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de Piaget #2
If I Had You
Artane is a majestic keep on the edge of the sea, the foster home of Anne of Fenwyck and the legacy of Robin de Piaget. Warring had kept Robin far from home for so long, Anne had all but given up hope he would ever return. But now Robin has come home – to the enchanting young woman who leaves him breathless with longing … and to a treachery that places them both in terrible danger. Then as the past threatens their future, he realizes that he wants nothing more than to have her – forever…
433 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
91 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
69 books1,568 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 26, 2010
I grabbed If I Had You by Kurland because I know she's an old favorite of many and couldn't resist a peek. One thing about this story- it's all romance. Literally. The sex in this one is glossed over and never mentioned, so don't come to it expecting heat between the sheets. Usually I like a little more heat in my romance novels- but this one was just fine as it is.
The story is set in medieval England (Or was it France? No matter. It's a classic historical romance setting.) with the hero Robin de Piaget returning home to castle Artane after making war and earning his stripes on the battlefield. And who should be waiting for him ... the lovely Anne, the girl once fostered with him as a child, who has never left his heart through the long separation. But treachery abounds- someone wants them both dead.
Through most of the story we are left wondering if they will ever set aside their stubborn pride and admit their love, or be lost to each other forever. But love prevails, naturally, and each get their happily ever after.
I liked Anne and Robin. Both stubborn, both sensitive, but coping in very different ways. Anne has a limp from an accident as a child and wants nothing more than to be considered normal. Robin loves Anne desperately, but, warrior that he is, doesn't know how to show it.
The side characters are just as charming and it appears Kurland has given some of them their own stories.
I'm giving this one a 3.5 for lack of heat- but, for pure romance, it's Fiver all the way!
The story is set in medieval England (Or was it France? No matter. It's a classic historical romance setting.) with the hero Robin de Piaget returning home to castle Artane after making war and earning his stripes on the battlefield. And who should be waiting for him ... the lovely Anne, the girl once fostered with him as a child, who has never left his heart through the long separation. But treachery abounds- someone wants them both dead.
Through most of the story we are left wondering if they will ever set aside their stubborn pride and admit their love, or be lost to each other forever. But love prevails, naturally, and each get their happily ever after.
I liked Anne and Robin. Both stubborn, both sensitive, but coping in very different ways. Anne has a limp from an accident as a child and wants nothing more than to be considered normal. Robin loves Anne desperately, but, warrior that he is, doesn't know how to show it.
The side characters are just as charming and it appears Kurland has given some of them their own stories.
I'm giving this one a 3.5 for lack of heat- but, for pure romance, it's Fiver all the way!
January 10, 2022
Re-read. I so love these early books setting up the central, foundational characters that continue to appear in future books. Ah, Robin. I have always loved him! Still a wonderful read. Sigh. ;)
September 9, 2018
Reviewed for THC Reviews
I absolutely loved Another Chance to Dream, the first book (chronologically speaking) in Lynn Kurland’s de Piaget series, so I’ve been looking forward to continuing this family’s saga. If I Had You is the story of Rhys and Gwen’s son, Robin, and Anne, the daughter of Geoffrey of Fenwick, a supporting character, who was introduced in Another Chance to Dream. Anne fostered with Rhys and Gwen, and their castle became more like home than her actual home. She and Robin grew up together and were the best of friends as children, until unbeknownst to Anne, Robin was humiliated by another boy, and after that, he became distant, leaving her thinking that she had done something wrong. Then Robin went off to war and has been away from home for five long years, during which Anne’s father has become impatient for her marry. However, due to an injury she received as a child when a horse stepped on her leg, she’s lame in that leg and walks with a pronounced limp, which is a detractor to most men seeking a wife. The only prospects he’s put before her are considerably older and not the kind of men she’d want as a husband. In fact, the only man she’s ever truly wanted is Robin. Now that he’s finally returned home, she can’t help wishing that maybe he’ll consider marrying her himself.
Robin has loved Anne since they were children, but he’s stubbornly stayed away all this time, not sure if she’d welcome his suit and unable to cope with the idea of being rejected. The humiliation he suffered as a child really did a number on him. He’s also harbored feelings of inadequacy. Believing himself to be the blooded son of his mother’s first husband and merely adopted by Rhys, he doesn’t quite feel as if he deserves the honor of being named heir to the reknowned knight. As a result, he’s driven himself to near madness to be the best knight in England, and he knows it (he can be a bit arrogant at times:-)). I wasn’t quite sure, though, if I fully understood the motivation that drove Robin. Rhys and Gwen are amazing parents and Rhys never made him feel like anything other than a blooded son, and while being shoved into the mud by his rival as a boy was certainly an affront, he was only fourteen at the time and was still recovering from a serious illness. I just couldn’t help feeling like he was way too hard on himself and in some ways perhaps over-blowing things a bit. Not to mention, even if it was unintentional, he was essentially punishing Anne for it by ignoring her.
When word finally reaches him that Anne’s father is trying to marry her off, Robin immediately returns, but rather than declaring his love and trying to win her father’s favor, he turns into a bit of a stubborn idiot. He argues with his lady and often gives her the cold shoulder, he fights with his brother when his brother tries to court Anne even though Robin hasn’t declared any intentions toward her, and he stays in the same bedchamber with her to protect her when it becomes clear that someone is trying to harm her. And while the latter was sweet on some level, I could see the folly of that from a mile away. Not to mention, Robin is basically a clueless alpha male who doesn’t really have a romantic bone in his body until the very end. While I was glad he finally found his romantic side, I wasn’t quite sure where it came from, because he hadn’t exhibited much inclination for it up until that point. Robin is a strong warrior who doesn’t hesitate to defend his lady, and he does come around eventually on the romantic front, so in general, he was a pretty good character. But I simply never fell in love with him the way I have with so many other romance heroes or like I did with his father, Rhys.
