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The Pendant
A lost ancient treasure. A 100 year family feud. And a woman with a passion richer than the bloodstone pendant she wears around her neck. In medieval Italy, as spirited and stalwart as any man, the brazen Contessa Morena is betrothed to the impoverished, black-hearted Count Ernesto, a man desperate to escape his mounting gambling debts by marrying her and laying claim to the ancient treasure secreted somewhere in the underbelly of her castle. Morena meets her match when Amoro, the handsome and brash heir to the Duchy of Genoa, who swears an oath upon his father’s grave to claim her as his bride and end the feud between their families. Soon, Amoro’s virile charm awakens the passion in her steadfast heart. But a treacherous plot ensnares them; Ernesto abducts Morena and renders Amoro helpless. Embroiled in a life-and-death chase, Morena learns that not even the devious madness of her captor can destroy her love for Amoro as their hearts unite and their destinies become one.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2008
25 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Mirella Sichirollo Patzer
80 books78 followersFirst generation Italian-Canadian, Mirella Patzer is passionate about writing and reading novels set in historical eras, especially with Italian settings. Her passions, apart from writing, are blogging about women in history, travelling, discovering and testing historical recipes researching, and spending time with her family. She currently lives in Calgary, Alberta.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 18, 2025
Read: 7/15/25
Setting: Italy 975 A.D
3.0 stars!
What a waste of a great location and time period! This book was exhausting!
Plot: Ernesto has gambled away his fortune. He's already killed his father to inherit the family's dilapidated castle. He needs to marry his betrothed now. Luckily, her father came alone (smart) to his castle. After the man ripped up the contract, Ernesto killed him. He arrives at Morena's home to claim his bride, only to find a man claiming to be her new betrothed. Amoro will pay for stealing his rich bride. Ernesto always gets what he wants!
Amoro returns home to discover his father was killed by bandits. His dying wish is for Amoro to marry their enemy's daughter. Amoro had hoped to marry for love, but he will obey. He dumps his mistress and goes to Portovenere to court his new bride. He finally convinces her that she needs his protection and brings her to his home. The pair slowly fall in love. Amoro is doing everything he can to win Morena's heart. Unfortunately, there are evil forces who work to tear them apart. The main threat is Ernesto and Amoro's former mistress.
Disliked:
1. The biggest problem was the time period. The characters' personalities just don't fit the time they are living. The story would have been better if it had been set in the Renaissance. Then, a man wanting to marry for love would make sense.
2. Morena was a spoiled brat without logic. She fought over the stupidest things.
example: she tells him that she feels like a prisoner because he requires her to travel with a group of soldiers. It couldn't be for protection? With both their father's dead because of "bandits " (Ernesto), maybe he's worried about your safety? 🤷♀️. I think I might have liked Morena more when I was younger, but all the unreasonable fights were exhausting. I'm too old for this s**t!
3. Morena inherited a stone that's been in her family for centuries. It's supposed to have powers like healing. This supernatural element was pointless! It wasn't really utilized in the story.
4. Why is it that, in books, honorable men expect an evil character to fight fairly? You know his horrific history, and you're expecting that he grew a conscience?
Liked:
1. I wasn't sure about Amoro. He was honorable, suave, and had the charm of a..well an Italian. With a Renaissance set? He would have been ***chef's kiss***, but his personality didn't fit the dark ages.
3. Ernesto was evil personified, but at least he was interesting. Warning: He does kidnap, beat, and rape the h, so be prepared.
Conclusion: I had to push myself to finish this book. Morena annoyed me too much.
I hope the author's other books are better!
Setting: Italy 975 A.D
3.0 stars!
What a waste of a great location and time period! This book was exhausting!
Plot: Ernesto has gambled away his fortune. He's already killed his father to inherit the family's dilapidated castle. He needs to marry his betrothed now. Luckily, her father came alone (smart) to his castle. After the man ripped up the contract, Ernesto killed him. He arrives at Morena's home to claim his bride, only to find a man claiming to be her new betrothed. Amoro will pay for stealing his rich bride. Ernesto always gets what he wants!
Amoro returns home to discover his father was killed by bandits. His dying wish is for Amoro to marry their enemy's daughter. Amoro had hoped to marry for love, but he will obey. He dumps his mistress and goes to Portovenere to court his new bride. He finally convinces her that she needs his protection and brings her to his home. The pair slowly fall in love. Amoro is doing everything he can to win Morena's heart. Unfortunately, there are evil forces who work to tear them apart. The main threat is Ernesto and Amoro's former mistress.
