The Promise of Rain

by Shana Abe

They call him the Hound of Hell....

Lord Roland Strathmore has been ordered by the king to find and capture Lady Kyla Warwick, a noblewoman running from rumors of scandal and murder. One of England's fiercest warriors, Strathmore is torn between his loyalty to the king and his pledge to the elusive woman he has never met. For Strathmore was once betrothed to the fiery Lady Kyla--until her family's fall from grace halted plans for their union.

When Kyla is seized by Strathmore, she vows to seek vengeance against the man she considers a traitor. But she's surprised when her hatred for her newfound enemy is matched by a powerful attraction--a temptation at odds with her desire to reclaim her freedom. Fueled by his own unspoken passion, Strathmore is willing to risk everything to help his beautiful captive discover the truth about her shocking past--even if only the most desperate act will save her from further ruin...or perhaps even death.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Medieval, British Literature, Adult, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Shana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen books, including the acclaimed Drákon Series and the Sweetest Dark Series.

She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.

Reviews

[Selenity Jade (Coffee Addicts Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this author's stories. They're powerful in an understated way. This does lead to some boredom as the story sometimes drags out while character development is happening, especially in this one, but still a wonderful historical romance!

[Becky]

My favorite books by this author are her sci fi love stories about humans-who-shape-shift-into-dragons. Try The Smoke Thief - it's excellent - and the first in her dragon series.

[Sela Ordaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read with an undertone of fantasy that makes you want to be swallowed into this wonderous Island in the 1110s.

[Markel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Promise of Rain by Shana Abé didn’t quite hit the mark for me compared to her other historical romances. The plot is solid, with Abé’s usual flair for weaving a lush story, and the romance stays tasteful with just a hint of steam—perfect for those who prefer it light. But the ending left me hanging, craving more closure, and the mystery? Not so mysterious. I pegged some the shady characters before the halfway point, which dulled the suspense. The female main character’s growth was a highlight, strong and willful as always, but Abé’s formula is wearing thin. Her male main character, smitten from the jump, felt like a rerun—cute in her first book, okay in the second, but by this third one, it’s just tedious. I’m starting to think Abé only writes fierce FMCs and lovesick MMCs. That said, Elysia, a quirky little fay-like child, stole the show with her mysterious charm—she was way more fun than the leads. I’m giving it 3/5 stars for the decent plot and Elysia’s spark, but the predictable mystery and repetitive characters dragged it down. Historical romance fans might enjoy it if they’re okay with familiar tropes and a so-so ending.

Recommended for: Historical romance readers who like strong heroines and light romance but don’t mind predictable twists.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story, I really enjoyed it! It had everything from romance to mystery. It had some sad moments here and there that made me feel for the two main characters Roland and Kyla. It was so entertaining! I think both of their pasts are what brings them together, what makes them fall in love. This isn't the first Shana Abe novel I have read. I love her stories and will continue to read more from her. She does not disappoint.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

STARTED OFF PROMISING, but then it became none too memorable. A little boring. I guess I'm spoiled for passion and sensuality, because the heroine was as stiff as board. Her character was monotonous and their romance felt heavily one-sided on the hero's part, I almost felt sorry for him.

FULL REVIEW TO COME.

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's known as the Hound from Hell and chases after her and her brother after her father is accused of murdering her mother. Theirs is not a neat tidy romance. The book I read was an e-book and for some reason the last page of several chapters was omitted. Very annoying

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

tooo slow

[Kimberly Karalius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gawd that was good ;_; I’m such a Shana Abe fan.

[Linda I. McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good novel. Enjoyed very much.

[K Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice romantic story with a little suspense mixed in.

[♥︎♥︎Sofia♥︎♥︎ · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took forever to read this book because I couldn’t bear either of the protagonists.

[Melwasul · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5/5* L'intégralité de la chronique: http://lune-et-plume.fr/la-destinee-d...

Cette romance, c’est un peu comme un soufflé au fromage. Ça monte, ça monte et quand on le sort du four, pfiou, ça retombe d’un coup et après l’avoir mangé, un drôle de sentiment, c’était bon mais pas exceptionnel. C’est exactement ce que j’ai vécu avec La destinée de Kyla de Shana Abé. C’était très bien parti, j’avais ce pourquoi j’avais choisi cette lecture et à partir du milieu, tout est retombé, cela devenait trop facile pour nos héros, tout allait trop vite et à la fin, ce goût d’inachevé, de trop simple. [...]

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

Shane Abe is an amazing writer. She captures the characters and the time period wonderfully, with timely language and almost perfectly historical attitudes. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
As for this story, it exceeded all expectations. There was mystery and romance, whimsical mysticism and harsh realities, all perfectly balanced. I was a little but concerned about the ending being too abrupt but it felt like the perfect speed for the novel.
I would definitely recommend it to anybody looking for a good medieval suspenseful romance.

[Erotic Horizon]

The Promise of Rain by Shana Abe (1998)

[Marielle Authier · Rating 3 out of 5]

more 2 and a half

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

C'est une histoire sympa mais très classique dans le genre
Le style est assez moyen
Malgré tout on passe un bon moment