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Graham Clan #3
Seize The Dawn
Bold and beautiful, Lady Eleanor of Clarin--sole heir to her ancestral lands--chooses to marry an aging French noble rather than Edward I's choice of a brutal knight. To preserve Clarin and defeat the rebellious Scots who killed her father, she would gladly give her hand to the devil himself.
But when the fiery Highland outlaw Frendan Graham takes her hostage, he also inspires her deepest desires. Now, as Eleanor is swept away from her beloved land and into an arranged marriage, she will be surrounded by treachery and accused of murder. Only one man can rescue her from the torture and death that lie ahead. The man should remain her greatest enemy--yet holds her heart--and her very life--in his hands.
But when the fiery Highland outlaw Frendan Graham takes her hostage, he also inspires her deepest desires. Now, as Eleanor is swept away from her beloved land and into an arranged marriage, she will be surrounded by treachery and accused of murder. Only one man can rescue her from the torture and death that lie ahead. The man should remain her greatest enemy--yet holds her heart--and her very life--in his hands.
478 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
21 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
584 books6,922 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 30, 2017
A Well Told Story with a Scots Hero and a Strong Heroine
This is the third in the series Graham's Graham clan sagas based in Scotland. Set in the late 13th and early 14th century, this is the story of Lady Eleanor of Clarin who has inherited her family's English castle and estate. If she does not produce an heir, it will go to the next male relative who does and she has two brothers, one of whom is married to a shrew.
Eleanor is being told to marry but has rejected many suitors. Finally she is persuaded to marry a friend of her father's, a French nobleman, whom she considers a friend as well. While she is traveling to France by ship to meet her betrothed, Eleanor's ship is seized first by pirates and then by Scottish warriors transporting William Wallace to see King Philip. One of the Scottish men, Brendan Graham, is the same warrior she wounded on the battlefield at Falkirk where the Scots incurred a great defeat.
When they recognize each other she attempts to escape but he brings her back. Once they reach France, Brendan and his friends intend to deliver Eleanor to the French King. During the time they spend together, Eleanor and Brendan find they are attracted to each other and she eventually comes to him telling him she wants him for her lover, knowing she is to wed an old man.
Notwithstanding their love, Eleanor goes forward with the marriage to Alain, much to Brendan's unhappiness, because she believes Brendan will be killed if she attempts to run away with him. Alain knows of Brendan's feelings for her and tells her they will be married in name only.
Brendan returns to Scotland and the raids he conducts on the English for Wallace, hoping to forget Eleanor. Meanwhile, Eleanor and her ailing husband return to Clarin where intrigue and treachery greet them.
The hero, Brendan, is a very likable fellow, even honorable. Eleanor is a strong female with a heart for her people though there is constant conflict with Brendan. The story is rich in history and Graham gives you a feel for what it was like in Scotland at the time, especially the cruelty of the King Edward.
As always, Graham does a fine job of character development and storytelling.
The Graham Clan saga:
Come The Morning
Conquer the Night
Seize the Dawn
Knight Triumphant
The Lion in Glory
When We Touch
The Queen's Lady
This is the third in the series Graham's Graham clan sagas based in Scotland. Set in the late 13th and early 14th century, this is the story of Lady Eleanor of Clarin who has inherited her family's English castle and estate. If she does not produce an heir, it will go to the next male relative who does and she has two brothers, one of whom is married to a shrew.
Eleanor is being told to marry but has rejected many suitors. Finally she is persuaded to marry a friend of her father's, a French nobleman, whom she considers a friend as well. While she is traveling to France by ship to meet her betrothed, Eleanor's ship is seized first by pirates and then by Scottish warriors transporting William Wallace to see King Philip. One of the Scottish men, Brendan Graham, is the same warrior she wounded on the battlefield at Falkirk where the Scots incurred a great defeat.
When they recognize each other she attempts to escape but he brings her back. Once they reach France, Brendan and his friends intend to deliver Eleanor to the French King. During the time they spend together, Eleanor and Brendan find they are attracted to each other and she eventually comes to him telling him she wants him for her lover, knowing she is to wed an old man.
Notwithstanding their love, Eleanor goes forward with the marriage to Alain, much to Brendan's unhappiness, because she believes Brendan will be killed if she attempts to run away with him. Alain knows of Brendan's feelings for her and tells her they will be married in name only.
Brendan returns to Scotland and the raids he conducts on the English for Wallace, hoping to forget Eleanor. Meanwhile, Eleanor and her ailing husband return to Clarin where intrigue and treachery greet them.
The hero, Brendan, is a very likable fellow, even honorable. Eleanor is a strong female with a heart for her people though there is constant conflict with Brendan. The story is rich in history and Graham gives you a feel for what it was like in Scotland at the time, especially the cruelty of the King Edward.
As always, Graham does a fine job of character development and storytelling.
The Graham Clan saga:
Come The Morning
Conquer the Night
Seize the Dawn
Knight Triumphant
The Lion in Glory
When We Touch
The Queen's Lady
February 20, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This is book three in the 'Graham Clan"series and also this book is a re-release. This book has about 480 pages so it is worth the money...good story length.
Lady Eleanor of Clarin is the sole heir to families land. Eleanor has decided to go forward with marring French noble rather than Edward I's choice of a brutal knight. Eleanor was on her way to marry her fathers friend / French Noble but a Highland outlaw Brendan Graham kidnaps her and she becomes his hostage.
I was glad to have the chance to read this book and I hope that you will too.
This is book three in the 'Graham Clan"series and also this book is a re-release. This book has about 480 pages so it is worth the money...good story length.
Lady Eleanor of Clarin is the sole heir to families land. Eleanor has decided to go forward with marring French noble rather than Edward I's choice of a brutal knight. Eleanor was on her way to marry her fathers friend / French Noble but a Highland outlaw Brendan Graham kidnaps her and she becomes his hostage.
I was glad to have the chance to read this book and I hope that you will too.
September 20, 2022
Бунтът на Уилям Уолъс, 13-ти век, интриги в Англия, Шотландия и Франция, битки и обсади - чуден фон.
Баба Хедър тук пак е оплела героинята - твърде неприятно съчетание от глупост или по-скоро сякаш умишлена наивност, и инат. Всички и казват какво е положението, самото положение си е повече от ясно - ама не, напук ще върши глупости. Чак накрая взе малко да се свестява, но не ми стана особено симпатична.
Героите на баба Хедър винаги и се получават по-добре - по-рационални са и по-прозорливи. Изобщо, тук само героят спасява положението. Но пък го спасява зрелищно :)
Баба Хедър тук пак е оплела героинята - твърде неприятно съчетание от глупост или по-скоро сякаш умишлена наивност, и инат. Всички и казват какво е положението, самото положение си е повече от ясно - ама не, напук ще върши глупости. Чак накрая взе малко да се свестява, но не ми стана особено симпатична.
Героите на баба Хедър винаги и се получават по-добре - по-рационални са и по-прозорливи. Изобщо, тук само героят спасява положението. Но пък го спасява зрелищно :)
March 26, 2016
An extremely frustrating read, but it had an odd allure. I love a medieval story, even more when it is about Scotland. William Wallace, Robert Bruce, I read hard core history books about the Scottish quest for freedom. This book used Wallace's Scotland as the background, and brought Brendan and Eleanor together.
In the first 30% of the story I seriously considered abandoning ship. Eleanor was an indignant heiress who was rather blinded by her "loyalty". We often see such heroines in books: they are "loyal to a fault". They tire me, honestly. And I have to say, these "strong" heroines' interpretation of loyalty is indeed a fault. Eleanor was on her way to marry a French count to secure her family. Somehow Brendan came into the picture with some pirate business going on, which I really did not understand. And all of a sudden Eleanor was begging Brendan to give her a night to remember. My jaw dropped when it happened. But since I could hardly claim to pay much attention in the first 30%, I decided to take it at face value. The book was boring at that point and I did not think I had what it took to go back and find out how Eleanor came to that decision.
