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The Christmas Knight
Her Only Hope For The Season
With their father gone this Christmastide, Bronwyn de Breton and her two younger sisters are utterly vulnerable at unprotected Hunswick Castle. And their troubles are compounded when a fearsome knight arrives on the king's orders to take Hunswick as his own—and the youngest de Breton daughter as his wife.
Is A Man She’s Never Met
Bronwyn would never let her little sister be forced to marry a man as rough and wild as the new lord is whispered to be. Yet someone must form an alliance with him, or all of Hunswick will be at risk. So she steps forward, pretending to be her own sister.
And A Love She Never Expected
But the new lord is not so easily fooled. He knows Bronwyn is not the woman he has promised to marry. And yet, no matter how duty-bound he may be, there is no resisting the golden-haired beauty who so fearlessly gives herself to him...and awakens a passion unlike any he's ever known.
With their father gone this Christmastide, Bronwyn de Breton and her two younger sisters are utterly vulnerable at unprotected Hunswick Castle. And their troubles are compounded when a fearsome knight arrives on the king's orders to take Hunswick as his own—and the youngest de Breton daughter as his wife.
Is A Man She’s Never Met
Bronwyn would never let her little sister be forced to marry a man as rough and wild as the new lord is whispered to be. Yet someone must form an alliance with him, or all of Hunswick will be at risk. So she steps forward, pretending to be her own sister.
And A Love She Never Expected
But the new lord is not so easily fooled. He knows Bronwyn is not the woman he has promised to marry. And yet, no matter how duty-bound he may be, there is no resisting the golden-haired beauty who so fearlessly gives herself to him...and awakens a passion unlike any he's ever known.
473 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
69 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Michele Sinclair
24 books502 followersIn need of a creative outlet, I began writing novels after my second child was born. A voracious reader of romance books and a constant dreamer of romantic plots, I was encouraged to put my ideas to paper. I soon found out I loved it...all of it!
I am a member of the Romance Writers of America and of the Georgia Romance Writers.
In addition to writing historical romance novels, I also build large HO model trains, love to do huge cross-stitching pieces, relax by boating, and decorate everything I can during the Christmas season.
Besides romance I am a heavy science fiction reader and try to read at least two books a month—one science fiction and the other romance even when I am writing. I guess I just secretly desire to live in another place in time!
I am a member of the Romance Writers of America and of the Georgia Romance Writers.
In addition to writing historical romance novels, I also build large HO model trains, love to do huge cross-stitching pieces, relax by boating, and decorate everything I can during the Christmas season.
Besides romance I am a heavy science fiction reader and try to read at least two books a month—one science fiction and the other romance even when I am writing. I guess I just secretly desire to live in another place in time!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 29, 2010
I really enjoyed this medieval romance with a Christmas-time theme. The lead characters were both likable, good people who find love together when they meet after the hero is sent to be the lord of the keep where the heroine lives. The hero lost an eye in an accident when he was younger, so he is a bit tortured about how people react to his physical appearance. The heroine does not care about his eye, she knows from personal experience that it's what inside a person that counts. I enjoyed the writing style of the author, the characters and story came to life for me. I also liked learning about the Christmas traditions used during the middle ages which were detailed at the beginning of each chapter.
So overall, I recommend this book if you enjoy medieval romance and/or Christmas romance. The lead characters were very well drawn and the story was enjoyable to read.
So overall, I recommend this book if you enjoy medieval romance and/or Christmas romance. The lead characters were very well drawn and the story was enjoyable to read.
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September 3, 2016DNF! D:
Gawd what a boring book. Maybe I have the attention span of a gnat (since everybody else loves this book except me) but there is no way I can struggle through three hundred more pages of this book. All these characters do is ponder on their insecurities, moon over each other, and talk, talk, talk. It makes me cranky.
First we have Ranulf, who is horribly scarred and is missing an eye with a flaccid eyelid. Yes Sinclair uses the word ‘flaccid’.
I happen to love beasty stories so my first thought was:
(Gratuitous pic of Mads Mikkelsen *swoon*)
Unfortunately, Ranulf is no Mads. He’s a big woobie. Ranulf whines about inheriting a prosperous fiefdom (poor guy). He whines about how no woman will ever love him because of his scars. He hides from his betrothed because he thinks she will be horrified by the sight of him.
Considering this was war-torn England when disease and pestilence was common, I’m sure Ranulf doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. But you know how it is. All women are shallow except for the heroine.
Enter Bronwyn – the only woman who can see the awesomeness of Ranulf. She is a spinster and an amazing dynamo. She can heal the sick, run a castle with her eyes closed, and all the serfs and servants love her like she is a saint. Her hair is magical and changes from dark blond to chestnut to gold. She has one flaw though. She’s not as pretty as her younger sisters and thinks no man would really love her. (I'm seeing a potential theme here)
When the two lovebirds meet, Ranulf has gone up into a tower with an unstable floor. You’d think she’d tell him, ‘Hey come down, the floor may collapse!” Instead she just orders him out of the tower. So Ranulf gets all bent out of shape because she’s not ‘respecting his authoritah’ and ignores her. Of course the floor collapses. This give Bronwyn the chance to nurse and undress him, marveling at his beefiness while he pretends to be asleep. While he’s recovering, they dally with each other.
By about this time I was falling asleep. After all, I was already about one third way done with the book and NOTHING had happened.
When two characters pretty much start out already in love and are perfect for each other, the only thing that can keep them apart are dumb misunderstandings. Seriously, you can’t have win=win from the beginning without some lame excuse to keep them apart. I think this is my big problem with modern romances. The characters don’t really grow and change. They don’t have major conflicts to overcome. Their only problem is that while they talk a lot, they don’t tell each other the truth. Consequently they are always misunderstanding each other. I hate these kind of stories.
I’ve read that the ending has Bronwyn going out for a tapestry *eyeroll* while her evil neighbor abducts her. I’m thinking, three hundred more pages and that’s all that happens? DNF
Gawd what a boring book. Maybe I have the attention span of a gnat (since everybody else loves this book except me) but there is no way I can struggle through three hundred more pages of this book. All these characters do is ponder on their insecurities, moon over each other, and talk, talk, talk. It makes me cranky.
First we have Ranulf, who is horribly scarred and is missing an eye with a flaccid eyelid. Yes Sinclair uses the word ‘flaccid’.
I happen to love beasty stories so my first thought was:
(Gratuitous pic of Mads Mikkelsen *swoon*)
Unfortunately, Ranulf is no Mads. He’s a big woobie. Ranulf whines about inheriting a prosperous fiefdom (poor guy). He whines about how no woman will ever love him because of his scars. He hides from his betrothed because he thinks she will be horrified by the sight of him.
Considering this was war-torn England when disease and pestilence was common, I’m sure Ranulf doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. But you know how it is. All women are shallow except for the heroine.
Enter Bronwyn – the only woman who can see the awesomeness of Ranulf. She is a spinster and an amazing dynamo. She can heal the sick, run a castle with her eyes closed, and all the serfs and servants love her like she is a saint. Her hair is magical and changes from dark blond to chestnut to gold. She has one flaw though. She’s not as pretty as her younger sisters and thinks no man would really love her. (I'm seeing a potential theme here)
When the two lovebirds meet, Ranulf has gone up into a tower with an unstable floor. You’d think she’d tell him, ‘Hey come down, the floor may collapse!” Instead she just orders him out of the tower. So Ranulf gets all bent out of shape because she’s not ‘respecting his authoritah’ and ignores her. Of course the floor collapses. This give Bronwyn the chance to nurse and undress him, marveling at his beefiness while he pretends to be asleep. While he’s recovering, they dally with each other.
By about this time I was falling asleep. After all, I was already about one third way done with the book and NOTHING had happened.
When two characters pretty much start out already in love and are perfect for each other, the only thing that can keep them apart are dumb misunderstandings. Seriously, you can’t have win=win from the beginning without some lame excuse to keep them apart. I think this is my big problem with modern romances. The characters don’t really grow and change. They don’t have major conflicts to overcome. Their only problem is that while they talk a lot, they don’t tell each other the truth. Consequently they are always misunderstanding each other. I hate these kind of stories.
