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Ties That Bind
A druid who denies himself nothing desires the only woman who believes magic and love don't mix. AEDAN ap OWEN misuses his Sidhe gifts for his own personal pleasures and the king's dark business at the Plantagenet court. Sent north to investigate rumors of treason and dispatch the troublemakers, Aedan discovers someone is murdering monks and stealing saints' relics. And all clues point to his kinsman the Earl of Carlisle. LADY TESS of BRIDSWELL refuses to rekindle her relationship with Aedan. She knows his reputation as a secret stealer--and she has a secret that must be kept. But her resolve falters when her uncle promises her hand to a man she despises and Aedan appears her sole salvation. But a would-be king uses the stolen relics to amplify his power, wielding it like a weapon. Meeting the traitor's magic with magic could prevent war, but it also would destroy Aedan's chance to show Tess he has at least mastered the temptation of the ancient wisdom. Can he renounce his magic to win Tess' heart anew or will Aedan choose magic over love?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 26, 2017
Update:
Years after I posted this review I re-read the entire series, Anam Cara, Ties that Bind and Enthralled, and realized to my mortification that the review I posted for this book belonged to Enthralled (if you want to read it, it's now in its proper place).
The three Druids of Duncaroch books are a magnificent series, full of compelling characters, magic, treacherous politics during the days of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and mayhem.
And they should appeal to lovers of high fantasy, fantasy, medieval and/or historical romance and paranormal. What's not to love?
As the blurb indicates, this is the story of Aedan, younger brother of Bran, the hero of Anam Cara, who's come back to Carlisle after spending years steeped in the intrigue and debauchery of Henry II and Eleanor's court.
He has an assignment, but his first and only love becomes an obstacle to everything he intended.
As with Anam Cara, the heroine, Tess, is stubborn (sometimes skirting self-destructive), intelligent, and damaged by years of mental and physical abuse.
This has all the hallmarks of the trilogy...the magic, politics, danger and powerful, unflinching, vivid depictions of medieval life (with magic thrown in, of course).
You'll love this one, and absolutely do NOT miss reading the eye-popping climax of the series right after you close this book. You'll be glad you did.
Years after I posted this review I re-read the entire series, Anam Cara, Ties that Bind and Enthralled, and realized to my mortification that the review I posted for this book belonged to Enthralled (if you want to read it, it's now in its proper place).
The three Druids of Duncaroch books are a magnificent series, full of compelling characters, magic, treacherous politics during the days of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and mayhem.
And they should appeal to lovers of high fantasy, fantasy, medieval and/or historical romance and paranormal. What's not to love?
As the blurb indicates, this is the story of Aedan, younger brother of Bran, the hero of Anam Cara, who's come back to Carlisle after spending years steeped in the intrigue and debauchery of Henry II and Eleanor's court.
He has an assignment, but his first and only love becomes an obstacle to everything he intended.
As with Anam Cara, the heroine, Tess, is stubborn (sometimes skirting self-destructive), intelligent, and damaged by years of mental and physical abuse.
This has all the hallmarks of the trilogy...the magic, politics, danger and powerful, unflinching, vivid depictions of medieval life (with magic thrown in, of course).
You'll love this one, and absolutely do NOT miss reading the eye-popping climax of the series right after you close this book. You'll be glad you did.
February 12, 2017
If you like your dark ages romance to include heart-pounding action, magic, and well-written prose, this is the book for you. Descriptive scenes, honorable heroes, evil villains, twist and turns. The animals, children, and ancient myths are a plus. Highly recommend.
October 14, 2010
Kincaid crafts a romance that will hold the reader spellbound with “Ties That Bind.” Set in Henry II’s Plantagenet court, Aedan ap Owen is the king’s minstrel, sent to Carlisle to investigate a series of relics that have been recently stolen. When Aedan encounters his previous love, Tess, he realizes the quest to find the stolen relics has become that much more complicated.
The novel opens with Aedan receiving a relic from Queen Eleanor with a message to give it to her man when Aedan arrives in Carlisle. Upon meeting with Richard, the Earl of Carlisle, Aedan learns that his former love, Tess, is now the widowed Lady of Bridswell. Her uncle has just made arrangements for Tess to marry another lord, Robert of Hexham. Aedan gives the relic to the queen’s man, but soon learns that things aren’t what they seem, and people who should be trustworthy aren’t. Aedan makes friends with a knight, William, and his adopted sister, Ami. Aedan also rekindles the love he has for Tess when the two have an impromptu encounter at a local inn. When Aedan discovers Tess’s fiancé, Robert, has evil intentions for the relics, he tries to stop Hexham. Hexham then captures Tess and makes off to Bridswell. When Hexham unleashes the dark secret of the relics, will it rob Aedan of what he’s always desired – a true family with Tess?
Kincaid’s opening catches the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go. Her writing is sharp and the plot is tight, with several twists and turns that will surprise the reader, including a secret that Tess keeps from Aedan.
Kincaid’s characters are rich and well developed. Aedan leads a wanderer’s life as a court minstrel, but he’s loyal and true to his beliefs, traits of an admirable hero. He’s kind and caring with children, and through his Sidhe talents, even animals are mindful of him. His love for Tess has never died. The passionate reigniting of their love is heartwarming for the reader. Tess is a well layered character, showing great strength at times and tender vulnerabilities. She’s a perfect match for Aedan.
Kincaid’s voice is lyrical, capturing the romantic feel of the early Plantagenet reign. She blends the supernatural myths of Rome’s lingering influence and early Christianity well. The love scenes are tasteful and would be considered “sophisticated” for romance readers. Overall, “Ties That Bind” is a magical discovery of a love that lasts a lifetime.
The novel opens with Aedan receiving a relic from Queen Eleanor with a message to give it to her man when Aedan arrives in Carlisle. Upon meeting with Richard, the Earl of Carlisle, Aedan learns that his former love, Tess, is now the widowed Lady of Bridswell. Her uncle has just made arrangements for Tess to marry another lord, Robert of Hexham. Aedan gives the relic to the queen’s man, but soon learns that things aren’t what they seem, and people who should be trustworthy aren’t. Aedan makes friends with a knight, William, and his adopted sister, Ami. Aedan also rekindles the love he has for Tess when the two have an impromptu encounter at a local inn. When Aedan discovers Tess’s fiancé, Robert, has evil intentions for the relics, he tries to stop Hexham. Hexham then captures Tess and makes off to Bridswell. When Hexham unleashes the dark secret of the relics, will it rob Aedan of what he’s always desired – a true family with Tess?
Kincaid’s opening catches the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go. Her writing is sharp and the plot is tight, with several twists and turns that will surprise the reader, including a secret that Tess keeps from Aedan.
Kincaid’s characters are rich and well developed. Aedan leads a wanderer’s life as a court minstrel, but he’s loyal and true to his beliefs, traits of an admirable hero. He’s kind and caring with children, and through his Sidhe talents, even animals are mindful of him. His love for Tess has never died. The passionate reigniting of their love is heartwarming for the reader. Tess is a well layered character, showing great strength at times and tender vulnerabilities. She’s a perfect match for Aedan.
Kincaid’s voice is lyrical, capturing the romantic feel of the early Plantagenet reign. She blends the supernatural myths of Rome’s lingering influence and early Christianity well. The love scenes are tasteful and would be considered “sophisticated” for romance readers. Overall, “Ties That Bind” is a magical discovery of a love that lasts a lifetime.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews