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The Conqueror
England, 1152. Henry II is king. The country is wracked by bloody civil war. Griffyn Sauvage is a valiant knight with a strict moral code of honor. But when his family's estate and vast treasures are seized, he becomes hardened by the betrayal. Now he will go to any lengths for vengeanceeven if it means forming a union with his most despised enemy by marrying his daughter, Lady Guinevere de l'Ami. Then, Griffyn lays eyes on Gwyn and is completely disarmed. . .
As war strikes, Gwyn is left alone to fight her enemies who want control of her ancestral lands. When Griffyn comes to her rescue, she is grateful that the mysterious, brave knight has risked his life to protect hers. With each passing day, she finds herself drawn to him even as she senses he's hiding a dark secret from her. And when another dangerous adversary closes in on both of them, Griffyn and Gwyn's trust in each other will be put to the ultimate test. . .
Wife, mom, psychotherapist and romance author, Kris Kennedy loves connecting with people. And she firmly believes every woman deserves a good book to help 'take her away.' She also believes that, if she ignores dirt, it will eventually go away. Originally from Philadelphia, she now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, preschooler son, and their dog, with another stray kitty to come soon, we're sure of it.
416 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2009
19 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Kris Kennedy
15 books162 followersUSA Today bestselling historical romance author writing super sexy, big adventure romances set in the ages when big bad knights in armor and questionable chivalry reigned supreme.
The heroes are hard, the heroines strong, and the passion burns.
http://kriskennedy.net
I also write sweet & dirty fun romantic comedies as Bella Love!
http://bellalovebooks.com
Open to conversations here on Goodreads or over on the blog! Happy to friend everyone who loves romance. I love talking heroes, heroines, tropes, and...everything romance.
Absolutely the best way to get book news is to sign up for the newsletter. Sign up at the website, or sign up direct here: http://www.kriskennedy.net/newslettergr
Stop by the website for news & excerpts: http://kriskennedy.net
Twitter: @KrisKennedy
http://kriskennedy.net
The heroes are hard, the heroines strong, and the passion burns.
http://kriskennedy.net
I also write sweet & dirty fun romantic comedies as Bella Love!
http://bellalovebooks.com
Open to conversations here on Goodreads or over on the blog! Happy to friend everyone who loves romance. I love talking heroes, heroines, tropes, and...everything romance.
Absolutely the best way to get book news is to sign up for the newsletter. Sign up at the website, or sign up direct here: http://www.kriskennedy.net/newslettergr
Stop by the website for news & excerpts: http://kriskennedy.net
Twitter: @KrisKennedy
http://kriskennedy.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 28, 2022
Read: 7/26/13
The story started out good. The hero was great. The h was funny and witty but is unbelievably naive at the game of thornes. What ruined the book was she betrayed him, like many bad romance, for stupid reasons. She even trusted the villian who prevously tried to force her to marry him.
The Scfi treasure at the end was stupid and totally out of the element of the rest of the story.
This book had potential but fell flat.
The story started out good. The hero was great. The h was funny and witty but is unbelievably naive at the game of thornes. What ruined the book was she betrayed him, like many bad romance, for stupid reasons. She even trusted the villian who prevously tried to force her to marry him.
The Scfi treasure at the end was stupid and totally out of the element of the rest of the story.
This book had potential but fell flat.
January 9, 2019
Warning: Spoilers ahead
2.5 Stars
And for fuck's sake, GoodReads, give us half stars already! How hard can it be?
I finished The Conqueror last night, and lying in my bed, I was wondering what I should write; how I should express my disappointment, especially since trusted GR friends loved it.
And I didn't.
The Conqueror is Kris Kennedy's début, and it shows, in my opinion. As most of you know, I almost always involuntarily compare. It just happens. I read and my mind wanders to either another book of the same author, or a book that covers a similar situation. In this case it was - surprise, surprise - my much beloved Claiming Her by the same author.
Let me explain why. Both books spend a considerable time to set up the story. Claiming Her was something about the first 30%, if I remember correctly. The Conqueror comes in two parts. Part one is Guinevere/Gwen and Gryffin/Pagan meeting and parting; part two, the two of them coming back together a year after meeting the first time.
Deleted. Deleted. Deleted. (Not joking)
I can't. I won't. I don't want to recount the whys and wherefores of the previous special connection between Gwen and Pagan.
Pages 3 to 147 cover one night and the morning after. One night and the morning after. In between, Gwen is subjected to two attempted abductions, two rescues by Pagan, a lot of - not really making sense - talking, and supposedly passionate sex. Mind you, they'd never met until that night.
Deleted. Deleted. Deleted.
Part one ends with only two chapters showing the aftermath of the fateful night. Page 162! 42%!
Interlude. Pages 163 - 180.
Part two. Page 185. 46%! They see each other again. A year later. And by the end of their meeting, since that first night, another 84 pages pass - ending again with a passionate encounter. We are at 67% and I was annoyed.
I think it's quite clear why I'm banging on about the page time vs the actual time Gwen and Pagan spend with each other.
This book had so much potential. Set in a time which can probably be described as a shorter form of The War of The Roses 300 years later; a historical Game of Thrones.
It also had the potential of a properly angsty and truly passionate romance, involving betrayal, lies and shifting loyalties. All for naught, I'm afraid. Well, almost.
The story is still engaging enough, but I never felt the connection between Gwen and Pagan. I was annoyed by the first part, but was hoping the book would pick up on the tension that was bound to be there, considering what had happened right after that first fateful night.
This was also due to techniques that threw me out of the story more than once. The sudden switches of point of views between Gwen and Pagan from one paragraph to another, often more than once within the chapters.