I’ve read that the ending has Bronwyn going out for a tapestry *eyeroll* while her evil neighbor abducts her. I’m thinking, three hundred more pages and that’s all that happens? DNF
June 14, 2012
There were so many wonderful aspects to this book. First, it is set in a very interesting time. The young King Henry II and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, have just ascended to the throne of England after decades of civil war. The author's historical research is impressive, and she weaves it seamlessly into the story. Ranulf, the hero, is close to Henry and one of his most valued military commanders. Ranulf is scarred, both physically and emotionally. He has just inherited a vast estate in Northumbria, which he is reluctant to assume. Henry insists that Ranulf accept his estate as the king needs stability and peace in the North, and a strong commander who can insure both. Bronwyn, the heroine, has been involved in running the estate Ranulf inherits. Both Ranulf and Bronwyn are mature, sensible, and sympathetic characters, and both have known real suffering. The first third of the book where they meet and fall in love is terrific, a solid 4.5 stars.
The last third of the book is also wonderful (and I will discuss that later). The problem is the middle third of the book. After Bronwyn and Ranulf fall in love, they suddenly start playing all these ridiculous games with each other. Small misunderstandings (which could easily have been cleared up with a simple conversation) escalated into major misunderstandings. Those in turn triggered jealousy on both their parts, which lead to more misunderstandings and jealous behavior. Those misunderstandings and jealousy caused both Ranulf and Bronwyn to make dumb decisions with regard to each other. This went on for a full third of the book, and it just got tiresome and annoying. In my opinion, none of this was necessary, either to further the plot or the action.
By the last third of the book, all the foolishness of the middle third has finally been cleared up. The hero and heroine fully realize their deep love for each other. At that point, there is a villain who is a real threat to both Bronwyn and Ranulf. Ranulf decides to neutralize the villain by involving the king. And here the book really shines, where Henry and Eleanor become integral characters in the story. The last third was terrific. Since I love good political intrigue with my historical romance, the last third was a 5 for me.
That's why I'm sad that the highest overall grade I can give this book is 3.5 stars because of the very disappointing middle part. The author is a talented, accomplished writer, who writes real historical romantic fiction. She makes history come alive, while entertaining and telling a compelling story (for ⅔ of the book). I certainly look forward to reading more of her books.
The last third of the book is also wonderful (and I will discuss that later). The problem is the middle third of the book. After Bronwyn and Ranulf fall in love, they suddenly start playing all these ridiculous games with each other. Small misunderstandings (which could easily have been cleared up with a simple conversation) escalated into major misunderstandings. Those in turn triggered jealousy on both their parts, which lead to more misunderstandings and jealous behavior. Those misunderstandings and jealousy caused both Ranulf and Bronwyn to make dumb decisions with regard to each other. This went on for a full third of the book, and it just got tiresome and annoying. In my opinion, none of this was necessary, either to further the plot or the action.
By the last third of the book, all the foolishness of the middle third has finally been cleared up. The hero and heroine fully realize their deep love for each other. At that point, there is a villain who is a real threat to both Bronwyn and Ranulf. Ranulf decides to neutralize the villain by involving the king. And here the book really shines, where Henry and Eleanor become integral characters in the story. The last third was terrific. Since I love good political intrigue with my historical romance, the last third was a 5 for me.
That's why I'm sad that the highest overall grade I can give this book is 3.5 stars because of the very disappointing middle part. The author is a talented, accomplished writer, who writes real historical romantic fiction. She makes history come alive, while entertaining and telling a compelling story (for ⅔ of the book). I certainly look forward to reading more of her books.
October 24, 2021
Medievil England (Dec. 1154). Had mixed feelings about
this one. Gave 3.5 stars.
Ranulf was the Duke of Normandy's great friend/ warrior.
The Duke soon after became King Henry the 2nd. The King
rewarded one-eyed Ranulf (AKA "Dead Eye" for his weapons
proficiency IE crossbow etc) with Hunswick Castle and Lily,
youngest dtr., of the late Lord Laon.
Ranulf instead fell for the eldest dtr Bronwyn (Lily's sib).
Bronwyn felt inferior to her 2 beautiful sisters. The MCs
danced around their feelings. Luc Craven (what a name!)
who nearly raped Bronwyn yrs ago, wanted her + her hold-
ings. She out-smarted Luc. Her middle sis Edythe flirted
w/ Ran's bestie Tyr.
The MCs lied to each other & then cried peace. Ranulf dealt
with his inner and outer scars. He'd been celibate x 3 yrs,
but not anymore.
this one. Gave 3.5 stars.
Ranulf was the Duke of Normandy's great friend/ warrior.
The Duke soon after became King Henry the 2nd. The King
rewarded one-eyed Ranulf (AKA "Dead Eye" for his weapons
proficiency IE crossbow etc) with Hunswick Castle and Lily,
youngest dtr., of the late Lord Laon.
Ranulf instead fell for the eldest dtr Bronwyn (Lily's sib).
Bronwyn felt inferior to her 2 beautiful sisters. The MCs
danced around their feelings. Luc Craven (what a name!)
who nearly raped Bronwyn yrs ago, wanted her + her hold-
ings. She out-smarted Luc. Her middle sis Edythe flirted
w/ Ran's bestie Tyr.
The MCs lied to each other & then cried peace. Ranulf dealt
with his inner and outer scars. He'd been celibate x 3 yrs,
but not anymore.
November 30, 2012
I saw this recommended as a "beastly" book...the hero has been badly burned in a fire, and he is missing an eye. And he refuses to wear an eye-patch...Mr. One-Eyed Bad-Ass! There is some great chemistry between the beastly hero and the heroine who is determined to protect her sisters and village. Ever since reading Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley, I have shied away from longer books. I am still traumatized by the never-ending KA saga--although the book was very entertaining, the length was hideous, and I gravitate to shorter reads. Well, this book was quite lengthy, but I was enthralled with it from beginning to end. Loved the final scene with the King and Queen and their court.
Who needs a freakin' eye patch?
:^)
Grade: A
Who needs a freakin' eye patch?
:^)
Grade: A
December 4, 2013
Beautiful medieval romance, much better than I expected. This is my first book by this author and I really liked her style.
The H&h are both scarred and insecure. When they meet, sparks fly. Even though the story takes place in a timeframe of a few days, it doesn't feel rushed. We can see them falling in love and understand why it happens so quickly.
There is a lovely Christmas holiday feel to the book. The story takes place during Christmastide and we get small tidbits at the beginning of each chapter describing the customs and practices of the 12th century.
Absolutely enjoyable and romantic!
The H&h are both scarred and insecure. When they meet, sparks fly. Even though the story takes place in a timeframe of a few days, it doesn't feel rushed. We can see them falling in love and understand why it happens so quickly.
There is a lovely Christmas holiday feel to the book. The story takes place during Christmastide and we get small tidbits at the beginning of each chapter describing the customs and practices of the 12th century.
Absolutely enjoyable and romantic!
February 28, 2012
This is a great Medieval Christmas romance. Sinclair begins each chapter with a tradition of Christmastide or Twelfthtide (the 12 days of Christmas), as celebrated then, for a wonderful holiday touch.
Set in the 12th century, it's the story of Ranulf, a knight of King Henry II, who is scarred (literally and figuratively) as a result of his heroism of the past and shunned by most women. He is a warrior known for his feats of valor, but with the death of his father and cousin, he reluctantly is persuaded by an older knight, Leon le Breton, at Henry's insistence, to return to England and accept the responsibility of Lord of Hunswick and the castle in Cambria. In an accident aboard ship that claims the life of le Breton, Ranulf grants the dying man's wish and agrees to marry the youngest of his three daughters, Lily. But when he arrives at Huswick, it is the oldest daughter Bronwyn who captures his heart. Bronwyn is posing as her younger sister to try and save her from an unwanted marriage, but Ranulf is not fooled. It is Bronwyn he wants.
Sinclair does a great job of weaving in the Christmas season's traditions that were being celebrated in the 12th century (and many today as well) while drawing us into a true love between two people who have much to give. I really enjoyed this one!
Two minor nits: Bronwyn's hair color is described alternately as gold, light brown, dark tawny and chestnut which are not the same color. Also, the "loose thread" of the romance between Ranulf's best friend and Scot, Tyr, and Bronwyn's sister Edythe is never resolved (not even in the epilog) and that left me hungry for more!
Set in the 12th century, it's the story of Ranulf, a knight of King Henry II, who is scarred (literally and figuratively) as a result of his heroism of the past and shunned by most women. He is a warrior known for his feats of valor, but with the death of his father and cousin, he reluctantly is persuaded by an older knight, Leon le Breton, at Henry's insistence, to return to England and accept the responsibility of Lord of Hunswick and the castle in Cambria. In an accident aboard ship that claims the life of le Breton, Ranulf grants the dying man's wish and agrees to marry the youngest of his three daughters, Lily. But when he arrives at Huswick, it is the oldest daughter Bronwyn who captures his heart. Bronwyn is posing as her younger sister to try and save her from an unwanted marriage, but Ranulf is not fooled. It is Bronwyn he wants.
