Love's Tender Warriors

Romance #2

by Radclyffe

Drew Clark, ex-Marine and martial arts master, is the new instructor at the Golden Tiger dojang. Intense and aloof, she hides dark secrets and unhealed wounds beneath her warrior's exterior. Sean Gray is the young psychologist and senior student who threatens to bring down the barriers Drew has erected around her heart. Battle hardened and world weary, Drew discovers that Sean wields a weapon she has no defense against—tenderness. Together, two women who have accepted loneliness as a way of life learn that love is worth fighting for—and a battle that neither can afford to lose.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Lesbian Romance, Lesbian Fiction, Fiction, Erotica

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Radclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.

She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”

Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.

Reviews

[Joc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psychologist Sean is about to grade to her first black belt when a guest instructor is invited to assist in her grading. Drew has just left the army and is considering taking a job as an instructor at the martial arts school that Sean attends. Sean hasn't had a relationship since her divorce from her husband five years previously and isn't terribly interested either. Drew hasn't allowed herself to feel anything for anybody since a traumatic event 10 years previously.

There are a number of aspects to this novel that I enjoyed, like the cast of characters. Sean's twin sister, Susan, and her troubled relationship with her girlfriend Ellen add a nice dimension to what could have been a fairly simple plot. Sean and Drew's attraction is on the slow-burn side and the story takes place over at least six months.

I found the language and dialogue a little formal and stilted in a 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' kind of way. It seems to be quite common in martial arts books to use this type communication but it didn't bother me too much. Fast-paced and slightly angsty but overall a good read.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author!

Radclyffe has a way of transporting you into her novels with such ease that it happens almost naturally. She involves you and makes you think and feel. This book is about two people with bad pasts come together and share friendship, desire and love. Worth reading very enjoyable.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Class - no other word does Radclyffe justice. A superb book, I was totally with the four main characters and loved it. Thank you. 2nd reading still a delight, still weep for them.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sucked me in right away. I was rooting for the two main characters right away. I wasn’t aware this is part of a series so I’m going to read book one soon. As always Radclyffe is a great writer.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried to read this book but it just couldn't keep my attention, but the audiobook did :)

[Dide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros: I love martial art so was pleased to be reading this book and the good description on the topic. Also it's always catchy to have a wounded lion's story told till its point of healing

Cons: I didnt like the delivery of Radclyffe's main characters love scenes (and by the way this was really PG). Also the scene were Drew's character professed her demon i felt wasnt executed well enough to engineer my emotions perhaps because we somehow already knew the main story prior.

[Brooklyn Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, but not one of Radclyffe's best efforts, especially for an earlier work. I really enjoyed the theme of the story, and how it centered around martial arts. I had some trouble getting into Drew's character, and she seemed to remain cool and a bit aloof almost until the end. The pain and the guilt she felt over what had happened in her past, haunted her almost beyond belief. Sean I immediately identified with, and felt that I would certainly warm up to her character. The others in the story, including Susan and Ellen were a bit underdeveloped, something I am not used to in a Radclyffe novel. The story overall was enthralling enough, but the conclusion and ending all seemed a bit rushed. I would have loved to have gotten to know the two (Sean and Drew, post revelation) a little better before the wrap. All in all however, it was a good read, and I would certainly recommend it.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didnt get on too well with this. It seemed a little too contrived. The characters didn't live for me and a couple of them just were names I had to remind myself who they were. It read like fan fiction and felt flat with no soul. I didnt feel engaged as a reader at all. I wanted to care for these characters but there was just something missing, I wasn't with them in the story, rather an observer. The intimate scenes were full of ohs and ahs and are you sures, so cheesy. Passion is not an oh oh oh my god! It's the feel of someone else's sweat sliding across your own heated skin and the taste of chocolate on your tongue you didnt eat. I've tried to give Radclyffe a try several times now and have always felt dissatisfied. Maybe I should just give up.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. This was full of angst and drama but I don’t know, I didn’t really connect with it. The relationship between Sean and Drew felt unbalanced to me. I get that Drew had her heartbreaking past that she couldn’t get over but Sean was the only one putting in work in the relationship and I’m just not a fan of that kind of dynamic. Plus, it takes until the last chapter of the book for Drew to even tell Sean about her past which was a weird choice.

I liked both of them but their romance didn’t do it for me. I did like the side story with Sean’s sister, Susan and her girl friend Ellen. That was interesting and I liked how that was handled. Overall, it was a quick read and I like Radclyffe’s writing but I wasn’t too crazy about this one.

[Carroll Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radclyffe has done it again. another romance with conflicting souls.

“You can’t ruin love… You can test it and try it, and you can hurt those who love you...”. “Just as they can hurt you. But you can’t ruin it.” When I first read these words I wasn’t sure of their validity in today’s world. Having read this story, and so many of Radclyffe’s books, I am realizing the truth behind them. As pointed out, “… some pain never completely disappears, but we find a place for it, learn to live with it. Truly live with it, not just bear it. Like a distant sound, we can hear it, but the intensity diminishes until it blends with all the other melodies of our life. One song among many.”.

[Deb Vitkova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Wonderful Romance

Radclyffe hits another home run in this novel. Many of us live our lives wounded in some way, afraid to open our heart to the possibility that someone would love us as we love them. So that theme in Radclyffe’s books comes to us as a balm, as a chance that our hearts won’t break THIS time around.

