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Medieval Series #3
Enchanted
Simon the loyal has vowed never to love, for love makes a warrior weak. His arranged marriage to a beautiful Norman heiress would be duty and no more. But more than duty stirs his blood when he first sees Ariane. She has known only coldness from men and a betrayal so deep it all but killed her soul. Wanting no man, trusting no man, speaking only through the sad songs she draws from her harp, Ariane comes to Simon an unwilling bride. They wed to bring peace to the disputed lands, but marriage alone is not enough. Simon must teach Ariane passion, she must teach him trust. And both must surrender to the sweet violence of love′s enchantment. . .or die.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
216 books1,944 followersIndividually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
August 7, 2012
10/31/26 Re-read One Million
11/28/25
11/22/15:
ENCHANTED
SIMON
ARIANE
11/28/25
11/22/15:
ENCHANTED
“You saw too late. Now you are as she is, between two worlds, warmth bleeding into cold.”
SIMON
ARIANE
“A woman of intense feeling, head thrown back, hair wild, lips open upon a cry of unbelievable pleasure...The enchanted..."
"...A warrior both disciplined and passionate, his whole being focused in the moment...The enchanter."
"...Now he is bending down to her, drinking her cries...”
“You may hold my tears and live as you did before, trusting your soul to no one. Or you may release my tears and accept what comes.”
May 13, 2011
I am in a reading funk. I hate that! First, I finished the trio of Elizabeth Lowell beardy hero books. I loved the first two, Untamed and Forbidden. But the last one, Enchanted, was a super big bummer.
Reading books about raped heroines is not my favorite, but sometimes it's okay if.....(a) the rape is not described in gory detail, and (b) the "healing" part is appropriate for a "rape" book (in other words, don't have a rape victim get it on with a BDSM master, etc.) and (c) the HEA is really satisfying. My major problem with this book is that the Big Misunderstanding went on WAY too long...practically until the bitter end of the book. First, the hero thinks his intended bride is a frigid virgin (Misunderstanding). Then, he thinks she's a slut who had an affair with a knight (Misunderstanding). And after she tells him the truth....that she was drugged, brutally raped by the knight, and then humiliated by her father and priest, who did not believe her, her husband still refuses to believe her. Talk about adding insult to injury. This poor woman has been crushed by betrayal, and her stupid freakin' husband won't believe her. (This is after the heroine has risked her own life to save her husband!). I seriously wanted to kick his ass. She doesn't earn his trust until almost the end of the book, and by then, I already hated him.
Grade: C
Reading books about raped heroines is not my favorite, but sometimes it's okay if.....(a) the rape is not described in gory detail, and (b) the "healing" part is appropriate for a "rape" book (in other words, don't have a rape victim get it on with a BDSM master, etc.) and (c) the HEA is really satisfying. My major problem with this book is that the Big Misunderstanding went on WAY too long...practically until the bitter end of the book. First, the hero thinks his intended bride is a frigid virgin (Misunderstanding). Then, he thinks she's a slut who had an affair with a knight (Misunderstanding). And after she tells him the truth....that she was drugged, brutally raped by the knight, and then humiliated by her father and priest, who did not believe her, her husband still refuses to believe her. Talk about adding insult to injury. This poor woman has been crushed by betrayal, and her stupid freakin' husband won't believe her. (This is after the heroine has risked her own life to save her husband!). I seriously wanted to kick his ass. She doesn't earn his trust until almost the end of the book, and by then, I already hated him.
Grade: C
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
This book was on its way to easily being a 4 star read, if not 5 stars right up until the 70-ish percent mark. Then, Lowell fumbled the plot big time and I ended up wanting to punch the hero in the face. Somebody should have punched him, there were lots of side characters available, yet no one did.
Anyway, this is the 3rd book in Lowell's Medieval series. I read the first book awhile back and vaguely remember the plot. I didn't read book 2 and it didn't prohibit me from understanding this book.