Sinclair does a great job of weaving in the Christmas season's traditions that were being celebrated in the 12th century (and many today as well) while drawing us into a true love between two people who have much to give. I really enjoyed this one!
Two minor nits: Bronwyn's hair color is described alternately as gold, light brown, dark tawny and chestnut which are not the same color. Also, the "loose thread" of the romance between Ranulf's best friend and Scot, Tyr, and Bronwyn's sister Edythe is never resolved (not even in the epilog) and that left me hungry for more!
February 7, 2021
1st couple of pages are a lil confusing.&i didnt even understand the italicized words on pg1.this book is already not what i thought it was.the guys disfigured &missing an eye.not that that matters,i like readin about the scarred war heroes somtimes,but the description didnt hint at ranulf bein like this at all.
they didnt even say what the guys name was on the back,so at the beginning of the book it took me a lil while to figure out who the main guy was.
"shrugged his chin." i wasn't aware you could shrug your chin.
"clinched his jaw." do you mean clenched??i can honestly say,ive never heard of the word "clinched."
"ranulf de gunnar was far from young." &yet "you are far2 young 2 be so severe&serious." just how old is he?!
-his convos w/laon are frankly weird.the whole character assessment is usually between the guy &girl.not some old guy.
the beginning is boring&draggy &i wish they would hurry up&get on w/the story cause im sick of him &leon talkin.
if it continues to drag like this,i can c why the bk is so long.
where do authors get their names.pertinax for a horse? wth.
"his horse pertinax was 1 of those supports enabling him2 smoothly interact w/the world." how?!
"twitched his jaw." wut?!
idk if its just me or wut but a few things sed between laon&ranulf seem a lil..gay.
i also didn't expect the daughters to be laons.&btw how do u pronounce that?
i didnt no ranulf would meet the dad.&that his death would happen n the bk.i thought he was already dead.that cud have def.ben left out.did ranulf rlly have2 save 2 young guys on the ship.we get it,hes a hero! stupid2 save 1 guy &then the old guy dies.
"he was a father &2 laon,ranulf was a son." dint u guys meet a few days ago?
he made his daughters sound great.now i know why ranulf was sketpical.lily comes off as unlikeable when we get to bronwyn's part.
why wud laon say2 marry lily when the other2 girls sound stronger?&he sed she was loving when she seems superficial,bratty&a flirt.
how wud bright white hair turn n2 golden hair?
&i dint know bronwyn had an old tormentor/suitor.so overdone.
i didnt know that ranulf would know the girl had switched on him the enitre time. i hate that this book isnt goin the way i thought it wud! i thought from the back of the bk that ranulf wud just sense they were foolin him.not that he'd know becuz he knew wut they looked like.
ok so luc gets pick of any daughers.&so does ranulf.
im not sure why laon sed no1 wud ask for bronwyn.
&i dint expect ranulf2 be the rlly..randy type.but here he is upon 1st seein her&has all these lusty thoughts.&while ranulf was n the bushes he sed bronwyn looked directly @him.but wen we were n bronwyns perspective i dint hear her say she ssaw sum1 n the bushes or that she was even lookin@the bushes.
ther elookin@2 men from their window.1s got reddish hair.&the other has rlly short black hair thats balding n the middle.neither sounds good.who's ranulf?
its amazing wut ppl can deduce@a distance.from lookin up n2 a window ranulf claims that bronwyn saw "inside his soul."
"his angel." mighty fast 4that.
i dont like how ranulf&bronwyn meet.because of faulty floors.i find it amazing that he's 4 stories up &they dont have2 raise their voices2 talk.&can c each other clearly.
he's hurt &her lips r touchin his ear.wth.&then she teases him.
"he needed bronwyn2 c him as a man." u dont even know her!&he already wants a kiss from her.its not sweet.it makes him look incredibly fast moving.
&ive read several books like this.the girl instantly becums annoying.teasing him,whispering n his ear.&ordering his friend from the room.i dont like wen they become between friends like that.u just met them&ur already usurping authority.
why wud ranulf think that bronwyn had2 of seen sumthn rlly bad within him2 be unaffected. &why wud he hit her? idt bronwyn knew ranulf had met her dad.or that he was there wen he died.so idk how she understood his words about doin everything2 save him.
its so stupid wen the girls talk aloud wen the guys unconscious.who does that?
i thought ranulf hadnt ben w/ne1 since his injury so wen he says "paid4 their services" i about lost it.im so sick of these philandering men.i though ranulf wud be dif.since hes missin an eye.
u cant say women find u repulsive &then go &say u had gotten w/harlots.
she finally realizes shes been actin like an idot &stops talkin2him.just2 cum back l8r &talk again while hes asleep.
"its winter blooms smell wonderful&i am sure all the women u bring n here will appreciate my thoughtfulness." wut girl wud openly talk about the guy gettin w/women as if its fine? idiots!
"its2 bad that i cant be1 of them." wth? u wanna be a slut? no lady of class wud be talkin like that.
the guy bein awake as she talks has been done a thousand times.
"ashen with mortification." usually ur face goes ashen wen ur scared.
it duznt make sense that after ranulf sayin he heard her that she wud act sensual.
why wud ranulf cackle wen bron. was starin@his chest?&"purring" seems totally out of character for ranulf.
sick of the angel thing.
after the embarrassment of learnin he was awake2 hear ur ramblings,u decide 2kiss him while hes asleep.
ranulf goes from manly 2pansy real quick.sayin she was just like the rest 2say she wasnt rlly disgusted by him.how sum1 can seem so manly&girly is beyond me.
things shudnt be so confusing.she kisses him&then l8r appears2be asleep.i thought she had dreamt the whole thing but it turns out2 have been real.feelings r happening WAY to soon.which i CANT STAND. ugh im so disappointed w/this bk becuz its not happening like i thought it wud.
this is similar 2other medieval bks.the main guys the surly 1 while his best friend is teasing &lighthearted.get a dif.storyline! &why duz Tyr sound so modern?!@several points i wanted her 2 get with tyr.nething but the surly,babyish ranulf.let the girl get w/the fun guy.n romance bks the guy always has2 be serious.which i like,but i want diversity.bk after bk about the same type of guy is exhausting.
bronwyn dint even seem2 care that her dad was dead.
why&how did she get hurt by the tub?wut sharp metal thing wud be on the tub?
why wud it be ok2 check the guys wound,where he strips off his tunic n the GREAT HALL?
&its ok4him2 pull her down on his lap&kiss her.n the great hall.n front of every1.where ppl eat.where her reputation wud be ruined.
he touches her hurt arm&she shrieks.&pitches herself forward.did it hurt that bad?!
he goes n her room.steps n a bucket-becuz most ppl lift their feet high enuff2 step n2 a bucket-&decides 2take his shoes,stockings&belt off.he then goes2 the bed where bronwyn is sleepin naked-&who rlly duz that,especially a girl back then.bronwyn just happens2 talk out loud about him.who duz that?
"wrinkled her nose&pursed her lips."i tried2 do this.not only is it hard2 do them simultaneously but its harder2 look defiant while makin that face.
who wakes up&4gets they're naked&she "just happens" 2stretch out of "habit." come on.authors cant expect us2buy this crap.&why wud she smile wen they had previously argued?!
its2 convenient&highly improbable that both of them have mottled flesh from a fire.i mean rlly.2 scarred ppl gettin 2gether is just2 fantastical.its like she cudnt rlly accept him unless she was scarred2.&why was ranulf lookin wen she was changing neway?
how cum every accident/death n here is so stupid?! her dad dies becuz crates fall on him. her mom is dead because the floor caved in. she gets hurt on a tub.ranulf falls thru the floor.&her scars came from a random fire.
"youngest sister." they're both younger. "my younger sister." they're both younger!
they keep sayin 2mara there wud be no more lies between them.&she kept sayin she shud leave but nvr did.i wanted her2 leave.
why wud an author want their characters2 fall n luv n a matter of days?!
"no other woman can compare 2u&i will nvr be attracted 2another."
"he had met many other supposedly gorgeous women,who fit every mans dream of a goddess.every man but him."
she says "w/a cunning sense of humor" but we dont get2 c examples.
"she had fallen in love.deeply,irrevoably." ugh that word makes me cringe.thanks twilight.
after days of sayin ur gunna leave&then not u plan2escape durin the geese hunt.u dont,then say ur gunna ask2visit ur sisters.since wen do u need permission? so u manage 2draw out them gettin 2gether-&im surprised u drew it out that long-the very day when her sisters r supposed2come. rite durin the goose hunt wen there r like 20 men not far from them.
