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Our Story of Matthew and Charlotte continues in Commander in Chief. Matthew has won the election and has been officially signed into office. He has many plans in place and many drastic changes, but his first priority is the woman he loved and had to let go. But after two months of not seeing her, not being around her he starts to realize a few things. One that he needs her and refuses to let her out of his life. That he will NOT become like his father and that he will be able to balance out being President and being the man she needs. And thus begins their story once again. Charlotte has just come back from a trip in Europe, but even though its been two months she doesn’t know if she can go on without him. Matt became her rock, and now she has to give him up until he comes to her all powerful and male—-seeking her willingness to take a chance on him. Matt and Charlotte have a road ahead that isn’t easy. But we see how they learn and grow together, how well matched they are especially in their desires for creating a better life for the American people that they now serve.
He’s the president now, but he’s still Matt. My first crush, my first love. And I know that after Matt, I’ll never want or love another man again
What a wonderful story Commander in Chief turned out to be. I was glad that I bought these two books together. As this was my first exploration into Katy Evan’s work, I was highly impressed and I can tell you I can’t wait to pick up her others books because WOW!!! She blew me away with this couple and their wonderful journey. What great emotion she shows here and what a romance. I honestly couldn’t put these two books down. Seriously I bought them last night. Read the first book all night and the second all this morning. That is how much I loved it, easily read in one sitting and not ones you want to put down for one minute. What was most impressive is seeing these two characters fit the story so perfectly well. I loved seeing them go from seeing them sacrifice and find their way back to each other and still doing what is right for America. Finding their happily ever after, a truly spectacular romance that is guaranteed to make you fall in love like it was the first time.
I’ll give you time to get used to all this, but I want to make it clear that you’re still mine. You never stopped being mine, and you never will
A raw emotionally charged romance that will tug at your heartstrings in the most sensational way imaginable!! A TRUE JEWEL!!
He’s the president now, but he’s still Matt. My first crush, my first love. And I know that after Matt, I’ll never want or love another man again
What a wonderful story Commander in Chief turned out to be. I was glad that I bought these two books together. As this was my first exploration into Katy Evan’s work, I was highly impressed and I can tell you I can’t wait to pick up her others books because WOW!!! She blew me away with this couple and their wonderful journey. What great emotion she shows here and what a romance. I honestly couldn’t put these two books down. Seriously I bought them last night. Read the first book all night and the second all this morning. That is how much I loved it, easily read in one sitting and not ones you want to put down for one minute. What was most impressive is seeing these two characters fit the story so perfectly well. I loved seeing them go from seeing them sacrifice and find their way back to each other and still doing what is right for America. Finding their happily ever after, a truly spectacular romance that is guaranteed to make you fall in love like it was the first time.
I’ll give you time to get used to all this, but I want to make it clear that you’re still mine. You never stopped being mine, and you never will
A raw emotionally charged romance that will tug at your heartstrings in the most sensational way imaginable!! A TRUE JEWEL!!
In Complete Me we have the continuation of this marvelous couple that ties you up in knots in emotion and romance and desire. I do think that this book is probably the one that had me at the edge of my seat the most. There is so much more development to the plot that unravels in the story that just pulls you even more into their story. Our hero, has been accused of murder and has to go to Germany for trial and to clear his name. And Nikki goes to Germany, to support the man she loves even though she knows he doesn’t want her to see what will happen. Seeing these two struggle with the uncertainty of the future, knowing that all the money in the world couldn’t save them from what could happen. This book just about tore me up in two, seeing how much these two love each other and not knowing if they have a future together. There are other forces at work, trying to bring down Damien.
I don’t want you to have to handle it. That’s the horror of my past. But you…you’re the reality of my present. You’re the proof I survived. The prize in the cereal box
It is unknown who the real villain is in the story, and quite frankly I was shocked to find out the real person behind everything. It completley blew me away in this book. We see both Damien and Nikki fight for their lives and the love they have for each other. Nikki is so devoted to Damien, she will stand by him through ANYTHING!! But they are both really tested in this book, in some cruel ways even that neither of them plan on. Even though this couple faces some real tough challenges, I also felt that we see their relationship go to a higher level than we have seen previously.
