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Fire #2
Knight of Fire
Green-eyed, golden-haired Princess Allora of Scotland's Far isle has been brought up to hate all things Norman. But, to free her fierce, rabbler-rousing uncle from imprisonment by King William the Conqueror, she is compelled to marry Bred d' Anlou, a handsome, dynamic Norman knight. Ultimately one love must be sacrificed...either the Scottish kingdom Allora cherishes or the magnificent knight whose touch sets her heart aflame.
351 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1993
4 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Drake
52 books574 followersHeather Graham Pozzessere
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 5, 2020
4.25* This is so good! And satisfying.
An older (1993), medieval tale that's not a bodice-ripper-with-cheating. The h/H connect beautifully even as their opposing loyalties pull them apart. Or the h's do. The h lets this loyalty lead her to do silly and futile but also treacherous things once too often. I could relate with her actions at times as it's her lands and people that are being usurped. Thankfully, her actions don't get annoying or made me distracted as a reader.
The alpha hunk H is sublime - a constant, wary, watchful husband who gives his support and love quietly. He punishes her once but it doesn't last long.
The prologue is stunning in way of Heather Graham.
The book has a prequel. The H's parents' story sounds intriguing but this book can be read as a stand-alone.
*With spoilers* The interweaving of actual history is done well - William the conqueror as a character in the story, his death and the sad events around it, crowning of his ?gay son. William's predecessor, the Anglo-Saxon king Harold Godwinson is shown as the H's maternal grandfather (That story is more in the prequel. The H's mother is the king's illegitimate daughter.) I liked how the H's mother hates William (he slayed her father after all) while William and the d'Anlous (H and his father) share a strong bond. The H's family is Norman and they arrive in England as conquerers along with William, understandably hated both by the previous h and the present h and their people. Of course, the wives come around as do the people.
The political conflict seeping into inter-personal relationships is done well.
An older (1993), medieval tale that's not a bodice-ripper-with-cheating. The h/H connect beautifully even as their opposing loyalties pull them apart. Or the h's do. The h lets this loyalty lead her to do silly and futile but also treacherous things once too often. I could relate with her actions at times as it's her lands and people that are being usurped. Thankfully, her actions don't get annoying or made me distracted as a reader.
The alpha hunk H is sublime - a constant, wary, watchful husband who gives his support and love quietly. He punishes her once but it doesn't last long.
The prologue is stunning in way of Heather Graham.
The book has a prequel. The H's parents' story sounds intriguing but this book can be read as a stand-alone.
*With spoilers* The interweaving of actual history is done well - William the conqueror as a character in the story, his death and the sad events around it, crowning of his ?gay son. William's predecessor, the Anglo-Saxon king Harold Godwinson is shown as the H's maternal grandfather (That story is more in the prequel. The H's mother is the king's illegitimate daughter.) I liked how the H's mother hates William (he slayed her father after all) while William and the d'Anlous (H and his father) share a strong bond. The H's family is Norman and they arrive in England as conquerers along with William, understandably hated both by the previous h and the present h and their people. Of course, the wives come around as do the people.
The political conflict seeping into inter-personal relationships is done well.
May 19, 2024
Read: 5/19/24
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 8, 2013
This is the story of Bret D'Anlou - second son of Fallon and Alaric (the heroine and hero of the first book in the series "Princess of Fire") and Allora - the only child and heiress to a Scottish Laird and Lord of Far Isle. There is also a sub-story in this book involving Bret's sister, the oldest daughter, Elysia.
While the hero and heroine from the first book do make some appearances in this book, they are fairly minor characters in the overall story line. This book/series can easily be read alone or out of order.
The story starts out in 1088 with the prologue which is actually a scene from much later in the book. Then the book begins going back to 1086 (about a year and half from that scene) to tell Bret and Allora's story.
The story line is strong, the friction between the two lead characters is not overdone, and there is plenty of action to keep you interested. I did feel the "steam" was not all that hot, but she didn't skip over intimate scenes or use too many flowery words, either. Personally, I would have preferred the author not put the prologue in and add that part of the story to where it actually occurs, so the reader wouldn't have as much of an idea of what was to come. But, still, I had no trouble with keeping my interest in the story.