In many ways, Anne was nearly as stubborn as Robin. She spends a long time believing that Robin doesn’t care about her one whit. In some ways that was understandable given her lame leg which makes her feel imperfect, and the fact that Robin, unromantic soul that he is, doesn’t really show her much in the way of affection to give her any hope of a future between them. However, she doesn’t seem to have any trouble arguing with him and speaking her mind in most cases, so I couldn’t help but wish that she would do the same when it came to revealing her feelings for him. Anne wants nothing more than to stay at Artane, which has become a real home to her, and with her father pressuring her toward the altar, marrying Robin is really the only way to ensure that she gets what she wants on both counts. Yet she seems to simply sit back, waiting for Robin to make the first move and letting things happen rather than taking the bull by the horns so to speak. I know that’s probably more realistic behavior for a lady in the middle ages, but since Anne was brave and strong in so many other ways, I couldn’t help thinking that sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to win her man, especially when he’s being as hard-headed as Robin was. In general, I liked Anne and sympathized with her on some level, but I didn’t relate to her quite as well as I wanted to.
If I Had You boasts a plethora of interesting secondary characters, some of whom have other stories in the series. Of course, Rhys and Gwen are great parents to all their offspring of which there are now seven. Robin’s brother, Nicholas, is basically the same age. They’ve been off fighting together all these years, and although they’re like oil and water personality-wise, they always have each other’s backs. I adored Nicholas. He must have gotten all of Robin’s romanticism in addition to his own, because he’s a consummate charmer. I very much look forward to reading his book, When I Fall in Love, which is the fourth in the series. But before his book, there’s Robin’s sister, Amanda’s book, Dreams of Stardust. Amanda is a real spitfire, so it’ll be interesting to see if I enjoy her story. I won’t say that I disliked her, but she’s even mouthier and more obstinate than Anne, so we’ll have to see. Then the next-oldest brother, Miles, gets his story in the novella, "The Gift of Christmas Past” from the anthology, Love Came Just in Time. I also enjoyed Robin’s grandmother who arrives with a cadre of courtiers to teach Robin chivalry, which was rather humorous. Then there are our villains, Baldwin, Edith, and Maude. Robin had a brief dalliance with Maude, and now she’s playing the jealous shrew. Baldwin was the one who humiliated him when they were boys. Both he and Edith had rough upbringings but spent a lot of time fostering with Rhys and Gwen. However, rather than being grateful for finally being in a nurturing environment, they became greedy and vindictive, reaching above their stations. All the villains were sufficiently wicked, but I wouldn’t have minded Baldwin and Edith being developed a little more fully as their motivations weren't entirely clear to me. I also felt like, in the end, they were dispatched a little too easily and conveniently.
Overall, If I Had You was a reasonably entertaining story, and although I might not have related to Robin and Anne in quite the way I would have hoped, they didn’t exactly rub me the wrong way either. The main thing about them that I took issue with is that they spend more than half the story simply misunderstanding each other’s words and actions, rather than having an adult conversation, which is far from being my favorite way to stir up conflict. I also couldn’t help wishing there had been a little more actual romance. Our main couple don’t even kiss until halfway into the story and they’re basically forced into marrying rather than going to the altar willingly. I just couldn’t help but become frustrated with both of them at times for their prideful, obstinate behavior. The romantic scenes were simply too few and far between. Not to mention, the lack of them made it harder to feel the emotional connection between Robin and Anne. Lynn Kurland doesn’t write detailed love scenes, only closed door implication, which in the last book wasn’t really a detractor for me, but here it kind of was, mainly because there wasn't enough else to grasp onto to feel that connection. Late in the story, Robin and Anne finally come together, stop arguing, and share some tender moments, which made for a nice ending, so I can’t really complain too much. From my criticisms, it might seem like I didn’t enjoy this book, but overall, I did. Part of that is owing to Ms. Kurland being a strong writer who makes it easy to envision what’s going on in the story, and there was enough else happening outside the romance to keep me engaged. It might not have been quite as good for me as the first book of the series, but If I Had You was good enough to be a respectable entry that I generally liked in spite of any perceived weaknesses.
I absolutely loved Another Chance to Dream, the first book (chronologically speaking) in Lynn Kurland’s de Piaget series, so I’ve been looking forward to continuing this family’s saga. If I Had You is the story of Rhys and Gwen’s son, Robin, and Anne, the daughter of Geoffrey of Fenwick, a supporting character, who was introduced in Another Chance to Dream. Anne fostered with Rhys and Gwen, and their castle became more like home than her actual home. She and Robin grew up together and were the best of friends as children, until unbeknownst to Anne, Robin was humiliated by another boy, and after that, he became distant, leaving her thinking that she had done something wrong. Then Robin went off to war and has been away from home for five long years, during which Anne’s father has become impatient for her marry. However, due to an injury she received as a child when a horse stepped on her leg, she’s lame in that leg and walks with a pronounced limp, which is a detractor to most men seeking a wife. The only prospects he’s put before her are considerably older and not the kind of men she’d want as a husband. In fact, the only man she’s ever truly wanted is Robin. Now that he’s finally returned home, she can’t help wishing that maybe he’ll consider marrying her himself.