There was also the issue of The Big Reveal that any reader, I suppose, can suss out very early into the book with the background given. But Pagan's motivation for rejecting it was nebulous (a pun for my British friends) and was rather anti-climatic.
Too many weaknesses to round it up. I really, really tried liking it more than I did. But I also think that The Conqueror being a début was too obvious.
One thing I almost forgot. I have no idea how many romances I've read ever since reading romances. So there I lay last night, wondering if I had ever read anything like the following:
On to the next book!
One last thing, and I can neither stop smirking at the irony of it all nor will I refrain from saying it.
Since I mentioned The War of The Roses and Game of Thrones:
This review was written at the same time, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is probably about to inflict an act of unprecedented self-harm within the next week. And for the past 2.5 years, we've had our own mad Game of Thrones.
And whilst writing this, I've been listening/watching the debate in the House of Commons (live coverage here) - and I kid you not - three/trois/drei/tre/tres/drie/trei/trzy hours have been spent debating whether Parliament is sovereign enough to pass a motion that may prevent the worst from happening. Spoiler: It is sovereign, but we'll see if the House can prevent the worst.
And though I know my non-British friends are not necessarily - and quite rightly so - familiar with the issue: We are in this shitshow, hundreds of thousands in danger of losing their jobs, their homes, the country deeply divided, the future of 3.5 million EU citizens living, working, having fallen in love with a British citizen (like myself) uncertain by simply exercising their rights as EU citizens, like the rest of the 500 million EU citizens, because - guess what - the Brexit nutters claimed the British Parliament was not sovereign.
And if any of you have an issue of me becoming political? There's an easy solution to it.
Unfriend. Me.
But it's been difficult for me reading about English/British history in the last 2.5 years, knowing where we were heading, and one of the two reasons why I've been away for the better part of 2018. I simply couldn't concentrate on reading romance novels.
2.5 Stars
And for fuck's sake, GoodReads, give us half stars already! How hard can it be?
I finished The Conqueror last night, and lying in my bed, I was wondering what I should write; how I should express my disappointment, especially since trusted GR friends loved it.
And I didn't.
The Conqueror is Kris Kennedy's début, and it shows, in my opinion. As most of you know, I almost always involuntarily compare. It just happens. I read and my mind wanders to either another book of the same author, or a book that covers a similar situation. In this case it was - surprise, surprise - my much beloved Claiming Her by the same author.
Let me explain why. Both books spend a considerable time to set up the story. Claiming Her was something about the first 30%, if I remember correctly. The Conqueror comes in two parts. Part one is Guinevere/Gwen and Gryffin/Pagan meeting and parting; part two, the two of them coming back together a year after meeting the first time.
Deleted. Deleted. Deleted. (Not joking)
I can't. I won't. I don't want to recount the whys and wherefores of the previous special connection between Gwen and Pagan.
Pages 3 to 147 cover one night and the morning after. One night and the morning after. In between, Gwen is subjected to two attempted abductions, two rescues by Pagan, a lot of - not really making sense - talking, and supposedly passionate sex. Mind you, they'd never met until that night.
Deleted. Deleted. Deleted.
Part one ends with only two chapters showing the aftermath of the fateful night. Page 162! 42%!
Interlude. Pages 163 - 180.
Part two. Page 185. 46%! They see each other again. A year later. And by the end of their meeting, since that first night, another 84 pages pass - ending again with a passionate encounter. We are at 67% and I was annoyed.
I think it's quite clear why I'm banging on about the page time vs the actual time Gwen and Pagan spend with each other.
This book had so much potential. Set in a time which can probably be described as a shorter form of The War of The Roses 300 years later; a historical Game of Thrones.
It also had the potential of a properly angsty and truly passionate romance, involving betrayal, lies and shifting loyalties. All for naught, I'm afraid. Well, almost.
The story is still engaging enough, but I never felt the connection between Gwen and Pagan. I was annoyed by the first part, but was hoping the book would pick up on the tension that was bound to be there, considering what had happened right after that first fateful night.
This was also due to techniques that threw me out of the story more than once. The sudden switches of point of views between Gwen and Pagan from one paragraph to another, often more than once within the chapters.
There was also the issue of The Big Reveal that any reader, I suppose, can suss out very early into the book with the background given. But Pagan's motivation for rejecting it was nebulous (a pun for my British friends) and was rather anti-climatic.
Too many weaknesses to round it up. I really, really tried liking it more than I did. But I also think that The Conqueror being a début was too obvious.
One thing I almost forgot. I have no idea how many romances I've read ever since reading romances. So there I lay last night, wondering if I had ever read anything like the following:
She erupted in a howl of such pleasure he almost spilled himself.Howling? Really? These are only two examples, and there were probably only two or three more, but really? Howling? Sorry, no. It threw me totally off.
[...]
He touched her face, she opened her eyes, and then her body exploded in shuddering undulations up and down the length of him as she howled out his name in gasping whimpers and spiraling moans.
That term is not sexy. Or I don't find it sexy. I just don't. So no, The Conqueror was a bit of a mess.
On to the next book!
One last thing, and I can neither stop smirking at the irony of it all nor will I refrain from saying it.
Since I mentioned The War of The Roses and Game of Thrones:
This review was written at the same time, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is probably about to inflict an act of unprecedented self-harm within the next week. And for the past 2.5 years, we've had our own mad Game of Thrones.
And whilst writing this, I've been listening/watching the debate in the House of Commons (live coverage here) - and I kid you not - three/trois/drei/tre/tres/drie/trei/trzy hours have been spent debating whether Parliament is sovereign enough to pass a motion that may prevent the worst from happening. Spoiler: It is sovereign, but we'll see if the House can prevent the worst.
