berengaria, Nemain and Magda was farcical.
I read the first few chapters and then just skimmed the rest
August 2, 2023
10 chapters later and I'm done! So freaking done with WAITING for the romance part to START! If you think this is a book where Colin is attracted to Ali without knowing that Ali is a girl, then you will be disappointed. It's more about the drama around her being a boy when she is clearly not. Maybe suspense too.
I follow a rule when it comes to books and I think I gave this book a fair chance to prove it's worth BUT I got nothing in return. The most important part, the romance is hiding somewhere not easily spotted.
I'm here for the romance, not to read about people finding out that Ali is girl and trying to help her while others wants to drag her down and hurt her. Had I wanted to read ONLY suspense I definitely would've picked something much better.
Another thing, the hero is just a big boy with a nice and warm heart. He is not even remotely dark, only pretending to be something he surely isn't.
OBS! If you like dark heros, villains and monsters both inside and out then don't read this. You will be disappointed.
I follow a rule when it comes to books and I think I gave this book a fair chance to prove it's worth BUT I got nothing in return. The most important part, the romance is hiding somewhere not easily spotted.
I'm here for the romance, not to read about people finding out that Ali is girl and trying to help her while others wants to drag her down and hurt her. Had I wanted to read ONLY suspense I definitely would've picked something much better.
Another thing, the hero is just a big boy with a nice and warm heart. He is not even remotely dark, only pretending to be something he surely isn't.
OBS! If you like dark heros, villains and monsters both inside and out then don't read this. You will be disappointed.
October 25, 2023
I bought this book many years ago without knowing anything about the author or that it was a series, something I found out just now, but I really liked the synopsis so I decided to read it.
I read it in Spanish, my native language, and I loved all the phrases used in the book, such as "hurtarle el cuerpo", "los santos nos protejan" and many others. The language and the expressions used were incredibly funny.
This book is witty, fun and romantic without being cliche or cheesy.
I loved all the characters and I loved the romance between them.
It's incredibly enjoyable and easy to read. I just re-read it after many years and I enjoyed it as much as the first time.
I'll look for more books from this writer.
I read it in Spanish, my native language, and I loved all the phrases used in the book, such as "hurtarle el cuerpo", "los santos nos protejan" and many others. The language and the expressions used were incredibly funny.
This book is witty, fun and romantic without being cliche or cheesy.
I loved all the characters and I loved the romance between them.
It's incredibly enjoyable and easy to read. I just re-read it after many years and I enjoyed it as much as the first time.
I'll look for more books from this writer.
June 27, 2018
I'll be honest. I've read FROM THIS MOMENT ON at least a dozen times. It's one of a handful of default titles I grab for comfort reading. Begin with a tall young maiden fleeing forced matrimony by stealing one of her drunken brothers' armor and sword in order to pretend to be a knight guarding the simpering spoiled daughter of a medieval lord. Add a huge, fierce, and rather pungent knight whose intended brides keep finding ways to avoid marriage with him, including one tall and clever lord's daughter who just disappeared. Wonder where she might have gone? Add some medieval scoundrels and a few witches. Stir well and you get a funny, heartwarming story.
July 14, 2021
The author seemingly was going for a Shakespearian comedy of errors here but fell extremely short of the mark. Instead, this fell more in to awkward, drawn out drama that had way too many plot holes to count. I'm sorry, but the story could easily have wrapped up in a hundred pages, but the heroine was too stupid and cowardly to figure that out. When the story is finished at ~315, it still gets drug on for another 85 pages. I couldn't even bring myself to waste more time to finish this. The ONLY reason this got two stars is because it, emphasis on, attempted to bring in the gender bending trope. Otherwise, I have no clue why others even gave this more than one star?
March 24, 2017
At first I was just exasperated by the silliness of it all-Alienore was masquerading as a young knight to avoid her evil stepmother and an unwanted betrothal to the stereotypical brutish manly man. There was so much swaying and trembling going on-even the manly Colin by the end-that just the mention of someone swaying became quite comical. Also, Alienore's inability to just speak up for herself and tell the truth was just so frustrating! However, despite these flaws, I did get quite carried away by this story. Alienore and Colin became quite endearing as they realized their feelings for each other-with some swaying going on for good measure. A quick, light read.
September 2, 2024
This book is just super sweet and cute and funny, except for the parts where the villains abuse the heroine (guaranteed to make my blood boil).
But again, a romance where I love both the male and female leads; strangely enough I was daydreaming of a romance where the male has to teach the female self defence for some reason, and I'm glad that I found that in this book.
Though the book is fairly long, the plot does move quite quickly and is less dramatic than I expected. The two leads are perfect for each other and I will hold them very dear!
But again, a romance where I love both the male and female leads; strangely enough I was daydreaming of a romance where the male has to teach the female self defence for some reason, and I'm glad that I found that in this book.
Though the book is fairly long, the plot does move quite quickly and is less dramatic than I expected. The two leads are perfect for each other and I will hold them very dear!
May 11, 2018
One of my favorites of the series, mostly because Colin is so amusing in his single minded devotion to the art of combat. His eating habits and manners are atrocious, and he may smell a little rank. As usual, the villains and motivations are absurd and without much intelligence or believable motivation, but whatever. I also don't know why her father was such a moron about the stepmother, nor why the stepmother was so mean to Alienore but seemingly not her brothers.
March 8, 2019
I’ve read a couple books in the series but none of that in order. But that’s OK because it doesn’t necessarily need to be read in order. There were some really fun moments when it was painfully obvious that Ali was A female. And the constant dancing around the issue although somewhat drawn out was funny. I’ll probably read more books in the series but the only question is whether I should continue to go from the middle or start from the beginning.
September 21, 2022
Interesting
A different story than other Kurland books I have read and enjoyed. Although there was Jason de Piaet as a side character, it wasn't about that family. It takes place between the books, can't remember there titles at the moment, about Chrispher of Blackmoor and Gillian and that about Jason de Piaget's finding a bride.
Good story in itself, but not quite what I expected as a Kurland novel. Enjoy it.
A different story than other Kurland books I have read and enjoyed. Although there was Jason de Piaet as a side character, it wasn't about that family. It takes place between the books, can't remember there titles at the moment, about Chrispher of Blackmoor and Gillian and that about Jason de Piaget's finding a bride.
Good story in itself, but not quite what I expected as a Kurland novel. Enjoy it.
January 15, 2024
Wonderful DePiaget and friends
I like all of Lynn Kurland’s books - quite a series. Some being reread, others recently found. Kindle is making it easier to read in order too. There is great humour in all of these, and romance in many guises. This is a continuation of the Dragon of Blackmoor one of my favourite stories. Best Friend Colin finds a mate, worthy of a ‘manly warrior’. I would read them in order, but they are fine stand alones.
I like all of Lynn Kurland’s books - quite a series. Some being reread, others recently found. Kindle is making it easier to read in order too. There is great humour in all of these, and romance in many guises. This is a continuation of the Dragon of Blackmoor one of my favourite stories. Best Friend Colin finds a mate, worthy of a ‘manly warrior’. I would read them in order, but they are fine stand alones.
March 5, 2025
DNF at 85%. The conflict between MCs was pretty much resolved at 70%? And now an external conflict has been introduced but the couple is already together so I’m not bothered to continue. It is a good book regardless. The MMC has pretty much muscular doge vibes, and the FMC is courageous despite her fears and anxiety. The slow burn leading up to their falling in love was sweet. 3.5 stars because I like my couple-conflict to be resolved at the 99% mark.
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