"At the end of the day, it’s just you and me. We make our own reality, Nikki. And no one can take it from us."
They start to realize how much they truly love each other, and no matter what, their love does make them stronger. Its definitely not an easy lesson for either of them. But seeing them go through fire and brimstone and come out strong and vibrant is simply epic!! Complete me had me tied up in knots, on edge, in suspense but left me feeling satisfied and complete with a bit of a book hangover. A FLAWLESS ROMANCE TO BRING YOU ALL THE FEELS!
I don’t want you to have to handle it. That’s the horror of my past. But you…you’re the reality of my present. You’re the proof I survived. The prize in the cereal box
It is unknown who the real villain is in the story, and quite frankly I was shocked to find out the real person behind everything. It completley blew me away in this book. We see both Damien and Nikki fight for their lives and the love they have for each other. Nikki is so devoted to Damien, she will stand by him through ANYTHING!! But they are both really tested in this book, in some cruel ways even that neither of them plan on. Even though this couple faces some real tough challenges, I also felt that we see their relationship go to a higher level than we have seen previously.
"At the end of the day, it’s just you and me. We make our own reality, Nikki. And no one can take it from us."
They start to realize how much they truly love each other, and no matter what, their love does make them stronger. Its definitely not an easy lesson for either of them. But seeing them go through fire and brimstone and come out strong and vibrant is simply epic!! Complete me had me tied up in knots, on edge, in suspense but left me feeling satisfied and complete with a bit of a book hangover. A FLAWLESS ROMANCE TO BRING YOU ALL THE FEELS!
Complicated is a stand alone novel of Kristen Ashley and I was nervous about this book. I have seen some mixed reviews on this one, so I didn’t know where I would end on the spectrum. I will admit that this book started out very slowly here. But I warmed up very quickly once the story started going for me here. I really fell for both of these characters. The hero is recovering from a bitter divorce, an ex who is acting crazy, children cross in the crosshairs of the drama and a woman he is falling hard for but doesn’t know what to do with his feelings with. There are some complex entanglements involved in play here but once Hix starts fighting back is where this story becomes gold. It takes him a little while to realize what he really wants, but once he does, he doesn’t back down and he won my heart eventually.
I actually got quite a kick out of this book in so many ways. There is SO much drama though so I can see why that aspect won’t appeal to some because his ex wife acts CRAZY. Seriously its women like this that drive me bananas. But I did love seeing how Kristen Ashley wrote this set up because it shows the beauty in opposites and finding love when you least expect it. It was such a solid read in many respects and I found it purely delightful in how this couple fights for what they have. And I also had a blast with Hix’s children and most especially Greta’s brother. Loved the kinship and sense of family shown in this story.
I know that for some readers of Kristen Ashley, this is probably not your favorite novel from her, but I had such a blast with this book. It definitely met my expectations in only KA can do and if you are a KA fan, than this book will win your heart just like it did mine here.
I am a bit sad to see the series concluded now that I have read the last and final book. I have really enjoyed seeing the variety of sets of stories that have been put in place in this series.I found that the first half was alright, didn't exactly completely draw me into the story, but once I got about halfway, that is when it started to really pick up. Despite the slower start, I definitely had fun with this one.
Minerva has always had ambition and has a passion for the political arena. She wants a marriage with a man that has the same desire to make a difference as she does. She knows that her views can be a bit radical, wanting equality for everyone. But her plans get put on hold when she ends up caught in a compromising position that is no fault of her own, and is forced to marry Lord Blakely or face a horrendeous scandal. She has no desire to marry Blake, since all he cares about is sports and horses. He has no intellectual drive that she knows of, and there couldn't be a worse possible match for her. Blake has never been able to read. He had to force his way through his studies, his brain has never been able to make sense of jumbled letters that make no sense. He is the heir to a Dukedom, and he knows his father is always disappointed in him. He has always known that he will have to marry one day, but he has no clue that drunk one night, that he would end up compromising Minnie, and end up having to marry her. A woman he fears of ever learning his secret. But when they go to Paris, passion is awakened, and he starts to believe that their marriage could turn into something special.