&she gets bothered by her hairpins.when characters get bothered by the most trivial things it makes me wonder how they get dressed n the mornings.
basically this bk is full of stuff i dint want2happen.everything kept happening n a way i hated.
shes 1 of those authors who instead of givin the characters a real,meaningful connection,instead of them formin a slow relationship&spend quality time 2gether,they meet, start having feelings out of nowhere-primarily desire.call eachother soul mates&then end up kissin every time they're 2gether.which leads me2 believe this author got a lil hot&bothered &let her feelins carry away in her writin.instead of tryin2write believable romance.
"sex had been a physical release,nothin more." as if that makes it ok.
im srry but this line made me wanna crack up."very soon...all wud pay."
2nd time ranulf cackles.not only duz it not fit the situation,but i cant picture him or any guy cackling.unless hes old w/long white hair&no teeth.
she finds the sisters "very beautiful." &just2 make bronwyn..brownie w/e the best candidate, lily has2 be flirty &immature makin him "thank god he wasnt goin2 have2marry her."
"her family had not done lillabet ne favors protectin her like they had." how duz he no they protected her? i dont even no.
&no1 as bitter as ranulf wud magically get over the past.
he plans2 accept lilys proposal &then on that exact pg asks why lily had bronwyn lie4her.
edyths &tyrs banter was funny&charming.why cant they be the main characters?!im disappointed they wont have their own bk.im glad tyr aint w/lily.
ranulfs plan2 get bron.2admit her feelings2him was stupid.more unsaid things,more stupid insults.now hes about2marry lily.&bron.&edythe r forced on ppl they dk.
the italicized words @every chapter r weird.cuz it aint the characters talkin.it shudnt be included on the chapter pg,but on a pg by itself.
"pretty girl,undeniably attractive-2all but him." u already said lily was "very pretty."
"almost every1 of his men had stared@his supposed wife2be durin the dinner service.&ranulf cudnt blame them.if a man cud dream up the most beautiful woman evr created,most wud conjure lily." tell us again how shes not attractive2u.
lily dint have2kiss ranulf on the cheek.&tory liked bronwyn.i felt betrayed wen he sed no1 compared 2lilys beauty.
"how was openly tellin her sister that her future husband had ben w/many women &made them all very deliriously happy going2help?" thank the lord that was sed.thats been done many times n bks.good on edythe 4havin sense.
she had ben plannin2stay at syndlear&then tells tyr that it wud be 2hard becuz of memories of her dad.u've barely given him two thoughts.
this bk has taken a very stupid turn.ranulf plans2 marry lily.bron.plans2marry sum guy.edythe2. &why do all sisters need2 be married?&wudnt laon want his eldest2get married,so why choose lily?
i cant believe her sisters act.married ppl they dk!
making out after luc left was ridiculous.ranulf had2 ensure that "she was still his." stupid? u bet.
&wuts the big deal w/ranulf bein there wen laon died?after ranulf told her the secret wudnt tell them apart,im surprised she believed luc.
the misundertandings n this bk r just weak.&wud luc hurry up&get out of the pic?how long can she drag that out?
i hate wen characters dont do sumthin becuz of their emotions.she missed the sermon.
why were her sisters gunna grieve l8r after findin out that ranulf was there wen they're dad died. u already knew he was dead.that duznt change nething.&if ur grieving is the same amount of time as last time,it'll last all of 3 mins.
why wud she whisper "u wudnt dare hurt him" 2 luc?
"i nvr have &nvr will desire anther." while sweet..its wrong! u've ben w/other women so thats false! hes not the perfect christmas gift@all.if that was my gift i'd return it.its centered during christmas,but oddly enuff it didnt capture the spirit of the holidays@all.the bk should&could have ended quite a while ago.i think she drew it out becuz she wanted2cover the holiday celebrations (italicized words@every chapter) so she had2keep comin up w/things to write about.
lily says shes the 1who realized bron.&ran. were n luv when her&edythe heard@the same time becuz bron &ran were yellin.
"ranulf rolled his eyes." i hate2 point this out,but he only has1 eye.
i found the 1st footing2be interesting.
how cud her sisters not think bron.mite be n the fire hideout things their dad built?
finally about2 be saved&she duznt call out cuz she thinks shes dreamin.&he thinks hes talkin2 a ghost.that was annoying.
its amazing wut characters manage2 say out loud. like "my legs &arms need2 feel u around them."
he tells bronwyn he gave lily 2gaurds w/o her knowledge but he told her2her face he was sending more.
the romance just isnt exciting.he isnt that fearful.Deadeye isnt even scary.
wuts the big secret about tyr not marryin?
"winked @her w/his good eye."
"face hardened2 a threatening grimace."
i hate wen authors do stuff like this becuz if it wasnt the main character we'd be mad.its a good thing it was bronwyn dressed as a lady in waiting otherwise he wud be callin some girl beautiful and "her beauty went much further than skin deep." remember wen u sed u'd nvr like ne1 else?he duznt know its bron so its like hes talkin about a random girl.
the queens plan was cool.like askin ranulf2guess his lady in waiting.
i expected entertainment&humor during the bean king thing but nothing was funny.&i thought ranulf wanted2 be king.
&i was wondering wen we were gunna find out how he got the scars.
i was disappointed that the epilogue hadnt skipped time a lil.
we dk if edythe is gettin an annulment.or is still sick or dying or wut.&i was hopin bronwyn wud say shes pregnant n here but it didnt happen.&the way the bk ended..did that mean she was pregnant or just hoping?ugh! bks shudnt leave u w/so many questions!
bronwyn was supposed2 charm the king.instead of an impassioned speech,bronwyn brought up irrelevant things.
this bk rlly needs2 be a series!it left us totally hanging!
bronwyn promised him softly, "u'll learn 2ignore them." is that sumthin u promise softly?
i thought as soon as ranulf called her angel &she sed dont call me that,she'd explain 2him why she duznt like it but she nvr did.
'lily on the other hand,laughed. "srry.you obviously hoped we were sum1 else," she mumbled."' thats not sumthin u mumble,after u just laughed.
'"i heard u the 1st 5 times," she moaned.' those r good examples of when authors use wrong words2 describe things.
this is a bk where the sidecharacters are more interesting than the main ones(tyr &edythe). however, bronwyn&ranulf got better in the last few chapters.
they didnt even say what the guys name was on the back,so at the beginning of the book it took me a lil while to figure out who the main guy was.
"shrugged his chin." i wasn't aware you could shrug your chin.
"clinched his jaw." do you mean clenched??i can honestly say,ive never heard of the word "clinched."
"ranulf de gunnar was far from young." &yet "you are far2 young 2 be so severe&serious." just how old is he?!
-his convos w/laon are frankly weird.the whole character assessment is usually between the guy &girl.not some old guy.
the beginning is boring&draggy &i wish they would hurry up&get on w/the story cause im sick of him &leon talkin.
if it continues to drag like this,i can c why the bk is so long.
where do authors get their names.pertinax for a horse? wth.
"his horse pertinax was 1 of those supports enabling him2 smoothly interact w/the world." how?!
"twitched his jaw." wut?!
idk if its just me or wut but a few things sed between laon&ranulf seem a lil..gay.
i also didn't expect the daughters to be laons.&btw how do u pronounce that?
i didnt no ranulf would meet the dad.&that his death would happen n the bk.i thought he was already dead.that cud have def.ben left out.did ranulf rlly have2 save 2 young guys on the ship.we get it,hes a hero! stupid2 save 1 guy &then the old guy dies.
"he was a father &2 laon,ranulf was a son." dint u guys meet a few days ago?
he made his daughters sound great.now i know why ranulf was sketpical.lily comes off as unlikeable when we get to bronwyn's part.
why wud laon say2 marry lily when the other2 girls sound stronger?&he sed she was loving when she seems superficial,bratty&a flirt.
how wud bright white hair turn n2 golden hair?
&i dint know bronwyn had an old tormentor/suitor.so overdone.
i didnt know that ranulf would know the girl had switched on him the enitre time. i hate that this book isnt goin the way i thought it wud! i thought from the back of the bk that ranulf wud just sense they were foolin him.not that he'd know becuz he knew wut they looked like.
ok so luc gets pick of any daughers.&so does ranulf.
im not sure why laon sed no1 wud ask for bronwyn.