Book 3 is the story of Simon and Ariane. Simon, the Loyal is the brother of the main character from book 1 and Ariane the Betrayed is an important baron's daughter that was promised in marriage to the main character in book 2. Since that guy fell in love, Simon offered to marry Ariane in his place, which wasn't a difficult move on his part since he fell instantly in lust with her the moment he saw her.
Unfortunately for Simon, Ariane wants nothing to do with his touch and he's very offended. Due to this, their marriage is not consummated, which is a big problem. Ariane displays SUPER obvious signs of trauma, but no one seemed to pick up on any of it other than that she seems sad, which is beyond surprising given that multiple side characters have special powers of the "Learned," and Druids -- which is deemed witchery by many but all the powers are used for good.
ANYWAY, Ariane feels as though her soul is forever broken, but she still cares for Simon. She saves his life, and slowly begins to trust him. Personally, I feel that Simon wasn't owed her trust and let her down in several ways toward the end of the book, but that's my opinion.
Had Simon not ticked me off so much toward the end, I would have rated this book higher, but his poor behavior combined with the super lame epilogue (seriously, I needed WAY more of an epilogue), left me annoyed and deducting stars.
Also important to note -- Lowell is a fan of flowery writing. Every character yearns and burns and tastes of honey and storms. I didn't mind her style, but it may be a little much for some.
Anyway, this is the 3rd book in Lowell's Medieval series. I read the first book awhile back and vaguely remember the plot. I didn't read book 2 and it didn't prohibit me from understanding this book.
Book 3 is the story of Simon and Ariane. Simon, the Loyal is the brother of the main character from book 1 and Ariane the Betrayed is an important baron's daughter that was promised in marriage to the main character in book 2. Since that guy fell in love, Simon offered to marry Ariane in his place, which wasn't a difficult move on his part since he fell instantly in lust with her the moment he saw her.
Unfortunately for Simon, Ariane wants nothing to do with his touch and he's very offended. Due to this, their marriage is not consummated, which is a big problem. Ariane displays SUPER obvious signs of trauma, but no one seemed to pick up on any of it other than that she seems sad, which is beyond surprising given that multiple side characters have special powers of the "Learned," and Druids -- which is deemed witchery by many but all the powers are used for good.
ANYWAY, Ariane feels as though her soul is forever broken, but she still cares for Simon. She saves his life, and slowly begins to trust him. Personally, I feel that Simon wasn't owed her trust and let her down in several ways toward the end of the book, but that's my opinion.
Had Simon not ticked me off so much toward the end, I would have rated this book higher, but his poor behavior combined with the super lame epilogue (seriously, I needed WAY more of an epilogue), left me annoyed and deducting stars.
Also important to note -- Lowell is a fan of flowery writing. Every character yearns and burns and tastes of honey and storms. I didn't mind her style, but it may be a little much for some.
Did Not Finish
April 24, 2022DNF 32%
Too too for me
Too too for me
November 25, 2013
Simon is devoted and his only loyalty is to his friend and Lord, Dominic. He is asked to marry a heiress Ariane, who even though she is beautiful but is known as the "betrayed". Ariane has a past, and she has been betrayed by those she trusted the most. Now the only thing that brings her peace is her harp and the music she plays. She is then informed that she will marry Simon, whom she knows will kill her the moment he learns of a deep secret she keeps hidden. She doesn't need or want a man, she knows the moment she marries Simon, her life will change. She knows that her life will only be pain and suffering. Simon, has only one loyalty, but when he marries Ariane, his loyalty starts to shift to his wife. Ariane seems cold and unfeeling and passionless, but soon he begins to realize that she suffers from hurt and betrayal just as he does, and only when a flaming passion flares between them will Simon and Arian be able to get beyond the betrayals of their past and focus on their future and each other.
Enchanted is the third in the medieval series, and when I saw this one on the shelf, I knew I needed to try it out. I did wanted to try to read this series in order, however the first two books weren't available, and since I have heard so many amazing things about this series, and having a weakness for medieval romances, I knew I needed to try Enchanted out. This is also the first time that I have been able to read this author, and I have to say after reading Enchanted I am very impressed. Enchanted is set in a time where honor and loyalty is everything. I do love the arranged marriage themes that are usually in the plots of medieval romances, and Lowell does a outstanding job with Enchanted. From the beginning of the story I was enthralled by the way this author magically weaves a beautiful story of two stranger that end up married, and have both protected their hearts and both need a lesson in the healing power of love and the passion they can find in each other.