My heart just broke for Blake in this story. I was totally on his side through the whole story. He has struggled with a certain mental condition, that was not known of back in the 1800's. With no help, only criticism and censure from his family and peers. I felt like he did a good job with handling tough situations, and even though he could care less about politics, I loved seeing the way he was with Minnie and what he would do for her. Blake loves sports and women, but he is the honorable kind, sensitive to others and can be very reasonable at times. Minnie wasn't my favorite, I mean she was a average heroine, but I didn't find her too likeable. There were some aspects of her characters I did like, but I felt that she was too judgemental at times, and had politics on the brain almost too obsessive I found at times. But overall I did like how she reacts to finding out about Blake's secret. She did have a sweet nature that I really liked.
Overall I did enjoy this story quite a bit, not my favorite of the series, but it was a fun and it had some interesting look on politics back in this era in England. I liked how this author also put a mental condition into one of the characters that added a certain conflict to the story, that made me like it even more. It was also a fun setting from Paris to London, and seeing this couple interact and see how right they are for each other. Both are clever, just in different areas and I enjoyed seeing how well they complimented each other. A sweet and romantic story that is very moving!! LOVED IT!
Minerva has always had ambition and has a passion for the political arena. She wants a marriage with a man that has the same desire to make a difference as she does. She knows that her views can be a bit radical, wanting equality for everyone. But her plans get put on hold when she ends up caught in a compromising position that is no fault of her own, and is forced to marry Lord Blakely or face a horrendeous scandal. She has no desire to marry Blake, since all he cares about is sports and horses. He has no intellectual drive that she knows of, and there couldn't be a worse possible match for her. Blake has never been able to read. He had to force his way through his studies, his brain has never been able to make sense of jumbled letters that make no sense. He is the heir to a Dukedom, and he knows his father is always disappointed in him. He has always known that he will have to marry one day, but he has no clue that drunk one night, that he would end up compromising Minnie, and end up having to marry her. A woman he fears of ever learning his secret. But when they go to Paris, passion is awakened, and he starts to believe that their marriage could turn into something special.
My heart just broke for Blake in this story. I was totally on his side through the whole story. He has struggled with a certain mental condition, that was not known of back in the 1800's. With no help, only criticism and censure from his family and peers. I felt like he did a good job with handling tough situations, and even though he could care less about politics, I loved seeing the way he was with Minnie and what he would do for her. Blake loves sports and women, but he is the honorable kind, sensitive to others and can be very reasonable at times. Minnie wasn't my favorite, I mean she was a average heroine, but I didn't find her too likeable. There were some aspects of her characters I did like, but I felt that she was too judgemental at times, and had politics on the brain almost too obsessive I found at times. But overall I did like how she reacts to finding out about Blake's secret. She did have a sweet nature that I really liked.
Overall I did enjoy this story quite a bit, not my favorite of the series, but it was a fun and it had some interesting look on politics back in this era in England. I liked how this author also put a mental condition into one of the characters that added a certain conflict to the story, that made me like it even more. It was also a fun setting from Paris to London, and seeing this couple interact and see how right they are for each other. Both are clever, just in different areas and I enjoyed seeing how well they complimented each other. A sweet and romantic story that is very moving!! LOVED IT!
Griffin Steele, is one of the most notorious men in London, and suddenly has been left with a abandoned baby on his doorstep. The last thing he needs is a fussy infant, so a friend and mentor, sends him a woman to nanny the baby until his parents can be found and returned to them. Justine may live in the countryside but her childhood was anything but boring. Her father being a spy and her uncle a viscount, she is tougher than she seems. When she comes to London, to take care of a infant next door to a brothel, she has her work cut out for her, and the owner Griffin who is overwhelming to the extreme but takes her breath away with his smoldering gaze. Circumstances lead these two to closer together, being forced to protect this baby at all costs, and then the sexual tension rises between them and if Griffin wants a future with the only woman he could trust with his secrets, he will have to share everything of himself and prove to her of his genuine feelings for her or he may lose her forever.
Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom is the second book in the series and the first book I have read from this author. I was given a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review. Especially lately I have heard a variety of mixed reviews when it comes to Vanessa Kelly, but I have to say after reading this title, she has just been put on my radar list. I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy this one, but I found myself captivated by this story the moment I started reading it. One of my favorite aspects of this story was the suspense and intrigue side of it. It wasn't a simple regency romance, and even the characters weren't your normal characters you would see in this sub genre. I did find myself fascinated with these characters though. They just clicked instantly, and even though at first they have this teasing flirtation going on, you sense there is something even more deeper developing even from the beginning. The heroine did bother me a little in the beginner, I felt she was a bit too whiny, she complained quite a bit. But she grew on me and I found her very likable especially at the end. The hero was very fun to watch, and he is a scoundrel and I enjoyed his secretive nature, made him more unpredictable and even more sexy.
Such a riveting tale of twists and turns, mysteries and passions, and a tale of two who need each other more than either realize. A unique story that will set your heart racing and see that emotions go into a tail spin!! A romance that pulls the reader in with a stimulating writing style. INTRICATELY SENSUAL!!!
Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom is the second book in the series and the first book I have read from this author. I was given a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review. Especially lately I have heard a variety of mixed reviews when it comes to Vanessa Kelly, but I have to say after reading this title, she has just been put on my radar list. I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy this one, but I found myself captivated by this story the moment I started reading it. One of my favorite aspects of this story was the suspense and intrigue side of it. It wasn't a simple regency romance, and even the characters weren't your normal characters you would see in this sub genre. I did find myself fascinated with these characters though. They just clicked instantly, and even though at first they have this teasing flirtation going on, you sense there is something even more deeper developing even from the beginning. The heroine did bother me a little in the beginner, I felt she was a bit too whiny, she complained quite a bit. But she grew on me and I found her very likable especially at the end. The hero was very fun to watch, and he is a scoundrel and I enjoyed his secretive nature, made him more unpredictable and even more sexy.
Such a riveting tale of twists and turns, mysteries and passions, and a tale of two who need each other more than either realize. A unique story that will set your heart racing and see that emotions go into a tail spin!! A romance that pulls the reader in with a stimulating writing style. INTRICATELY SENSUAL!!!
Brandon St John, is one of out five siblings, and as much as he despises it so, he is in possession of the Talisman Ring. Which is quite a legend within his family and has been passed down the generations. Although he refuses to believe in such a legend, which says that whoever is in possession of it shall find true love. Brandon is not eager to find love, settle down or have kids. He is more than ever content as he is. His younger brother Chase, has just bought a special license and Brandon and his other brothers and brother n law endeavor to stop this marriage, believing the one Chase wants to marry is a golddigger. So Brandon goes over to pay a visit to Lady Verena Westforth. Verena, having been alone for four years since her husband passed away, is quite amused by the visit of Brandon. Tempers exchange, since they have both strong personalities. Verena considering Chase no more than a good friend, is outraged that his brother would try to buy her off to never see him again. Verena wanting to play a trick on Brandon and to teach him a lesson, takes his five thousand pound note and comes up with a plan to teach the arrogant St John a lesson or two. With Verena's brother in town and visiting and knowing that he is being blackmailed, Verena was tempted a little to cash it in, but knowing she can find another way to help her brother comes up with a way to trick Brandon. Brandon when finding out the truth from his brother, that she hadn't accepted his proposal was amused by Verena's hairbrained plot. He finds her enchanting, and like no other woman he has ever encountered. When his close friends come to him with a dangerous plot that could endanger many lives, he decides to help him out. Apparently there is this important list and he believes is in Verena's possession and he must find it or those after it that are very dangerous, will kill many to get it. Thus Verena and Brandon are thrown in together in a dangerous plot that could destroy everything that they love, and they both have much risk. But even though they work together there is also a rising desire that is quite explosive between the two of them.