While this book would not make my list of the top 100 favorite books, I would certainly recommend it to those who enjoy medieval period romances. As to those who love Scottish romances, the accents are played way down, and the difference in dress is never even mentioned (other than the hair and beards). While the story was basically one of a clash of Scots versus the Norman-English, I felt the differences were not really shown strongly. There was some slight mention of differences in law or women's rights, but the book mainly gave the impression the Scots were resisting purely because the hero was of Norman-Saxon decent. I love Medieval period romances, and I love Scots romances, but this one felt much more like the typical Medieval books (the rebels could just as easily have been Saxon - or Viking, for that matter - any group who opposed the Normans of William the Conqueror's time).
So, overall, I would recommend the book to others to read - just don't expect men in kilts saying things like "dinna fash yerself, lass" because it's just not there (the author made a token effort with a few words like "ken" and the occasional "lass").
While the hero and heroine from the first book do make some appearances in this book, they are fairly minor characters in the overall story line. This book/series can easily be read alone or out of order.
The story starts out in 1088 with the prologue which is actually a scene from much later in the book. Then the book begins going back to 1086 (about a year and half from that scene) to tell Bret and Allora's story.
The story line is strong, the friction between the two lead characters is not overdone, and there is plenty of action to keep you interested. I did feel the "steam" was not all that hot, but she didn't skip over intimate scenes or use too many flowery words, either. Personally, I would have preferred the author not put the prologue in and add that part of the story to where it actually occurs, so the reader wouldn't have as much of an idea of what was to come. But, still, I had no trouble with keeping my interest in the story.
While this book would not make my list of the top 100 favorite books, I would certainly recommend it to those who enjoy medieval period romances. As to those who love Scottish romances, the accents are played way down, and the difference in dress is never even mentioned (other than the hair and beards). While the story was basically one of a clash of Scots versus the Norman-English, I felt the differences were not really shown strongly. There was some slight mention of differences in law or women's rights, but the book mainly gave the impression the Scots were resisting purely because the hero was of Norman-Saxon decent. I love Medieval period romances, and I love Scots romances, but this one felt much more like the typical Medieval books (the rebels could just as easily have been Saxon - or Viking, for that matter - any group who opposed the Normans of William the Conqueror's time).
So, overall, I would recommend the book to others to read - just don't expect men in kilts saying things like "dinna fash yerself, lass" because it's just not there (the author made a token effort with a few words like "ken" and the occasional "lass").
September 21, 2022
Голяма скука.
Дразнеща героиня + скучен герой.
Даже битките не спасяват положението.
Дразнеща героиня + скучен герой.
Даже битките не спасяват положението.
December 29, 2011
The moment I opened the book, I was hooked. The story of Allora and Bret was so intriguing and addicting! Their relationship was a love-hate type relationship and I simply adored it! I had no idea on how they would get together in end (well, of course they get together! It's a historical, smutty romance...duh ^.^). They were just both so stubborn and refused to give an inch...especially Bret. He was a pig-headed Norman, who refused to listen.
I felt so bad for Allora, because she kept finding herself in awkward situations that made her look like traitorous wench. Half the time it wasn't her fault and Bret wouldn't listen to the facts. He would just call her liar and slam the door like a five year-old. However, he kept "forgiving" her and that annoyed me more, because he just didn't get it and I wanted to go into the book and kick Bret in the ass and scream at him. Gah. Sorry, but Bret annoyed the heck out of me.
Shannon Drake did a wonderful job developing the characters and the story. I mean, yes, some parts were very cheesy and not realistic, but the majority of the book seemed to come to life. The story flowed very well and I feel that Shannon Drake did an amazing job intertwining facts with the fiction. Even though I found many parts and fights annoying and irritating, I enjoyed every single one.
Besides for my irritation with the male hero, there wasn't much I could complain about. Even the large amount of sexual situations didn't bug me, because it didn't interfere with the story or seem unnecessary. Yes, the "love making" did get a little old at some points, but hey, Shannon Drake would make up for it in the next paragraph or the next chapter and it seemed to always balance itself out.