The characters were captivating and from the first few chapters, I fell in love with Simon and Arianne. For the beginning half of the books you see the mistrusts and misunderstandings. Simon is a warrior, and has faced many battles and he suffers from past mistakes that almost cost his closest friends their lives. He is a bit of a wounded animal until Ariane comes into his life and he starts to realize that he isn't the only one hurting from the past. The relationship between Simon and Ariane is heartbreaking at times, but you see the desire that rises up is one step toward them learning to trust in each other. I found myself having a difficult time putting this one down. The style of this authors writing is absolutely enticing and exactly the way I like a romance to be written. Overall a emotionally driven tale of history, adventure, intrigue and passion. A POWERFUL ROMANCE THAT WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART!!
Enchanted is the third in the medieval series, and when I saw this one on the shelf, I knew I needed to try it out. I did wanted to try to read this series in order, however the first two books weren't available, and since I have heard so many amazing things about this series, and having a weakness for medieval romances, I knew I needed to try Enchanted out. This is also the first time that I have been able to read this author, and I have to say after reading Enchanted I am very impressed. Enchanted is set in a time where honor and loyalty is everything. I do love the arranged marriage themes that are usually in the plots of medieval romances, and Lowell does a outstanding job with Enchanted. From the beginning of the story I was enthralled by the way this author magically weaves a beautiful story of two stranger that end up married, and have both protected their hearts and both need a lesson in the healing power of love and the passion they can find in each other.
The characters were captivating and from the first few chapters, I fell in love with Simon and Arianne. For the beginning half of the books you see the mistrusts and misunderstandings. Simon is a warrior, and has faced many battles and he suffers from past mistakes that almost cost his closest friends their lives. He is a bit of a wounded animal until Ariane comes into his life and he starts to realize that he isn't the only one hurting from the past. The relationship between Simon and Ariane is heartbreaking at times, but you see the desire that rises up is one step toward them learning to trust in each other. I found myself having a difficult time putting this one down. The style of this authors writing is absolutely enticing and exactly the way I like a romance to be written. Overall a emotionally driven tale of history, adventure, intrigue and passion. A POWERFUL ROMANCE THAT WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART!!
March 3, 2025
Not that great...
Sadly, unlike the last two books, this one wasn't saved by a good delicious punch of angst at the end. In book 1 and 2, the stories were able to save themselves with a very emotional last 30%.
This book couldn't because
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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Sadly, unlike the last two books, this one wasn't saved by a good delicious punch of angst at the end. In book 1 and 2, the stories were able to save themselves with a very emotional last 30%.
This book couldn't because
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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August 16, 2012
There are so many things I want to say about this whole series, but I seriously doubt I could communicate them here. Too many thoughts to sort out.
I'll try.
I absolutely love this series. I love Lowell's writing. She creates awesome characters. Her story line is ethereal.
The only disappointment I have is that Erik of Sea Home does not get his own book. According to HeroesAndHeartbreakers.com...
Also, at the end of this book, Lowell put in a blurb about why she writes Medieval stories. That blurb was just as awesome as the book.
I'll try.
I absolutely love this series. I love Lowell's writing. She creates awesome characters. Her story line is ethereal.
The only disappointment I have is that Erik of Sea Home does not get his own book. According to HeroesAndHeartbreakers.com...
Also, at the end of this book, Lowell put in a blurb about why she writes Medieval stories. That blurb was just as awesome as the book.
July 28, 2020
It’s gonna be a big nope from me. This story was so slow and depressing.
The heroine (I can’t even remember her name and I read this book yesterday) has suffered a trauma and refuses to tell anyone about it until it serves the plot to create more conflict. She’s so obviously been ill-used that I was flabbergasted that nobody, not even the women, clued in on why she loathed the thought of the marriage bed. Everyone is like, it will be fine! The hero is always butt-hurt that she doesn't trust him and cringes away from any sudden movements.