Brendan and Eleanor quickly fell in love, which I also just took at face value, without questioning the credibility too much. I knew I was bored with the book. But I wanted to read on, somewhere in the middle Brendan and Eleanor became interesting. But still, it was not enough to make the book interesting.
I read on because I came to like Brendan and Eleanor together, but I could not say that I cared for the story. The lead characters did not share enough scenes together, while the historical elements remained intriguing, I felt that the story was not focused. I appreciated the history but honestly, I was not looking for a history lesson in a romance novel. Enough is enough. I would have liked if the historical bits were woven in to bring the characters together. Alas I felt that the non-romance parts were taking over and there was not enough Brendan and Eleanor.
I also have to say I did not like the writing style so much. The kindle version desperately needed some editing. The conversations were presented in a confusing way and I often did not know who was speaking. I felt that the writer had a grand style, talking about many things simultaneously with lots of things thrown in but she often lost this reader's attention. I couldn't appreciate why the writer would not just talk about something in earnest. The focus shifts back and forth, here and there and it was extremely frustrating.
I liked the book and I disliked the book. I would like to give it 3 stars for Brendan and Eleanor (especially Brendan) but I really struggled with the things I discussed above. In the end I chose to be honest with myself, as there is no other way to be, it was a rather painful read, despite the characters I liked. 2 stars, my best offer.
In the first 30% of the story I seriously considered abandoning ship. Eleanor was an indignant heiress who was rather blinded by her "loyalty". We often see such heroines in books: they are "loyal to a fault". They tire me, honestly. And I have to say, these "strong" heroines' interpretation of loyalty is indeed a fault. Eleanor was on her way to marry a French count to secure her family. Somehow Brendan came into the picture with some pirate business going on, which I really did not understand. And all of a sudden Eleanor was begging Brendan to give her a night to remember. My jaw dropped when it happened. But since I could hardly claim to pay much attention in the first 30%, I decided to take it at face value. The book was boring at that point and I did not think I had what it took to go back and find out how Eleanor came to that decision.
Brendan and Eleanor quickly fell in love, which I also just took at face value, without questioning the credibility too much. I knew I was bored with the book. But I wanted to read on, somewhere in the middle Brendan and Eleanor became interesting. But still, it was not enough to make the book interesting.
I read on because I came to like Brendan and Eleanor together, but I could not say that I cared for the story. The lead characters did not share enough scenes together, while the historical elements remained intriguing, I felt that the story was not focused. I appreciated the history but honestly, I was not looking for a history lesson in a romance novel. Enough is enough. I would have liked if the historical bits were woven in to bring the characters together. Alas I felt that the non-romance parts were taking over and there was not enough Brendan and Eleanor.
I also have to say I did not like the writing style so much. The kindle version desperately needed some editing. The conversations were presented in a confusing way and I often did not know who was speaking. I felt that the writer had a grand style, talking about many things simultaneously with lots of things thrown in but she often lost this reader's attention. I couldn't appreciate why the writer would not just talk about something in earnest. The focus shifts back and forth, here and there and it was extremely frustrating.
I liked the book and I disliked the book. I would like to give it 3 stars for Brendan and Eleanor (especially Brendan) but I really struggled with the things I discussed above. In the end I chose to be honest with myself, as there is no other way to be, it was a rather painful read, despite the characters I liked. 2 stars, my best offer.
April 25, 2016
This book was difficult to truly savor the reading due to both missing letters, mainly “F” but also for formatting issues. There was no separation by paragraphs and it was just one big run-on. There was delineation by chapters but it was aesthetically jarring. So I had to take away a star.
Lady Eleanor of Clarin was forced to marry in order to solidify her claim to inherited family lands. She decided to marry an old friend, French Count Alain de Lacville. On her journey to her betrothed, Lady Eleanor’s ship was attacked by French pirates. In a twist of fate, those pirates were then set up by a band of Scots. Eleanor then became a Scot prisoner. Among those Scots, was Brendan Graham whom Eleanor had a brief encounter with years ago. It became clear there was something there. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the attraction and chemistry because Eleanor and Brendan bickered constantly. It got rather redundant and overwhelming to the storyline. I normally enjoy angst but the squabbling didn’t promote passionate connection.
Eleanor and Brendan did have an affair but Eleanor proceeded to marry her fiancée Alain despite the feelings that she developed for Brendan. After a few days of marriage, Eleanor’s husband Alain fell ill and subsequently died due to poisoning. Eleanor was the chief suspect as she had the most to gain by Alain’s death. Eleanor fled and sought aid from her former lover Brendan in Scotland.
The lovers are reunited but Brendan and Eleanor’s relationship is strained because the Scots are still fighting the English. Despite the obstacles, their bond grows stronger and stronger. Now, Eleanor has to decide if she loves Brendan enough to give up her English estates and live in Scotland with Brendan. It's a tough choice to make between love versus history/legacy.
I liked Brendan from the beginning. I also liked Eleanor in her own right as many of her decisions were made with others in mind. It took me a while to feel them as a couple, and the set up to the passionate parts was sluggish. I also wondered if my enjoyment would have been enhanced by better kindle copy as well as knowledge of the prior books. I really wanted to like this book but it fell flat for me. It was high on Historical Fiction and low on the romance. It ended happily and I am thankful for that. There was good world building but I wish I had gotten a better structured book.
*Special Thank to Kensington Books via Netgalley for the book provided in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Eleanor of Clarin was forced to marry in order to solidify her claim to inherited family lands. She decided to marry an old friend, French Count Alain de Lacville. On her journey to her betrothed, Lady Eleanor’s ship was attacked by French pirates. In a twist of fate, those pirates were then set up by a band of Scots. Eleanor then became a Scot prisoner. Among those Scots, was Brendan Graham whom Eleanor had a brief encounter with years ago. It became clear there was something there. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the attraction and chemistry because Eleanor and Brendan bickered constantly. It got rather redundant and overwhelming to the storyline. I normally enjoy angst but the squabbling didn’t promote passionate connection.
Eleanor and Brendan did have an affair but Eleanor proceeded to marry her fiancée Alain despite the feelings that she developed for Brendan. After a few days of marriage, Eleanor’s husband Alain fell ill and subsequently died due to poisoning. Eleanor was the chief suspect as she had the most to gain by Alain’s death. Eleanor fled and sought aid from her former lover Brendan in Scotland.
The lovers are reunited but Brendan and Eleanor’s relationship is strained because the Scots are still fighting the English. Despite the obstacles, their bond grows stronger and stronger. Now, Eleanor has to decide if she loves Brendan enough to give up her English estates and live in Scotland with Brendan. It's a tough choice to make between love versus history/legacy.
I liked Brendan from the beginning. I also liked Eleanor in her own right as many of her decisions were made with others in mind. It took me a while to feel them as a couple, and the set up to the passionate parts was sluggish. I also wondered if my enjoyment would have been enhanced by better kindle copy as well as knowledge of the prior books. I really wanted to like this book but it fell flat for me. It was high on Historical Fiction and low on the romance. It ended happily and I am thankful for that. There was good world building but I wish I had gotten a better structured book.
*Special Thank to Kensington Books via Netgalley for the book provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2016
A strangely and almost inexplicable allure is part of this novel, which, although not always well written amidst endless grammatical problems and some serious repetition of the same ideas, somehow retains a charm that is hard to resist, particularly as the novel moves towards its climax.
The characters hold some kind of fascination for the avid reader of historical fiction, particularly the building and soaring of their impossible romance, one that is seemingly frowned upon as they are arch enemies from warring countries, England and Scotland, during the reign of Edward I. However, against all the odds, Brendan Graham, a Scottish outlaw and loyal follower of William Wallace, and Eleanor of Clarin, a young noblewoman fighting to retain her family's heritage, do indeed fall deeply in love and the story is concerned with the highs and lows of this search for a place in which this love can survive.
The historical detail is impressive and engaging and provides a wealth of detail for those interested in such and the plot, though sometimes a little loose and lacking in direction, holds promise as it allows us into the intimacies of the characters aforementioned. Along with this, the very detailed sexual descriptions contain a sense of eroticism that seems at odds with the period, particularly as it is often the allegedly demure and noble female who is often the instigator of such passionate encounters. This, then, gives the novel an edge that adds to the allure and often provides reminiscences of writers such as Elizabeth Chadwick, with such detailed focus on the Medieval period and the highs and lows, joys and sorrows, pains and pleasures endured. This book will take some tenacity on the part of the reader, particularly for the first quarter of the book, but there are enough moments of pleasure to render it worth the while of any keen enthusiast of the romance of the Medieval period and all that entails.
The characters hold some kind of fascination for the avid reader of historical fiction, particularly the building and soaring of their impossible romance, one that is seemingly frowned upon as they are arch enemies from warring countries, England and Scotland, during the reign of Edward I. However, against all the odds, Brendan Graham, a Scottish outlaw and loyal follower of William Wallace, and Eleanor of Clarin, a young noblewoman fighting to retain her family's heritage, do indeed fall deeply in love and the story is concerned with the highs and lows of this search for a place in which this love can survive.
The historical detail is impressive and engaging and provides a wealth of detail for those interested in such and the plot, though sometimes a little loose and lacking in direction, holds promise as it allows us into the intimacies of the characters aforementioned. Along with this, the very detailed sexual descriptions contain a sense of eroticism that seems at odds with the period, particularly as it is often the allegedly demure and noble female who is often the instigator of such passionate encounters. This, then, gives the novel an edge that adds to the allure and often provides reminiscences of writers such as Elizabeth Chadwick, with such detailed focus on the Medieval period and the highs and lows, joys and sorrows, pains and pleasures endured. This book will take some tenacity on the part of the reader, particularly for the first quarter of the book, but there are enough moments of pleasure to render it worth the while of any keen enthusiast of the romance of the Medieval period and all that entails.
January 26, 2016
Este libro es una nueva edición del, ya antes publicado (2001), Seize the dawn de Shannon Drake. Esta novela romántica esta situada en Inglaterra del siglo 13 y relata las duras vivencias y desafíos de Lady Eleanor de Clarin. Su vida se complica aún más cuando se enamora de Brendan Graham, el hombre que considera su enemigo.
Trama: La historia es principalmente romántica y tienes varios momentos muy hermosos pero, en ciertos momentos, me ha parecido un poco lenta y tediosa. Al inicio, las intrigantes políticas me resultaron interesantes, pero luego no llegue a involucrarme del todo. También hay un par de cosas que me parecen incoherentes (aún para una novela romántica).
Personajes: Eleanor y Brendan son los personajes principales y no han estado mal. Ella es valiente, hermosa y terca. Él es el heroe guerrero con buen corazón, un poco tarado a veces. Sus personajes son distintas y firmes, además de un tanto frustantes (ambos). Aunque ninguno me inspiro un gran afecto, simpatize un poco más con Eleanor por todo lo que tuvo que pasar.
Romance: La novela tiene lo necesario. Como dije antes, hay momentos hermosos. El romance entre Eleanor y Brendan me gusto y no se puede negar que ambos tenían chispas. Ciertamente habían tensión en sus encuentros y el desarollo de relación me parecio bueno. También hubo partes que no me convencieron y, por ende, no me gustaron.
En general, la novela es aceptable para su género. A pesar de que no me ha parecido memorable.
*Recibí esta novela gratis de Netgalley a cambio de un review honesto. Sin embargo, esto no afecta mi opinión. Además agradezco a la autora/editorial por aprobar mi solicitud.
Trama: La historia es principalmente romántica y tienes varios momentos muy hermosos pero, en ciertos momentos, me ha parecido un poco lenta y tediosa. Al inicio, las intrigantes políticas me resultaron interesantes, pero luego no llegue a involucrarme del todo. También hay un par de cosas que me parecen incoherentes (aún para una novela romántica).
Personajes: Eleanor y Brendan son los personajes principales y no han estado mal. Ella es valiente, hermosa y terca. Él es el heroe guerrero con buen corazón, un poco tarado a veces. Sus personajes son distintas y firmes, además de un tanto frustantes (ambos). Aunque ninguno me inspiro un gran afecto, simpatize un poco más con Eleanor por todo lo que tuvo que pasar.
Romance: La novela tiene lo necesario. Como dije antes, hay momentos hermosos. El romance entre Eleanor y Brendan me gusto y no se puede negar que ambos tenían chispas. Ciertamente habían tensión en sus encuentros y el desarollo de relación me parecio bueno. También hubo partes que no me convencieron y, por ende, no me gustaron.
En general, la novela es aceptable para su género. A pesar de que no me ha parecido memorable.
*Recibí esta novela gratis de Netgalley a cambio de un review honesto. Sin embargo, esto no afecta mi opinión. Además agradezco a la autora/editorial por aprobar mi solicitud.
February 6, 2016
Thank-you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my e-galley reissue of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is set in the early fourteenth century during the Scottish Wars of Independence. It is based upon two fictional characters, Brendan and Eleanor, however the historical figure of William Wallace is also a central character of the novel.
Eleanor is an English countess, holding land in her own right (not likely) and Brendan is a Scottish rebel who fights alongside Wallace. They make an unlikely couple and yet from the very beginning it is obvious to the reader that their fiery interactions cover up a deep attraction to one another. They must each put aside their reservations about the other’s nationality before they can truly begin to trust each other and it is this that makes up the majority of the novel.
Therefore I would consider this novel an historical romance; the theme is most definitely the developing love between Brendan and Eleanor, but within the context of Wallace and his fight against Edward I of England.
The only qualm I have about the storyline us that some parts seemed a little too convenient and not true to life. I understand that the author strove to create a gripping and intriguing plot by peppering the novel with damsel-in-distress-saving heroics, a “whodunit” style murder mystery, pirates (yes that’s right, pirates) and various other clichés, but in my opinion it was overdone at times.
Nonetheless I enjoyed the relationship between Eleanor and Brendan and found it in itself to be intriguing enough to grasp my attention and keep it throughout. I also enjoyed the author’s portrayal of Wallace, who came across as a normal man with a resolute ideal for his country.
After Wallace’s defeat at Falkirk he flees to France and is received by the French king, who is shown as duplicitous by encouraging the Scottish rebels and then signing a peace treaty with Edward I. The author used this relative time of peace to focus her attention more upon her characters and less upon the fighting. Most of the portrayals of fighting are small skirmishes and not battles. Again, this is another reason that this novel fits nicely within the historical romance genre: nowhere within these pages will you find Bernard Cornwell style battle depictions.
Overall this was an interesting novel with a storyline that was a little too hyperbolic for my taste but that had vivid and complex characters that I enjoyed reading about. The characters themselves were not exaggerated, just the plot, which thankfully meant that I never became alienated from them and instead formed a connection to their plight. I was glad to find that the character of William Wallace wasn’t as embellished as he has previously been in a certain well-known film of the 90’s…
This novel is set in the early fourteenth century during the Scottish Wars of Independence. It is based upon two fictional characters, Brendan and Eleanor, however the historical figure of William Wallace is also a central character of the novel.
Eleanor is an English countess, holding land in her own right (not likely) and Brendan is a Scottish rebel who fights alongside Wallace. They make an unlikely couple and yet from the very beginning it is obvious to the reader that their fiery interactions cover up a deep attraction to one another. They must each put aside their reservations about the other’s nationality before they can truly begin to trust each other and it is this that makes up the majority of the novel.