Disliked:
1. The biggest problem was the time period. The characters' personalities just don't fit the time they are living. The story would have been better if it had been set in the Renaissance. Then, a man wanting to marry for love would make sense.
2. Morena was a spoiled brat without logic. She fought over the stupidest things.
example: she tells him that she feels like a prisoner because he requires her to travel with a group of soldiers. It couldn't be for protection? With both their father's dead because of "bandits " (Ernesto), maybe he's worried about your safety? 🤷♀️. I think I might have liked Morena more when I was younger, but all the unreasonable fights were exhausting. I'm too old for this s**t!
3. Morena inherited a stone that's been in her family for centuries. It's supposed to have powers like healing. This supernatural element was pointless! It wasn't really utilized in the story.
4. Why is it that, in books, honorable men expect an evil character to fight fairly? You know his horrific history, and you're expecting that he grew a conscience?
Liked:
1. I wasn't sure about Amoro. He was honorable, suave, and had the charm of a..well an Italian. With a Renaissance set? He would have been ***chef's kiss***, but his personality didn't fit the dark ages.
3. Ernesto was evil personified, but at least he was interesting. Warning: He does kidnap, beat, and rape the h, so be prepared.
Conclusion: I had to push myself to finish this book. Morena annoyed me too much.
I hope the author's other books are better!
April 2, 2013
I got this book from the kindle lending library.
The description was interesting. An Italian Gothic Historical romance.
Morena was given a bloodstone pendant passed down to her from her mother, who died in childbirth.
The pendant holds the key to a vast treasure hidden somewhere in the castle. Morena doesn't know that. To her it's a precious keepsake.
From birth, Morena has been promised to Ernesto. But when the Duke Amoro Dragone arrives at the castle explaining that he intends to marry her, Morena finds her life upended.
The Dragone and Monterossa families were enemies for years , but Amoro made his father's deathbed wish to end the feud and marry Morena his goal, even though he was reluctant.
Once he lays eyes on Morena though, he finds himself wanting to marry her for love and not duty.
First though, he must get around her marriage contract and convince Morena to marry him.
Meanwhile, there are people with reasons to keep the two apart plotting to make sure the marriage never takes place.
This was an intense and emotional historical romance.The romance is rocky for awhile because Morena is thrown into a situation virtually overnight, that has her confidence shaken. But, that doesn't stop her from exercising her independence and showing her temper.
Amoro showed great patience and tenderness toward her all the same.
There are some difficult situations to read through,making this one a somewhat darker type of historical romance.
Overall This one gets an A.
The description was interesting. An Italian Gothic Historical romance.
Morena was given a bloodstone pendant passed down to her from her mother, who died in childbirth.
The pendant holds the key to a vast treasure hidden somewhere in the castle. Morena doesn't know that. To her it's a precious keepsake.
From birth, Morena has been promised to Ernesto. But when the Duke Amoro Dragone arrives at the castle explaining that he intends to marry her, Morena finds her life upended.
The Dragone and Monterossa families were enemies for years , but Amoro made his father's deathbed wish to end the feud and marry Morena his goal, even though he was reluctant.
Once he lays eyes on Morena though, he finds himself wanting to marry her for love and not duty.
First though, he must get around her marriage contract and convince Morena to marry him.
Meanwhile, there are people with reasons to keep the two apart plotting to make sure the marriage never takes place.
This was an intense and emotional historical romance.The romance is rocky for awhile because Morena is thrown into a situation virtually overnight, that has her confidence shaken. But, that doesn't stop her from exercising her independence and showing her temper.
Amoro showed great patience and tenderness toward her all the same.
There are some difficult situations to read through,making this one a somewhat darker type of historical romance.
Overall This one gets an A.
October 26, 2010
Canadian author Mirella Patzer delivers an intense emotional experience in her historical romance The Pendant, published by the Eternal Press. Set in A.D. 1270 in the region of Genoa, Italy, The Pendant opens with Amoro Dragone learning of his father's murder. His father was the Duke of Genoa. Much to Amoro's surprise he is told by a trusted advisor that his father's wish was that the Dragones end their long feud with the House of Monterossa. Specifically, Amoro's father wanted Amoro to marry the sole Monterossa heir Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere.