Misunderstandings and weird magic elements littered the entire book. Every single character in this book seemed to be in some way magical? I expected to have a little bit of that from the title, but the rules governing who had what abilities were all over the place.
It was like the author pointed to every character and said "You are a seer! And you are a seer! And you too have the sight! Magic dress. Yes let's do that! Healing lust-inducing ointment? Sure, why not!" Don't get me started on that cringey scene. Oof.
The heroine (I can’t even remember her name and I read this book yesterday) has suffered a trauma and refuses to tell anyone about it until it serves the plot to create more conflict. She’s so obviously been ill-used that I was flabbergasted that nobody, not even the women, clued in on why she loathed the thought of the marriage bed. Everyone is like, it will be fine! The hero is always butt-hurt that she doesn't trust him and cringes away from any sudden movements.
Misunderstandings and weird magic elements littered the entire book. Every single character in this book seemed to be in some way magical? I expected to have a little bit of that from the title, but the rules governing who had what abilities were all over the place.
It was like the author pointed to every character and said "You are a seer! And you are a seer! And you too have the sight! Magic dress. Yes let's do that! Healing lust-inducing ointment? Sure, why not!" Don't get me started on that cringey scene. Oof.
January 9, 2016
Hermosa historia la que cuenta la autora en la nota del autor, me pareció una maravillosa coincidencia.
Aunque lo terminé, no sentí mucho con este libro, Dominic lo dice en algún momento "Con una mujer tan fría como Ariane ¿cómo podría llegar la calidez al corazón de Simon?" Sucede que Ariane está demasiado traumatizada y rechaza a Simón y él lo siente como desprecio y repugnancia, por ende pasan de un mes que han estado casados, 28 días ignorándose. Y en esos dos días, con una diferencia de semanas entre un encuentro y otro, pasa algo maravilloso que le da esperanza al matrimonio y de vuelta un desprecio que nos deja en donde comenzamos.
Simón no es tan cruel en el trato como lo fueron algunas actitudes de Dominic y Duncan con sus respectivas esposas, pero tampoco se involucra de un modo diferente. Solo la ignora cuando se siente despreciado. Ni le va ni le viene.
Con Ariane esperaba que al ser una "hechicera" con un vestido "mágico" fuera más como Meg, pero Ariane lo ignora todo. Pone en peligro a la familia de Simon porque le cuesta decir cosas importantes y hasta el final se pone ella misma en peligro sabiendo la amenaza que eso representa para Blackthorne.
Me dejó con un sabor amargo en la boca, no entiendo cómo puede tener tanta mala suerte en lo que hace. Una que te salga bien, flaca, una.
Es una pena que Erik no tenga libro, mi niño es terriblemente enigmático. Este libro a diferencia de los anteriores, tienes más presencia de los secundarios, tanto de Dominic-Meg, Amber-Duncan, Erik-Cassandra... se agradece entre tanta aridez entre el matrimonio Ariane-Simon.
Aunque lo terminé, no sentí mucho con este libro, Dominic lo dice en algún momento "Con una mujer tan fría como Ariane ¿cómo podría llegar la calidez al corazón de Simon?" Sucede que Ariane está demasiado traumatizada y rechaza a Simón y él lo siente como desprecio y repugnancia, por ende pasan de un mes que han estado casados, 28 días ignorándose. Y en esos dos días, con una diferencia de semanas entre un encuentro y otro, pasa algo maravilloso que le da esperanza al matrimonio y de vuelta un desprecio que nos deja en donde comenzamos.
Simón no es tan cruel en el trato como lo fueron algunas actitudes de Dominic y Duncan con sus respectivas esposas, pero tampoco se involucra de un modo diferente. Solo la ignora cuando se siente despreciado. Ni le va ni le viene.
Con Ariane esperaba que al ser una "hechicera" con un vestido "mágico" fuera más como Meg, pero Ariane lo ignora todo. Pone en peligro a la familia de Simon porque le cuesta decir cosas importantes y hasta el final se pone ella misma en peligro sabiendo la amenaza que eso representa para Blackthorne.