And though I know my non-British friends are not necessarily - and quite rightly so - familiar with the issue: We are in this shitshow, hundreds of thousands in danger of losing their jobs, their homes, the country deeply divided, the future of 3.5 million EU citizens living, working, having fallen in love with a British citizen (like myself) uncertain by simply exercising their rights as EU citizens, like the rest of the 500 million EU citizens, because - guess what - the Brexit nutters claimed the British Parliament was not sovereign.
And if any of you have an issue of me becoming political? There's an easy solution to it.
Unfriend. Me.
But it's been difficult for me reading about English/British history in the last 2.5 years, knowing where we were heading, and one of the two reasons why I've been away for the better part of 2018. I simply couldn't concentrate on reading romance novels.
January 1, 2016
Oh I loved Griffyn and Gwen. I cannot explain why. I just do.
The story itself could use some improvement. When the Holy Grail made its appearance late in the book I literally rolled my eyes. I have to say the plots are not worthy of Griffyn and Gwen, who are wonderful characters and I loved them individually and together as a couple.
I honestly cannot recommend this book. The plots are messy. The characterization as well, especially Gwen's character. She was introduced as a very interesting character, but in the second half all the lies weighed her down. Griffyn captured my heart very early on and stayed the wonderful hero to me. Don't ask me why. I do not understand it myself. Not that he wasn't great. I could list all the holes in the characters but I still loved them. I just liked Griffyn a lot, my medieval warrior (giggling).
I hope to see Ms. Kennedy improve as a writer. She has created 2 lovable characters in this book for me and I would love to see more such characters from her and them with a story worthy of them.
The story itself could use some improvement. When the Holy Grail made its appearance late in the book I literally rolled my eyes. I have to say the plots are not worthy of Griffyn and Gwen, who are wonderful characters and I loved them individually and together as a couple.
I honestly cannot recommend this book. The plots are messy. The characterization as well, especially Gwen's character. She was introduced as a very interesting character, but in the second half all the lies weighed her down. Griffyn captured my heart very early on and stayed the wonderful hero to me. Don't ask me why. I do not understand it myself. Not that he wasn't great. I could list all the holes in the characters but I still loved them. I just liked Griffyn a lot, my medieval warrior (giggling).
I hope to see Ms. Kennedy improve as a writer. She has created 2 lovable characters in this book for me and I would love to see more such characters from her and them with a story worthy of them.
Read
June 21, 2009(Just remember this is from a non-lover of medieval romances.)
This is an assured, nicely-written debut historical romance from Kris Kennedy. However, I got up to Chapter 12 and decided not to finish for several reasons:
The heroine was coming across as one of those type that always ran into trouble. In the course of one night, she was already abducted TWICE and threatened by yet another and the night was STILL not over when I left off! The night never ended!
The book was also starting to set up with lots of coincidences (which didnt appeal to me).
The language is full of metaphors and a bit on the flowery side. I was reminded a bit of Kathleen L. Woodiwiss but without the extra slow pacing.
Example:
The large great room of the London apartment was growing dark but, as the sun slowly set, a pale rosy hue streamed through the unshuttered window beside her, washing the room in a light reminiscent of fading roses and thinned blood.
Gwyn sloshed more wine into her cup, reflecting glumly on the sort of mind that went about creating gory metaphors of sunsets.
Or this:
She wore a green gown. Woven of rare and expensive silk, it shimmered like an emerald waterfall. The bodice hugged tight, as did the sleeves, until they opened wide at her elbows and fell in graceful folds of silk. Ebony curls spilled down her back with loose sprays dancing by her cheeks.
I found I could deal with the language but then I came across the term "rake" (as in lecher) and this pulled me out of the story altogether because it seemed so incongruous in a novel set in 1152 A.D. "Saviour" is also an anachronism while I am at it. And these are just the ones that a moron like me caught. I shudder to think what someone who actually *knows* and likes the medieval period might find.
If KK writes more books in the future, I wouldnt be adverse to trying her writing again because it was, for the most part, not bad.
The book was heading to B-/C+ range for me when I decided to stop.
This is an assured, nicely-written debut historical romance from Kris Kennedy. However, I got up to Chapter 12 and decided not to finish for several reasons:
The heroine was coming across as one of those type that always ran into trouble. In the course of one night, she was already abducted TWICE and threatened by yet another and the night was STILL not over when I left off! The night never ended!
The book was also starting to set up with lots of coincidences (which didnt appeal to me).
The language is full of metaphors and a bit on the flowery side. I was reminded a bit of Kathleen L. Woodiwiss but without the extra slow pacing.
Example:
The large great room of the London apartment was growing dark but, as the sun slowly set, a pale rosy hue streamed through the unshuttered window beside her, washing the room in a light reminiscent of fading roses and thinned blood.
Gwyn sloshed more wine into her cup, reflecting glumly on the sort of mind that went about creating gory metaphors of sunsets.
Or this:
She wore a green gown. Woven of rare and expensive silk, it shimmered like an emerald waterfall. The bodice hugged tight, as did the sleeves, until they opened wide at her elbows and fell in graceful folds of silk. Ebony curls spilled down her back with loose sprays dancing by her cheeks.
I found I could deal with the language but then I came across the term "rake" (as in lecher) and this pulled me out of the story altogether because it seemed so incongruous in a novel set in 1152 A.D. "Saviour" is also an anachronism while I am at it. And these are just the ones that a moron like me caught. I shudder to think what someone who actually *knows* and likes the medieval period might find.
If KK writes more books in the future, I wouldnt be adverse to trying her writing again because it was, for the most part, not bad.
The book was heading to B-/C+ range for me when I decided to stop.
March 21, 2009
What a wonderful debut from Golden Heart winner Kris Kennedy. The writing is lyrical and fresh. The characterization is nuanced and multi-layered. There is much to love about this book. And I've got a feeling many, many readers will agree with me when it comes out in May!