Amoro commits himself to this course, but first he must break up with his mistress, Laria. This is a powerful scene that left me very much disgusted with Amoro and sympathetic to Laria's anger. Amoro then journeys to Portovenere and kidnaps Morena. The plight of Morena very much drives home the historically accurate situation faced by women of that wholly patriarchal era. Morena is not valued as a person. She is simply a means of seizing control of her castle, which is supposed to contain a lost Roman treasure.
This small excerpt is quite telling about Morena's vulnerability:
Morena recognized the truth and trembled. Her father's absence left her unprotected. If he should die before she married, she would become quarry for any warlord who sought to take her wealth and fief.
Although Amoro takes possession of her with great arrogance and presumption, he is immediately entranced by her beauty and spirit. He works hard to seduce her and earn her love, which involves many passionate scenes of pitching woo. Morena resists him with varying degrees of fierceness as she grapples with her emerging sexual desire for Amoro.
The plot of The Pendant is not limited to only this sexually charged courtship. Morena is officially betrothed to Ernesto Duke of Savona, a wholly loathsome degenerate gambler with a taste for violent sex. In need of a new source of wealth, Ernesto is determined to claim his betrothed. Serious conflict arises as the two men vie for possession of Morena.
To avoid revealing any spoilers, I'll describe the other merits of this novel. Patzer's fiction reveals a loving mastery of Medieval Italian history. The Pendant is rich with sumptuous detail as lavish feasts are described and the landscapes between castles unfold in picturesque Mediterranean beauty. From the servants in the kitchen to Amoro preparing for the joust, I was deeply drawn into the setting of this brutal and feudal world.
One detail I particularly appreciated was embodied in the character of Smerelda. She is the old medicine woman who conducts Morena's virginity examination. I like this excerpt:
"What would transpire if the examination revealed otherwise?" Morena asked.
Smerelda responded with a wink and a grin.
I liked the historical detail of Smerelda's role in society. She is a healer and herbalist. Such women were widespread in ancient and Medieval times before the rising profession of male doctors persecuted them as witches in the early modern era.
Although packed with thoughtful historical details, The Pendant's greatest strength is its main character Morena. I felt for her keenly and would think about her and worry about her when I was not reading the novel. Amoro is also a powerful character. My opinion of him would shift between dislike and respect, but, like he did with Morena, he did win me over. I enjoyed participating in Morena's inner turmoil in regard to Amoro.
My only criticism about this novel is that at least twice some characters did very stupid things that irritated me. Like when Morena leaves Amoro's castle without an escort of guards. This action annoyed me, but I was soon so caught up in the unfolding drama that my irritation was fleeting.
For readers looking to be swept away into a romance of passion and danger I recommend The Pendant. The novel is an emotional powerhouse that will relentlessly claim your attention. The events are so intense that I lost hope right alongside Morena. I consider it a great accomplishment of any writer to make me care about a character.
Amoro commits himself to this course, but first he must break up with his mistress, Laria. This is a powerful scene that left me very much disgusted with Amoro and sympathetic to Laria's anger. Amoro then journeys to Portovenere and kidnaps Morena. The plight of Morena very much drives home the historically accurate situation faced by women of that wholly patriarchal era. Morena is not valued as a person. She is simply a means of seizing control of her castle, which is supposed to contain a lost Roman treasure.
This small excerpt is quite telling about Morena's vulnerability:
Morena recognized the truth and trembled. Her father's absence left her unprotected. If he should die before she married, she would become quarry for any warlord who sought to take her wealth and fief.
Although Amoro takes possession of her with great arrogance and presumption, he is immediately entranced by her beauty and spirit. He works hard to seduce her and earn her love, which involves many passionate scenes of pitching woo. Morena resists him with varying degrees of fierceness as she grapples with her emerging sexual desire for Amoro.
The plot of The Pendant is not limited to only this sexually charged courtship. Morena is officially betrothed to Ernesto Duke of Savona, a wholly loathsome degenerate gambler with a taste for violent sex. In need of a new source of wealth, Ernesto is determined to claim his betrothed. Serious conflict arises as the two men vie for possession of Morena.
To avoid revealing any spoilers, I'll describe the other merits of this novel. Patzer's fiction reveals a loving mastery of Medieval Italian history. The Pendant is rich with sumptuous detail as lavish feasts are described and the landscapes between castles unfold in picturesque Mediterranean beauty. From the servants in the kitchen to Amoro preparing for the joust, I was deeply drawn into the setting of this brutal and feudal world.