Me dejó con un sabor amargo en la boca, no entiendo cómo puede tener tanta mala suerte en lo que hace. Una que te salga bien, flaca, una.
Es una pena que Erik no tenga libro, mi niño es terriblemente enigmático. Este libro a diferencia de los anteriores, tienes más presencia de los secundarios, tanto de Dominic-Meg, Amber-Duncan, Erik-Cassandra... se agradece entre tanta aridez entre el matrimonio Ariane-Simon.
August 4, 2013
Meh... it wasn't horrible, but I ended up scanning quite a bit. I think the last two novels in the medieval series had too many similarities to the first one (Untamed). How many friggin' stone circle scenes do we need?
December 11, 2009
I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire medieval trilogy by Elizabeth Lowell, which started with Untamed, followed by Forbidden, and ending with this book, Enchanted. Though they were, in some ways, a bit predictable, they were also quite satisfying in their conclusions.
I'm very sad that she has no plans for more medieval stories, but I do plan on reading more of her works.
Though each of her books can be read alone, I do highly suggest reading the entire trilogy in order.
I'm very sad that she has no plans for more medieval stories, but I do plan on reading more of her works.
Though each of her books can be read alone, I do highly suggest reading the entire trilogy in order.
January 28, 2014
As enjoyable as the previous two books in the trilogy. Enjoyable fluff with better than usual characters and story. But I wonder if there was meant to be a fourth book.
Dominic, Duncan and Simon are the obvious heroes for the books, but Erik seems like he should have been the hero in a book of his own. I would have liked to read it. Oh well.
Dominic, Duncan and Simon are the obvious heroes for the books, but Erik seems like he should have been the hero in a book of his own. I would have liked to read it. Oh well.
February 26, 2008
Tear jerker. Story that stays with you even after you've finished reading. Makes you wish it didn't end :(
October 27, 2016
I read this book a long time ago, and I remember it being a far better book than it actually was.
Ariane and Simon are forced into a marriage of convenience when Duncan, her intended fiancé, marries Amber in Forbidden. Simon offers himself because he wants to avoid a war with Ariane's father, and also because he doesn't think it much of a sacrifice.
Ariane agrees, but she doesnt want to marry anyone. As it turns out, she was raped several months earlier by her former fiancé, and he told her father that she had seduced him. Since her father believed her rapist and not her, he sent her to marry Duncan, knowing that her groom will probably start a war when he discovers his wife isn't a virgin, because dishonour blah blah.
Despite the medical and anatomical inaccuracy inherent in the idea of physical virginity, and the fact that many women tear or break their hymen during activities other than sex, and the fact that zero men EVER have been able to tell whether a woman is a virgin by putting their penis in her-- Well, nobody reads romance novels for scientific accuracy. Moving on.
Ariane is, like many rape survivors, going through many of the symptoms of PTSD. She has nightmares and is hypervigilant, is afraid of men, and is sex-repulsed. She does have some affection for Simon, who has always treated her kindly, but she is mostly waiting for him to turn out to be a violent rapist. After all, that is her lived experience with men-- they turn on you, are violent and awful, and don't believe you are innocent. So obviously she doesn't trust the random guy assigned to marry her so her father can't be mad she was jilted.
The first part of this book is just as good as I remember it being.
I didn't, however, remember reading the super creepy disgusting three chapters near the middle.
The worst part is that Simon was my favourite character of the series, but I couldn't like him as a lead because the entire resolution of the novel was tainted by the creepy scene that came before. Plus, he learns about Ariane's rape, and his response is... "Whatever, I guess."
Ariane puts herself out to prove that she was sexually assaulted,
Ugh.
I really enjoyed this book the first time I read it, but I'm not fifteen anymore, so I can't in good conscience give it more than two stars.
Ariane and Simon are forced into a marriage of convenience when Duncan, her intended fiancé, marries Amber in Forbidden. Simon offers himself because he wants to avoid a war with Ariane's father, and also because he doesn't think it much of a sacrifice.
