laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Desire
3.5 Stars
One of Quick's rare romances set in medieval times, which comes across as a more politically correct version of Kathleen E. Woodwiss's The Wolf and the Dove.
Although the romance is entertaining and the minor suspense plot has its moments, the characterization and dialogue are too anachronistic to be believable. To begin with, the idea that Lady Clare would be allowed a say in choosing her husband is completely unrealistic as the women of the time were considered nothing more than breeding mares, and the fact that warlords like Gareth and his rival play along is utterly ridiculous.
That said, Quick's storytelling is excellent as always and one cannot help turning the pages despite the problematic elements. Gareth and Clare are charming characters and their romance is sexy and lighthearted.
The murder mystery is smoothly interwoven within the storyline although the villain is rather obvious.
All in all, a fun read but Quick's characters are much more suited to Regency and Victorian periods.
3.5 Stars
One of Quick's rare romances set in medieval times, which comes across as a more politically correct version of Kathleen E. Woodwiss's The Wolf and the Dove.
Although the romance is entertaining and the minor suspense plot has its moments, the characterization and dialogue are too anachronistic to be believable. To begin with, the idea that Lady Clare would be allowed a say in choosing her husband is completely unrealistic as the women of the time were considered nothing more than breeding mares, and the fact that warlords like Gareth and his rival play along is utterly ridiculous.
That said, Quick's storytelling is excellent as always and one cannot help turning the pages despite the problematic elements. Gareth and Clare are charming characters and their romance is sexy and lighthearted.
The murder mystery is smoothly interwoven within the storyline although the villain is rather obvious.
All in all, a fun read but Quick's characters are much more suited to Regency and Victorian periods.
onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and Kidnapping
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Surprisingly unproblematic for its time. Is it enthusiastic verbal consent at all times? No. Is it a bodice ripper? Definitely not. Clare and Gareth had great chemistry and this was way funnier and sweeter than I expected!!
The vibe is much more A Knightâs Tale or Princess Bride - as in the characters act in a pretty modern way for it to be the 1100s, but I was cool with that. A pleasantly surprising Hissy RoNo from the 90s! I especially enjoyed how headstrong and independent Clare was as well as the running jokes about their wedding night. I liked how Gareth was more than he appeared and also how Clare and Gareth grew to respect each other and eventually fall in love. I also thought the commentary on virginity was quite refreshing.
The vibe is much more A Knightâs Tale or Princess Bride - as in the characters act in a pretty modern way for it to be the 1100s, but I was cool with that. A pleasantly surprising Hissy RoNo from the 90s! I especially enjoyed how headstrong and independent Clare was as well as the running jokes about their wedding night. I liked how Gareth was more than he appeared and also how Clare and Gareth grew to respect each other and eventually fall in love. I also thought the commentary on virginity was quite refreshing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Abandonment
Anti-fatness (several comments as to the health/body size of a young boy)spirit_animal_margaret_hale's review against another edition
4.0
Haven't had a book make me lol in a long, long time...the morning after the wedding night with the chicken blood "accident" was hilarious. This is what I was hoping Lyndsay Sands books would be, but sadly were too ott for my taste. Loved this more than I thought I would, but it is a bit of a slow burn start.
thunguyen's review against another edition
3.0
Re-reading 2023
Decided to re-read this one as I was craving for some Medieval settings and I remember this one has some good details on perfume making, from workshop to market fair, I much prefer those aspects of Medieval life rather than a princess-in-the-tower setting. The story is light, fun, easy, a mixture of everything, an Amanda Quick classic that has become my go-to whenever I need a quick read.
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This is the first Amanda Quick's Medieval theme book that I read. Although I like the story enough, the historical aspect didn't convince me or awe me, it is after all a very quick read. The mystery/murder mystery aspect was there but only entertained a few pages, nevertheless, the book is fast paced and offers a few action scenes. There's a touch of comedy in this too.
Decided to re-read this one as I was craving for some Medieval settings and I remember this one has some good details on perfume making, from workshop to market fair, I much prefer those aspects of Medieval life rather than a princess-in-the-tower setting. The story is light, fun, easy, a mixture of everything, an Amanda Quick classic that has become my go-to whenever I need a quick read.
-----------
This is the first Amanda Quick's Medieval theme book that I read. Although I like the story enough, the historical aspect didn't convince me or awe me, it is after all a very quick read. The mystery/murder mystery aspect was there but only entertained a few pages, nevertheless, the book is fast paced and offers a few action scenes. There's a touch of comedy in this too.
rockchick's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, witty, sensual, a delightful HR.
Strong, intelligent heroine.
Strong, intelligent heroine.
kblackmon's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I like the medieval setting but I'm getting tired of lord and ladies. This was fluffy and I feel like the non-romantic plot took too long to arrive.
margarks's review against another edition
3.0
A familiar historical romance formula in which the female character is forced to marry to save her lands. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. It had a bit of a taming of the shrew feel to it, one of my favorite shakespeare stories (along with much ado about nothing).
All in all an enjoyable read.
All in all an enjoyable read.
emilyleia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
emilyhei's review against another edition
3.0
Lady Clare has always been independent, now that her father has passed and an unfortunate event of kidnapping from her neighbor who tried to force her into marriage, she has decided to seek help by requesting four suitors of marriage from the lord that owns her lands. Much to her disappointment she ends up with one suitor, who has no intention of leaving.
Sir Gareth of Wyckmere also known as the Hellhound of Wyckmere, has a reputation for bieng brutal when it comes to war. Upon meeting Lady Clare, who tries to send him on his way, he knows he has just met his strongest opponent yet but he aims to win this battle as the fiery tempered beauty who continues to surprise him.
Gave this a 3.75, really good but the end was a little over the top. Lady Clare is a fierce heroine who is headstrong and the chemistry between the two lights up the pages.
Sir Gareth of Wyckmere also known as the Hellhound of Wyckmere, has a reputation for bieng brutal when it comes to war. Upon meeting Lady Clare, who tries to send him on his way, he knows he has just met his strongest opponent yet but he aims to win this battle as the fiery tempered beauty who continues to surprise him.
Gave this a 3.75, really good but the end was a little over the top. Lady Clare is a fierce heroine who is headstrong and the chemistry between the two lights up the pages.