Even if you aren't fond of medieval romance, you should give this one a try. This book is more than its time period (though it does stay true to its setting). It is ultimately a story of the power of love and how it can transform and transcend all obstacles. Witty banter, smoldering love scenes, and two damaged but ultimately redeemed protagonists: what's not to love?
Keep an eye out for this one. It's that good.
Even if you aren't fond of medieval romance, you should give this one a try. This book is more than its time period (though it does stay true to its setting). It is ultimately a story of the power of love and how it can transform and transcend all obstacles. Witty banter, smoldering love scenes, and two damaged but ultimately redeemed protagonists: what's not to love?
Keep an eye out for this one. It's that good.
did-not-finish
June 4, 2009If you like your romances with an unoriginal plot, plentiful purple prose and very bad sex in great length and detail this might be for you. Otherwise, skip it. I wish I had.
July 4, 2010
This book really, really worked for me. Pagan is a hero to die for! He falls and he falls hard for Gwyn but he has other duties and they are on opposite sides in a civil war. He's brave beyond belief, he's loyal, he's honourable, in short he's everything we want in a hero. Even though circumstances are against them, still he saves her again and again. And well he should. Gwyn makes for a wonderful heroine. She's stubborn, smart, brave and funny as all get out. It's not a laugh out loud kind of funny, but a smile a lot funny. The quips she and Pagan Griffyn exchange are delightful. But he knows things about her that he doesn't tell her and she knows things she doesn't tell him. Which considering they are on different sides, as well as the fact that her father stole his fathers lands from him, makes sense.
The love they feel for each other is palpable and the choices, difficult to say the least. While reading this book, I simply had to know more about the history and spend some interesting time reading about Stephen and Matilda and her son Henry Fitz-Empress. I love it when a book has me digging into history.
The love they feel for each other is palpable and the choices, difficult to say the least. While reading this book, I simply had to know more about the history and spend some interesting time reading about Stephen and Matilda and her son Henry Fitz-Empress. I love it when a book has me digging into history.
May 27, 2009
A beautifully written tale of betrayal and redemption. Though it started out a bit slow, I felt it really picked up and turned into a beautiful story. Very emotionally engaging. My stomach was in knots as I waited for the final confrontation to come about. Highly recommend.
February 22, 2017
สนุกดีนะ เสียดายแปลไม่ดีอ่ะ
May 1, 2010
I didn't expect much from this $3 find at Border's, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this book. It takes place in the 12th century, and the main characters are Gwyn- a countess who is in high demand, but who wants nothing more than to remain the master of her castle...and destiny. But one Lord Marcus (her neighbor) decides he wants Gwyn and her lands so she runs from his grasping hands, literally runs, from London, and Marcus sends his men after her. She is saved by a highwayman named Pagan and the two of them have a night of passion, and a lot of running. But there is way too much to go into.
The next day, Gwyn thinks she is safe at the monestary she runs to, but Marcus is there and re-captures her. Luckily her king doesn't marry her to him, and she remains her own mistress...but she is the reason that Pagan is sent to the Tower and tortured. He believes she tricked him and betrayed him, but really she was tricked by Marcus.
So a year passes, and King Henri takes over England, but Gwyn is to the north, and it takes longer for her to hear the news. by the time she does, Pagan is at her gates, and ooh is he mad. Turns out he's a baron in his own rights, the previous lord of Gwyn's castle, and he wants it (and her) back.
Lots of intrigue, lots of treachery, and even some Holy Grail searching. I'd say it's got a bit of National Treasure, meets Braveheart. Very good book, believable characters...even if Gwyn acted like an absolute idiot a few times, I had to remember that she was a young illiterate girl in the 1100s. She was probably true to form, I just liked her fiery spirit, so her ignorance of politics when she places herself in the middle of them irritated me.
The next day, Gwyn thinks she is safe at the monestary she runs to, but Marcus is there and re-captures her. Luckily her king doesn't marry her to him, and she remains her own mistress...but she is the reason that Pagan is sent to the Tower and tortured. He believes she tricked him and betrayed him, but really she was tricked by Marcus.
So a year passes, and King Henri takes over England, but Gwyn is to the north, and it takes longer for her to hear the news. by the time she does, Pagan is at her gates, and ooh is he mad. Turns out he's a baron in his own rights, the previous lord of Gwyn's castle, and he wants it (and her) back.
Lots of intrigue, lots of treachery, and even some Holy Grail searching. I'd say it's got a bit of National Treasure, meets Braveheart. Very good book, believable characters...even if Gwyn acted like an absolute idiot a few times, I had to remember that she was a young illiterate girl in the 1100s. She was probably true to form, I just liked her fiery spirit, so her ignorance of politics when she places herself in the middle of them irritated me.
March 15, 2020
3 Stars
November 26, 2017
Treasure from the Crusades
A spy in France, works his way through England to seek commitment for Henry's bid for the throne. In the battles that follow, the knight who was his spy now fights for the return of his home. Only one woman will be the treasure he wants. Intense sex and an emotional rollercoaster.
A spy in France, works his way through England to seek commitment for Henry's bid for the throne. In the battles that follow, the knight who was his spy now fights for the return of his home. Only one woman will be the treasure he wants. Intense sex and an emotional rollercoaster.
February 25, 2020
Such a great story! Such a great storyteller! The characters came across so vividly that you felt that you knew them. The history was presented in a way that gave you insight to the time but didn’t overwhelm. But the best thing, in my opinion, was the warmth and humour this author weaves into her books.
August 20, 2020
I am a big fan of Kris Kennedy’s Middle Ages books. This one wasn’t quite as good as some of the others but it certainly didn’t disappoint. Strong story and three dimensional characters. For me, personally, I dislike storylines that include betrayals by the main characters, that cost it a star for me but won’t for others.
