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Title: The Rose and the Shield by Sara Bennett ISBN: 0-06-000270-0 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 September, 2002 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.8 (5 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Crisp writing, passionate and visual
Comment: Setting England - 1072 ----- In this sequel to THE LILY AND THE SWORD, Lord Radulf has intercepted a missive from one of his vassals asking for assistance from one of his enemies. In order to determine if the widow Lady Rose of Somerford has turned traitor to him, he sends one of his mercenaries, Gunnar Olafson and his men to see if what he fears is true. If Gunnar can prove that Radulf's beloved wife Lily's protégé has turned against him, then Somerford manor would be given to him once he regains control.
Rose, a product of her time, knows she has been a bargaining chip and although she was shown kindness from her elderly and now deceased husband, she did not trust her heart to any of the male species. She would do whatever was necessary to keep control of and the care of her people. Sir Arno, her knight whom she thought loyal, convinced her, that if she asked Radulf for help he would think her incompetent and take the control of Somerford out of her hands. Gunnar, riding up and seeing a great looking harvest in the fields was thinking only that once the traitor, Lady Rose was ousted, this fertile demense would be his. However, when Rose and Gunnar meet their attraction to one another is mutually fierce and disturbing. He to think he was attracted to a traitor, and she to a mercenary; though both attribute it to lust neither wanted to trust their feelings or each other.
THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD is an exciting historical romance sequel set during the reign of William the Conqueror after the Norman's landed. Being a female in those tumultuous times, the thought of a loving and caring relationship would be but a dream, with your value being determined solely upon political alliances. Knowing that a mercenary warred for coin, Rose fought her attraction as much as she could. Gunnar, raised in a home of love and devotion and once he realized Rose was innocent of treachery, prayed that she would learn to trust both him and her feelings. Unfortunately, her independence was for me, just a little too rigid when she should have been able to see past his profession especially after such a sensual and thoroughly satisfying tryst; to still doubt him, was a little hard to swallow. This was still a good and satisfying read for lovers of this historical period and well worth your time. The writing is crisp, passionate, and quite visual so I am looking forward to the next sequel.
Rating: 4
Summary: Sparks Fly!
Comment: ...high praise to THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD!
Lady Rose is a fiercely independent woman who has striven to retain control of her lands in a male-dominated arena. Reluctant to approach her liege lord, Lord Radulf (from THE LILY AND THE SWORD) for help she instead hires Gunnar Olafson (son of Olaf and Gundren from THE LILY AND THE SWORD) and his band of mercenaries to protect Somerford Manor against raiders believe to be merefolk by her peopel. Unbeknownst to her, he is hired to spy on Lady Rose and expose her for treason. His reward will be Somerford Manor for himself.
Upon first meeting Gunnar and Rose are attracted to each other. Gunnar is a hero to swoon over. Large in size and handsome in face he is frequently surrounded by ogling women. Described most vividly by Ms. Bennett, he is a Viking with blue eyes like the ocean, and long reddish hair. Rose finds herself under his sensual spell. He is not immune to her charms either. Gunnar initially doubts Rose's innocence, and sees her as a conniving woman in cahoots with her knight. He soon realizes this is not the case, and Rose has ably handled the administration of her lands and people.
The physical chemistry between these two characters sparks from the beginning. As the story progresses the love for each other matches their passion.
Ms. Bennett does a wonderful job providing a passionate romance in 1072 England and stays consistent in this second book and follow up of THE LILY AND THE SWORD.
Watch for more wonderful stories from Ms. Bennett in 2003. Ivo de Vessey's story will be called ONCE HE LOVES and released in April '03.
Rating: 3
Summary: Good leads and story, but too slow to start, too abrupt end
Comment: 3 1/2 stars. I have to disgree with other reviews in that I did not find this a fast paced read. I found the beginning quite slow and was tempted to skip ahead - something I rarely do.
While Gunnar (oooh, yum!) and Rose are both engaging and likable characters, I was frustrated by how long it took for them to even have a one-on-one private conversation, let alone anything more romantic! Once they do get together passion swirls and the pace picks up, but then the end seems too quick and abrupt for my taste. It seemed like we went from distrust to love in, like two pages!
The story itself is good, if familiar (see Lady of Valor by Tina St John). Widow and Lady of the Manor trying to keep what's hers hires mercenaries not realizing that they come from her overlord, Radulf, who suspects her of treason. Rose does not go to her overlord for help because she is afraid of appearing weak. Responsibility and duty weight heavily on Rose and in those solitary moments at her solar window, she longs for someone to share her burdens.
Gunnar Olafson is the son of Radulf's armourer and is tired of the mercenary life. He wants land and a home he can call his own, and if Rose is found to be a traitor, Radulf will reward him with Somerford Manor. And so, these two have to decide whether they can trust one another, all the while they are attracted to each other. While sharing a bed, they refuse to share their innermost thoughts and certainly not their hearts. But when the true threat to Somerford is revealed, they have no choice but to trust one another to survive.
This is the second book from this author and while I enjoyed both, I prefer "Lily and the Sword" to this one. Looks like Ms Bennett has another book due out soon (she certainly cranks them out quick) and I will likely also check that one (Once He Loves) out as well.
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Title: Beloved Highlander by Sara Bennett ISBN: 0060519711 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 30 September, 2003 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: Taming the Scotsman (The MacAllisters) by Kinley MacGregor ISBN: 0380817918 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 September, 2003 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: The Laird of Stonehaven by Connie Mason ISBN: 0843952326 Publisher: Dorchester Pub Co Pub. Date: September, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor ISBN: 0060565411 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 27 April, 2004 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: Dance With The Devil: A Dark-Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon ISBN: 0312984839 Publisher: St. Martin's Press Pub. Date: 07 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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