Ariane agrees, but she doesnt want to marry anyone. As it turns out, she was raped several months earlier by her former fiancé, and he told her father that she had seduced him. Since her father believed her rapist and not her, he sent her to marry Duncan, knowing that her groom will probably start a war when he discovers his wife isn't a virgin, because dishonour blah blah.
Despite the medical and anatomical inaccuracy inherent in the idea of physical virginity, and the fact that many women tear or break their hymen during activities other than sex, and the fact that zero men EVER have been able to tell whether a woman is a virgin by putting their penis in her-- Well, nobody reads romance novels for scientific accuracy. Moving on.
Ariane is, like many rape survivors, going through many of the symptoms of PTSD. She has nightmares and is hypervigilant, is afraid of men, and is sex-repulsed. She does have some affection for Simon, who has always treated her kindly, but she is mostly waiting for him to turn out to be a violent rapist. After all, that is her lived experience with men-- they turn on you, are violent and awful, and don't believe you are innocent. So obviously she doesn't trust the random guy assigned to marry her so her father can't be mad she was jilted.
The first part of this book is just as good as I remember it being.
I didn't, however, remember reading the super creepy disgusting three chapters near the middle.
The worst part is that Simon was my favourite character of the series, but I couldn't like him as a lead because the entire resolution of the novel was tainted by the creepy scene that came before. Plus, he learns about Ariane's rape, and his response is... "Whatever, I guess."
Ariane puts herself out to prove that she was sexually assaulted,
Ugh.
I really enjoyed this book the first time I read it, but I'm not fifteen anymore, so I can't in good conscience give it more than two stars.
May 4, 2013
i think the writer got confused if she should target middle school romantics or erotica adults and ended up making a bad messy novel with too many sword seath references and couples cooing at each other every time they saw or talked to each other. Other 2 book are bad but this is worst of the lot. I am not even sure why i kept reading after guys calling their wives names like "little falcon" in first book, "amber witch" in second and to top it all "little nightingale" in the third one. I am a hopeless optimist really.
March 28, 2019
An otherwise clever and intriguing storyline is botched and ruined by annoying and repetitive dialogue.
Play a drinking game while reading this book:
"God's Teeth" - take a shot.
"Sardonic(ally)" -drink a beer.
"Amethyst" -hard cider.
"God's (any other body part) -bourbon.
At the end of "Enchanted" you'll either be dead, or 12 steps away from recovery.
Play a drinking game while reading this book:
"God's Teeth" - take a shot.
"Sardonic(ally)" -drink a beer.
"Amethyst" -hard cider.
"God's (any other body part) -bourbon.
At the end of "Enchanted" you'll either be dead, or 12 steps away from recovery.
August 7, 2019
This book retained the atmosphere and vibe of the previous book. But I liked it less because the romance and plot wasn't as engaging. The romantic conflict relied on the heroine keeping her trap shut when it would have taken her ten minutes to explain what was going on with her. But she had a magical dress that was pretty darned cool.
August 18, 2020
Its been strange to me not able to give appropriate rating for this book. This has angst fest which i love read with the slow burn romance vibe. i prefer medieval book when reading HR because the Balls and end number of frocks and curling hair, rake and maiden will give me heart burn. I like the book but felt the major issue didn't discussed at all..
August 2, 2016
I see that I really loved the first book in the series, but this one I so did not! I've read other nice stories of frightened maidens falling in love with their captors/husbands and they had much less loopholes.
July 26, 2019
Confusing writing. Annoying characters. Triggery content. Story elements that make very little sense.
Featuring a woman who was raped and betrayed by everyone, than married and misunderstood by her new husband about her past in various ways for the duration of the whole book; super convenient magic dress; weird healing coma and weird woman who instructed the husband to rub medicine onto the whole body of an unconscious above-mentioned woman 3 times a day practically forcing him to rape her again; proud whores and assholes.
On top of it all, disturbingly weak writing (the first battle left me grimacing at the ways details were presented and skipping through the text to get it over with) with So. Much. Head-hopping.
Sometimes it felt like POV would change before 1 sentence even ended. How is this okay?