Robin has loved Anne since they were children, but he’s stubbornly stayed away all this time, not sure if she’d welcome his suit and unable to cope with the idea of being rejected. The humiliation he suffered as a child really did a number on him. He’s also harbored feelings of inadequacy. Believing himself to be the blooded son of his mother’s first husband and merely adopted by Rhys, he doesn’t quite feel as if he deserves the honor of being named heir to the reknowned knight. As a result, he’s driven himself to near madness to be the best knight in England, and he knows it (he can be a bit arrogant at times:-)). I wasn’t quite sure, though, if I fully understood the motivation that drove Robin. Rhys and Gwen are amazing parents and Rhys never made him feel like anything other than a blooded son, and while being shoved into the mud by his rival as a boy was certainly an affront, he was only fourteen at the time and was still recovering from a serious illness. I just couldn’t help feeling like he was way too hard on himself and in some ways perhaps over-blowing things a bit. Not to mention, even if it was unintentional, he was essentially punishing Anne for it by ignoring her.
When word finally reaches him that Anne’s father is trying to marry her off, Robin immediately returns, but rather than declaring his love and trying to win her father’s favor, he turns into a bit of a stubborn idiot. He argues with his lady and often gives her the cold shoulder, he fights with his brother when his brother tries to court Anne even though Robin hasn’t declared any intentions toward her, and he stays in the same bedchamber with her to protect her when it becomes clear that someone is trying to harm her. And while the latter was sweet on some level, I could see the folly of that from a mile away. Not to mention, Robin is basically a clueless alpha male who doesn’t really have a romantic bone in his body until the very end. While I was glad he finally found his romantic side, I wasn’t quite sure where it came from, because he hadn’t exhibited much inclination for it up until that point. Robin is a strong warrior who doesn’t hesitate to defend his lady, and he does come around eventually on the romantic front, so in general, he was a pretty good character. But I simply never fell in love with him the way I have with so many other romance heroes or like I did with his father, Rhys.
In many ways, Anne was nearly as stubborn as Robin. She spends a long time believing that Robin doesn’t care about her one whit. In some ways that was understandable given her lame leg which makes her feel imperfect, and the fact that Robin, unromantic soul that he is, doesn’t really show her much in the way of affection to give her any hope of a future between them. However, she doesn’t seem to have any trouble arguing with him and speaking her mind in most cases, so I couldn’t help but wish that she would do the same when it came to revealing her feelings for him. Anne wants nothing more than to stay at Artane, which has become a real home to her, and with her father pressuring her toward the altar, marrying Robin is really the only way to ensure that she gets what she wants on both counts. Yet she seems to simply sit back, waiting for Robin to make the first move and letting things happen rather than taking the bull by the horns so to speak. I know that’s probably more realistic behavior for a lady in the middle ages, but since Anne was brave and strong in so many other ways, I couldn’t help thinking that sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to win her man, especially when he’s being as hard-headed as Robin was. In general, I liked Anne and sympathized with her on some level, but I didn’t relate to her quite as well as I wanted to.
If I Had You boasts a plethora of interesting secondary characters, some of whom have other stories in the series. Of course, Rhys and Gwen are great parents to all their offspring of which there are now seven. Robin’s brother, Nicholas, is basically the same age. They’ve been off fighting together all these years, and although they’re like oil and water personality-wise, they always have each other’s backs. I adored Nicholas. He must have gotten all of Robin’s romanticism in addition to his own, because he’s a consummate charmer. I very much look forward to reading his book, When I Fall in Love, which is the fourth in the series. But before his book, there’s Robin’s sister, Amanda’s book, Dreams of Stardust. Amanda is a real spitfire, so it’ll be interesting to see if I enjoy her story. I won’t say that I disliked her, but she’s even mouthier and more obstinate than Anne, so we’ll have to see. Then the next-oldest brother, Miles, gets his story in the novella, "The Gift of Christmas Past” from the anthology, Love Came Just in Time. I also enjoyed Robin’s grandmother who arrives with a cadre of courtiers to teach Robin chivalry, which was rather humorous. Then there are our villains, Baldwin, Edith, and Maude. Robin had a brief dalliance with Maude, and now she’s playing the jealous shrew. Baldwin was the one who humiliated him when they were boys. Both he and Edith had rough upbringings but spent a lot of time fostering with Rhys and Gwen. However, rather than being grateful for finally being in a nurturing environment, they became greedy and vindictive, reaching above their stations. All the villains were sufficiently wicked, but I wouldn’t have minded Baldwin and Edith being developed a little more fully as their motivations weren't entirely clear to me. I also felt like, in the end, they were dispatched a little too easily and conveniently.
Overall, If I Had You was a reasonably entertaining story, and although I might not have related to Robin and Anne in quite the way I would have hoped, they didn’t exactly rub me the wrong way either. The main thing about them that I took issue with is that they spend more than half the story simply misunderstanding each other’s words and actions, rather than having an adult conversation, which is far from being my favorite way to stir up conflict. I also couldn’t help wishing there had been a little more actual romance. Our main couple don’t even kiss until halfway into the story and they’re basically forced into marrying rather than going to the altar willingly. I just couldn’t help but become frustrated with both of them at times for their prideful, obstinate behavior. The romantic scenes were simply too few and far between. Not to mention, the lack of them made it harder to feel the emotional connection between Robin and Anne. Lynn Kurland doesn’t write detailed love scenes, only closed door implication, which in the last book wasn’t really a detractor for me, but here it kind of was, mainly because there wasn't enough else to grasp onto to feel that connection. Late in the story, Robin and Anne finally come together, stop arguing, and share some tender moments, which made for a nice ending, so I can’t really complain too much. From my criticisms, it might seem like I didn’t enjoy this book, but overall, I did. Part of that is owing to Ms. Kurland being a strong writer who makes it easy to envision what’s going on in the story, and there was enough else happening outside the romance to keep me engaged. It might not have been quite as good for me as the first book of the series, but If I Had You was good enough to be a respectable entry that I generally liked in spite of any perceived weaknesses.