One detail I particularly appreciated was embodied in the character of Smerelda. She is the old medicine woman who conducts Morena's virginity examination. I like this excerpt:
"What would transpire if the examination revealed otherwise?" Morena asked.
Smerelda responded with a wink and a grin.
I liked the historical detail of Smerelda's role in society. She is a healer and herbalist. Such women were widespread in ancient and Medieval times before the rising profession of male doctors persecuted them as witches in the early modern era.
Although packed with thoughtful historical details, The Pendant's greatest strength is its main character Morena. I felt for her keenly and would think about her and worry about her when I was not reading the novel. Amoro is also a powerful character. My opinion of him would shift between dislike and respect, but, like he did with Morena, he did win me over. I enjoyed participating in Morena's inner turmoil in regard to Amoro.
My only criticism about this novel is that at least twice some characters did very stupid things that irritated me. Like when Morena leaves Amoro's castle without an escort of guards. This action annoyed me, but I was soon so caught up in the unfolding drama that my irritation was fleeting.
For readers looking to be swept away into a romance of passion and danger I recommend The Pendant. The novel is an emotional powerhouse that will relentlessly claim your attention. The events are so intense that I lost hope right alongside Morena. I consider it a great accomplishment of any writer to make me care about a character.
March 28, 2012
With the summer heat already upon us here, I thought I’d take a break from my usual historical reads to something slightly different while still set within the delicious past. I indulged in an historical romance where the setting and period brought me back in history without the worries of historical accuracy of real events or people. I didn’t want to be bogged down in any way- except for pure pleasure reading. And- if the story could be one set in Italy- then what could be more perfect for me?
In Mirella Patzer’s, The Pendant, I got all that and more! Set in medieval Genoa, this is the story of Countess Morena, (last living heir of Umberto Monterossa) and her abducting(in a good way, believe it or not) beau, Amoro, Duke of Genoa. Sure this is a story of a grand romance, but within it all, there is a quest for a treasure, a mysterious pendant, a rival-brute, abductions, marriage by force, a conniving temptress, atrocious situations (most of which involve torture), murder, heart wrenching moments, and yes, lots of love (involving hot passion...).
Not only is Patzer’swriting style exquisite, the plot to this story is fantastic! Patzer knows how to weave a tale that will keep you guessing. Of course, when romance is involved, one usually knows where the story is headed- but in this case, due to the high level of adrenaline and excitement, I was often caught off-guard, and entertained from beginning to end. I must admit, that even some of the more gruesome situations kept me hooked so that I could find relief in the transition of the outcome revealed. This was a true surprise for me, because honestly, I’m really not one to stomach graphics of any kind- and there’s a bit more sex than I was prepared for - YET; all that is quite secondary in relation to how fascinating the storyline really is.
Countess Morena is not your regular frail, romance beauty; and Duke Amoro is not your typical tall-dark- handsome- win’em all kind of royal. The trials and tribulations at the hands of the horrid Ernesto, saw our main characters live through defeat, humiliation and more, in the name of love and loyalty. There’s so much detail in this story that I believe touches relevant issues that also apply in the lives of today’s women, in terms of gender equality, morals and virtue, choices and more...In other words there’s alot to ponder here. In its intensity, The Pendant locks a whole realm of substance and content within heartfelt romance.
Deeper than I thought- I really enjoyed this.
In Mirella Patzer’s, The Pendant, I got all that and more! Set in medieval Genoa, this is the story of Countess Morena, (last living heir of Umberto Monterossa) and her abducting(in a good way, believe it or not) beau, Amoro, Duke of Genoa. Sure this is a story of a grand romance, but within it all, there is a quest for a treasure, a mysterious pendant, a rival-brute, abductions, marriage by force, a conniving temptress, atrocious situations (most of which involve torture), murder, heart wrenching moments, and yes, lots of love (involving hot passion...).
Not only is Patzer’swriting style exquisite, the plot to this story is fantastic! Patzer knows how to weave a tale that will keep you guessing. Of course, when romance is involved, one usually knows where the story is headed- but in this case, due to the high level of adrenaline and excitement, I was often caught off-guard, and entertained from beginning to end. I must admit, that even some of the more gruesome situations kept me hooked so that I could find relief in the transition of the outcome revealed. This was a true surprise for me, because honestly, I’m really not one to stomach graphics of any kind- and there’s a bit more sex than I was prepared for - YET; all that is quite secondary in relation to how fascinating the storyline really is.