&i dint expect ranulf2 be the rlly..randy type.but here he is upon 1st seein her&has all these lusty thoughts.&while ranulf was n the bushes he sed bronwyn looked directly @him.but wen we were n bronwyns perspective i dint hear her say she ssaw sum1 n the bushes or that she was even lookin@the bushes.
ther elookin@2 men from their window.1s got reddish hair.&the other has rlly short black hair thats balding n the middle.neither sounds good.who's ranulf?
its amazing wut ppl can deduce@a distance.from lookin up n2 a window ranulf claims that bronwyn saw "inside his soul."
"his angel." mighty fast 4that.
i dont like how ranulf&bronwyn meet.because of faulty floors.i find it amazing that he's 4 stories up &they dont have2 raise their voices2 talk.&can c each other clearly.
he's hurt &her lips r touchin his ear.wth.&then she teases him.
"he needed bronwyn2 c him as a man." u dont even know her!&he already wants a kiss from her.its not sweet.it makes him look incredibly fast moving.
&ive read several books like this.the girl instantly becums annoying.teasing him,whispering n his ear.&ordering his friend from the room.i dont like wen they become between friends like that.u just met them&ur already usurping authority.
why wud ranulf think that bronwyn had2 of seen sumthn rlly bad within him2 be unaffected. &why wud he hit her? idt bronwyn knew ranulf had met her dad.or that he was there wen he died.so idk how she understood his words about doin everything2 save him.
its so stupid wen the girls talk aloud wen the guys unconscious.who does that?
i thought ranulf hadnt ben w/ne1 since his injury so wen he says "paid4 their services" i about lost it.im so sick of these philandering men.i though ranulf wud be dif.since hes missin an eye.
u cant say women find u repulsive &then go &say u had gotten w/harlots.
she finally realizes shes been actin like an idot &stops talkin2him.just2 cum back l8r &talk again while hes asleep.
"its winter blooms smell wonderful&i am sure all the women u bring n here will appreciate my thoughtfulness." wut girl wud openly talk about the guy gettin w/women as if its fine? idiots!
"its2 bad that i cant be1 of them." wth? u wanna be a slut? no lady of class wud be talkin like that.
the guy bein awake as she talks has been done a thousand times.
"ashen with mortification." usually ur face goes ashen wen ur scared.
it duznt make sense that after ranulf sayin he heard her that she wud act sensual.
why wud ranulf cackle wen bron. was starin@his chest?&"purring" seems totally out of character for ranulf.
sick of the angel thing.
after the embarrassment of learnin he was awake2 hear ur ramblings,u decide 2kiss him while hes asleep.
ranulf goes from manly 2pansy real quick.sayin she was just like the rest 2say she wasnt rlly disgusted by him.how sum1 can seem so manly&girly is beyond me.
things shudnt be so confusing.she kisses him&then l8r appears2be asleep.i thought she had dreamt the whole thing but it turns out2 have been real.feelings r happening WAY to soon.which i CANT STAND. ugh im so disappointed w/this bk becuz its not happening like i thought it wud.
this is similar 2other medieval bks.the main guys the surly 1 while his best friend is teasing &lighthearted.get a dif.storyline! &why duz Tyr sound so modern?!@several points i wanted her 2 get with tyr.nething but the surly,babyish ranulf.let the girl get w/the fun guy.n romance bks the guy always has2 be serious.which i like,but i want diversity.bk after bk about the same type of guy is exhausting.
bronwyn dint even seem2 care that her dad was dead.
why&how did she get hurt by the tub?wut sharp metal thing wud be on the tub?
why wud it be ok2 check the guys wound,where he strips off his tunic n the GREAT HALL?
&its ok4him2 pull her down on his lap&kiss her.n the great hall.n front of every1.where ppl eat.where her reputation wud be ruined.
he touches her hurt arm&she shrieks.&pitches herself forward.did it hurt that bad?!
he goes n her room.steps n a bucket-becuz most ppl lift their feet high enuff2 step n2 a bucket-&decides 2take his shoes,stockings&belt off.he then goes2 the bed where bronwyn is sleepin naked-&who rlly duz that,especially a girl back then.bronwyn just happens2 talk out loud about him.who duz that?
"wrinkled her nose&pursed her lips."i tried2 do this.not only is it hard2 do them simultaneously but its harder2 look defiant while makin that face.
who wakes up&4gets they're naked&she "just happens" 2stretch out of "habit." come on.authors cant expect us2buy this crap.&why wud she smile wen they had previously argued?!
its2 convenient&highly improbable that both of them have mottled flesh from a fire.i mean rlly.2 scarred ppl gettin 2gether is just2 fantastical.its like she cudnt rlly accept him unless she was scarred2.&why was ranulf lookin wen she was changing neway?
how cum every accident/death n here is so stupid?! her dad dies becuz crates fall on him. her mom is dead because the floor caved in. she gets hurt on a tub.ranulf falls thru the floor.&her scars came from a random fire.
"youngest sister." they're both younger. "my younger sister." they're both younger!
they keep sayin 2mara there wud be no more lies between them.&she kept sayin she shud leave but nvr did.i wanted her2 leave.
why wud an author want their characters2 fall n luv n a matter of days?!
"no other woman can compare 2u&i will nvr be attracted 2another."
"he had met many other supposedly gorgeous women,who fit every mans dream of a goddess.every man but him."
she says "w/a cunning sense of humor" but we dont get2 c examples.
"she had fallen in love.deeply,irrevoably." ugh that word makes me cringe.thanks twilight.
after days of sayin ur gunna leave&then not u plan2escape durin the geese hunt.u dont,then say ur gunna ask2visit ur sisters.since wen do u need permission? so u manage 2draw out them gettin 2gether-&im surprised u drew it out that long-the very day when her sisters r supposed2come. rite durin the goose hunt wen there r like 20 men not far from them.
&she gets bothered by her hairpins.when characters get bothered by the most trivial things it makes me wonder how they get dressed n the mornings.
basically this bk is full of stuff i dint want2happen.everything kept happening n a way i hated.
shes 1 of those authors who instead of givin the characters a real,meaningful connection,instead of them formin a slow relationship&spend quality time 2gether,they meet, start having feelings out of nowhere-primarily desire.call eachother soul mates&then end up kissin every time they're 2gether.which leads me2 believe this author got a lil hot&bothered &let her feelins carry away in her writin.instead of tryin2write believable romance.
"sex had been a physical release,nothin more." as if that makes it ok.
im srry but this line made me wanna crack up."very soon...all wud pay."
2nd time ranulf cackles.not only duz it not fit the situation,but i cant picture him or any guy cackling.unless hes old w/long white hair&no teeth.
she finds the sisters "very beautiful." &just2 make bronwyn..brownie w/e the best candidate, lily has2 be flirty &immature makin him "thank god he wasnt goin2 have2marry her."
"her family had not done lillabet ne favors protectin her like they had." how duz he no they protected her? i dont even no.
&no1 as bitter as ranulf wud magically get over the past.
he plans2 accept lilys proposal &then on that exact pg asks why lily had bronwyn lie4her.
edyths &tyrs banter was funny&charming.why cant they be the main characters?!im disappointed they wont have their own bk.im glad tyr aint w/lily.
ranulfs plan2 get bron.2admit her feelings2him was stupid.more unsaid things,more stupid insults.now hes about2marry lily.&bron.&edythe r forced on ppl they dk.
the italicized words @every chapter r weird.cuz it aint the characters talkin.it shudnt be included on the chapter pg,but on a pg by itself.
"pretty girl,undeniably attractive-2all but him." u already said lily was "very pretty."
"almost every1 of his men had stared@his supposed wife2be durin the dinner service.&ranulf cudnt blame them.if a man cud dream up the most beautiful woman evr created,most wud conjure lily." tell us again how shes not attractive2u.
lily dint have2kiss ranulf on the cheek.&tory liked bronwyn.i felt betrayed wen he sed no1 compared 2lilys beauty.
"how was openly tellin her sister that her future husband had ben w/many women &made them all very deliriously happy going2help?" thank the lord that was sed.thats been done many times n bks.good on edythe 4havin sense.
she had ben plannin2stay at syndlear&then tells tyr that it wud be 2hard becuz of memories of her dad.u've barely given him two thoughts.
this bk has taken a very stupid turn.ranulf plans2 marry lily.bron.plans2marry sum guy.edythe2. &why do all sisters need2 be married?&wudnt laon want his eldest2get married,so why choose lily?
i cant believe her sisters act.married ppl they dk!
making out after luc left was ridiculous.ranulf had2 ensure that "she was still his." stupid? u bet.