February 14, 2014
Eh. Our hero, Robin, aggravated me through about 60% of the book. When he finally admitted his feelings for Anne, he was swoon-worthy. Too bad it didn't happen sooner. As for our mystery/conflict in here, I'm still trying to figure out why I just don't understand. And then there was the unraveling of paternity from book one. Lets just say I'm
February 14, 2014
★★★½☆ I thought this one was going to make it to 4 stars, as I liked it much better than the first. Alas, All of which is a reflection on the first book’s plot, not this one. Very well written and a sweet romance, once Robin got his head out of his arse.
February 16, 2012
Check out my reviews at http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/
Many times, I have sat back and thought about the de Piaget series and thought that this whole series is really Robin de Piaget's story. Everyone that is written about has a connection to him. It is his parents, Gwen and Rhys, that are in the first book. Later books chronicle his siblings, his squires, his children, or his descendants. Although that may change in the future, as of now, I see this series as Robin's story. If that is the case, then this book, If I Had You, being the story of Robin and his beloved wife Anne, is the focal point of the series.
Robin has spent his life at Artane. It is the home of his adopted father, Rhys de Piaget, and his mother, Gwennelyn. It is the magnificent keep that his mother and father built on the shore in order to keep the world at bay and find some peace after many years of turmoil. It is at Artane that Robin, his adopted brother Nicholas, his sister Amanda, and his foster sister Anne began to become a family, despite their unusual ties to each other. It is also the place where, as children, Anne and Robin fell in love. From the time he first put snakes down her dress, Robin knew that Anne was the one for him.
Then fate stepped in and tragedy struck. Within a year of each other, both Anne and Robin had near death experiences. While Robin was able to recover from his, Anne was left with a permanent limp. This only made Robin, an all ready over protective soul, even more protective of Anne. It even got to the point that Robin, still weak from his illness, challenged a bigger and stronger knight who was teasing Anne. But Robin was humiliated when the knight thrashed him. Although Anne didn't see the thrashing, Robin felt the humiliation as though she did. When 14 year old Robin combined that humiliation with the self-doubt he already felt over not being worthy of being his step father's heir to Artane, Robin decided that he was not worthy of Anne and so he pushed her away. Over the next few years, Robin and Anne struggled with the emotional distance between them, but were never able to come to terms with it. Eventually, Robin ran off to fight on the continent with his brother Nicholas and left Anne safely tucked away at Artane.
Now it is many years later. Anne's father is determined to marry her off and Robin's mother decides it is time for Robin to come home and get over his issues before it is too late. The homecoming of the two prodigal sons is heart warming, especially if you have read the previous book, Another Chance to Dream. You start to understand that Artane is a magical place, and the reason is the family that lives there and the love they share for one another.
As Robin and Anne struggle with their feelings of doubt and their undeniable love for one another, evil begins to threaten whatever they are working to create. Someone wants Artane and is willing to kill Anne and the heir to get it. As murder attempts start to add up, Robin is desperate to keep Anne safe. And to give the two of them the life that they were destined to have before fate stepped in and pushed them both off track.
This is an amazing addition to the de Piaget series. Robin is such a unique character and so fully formed. You can see him in your head clearly doing the things that are described because the character is written so clearly and consistently! :) Anne is endearing and sweet without ever being sickeningly so. The only complaint I would have is that Anne should have been a bit more outspoken having grown up at Artane with the rowdy de Piaget children, especially Amanda. But beyond that, both Robin and Anne, and their tender love story are a pleasurable way to spend a few hours.
One thing that is especially wonderful about this series, in general, is the way that the secondary characters are written in such depth that they add so much to the story. Kurland is able to do it in a way that doesn't detract from the couple . The interactions between Robin and his brother are so natural and real that Nicholas's presence in the story doesn't seem at all contrived. That is what is so special. By avoiding the impression that Nicholas is "forced" to be playing a role between Robin and Anne, you avoid feeling like he is a distraction. Instead, the secondary characters add to the beauty and depth of this family saga!
Many times, I have sat back and thought about the de Piaget series and thought that this whole series is really Robin de Piaget's story. Everyone that is written about has a connection to him. It is his parents, Gwen and Rhys, that are in the first book. Later books chronicle his siblings, his squires, his children, or his descendants. Although that may change in the future, as of now, I see this series as Robin's story. If that is the case, then this book, If I Had You, being the story of Robin and his beloved wife Anne, is the focal point of the series.
Robin has spent his life at Artane. It is the home of his adopted father, Rhys de Piaget, and his mother, Gwennelyn. It is the magnificent keep that his mother and father built on the shore in order to keep the world at bay and find some peace after many years of turmoil. It is at Artane that Robin, his adopted brother Nicholas, his sister Amanda, and his foster sister Anne began to become a family, despite their unusual ties to each other. It is also the place where, as children, Anne and Robin fell in love. From the time he first put snakes down her dress, Robin knew that Anne was the one for him.
Then fate stepped in and tragedy struck. Within a year of each other, both Anne and Robin had near death experiences. While Robin was able to recover from his, Anne was left with a permanent limp. This only made Robin, an all ready over protective soul, even more protective of Anne. It even got to the point that Robin, still weak from his illness, challenged a bigger and stronger knight who was teasing Anne. But Robin was humiliated when the knight thrashed him. Although Anne didn't see the thrashing, Robin felt the humiliation as though she did. When 14 year old Robin combined that humiliation with the self-doubt he already felt over not being worthy of being his step father's heir to Artane, Robin decided that he was not worthy of Anne and so he pushed her away. Over the next few years, Robin and Anne struggled with the emotional distance between them, but were never able to come to terms with it. Eventually, Robin ran off to fight on the continent with his brother Nicholas and left Anne safely tucked away at Artane.