I found that this was quite an amusing, yet intense story, one I thoroughly enjoyed. I found I just fell in love with all characters both main and sub. I found myself either laughing my head off or feel so tense from the suspense of the story. This plot is filled with danger, a mystery that needs to be solved, passion, and a love that will entrance you. I love reading Karen Hawkins, all of her books I have loved reading. This is one that I haven't read and definitely was one of my favorites of hers. But with all her books, I know I will be drawn into a good plot that will be filled with wit, romance, and an exciting story line with a mystery that keeps you surprised and amused. I know this one was filled with all these aspects and I am definitely glad I picked it up. You can never go wrong with Karen Hawkins.
I found that this was quite an amusing, yet intense story, one I thoroughly enjoyed. I found I just fell in love with all characters both main and sub. I found myself either laughing my head off or feel so tense from the suspense of the story. This plot is filled with danger, a mystery that needs to be solved, passion, and a love that will entrance you. I love reading Karen Hawkins, all of her books I have loved reading. This is one that I haven't read and definitely was one of my favorites of hers. But with all her books, I know I will be drawn into a good plot that will be filled with wit, romance, and an exciting story line with a mystery that keeps you surprised and amused. I know this one was filled with all these aspects and I am definitely glad I picked it up. You can never go wrong with Karen Hawkins.
Serena left England six years ago, after the man she fell in love with broke her heart. But on her voyage home to the West Indies, her sister, Meg, falls into the turbulent waves, lost. Now Serena six years later, has no choice but to return to England, to pose as her sister "Meg" and to marry someone she doesn't even love, and to live a life she knows she won't be fully happy with. However she has her mother and her sisters welfare to think about. When she reaches England, she comes face to face with the one man that hurt her, Jonathan, the Earl of Stratford. Now she is facing a big dilemma, she is engaged to Will, who has no idea of her real identity, and one she must keep secret from, and deal with all the emotions that come swirling back with Jonathan back in her life. Serena has no idea how she is suppose to pull it off, but will she make the right choice that could benefit all parties involved? Or choose a path that would only destroy her?Confessions Of An Improper Bride is the first book in the Donovan Sisters series. I have come to just love Jennifer Haymore's books. I just jumped right into this one, knowing that it was more than likely that I would enjoy it. I found that I truly enjoyed this one, there were so many aspects of the story that were fun and kept me engaged and involved in the story. I just loved how Haymore just reel's you in, and keeps you satisfied with this complex plot, and strong characters. Jonathan is a very deep character, at first you wonder if you will really like him, but I was so on his side all the way. You can see his dedication and love he has for Serena, and the way the author portrays the feelings felt by these characters are heart wrenching. I definitely felt like this story was a very sensual and engaging romantic tale!! A Lovely Story That Will Make You Fall In Love Again!!
Rolfe, a conquerer and a barbarian is ordered to take the Lady Alice as his wife and be the ruler over Castle Aelfgar, by his king. But when he first comes to the Castle Aelfgar he is stunned by Ceirdre, Alice's step sisters. With her beauty alone, is temptation enough for him, and refuses to give this beauty that he has found, up just because he knows he needs to marry her sister. But as time draws even nearer to the wedding, he starts to realize how much he is beginning to care for her, and how much he loves her and that he would risk betraying his own king to have her in his life and keep her for all time...The Conquerer is the first in the de Warenne series that is written by Brenda Joyce. At first the story starts out with the bonding between the two, Rolfe and Ceirdre is purely of a sexual nature, but as passion inflames them, there is a tender and powerful love that slowly builds throughout the whole story. The characters are deeply portrayed and teh story plot is engaging. I truly enjoyed reading this book, it was filled with so many aspects that I enjoy when reading Medieval romances, and seemed very vivid in detail. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series, as I have truly enjoyed reading each and everyone of Brenda Joyce's novels, may they only get better!!! A truly remarkable read!!!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Jennet Graeme has always known war and death. She has come to a nunnery for sanctuary and safety from the border wars between the English and the Scots. But when the one sacred refuge is barged into and she is taken captive as "Plunder" she is drawn back into the war that she fought to get away from. Jennet lost her mother when she was a girl, after seeing her mother raped and murdered by Scots. Then her father was killed or she thinks he was killed at Perth. Now she is being held by Sir Hacon Gillard, a Knight for the Scots. At first Jennet views Hacon as many of the other soldiers...ruthless and out to kill anyone in his path. But she soon realizes that Hacon is unlike most soldiers she has ever met. That he has honor and is only fighting because he is fighting to get back his land that was taken from his family unjustly years ago. Jennet is forced alongside with Hacon, tending the injured and fighting the desire she feels for Hacon, a desire she wants but at the same time despises. Jennet and Hacon realize how explosive they are together, and will fight for each other no matter the cost.