Therefore I would consider this novel an historical romance; the theme is most definitely the developing love between Brendan and Eleanor, but within the context of Wallace and his fight against Edward I of England.
The only qualm I have about the storyline us that some parts seemed a little too convenient and not true to life. I understand that the author strove to create a gripping and intriguing plot by peppering the novel with damsel-in-distress-saving heroics, a “whodunit” style murder mystery, pirates (yes that’s right, pirates) and various other clichés, but in my opinion it was overdone at times.
Nonetheless I enjoyed the relationship between Eleanor and Brendan and found it in itself to be intriguing enough to grasp my attention and keep it throughout. I also enjoyed the author’s portrayal of Wallace, who came across as a normal man with a resolute ideal for his country.
After Wallace’s defeat at Falkirk he flees to France and is received by the French king, who is shown as duplicitous by encouraging the Scottish rebels and then signing a peace treaty with Edward I. The author used this relative time of peace to focus her attention more upon her characters and less upon the fighting. Most of the portrayals of fighting are small skirmishes and not battles. Again, this is another reason that this novel fits nicely within the historical romance genre: nowhere within these pages will you find Bernard Cornwell style battle depictions.
Overall this was an interesting novel with a storyline that was a little too hyperbolic for my taste but that had vivid and complex characters that I enjoyed reading about. The characters themselves were not exaggerated, just the plot, which thankfully meant that I never became alienated from them and instead formed a connection to their plight. I was glad to find that the character of William Wallace wasn’t as embellished as he has previously been in a certain well-known film of the 90’s…
December 6, 2018
Meh.
Eleanor was pretty insufferable, eh?
Eleanor was pretty insufferable, eh?
July 26, 2022
What can I say? I so wanted to like this book. Usually, Shannon Drake aka Heather Graham's stories are full of angst and deep rooted hatred (initially!) between the main characters. This one though, I'm sad to say did not.
Its plot is interesting, however it did not manage to hold my interest past a quarter of the book.
I really liked the initial encounter between the Hero and heroine immensely. The main characters of Shannon Drake are always at odds with each other - which I adored. Unfortunately, they reconciled very quickly, leaving nothing else to hold on to ... nothing else to look forward to. This was an unfinished read for. (And I'm dreading the minute when I found out I've read all of Shannon Drake's books).
Its plot is interesting, however it did not manage to hold my interest past a quarter of the book.
I really liked the initial encounter between the Hero and heroine immensely. The main characters of Shannon Drake are always at odds with each other - which I adored. Unfortunately, they reconciled very quickly, leaving nothing else to hold on to ... nothing else to look forward to. This was an unfinished read for. (And I'm dreading the minute when I found out I've read all of Shannon Drake's books).
January 17, 2016
It really isn’t a surprise when you put this much time, meticulous effort, and talent into a successful historical romance series that it gets re-released. That appears to be the case for Seize the Dawn by Heather Graham, Book 3 of The Graham Clan, as February 2000 was the original publication date.
If you like detailed Scottish historical facts and conversations regarding current events during the era of William Wallace, you are sure to like this one. As for this reviewer, I’m mostly about the romance, so I openly admit I usually skim over most of that element. Not that I don’t greatly respect/appreciate the research/effort it must take to keep track of so many key figures and events, all while weaving them into a romantic tale. At almost 500 pages, there is plenty of room for both.
What I do like is a strong, feisty, heroine and Ms. Graham certainly delivers just that in Eleanor. From literally jumping off a ship into icy waters to escape her captors to verbally confronting William Wallace regarding injustices she has witnessed done in his name, there is little wonder why this English lady is referred to as Santa Lenora. After freeing captives about to be burned alive, Eleanor’s bravery has become a rallying cry to other English subjects, and she is even brought to the battle field to help strengthen her fellow countrymen’s resolve to defeat the Scotts.
Brenden, our Scottish warrior hero, doesn’t quite know what to make of her. For him, she is as beautiful as she is as frustrating and stubborn. After meeting on the battlefield and later coming into his possession when taking over a French pirate ship that had just invaded her vessel, he finds himself torn between delivering her to France, where she is to marry a man three times her age, or following his heart and whisking her off to his beloved Scotland. Unfortunately, duty binds him to continue fighting for Scotland’s freedom, and she must marry the French Count to help her people. Besides, she can hardly say no to the French King when he subtly informs her Brenden will be hunted down and killed if she runs off with him.
I only had a few issues with the storyline. One being Eleanor’s flip-of-a-switch feistiness turned submissive towards Brenden about 28% into it. Just felt it needed more of a gradual transition or at least one big event to trigger this fleeting change in her behavior. Also, after being intimate with Brenden, no thought seemed to be given to the possibility of pregnancy when she was still destined to soon marry another. Yet, Brenden was extremely angry to find her carrying his child after she was married. Also, I did not like the admission of Brenden that he had been with a lot of other women after they parted. I would have preferred him being celibate, just as the heroine was.
If you want more, well, my Scottish romance book-loving friends, you are just going to have to read it yourself. Avid fans of this genre, should check their bookshelves to see if they have any of the earlier releases of this series. Search under the name of Shannon Drake, too, as this author uses that pen name, as well.
Title: Seize the Dawn, Series: The Graham Clan, Author: Heather Graham, Pages: 480, stand-alone, strong, feisty English heroine, Scottish hero, Author also goes by the penname Shannon Drake, adversaries to lovers, heroine gets accused of murder.
Book 1 – Come the Morning, 1st released: 2/1/00, Pages: 400 (Waryk & Mellyora), Scottish Chieftain/Viking Bride
Book 2 – Conquer the Night, 1st released: 7/1/00, Pages: 495 (Arynn & Krya)
Book 3 – Seize the Dawn, 1st released: 2001, Pages: 480 (Eleanor & Brendan)
Book 4 – Knight Triumphant, 1st released: 5/1/02, Pages: 512 (Eric’s HEA)
Book 5 – The Lion in Glory, 1st released: 7/1/03, Pages: 560 (Jamie & Christina)
Book 6 – When We Touch, 1st released: 1/1/04, Pages: 448, (Maggie’s HEA)
Book 7 – The Queen’s Lady, 1st released: 10/16/07, Pages: 384 (Gynweth & Rowan)
(This review is based on ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
If you like detailed Scottish historical facts and conversations regarding current events during the era of William Wallace, you are sure to like this one. As for this reviewer, I’m mostly about the romance, so I openly admit I usually skim over most of that element. Not that I don’t greatly respect/appreciate the research/effort it must take to keep track of so many key figures and events, all while weaving them into a romantic tale. At almost 500 pages, there is plenty of room for both.
What I do like is a strong, feisty, heroine and Ms. Graham certainly delivers just that in Eleanor. From literally jumping off a ship into icy waters to escape her captors to verbally confronting William Wallace regarding injustices she has witnessed done in his name, there is little wonder why this English lady is referred to as Santa Lenora. After freeing captives about to be burned alive, Eleanor’s bravery has become a rallying cry to other English subjects, and she is even brought to the battle field to help strengthen her fellow countrymen’s resolve to defeat the Scotts.
Brenden, our Scottish warrior hero, doesn’t quite know what to make of her. For him, she is as beautiful as she is as frustrating and stubborn. After meeting on the battlefield and later coming into his possession when taking over a French pirate ship that had just invaded her vessel, he finds himself torn between delivering her to France, where she is to marry a man three times her age, or following his heart and whisking her off to his beloved Scotland. Unfortunately, duty binds him to continue fighting for Scotland’s freedom, and she must marry the French Count to help her people. Besides, she can hardly say no to the French King when he subtly informs her Brenden will be hunted down and killed if she runs off with him.