Countess Morena is not your regular frail, romance beauty; and Duke Amoro is not your typical tall-dark- handsome- win’em all kind of royal. The trials and tribulations at the hands of the horrid Ernesto, saw our main characters live through defeat, humiliation and more, in the name of love and loyalty. There’s so much detail in this story that I believe touches relevant issues that also apply in the lives of today’s women, in terms of gender equality, morals and virtue, choices and more...In other words there’s alot to ponder here. In its intensity, The Pendant locks a whole realm of substance and content within heartfelt romance.
Deeper than I thought- I really enjoyed this.
June 16, 2010
This novel caught my interest as it is set in Italy, however the historical genre and the medieval period that it is set in were not so appealing but I decided that I was interested enough to give it a try.
Also this was to be my first opportunity to read a book on my E-reader.
The year is 1270 and the young Duke Amoro Dragone has returned to his home Castle Dragone in Genoa, Italy to attend the funeral of his father Duke Bartolomeo Dragone.
He died as the result of an ambush and according to Amoro's mother Caterina, it was his father's dying wish that the feud between the Dragone and Monterossa should be resolved. He felt that the only way this was ever going to happen was if his son married into the family.
Amoroso is not happy about this as he had plans himself to marry for love Laria Malaeresta, although in his heart of hearts he knew this would never come about.
So with Roberto the commander of his fathers army he travels to Portovenere to try and learn the true identity of his father's killer and to settle the feud by asking for the hand of the Contessa Morena Monterossa in marriage. This action should settle the long running feud between the families over a previously broken marriage contract.
Things do not go quite as planned as he is unable to gain an audience with Umberto, Morena's father and he learns of an existing betrothal between Morena and Ernesto of Savonna a renowned scoundrel.
It is a month before he manages to meet the Countess Morena and tell her of his intentions.
What follows is a story of, murder, mayhem, passionate lovemaking, forceful sex and some bloodthirsty fights which the authoress Mirella Patzer has managed to convey to the reader in a very realistic manner with her descriptive writing.
She writes well about this period thanks to her fascination with both Women in History, Medieval History and her passion for Italy.
In conclusion as I have already admitted I am not a huge fan of this genre but I did enjoy this and would recommend it in particular to those who include this genre amongst their favourites. Also as this knowledgable author is definitely worth a read to anyone looking for something different from their normal choice.
More detailed information can be found on my Book Review Blog
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
December 28, 2012
In a haze of blood and death, Morena Monterossa, daughter of the Count of Portovenere, enters the world. As her mother Vittoria's lifeblood ebbs, she wills her daughter a precious keepsake; a bloodstone pendant passed from mother to daughter. The pendant is the key to an ancient Roman treasure, buried somewhere in the count's castle.
So begins Mirella Patzer's recent release, Bloodstone Castle. Ms. Patzer transports her readers to the medieval Italian states, where Amoro Dragone vows to fulfill a deathbed promise he's sworn to his murdered father. But there's a problem with his plan - his intended bride Morena Monterossa is the daughter of a long-time rival, betrothed from childhood to Ernesto Boccanera, the Duke of Savona. Despite Amoro's determination, Morena is very clear about her unwillingness to break the betrothal pact. But her suitor isn't so easily swayed. He lays siege to her castle and her heart.
Morena must choose between the duty which binds her to the past and the promise of love that beckons in Amoro's eyes. She travels with him to Genoa, to the safety and comfort of Amoro's familial estate. But the continued presence of Amoro's spurned lover, Laria, threatens her hope of life with Amoro. And while Morena and Amoro make their bid for happiness, Ernesto of Savona plots to have his way. He has not forgotten his betrothal contract. Desperate and determined, he'll do anything to have Morena and the famed hidden treasure beneath her father's castle.
Morena is not immune to Amoro's confident charm and he is enthralled by her beauty and daring. His seductive kisses and touch tempt her to surrender but she chafes against his protective nature. She defies him in an act of rebellion and finds herself the prisoner of Ernesto. Amoro and Ernesto challenge in each other in a contest of wills, where Amoro risks his very life for honor's sake and his love of Morena. Cruel Ernesto keeps the lovers apart, until an unlikely ally changes all their fortunes.
