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Below the Salt #1
Picking Up the Gauntlet
♥ He's been hired to guard her, but not even the best armor can keep one's heart from breaking ♥
Lady with a Sword:
Lady Raven Blake has trained alongside her twin brother, Rook for years. She is intrigued with weapons and skilled at wielding a sword. Raven likes excitement in her life, but her father wants her to start acting like a lady. To her horror, he's planned a tournament, and whichever nobleman wins will receive her hand in marriage as the prize.
Infuriated, Raven comes up with an idea to ruin this plan and stay single. Now, all she needs is the help of the armorer who her father has foolishly assigned as her bodyguard, trying to keep her out of trouble.
The Armorer:
Jonathon Armstrong is an armorer, swordsmith, and blacksmith who knows not only how to create weapons, but how to use them too. At times he has even hired out his sword and served as a mercenary to the nobles. Lord Corbett Blake has a trusted friendship with Jonathon and approaches him, offering him a temporary position as his new castle smith. However, what he really wants Jonathon to do, is to be his unruly daughter's bodyguard during the day and only work at the smithy at night.
Jonathon can't turn down a noble's request, even though everyone knows the lord's daughter has no trouble protecting herself. And when the beautiful Lady Raven tricks him into making her a suit of armor in secret, he falls into a situation that could easily bring about his demise. If being dragged into her deceptive plan doesn't land him in the dungeon, something else surely will. Jonathon has grown fond of the woman. He's lost his heart to the noblewoman, and she has returned the feelings for him.
Two people from such different walks of life are not allowed to be together. Love between a noble and a commoner is forbidden, and can only mean trouble in the end.
Love has no bounds, but marriage has rules. A noble must never wed anyone from below the salt.
(This series features the next generation from Elizabeth's Legacy of the Blade Series.)
Lady with a Sword:
Lady Raven Blake has trained alongside her twin brother, Rook for years. She is intrigued with weapons and skilled at wielding a sword. Raven likes excitement in her life, but her father wants her to start acting like a lady. To her horror, he's planned a tournament, and whichever nobleman wins will receive her hand in marriage as the prize.
Infuriated, Raven comes up with an idea to ruin this plan and stay single. Now, all she needs is the help of the armorer who her father has foolishly assigned as her bodyguard, trying to keep her out of trouble.
The Armorer:
Jonathon Armstrong is an armorer, swordsmith, and blacksmith who knows not only how to create weapons, but how to use them too. At times he has even hired out his sword and served as a mercenary to the nobles. Lord Corbett Blake has a trusted friendship with Jonathon and approaches him, offering him a temporary position as his new castle smith. However, what he really wants Jonathon to do, is to be his unruly daughter's bodyguard during the day and only work at the smithy at night.
Jonathon can't turn down a noble's request, even though everyone knows the lord's daughter has no trouble protecting herself. And when the beautiful Lady Raven tricks him into making her a suit of armor in secret, he falls into a situation that could easily bring about his demise. If being dragged into her deceptive plan doesn't land him in the dungeon, something else surely will. Jonathon has grown fond of the woman. He's lost his heart to the noblewoman, and she has returned the feelings for him.
Two people from such different walks of life are not allowed to be together. Love between a noble and a commoner is forbidden, and can only mean trouble in the end.
Love has no bounds, but marriage has rules. A noble must never wed anyone from below the salt.
(This series features the next generation from Elizabeth's Legacy of the Blade Series.)
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
About the author
Elizabeth Rose
562 books1,292 followersElizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.
Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:
Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest
RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude
Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets
International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude
Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme
Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights
Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales
Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
And More!
Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:
Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!
Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.
Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 2, 2025
No Rules for Raven
Raven is the spoiled daughter of a noble who was taught to use a sword and to fight along side her twin brother. This made Raven unruly and unlikely to have suitors due to her obnoxious behavior.
Jonathan is the oldest son of the town blacksmith who has honed his skills as a smith to the point of hoping to become a master armorer. Jonathan was also a skilled swordsman, hiring out his skills to local nobles, as he was as skilled with bow and sword as any noble.
Raven’s father, having used Jonathan’s skills in the past, hires Jonathan as a personal guard for Raven, and to watch over her so that she behaves like a lady in order to attract suitors.
I have no problem suspending my disbelief for a good story, and although this one had possibilities, it did not help me with my disbelief. It was a shorter story and that was the only reason I finished it. The characters were not well-developed and the unlikely happenings were unconvincing. Two star for the ability to use grammar.