August 13, 2020
Well done!!
This story kept me glued to the words the entire novel!! I was so wrong in my predictions and assumptions. Love being surprised!
This story kept me glued to the words the entire novel!! I was so wrong in my predictions and assumptions. Love being surprised!
June 24, 2024
There were some good parts but overall this book really dragged for me.
tried-sample-no-thanks
April 3, 2025Written in vernacular. No thanks
June 11, 2010
Guinevere de l'Ami finds herself facing marriage to a man she has no desire to marry after her father passes away. As his heir, she comes with vast lands that many noble men want to acquire. There is much political unrest currently in England. King Stephan is slowly losing his loyal vassals to Henry. Guinevere tries to run away to an abbey the night one of her neighboring lords tries to forcibly wed her. On her way to the abbey she is rescued by an unknown knight. The knight turns out to be none other than Griffyn Sauvage. Their father's were once good friends, but a treasure came between the two men and Gwyn's father took Griffyn's home from him. Griffyn had made a vow to take it back one day and soon he would at the war's end. Complications arise when Griffyn finds himself inexplicably drawn to Gwyn. She is the light in his dark existence.
I read this book because of [a href="http://thebookbinge.com/2009/05/revie...] and [a href="http://super_librarian.blogspot.com/2...] reviews. I happen to really enjoy the medieval genre and I haven't come across any recently published books that have caught my attention. I am so happy to say that The Conqueror lived up to my expectations and actually managed to surpass it! This is Kris Kennedy's first book and hats off to her, because it is a great read!
I really enjoyed the connection that Griffyn and Gwyn form for one another at the beginning of the story. They are both amazed by their attraction to the other and they easily express their affection and act on it. They don't play any games when it comes to expressing their feelings, but there is plenty of conflict in terms of politics. The angst in this story is derived from each person's loyalty to a different king. While some readers may find Gwyn's loyalty excessive, I found it in keeping with her personality. It kept my heart thumping along this intense ride.
What really makes The Conqueror stand out from the masses is the interesting subplot with the treasure that Griffyn and Gwyn's families have guarded for centuries. Neither one of them fully understands what it is they are guarding and as they are discovering clues about the treasure so is the reader. I also enjoyed Griffyn's relationship with his friend and Alex. I liked that Alex was multi-faceted and he brought a depth to Griffyn that was needed to balance out the story. Kris Kennedy has the ability to really draw the reader into her story with a creative plot and likable characters. I highly recommend this one for fans of the medieval genre.
I read this book because of [a href="http://thebookbinge.com/2009/05/revie...] and [a href="http://super_librarian.blogspot.com/2...] reviews. I happen to really enjoy the medieval genre and I haven't come across any recently published books that have caught my attention. I am so happy to say that The Conqueror lived up to my expectations and actually managed to surpass it! This is Kris Kennedy's first book and hats off to her, because it is a great read!
I really enjoyed the connection that Griffyn and Gwyn form for one another at the beginning of the story. They are both amazed by their attraction to the other and they easily express their affection and act on it. They don't play any games when it comes to expressing their feelings, but there is plenty of conflict in terms of politics. The angst in this story is derived from each person's loyalty to a different king. While some readers may find Gwyn's loyalty excessive, I found it in keeping with her personality. It kept my heart thumping along this intense ride.
What really makes The Conqueror stand out from the masses is the interesting subplot with the treasure that Griffyn and Gwyn's families have guarded for centuries. Neither one of them fully understands what it is they are guarding and as they are discovering clues about the treasure so is the reader. I also enjoyed Griffyn's relationship with his friend and Alex. I liked that Alex was multi-faceted and he brought a depth to Griffyn that was needed to balance out the story. Kris Kennedy has the ability to really draw the reader into her story with a creative plot and likable characters. I highly recommend this one for fans of the medieval genre.
July 5, 2013
Guinevere de l'Ami, daughter of the Earl of Everoot, is desperate. Her father is dead, and their creepy neighbor, Marcus fitzMiles is sniffing around, trying to take control of Everoot—and her. She had hoped her family's stanch loyalty to King Stephen would gain her his support, but it's looking like he might back Marcus. So she makes a run for it, with nothing but the clothes on her back, a purse of coins, and a bag containing a chest of love letters that her father requested, on his last breath, that she guard.
Marcus's men catch up with her, and she's about to fight them off with a rock when a knight shows up and dispatches them. He takes her up with him and carries her to safety. For various reasons, both of them choose to remain anonymous—he knows her only as Gwyn (or Raven—he likes that because of her black hair), and she knows him only as Pagan. So while they're busy developing a steaming case of lust for each other, they don't know they're born enemies.
He's Griffyn Sauvage, the rightful Earl of Everoot—Gwyn's father was once his father's friend and Griffyn's mentor, but he turned on them and they were forced to leave their land. He's sworn to avenge himself. And he knows there's some kind of treasure at Everoot, one that changed his father into a greedy, bitter man.
Meanwhile, he's on a mission of another sort. He's Henri fitzEmpress's man, seeking nobles in England who will stand for Henri when he comes again to dethrone Stephen.
Espionage, treason, and betrayals of love and other loyalties abound in this tale, which wraps itself around a few nice Indiana Jones-style moments. This story had me at the date (1152—I do love Medievals) and while the author does take some interesting liberties with history, she also goes to some effort to make the story authentic for the time. I liked the characters, and while I wasn't quite as caught up in the emotions as I wanted to be, I still give this one 4 stars.
Marcus's men catch up with her, and she's about to fight them off with a rock when a knight shows up and dispatches them. He takes her up with him and carries her to safety. For various reasons, both of them choose to remain anonymous—he knows her only as Gwyn (or Raven—he likes that because of her black hair), and she knows him only as Pagan. So while they're busy developing a steaming case of lust for each other, they don't know they're born enemies.
He's Griffyn Sauvage, the rightful Earl of Everoot—Gwyn's father was once his father's friend and Griffyn's mentor, but he turned on them and they were forced to leave their land. He's sworn to avenge himself. And he knows there's some kind of treasure at Everoot, one that changed his father into a greedy, bitter man.
Meanwhile, he's on a mission of another sort. He's Henri fitzEmpress's man, seeking nobles in England who will stand for Henri when he comes again to dethrone Stephen.
Espionage, treason, and betrayals of love and other loyalties abound in this tale, which wraps itself around a few nice Indiana Jones-style moments. This story had me at the date (1152—I do love Medievals) and while the author does take some interesting liberties with history, she also goes to some effort to make the story authentic for the time. I liked the characters, and while I wasn't quite as caught up in the emotions as I wanted to be, I still give this one 4 stars.
June 20, 2013
Love is nothing without trust. But, it is hard to trust anyone when your country is at war and your enemies desire your land.
Guinevere de l'Ami, nicknamed Gwyn, has recently buried her father, the illustrious earl of Everoot. As the only living heir and the sole owner of a sizable estate, Gwyn is a magnet for gold diggers.. Namely, Marcus fitzMiles, Lord d'Enshire, an ally of her late fathers. Marcus will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of securing de l'Ami lands, even if it means forcing Gwyn's hand in marriage. Gwyn swears that she'd rather die before she married him, so she gathers her things and runs.
Griffyn Sauvage, nicknamed Pagan, is on a mission for the rightful King of England, Henri fitzEmpress, Duke of Normandy. His mission is clear; to meet with many war lords and convince them that Henri is stronger than them and would win the country.. But Pagan has his own agenda as well.. His family's estate and treasures were seized by Gwyn's father, and he means to marry her for revenge.
When Gwyn is attacked by Marcus's men, Pagan appears from seemingly nowhere and saves her. They have an instant attraction with one another, even if they both have different destinations and goals in mind. Gwyn to go to the Abbey for protection, and Griffyn to finish his mission for the King. However, their enemies are closing in on them. Pagan and Gwyn must put their differences aside to prevail or much will be lost.
A historical romance filled with rich painted background of England in the 1100's. Character dialogue helps set the tone of that time, and Kris Kennedy does a wonderful job. Vivid scenery, passionate romance, and a country at war make THE CONQUEROR one fantastic treat!
Guinevere de l'Ami, nicknamed Gwyn, has recently buried her father, the illustrious earl of Everoot. As the only living heir and the sole owner of a sizable estate, Gwyn is a magnet for gold diggers.. Namely, Marcus fitzMiles, Lord d'Enshire, an ally of her late fathers. Marcus will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of securing de l'Ami lands, even if it means forcing Gwyn's hand in marriage. Gwyn swears that she'd rather die before she married him, so she gathers her things and runs.
Griffyn Sauvage, nicknamed Pagan, is on a mission for the rightful King of England, Henri fitzEmpress, Duke of Normandy. His mission is clear; to meet with many war lords and convince them that Henri is stronger than them and would win the country.. But Pagan has his own agenda as well.. His family's estate and treasures were seized by Gwyn's father, and he means to marry her for revenge.
When Gwyn is attacked by Marcus's men, Pagan appears from seemingly nowhere and saves her. They have an instant attraction with one another, even if they both have different destinations and goals in mind. Gwyn to go to the Abbey for protection, and Griffyn to finish his mission for the King. However, their enemies are closing in on them. Pagan and Gwyn must put their differences aside to prevail or much will be lost.
A historical romance filled with rich painted background of England in the 1100's. Character dialogue helps set the tone of that time, and Kris Kennedy does a wonderful job. Vivid scenery, passionate romance, and a country at war make THE CONQUEROR one fantastic treat!
May 7, 2011
3- 3.5 read. The Conqueror had a great start to a medieval romance and adventure. The first meeting between Gwyn and Griffin was funny, sweet, heroic, and had great potential for sexual chemistry. They meet by coincidence as Gwyn is running from a man who wants to force her to marry him to inherit her lands. He wasn't much of a villain and you never really found out what happened to him in the end. His henchmen are after her and Griffin comes upon her as she is defending herself from the brood of bad guys. He protects her and rescues her, yet they never really find out who each other are. Hence the conflict, Gwyn's and Griffin's father's were best friends during the Crusades and became enemies over a treasure they discovered. This is where the book lost me, the love story was sweet, but I was confused on how everyone turned bad, who the H and h really were, and what the treasure was even about.
That basically left me with a story I have read many times (and have loved many times), but been there done that. H/h meet and have an instant connection, but don't know each other's true identity. When they find out the H realizes the h's family is his enemy who stole his lands and he wants revenge. He take back the lands, forces the h to marry him (which doesn't take much work in this book) and then they realize they are in love by the end. That is it in a nutshell except there is some crazy legend with a treasure, guardians, destiny... too many unanswered questions with little detail on their resolve. Maybe I needed to focus more to get all my answers, but it seemed like too much work.
July 19, 2009
I chose "The Conqueror" by Kris Kennedy as my summertime "beach read" for 2009. Truth, I used to be able to read these sorts of books in 24-48 hours. Now, I'm chasing after a 5 yr old and a 3 1/2 yr old, and I can barely get through a page a night before bed on a good day! or a chapter while kids are splashing at the beach with their daddy.
Let me just say, I toted this book with me everywhere for about a month, hoping that I'd have a chance to indulge myself with Kris Kennedy's beautiful story of love, betrayal, and ultimate redemption.