Now it is many years later. Anne's father is determined to marry her off and Robin's mother decides it is time for Robin to come home and get over his issues before it is too late. The homecoming of the two prodigal sons is heart warming, especially if you have read the previous book, Another Chance to Dream. You start to understand that Artane is a magical place, and the reason is the family that lives there and the love they share for one another.
As Robin and Anne struggle with their feelings of doubt and their undeniable love for one another, evil begins to threaten whatever they are working to create. Someone wants Artane and is willing to kill Anne and the heir to get it. As murder attempts start to add up, Robin is desperate to keep Anne safe. And to give the two of them the life that they were destined to have before fate stepped in and pushed them both off track.
This is an amazing addition to the de Piaget series. Robin is such a unique character and so fully formed. You can see him in your head clearly doing the things that are described because the character is written so clearly and consistently! :) Anne is endearing and sweet without ever being sickeningly so. The only complaint I would have is that Anne should have been a bit more outspoken having grown up at Artane with the rowdy de Piaget children, especially Amanda. But beyond that, both Robin and Anne, and their tender love story are a pleasurable way to spend a few hours.
One thing that is especially wonderful about this series, in general, is the way that the secondary characters are written in such depth that they add so much to the story. Kurland is able to do it in a way that doesn't detract from the couple . The interactions between Robin and his brother are so natural and real that Nicholas's presence in the story doesn't seem at all contrived. That is what is so special. By avoiding the impression that Nicholas is "forced" to be playing a role between Robin and Anne, you avoid feeling like he is a distraction. Instead, the secondary characters add to the beauty and depth of this family saga!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2011
Robin and Anne have known each other for a long time. There was something between them all along, something that feels suspiciosly like love, but Robin (because of some pretty stupid reason that could make sense only to an alpha man) ran away and did his best to forget. Of course, he failed.
The moment he finds out that Anne's supposed to find a husband, he goes home.
I like Robin - I have a thing for grumpy, surly men with communication issues. Anne is great as well - sensible (unlike the heroine from the previous book Another Chance to Dream), good, patient (as much as anyone could be with Robin)....
The only blip is the suspense part, and Robin's unwillingness to listen to Anne's suspicion. That almost got her killed.
The entire De Piaget family is great and look forward to seeing more of them. And the revelation at the end, while not surprising, was fun to read.
Rating:
4.5 stars.
The moment he finds out that Anne's supposed to find a husband, he goes home.
I like Robin - I have a thing for grumpy, surly men with communication issues. Anne is great as well - sensible (unlike the heroine from the previous book Another Chance to Dream), good, patient (as much as anyone could be with Robin)....
The only blip is the suspense part, and Robin's unwillingness to listen to Anne's suspicion. That almost got her killed.
The entire De Piaget family is great and look forward to seeing more of them. And the revelation at the end, while not surprising, was fun to read.
Rating:
4.5 stars.
November 29, 2008
This book is a historical romance of the "beauty tames the beast" variety. As in, Robin verbally abuses Anne and physically abuses his brothers and one of his sisters, but he falls for Anne's beauty. Anne hates Robin because of his treatment of her, but she refuses all other suitors (including a very nice fellow) because "Robin is so beautiful!" Robin deliberately ruins Anne's reputation knowing his actions will mean no one else will marry her (even though "nothing happened" between them), yet he doesn't intend to ask her to marry him. Because of this action, though, they're forced at swordpoint to marry.
I'm afraid this isn't what I'd call "romance," even though Robin apologizes in the end. It's abuse, plain and simple. I'd hate for women read this and fantasize that if they just stick with an abusive relationship in real life, they can reform the fellow.
For those who care, there are no explicit sex scenes, but the main characters do have sex after they're married.
I'm afraid this isn't what I'd call "romance," even though Robin apologizes in the end. It's abuse, plain and simple. I'd hate for women read this and fantasize that if they just stick with an abusive relationship in real life, they can reform the fellow.
For those who care, there are no explicit sex scenes, but the main characters do have sex after they're married.
May 11, 2015
This book is the reason I started reading Lynn Kurland at all. Borrowed from my 9th grade reading teachers library I fell in love with the De Piaget's and never looked back. Beautifully written and so witty, this book will transport you to a time where it's easier yet harder to live. Such clarity is in this book that it seems as if the author herself was transported back in time just so that she would be able to capture the smallest details. If the beginning didn't make it clear, I Love this book the most. Definitely the top on my all time reading list, which is quite extensive. Btw re-reading this book for the 16th time. Just because I can.
April 1, 2020
True Love ♥♥♥
Thats what I see through the pages of If I had you, Two people who grew up together. Always destined to be together in love.
In this novel, we will know Robin's true parentage.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was spellbinding.
Thats what I see through the pages of If I had you, Two people who grew up together. Always destined to be together in love.
In this novel, we will know Robin's true parentage.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was spellbinding.
March 31, 2010
I can't remember where I got this title or why I started with #2 (just realized that when I typed it in to rate it) but I'm sorry I wasted my time. Won't be reading any more of the series, probably won't read any more from this author.
October 15, 2013
The ending saved it. It was just an ok 3. The ending 3.5. I had been looking forward to these books...
August 2, 2023
Second in the De Piaget historical romance series and revolving around Rhys de Piaget and his family. The focus is on Anne of Fenwyck and Robin de Piaget in the England of 1225.
You really need to read Another Chance to Dream , 1, before reading If I Had You, if only for its background information about Robin’s and Nick’s parentage.
My Take
Okay, this was much better than the first in this series . . .