&wuts the big deal w/ranulf bein there wen laon died?after ranulf told her the secret wudnt tell them apart,im surprised she believed luc.
the misundertandings n this bk r just weak.&wud luc hurry up&get out of the pic?how long can she drag that out?
i hate wen characters dont do sumthin becuz of their emotions.she missed the sermon.
why were her sisters gunna grieve l8r after findin out that ranulf was there wen they're dad died. u already knew he was dead.that duznt change nething.&if ur grieving is the same amount of time as last time,it'll last all of 3 mins.
why wud she whisper "u wudnt dare hurt him" 2 luc?
"i nvr have &nvr will desire anther." while sweet..its wrong! u've ben w/other women so thats false! hes not the perfect christmas gift@all.if that was my gift i'd return it.its centered during christmas,but oddly enuff it didnt capture the spirit of the holidays@all.the bk should&could have ended quite a while ago.i think she drew it out becuz she wanted2cover the holiday celebrations (italicized words@every chapter) so she had2keep comin up w/things to write about.
lily says shes the 1who realized bron.&ran. were n luv when her&edythe heard@the same time becuz bron &ran were yellin.
"ranulf rolled his eyes." i hate2 point this out,but he only has1 eye.
i found the 1st footing2be interesting.
how cud her sisters not think bron.mite be n the fire hideout things their dad built?
finally about2 be saved&she duznt call out cuz she thinks shes dreamin.&he thinks hes talkin2 a ghost.that was annoying.
its amazing wut characters manage2 say out loud. like "my legs &arms need2 feel u around them."
he tells bronwyn he gave lily 2gaurds w/o her knowledge but he told her2her face he was sending more.
the romance just isnt exciting.he isnt that fearful.Deadeye isnt even scary.
wuts the big secret about tyr not marryin?
"winked @her w/his good eye."
"face hardened2 a threatening grimace."
i hate wen authors do stuff like this becuz if it wasnt the main character we'd be mad.its a good thing it was bronwyn dressed as a lady in waiting otherwise he wud be callin some girl beautiful and "her beauty went much further than skin deep." remember wen u sed u'd nvr like ne1 else?he duznt know its bron so its like hes talkin about a random girl.
the queens plan was cool.like askin ranulf2guess his lady in waiting.
i expected entertainment&humor during the bean king thing but nothing was funny.&i thought ranulf wanted2 be king.
&i was wondering wen we were gunna find out how he got the scars.
i was disappointed that the epilogue hadnt skipped time a lil.
we dk if edythe is gettin an annulment.or is still sick or dying or wut.&i was hopin bronwyn wud say shes pregnant n here but it didnt happen.&the way the bk ended..did that mean she was pregnant or just hoping?ugh! bks shudnt leave u w/so many questions!
bronwyn was supposed2 charm the king.instead of an impassioned speech,bronwyn brought up irrelevant things.
this bk rlly needs2 be a series!it left us totally hanging!
bronwyn promised him softly, "u'll learn 2ignore them." is that sumthin u promise softly?
i thought as soon as ranulf called her angel &she sed dont call me that,she'd explain 2him why she duznt like it but she nvr did.
'lily on the other hand,laughed. "srry.you obviously hoped we were sum1 else," she mumbled."' thats not sumthin u mumble,after u just laughed.
'"i heard u the 1st 5 times," she moaned.' those r good examples of when authors use wrong words2 describe things.
this is a bk where the sidecharacters are more interesting than the main ones(tyr &edythe). however, bronwyn&ranulf got better in the last few chapters.
November 24, 2019
I so love a scarred hero and nothing makes my heart happier than when he gets the love he deserves! Ranulf is not your typical hero, he's missing an eye and quite scarred from a fire, and is quite the angry and brooding sort. That's why I love it when he meets Bronwyn and is gobsmacked:) Bronwyn will do anything to protect her two younger sisters, even if it means trying to fool the new lord of Hunswick Castle! Neither of them expected the attraction between them, especially when Ranulf realizes that his scars and lack of an eye doesn't deter Bronwyn at all.
I enjoyed the start of every chapter which relates the traditions of Chistmastide, I've always loved historic stuff like that. The story seemed to drag a bit at times because of all the misunderstandings but the last half of the book really made up for it, lots of action and twists and turns!
After finishing the book, I looked to see if Edythe and Tyr have their own story because throughout this book, they are mentioned quite a lot and then they suddenly disappear from the story! I'm surprised that their story was never told!!
I enjoyed the start of every chapter which relates the traditions of Chistmastide, I've always loved historic stuff like that. The story seemed to drag a bit at times because of all the misunderstandings but the last half of the book really made up for it, lots of action and twists and turns!
After finishing the book, I looked to see if Edythe and Tyr have their own story because throughout this book, they are mentioned quite a lot and then they suddenly disappear from the story! I'm surprised that their story was never told!!
December 4, 2023
2.5 stars
July 21, 2011
Michele Sinclair has created one of those romantic couples that I just love to read. A scarred hero who has buried his feelings and emotions so deep he never expects to love or be loved and a heroine who looks past those scars into his soul. And when they finally come together, the story only gets better.
Ranulf is a reluctant new nobleman, taking over when a cousin dies and King Henry bestows the title and land on him. We learn about Ranulf when the heroine’s father finally tracks him down and very cleverly forces his cooperation. I enjoyed this relationship between Laon and Ranulf as they sail toward home. It’s the first time a stranger has looked Ranulf in the eye — literally one eye, the result of an accident years before, leaving him sight-impaired and with the nickname Deadeye — and not been repulsed by what they see and is also honest in their dealings with him. When a shipboard accident takes Laon’s life, Ranulf promises to marry the man’s youngest daughter and keep the others safe.
During her father’s absence, Bronwyn takes care of all and sundry, including watching after her sisters. But when she’s confronted by a neighboring baron, a man who wants her only for the coin and land a joining would bring, she realizes he’s more dangerous than she’d ever imagined. And then when the new lord hies Bronwyn and her siblings to their old home, their only chance to be safe, now that they’re alone, is to leave, making their way to kin in Scotland. But when Ranulf is accidentally injured, Bronwyn is duty bound to nurse his wounds, and one of my favorite scenes in the book is Bronwyn caring for Ranulf, speaking to him, asking questions she would otherwise never ask because she thinks he’s asleep. Her caring, loving self emerges for him and his reaction to her words and touches is quite telling.
Life takes on a calmness for Ranulf, just being around Bronwyn. He’s a bit perturbed she’s chosen to lie about who she is, thinking to save her sister from him. But even that doesn’t diminish his admiration, his respect, his desire for her. She’s like no other woman he’s ever met, especially when it comes to his scarring. He becomes comfortable with Bronwyn and her people, finally comes to know what it means to be home. And when he loses her, nothing in the world matters any longer. Revenge taken for that loss doesn’t come close to healing the deepest wound Ranulf has ever endured.
This couple is very enjoyable to read about. Ranulf is a favorite of the king, a battle-hardened warrior who is also kindhearted, despite the tension he goes through when everyone he meets reacts to scars. But Bronwyn sees beneath all of that to the man he truly is. She gives him something more to live for than fighting and his contentment to be alone. I like that we get to read about their life together, working against conflict as partners for the most part, instead of that conflict keeping them apart too much.
I also like the secondary characters, especially Bronwyn’s sister, Edythe, and Ranulf’s best friend, Tyr. I’m going to assume, because their story is left up in the air by the end of this book, that they’re up next, but there’s nothing on the author’s web site to let us know for sure. They are an intriguing couple and their book should be a lot of fun.
The only nitpick I have is the head hopping. It’s back and forth and back and forth and back and forth over and over and over again throughout this book. It doesn’t take away from the story a lot, I was used to it by halfway through. But before that I kept looking back to figure out who’s POV we were now in and when it changed. Sometimes it’s every second or third paragraph that it changes, one time even changing from Lily to Bronwyn in the same paragraph. I’m not sure why this is happening more and more lately, but it reminds of the bodice rippers of the 1980s and it’s more difficult to read at times.
Other than that, this is a solid historical read which incorporates the medieval descriptions of the twelve days of Christmas at the beginning of each chapter to correspond with the day’s occurrences in that chapter, all quite interesting if you’re not familiar with any of it.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Ranulf is a reluctant new nobleman, taking over when a cousin dies and King Henry bestows the title and land on him. We learn about Ranulf when the heroine’s father finally tracks him down and very cleverly forces his cooperation. I enjoyed this relationship between Laon and Ranulf as they sail toward home. It’s the first time a stranger has looked Ranulf in the eye — literally one eye, the result of an accident years before, leaving him sight-impaired and with the nickname Deadeye — and not been repulsed by what they see and is also honest in their dealings with him. When a shipboard accident takes Laon’s life, Ranulf promises to marry the man’s youngest daughter and keep the others safe.