Griffyn (Pagan) Sauvage is after what -- he thinks -- means more to him then anything in the world: the home of his childhood - Everoot Castle. On the way to win back his lands, he runs into Gwynn (Gwendolyn) who lands herself in trouble on a remote road, avoiding her inevitable fate to wed a man she doesn't love.
Instantly there is a battle - swords, a shoe, and an obvious tie between the hero and heroine. Passion, heat, and a connection that cannot be denied! Hooked, I bought the story she wove, as I am a huge fan of medieval legend, biblical lore, and mystical treasures that must be guarded at all costs.
Kennedy does not disappoint. The romance is undeniable, but it is her plot that kept me turning the page. I had to know how they'd put together their puzzle and see the story through to the end. WELL worth the price of admission, I'm thrilled to have read this story and anxiously await her next.
Let me just say, I toted this book with me everywhere for about a month, hoping that I'd have a chance to indulge myself with Kris Kennedy's beautiful story of love, betrayal, and ultimate redemption.
Griffyn (Pagan) Sauvage is after what -- he thinks -- means more to him then anything in the world: the home of his childhood - Everoot Castle. On the way to win back his lands, he runs into Gwynn (Gwendolyn) who lands herself in trouble on a remote road, avoiding her inevitable fate to wed a man she doesn't love.
Instantly there is a battle - swords, a shoe, and an obvious tie between the hero and heroine. Passion, heat, and a connection that cannot be denied! Hooked, I bought the story she wove, as I am a huge fan of medieval legend, biblical lore, and mystical treasures that must be guarded at all costs.
Kennedy does not disappoint. The romance is undeniable, but it is her plot that kept me turning the page. I had to know how they'd put together their puzzle and see the story through to the end. WELL worth the price of admission, I'm thrilled to have read this story and anxiously await her next.
December 20, 2013
Griffyn "Pagan" Sauvage is a warrior that carries a secret so sacred that men's lives and hopes depend on him. His task is to prepare England for invasion for Henri fitzEmpress, Count of Anjou, Duke of Normandy. His personal mission is to destroy the house of de l'Ami and reclaim that which is his by birthright.
Guinevere de l'Ami is the daughter of the Earl of Everoot who has died and many men are trying to do everything within their power to take her by force and in doing so grasp control of Everoot.
This is a story of long buried secrets that bind these two together. Each hold a key to unlocking these secrets and the journey to get there is a long hard road filled with treachery, betrayal, pain, and then understanding. As the mystery is unlocked they find their souls are entwined so tightly that nothing can tear their destinies apart.
One of my favorite lines....
"Have you a weapon?" he asked.
"A rock."
"A rock? Do you know how to throw one?"
"Know how to throw one? Perdition! You just... throw it!"
At times, she had me in tears, pulled from my depths as my heart physically breaks; laughter so hard everyone in the house including the animals kept staring at me; hate for the villains so badly I wanted to crawl into the book and stab them myself with a sword!
I loved the way Ms. Kennedy had my emotions pulled to the max and how she had me live the story right along with the hero and the heroine!
Guinevere de l'Ami is the daughter of the Earl of Everoot who has died and many men are trying to do everything within their power to take her by force and in doing so grasp control of Everoot.
This is a story of long buried secrets that bind these two together. Each hold a key to unlocking these secrets and the journey to get there is a long hard road filled with treachery, betrayal, pain, and then understanding. As the mystery is unlocked they find their souls are entwined so tightly that nothing can tear their destinies apart.
One of my favorite lines....
"Have you a weapon?" he asked.
"A rock."
"A rock? Do you know how to throw one?"
"Know how to throw one? Perdition! You just... throw it!"
At times, she had me in tears, pulled from my depths as my heart physically breaks; laughter so hard everyone in the house including the animals kept staring at me; hate for the villains so badly I wanted to crawl into the book and stab them myself with a sword!
I loved the way Ms. Kennedy had my emotions pulled to the max and how she had me live the story right along with the hero and the heroine!
January 11, 2010
Having not read many (hmm...maybe even ANY!) medieval romances before, I wasn't sure what to expect of this historical romance. I shouldn't have been worried since the story was very creative and it was a nice change not to have all the action taking place at a masquerade ball.
First off let me say the $3.99 price tag alone makes this book a no-brainer to add to your to-buy list! You won't be disappointed in the story either. I liked the combination of war story, revenge plot, romanace and even a treasure hunt! They all came together to make an interesting storyline in a well-written book.
Kris did a good job of side-stepping some story traps she could easily have fallen into. Early on, it looked like the only thing that was going to keep Griffyn and Gwyn apart was a good sit-down discussion, but Kris quickly put my worries to rest with new conflicts and plot twists.
The build up for the treasure hunt also had me slightly concerned, as I thought it would be hard to come up with an ending the book deserved. Never fear though, Kris had it all figured out and the ending was inventive.
First off let me say the $3.99 price tag alone makes this book a no-brainer to add to your to-buy list! You won't be disappointed in the story either. I liked the combination of war story, revenge plot, romanace and even a treasure hunt! They all came together to make an interesting storyline in a well-written book.
Kris did a good job of side-stepping some story traps she could easily have fallen into. Early on, it looked like the only thing that was going to keep Griffyn and Gwyn apart was a good sit-down discussion, but Kris quickly put my worries to rest with new conflicts and plot twists.
The build up for the treasure hunt also had me slightly concerned, as I thought it would be hard to come up with an ending the book deserved. Never fear though, Kris had it all figured out and the ending was inventive.
May 30, 2011
I think Kris Kennedy is one of the best authors of medieval romance around. This is, I believe, her first novel and it's pretty darn good. IMHO, not as good as The Irish Warrior, but still well above the usual. What I liked best about this is that the characters behaved like adults. None of this "your father killed my father, therefore I shall ruin you in revenge" nonsense. At one point, the hero even thinks to himself that there is no sense in punishing the daughter for the sins of the father. Hooray! No ridiculous excuses for a revenge plot.
As with Kennedy's other books, the characters are thoughtful, responsible, and real. As a reader, I liked them. One thing that gave The Irish Warrior the edge over this book was the use of humor. The repartee between the H/H in Warrior was better, and that's what made it a 5-star keeper for me. Regardless, Kennedy's on my auto-buy list, and I'm looking forward to reading Defiant, which is her third book and available now. If you like medievals, definitely give Kennedy a try.
As with Kennedy's other books, the characters are thoughtful, responsible, and real. As a reader, I liked them. One thing that gave The Irish Warrior the edge over this book was the use of humor. The repartee between the H/H in Warrior was better, and that's what made it a 5-star keeper for me. Regardless, Kennedy's on my auto-buy list, and I'm looking forward to reading Defiant, which is her third book and available now. If you like medievals, definitely give Kennedy a try.
May 3, 2012
I really liked this one. Very first read from this author and I will definitely be trying her again. There was great style, characters and story line to this one. Griffyn was a to-die-for hero, you find yourself liking him the moment he's introduced. The witty bantering between he and Gwyn is reminiscent of old-time romance where the seduction is not just sexual. KK builds a rich and complex world and plot, adding a wonderful weightiness a boy meets a girl and every circumstance is an obstacle that they keep overcoming despite the odds kind of tale. Gwyn is a very likable heroine, but while she is so strong, witty and brave, her naivety becomes her downfall making you kind of wanting to smack her. A few scenes had me tossing the nook down and walking away in total frustration. On the same hand, there's a lot to be said when a book can pull that much emotion.The historical aspect is also very entertaining and I love the spin Kennedy puts on the what-if fate of the son of King Stephen. I would absolutely recommend to any Medieval Romance fans.
April 22, 2012
Quotes:
"What do you think you’re doing?”
She lifted the slipper into the air. “My shoes are wet.”
The grimness in his face shaded with something else. “What are you doing?” he asked again, his words a deep rumble of masculinity.
“I’m going north.” Hot tears pushed against her nose.
He nodded, then paused. “That’s a very general area.”
You must be pleased with your accomplishments,” she observed sourly.
“I would be if my pretty betrothed did but smile at me.” Down went the corners of her mouth. He sighed. “Wine does not agree with you.”
“Defeat does not agree with me.”
“Nay,” he said, his eyes roaming over her face. “What can I do to ease it?”
She pretended to ponder this. “Leave?”
"What do you think you’re doing?”
She lifted the slipper into the air. “My shoes are wet.”
The grimness in his face shaded with something else. “What are you doing?” he asked again, his words a deep rumble of masculinity.
“I’m going north.” Hot tears pushed against her nose.
He nodded, then paused. “That’s a very general area.”
You must be pleased with your accomplishments,” she observed sourly.
“I would be if my pretty betrothed did but smile at me.” Down went the corners of her mouth. He sighed. “Wine does not agree with you.”
“Defeat does not agree with me.”
“Nay,” he said, his eyes roaming over her face. “What can I do to ease it?”
She pretended to ponder this. “Leave?”
September 8, 2015
Romance:4
Steaminess:3
Action/suspense:4
Overall:4
I really enjoyed this one. From the history to the interesting plot lines, it really held my interest. I just wanted to read to the end.
The romance between Griffyn and Gwynn was great and really realistic in my opinion. I loved their banter and their chemistry. This book really was the idyllic medieval romance with the Knights and the wars.
The sex was good for a medieval novel but not as good as contemporary. But in this genre, it's great. The treasure part of the story was great. Honestly something I've never read before and I loved every minute of it.
Just a really good book. And great job Kris Kennedy for writing something like this. Go you!
Steaminess:3
Action/suspense:4
Overall:4
I really enjoyed this one. From the history to the interesting plot lines, it really held my interest. I just wanted to read to the end.
The romance between Griffyn and Gwynn was great and really realistic in my opinion. I loved their banter and their chemistry. This book really was the idyllic medieval romance with the Knights and the wars.
The sex was good for a medieval novel but not as good as contemporary. But in this genre, it's great. The treasure part of the story was great. Honestly something I've never read before and I loved every minute of it.
Just a really good book. And great job Kris Kennedy for writing something like this. Go you!
April 20, 2011
Rating: 3 1/2 stars.
Fantastic use of medieval time period, great writing and characters, but really disliked the paranormal/religious storyline. It seemed extraneous to the plot. I really liked the romance, except that I thought the secret that Gwen was keeping went on too long (it's the well used the-heroine-keeps-getting-interrupted-when-she-tries-to-tell-the-hero trope). But the resolution was believable, and I thought not too rushed. Considering the dearth of medievals in the romance market, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of the time period.
Fantastic use of medieval time period, great writing and characters, but really disliked the paranormal/religious storyline. It seemed extraneous to the plot. I really liked the romance, except that I thought the secret that Gwen was keeping went on too long (it's the well used the-heroine-keeps-getting-interrupted-when-she-tries-to-tell-the-hero trope). But the resolution was believable, and I thought not too rushed. Considering the dearth of medievals in the romance market, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of the time period.
June 24, 2009
Loved it, loved it, loved it! Excellent historical romance. Set in Medieval time period, Kings Stephen and Henri in competition for England. Handsome Lord Pagan rescues beautiful Raven (Guinevere) who lives in the castle that was once his home. Their fathers were best friends until greed separated them. He is a Guardian of the Treasure of Charlegmane. She is keeping a secret. Will true love prevail? You bet!
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