Kids can be so mean! If I Had You shows how that meanness affects you throughout your life. That childhood rhyme? “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me?” Nope. It’s the other way around. Words always hurt. Ask Anne. Talk to Robin about his need to impress his “father”.
I enjoyed this and yet it was also annoying. Kurland uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Anne’s and Robin’s perspectives and . . . oy. Anne and Robin each go through such agonizing, relentless, repetitive whining, cutting off their noses to spite their faces. I wanted to smack them both!
Kurland finally gets around to Robin showing his love for Anne, and it will crack you up. Poor lad. Then there are the stories of revenge and battle Robin tells Anne. His idea of wooing, lol.
It is lucky for Anne that she did spend so much of her life at Artane. I can’t imagine Geoffrey as a loving father, and she only ended up with a stepsister to boot. Artane and the de Piagets are a much better bet.
Robin already has a formidable reputation for swordplay and prefers “the luxury of constant training more than the uncertain sport of war”.
Rhys and Geoffrey are still at odds with each other, even though they are allies. Rhys is determined that Anne stay at Artane and that he have a say in who she marries. Where he gets that idea, I don’t know. Oh, I understand the sentiment, but . . .?
Where do the bad guys get their delusions from? I don’t get Edith. What’s her problem? What are these hurts she talks of? As for her intelligence, shouldn’t she have foreseen what an idiot Maude would be?
Kurland has created a fascinating range of characters — the good and the bad. There’s plenty of action with attention to the times, its mores, and its physicality. I also enjoyed Kurland’s dialogue styling. It does flow well.
The Story
It’s the end for Anne of Fenwyck. She’s been in love with Robin de Piaget since forever, but he doesn’t return it. Now her father is adamant that she be married. A trick-and-a-half when she’s crippled and, she thinks, ugly.
Worse, Robin doesn’t want her. And she’ll lose the joy of Artane . . .
The Characters
Anne of Fenwyck, a.k.a. Ugly Anne of Fenwyck, is the deluded Lord Geoffrey’s crippled daughter fostering with the de Piagets at Artane. And she’s treated as family by the de Piagets.
Sir Rhys de Piaget, lord of Artane and one of the most powerful lords in England, is married to Lady Gwennelyn “Gwen” ( Another Chance to Dream ). Robin, lord of Ayre, and Nicholas (he has a keep in France and other holdings in England) are his adopted sons who are off doing battle as knights. Jason of Ayre, Robin’s cousin, is Sir Robin’s squire. More of Rhys and Gwen's children are the frank and headstrong Amanda (whose father had been Alain of Ayre), the brooding Miles, the sweet Isabelle, and the mischievous twins, Montgomery and John.
Sir Montgomery of Wyeth, the last of Rhys’ original guard, has died ( Another Chance to Dream ). The Fitzgeralds died a few years earlier. Other guards include Sir Richard of Moncrief. Stephen of Hardwiche is the unlucky page. John had been Alain of Ayre’s youngest brother, Jason’s father, and is looking after Ayre for Robin. Master Erneis is Artane’s current healer, trained by Berengaria.
The determined and very cultured Joanna of Segrave is Gwen’s mother. She has quite the entourage, and I reckon they’re each skilled in more than one way. Reynaud seems to know about hair. Wulfgar the Large is the dancing master. Robin learns what today’s football players have discovered . . . dancing is hard work. Geoffrey is a master lutenist.
Sir Baldwin of Sedgwick is no courtly knight, but a bullying idiot. His brother is the heir to Sedgwick who has recently had a son, William. Edith is Baldwin’s evil sister. Both are cousins to Rhys through Rhys’ mother, Mary. The abusive Patrick of Sedgwick is their father and brother to Mary. Maude of Canfield is a baron’s daughter with dreams far above her station. Poor Robin.
Sir Guy is part of Nicholas’ garrison in France. Anne’s suitors include Guy of York. Past tormentors include Peter of Canfield (Maude’s brother) and Rolond of Berkhamshire, who now has a substantial wife, Alice, who wasn’t impressed by Martha, his mistress.
The Cover and Title
The cover is grim with its deep yellow-green background of rumpled fabric, its right edge an embroidered and be-pearled border. The minor text is in black: an info blurb at the top and another to the right of the author's name and a testimonial below. The author's name at the top is an embossed colonial blue shadowed in black and highlighted in a pale blue. The title is centered at the very bottom in a black-shaded white. The graphic is Robin's wooden box with those four treasured ribbons hanging over the edge.
The title is what keeps going through each of their minds, If I Had You, and how glorious life would be.
You really need to read Another Chance to Dream , 1, before reading If I Had You, if only for its background information about Robin’s and Nick’s parentage.
My Take
Okay, this was much better than the first in this series . . .
Kids can be so mean! If I Had You shows how that meanness affects you throughout your life. That childhood rhyme? “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me?” Nope. It’s the other way around. Words always hurt. Ask Anne. Talk to Robin about his need to impress his “father”.
I enjoyed this and yet it was also annoying. Kurland uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Anne’s and Robin’s perspectives and . . . oy. Anne and Robin each go through such agonizing, relentless, repetitive whining, cutting off their noses to spite their faces. I wanted to smack them both!
Kurland finally gets around to Robin showing his love for Anne, and it will crack you up. Poor lad. Then there are the stories of revenge and battle Robin tells Anne. His idea of wooing, lol.
It is lucky for Anne that she did spend so much of her life at Artane. I can’t imagine Geoffrey as a loving father, and she only ended up with a stepsister to boot. Artane and the de Piagets are a much better bet.
Robin already has a formidable reputation for swordplay and prefers “the luxury of constant training more than the uncertain sport of war”.
”When I think, Grandmère, I always find myself in trouble.”I do wish Kurland had let slip more about how Sir Montgomery was wounded. What kind of skirmish or ??? As for the Fitzgeralds, I want to know more about them as well.
Rhys and Geoffrey are still at odds with each other, even though they are allies. Rhys is determined that Anne stay at Artane and that he have a say in who she marries. Where he gets that idea, I don’t know. Oh, I understand the sentiment, but . . .?
Where do the bad guys get their delusions from? I don’t get Edith. What’s her problem? What are these hurts she talks of? As for her intelligence, shouldn’t she have foreseen what an idiot Maude would be?
Kurland has created a fascinating range of characters — the good and the bad. There’s plenty of action with attention to the times, its mores, and its physicality. I also enjoyed Kurland’s dialogue styling. It does flow well.
The Story
It’s the end for Anne of Fenwyck. She’s been in love with Robin de Piaget since forever, but he doesn’t return it. Now her father is adamant that she be married. A trick-and-a-half when she’s crippled and, she thinks, ugly.
Worse, Robin doesn’t want her. And she’ll lose the joy of Artane . . .
The Characters
Anne of Fenwyck, a.k.a. Ugly Anne of Fenwyck, is the deluded Lord Geoffrey’s crippled daughter fostering with the de Piagets at Artane. And she’s treated as family by the de Piagets.
Sir Rhys de Piaget, lord of Artane and one of the most powerful lords in England, is married to Lady Gwennelyn “Gwen” ( Another Chance to Dream ). Robin, lord of Ayre, and Nicholas (he has a keep in France and other holdings in England) are his adopted sons who are off doing battle as knights. Jason of Ayre, Robin’s cousin, is Sir Robin’s squire. More of Rhys and Gwen's children are the frank and headstrong Amanda (whose father had been Alain of Ayre), the brooding Miles, the sweet Isabelle, and the mischievous twins, Montgomery and John.
Sir Montgomery of Wyeth, the last of Rhys’ original guard, has died ( Another Chance to Dream ). The Fitzgeralds died a few years earlier. Other guards include Sir Richard of Moncrief. Stephen of Hardwiche is the unlucky page. John had been Alain of Ayre’s youngest brother, Jason’s father, and is looking after Ayre for Robin. Master Erneis is Artane’s current healer, trained by Berengaria.
The determined and very cultured Joanna of Segrave is Gwen’s mother. She has quite the entourage, and I reckon they’re each skilled in more than one way. Reynaud seems to know about hair. Wulfgar the Large is the dancing master. Robin learns what today’s football players have discovered . . . dancing is hard work. Geoffrey is a master lutenist.
Sir Baldwin of Sedgwick is no courtly knight, but a bullying idiot. His brother is the heir to Sedgwick who has recently had a son, William. Edith is Baldwin’s evil sister. Both are cousins to Rhys through Rhys’ mother, Mary. The abusive Patrick of Sedgwick is their father and brother to Mary. Maude of Canfield is a baron’s daughter with dreams far above her station. Poor Robin.
Sir Guy is part of Nicholas’ garrison in France. Anne’s suitors include Guy of York. Past tormentors include Peter of Canfield (Maude’s brother) and Rolond of Berkhamshire, who now has a substantial wife, Alice, who wasn’t impressed by Martha, his mistress.
The Cover and Title
The cover is grim with its deep yellow-green background of rumpled fabric, its right edge an embroidered and be-pearled border. The minor text is in black: an info blurb at the top and another to the right of the author's name and a testimonial below. The author's name at the top is an embossed colonial blue shadowed in black and highlighted in a pale blue. The title is centered at the very bottom in a black-shaded white. The graphic is Robin's wooden box with those four treasured ribbons hanging over the edge.
The title is what keeps going through each of their minds, If I Had You, and how glorious life would be.
December 22, 2025
First 20 or so chapters were awful and slow, with very little romance or plot. Not much actually happened until the last third of the book. Once Robin actually faced his feelings for Anne, it got better and the murder plots livened up the story, it's just a shame that it took so long to get to that point. The epilogue was also entirely pointless beyond establishing that the family line continues (though Ms. Kurland's epilogues usually end in such a way, they also usually give a slight glimpse into their daily lives after their happily ever after in a way that makes you feel like the chapter accomplished something beyond announcing a pregnancy. This one was just pointless.)
Like other reviewers, I'm still a bit confused about the motives for one of the villains, maybe it was explained in the first half of the book and I just missed it because I was bored out of my mind trying to get to the good stuff.
It's a shame this story only warranted 3 stars, I had high hopes for it having met Robin in another of Ms. Kurland's stories later in the series and thinking he was quite a dashing character. (to be fair he was in the last 10-ish chapters)
Would've given 2 stars for the slow start, but it redeemed itself with sibling bonding/rivalry, the Grandmother's humorous personality, and Anne's stubborn spirit and believable character.
Like other reviewers, I'm still a bit confused about the motives for one of the villains, maybe it was explained in the first half of the book and I just missed it because I was bored out of my mind trying to get to the good stuff.
It's a shame this story only warranted 3 stars, I had high hopes for it having met Robin in another of Ms. Kurland's stories later in the series and thinking he was quite a dashing character. (to be fair he was in the last 10-ish chapters)
Would've given 2 stars for the slow start, but it redeemed itself with sibling bonding/rivalry, the Grandmother's humorous personality, and Anne's stubborn spirit and believable character.
June 10, 2022
I really can't stomach this book. Such a boring and silly story.
Sorry, Ms. Kurland.
I have read "The More I see You" and I thought it was a decent story and it was worth to read more of Lynn Kurland's books. Needless to say, I changed my opinion after this book
Most of this book was about misunderstanding between Robin an Anne in their youth and the cause of this misunderstanding was such a petty and silly one. After the misunderstanding was cleared, then the story was ended as the villains who seemed tough at the beginning perished just like that. Their reason in wanting Artane was also weak and vague
There was no point in this story I like. I just wanted it to end as it was just wasting my time.
Sorry, Ms. Kurland.
I have read "The More I see You" and I thought it was a decent story and it was worth to read more of Lynn Kurland's books. Needless to say, I changed my opinion after this book
Most of this book was about misunderstanding between Robin an Anne in their youth and the cause of this misunderstanding was such a petty and silly one. After the misunderstanding was cleared, then the story was ended as the villains who seemed tough at the beginning perished just like that. Their reason in wanting Artane was also weak and vague
There was no point in this story I like. I just wanted it to end as it was just wasting my time.
February 6, 2017
Artane is complete, there are more children now mostly grown, and Robin is a man going home after several years of warring abroad with his brother Nick.
He finds evil trying to murder his love. If that isn't enough, he can't seem to find a way to let his love know that she's his love. This a story filled with laughter as well as suspense. Of course we get more looks into what it was like to live in the 1200's which I always find interesting. Wouldn't it be wonderful to find these kind of men in today's world?
He finds evil trying to murder his love. If that isn't enough, he can't seem to find a way to let his love know that she's his love. This a story filled with laughter as well as suspense. Of course we get more looks into what it was like to live in the 1200's which I always find interesting. Wouldn't it be wonderful to find these kind of men in today's world?
February 6, 2020
A solid two for the tropes which first attracted me to the book and affection between the characters. I appreciated the brotherly love scenes as well. The wooing lessons, courtesy of Grandmere had me chuckling for it was clear H was trying his hardest to please h. When really, the h is besotted with him and his cloddish ways.
No third parties, just an ole revenge plot by a master antagonist and her "henchmen". I could not fully accept the intentions of the antagonist..plain greed (?). It seems a bit simple for all the actions the baddie takes to corner her prey.
No third parties, just an ole revenge plot by a master antagonist and her "henchmen". I could not fully accept the intentions of the antagonist..plain greed (?). It seems a bit simple for all the actions the baddie takes to corner her prey.
October 6, 2024
Book 2 if the de Piaget series
A truly decent read and continuation of Rhys and Gwennelyn’s story from book one. Many of the unanswered questions are answered with revelations at the end of the book.
Neither the hero or heroine are as likeable as those in the previous novel.
The storyline is good, with intrigues, mayhem, and murder aplenty.
Slow beginning, hilarious middle filled with minstrels and such like, and an amazing ending.
A truly decent read and continuation of Rhys and Gwennelyn’s story from book one. Many of the unanswered questions are answered with revelations at the end of the book.
Neither the hero or heroine are as likeable as those in the previous novel.
The storyline is good, with intrigues, mayhem, and murder aplenty.
Slow beginning, hilarious middle filled with minstrels and such like, and an amazing ending.
June 14, 2017
I don't know if I've matured past the point of smutty romance novels or if I just happen to keep picking really bad ones. Ugh. This had potential. I liked the angsty romance to start with but it just lost my interest with all the random side plots. I ended up skimming the last 30 pages or so just to finish it.
October 19, 2017
3.5 stars ~ A week or so ago I was trying to find a medieval romance I read at least ten years ago. I've been trying to find this book on and off for years. I just realized the book I was trying to look for was actually two books! IF I HAD YOU and WINTERBOURNE.
I really enjoyed book. It's the first clean adult romance (no sex) I've read in...YEARS. Full review to come. Robin and Anne are flawed, but they're adorable together. And they experience quite a bit of character growth :)
I really enjoyed book. It's the first clean adult romance (no sex) I've read in...YEARS. Full review to come. Robin and Anne are flawed, but they're adorable together. And they experience quite a bit of character growth :)
October 4, 2020
Robin and Anne
It truly matters what you think of yourself. Follow along with Robin and Nicholas as they travel, war and find their way. Some discoveries must be realized by yourself.
It truly matters what you think of yourself. Follow along with Robin and Nicholas as they travel, war and find their way. Some discoveries must be realized by yourself.
Read
September 9, 2022I read this back in 2004 for a high school book report. I always end up wondering what the title was every few years. Now that I found it again, I'm book marking it so that I can go back and read the rest of the series some time.
January 23, 2024
A Tale of True Love!
Excellent addition or continuation of Rhys and Gwen's story. I love the De Piaget family, each and every member!! This isn't the first time I've read one of their stories. Highly recommend this series.
Excellent addition or continuation of Rhys and Gwen's story. I love the De Piaget family, each and every member!! This isn't the first time I've read one of their stories. Highly recommend this series.
November 27, 2017
Robin and Anne's story. How they transcended the challenges and found a balance with each other. Great read!
February 15, 2018
Another excellent love story! We read about Anne and Robin and their path to love. Yes, you have mystery, action, humor and romance. I loved it!
March 12, 2018
Loved it! Was a joy to read of Robin and Anne’s story.
April 8, 2019
It took too long for MCs to realize they loved each other. It could have happened earlier on the book.
March 9, 2021
One of my favorites, although sometimes the descriptions of battle and action I have to re-read a couple times.
August 17, 2021
Old fashioned romance
The second book was as enjoyable as the first. However, I liked the characters of Rhys better than Robyn. I would recommend the book.
The second book was as enjoyable as the first. However, I liked the characters of Rhys better than Robyn. I would recommend the book.
August 21, 2022
Deberían ser 3.5 porque la historia es muy lenta
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