So begins Mirella Patzer's recent release, Bloodstone Castle. Ms. Patzer transports her readers to the medieval Italian states, where Amoro Dragone vows to fulfill a deathbed promise he's sworn to his murdered father. But there's a problem with his plan - his intended bride Morena Monterossa is the daughter of a long-time rival, betrothed from childhood to Ernesto Boccanera, the Duke of Savona. Despite Amoro's determination, Morena is very clear about her unwillingness to break the betrothal pact. But her suitor isn't so easily swayed. He lays siege to her castle and her heart.
Morena must choose between the duty which binds her to the past and the promise of love that beckons in Amoro's eyes. She travels with him to Genoa, to the safety and comfort of Amoro's familial estate. But the continued presence of Amoro's spurned lover, Laria, threatens her hope of life with Amoro. And while Morena and Amoro make their bid for happiness, Ernesto of Savona plots to have his way. He has not forgotten his betrothal contract. Desperate and determined, he'll do anything to have Morena and the famed hidden treasure beneath her father's castle.
Morena is not immune to Amoro's confident charm and he is enthralled by her beauty and daring. His seductive kisses and touch tempt her to surrender but she chafes against his protective nature. She defies him in an act of rebellion and finds herself the prisoner of Ernesto. Amoro and Ernesto challenge in each other in a contest of wills, where Amoro risks his very life for honor's sake and his love of Morena. Cruel Ernesto keeps the lovers apart, until an unlikely ally changes all their fortunes.
May 22, 2010
Based in Medieval Italy, the story begins with the birth of Morena and her dying mother’s gift of the legendary bloodstone which holds a clue of a long forgotten Roman treasure said to be buried beneath Bloodstone Castle.
Eighteen years later, Duke Amoro Dragone races home to Genoa to be with his mother, Caterina. His father Duke Bartolomeo Dragone, is dead, killed in an ambush by brigands. His dying wish is that Amoro end a feud and marry the Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere.
Amoro is more concerned with seeking revenge on his murdered father, and is reluctant to marry a woman he has never seen and cannot love. He breaks the news to his mistress, but Laria had harboured hopes he would marry her and surprises him with her grief when she swears she will fight to keep him.
Amoro goes to Bloodstone Castle to claim his bride, but his task is made more difficult by a rival, but Morena herself. Enemies gather, each of them is taken to the depths of despair and degradation until they come to realise the life of the other is more important than their own.
Can they save themselves and make a future together, or will their enemies defeat them both and will they lose the ancient treasure which is Morena’s birthright?
No sweet love story this, Bloodstone Castle is an uncompromising tale of love, murder and betrayal, where the lives of the main characters are taken through a devastating chain of ordeals.
If you like your heroes bloody but unbowed, Mirella Patzer’s novel will be exactly the kind of historical story you will love. Its characters will provide you with a roller coaster read with its array of twists and turns which plunge to the depths of ruthlessness and a love which refuses to die.
Eighteen years later, Duke Amoro Dragone races home to Genoa to be with his mother, Caterina. His father Duke Bartolomeo Dragone, is dead, killed in an ambush by brigands. His dying wish is that Amoro end a feud and marry the Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere.
Amoro is more concerned with seeking revenge on his murdered father, and is reluctant to marry a woman he has never seen and cannot love. He breaks the news to his mistress, but Laria had harboured hopes he would marry her and surprises him with her grief when she swears she will fight to keep him.
Amoro goes to Bloodstone Castle to claim his bride, but his task is made more difficult by a rival, but Morena herself. Enemies gather, each of them is taken to the depths of despair and degradation until they come to realise the life of the other is more important than their own.
Can they save themselves and make a future together, or will their enemies defeat them both and will they lose the ancient treasure which is Morena’s birthright?
No sweet love story this, Bloodstone Castle is an uncompromising tale of love, murder and betrayal, where the lives of the main characters are taken through a devastating chain of ordeals.
If you like your heroes bloody but unbowed, Mirella Patzer’s novel will be exactly the kind of historical story you will love. Its characters will provide you with a roller coaster read with its array of twists and turns which plunge to the depths of ruthlessness and a love which refuses to die.