During her father’s absence, Bronwyn takes care of all and sundry, including watching after her sisters. But when she’s confronted by a neighboring baron, a man who wants her only for the coin and land a joining would bring, she realizes he’s more dangerous than she’d ever imagined. And then when the new lord hies Bronwyn and her siblings to their old home, their only chance to be safe, now that they’re alone, is to leave, making their way to kin in Scotland. But when Ranulf is accidentally injured, Bronwyn is duty bound to nurse his wounds, and one of my favorite scenes in the book is Bronwyn caring for Ranulf, speaking to him, asking questions she would otherwise never ask because she thinks he’s asleep. Her caring, loving self emerges for him and his reaction to her words and touches is quite telling.
Life takes on a calmness for Ranulf, just being around Bronwyn. He’s a bit perturbed she’s chosen to lie about who she is, thinking to save her sister from him. But even that doesn’t diminish his admiration, his respect, his desire for her. She’s like no other woman he’s ever met, especially when it comes to his scarring. He becomes comfortable with Bronwyn and her people, finally comes to know what it means to be home. And when he loses her, nothing in the world matters any longer. Revenge taken for that loss doesn’t come close to healing the deepest wound Ranulf has ever endured.
This couple is very enjoyable to read about. Ranulf is a favorite of the king, a battle-hardened warrior who is also kindhearted, despite the tension he goes through when everyone he meets reacts to scars. But Bronwyn sees beneath all of that to the man he truly is. She gives him something more to live for than fighting and his contentment to be alone. I like that we get to read about their life together, working against conflict as partners for the most part, instead of that conflict keeping them apart too much.
I also like the secondary characters, especially Bronwyn’s sister, Edythe, and Ranulf’s best friend, Tyr. I’m going to assume, because their story is left up in the air by the end of this book, that they’re up next, but there’s nothing on the author’s web site to let us know for sure. They are an intriguing couple and their book should be a lot of fun.
The only nitpick I have is the head hopping. It’s back and forth and back and forth and back and forth over and over and over again throughout this book. It doesn’t take away from the story a lot, I was used to it by halfway through. But before that I kept looking back to figure out who’s POV we were now in and when it changed. Sometimes it’s every second or third paragraph that it changes, one time even changing from Lily to Bronwyn in the same paragraph. I’m not sure why this is happening more and more lately, but it reminds of the bodice rippers of the 1980s and it’s more difficult to read at times.
Other than that, this is a solid historical read which incorporates the medieval descriptions of the twelve days of Christmas at the beginning of each chapter to correspond with the day’s occurrences in that chapter, all quite interesting if you’re not familiar with any of it.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
November 13, 2014
This book could have easily been a 5 star read for me if the middle had not been so sluggish. I was not a fan of the first chapter of the book, but once Bronwyn and her sisters arrive on the page, the book became very enjoyable. Ranulf and Bronwyn were strong characters that fit together beautifully. Ranulf is a scarred warrior who has used his one-eyed appearance to test and condemn others in order to keep himself apart. Bronwyn is a strong leader with a secret insecurity about her appearance, while never judging others by it. I found her sisters entertaining, but annoying ( beautiful yet immature). Bronwyn truly deserved to be the heroine of this story.
The first third of the story shows Bronwyn fighting for her sisters and her virtue while Ranulf plays the stubborn hero with a clash of wills that caused sparks to fly and me to breeze through pages. And here is where the story faltered. After discovering their love for one another, Ranulf and Bronwyn start acting way out of character and develop huge doubts about one another, play stupid games to make the other miserable, and almost condemn each other to lives of misery for the sake of pride. This dragged on for 150 pages and could have easily been cut out in this long book. Once the cruel games finally ended, the trip to court on Epiphany to halt an enemy's plot takes center stage. This was interesting, but more about the history and less about the romance. It then wrapped up with an epilogue where some loose threads about the sisters were not quite resolved (maybe more books in the future?)
The Christmas theme was definitely prevalent in this story. Before each chapter, there was a description of the holiday celebrations for that day during the Twelve days of Christmas. The story would then take place during that day. My favorite was the day with the traveler bringing in the new year. I think that was the sweetest chapter.
Overall, good read and I will be trying the author again. Just be prepared for a bit of needless angst at the middle of the book and you should enjoy the rest.
The first third of the story shows Bronwyn fighting for her sisters and her virtue while Ranulf plays the stubborn hero with a clash of wills that caused sparks to fly and me to breeze through pages. And here is where the story faltered. After discovering their love for one another, Ranulf and Bronwyn start acting way out of character and develop huge doubts about one another, play stupid games to make the other miserable, and almost condemn each other to lives of misery for the sake of pride. This dragged on for 150 pages and could have easily been cut out in this long book. Once the cruel games finally ended, the trip to court on Epiphany to halt an enemy's plot takes center stage. This was interesting, but more about the history and less about the romance. It then wrapped up with an epilogue where some loose threads about the sisters were not quite resolved (maybe more books in the future?)
The Christmas theme was definitely prevalent in this story. Before each chapter, there was a description of the holiday celebrations for that day during the Twelve days of Christmas. The story would then take place during that day. My favorite was the day with the traveler bringing in the new year. I think that was the sweetest chapter.
Overall, good read and I will be trying the author again. Just be prepared for a bit of needless angst at the middle of the book and you should enjoy the rest.
December 21, 2016
I did find the little bits at the beginning of the chapters interesting, information about the 12 days of Christmas, but I thought they seemed a little bit out of place and not really fitting with the story. Yes, the story took place over the twelve days of Christmas, each chapter a day, but it still didn't really fit.
I found the story itself pretty boring. It was very long considering not an awful lot happened. There was a lot of repetition which could have been cut. How many times did it have to go on about how Ranulf had stopped wanting women because of his scars and how he didn't want pity. I usually love a scarred hero but omg, he was boring and annoying.
I know in a lot of HR's, things progress very quickly over a matter of days or a few weeks, but if it's written well it doesn't feel that way because there is build up, the characters feel like real people and are fleshed out and there is chemistry but there was not a lot of that at all in this. It was too instant and the characters were like cardboard cutouts.
I guess it was okay, and I remember thinking some parts were cute (I just can't remember what they were) but not something I'll be rereading.
I found the story itself pretty boring. It was very long considering not an awful lot happened. There was a lot of repetition which could have been cut. How many times did it have to go on about how Ranulf had stopped wanting women because of his scars and how he didn't want pity. I usually love a scarred hero but omg, he was boring and annoying.
I know in a lot of HR's, things progress very quickly over a matter of days or a few weeks, but if it's written well it doesn't feel that way because there is build up, the characters feel like real people and are fleshed out and there is chemistry but there was not a lot of that at all in this. It was too instant and the characters were like cardboard cutouts.
I guess it was okay, and I remember thinking some parts were cute (I just can't remember what they were) but not something I'll be rereading.
June 27, 2012
What a wonderful story about the ugly duckling... this has to be one of my all time favorite historical romance books. In the Christmas Knight we meet Ranolf, a hardened solider with an obvious physical flaw who has recently become Lord of Hunswick against his will. To top it off, he is being forced to marry a daughter of the late protector of the keep. Unknown to him, one daughter waits at the keep that will love him for who he is and not what he appears to be. While there are several different forces moving against them, love prevails in the end. This book was a little lengthy but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope you do to! Happy Reading!
October 30, 2013
Man am I exhausted after that read! While I think the story line was a good one, at times it felt like it was too wordy. I didn't think it would ever get going. But it did, thank goodness. While I liked the hero and heroine there were times (ok maybe lots of times!!) I wanted to shake them both until their teeth rattled! My goodness, her insecurities and uncertainty and him trying to make her jealous or tricking her into telling the truth drove me nuts! I hate that kind of stuff. Ugh While it wasn't my favorite, it's definitely not bad either. Like I said I loved the story line but the main characters drove me insane.
December 16, 2012
This was a really great book! What an epic story that kept you engaged!! Had some great twists and turns, and I loved the way that each chapter started with an explanation of the 12 days of Christmas!! Now I'm off to find out if Edythe has a book of her own!
URGH! No book for her ... so annoying... they left that hanging!
URGH! No book for her ... so annoying... they left that hanging!
December 1, 2012
This was a charming story. The little snippets of information at the beginning of each chapter added an enjoyable lesson to the fiction.