I only had a few issues with the storyline. One being Eleanor’s flip-of-a-switch feistiness turned submissive towards Brenden about 28% into it. Just felt it needed more of a gradual transition or at least one big event to trigger this fleeting change in her behavior. Also, after being intimate with Brenden, no thought seemed to be given to the possibility of pregnancy when she was still destined to soon marry another. Yet, Brenden was extremely angry to find her carrying his child after she was married. Also, I did not like the admission of Brenden that he had been with a lot of other women after they parted. I would have preferred him being celibate, just as the heroine was.
If you want more, well, my Scottish romance book-loving friends, you are just going to have to read it yourself. Avid fans of this genre, should check their bookshelves to see if they have any of the earlier releases of this series. Search under the name of Shannon Drake, too, as this author uses that pen name, as well.
Title: Seize the Dawn, Series: The Graham Clan, Author: Heather Graham, Pages: 480, stand-alone, strong, feisty English heroine, Scottish hero, Author also goes by the penname Shannon Drake, adversaries to lovers, heroine gets accused of murder.
Book 1 – Come the Morning, 1st released: 2/1/00, Pages: 400 (Waryk & Mellyora), Scottish Chieftain/Viking Bride
Book 2 – Conquer the Night, 1st released: 7/1/00, Pages: 495 (Arynn & Krya)
Book 3 – Seize the Dawn, 1st released: 2001, Pages: 480 (Eleanor & Brendan)
Book 4 – Knight Triumphant, 1st released: 5/1/02, Pages: 512 (Eric’s HEA)
Book 5 – The Lion in Glory, 1st released: 7/1/03, Pages: 560 (Jamie & Christina)
Book 6 – When We Touch, 1st released: 1/1/04, Pages: 448, (Maggie’s HEA)
Book 7 – The Queen’s Lady, 1st released: 10/16/07, Pages: 384 (Gynweth & Rowan)
(This review is based on ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
February 28, 2016
Bold and beautiful, Lady Eleanor of Clarin--sole heir to her ancestral lands--chooses to marry an aging French noble rather than Edward I's choice of a brutal knight. To preserve Clarin and defeat the rebellious Scots who killed her father, she would gladly give her hand to the devil himself.
But when the fiery Highland outlaw Frendan Graham takes her hostage, he also inspires her deepest desires. Now, as Eleanor is swept away from her beloved land and into an arranged marriage, she will be surrounded by treachery and accused of murder. Only one man can rescue her from the torture and death that lie ahead. The man should remain her greatest enemy--yet holds her heart--and her very life--in his hands.
My Review:
Seize the Dawn was originally published under her pseudonym Shannon Drake and is the third book in the series.
Eleanor and Brenden were an opposites attract which was fun but the wish washy on both their parts kinda put off that thrill for awhile. However Graham makes up for that later in the journey.
The story runs quick even though its a full novel but it was a nice romance with a dash of minor history.
My Rating:
Reviewed By:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
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Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Kensington Publishing
But when the fiery Highland outlaw Frendan Graham takes her hostage, he also inspires her deepest desires. Now, as Eleanor is swept away from her beloved land and into an arranged marriage, she will be surrounded by treachery and accused of murder. Only one man can rescue her from the torture and death that lie ahead. The man should remain her greatest enemy--yet holds her heart--and her very life--in his hands.
My Review:
Seize the Dawn was originally published under her pseudonym Shannon Drake and is the third book in the series.
Eleanor and Brenden were an opposites attract which was fun but the wish washy on both their parts kinda put off that thrill for awhile. However Graham makes up for that later in the journey.
The story runs quick even though its a full novel but it was a nice romance with a dash of minor history.
My Rating:
Reviewed By:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Booklikes
Goodreads
Google Plus
Blogger
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Kensington Publishing
March 14, 2017
This book is so old school, I had to check the copyright date to see when it was published. It's very "Flame and the Flower," with slightly less rape. Our heroine is spunky and beloved, a sword-wielding vixen who fears nothing but fire, and really hates Scotsmen. She is captured by French pirates on her way to marry a French nobleman, rescued by a hated Scotsman, and threatened with rape by historical figures at various points. She swims to shore, somehow neither freezing to death nor drowning, where she thinks that she has been captured by a brothel but in fact has been captured by (yep) the Scotsman in disguise. She then decides to sleep with him because... not sure why, actually. A bunch of things happen that only seem to happen in medieval romance novels - - which just make the whole thing feel like it's taking place in a fictionalized version of the middle ages. Which, I mean, it is, but it doesn't have to feel that way. The book began promisingly with some dark views of the middle ages - it was not, after all, a nice time period - but the general implausibility and chess-like movement of characters around a narrative board really sank it for me. The problem is, this book is old-school but unwilling to go to the complete craziness level that makes some of the old-school classics so addictive (despite their total political incorrectness).
January 26, 2016
Lady Eleanor of Clarin is traveling to France to marry her fathers friend in order to provide security for her people. On her way her ship is rudely border by pirates. During her captivity on board she encounters Brendan Graham of Scotland. Eleanor blames all Scots for her fathers death, but cannot deny the attraction. This is the start of Shannon Drake's Seize the Dawn, which is part of the chronicles of her own family history.
Requisite of all romances is the necessary heat and sizzle between hero and heroine and there is undeniable sparks between Brendan and Eleanor. There are also the necessary hurdles to overcome, Eleanor's own prejudice against the Scots and a marriage interfere with their happily ever after. Between them there is also the tension which makes exciting reading in romance stories.
Requisite of all romances is the necessary heat and sizzle between hero and heroine and there is undeniable sparks between Brendan and Eleanor. There are also the necessary hurdles to overcome, Eleanor's own prejudice against the Scots and a marriage interfere with their happily ever after. Between them there is also the tension which makes exciting reading in romance stories.
January 26, 2016
I read a reissue of this provided by NetGalley.
The story on its face appears to be simple: William Wallace (yes, that one) has a brave Scot soldier. Said soldier meets a lady on the field of battle, and is suitably dazzled. They're separated. They meet again when he's rescuing her from pirates, and now the issue is that the lady is English and thinks all Scots are savages. She's heading to France, to a loveless but safe marriage with some old codger.
I was bored and hurried through the rest--you can figure out where the plot is going from here. The majority of the text takes place on boats (odd for a Highlands story) and like being sea for a long time, this book becomes boring.
The story on its face appears to be simple: William Wallace (yes, that one) has a brave Scot soldier. Said soldier meets a lady on the field of battle, and is suitably dazzled. They're separated. They meet again when he's rescuing her from pirates, and now the issue is that the lady is English and thinks all Scots are savages. She's heading to France, to a loveless but safe marriage with some old codger.
I was bored and hurried through the rest--you can figure out where the plot is going from here. The majority of the text takes place on boats (odd for a Highlands story) and like being sea for a long time, this book becomes boring.
October 2, 2017
I couldn't finish it. I hated it too much.
October 12, 2024
***Spoilers***
Sinopsis. La novela nos sitúa en la frontera entre Inglaterra y Escocia a principios del Siglo XIII. Lady Eleanor de Clarin se encuentra entre la espada y la pared lo que hace que finalmente se decanté por casarse con el anciano amigo de su padre, el Conde de Lacville a quien ella tiene en alta estima, con ello conseguirá devolver a Clarin la gloria previa a la guerra con los escoceses. En el viaje a Francia para encontrarse con él su barco es atacado por un pirata francés y lo peor de todo es que cuando es rescatada no es por su prometido, sino por un grupo de salvajes escoceses.
Sir Brendan Graham no ha podido olvidar a la mujer que le dejó noqueado en el campo de batalla y tras varios años de búsqueda no puede creer que la tenga en su poder. Y aún puede creer menos los sentimientos que comienzan a surgir entre los dos enemigos.
Ahora, Eleanor se ha visto acusada de envenenar a su marido, alguien la quiere muerta y algo le hace ver que no tendrá en juicio justo como indican las leyes inglesas. ¿Quién será el traidor? ¿Será el responsable y callado primo Alfred? ¿O el divertido y considerado primo Corbin? ¿O quizás la ambiciosa y encantadora esposa de Corbin, Isobel?