September 14, 2008
Bloodstone Castle by Mirella Patzer (Historical)
Duke Amoro Dragone is quite content with the lady in his life, but when his father is brutally murdered, Amoro’s mother reveals her husband’s final wishes. Laria will no longer be part of Amoro’s future, for he is to wed Contessa Morena Monterossa. Although she is the daughter of the enemy and he’s never laid eyes on her, he vows to honor his father and, with the marriage, put an end to the feuding between the two families.
The beautiful occupant of Bloodstone Castle, Morena, has been pledged to another. A decent and principled woman, she insists on honoring the bargain. Unbeknownst to her, her intended is a cad who has gambled away most of his family’s estate, and when Amoro Dragone becomes a persistent and convincing visitor, she’s torn between loyalty and lust. Amoro's quest for Morena is complicated further by Laria's refusal to step aside.
Mirella Patzer has penned a captivating novel in Bloodstone Castle. Besides the raw attraction between Amoro and Morena, there are other twists and turns to grab your interest and keep you turning pages. I took this book along on my vacation, intending to read it in increments, but I found myself glued to it during the entire plane ride and barely recall the flight at all. That's definitely the sign of a a good read, don't you think?
I’m honored to have my own autographed copy because this one definitely is going on my keepers shelf. Thumbs up to Mirella Patzer for this thrilling tale about one of Italy's most exciting times in history. You can find out how to get your own copy at: http://mirellapatzer.com/
Duke Amoro Dragone is quite content with the lady in his life, but when his father is brutally murdered, Amoro’s mother reveals her husband’s final wishes. Laria will no longer be part of Amoro’s future, for he is to wed Contessa Morena Monterossa. Although she is the daughter of the enemy and he’s never laid eyes on her, he vows to honor his father and, with the marriage, put an end to the feuding between the two families.
The beautiful occupant of Bloodstone Castle, Morena, has been pledged to another. A decent and principled woman, she insists on honoring the bargain. Unbeknownst to her, her intended is a cad who has gambled away most of his family’s estate, and when Amoro Dragone becomes a persistent and convincing visitor, she’s torn between loyalty and lust. Amoro's quest for Morena is complicated further by Laria's refusal to step aside.
Mirella Patzer has penned a captivating novel in Bloodstone Castle. Besides the raw attraction between Amoro and Morena, there are other twists and turns to grab your interest and keep you turning pages. I took this book along on my vacation, intending to read it in increments, but I found myself glued to it during the entire plane ride and barely recall the flight at all. That's definitely the sign of a a good read, don't you think?
I’m honored to have my own autographed copy because this one definitely is going on my keepers shelf. Thumbs up to Mirella Patzer for this thrilling tale about one of Italy's most exciting times in history. You can find out how to get your own copy at: http://mirellapatzer.com/
November 7, 2017
THE PENDANT is a classic historical romance set in medieval Italy. Patzer is brilliant at penning romance, sensuality, intrigue and adventure. This novel was rather like eating a whole box of chocolate in one night. Part of me almost feels manipulated as a reader, but at the same time unable to stop gorging until I finish the book.
April 22, 2012
I felt this book took too long to get to the point - the plot is slow moving and simply feels like it drags on. Just as I think the book is coming to an end, something (terrible) happens and it goes on for a dozen or so more pages until the cycle repeats itself. Admittedly the last few pages wrap things up pretty quickly.
This is not your typical "hard to get girl, pursued doggedly by good looking privileged man" book; there is a good amount of violence (fighting, rape). It is also a classic case of underestimating the bad guy, being honorable to a fault, and doing things you think are good that turn out bad. Characters were mostly likable, and even mostly understandable, except for Laria. I thought she was a great villainess, but after being double-crossed by Ernesto, does a complete 180. Not sure if that makes sense (in terms of her character). She really seemed like one of those girls who would rather make everyone suffer with her. Oh well.
Glad it was free.
This is not your typical "hard to get girl, pursued doggedly by good looking privileged man" book; there is a good amount of violence (fighting, rape). It is also a classic case of underestimating the bad guy, being honorable to a fault, and doing things you think are good that turn out bad. Characters were mostly likable, and even mostly understandable, except for Laria. I thought she was a great villainess, but after being double-crossed by Ernesto, does a complete 180. Not sure if that makes sense (in terms of her character). She really seemed like one of those girls who would rather make everyone suffer with her. Oh well.
Glad it was free.
no-thank-you
March 17, 20142/10/12. Freebie today.
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