All-in-all, I really liked this book. It was a fun read and I simply adored Allora's and Bret's story. I even enjoyed the side characters romance. I can't say WHO, because it's suppose to be a big shocker and I don't want to ruin that for those who want to read this. Out of five stars, I grant this one 4 stars. I would recommend this to historical fiction/romance lovers and those who would like a nice and fun read.
Favorite Character(s): David (he was such a good guy) and Allora (I felt so bad for her and I could relate to her in some aspects)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Bret (gah, a pig-headed Norman) and Robert (-.-)
I felt so bad for Allora, because she kept finding herself in awkward situations that made her look like traitorous wench. Half the time it wasn't her fault and Bret wouldn't listen to the facts. He would just call her liar and slam the door like a five year-old. However, he kept "forgiving" her and that annoyed me more, because he just didn't get it and I wanted to go into the book and kick Bret in the ass and scream at him. Gah. Sorry, but Bret annoyed the heck out of me.
Shannon Drake did a wonderful job developing the characters and the story. I mean, yes, some parts were very cheesy and not realistic, but the majority of the book seemed to come to life. The story flowed very well and I feel that Shannon Drake did an amazing job intertwining facts with the fiction. Even though I found many parts and fights annoying and irritating, I enjoyed every single one.
Besides for my irritation with the male hero, there wasn't much I could complain about. Even the large amount of sexual situations didn't bug me, because it didn't interfere with the story or seem unnecessary. Yes, the "love making" did get a little old at some points, but hey, Shannon Drake would make up for it in the next paragraph or the next chapter and it seemed to always balance itself out.
All-in-all, I really liked this book. It was a fun read and I simply adored Allora's and Bret's story. I even enjoyed the side characters romance. I can't say WHO, because it's suppose to be a big shocker and I don't want to ruin that for those who want to read this. Out of five stars, I grant this one 4 stars. I would recommend this to historical fiction/romance lovers and those who would like a nice and fun read.
Favorite Character(s): David (he was such a good guy) and Allora (I felt so bad for her and I could relate to her in some aspects)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Bret (gah, a pig-headed Norman) and Robert (-.-)
November 1, 2007
Historical romance. I forget what happens... but this is another book that I re-read VERY frequently! I just love it!
Want to read
December 28, 2012
April 15, 2023
This was my very first book by the author which I did not like.
To be clearer, I found the heroine's actions SUPER DUPER ANNOYING!
Multiple times, she behaved stupidly, carelessly, putting other people in danger hence putting the relationship between her and the Hero backwards again and again.
If you are used to reading Ms. Drake's historical romance books, you'd know the Prologue or first chapter would consist of some very long winded historical background. Truly, I could not care less. I just wanted to dive straight into the real romance bits.
Plot was magnificent but the whole book was annihilated by the heroine's thoughtless deeds.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Utterly annoying.
I loved the Hero, though. He's the ultimate man.
To be clearer, I found the heroine's actions SUPER DUPER ANNOYING!
Multiple times, she behaved stupidly, carelessly, putting other people in danger hence putting the relationship between her and the Hero backwards again and again.
If you are used to reading Ms. Drake's historical romance books, you'd know the Prologue or first chapter would consist of some very long winded historical background. Truly, I could not care less. I just wanted to dive straight into the real romance bits.
Plot was magnificent but the whole book was annihilated by the heroine's thoughtless deeds.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Utterly annoying.
I loved the Hero, though. He's the ultimate man.
November 4, 2012
1086
I hated Allora. I don't even see how Bret couldn't. Every time you turned around she was fighting him on something. Or doing what she was told not to. So when she did have good excuses, he couldn't believe her and I don't blame him. She did nothing but be a liar. Robert and Duncan were annoying bad guys and im glad they got it in the end. Was so glad that they didn't just let them go to jail like so many books do. They deserved a punishment of death. The plot was good but I just hated Allora.
I hated Allora. I don't even see how Bret couldn't. Every time you turned around she was fighting him on something. Or doing what she was told not to. So when she did have good excuses, he couldn't believe her and I don't blame him. She did nothing but be a liar. Robert and Duncan were annoying bad guys and im glad they got it in the end. Was so glad that they didn't just let them go to jail like so many books do. They deserved a punishment of death. The plot was good but I just hated Allora.
