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booksarebetter's review
3.0
I'm not in the mood for historical romance apparently. The writing was good but I wasn't feeling invested in the story. I'll try again later in 2020, but what I did read I liked. A solid 3
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
5.0
Lady Serena of Talisand has already lost so much. She lost her father to war. She lost her brother when he left to join the rebellion. She lost the only place she’s ever called home, Talisand, when King William gave the land and her hand in marriage to one of his knights Renaud de Pierrepont “The Red Wolf”. The only recourse that will allow her to have some independence is to escape before “The Red Wolf” arrives. However, Serena doesn’t realize that escaping from her destiny is going to much harder than she ever imagined.
Lady Serena is loyal, loving, independent, fearless, and determined to protect the people of Talisand from “The Red Wolf”. I loved her character, and I immediately became vested in her happiness. She was more concerned about others than herself. She didn’t consider herself above the people, and she wasn’t afraid to work and/or walk among them. “The Red Wolf” was not what Serena feared. He was loyal, caring, humble, and fierce in battle. He dealt with Serena in a very sympathetic but firm manner. He was wise in the way he handled King William, but he protected his wife and their people from harm. I loved him as a hero in this story. He had a difficult job, but he readily accepted his lot and made the best of it. The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts. It was definitely a passionate union.
The storyline kept me engaged and entertained. I followed every twist and turn in the plot with great interest. I cheered Serena on as she blended in with the other women and spurned “The Red Wolf’s” advances. I felt her trepidation when it was obvious that there was no way to get away from “The Red Wolf”. I felt conflicted as Serena fell more in love with her husband and sought to protect the interests of her family and the people of Talisand. I literally held my breath as I read the battlefield scene. Each time “The Red Wolf” showed himself to be the consummate gentleman and warrior. The secondary characters also won my heart. I can’t wait to read their stories.
I love Regan Walker’s work. She is author in a class by herself. She goes to great length to remain true to the medieval period an even includes actual historical information. She goes into even more detail at the conclusion of the novel. I’m not a history lover, but Walker’s weaving of history leaves the reader panting for more. Her character development is unparalleled. I enjoyed every aspect of this book, and I hope that the remaining stories are of the same superior quality as this one.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
Lady Serena is loyal, loving, independent, fearless, and determined to protect the people of Talisand from “The Red Wolf”. I loved her character, and I immediately became vested in her happiness. She was more concerned about others than herself. She didn’t consider herself above the people, and she wasn’t afraid to work and/or walk among them. “The Red Wolf” was not what Serena feared. He was loyal, caring, humble, and fierce in battle. He dealt with Serena in a very sympathetic but firm manner. He was wise in the way he handled King William, but he protected his wife and their people from harm. I loved him as a hero in this story. He had a difficult job, but he readily accepted his lot and made the best of it. The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts. It was definitely a passionate union.
The storyline kept me engaged and entertained. I followed every twist and turn in the plot with great interest. I cheered Serena on as she blended in with the other women and spurned “The Red Wolf’s” advances. I felt her trepidation when it was obvious that there was no way to get away from “The Red Wolf”. I felt conflicted as Serena fell more in love with her husband and sought to protect the interests of her family and the people of Talisand. I literally held my breath as I read the battlefield scene. Each time “The Red Wolf” showed himself to be the consummate gentleman and warrior. The secondary characters also won my heart. I can’t wait to read their stories.
I love Regan Walker’s work. She is author in a class by herself. She goes to great length to remain true to the medieval period an even includes actual historical information. She goes into even more detail at the conclusion of the novel. I’m not a history lover, but Walker’s weaving of history leaves the reader panting for more. Her character development is unparalleled. I enjoyed every aspect of this book, and I hope that the remaining stories are of the same superior quality as this one.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
bookworm_by_blood's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
lbrick363's review
3.0
Eh...
So it was predictably like every other historical romance out there. Nothing to exciting going on in this one. Just the same ole same ole.
So it was predictably like every other historical romance out there. Nothing to exciting going on in this one. Just the same ole same ole.
loverofromance's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Red Wolf Prize is the first book in the Medieval Warriors series by Regan Walker. I have had this book on my wishlist for the LONGEST time!! I have adored Regan Walker for years, from reading her blog and reviews on Goodreads and then was thrilled when I saw that she had become an author!! She knows her stuff about history so I have always been intrigued about her work. First off, I will say that this book was brilliant with the historical authenticity. I was very impressed since its obvious how much research that Regan Walker put into this book.
The story brings us back to the 1068, England. This is the time period that follows the Battle of Hastings, where King William, The Norman invades England and conquers the land. This book features a Norman knight for our hero and a Saxon lady for our heroine. This is set admidt the conquering of England by King William and the strife and tension that England was full of during this period of time. As a reward to his knight, Renaud de Pierrepont or also known as "The Red Wolf" he offers him a land, castle and the lady for his wife, the Lady of Talisand.