Featuring a woman who was raped and betrayed by everyone, than married and misunderstood by her new husband about her past in various ways for the duration of the whole book; super convenient magic dress; weird healing coma and weird woman who instructed the husband to rub medicine onto the whole body of an unconscious above-mentioned woman 3 times a day practically forcing him to rape her again; proud whores and assholes.
On top of it all, disturbingly weak writing (the first battle left me grimacing at the ways details were presented and skipping through the text to get it over with) with So. Much. Head-hopping.
Sometimes it felt like POV would change before 1 sentence even ended. How is this okay?
June 8, 2023
How does a husband soothe the fears of a wife who was raped and panics every time he tries to initiate something with her?
He molests her when she's unconscious
Ohhhh how romantic
And of course when she wakes up and realizes what he's done there won't be any confrontation cause this book wants to stay superficial and ridiculous
She forces herself to get in bed with him cause she's blackmailed and obviously good sexx heals all her traumas and she goes from being terrified to being a wanton
He has treated her horribly
Threatened to rape her, molested her and more
But is there any discussion about this? No
Zero groveling
In the end they stay together and we have no idea why cause theu author made no efforr into actually displaying a credible growing and loving relationship
Lazy choices were made in this writing
He molests her when she's unconscious
Ohhhh how romantic
And of course when she wakes up and realizes what he's done there won't be any confrontation cause this book wants to stay superficial and ridiculous
She forces herself to get in bed with him cause she's blackmailed and obviously good sexx heals all her traumas and she goes from being terrified to being a wanton
He has treated her horribly
Threatened to rape her, molested her and more
But is there any discussion about this? No
Zero groveling
In the end they stay together and we have no idea why cause theu author made no efforr into actually displaying a credible growing and loving relationship
Lazy choices were made in this writing
October 17, 2015
Wow Great read . Simon The loyal unconditionally loves his brother Dominic and he would do anything to ensure the peace in the area even to marry a woman (Ariane The betrayed ) he doesnt love at all. But it wasnt the case, in the previouse book it was clear that he adores Ariane by taking care of her. In this book , it showed the development of their relationship. I loved Ariane's character alot,she was betrayed by many men in her life but at the end she was able to love Simon like no one else.Also, Simon who swear that he will never love a woman ,deeply fell in love with Araine.
This book was a page turner. Love it .
This book was a page turner. Love it .
April 17, 2012
I made the mistake of skipping book 2 in the series but I still found this book to be very enjoyable. The vulnerabilities of both the main characters made the story complex and interesting. I also loved the magical aspects of the storyline. It's been a while since I've read multiple chapters of any book in one sitting but that was the case this time.
As a quick side note, the author's note at the end of the book explaining why she is now writing medieval romances was really amazing and I was in awe. It is really cool!
As a quick side note, the author's note at the end of the book explaining why she is now writing medieval romances was really amazing and I was in awe. It is really cool!
Did Not Finish
May 27, 2020Too confusing for someone who has not read the previous books. Terminology and the understanding of magic in this world was confusing and not properly explained. Also, the beginning repetitive and boring so far. The plot is obvious and the misunderstandings piling up. Dont care for the characters to invest in this.
November 18, 2011
I am so glad that I picked up this series to re-read after all these years. Perfect ending to the series with this one! I hope someday she goes back and picks up again with some of the other characters. I sure would buy them!
October 29, 2017
How is this romantic???! I am sure a rape survivor is not going to be okay being molested and assaulted again!!! How is that love?!?!
March 11, 2020
So boring. I gave up about half way.
May 31, 2025
I also love when a woman is SCARRED and the guy has to navigate her MANY BOUNDARIES to get close to her.... I'm a simple reader. Some completely crazy stuff in here re: appropriate boundaries while one is comatose, but you know what, while I was reading I was ready to accept it. This was a very very fun trilogy
August 30, 2023
this book actually really upset me. the way the mmc didn’t believe the fmc when she told him she was raped. WHAT?????????? Ariane was a VICTIM. home girl deserved better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
I'm so sad this trilogy is over
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