Conqueror's Kiss is a single title by Howell. Each time I read this author, I always become impressed with her work. This story was republished over the last month, so when I saw this available I just had to grab it up. Because Howell writes historical romance the way I love it to be written. Deeply heart wrenching and emotional with realistic historical fact. In this story, we get taken back to the battles between Robert the Bruce and the King of England---I believe its King Edward...but don't quote me on that hehe. This is where we get drawn into history, in a time of struggle, death and hardship. This story really reminded me how grateful I am to be born in this century, because man what these people went through is heartwrenching and Hannah Howell brings those tender emotions to the surface.
At first Hacon seems to be your typical historical alpha male, and in some ways he is very alpha. But in others, not so much. He is honorable and steadfast, and passionate. But he is also kind-hearted and merciful. When he spots Jennet, she reminds him of home and peace and so he grabs her, which probably saved her life. Then he takes her back to where he and his men make camp. Now I have a soft spot for his men, but most especially for his nephew. His nephew is very much like Hacon in many ways. He is 17, wants to be a noble knight, but is kind too even with all the fighting go around. There is this moment, in the beginning, that won me over to him in a heartbeat. A teenager really, who risked his life to save innocents. You can't get more knightly than that right? We see many learning curves for many of the character in this story. We also see what war back in this century was really like, and it wasn't pleasant at all. Jennet is very wise and cunning, and I couldn't help but get attached to her. She is outspoken, and in certain moments, probably too much considering the circumstances she is surrounded by.
The romance between these two is quite unique and I couldn't get enough of these two and seeing them working through stumbling blocks to finding their HEA---which was quite a battle in and of itself. Hacon and Jennet have to work through many issues, but we see how they build trust and love (even if they don't admit it when they should). But both of them are distracted by other matters, so it makes sense. They have instant chemistry, they both feel desire from when they first meet. But its a slow burning that builds and it takes a while before these two make love for the first time. Which was very good of Howell to format their connection in this way. I grew to like her style in this because it had Jennet making the moves when they first become intimate. So we see how its real desire she feels. Of course, this happens over months of time. Then when Hacon finally gets his family's land back, they reunite with both of their families. And they get a respite until more drama happens and they are forced to once again fight for each other.
From beginning to end this story won my heart and I fell in love with every aspect of the story. The characters, the plot, the emotion and the circumstances and the historic detail that this wonderful author weaves for her readers.
I really couldn't get enough of this narrator. She was simply fabulous and I can't wait to listen to more of her work. One thing I tend to be picky about is accents, especially when dealing with the Scots. Because the further you go in history, the more harder they can be for some to understand. But wow, she really did them so well and it almost felt like I was in Scotland in the 1300's. She simply made the story come to life with every moment.
There are multiple covers to this book, but I love the most recent one the best!!! It portrays the story so well and I love everything about it. From the gorgeous background to the pose, to the male specimen who definitely has some gorgeous manly meat going on!!
Conqueror's Kiss is a splendid read that reaffirmed why I love historical romance so much! It's packed with passion, history, vivid emotion and a truly remarkable love story that you will want to read again. I know I do!!! WELL DONE!!