Raven is the spoiled daughter of a noble who was taught to use a sword and to fight along side her twin brother. This made Raven unruly and unlikely to have suitors due to her obnoxious behavior.
Jonathan is the oldest son of the town blacksmith who has honed his skills as a smith to the point of hoping to become a master armorer. Jonathan was also a skilled swordsman, hiring out his skills to local nobles, as he was as skilled with bow and sword as any noble.
Raven’s father, having used Jonathan’s skills in the past, hires Jonathan as a personal guard for Raven, and to watch over her so that she behaves like a lady in order to attract suitors.
I have no problem suspending my disbelief for a good story, and although this one had possibilities, it did not help me with my disbelief. It was a shorter story and that was the only reason I finished it. The characters were not well-developed and the unlikely happenings were unconvincing. Two star for the ability to use grammar.
June 9, 2023
This book is an interesting take on life and attitudes of the 1300’s.
Read full review in the 2023 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 19, 2023
The a lady and The Commoner
Book One of the series Below The Salt Series by Elizabeth Rose is certainly off to a Great Start. She has a unique way with her characters that you feel involved with, adding the great names she uses just adds the special touch. This fascinating story about a Rebellious Lady who will do practically anything to get her own way. Using the term “ Lady “ generously for she wants to be anything but. With a marriage the main goal now , look out! What next ? A Handsome Guard for her thrown into the mix. So much Drama , Excitement, Emotional Decisions , Noble / Commoners, and Love or Duty.
Lady Raven Blake was a force to be reckoned with . She was not very nice and at times hurtful and she certainly did not want to be married. With no options left now she had to find away out.
Jonathon Armstrong Blacksmith, Swordsmith, Armorer, and Mercenary now her private guard. He was Handsome and Strong and very Appealing. Only he is a mere Commoner. Only if !
Raven and Jonathan’s Tale really gets you. Two different worlds, not just rules, but laws that can really change everything. It makes you lucky that we can choose who we love and even ask to” please pass the salt” with out thinking about it. Wonderful and a very Enjoyable Read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book One of the series Below The Salt Series by Elizabeth Rose is certainly off to a Great Start. She has a unique way with her characters that you feel involved with, adding the great names she uses just adds the special touch. This fascinating story about a Rebellious Lady who will do practically anything to get her own way. Using the term “ Lady “ generously for she wants to be anything but. With a marriage the main goal now , look out! What next ? A Handsome Guard for her thrown into the mix. So much Drama , Excitement, Emotional Decisions , Noble / Commoners, and Love or Duty.
Lady Raven Blake was a force to be reckoned with . She was not very nice and at times hurtful and she certainly did not want to be married. With no options left now she had to find away out.
Jonathon Armstrong Blacksmith, Swordsmith, Armorer, and Mercenary now her private guard. He was Handsome and Strong and very Appealing. Only he is a mere Commoner. Only if !
Raven and Jonathan’s Tale really gets you. Two different worlds, not just rules, but laws that can really change everything. It makes you lucky that we can choose who we love and even ask to” please pass the salt” with out thinking about it. Wonderful and a very Enjoyable Read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2023
This is a really fun story! Raven is a strong, determined and fierce lady. Jonathan is a commoner. The two are not supposed to meet or marry. I think the title of the series Below the Salt is very catchy and bodes well for what is to come. Watching the two characters from different stations in society lock horns was spectacular. Raven’s very fiery character was a beautiful thing to behold. The author has done a great job of getting readers invested in the characters and the series. This is a great start!
November 2, 2024
don't bother
March 19, 2023
This is the first book in her new series. It is a well written story and makes you feel like you too were involved in the book. This story is about opposites attract but are from two different levels in society.
Lady Raven is an independent woman who likes to and is used to getting her own way. She is rebellious and does not always talk nicely to people. Jonathan Armstrong is now been hired to be her private guard. He is strong, talented , nice but one problem he is a commoner. How will these two different personalities who are attracted to each other work though this?
I really enjoyed the story and looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Raven is an independent woman who likes to and is used to getting her own way. She is rebellious and does not always talk nicely to people. Jonathan Armstrong is now been hired to be her private guard. He is strong, talented , nice but one problem he is a commoner. How will these two different personalities who are attracted to each other work though this?
I really enjoyed the story and looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2023
Picking Up the Gauntlet shows promise. The premise is interesting and I would have loved to get caught up in the plot. However, I think that the plot is the best thing that this book has going for it. The characters are "too" much. Raven is so self-centered as to be thoroughly dislikeable. I want to like Jonathan so much, but even from the beginning he vacillates between being rebellious to being confused and going along with everything. Rook and his and Raven's parents do not act like the Lords and Ladies that the time period would require, the vernacular is completely modern with a few works such as "mayhap" being repeated often to try to give it a more authentic feel--which misses the mark. There is a deference that is not there, a piece of sense of self and place in that world that the characters do not portray. The characters' interactions are either too indulgent or too clueless (too much or too little), with little to no personality or backbone. The way that it is written would appeal more to younger readers (not even older YA) and not adults. And even then it would compete with some of the more popular authors, such as Sarah Maas, which I do not think it could really do. Generally, in my opinion the idea is good, but the author should really look into doing research into the time period. I looked up the author, who I had never heard of before, and she appears to be very prolific in creating books in this time period. I'm very disappointed that it feels as though she is a young teenager writing a "Mary Sue" fan fiction.
March 27, 2023
Picking Up the Gauntlet by Elizabeth Rose was a good story. There are some criticisms, however: most authors of this genre are far from historically accurate, but the make some effort to include at least formal language if not other things pertinent to the time period. Rose wrote in modern lexicon, even using modern idiom a time or two. The story was modern, not historically accurate, so other means had to be found to put it, at least slightly, into the time period it was supposed to be. Sadly that detracted from an otherwise decent story.
It was the story of a blacksmith/armourer, sometime guard, who was hired to be a bodyguard to the lord’s daughter, who was known to be a mischief maker. Her father had given up hope of anyone coming forward desiring her hand and so had arranged a forthcoming joust with her hand in marriage as the prize. Raven was a mischief maker, and sadly, not an altogether pleasant person to be around. She could be unkind at times. Jonathon was a good guy who worked hard and wanted to make his way in the world. She was tough on him but he fell in love anyway, something no one else had done. It was an amusing story.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Picking Up the Gauntlet by Oliver Heber Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #OliverHeberBooks #ElizabethRose #PickingUpTheGauntlet
It was the story of a blacksmith/armourer, sometime guard, who was hired to be a bodyguard to the lord’s daughter, who was known to be a mischief maker. Her father had given up hope of anyone coming forward desiring her hand and so had arranged a forthcoming joust with her hand in marriage as the prize. Raven was a mischief maker, and sadly, not an altogether pleasant person to be around. She could be unkind at times. Jonathon was a good guy who worked hard and wanted to make his way in the world. She was tough on him but he fell in love anyway, something no one else had done. It was an amusing story.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Picking Up the Gauntlet by Oliver Heber Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #OliverHeberBooks #ElizabethRose #PickingUpTheGauntlet
March 11, 2023
The Armorer, the Shrew, Forbidden Love:
Raven and Jonathon are from two different worlds according to the time this thrilling story takes place.
Different stations in life collide with a blast of desire like no other. This is an intriguing story of two very strong characters.
Jonathon, a conscientious follow the rules kind of guy.
Raven is very spoiled, and very strong minded. She'll go down fighting for what and who she wants.
This makes for a challenging story that is filled with flirtatious banter, lots of angsts, desirous passion, crafty thinking, and much more.
The best scene is Jonathon taking measurements for making the suit of armor. I actually laughed out loud.
The story is fairly predictable, but it is a fun lighthearted story to read that brings us to a wonderful happy conclusion.
I do look forward to reading about Devon's story and also hope Lark has her happy ending in a future book also.
Book 1 of the Below the Salt series that is filled with everything I look for in a wonderful romance story. How can you not like handsome warriors, tournament's, fisty strong women, and romance?
✔5 Star cover.
✔Authors notes at the end are very interesting to read.
✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Raven and Jonathon are from two different worlds according to the time this thrilling story takes place.
Different stations in life collide with a blast of desire like no other. This is an intriguing story of two very strong characters.
Jonathon, a conscientious follow the rules kind of guy.
Raven is very spoiled, and very strong minded. She'll go down fighting for what and who she wants.
This makes for a challenging story that is filled with flirtatious banter, lots of angsts, desirous passion, crafty thinking, and much more.
The best scene is Jonathon taking measurements for making the suit of armor. I actually laughed out loud.
The story is fairly predictable, but it is a fun lighthearted story to read that brings us to a wonderful happy conclusion.
I do look forward to reading about Devon's story and also hope Lark has her happy ending in a future book also.
Book 1 of the Below the Salt series that is filled with everything I look for in a wonderful romance story. How can you not like handsome warriors, tournament's, fisty strong women, and romance?
✔5 Star cover.
✔Authors notes at the end are very interesting to read.
✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
March 13, 2023
I am very much in two minds about this story. I enjoyed the premise of it, Jonathon is an armourer, swordsmith and blacksmith. He is a commoner, otherwise referred to as 'below the salt'. Lady Raven on the other hand is a member of the nobility. They fall for each other but because of the class difference, they can never be together. Besides, Raven's father has organised a tournament where the winner will marry her.
What I didn't like was Raven. Her character was very well written by the author, it is just that in making her such a snob who looked down at people and who even kept upsetting her cousin by bringing up her disastrous past, I really didn't like her. It's hard for me to enjoy a romance when I am not keen on one or both parties of the couple in question.
I also found that in some instances the story lost its historical feel and I felt it sounded too modern. The ending was also a bit strange for me because of the way it was resolved. Surely somebody would have thought of that solution before they had to go through all the deception etc that the story entailed?
But, despite the things that I didn't like, I did, for the most part, enjoy the book. I loved Jonathon's character, and I am happy that he got his happy ever after.
What I didn't like was Raven. Her character was very well written by the author, it is just that in making her such a snob who looked down at people and who even kept upsetting her cousin by bringing up her disastrous past, I really didn't like her. It's hard for me to enjoy a romance when I am not keen on one or both parties of the couple in question.
I also found that in some instances the story lost its historical feel and I felt it sounded too modern. The ending was also a bit strange for me because of the way it was resolved. Surely somebody would have thought of that solution before they had to go through all the deception etc that the story entailed?
But, despite the things that I didn't like, I did, for the most part, enjoy the book. I loved Jonathon's character, and I am happy that he got his happy ever after.
March 23, 2023
Lady Raven Blake, who is a bit spoiled, is not happy with her father’s plan to marry her off to the winner of the tournament he has planned. In fact, she would rather compete in the tournament herself. Lord Corbet Blake is determined to see that she behaves in a more lady-like fashion when the nobles arrive for the competition. His plan is to bring Jonathon Armstrong, an Armorer to the castle as temporary castle blacksmith and as Raven’s personal guard. Things don’t go exactly as planned. As hard as Jonathon tries to fulfill his assignment, Raven makes it difficult. To top it all these two are falling for each other. Not allowed. Is there any way the Lady and the Commoner find a way to be together? With this story, the Below the Salt series is off to a good start. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
May 5, 2023
Picking Up the Gauntlet by Elizabeth Rose
I absolutely love this writer, from modern day, to western, to highlander to this. Awesome., never the same.
Lady Raven Blake, who is a bit spoiled, is not happy with her father’s plan to marry her off to the winner of the tournament he has planned. In fact, she would rather compete in the tournament herself. Lord Corbet Blake is determined to see that she behaves in a more lady-like fashion when the nobles arrive for the competition. His plan is to bring Jonathon Armstrong, an Armorer to the castle as temporary castle blacksmith and as Raven’s personal guard. Things don’t go exactly as planned. As hard as Jonathon tries to fulfill his assignment, Raven makes it difficult. To top it all these two are falling for each other.
Wonderfully writen and wonderful characters , can't wait to read the next.
I absolutely love this writer, from modern day, to western, to highlander to this. Awesome., never the same.
Lady Raven Blake, who is a bit spoiled, is not happy with her father’s plan to marry her off to the winner of the tournament he has planned. In fact, she would rather compete in the tournament herself. Lord Corbet Blake is determined to see that she behaves in a more lady-like fashion when the nobles arrive for the competition. His plan is to bring Jonathon Armstrong, an Armorer to the castle as temporary castle blacksmith and as Raven’s personal guard. Things don’t go exactly as planned. As hard as Jonathon tries to fulfill his assignment, Raven makes it difficult. To top it all these two are falling for each other.
Wonderfully writen and wonderful characters , can't wait to read the next.
March 11, 2023
Lady Raven is a rebellious and headstrong woman set as a prize for her father's tournament. How will she navigate her family's expectations and yet not loose herself in the process? Jonathan, the Blacksmith is a commoner with uncommon traits that seem to impress not just his customers. It does have some spice, readers beware. I would recommend this book.
There were a few instances when I was pulled out of the story with some confusion, sometimes the perspectives change mid-chapter, and I had a hard time following whose perspective I was reading. I also wondered if a diamond would be the type of ring used in the middle-ages or something that Lady Raven would wear/like.
It was a still a very fun quick read.
