The first book in the Shefford series from #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical romance, Johanna Lindsey.
Reina seethes with rage over her fate: taken captive by the knight Ranulf -- a golden giant of a man -- who has pledged to deliver her to the nuptial bed of the despised Lord Rothwell. She will never accept such bondage -- and Reina offers herself to her kidnapped instead, offering to make Ranulf a great lord...if he agrees to wed her.
But the brave knight desires much more than a marriage of convenience from this proud, headstrong lady who treats him with scorn yet makes his blood run hotter than liquid fire. She must come to him of her own free will -- or Ranulf will take her. For the passion that consumes them both cannot long be denied -- even though gravest peril surely awaits them on the heart's trail to a destines and turbulent love. AMAZON LINK
The beginning of this story was a surprise. There was quite a clever plan at work that I didn't see coming at first.
What a big difference and some similarities between Reina and Ranulf. Starting with him being a "giant" and her a tiny, petite woman. But each in their own way are warriors. It's obvious with Ranulf with his physical size and skills. And I got a big kick out of his calling her the little general. She's fierce and has been in charge for some time without really desiring to be. But she was decisive and commanding, so when she meets up with Ranulf she earns that title.
Ranulf is a knight but he has no idea of knightly manners as Reina is quick to point out. More than once. He has no desire to be around Ladies and despises them. As his story comes out it's easy to see that he as some solid reasons for those feelings. And he has bitterness from the way he was rejected by his father for being a bastard. And how harshly he has been raised by others. There was no tenderness and no mercy given to him. He is an excellent warrior with men who are loyal and serve him willingly. And we get to see how several add to the story including his right hand man, Walter. Ranulf has affection for his cat, Lady Ella and that was the only real chink in his armor. He was rough with Reina from the very beginning and it didn't win him any points.
I really enjoyed this whole book with both the battles between the main characters and the battles with others. The sparks that flew between Ranulf and Reina were epic and often funny.
The ending of the story was good and enjoyable.
I liked that some justice has also been meted out to several people who richly deserved it.
I read this book through Hoopla.
No comments:
Post a Comment