Now I need to read on to see if Lily and Edythe find their own HEAs.
Now I need to read on to see if Lily and Edythe find their own HEAs.
July 1, 2014
So beautiful, I love it!
Now, mi dear Michelle, I need more Tyr and Edythe!!!
Now, mi dear Michelle, I need more Tyr and Edythe!!!
January 25, 2021
A sweet and festive tale
4 stars
I have never read Michele Sinclair before but I can't resist a Christmas tale and this one seemed right up my street with a scarred man made whole by the love of a good woman. I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed.
Ranulf was, for me, the perfect kind of hero - brooding and angry but underneath so vulnerable; I just wanted to hug him! Bronwyn was also an exceptional character and was a spirited and likeable female that still felt right for the medieval time period. They worked fantastically together and I liked their chemistry and how together they were stronger - once they got over their insecurities, that is.
The book mainly covered the relationship between Bronwyn and Ranulf although there was a little bit of intrigue and danger. Some might find this makes the book a little slow but I was gripped from start to finish. There were also lovely little snippets about Christmas and festivities in the medieval period which were a nice touch and really fascinating. There were a few too many modern Americanisms for my liking but I'll admit that this is a personal peeve of mine in any historical book.
I see that there are books planned for Bronwyn's sisters and I very much look forward to reading them and hope that I enjoy them as much as I did this one. Overall, this was an entertaining book that I couldn't wait to continue reading and one that I would very much recommend. A high 4 stars from me.
December 20, 2024
Ranulf and Bronwyn are an amazing couple and their romance will make you giggle in delight at their banter (or foreplay as Ranulf calls it!) as they fall in love, and tear up at their devotion to one another as the villain tries to pull them apart.
They are instantly attracted to one another, but there is a forbidden romance looming over them(he is supposed to marry her younger sister) as well as some beauty and the beast angst. Ranulf is missing an eye and severely scarred. He has shunned women for always pitying him or being frightened of him. But not Bronwyn. She finds him the most handsome and manliest man she has ever seen! She cannot keep her mouth off of him! It was great! And if course he finds her to be infinity more beautiful than her younger sister who all the men lust after.
It takes place over the medieval traditions of the twelve days of Christmas. I liked how the author explains each day, it's history and traditions done of that day for each chapter. The traditions of the holidays are woven into the story beautifully.
If you are looking for a more dramatic Christmas historical romance rather than just fluff, you will enjoy this.
Honestly this would have been a 5 star if it had just focused on Ranulf and Bronwyn. BUT I couldn't get over the fact that the author leaves a major plot hole in the book. Tyr and Edythe! You guys there are pages and pages of banter and sexual tension between these two. Other characters comment on it. He even gives her a cute nickname. Then when she gets sick and he decides to stay with her... while the other characters leave them alone in a castle....They are never heard from again. No sick bed scenes. No confessions of love. They are never mentioned again in the book.
Just POOF gone.
I don't know how this enormous plot hole wasn't found. If the author didn't want to develop the relationship she should not have included their relationship to begin with. I was devasted that they are just forgotten about.
They are instantly attracted to one another, but there is a forbidden romance looming over them(he is supposed to marry her younger sister) as well as some beauty and the beast angst. Ranulf is missing an eye and severely scarred. He has shunned women for always pitying him or being frightened of him. But not Bronwyn. She finds him the most handsome and manliest man she has ever seen! She cannot keep her mouth off of him! It was great! And if course he finds her to be infinity more beautiful than her younger sister who all the men lust after.
It takes place over the medieval traditions of the twelve days of Christmas. I liked how the author explains each day, it's history and traditions done of that day for each chapter. The traditions of the holidays are woven into the story beautifully.
If you are looking for a more dramatic Christmas historical romance rather than just fluff, you will enjoy this.
Honestly this would have been a 5 star if it had just focused on Ranulf and Bronwyn. BUT I couldn't get over the fact that the author leaves a major plot hole in the book. Tyr and Edythe! You guys there are pages and pages of banter and sexual tension between these two. Other characters comment on it. He even gives her a cute nickname. Then when she gets sick and he decides to stay with her... while the other characters leave them alone in a castle....They are never heard from again. No sick bed scenes. No confessions of love. They are never mentioned again in the book.
Just POOF gone.
I don't know how this enormous plot hole wasn't found. If the author didn't want to develop the relationship she should not have included their relationship to begin with. I was devasted that they are just forgotten about.
October 9, 2018
HAVE YOU READ? HISTORICAL BOOK REC
The new lord of Hunswick Castle, Sir Ranulf, comes to take possession of this lonely bastion following the ravages of the English Civil War – along with the youngest daughter of its former ruling family. But Lady Bronwyn de Breton cannot allow her demure sister to endure such a fate, so sacrifices herself to the cause. But it isn’t a sacrifice for long! Featuring two good people for our leads and a satisfying Forced to Marry storyline, in "The Christmas Knight" by Michelle Sinclair we also get a glimpse into Medieval Christmas traditions and some impressive historical research. Wonderful.
This rec appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
The new lord of Hunswick Castle, Sir Ranulf, comes to take possession of this lonely bastion following the ravages of the English Civil War – along with the youngest daughter of its former ruling family. But Lady Bronwyn de Breton cannot allow her demure sister to endure such a fate, so sacrifices herself to the cause. But it isn’t a sacrifice for long! Featuring two good people for our leads and a satisfying Forced to Marry storyline, in "The Christmas Knight" by Michelle Sinclair we also get a glimpse into Medieval Christmas traditions and some impressive historical research. Wonderful.
This rec appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
April 3, 2017
I liked this holiday novel a lot. It reminded me of a sexier version of Beauty and the Beast. I don’t know if that’s what Sinclair was going for but it made me think of the fairytale. What I loved was how it wasn’t love at first sight. There was a tension that grew into a passion, which for me made the couple more likeable. They were flawed in a way that made them a good team and that’s something I can dig. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of heat between the couple in the bedroom scenes, and it’s enough to steam up a car window. It was the perfect getaway for my holiday stresses.
(read more at sipreadlove.com)
(read more at sipreadlove.com)
February 18, 2023
Swoon worthy!
I have a soft spot for a scared hero and Ranulf just melted my heart. His disbelief that any woman could really care for him was tangible. His grief when he thought her lost brought me to tears. Bronwyn was smart and level headed and having endured her own suffering she understood Ranulf. I loved her sisters and hope to see more of them. I generally don't pay for books on Kindle but I'm glad I did.
I have a soft spot for a scared hero and Ranulf just melted my heart. His disbelief that any woman could really care for him was tangible. His grief when he thought her lost brought me to tears. Bronwyn was smart and level headed and having endured her own suffering she understood Ranulf. I loved her sisters and hope to see more of them. I generally don't pay for books on Kindle but I'm glad I did.
November 22, 2018
This is a Christmas tradition
I read this book every year at Christmas time and it gets better and better I love the story I love the explanation of how they celebrate it I especially love the tradition of The Bean King. Now I am waiting on either story and tears story please write them soon this faithful fan is waiting
I read this book every year at Christmas time and it gets better and better I love the story I love the explanation of how they celebrate it I especially love the tradition of The Bean King. Now I am waiting on either story and tears story please write them soon this faithful fan is waiting
September 17, 2018
This was a long, but fun story. Some suspenseful elements kept me reading, though I think it was a little heavy on the drama between the two MCs. They like to argue...a lot...annoyingly so. Overall, not bad for a historical romance.
June 8, 2019
3.5
This book was fine. I ended up really liking Sinclair's flow, especially for it being more of a guilty pleasure novels. But it definitely could have been much shorter. For as long as it was, I didn't really feel like anything dramatic happened.
Definitely cute as heck, though.
This book was fine. I ended up really liking Sinclair's flow, especially for it being more of a guilty pleasure novels. But it definitely could have been much shorter. For as long as it was, I didn't really feel like anything dramatic happened.
Definitely cute as heck, though.
December 16, 2019
Fun and informative
Typical historical fiction with trouble, bad boys and etc. But with mideivil Christmas as the backdrop,, and opportunities to learn about the customs of the day.
Typical historical fiction with trouble, bad boys and etc. But with mideivil Christmas as the backdrop,, and opportunities to learn about the customs of the day.
December 27, 2017
DNF @ 20%. Unfortunately this one is really boring up to this point, and I don't feel like it's worth the effort to continue.
August 4, 2017
This book was intense and well written, I loved it.
April 17, 2019
A good story a good romance. It is about acceptance of ones self and others. A great period piece. Usually not my thing but I really enjoyed this book.
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