Serena has lost her father, and her brother she hasn't heard from in ages, the land is on fire after a year of battling with the Normans. When she hears that the Normans are coming to take over her land and that the Red Wolf is seeking her to be his wife. She is terrified, and even though she isn't afraid to fight, she also knows of the rumors of the Normans and their brutality and the rumors of them raping women throughout England. She refuses to bow down to the Red Wolf or King William, and so she flees. But through a set of circumstances she is brought back and hides herself as a servant. There is a sexual tension between Renaud and Serena, but even though Serena is drawn to Renaud, she is also battling with her own loyalties to her Saxon country and kin. Does Serena choose love or duty in her loyalties....
The Red Wolf's Prize was a fantastic beginning and I was drawn so easily into this story. I just adored this book and boy I miss medieval romances like this one here. There just aren't enough of them. I was captivated by this book. The first thing that I really noticed was the way that Regan Walker sets up the story and we get some great details and descriptions and I thought that they were very well done. We get a great background on our hero and I loved seeing his strength and courage. Our hero is so wonderful....he is a knight and a battle expereinced warrior, but he also has honor and I love that he views women to be treated with respect. I loved his friendship with his men and how devoted he is to his King and seeing to the well being of those he cares for the most.
Now our heroine was quite unique, I liked her quite a bit, not my favorite heroine at times, but she redeemed herself in many different ways. She isn't your run of the mill medieval heroine. She is quite tenacious and determined and has a talent with a bow. She has fighting spirit you admire. I will be honest, at the beginning I had a hard time with her character in some ways. I found it odd that she would just run away, when that isn't in her nature to do so and the more we get to know her, you realize that she is way stronger than she appears in the beginning.
I found the romance to be so endearing and sweet at times, we do have a enemies to lovers trope going on, but also at first the heroine isn't showing the hero her true self, she hides many parts of her personality from him because she is posing as a maid and not as the chatelaine. We see how loyal her people are to her, and try to protect her from the Red Wolf finding out her true identity. Then we have a mix up in the plot and their love and trust is tested but it works out in the end and the ending was so poignant.
I found The Red Wolf's Prize to be a sensational read that spans the centuries and makes the era come alive for the reader...its a tale of passion....true loyatlies and the test of true love. A SPARKLING GEM!!
[foogallery id="59709"]
The Red Wolf Prize is the first book in the Medieval Warriors series by Regan Walker. I have had this book on my wishlist for the LONGEST time!! I have adored Regan Walker for years, from reading her blog and reviews on Goodreads and then was thrilled when I saw that she had become an author!! She knows her stuff about history so I have always been intrigued about her work. First off, I will say that this book was brilliant with the historical authenticity. I was very impressed since its obvious how much research that Regan Walker put into this book.
The story brings us back to the 1068, England. This is the time period that follows the Battle of Hastings, where King William, The Norman invades England and conquers the land. This book features a Norman knight for our hero and a Saxon lady for our heroine. This is set admidt the conquering of England by King William and the strife and tension that England was full of during this period of time. As a reward to his knight, Renaud de Pierrepont or also known as "The Red Wolf" he offers him a land, castle and the lady for his wife, the Lady of Talisand.
Serena has lost her father, and her brother she hasn't heard from in ages, the land is on fire after a year of battling with the Normans. When she hears that the Normans are coming to take over her land and that the Red Wolf is seeking her to be his wife. She is terrified, and even though she isn't afraid to fight, she also knows of the rumors of the Normans and their brutality and the rumors of them raping women throughout England. She refuses to bow down to the Red Wolf or King William, and so she flees. But through a set of circumstances she is brought back and hides herself as a servant. There is a sexual tension between Renaud and Serena, but even though Serena is drawn to Renaud, she is also battling with her own loyalties to her Saxon country and kin. Does Serena choose love or duty in her loyalties....
It is unwise, my child, to look too long behind you, else you will miss the future that lies before you.
The Red Wolf's Prize was a fantastic beginning and I was drawn so easily into this story. I just adored this book and boy I miss medieval romances like this one here. There just aren't enough of them. I was captivated by this book. The first thing that I really noticed was the way that Regan Walker sets up the story and we get some great details and descriptions and I thought that they were very well done. We get a great background on our hero and I loved seeing his strength and courage. Our hero is so wonderful....he is a knight and a battle expereinced warrior, but he also has honor and I love that he views women to be treated with respect. I loved his friendship with his men and how devoted he is to his King and seeing to the well being of those he cares for the most.
Now our heroine was quite unique, I liked her quite a bit, not my favorite heroine at times, but she redeemed herself in many different ways. She isn't your run of the mill medieval heroine. She is quite tenacious and determined and has a talent with a bow. She has fighting spirit you admire. I will be honest, at the beginning I had a hard time with her character in some ways. I found it odd that she would just run away, when that isn't in her nature to do so and the more we get to know her, you realize that she is way stronger than she appears in the beginning.
I found the romance to be so endearing and sweet at times, we do have a enemies to lovers trope going on, but also at first the heroine isn't showing the hero her true self, she hides many parts of her personality from him because she is posing as a maid and not as the chatelaine. We see how loyal her people are to her, and try to protect her from the Red Wolf finding out her true identity. Then we have a mix up in the plot and their love and trust is tested but it works out in the end and the ending was so poignant.