There were a few instances when I was pulled out of the story with some confusion, sometimes the perspectives change mid-chapter, and I had a hard time following whose perspective I was reading. I also wondered if a diamond would be the type of ring used in the middle-ages or something that Lady Raven would wear/like.
It was a still a very fun quick read.
March 20, 2023
Romance is woven into the planning of a tournament and the prize is Lady Raben Blake's hand in marriage. Unfortunately, Raven is less than enamored of her father's idea as she would rather be competing in the jousting herself. Thus the Blacksmith and Armourer, Jonathon Armstrong, is brought in to be her personal bodyguard and to keep her out of trouble. I loved Jonathon's character, and he really was caught between a rock and a hard place, as for the most part, Raven was brattish and often very hard to like, even by modern standards. An attraction springs up between the lady and the commoner and despite being somewhat controversial, the novel does come to a good conclusion. Modern language is thrown into the plot which jarred on me a bit, as did Raven's snobbishness. I received a copy of this book as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 21, 2023
Lady Raven Blake doesn't want to be a lady. She wants to be more like her twin Rook. Johnathan Armstrong is a blacksmith working towards being a Master. An opportunity to open his own business instead of working for his family. Lord Corbett Blake hires him as a bodyguard for Raven. Mainly to keep her out of trouble. Instead she is able to manipulate Johnathan in her schemes. A noble can't marry a commoner, but that doesn't keep them from falling in love. I like a trope with a strong woman, but Raven is selfish about her own needs. Johnathan is so sweet and easy to love. Nice flow to the story with a few exceptions. A few words and phrases that I question were used in the 1300s.
Some descriptive sex.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some descriptive sex.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2023
Picking Up the Gauntlet by Elizabeth Rose Book 1 of Below the Salt is definitely on my to recommend list. I have yet to read a book by Elizabeth Rose that I haven't enjoyed. Going against the expected of you is one of my favorite themes to read. This is definitely one of those. Lady Raven Blake most assuredly goes against what is expected of her in many ways. I shook my head several times at some of the characters antics, I laughed many times and wanted to shout at the characters a few times. If you liked Elizabeth's Legacy of the Blade Series or any of her books actually, you will definitely want to read this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2023
A good story that had me glued to the pages from the beginning until the end. You are given a look at the beginning at Lady Raven the daughter of the Lord and his Lady of the castle with the opening as she is wanting to be practicing with Joust, only to be disturbed by her twin brother. She is also founding out at that time that she is to be married to the winner of a series of comes in the coming months. She is not happy. You are then introduced to Johaton the commoner and blacksmith working towards being a master at his craft. He is hired to watch her and to also work at the castle for the upcoming games. Lady Raven he finds is not what was expecting and as the story goes along she sees Jonathon differently as well. Yet they can’t be together because they are from two different classes. This is a good story with good characters all around and the author keeps Raven the same throughout the story which was good. A very good read. I received this book from Netgalley.com
January 30, 2025
MEDIEVAL ROMANCE DRAMA, 4 STARS
You go on a ride from the first of this exciting creative storyline in this 4 STARS Book 1 in the Series: Below the Salt & are provided. with a good BLURB. Characters you can't help like & love.
Great details of that era are given especially in the area of armor. Also, about towns and their signs. This is a good romance that will leave you smiling.
I left out the 5th star because there were some areas I felt the narrative went off story & meandered a little before returning. I enjoyed reading it & look forward to Book 2 in the Series.
RECOMMEND
You go on a ride from the first of this exciting creative storyline in this 4 STARS Book 1 in the Series: Below the Salt & are provided. with a good BLURB. Characters you can't help like & love.
Great details of that era are given especially in the area of armor. Also, about towns and their signs. This is a good romance that will leave you smiling.
I left out the 5th star because there were some areas I felt the narrative went off story & meandered a little before returning. I enjoyed reading it & look forward to Book 2 in the Series.
RECOMMEND
April 6, 2023
She’s determined to beat the odds.
Raven has been raised to fight with her brother but now her father has decided she’s to marry and she’ll find her husband at a tournament to be held. Her father and brother have conspired to have the blacksmith/armorer act as a bodyguard. But Raven doesn’t want to be married off and has a plan. She drags Johnathon along with her and they begin to fall in love against all odds, and the class system. Good love story about two people who cannot be together and a strong heroine who is determined to chart her own course. Fun read, new series.
Raven has been raised to fight with her brother but now her father has decided she’s to marry and she’ll find her husband at a tournament to be held. Her father and brother have conspired to have the blacksmith/armorer act as a bodyguard. But Raven doesn’t want to be married off and has a plan. She drags Johnathon along with her and they begin to fall in love against all odds, and the class system. Good love story about two people who cannot be together and a strong heroine who is determined to chart her own course. Fun read, new series.