La trama. Está catalogada como novela romántica y he de decir que cuando se centra en el plano amoroso la novela me ha gustado bastante, pero la autora ha introducido muchos elementos de trama política y bélica que hacían que sobre todo la primera mitad del libro se hiciese muy larga y no terminas de enganchar. Desde el principio quedan claros cuales son los ideales opuestos de los protagonistas, pero a lo largo del libro los menciona tanto y tan vehementemente que se hace muy repetitivo.
Los personajes. Como protagonistas tenemos a Lady Eleanor de Clarin y a Sir Brendan Graham, un proscrito escocés.
-Eleanor es la típica protagonista de este tipo de novelas. Fuerte, valiente, de buen corazón, terca, apasionada y con mucho sentido del deber. No me escondo, es el tipo de mujer que busco en este tipo de libros. Existe cierta evolución de su personaje y en mi caso me ha sido más sencillo empatizar con ella que con él. Finalmente, es Eleanor quien debe renunciar más a sus ideales y deseos, aunque no solo por causa del personaje masculino y el amor que siente por él, también se ve obligada a ello por las circunstancias.
-Brendan es el guerrero inteligente, justo, leal y de buen corazón. Tiene muy claros sus ideales y por qué lucha y no es hasta el final que le vemos capaz de renunciar a ellos por el amor que siente por Eleanor. En ciertas ocasiones ese lado leal y patriota que tiene le hace cometer algunas imprudencias que están bien para mantener al lector alerta.
Es cierto que ninguno de los dos personajes son muy memorables, pero correctos.
La autora también introduce otros personajes secundarios como la familia de Eleanor, o los primos y compañeros de Brendan. Destaco la incorporación del personaje legendario William Wallace por dos motivos: en primer lugar, le da veracidad a ciertos momentos, no obstante en segundo lugar lo pinta tan bien todo el rato que parece mucho mejor partido que el propio protagonista.
Tiene cierto punto de spicy, no es muy descriptivo. Correcto.
Le he dado un 2/5 porque en términos generales está bien, pero como he dicho antes hasta la segunda mitad del libro se me ha hecho muy tedioso con todo el tema de la intriga política.
Sinopsis. La novela nos sitúa en la frontera entre Inglaterra y Escocia a principios del Siglo XIII. Lady Eleanor de Clarin se encuentra entre la espada y la pared lo que hace que finalmente se decanté por casarse con el anciano amigo de su padre, el Conde de Lacville a quien ella tiene en alta estima, con ello conseguirá devolver a Clarin la gloria previa a la guerra con los escoceses. En el viaje a Francia para encontrarse con él su barco es atacado por un pirata francés y lo peor de todo es que cuando es rescatada no es por su prometido, sino por un grupo de salvajes escoceses.
Sir Brendan Graham no ha podido olvidar a la mujer que le dejó noqueado en el campo de batalla y tras varios años de búsqueda no puede creer que la tenga en su poder. Y aún puede creer menos los sentimientos que comienzan a surgir entre los dos enemigos.
Ahora, Eleanor se ha visto acusada de envenenar a su marido, alguien la quiere muerta y algo le hace ver que no tendrá en juicio justo como indican las leyes inglesas. ¿Quién será el traidor? ¿Será el responsable y callado primo Alfred? ¿O el divertido y considerado primo Corbin? ¿O quizás la ambiciosa y encantadora esposa de Corbin, Isobel?
La trama. Está catalogada como novela romántica y he de decir que cuando se centra en el plano amoroso la novela me ha gustado bastante, pero la autora ha introducido muchos elementos de trama política y bélica que hacían que sobre todo la primera mitad del libro se hiciese muy larga y no terminas de enganchar. Desde el principio quedan claros cuales son los ideales opuestos de los protagonistas, pero a lo largo del libro los menciona tanto y tan vehementemente que se hace muy repetitivo.
Los personajes. Como protagonistas tenemos a Lady Eleanor de Clarin y a Sir Brendan Graham, un proscrito escocés.
-Eleanor es la típica protagonista de este tipo de novelas. Fuerte, valiente, de buen corazón, terca, apasionada y con mucho sentido del deber. No me escondo, es el tipo de mujer que busco en este tipo de libros. Existe cierta evolución de su personaje y en mi caso me ha sido más sencillo empatizar con ella que con él. Finalmente, es Eleanor quien debe renunciar más a sus ideales y deseos, aunque no solo por causa del personaje masculino y el amor que siente por él, también se ve obligada a ello por las circunstancias.
-Brendan es el guerrero inteligente, justo, leal y de buen corazón. Tiene muy claros sus ideales y por qué lucha y no es hasta el final que le vemos capaz de renunciar a ellos por el amor que siente por Eleanor. En ciertas ocasiones ese lado leal y patriota que tiene le hace cometer algunas imprudencias que están bien para mantener al lector alerta.
Es cierto que ninguno de los dos personajes son muy memorables, pero correctos.
La autora también introduce otros personajes secundarios como la familia de Eleanor, o los primos y compañeros de Brendan. Destaco la incorporación del personaje legendario William Wallace por dos motivos: en primer lugar, le da veracidad a ciertos momentos, no obstante en segundo lugar lo pinta tan bien todo el rato que parece mucho mejor partido que el propio protagonista.
Tiene cierto punto de spicy, no es muy descriptivo. Correcto.
Le he dado un 2/5 porque en términos generales está bien, pero como he dicho antes hasta la segunda mitad del libro se me ha hecho muy tedioso con todo el tema de la intriga política.
August 19, 2018
THIS WASNT AS GREAT AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. THE STORY WAS ABIT LONG-WINDED AND THE CHARACTERS FELL SO FAST THERE WAS NO CHALLENGE AT ALL.
OUR HERO is an Irish outlaw who once upon a time in the battlefield spared our heroine's life but in the end she betrayed him, though frankly i don't think he should blame her that much. Every man for himself right? When you are battling with your life. Years later they meet again, but this time Brendan's and his men has seized the ship that she was on and she became their captive although everything just turned complicated after awhile without so much a drop of excitement. Brendan is fighting for Scotland's freedom and along the way falls for the beautiful English lady who is promised to another yet it doesn't stop them from having sex. I mean I did get a little of the attraction but if there is one thing I realize about Shannon Drake/Heather Graham's chemistry....she never builds it right. Chemistry is supposed to happen from the first encounter but she often delays it until the moment where you read about their first kiss and think "Where the hell did that come from?" I never say any sparks fly....leaving me puzzled but then oh what the heck i just continue on. Brendan doesn't make much of an impression on me, in fact after reading just one of Graham's book I can already tell that her hero comes in a certain personality mould.
OUR HEROINE is stuck between circumstances. To save her home she has to marry an aging French Lord who also happens to be impotent. Highlight of the story. When her ship bound across the ocean gets attacked TWICE, first by a Frenchman and the second by Brendan and his crew. As the Scotsmen's captive, she does attempt several escapes which was quite fun to read about although it often fails and is thwarted by the hero. I guess she may have been attracted to Brendan since the war because that's the only thing that can explain how she fell so fast into bed with him, and being the only other human she's closer with, I guess she felt safer with him too. Unfortunately she is fighting for the other side, meaning she is Brendan's enemy.
OVERALL there was more history tellings and war going on in the story and whatever parts of the romance didn't leave me feeling very happy at all.