March 1, 2008
In order to keep her uncle from being hanged for treason, Allora, the princess of the Fair Isles, is forced to marry Bret d'Anlou, a Norman knight. Torn in her loyalty between her family and her husband, Allora faces danger and deceit.
There is a lot of deceit and mistrust throughout, and Allora can be too stubborn. She never thinks things through, and doesn't ever consider the consequences of her actions. Bret, although a little domineering, is a lot more understanding than he should be.
There is a lot of deceit and mistrust throughout, and Allora can be too stubborn. She never thinks things through, and doesn't ever consider the consequences of her actions. Bret, although a little domineering, is a lot more understanding than he should be.
January 10, 2011
HE CONQUERED HER REALM... AND HER HEART
With gentle words and sensuous kisses, the steel-eyed Norman invader, Bret D'Anlou, vanquishes beautiful, defiant Princess Allora of the Far Isle. But one love must ultimately be sacrificed in the treacherous tides of war -- either the kingdom noble Allora cherishes ... or the magnificent enemy whose touch sets her passions aflame.
With gentle words and sensuous kisses, the steel-eyed Norman invader, Bret D'Anlou, vanquishes beautiful, defiant Princess Allora of the Far Isle. But one love must ultimately be sacrificed in the treacherous tides of war -- either the kingdom noble Allora cherishes ... or the magnificent enemy whose touch sets her passions aflame.
June 13, 2022
Bret De’Anlou made this book endurable. Allora was the worst!!! Why do Heather Graham’s heroines need to be such treacherous idiots!! A pretty face and all the lust in the world couldn’t save her from the deep mess of her betrayals. Allora is horrid and completely stupid.
January 3, 2008
One of my favorite random historical romances.
July 16, 2012
I was excited to read this because I was very into Princess of Fire but this was a bit of a disappointment
August 23, 2024
Only Heather Graham can write a novel with the perfect blend of angst and plot. As is the case with many of the author's other historical fiction novels, the setting is thoroughly portrayed and there are little events and characters thrown in here and there that stem from real historical events.
"I didn't try to poison him—"The conversation between Father Damien and Allora really sets the tone for this novel.
"I believe you," he said.
"But he does not."
"No."
October 7, 2017
всех подряд постоянно охватывает жгучая страсть, а я, каждый раз читая про средневековых рыцарей в доспехах, постоянно думаю - вот от него наверное воняет, а
Read
March 16, 2023It took forever to finish this book. 436 pages in small type. I’m glad I finally read it after buying it 30 years ago
September 26, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
April 6, 2017
synopsis:
bret is the enemy, and allora is not allowed to forget it. she is forced to marry him by her uncle, so that she can gain inside information and pass it on. when she learns more about bret, allora is reluctant to do so, because she comes to know bret, and understands why he does what he does. she is kidnapped by her uncle, and because she won't give up information, is put on the stake.
what i liked: that the relationship built over time. bret and allora have a child, and another one on the way. the fact that they learned enough about each other in that time to believe in one another, even if they didn't say so was refreshing, too.
what i didn't like: the fact that they had been together so long and neither of them knew how the other one felt.
bret is the enemy, and allora is not allowed to forget it. she is forced to marry him by her uncle, so that she can gain inside information and pass it on. when she learns more about bret, allora is reluctant to do so, because she comes to know bret, and understands why he does what he does. she is kidnapped by her uncle, and because she won't give up information, is put on the stake.
what i liked: that the relationship built over time. bret and allora have a child, and another one on the way. the fact that they learned enough about each other in that time to believe in one another, even if they didn't say so was refreshing, too.
what i didn't like: the fact that they had been together so long and neither of them knew how the other one felt.
September 11, 2011
This was the first book by Shannon Drake that I had read, it took some "getting into" and I found myself leaving it unread for days, however I picked it back up and carried on reading and the more I read the more *into it* I got, great story with loads of historical facts--most enjoyable, I loved both the hero the brave/dashing norman knight and the heroine our fiery scots lady......bravo to Shannon Drake.
June 23, 2013
Good book
October 22, 2015
If there's anyone out there that hasn't read one of Shannon Drake's books they don't know what they are missing. Packed with everything you need to make for good reading.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews