This is one of the best medieval romances I have ever read. Absolutely wonderful. It grabs you from the first page. I kept re-read a lot of sentences because it was that delicious. I finished the book much longer that usual because I just want to savor every moment.
It's heart warming to see the heroine thought the black lion was beautiful while in fact others thought him repulsive. It's also so nice to see the hero change from a rough man who raped his wife to such a loving, faithful husband.
I hate to see the book end. Highly recommended.
This medieval romance by my favorite author, Jude Deveraux is one of my favorites. It is the story of the Black Lyon who is a stern English soldier and the lovely young , naive girl he marries. This love story with all its twists and turns will keep you interested from cover to cover. It has a mix of all the ingredients needed for a great book, love,jealousy, hate and intrigue.
Loved it- it was my kind of thing, fast moving, strong characters, alpha male, passionate love, jealousy that tears them apart, a perfect match. It drew my in immediately from their first meeting. Ranulf, the Black Lyon, named for his fierce look and black features, is a feared warrior and English Earl that never smiles or laughs. Lyonene (perfect name for his lioness) is just as strong. She is a baron's daughter, even though she has been protected and sheltered by her family she is happy, daring and fearless AND she makes the Lyon laugh. There love story in the beginning is so sweet. I love how Lyonene's mother plots to bring them together as she recognizes the strong character and honor of the Black Lyon hidden behind his gruff exterior as the perfect match for her wild and free daughter. Their attraction is so strong that Lyonene throws herself at the Lyon and he fights her off to protect her virtue. They are betrothed after two days even though she is below his station- he wants her. Then the Lyon leaves for 3 weeks and thinks too much which causes too much trouble. She anxiously waits everyday dreaming about him, their wedding, and future and he returns a different person. He treats her horrible and shows her no love or tenderness in his return all because of remembering his previous marriage that broke and hardened his heart. His jealousy is over the top and because of a set up by a jealous previous suitor of Lyonene he is brutal to her and wants no love from her. She fights him every step of the way, never backing down even though she fears him. I love how she fights to find the love and connection they had when they first met especially with all obstacles put between them. It really is a beautiful love story.
I wasn't to sure about starting this series because I have seen some bad reviews (there is a scene where he slaps her- it didn't put me off), but yet it was recommended on an Amazon Discussion as favorite books with alphas and hero jealousy. I am glad I took the leap and look forward to reading the next book in the Montgomery series.
This is one of my all time favorite books. I've read and reread it many times over the last 18 years. I highly recommend it.