OUR HERO is an Irish outlaw who once upon a time in the battlefield spared our heroine's life but in the end she betrayed him, though frankly i don't think he should blame her that much. Every man for himself right? When you are battling with your life. Years later they meet again, but this time Brendan's and his men has seized the ship that she was on and she became their captive although everything just turned complicated after awhile without so much a drop of excitement. Brendan is fighting for Scotland's freedom and along the way falls for the beautiful English lady who is promised to another yet it doesn't stop them from having sex. I mean I did get a little of the attraction but if there is one thing I realize about Shannon Drake/Heather Graham's chemistry....she never builds it right. Chemistry is supposed to happen from the first encounter but she often delays it until the moment where you read about their first kiss and think "Where the hell did that come from?" I never say any sparks fly....leaving me puzzled but then oh what the heck i just continue on. Brendan doesn't make much of an impression on me, in fact after reading just one of Graham's book I can already tell that her hero comes in a certain personality mould.
OUR HEROINE is stuck between circumstances. To save her home she has to marry an aging French Lord who also happens to be impotent. Highlight of the story. When her ship bound across the ocean gets attacked TWICE, first by a Frenchman and the second by Brendan and his crew. As the Scotsmen's captive, she does attempt several escapes which was quite fun to read about although it often fails and is thwarted by the hero. I guess she may have been attracted to Brendan since the war because that's the only thing that can explain how she fell so fast into bed with him, and being the only other human she's closer with, I guess she felt safer with him too. Unfortunately she is fighting for the other side, meaning she is Brendan's enemy.
OVERALL there was more history tellings and war going on in the story and whatever parts of the romance didn't leave me feeling very happy at all.
August 10, 2024
Eleanor is awful and extremely unlikeable. She is “loyal to a fault,” and it grates on your nerves pretty early on in the book. Brandon risks his life time after time to protect and care for her. She talks about him being a “Scot” as being an epithet constantly. I don’t see why Brandon risk so much for someone who has proven she won’t be loyal to him, his men, or his cause - only to Clarin. She is a typical over indulged spoiled rich girl too used to her comforts and will do anything to keep her lifestyle while saying she is doing it “for her people.”
DNF 85% - got bored
DNF 85% - got bored
October 26, 2023
Lady Eleanor of Clarin gets caught in the war between the Scots and the English when she falls for a Scottish rebel and is accused of murdering her husband Alain, a French nobleman. When she’s arrested for the crime at her English estate, she turns for help to the Scottish outlaw who’s captured her heart. If you like being immersed in Scottish history, you’ll like this tale.
Read
August 12, 2021There was just like a lot going on and I’m in a reading slump right now and I just don’t care so … DNF
Read
July 27, 2020Trying to read it
March 14, 2017
Eleanor of Clarin, Yorkshire, is thought of as a saint by her people because of her actions during an attack by Scots. She's now on her way to France to marry an old friend to save her lands, when she's captured by a pirate and then by Brendan Graham - a Scot and cohort of William Wallace in their fight against the English. Brendan and Eleanor fall in love, but duty requires them to part - her to marry and him to return to the fight in Scotland. However, when Eleanor is accused falsely of poisoning her husband, Brendan rescues her and takes her to Scotland.
They marry and Eleanor learns to be appreciative of her husband and his fight for Scotland. Interesting story of 1300's and William Wallace's fight for Scotland.
They marry and Eleanor learns to be appreciative of her husband and his fight for Scotland. Interesting story of 1300's and William Wallace's fight for Scotland.
February 23, 2016
ARC REVIEW
I love Heather Graham historicals, I appreciate all the research and time she puts into it to make it so much more than just a bodice ripper. Heather Graham historicals are more than just romance novels they are a journey to the past. With as much strife and bloodshed that happened at the turning of the 13th to 14th centuries it would be hard not to write an emotional, heart wrenching novel that takes place in that time. Mrs. Graham created a love story around the Scottish fight for freedom where you see all sides the conflict. The British Army to the south and the Scottish fighters to the north and all the innocent people who got stuck in the middle. She even brings in William Wallace, I love her version of him, because I too like the romanticized version of him, and yes in the end I cried just like I did at the end of Braveheart. He was a loyal man who knew exactly what he was standing for and wouldn't give it up for some pieces of gold.
Lady Eleanor and Brendan Graham met on the battlefield. Eleanor was fighting to protect her family's ancestral land and Brendan was fighting for Scotland. They were both young and Brendan gave her mercy when he found out she was a girl, but Eleanor bopped him on the back of the head with the hilt of her sword when he turned his back. Years later Eleanor has been backed into a corner she must marry and unless she wants the King picking out her husband for her she must go with the only one she finds acceptable, an old friend of her father's a French titled Lord with enough money in his coffers to save her lands. On her way to France her ship gets attacked by pirates and then she gets saved by a ship of Scots. Her rescuer, none other than Brendan Graham.
Brendan has been a faithful servant and friend to William Wallace and on their way to France to seek help from the French King they come across a British ship being attacked by a notorious French pirate. Brendan and his cousins crew save Eleanor. Eleanor's life changes from that moment on, her perception on the world and the British/Scottish conflict is also altered as she learns their side and gets to know them as people instead of just dirty barbarians. Brendan is determined to protect Eleanor, even from herself. When the French Pirate admits he was paid to make sure the Lady didn't arrive in France Brendan's protectiveness spikes. He will see her safely to her finace and get a good foot in with the French King. As much as Brendan wanted to hate Eleanor for being English and for knocking him out the first time they met he can't help but feel the pull of attraction and admire her for the strong, loyal, and beautiful woman she is; but he knows he can not have her. Eleanor feeling the same is willing to give what she has while they can.
The story progress slowly but there is so much story there. What I have summarized above is just the beginning. Once Eleanor returns to England broken hearted at having to leave Brendan and that part of her life behind something more sinister occurs and that brings Brendan running back into safe her. There is so much to this story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the historical aspects she put in it and William Wallace.
I love Heather Graham historicals, I appreciate all the research and time she puts into it to make it so much more than just a bodice ripper. Heather Graham historicals are more than just romance novels they are a journey to the past. With as much strife and bloodshed that happened at the turning of the 13th to 14th centuries it would be hard not to write an emotional, heart wrenching novel that takes place in that time. Mrs. Graham created a love story around the Scottish fight for freedom where you see all sides the conflict. The British Army to the south and the Scottish fighters to the north and all the innocent people who got stuck in the middle. She even brings in William Wallace, I love her version of him, because I too like the romanticized version of him, and yes in the end I cried just like I did at the end of Braveheart. He was a loyal man who knew exactly what he was standing for and wouldn't give it up for some pieces of gold.
Lady Eleanor and Brendan Graham met on the battlefield. Eleanor was fighting to protect her family's ancestral land and Brendan was fighting for Scotland. They were both young and Brendan gave her mercy when he found out she was a girl, but Eleanor bopped him on the back of the head with the hilt of her sword when he turned his back. Years later Eleanor has been backed into a corner she must marry and unless she wants the King picking out her husband for her she must go with the only one she finds acceptable, an old friend of her father's a French titled Lord with enough money in his coffers to save her lands. On her way to France her ship gets attacked by pirates and then she gets saved by a ship of Scots. Her rescuer, none other than Brendan Graham.
Brendan has been a faithful servant and friend to William Wallace and on their way to France to seek help from the French King they come across a British ship being attacked by a notorious French pirate. Brendan and his cousins crew save Eleanor. Eleanor's life changes from that moment on, her perception on the world and the British/Scottish conflict is also altered as she learns their side and gets to know them as people instead of just dirty barbarians. Brendan is determined to protect Eleanor, even from herself. When the French Pirate admits he was paid to make sure the Lady didn't arrive in France Brendan's protectiveness spikes. He will see her safely to her finace and get a good foot in with the French King. As much as Brendan wanted to hate Eleanor for being English and for knocking him out the first time they met he can't help but feel the pull of attraction and admire her for the strong, loyal, and beautiful woman she is; but he knows he can not have her. Eleanor feeling the same is willing to give what she has while they can.
The story progress slowly but there is so much story there. What I have summarized above is just the beginning. Once Eleanor returns to England broken hearted at having to leave Brendan and that part of her life behind something more sinister occurs and that brings Brendan running back into safe her. There is so much to this story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the historical aspects she put in it and William Wallace.