[Tu reseña en español · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* Radclyffe es una apuesta segura. Es un buen libro, sin embargo, no uno de sus mejores. La trama maneja el tema de un romance tratando de superar demonios pasados. En la primera mitad del libro unos personajes se sienten lejanos y no llegas a conectar con ellos haciendo que sea difícil sentirte envuelta en la historia.

[Dane SilverHawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a hot Marine

In this book Radclyffe combines the real world with just the right amount of spice to make you not put the book down. A great storyteller and developer of characters Radclyffe has a winner here that possibly could be expanded into her next series. A great read!

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overcoming the horrors of your past, and the challenges of your present, to accept the good things life has to offer.

Not as lighthearted as other Radclyffe romance novels as addresses some really tough topics - alcoholism, sexual assault, murder.

Loved the martial arts component.

[Pia Pfeifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I read it on a fanfiction page, then the paperback copy. It's still one of my favorites from this author.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. So emotional and riveting, but so very good

[Strega · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[AL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am huge fan of Radclyffe as I really like her writing style however at this book something is missing. Yes there is a beautiful chemistry between the main characters but nothing more than this.

[Meghanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

SlashReaders: Its been a good long while, since I read this title. However, I must say that looking back, this is the first lesbian title that I read. Back when I got my first job and could buy my own books instead of getting them from the library. *chuckles* I don't want to think about how much I spent on books those first few paychecks.

One of the things that I liked about 'Love's Tender Warriors', is that the characters were very clearly defined, different and interesting. None of them felt like cardboard cutouts, which was nice.

I must admit that this book probably had me blushing bright red when I got to certain parts. Let's just say that I enjoyed the characters and their interactions.

In hindsight, I can't say that this is the best book that I've ever read; however it was definitely enticing and it kept my interest. I wanted to know what Drew's secret really was and Radclyffe kept me waiting until the very end. All in all 'Love's Tender Warrior's, is a really sweet sappy sort of book with a nice touch of angst.

[Monisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt really detached from the characters in this one. I think it was because Radclyffe tried to stretch the actual storyline over the course of months or something (I don't know, I can't remember the length of time it took). There's a lot of jumping days/weeks/months, so everything is disjointed. Which makes their "tru wuv" feel forced. And I just couldn't get behind it. Or the characters. Or the story. The beginning is also super slow. Like, I get that you know about martial arts and you know all the technical stuff and you want to tell me about all the technical stuff but it seriously clutters up the beginning--and the entire--piece because you spend so much time saying "hey, look at me, here's everything I know." I had the same issue with a Nora Roberts book some time back (Chasing Fire?).

Giving this two stars is a bit nice. Reading this book felt like a waste of time that I could have been using to read other books (It's Xmas time and I have a ton of gift cards and books and it's just amazing). I... I don't recommend this... Unless you've never read a Radclyffe before... Actually, even then, there are better Radclyffe books to start with.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this as a fanfic under a different name. I loved it then but I cherish it now. I love the different relationships we get in this story. You’ve got Janet and Chris, they are deeply in love sharing a life, home, and career together. Next you have Ellen and Susan, they are in love but Susan’s childhood disappointments and pains keep her from moving forward with Ellen. They are stuck in a bit of limbo and sadly Ellen looks for what she needs in another. I feel for both of them and my heart was so happy to see where they were headed at the end of the book. Lastly their is the new beginning of Drew and Sean. You get to see them fall in love and experience the newness of their relationship. Drew is a tortured soul. When we finally learn what happened, to her and her lover, I cried. I was so sad but also so happy that she was finally able to tell Sean and start the healing process. I love these strong women and I absolutely love reading their stories.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story has so much potential, but it reads like a first try at writing. Things were rushed with too much telling that really kept the reader at a distance. The characters had potential. This was nowhere near the quality I'm used to from Radclyffe. I was extremely disappointed because the blurb promised much more. Plus I love martial arts and was hoping for a brilliant story with it as a focal point of the characters.

[P. CLIFFORD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great one!

Have been reading all of radclyffe's books. Love the series. Early novels better than later ones. Wonder when she decided that 264 ish pages was perfect length for her novels. Have really been enjoying her work though some are stronger than others. Would love to find other lesbian writers as capable and interesting. Not much new or good out there. Here's to Radclyffe for her strong women and engaging plots!

[Meryldagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved the story and the character Sean being a twin like me made it even better. The romance was hot. The depth of characters was there. Gotta love strong women. As my first lesbian book I thank Radclyffe immensely for providing that final piece that cinched my sexuality. I will forever be grateful.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole mood of the book was too flat for me. It seemed everybody was in agony most of the time. I found it pretty ridiculous that Drew didn't tell Sean about Dara until the end. I didn't think Drew or Sean were well developed; just superficial stereotypes. I was hoping for much more as I love this author.

[Miriam Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I love how it was written. The way you could feel the emotion in it. It was a painful thing to read in the end. And it almost happen again but this time she was able to protect what she loved the most. And Drew finally learned to live with the past that had almost destroyed her. Sean was able to accept and love Drew she deserved. An Amazing book in all.

[Pricelessfem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good and the romance was really sweet and steamy!

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. I enjoyed the setting around a martial arts school.

[MiserableFlower]

just couldn't get invested into the character or the overall story.... made it to page 48, and decided this wasn't the book for me.