Helpful Score: 3
Scottish borderlands 1127. Great historical romance, heavy on the history.
Helpful Score: 2
If I am going to read a Romance novel I like a female character who can wield a sword!!! A very light, but fun read.
Helpful Score: 2
Prolific historical romance author Drake's (The King's Pleasure) hardcover debut is a swashbuckling tale of warring factions in 12th-century Scotland. It chronicles the coming-of-age of a young nobleman whose feats of bravery earn him a royal but troublesome marriage. During a borderland battle, 13-year-old Waryk de Graham uses his father's sword to impale the last standing enemy, a Norman lord, as his father and uncle lie dead. Scottish King David has seen the act, and assumes guardianship of the robust boy. Ten years later it is 1137 A.D., the English monarchy is in chaos and Scotland is wary of attack from the Vikings and Normans. The king summons Lady Mellyora MacAdin of Blue Isle, whose father has recently died, to the Scottish royal seat of Stirling. In a strategic move to keep the Viking island secure for his kingdom, he has arranged for Mellyora to marry Sir Waryk , now his most respected warrior knight. She defiantly objects to the marriage, since she is already in love; while Waryk is equally dismayed, having been poised to wed his beautiful mistress. The narrative follows the war of wills between calmly intelligent, war-scarred Waryk, who accepts the king's command, and wily, irate Mellyora, who is trained in swordsmanship and repeatedly tries to escape to her utopian Blue Isle. Waryk is faster, but his expertise in outwitting the enemy is tested by this Viking sprite. Drake's characters are richly detailed; their romantic interplay is set among the vividly rendered skirmishes and treachery of medieval Scotland.
Helpful Score: 1
Young Waryk, Laird Lions fierce battle skills and fearlessness bring him to the Scottish King Davids attention. He becomes one of Davids most trusted and powerful knights. When an old Viking and a friend of Davids dies it is the kings plan to wed the Vikings daughter to Waryk.
As bold, daring and courageous as her ancestors, Mellyora refuses to obey the kings command and wed an old, decrepit Norman. She vows to escape and maintain her freedom and control her land.
Unbeknownst to both Mellyora and Waryk, a chance meeting along a forest stream sets the stage for their tempestuous relationship when Waryk attempts to delay Mellyora. It is a pattern that will continue for years to come.
Mellyora is a rare, headstrong beauty made famous in song; a prize that others, like the vengeful Ulric want to snatch away.
Like a pawn in a chess game, Mellyora is caught between the king, Ulric and Waryk, yet as a woman of courage and intelligence shell fight for her freedom as hard or harder than the men who seek to control her. The battle of wills is set against the backdrop of Scotlands fight for freedom.
As bold, daring and courageous as her ancestors, Mellyora refuses to obey the kings command and wed an old, decrepit Norman. She vows to escape and maintain her freedom and control her land.
Unbeknownst to both Mellyora and Waryk, a chance meeting along a forest stream sets the stage for their tempestuous relationship when Waryk attempts to delay Mellyora. It is a pattern that will continue for years to come.
Mellyora is a rare, headstrong beauty made famous in song; a prize that others, like the vengeful Ulric want to snatch away.
Like a pawn in a chess game, Mellyora is caught between the king, Ulric and Waryk, yet as a woman of courage and intelligence shell fight for her freedom as hard or harder than the men who seek to control her. The battle of wills is set against the backdrop of Scotlands fight for freedom.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is much better then expected. It is well written, and keeps you guessing until the very end.