April 11, 2012
"Seize the Dawn" tells the story of the 12th century Highlanders from Scotland who bitterly fight with their English enemies. Eleanor is on her way to marry her elderly count when Brendan the brave Scot saves her from pirates and plans to escort her; she decides, out of her hatred for Scots, to jump the ship. The rest of the plot revolves around the love/hate relationship between Brendan and Eleanor, even as she is accused of being a murderess and he risks life and limb to keep her safe.
This book is laughable, and not even in the usual romance novel sort of way. I'm pretty certain there was no editor of this novel, as I found upwards of 50 grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors within. The plot is terribly contrived, and there is one major character who, even though this is a historical fiction novel, is completely absurd: William Wallace. That's right, the main character from "Braveheart" plays a major role in this novel. This novel is about breaking stereotypes of certain localities (the Scottish can read? How absurd!) in ridiculous ways and the characters actions are very rarely justified: "You're my captor? Okay, let's have sex!" Now, I enjoy romance novels for their cheap thrills and easy love stories, but this one is too much of a stretch. Perhaps it was the constant mention of tartans and kilts, but I couldn't keep a straight face. The author even throws a pompous chronology at the end of the novel (starting, outrageously enough, at 6000BC), as though she is an expert on the history of the world as well as an expert at how best to describe sex with steamy vocabulary. In this case, I recommend neither vocation for this author, and I would hesitate to give her another shot.
This book is laughable, and not even in the usual romance novel sort of way. I'm pretty certain there was no editor of this novel, as I found upwards of 50 grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors within. The plot is terribly contrived, and there is one major character who, even though this is a historical fiction novel, is completely absurd: William Wallace. That's right, the main character from "Braveheart" plays a major role in this novel. This novel is about breaking stereotypes of certain localities (the Scottish can read? How absurd!) in ridiculous ways and the characters actions are very rarely justified: "You're my captor? Okay, let's have sex!" Now, I enjoy romance novels for their cheap thrills and easy love stories, but this one is too much of a stretch. Perhaps it was the constant mention of tartans and kilts, but I couldn't keep a straight face. The author even throws a pompous chronology at the end of the novel (starting, outrageously enough, at 6000BC), as though she is an expert on the history of the world as well as an expert at how best to describe sex with steamy vocabulary. In this case, I recommend neither vocation for this author, and I would hesitate to give her another shot.
January 31, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an hones opinion.
Eleanor is the sole heir and must marry. She has rejected all men presented to her but she also fears the King finding her a husband. She decides to wed a french noble, a man she has known for many years, a good friend of her fathers
Brendan is a fighter for Scotland's freedom. It will always come first in his life, in his heart.
Eleanor and Brendan have now met and the sparks between them is fighting with the country of their birth. Eleanor is English and Brendan i Scottish. They were brought up to hate one another. Both want to preserve what they grew up with.
This story started off somewhat slow to me even though it did get much better. Eleanor and Brendan had such scathing attitudes toward one another that I even felt a bit uncomfortable. There was the attraction too and the denial of it that made them dig at one another.
The men that Brendan fought with were really more of a family and very faithful to one another and.protective. Eleanor had no real family except for her cousins who cared very much about her happiness.
This was a decent book but I think I would have felt better if it didn't drag in the beginning.
Eleanor is the sole heir and must marry. She has rejected all men presented to her but she also fears the King finding her a husband. She decides to wed a french noble, a man she has known for many years, a good friend of her fathers
Brendan is a fighter for Scotland's freedom. It will always come first in his life, in his heart.
Eleanor and Brendan have now met and the sparks between them is fighting with the country of their birth. Eleanor is English and Brendan i Scottish. They were brought up to hate one another. Both want to preserve what they grew up with.
This story started off somewhat slow to me even though it did get much better. Eleanor and Brendan had such scathing attitudes toward one another that I even felt a bit uncomfortable. There was the attraction too and the denial of it that made them dig at one another.
The men that Brendan fought with were really more of a family and very faithful to one another and.protective. Eleanor had no real family except for her cousins who cared very much about her happiness.
This was a decent book but I think I would have felt better if it didn't drag in the beginning.
February 5, 2016
I read a lot of historical fiction. Have read many books related to the different periods in history where the Scots attempted to win their freedom from the English. I am familiar with this period of history having read about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. I felt the book was well researched and accurate historically but was disappointed that it was re released with so many spelling and grammatical errors. I feel this is a disservice to Ms. Graham who is an excellent author and story teller. The brain looks at words not letters so I was able to get past the errors but felt they did detract from the story. I think we also have to understand that this is the 14th century when culture was rougher and less civilized due the constant threat of battle, torture and death. This being the mindset of war, i don't think we can fault Brendan for his involvement with other women when he felt Eleanor was married and lost to him forever. I don't feel he cheated on her after they were brought together again and he became aware of the child.
March 3, 2016
Lady Eleanor of Clarin is the sole heir to families land. She has decided to go forward with marring French noble rather than Edward I's choice of a brutal knight. Eleanor was on her way to marry her father’s friend the French Noble when her ship is attacked not once but twice and Highland outlaw Brendan Graham kidnaps her and she becomes his hostage. Eleanor is an English countess, holding land in her own right and Brendan is a Scottish rebel who fights alongside Wallace. They have fiery interactions cover up a deep attraction to one another. They must each put aside their reservations about the other’s nationality before they can truly begin to trust each other. Eleanor is surrounded by treachery and accused of murder and only one man can rescue her from the torture and death that lie ahead. The man should remain her greatest enemy yet holds her heart and her very life in his hands. I loved this book it’s a great love story with plenty of action and a little history thrown in too.
I received free ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received free ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
I have read this book many years ago in its paperback version and I wanted to reread it now.
Eleanor is the sole heir and she must marry. So far she has rejected all the candidates but afraid the King will chose for her,she decides to marry a french noble, an old friend of his father.
Brendan is a fighter for the Scotland's freedom. His life revolves about his passion and this goal.
Eleanor and Brendan meet but they are enemies. She is English, he is Scottish.
They feel a strong attraction but they fight it with all they have.
This is a very nice book ,maybe a little slow at the beginning but then it becomes very interesting.
This was a decent book but I think I would have felt better if it didn't drag in the beginning.
I received an Arc by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
Eleanor is the sole heir and she must marry. So far she has rejected all the candidates but afraid the King will chose for her,she decides to marry a french noble, an old friend of his father.
Brendan is a fighter for the Scotland's freedom. His life revolves about his passion and this goal.
Eleanor and Brendan meet but they are enemies. She is English, he is Scottish.
They feel a strong attraction but they fight it with all they have.
This is a very nice book ,maybe a little slow at the beginning but then it becomes very interesting.
This was a decent book but I think I would have felt better if it didn't drag in the beginning.
I received an Arc by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
February 24, 2016
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for my honest review.
Lady Eleanor of Clarin meets Brendan Graham of Scotland. There is instant chemistry for them as in the love/hate kind. In the beginning both are passionately apposed to one another. The two meet on the battlefield and then later at sea. They travel to France and then back to England and eventually Scotland....I'm tired from their travels! A lot happened regarding their affection for one another as well as the supporting characters and how the story moved along. This was a long read for me but I wanted to finish it because I was interested to see how it all resolved. I liked it and am happy with its resolution.
Lady Eleanor of Clarin meets Brendan Graham of Scotland. There is instant chemistry for them as in the love/hate kind. In the beginning both are passionately apposed to one another. The two meet on the battlefield and then later at sea. They travel to France and then back to England and eventually Scotland....I'm tired from their travels! A lot happened regarding their affection for one another as well as the supporting characters and how the story moved along. This was a long read for me but I wanted to finish it because I was interested to see how it all resolved. I liked it and am happy with its resolution.
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