Summary
Jennet Graeme has always known war and death. She has come to a nunnery for sanctuary and safety from the border wars between the English and the Scots. But when the one sacred refuge is barged into and she is taken captive as "Plunder" she is drawn back into the war that she fought to get away from. Jennet lost her mother when she was a girl, after seeing her mother raped and murdered by Scots. Then her father was killed or she thinks he was killed at Perth. Now she is being held by Sir Hacon Gillard, a Knight for the Scots. At first Jennet views Hacon as many of the other soldiers...ruthless and out to kill anyone in his path. But she soon realizes that Hacon is unlike most soldiers she has ever met. That he has honor and is only fighting because he is fighting to get back his land that was taken from his family unjustly years ago. Jennet is forced alongside with Hacon, tending the injured and fighting the desire she feels for Hacon, a desire she wants but at the same time despises. Jennet and Hacon realize how explosive they are together, and will fight for each other no matter the cost.
Plot and Story Line
Conqueror's Kiss is a single title by Howell. Each time I read this author, I always become impressed with her work. This story was republished over the last month, so when I saw this available I just had to grab it up. Because Howell writes historical romance the way I love it to be written. Deeply heart wrenching and emotional with realistic historical fact. In this story, we get taken back to the battles between Robert the Bruce and the King of England---I believe its King Edward...but don't quote me on that hehe. This is where we get drawn into history, in a time of struggle, death and hardship. This story really reminded me how grateful I am to be born in this century, because man what these people went through is heartwrenching and Hannah Howell brings those tender emotions to the surface.
At first Hacon seems to be your typical historical alpha male, and in some ways he is very alpha. But in others, not so much. He is honorable and steadfast, and passionate. But he is also kind-hearted and merciful. When he spots Jennet, she reminds him of home and peace and so he grabs her, which probably saved her life. Then he takes her back to where he and his men make camp. Now I have a soft spot for his men, but most especially for his nephew. His nephew is very much like Hacon in many ways. He is 17, wants to be a noble knight, but is kind too even with all the fighting go around. There is this moment, in the beginning, that won me over to him in a heartbeat. A teenager really, who risked his life to save innocents. You can't get more knightly than that right? We see many learning curves for many of the character in this story. We also see what war back in this century was really like, and it wasn't pleasant at all. Jennet is very wise and cunning, and I couldn't help but get attached to her. She is outspoken, and in certain moments, probably too much considering the circumstances she is surrounded by.
The romance between these two is quite unique and I couldn't get enough of these two and seeing them working through stumbling blocks to finding their HEA---which was quite a battle in and of itself. Hacon and Jennet have to work through many issues, but we see how they build trust and love (even if they don't admit it when they should). But both of them are distracted by other matters, so it makes sense. They have instant chemistry, they both feel desire from when they first meet. But its a slow burning that builds and it takes a while before these two make love for the first time. Which was very good of Howell to format their connection in this way. I grew to like her style in this because it had Jennet making the moves when they first become intimate. So we see how its real desire she feels. Of course, this happens over months of time. Then when Hacon finally gets his family's land back, they reunite with both of their families. And they get a respite until more drama happens and they are forced to once again fight for each other.
From beginning to end this story won my heart and I fell in love with every aspect of the story. The characters, the plot, the emotion and the circumstances and the historic detail that this wonderful author weaves for her readers.
The Narration
I really couldn't get enough of this narrator. She was simply fabulous and I can't wait to listen to more of her work. One thing I tend to be picky about is accents, especially when dealing with the Scots. Because the further you go in history, the more harder they can be for some to understand. But wow, she really did them so well and it almost felt like I was in Scotland in the 1300's. She simply made the story come to life with every moment.
The Cover
There are multiple covers to this book, but I love the most recent one the best!!! It portrays the story so well and I love everything about it. From the gorgeous background to the pose, to the male specimen who definitely has some gorgeous manly meat going on!!
Overall View
Conqueror's Kiss is a splendid read that reaffirmed why I love historical romance so much! It's packed with passion, history, vivid emotion and a truly remarkable love story that you will want to read again. I know I do!!! WELL DONE!!