June 28, 2023
♥ He's been hired to guard her, but not even the best armor can keep one's heart from breaking ♥
Rose is a very strong warrior at heart even though her father has other plans for her. She falls for the commoner blacksmith just as he does for her. Rose has him secretly make armor for her. Which puts the blacksmith in a very bad position. Not to mention that it is against the law for a commoner and a noble to fall in love and marry. This was a very interesting story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Rose is a very strong warrior at heart even though her father has other plans for her. She falls for the commoner blacksmith just as he does for her. Rose has him secretly make armor for her. Which puts the blacksmith in a very bad position. Not to mention that it is against the law for a commoner and a noble to fall in love and marry. This was a very interesting story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
August 16, 2023
a great live story
The story of Raven and jonathon is one of a strong woman wanted to be able to fight. She meets jonathon when her father and brother ask him to guard Ravento keep her from fighting. Her father wants to hold a tournament where the winner is bethored to Raven. Raven at first does not like Jonathon but he is drawn to her. They become close as jonathon
Tries to teach tavern to just. They soon fall in love and end up being able to marry
The story of Raven and jonathon is one of a strong woman wanted to be able to fight. She meets jonathon when her father and brother ask him to guard Ravento keep her from fighting. Her father wants to hold a tournament where the winner is bethored to Raven. Raven at first does not like Jonathon but he is drawn to her. They become close as jonathon
Tries to teach tavern to just. They soon fall in love and end up being able to marry
March 17, 2023
Lady Raven Blake was unlike other ladies, she was interested in weapons and using them. I definitely didn’t like her character at first, she was quite selfish and when she used blackmail and threatened a child that was a definite no no! She did redeem herself slightly towards the end. Jonathon Armstrong was an honourable man, who was trying to be come a master in his craft. There was an attraction between them but he was a commoner and she was a noble. This was an entertaining read and it was good to catch up with characters from previous books. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 30, 2023
Another great start to a new series
Ms. Rose has written a story that will draw you into a world that cause you to be entranced. I am thankful the rules about class has been dropped. I can't imagine falling in love with someone and being told I can't be with them because we aren't the same class.
Ms. Rose has written a story that will draw you into a world that cause you to be entranced. I am thankful the rules about class has been dropped. I can't imagine falling in love with someone and being told I can't be with them because we aren't the same class.
March 10, 2023
Lady Raven is an amazing strong character who’s quite capable of taking care of herself. Her Father arranges a tournament to find a suitor. She’s definitely not going to allow this. She falls in love with her bodyguard. Two different worlds, how will this work out. Love this story.
March 25, 2023
Good read
I am glad to read about characters descended from other books. I like the family connections. Raven is a headstrong lass, bound and determined to have things her way. I liked Jonathan's family and little Gerald. The dogs are a great bonus.
I am glad to read about characters descended from other books. I like the family connections. Raven is a headstrong lass, bound and determined to have things her way. I liked Jonathan's family and little Gerald. The dogs are a great bonus.
June 12, 2023
Great historical love story
I have enjoyed this book. I thought I read it but i didn’t. Jonathan and Raven had a little bit of competition in this book. But their love won in the end.
I have enjoyed this book. I thought I read it but i didn’t. Jonathan and Raven had a little bit of competition in this book. But their love won in the end.
January 28, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable!
I liked this book because the characters were very interesting. The descriptions of the smithys work and the effort it takes to. create the armor was new to me!
I liked this book because the characters were very interesting. The descriptions of the smithys work and the effort it takes to. create the armor was new to me!
August 28, 2024
Pick I yup the Gauntlet
Love the adventurous lead character, the common sense of the characters. Not over dramatic yet there is a twist to the main characters. A real family setting a long time ago.
Love the adventurous lead character, the common sense of the characters. Not over dramatic yet there is a twist to the main characters. A real family setting a long time ago.
September 4, 2024
I loved the cover art . I found the book a little soft. Raven was spoiled and selfish I never really grew to like her. Raven easily walked all over Jonathan and her father the ending was too easy and convenient.
December 3, 2025
Start with one extremely headstrong princess who is passed the usual age of marriage add in a father who is tired of fighting with her. Said princess is better at fighting then womanly pursues and she frightens most of the knights at the castle.
Narration is well done on this entire storyline.
Narration is well done on this entire storyline.
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