I found The Red Wolf's Prize to be a sensational read that spans the centuries and makes the era come alive for the reader...its a tale of passion....true loyatlies and the test of true love. A SPARKLING GEM!!
[foogallery id="59709"]
whiskeyinthejar's review
4.0
3.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review
It's 1066 and the Normans have invaded, Serena's father is dead and her brother is unaccounted for in the north. As William and his men sweep across the land, The Conqueror gifts his loyal knights with property and English ladies for wives. The combination of these two gifts allows the Normans to entrench and guard what they have bled for and hopefully ingrain themselves more smoothly into English's lives. Understandably, a few English women have a problem being gifted to their Norman overlords and flee to seek the veil. Our heroine Serena also flees but not to seek the veil, to hopefully, meet up with her brother Steinar in the north. For you see, not only has her home been given to The Red Wolf, a fearsome legendary Norman knight, but also her hand in marriage. Alas, Serena flees too late and is caught by the Wolf's men and brought back. However, with the aid of some walnut hair dye and her people's silence she pretends to be Sarah, the handmaiden to the escaped Lady Serena. Renaud, The Red Wolf, is clueless to the fact that his intended is right under his nose and is starting to harbor some inappropriate feelings for Sarah, a mere servant. While Serena is starting to find her hidden identity a very heavy burden with every act of mercy Renuad shows her people and every tingle of pleasure she feels in his presence.
First off, I have to mention that I love the map, list of characters, and pinterest board ( https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/the-red-wolfs-prize-by-regan-walker/ ) the author provides as supplements to go along with the book. I don't know if this is considered the extra mile or what but all of it combines to fully immerse you into the past and world Ms. Walker has created. The time period really did steal the show for me. The tensions of the time are felt as conquerors and the conquered must now learn to live together, especially our leads Serena and Renuad.
For the first 40% or so, Renuad does not know who Serena truly is and I felt like this hurt their ability to connect not only in the story but with me as the reader. The flow is a little disjointed at bits as blocks of time are skipped through and to and the characters almost seemed like actors on a stage performing everything by rote. This could be looked at as story growing pains as the relationship and romance aspect ramped up in the second half of the book with the reveal of Serena's identity.
Even though Serena has a couple "the lady doth protest too much" instances, you really feel for her. Her uncertainty and conflicted emotions about who she is actually betraying in the end by denying her feelings for Renuad create quite a few heartfelt moments. Renaud was a nice change of pace from the usual sword thrusting rape threatening male lead typically found in medievals. He is the boss but acknowledges the need to form good, strong lasting relationships with the people of his domain; Renaud is a strong armed knight with a gentle grip. Each time he treats her people with respect, the reader can see Serena fall in love with him a little bit more. Serena and Renuad have a gentle romance that clashes wonderfully with the outside atmosphere of bitter strife.
There are also a couple secondary romances, with one being resolved and another that will probably be the star of the show in a following book in the series. The romance involving the past mistress to Serena's father and one of Renaud's knights had some particular aching moments involving not feeling worthy enough that had me wanting to see more from this couple. For the most part though, the secondary characters helped move the story along but never stole the spotlight from our leads.
As newly published medievals are pretty rare, the excellent attention to detail and emotional feeling, in regards to the time period, Ms. Walker has created make The Red Wolf's Prize a strong addition to the romantic retellings of William the Conqueror and his knights.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review
It's 1066 and the Normans have invaded, Serena's father is dead and her brother is unaccounted for in the north. As William and his men sweep across the land, The Conqueror gifts his loyal knights with property and English ladies for wives. The combination of these two gifts allows the Normans to entrench and guard what they have bled for and hopefully ingrain themselves more smoothly into English's lives. Understandably, a few English women have a problem being gifted to their Norman overlords and flee to seek the veil. Our heroine Serena also flees but not to seek the veil, to hopefully, meet up with her brother Steinar in the north. For you see, not only has her home been given to The Red Wolf, a fearsome legendary Norman knight, but also her hand in marriage. Alas, Serena flees too late and is caught by the Wolf's men and brought back. However, with the aid of some walnut hair dye and her people's silence she pretends to be Sarah, the handmaiden to the escaped Lady Serena. Renaud, The Red Wolf, is clueless to the fact that his intended is right under his nose and is starting to harbor some inappropriate feelings for Sarah, a mere servant. While Serena is starting to find her hidden identity a very heavy burden with every act of mercy Renuad shows her people and every tingle of pleasure she feels in his presence.
First off, I have to mention that I love the map, list of characters, and pinterest board ( https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/the-red-wolfs-prize-by-regan-walker/ ) the author provides as supplements to go along with the book. I don't know if this is considered the extra mile or what but all of it combines to fully immerse you into the past and world Ms. Walker has created. The time period really did steal the show for me. The tensions of the time are felt as conquerors and the conquered must now learn to live together, especially our leads Serena and Renuad.
For the first 40% or so, Renuad does not know who Serena truly is and I felt like this hurt their ability to connect not only in the story but with me as the reader. The flow is a little disjointed at bits as blocks of time are skipped through and to and the characters almost seemed like actors on a stage performing everything by rote. This could be looked at as story growing pains as the relationship and romance aspect ramped up in the second half of the book with the reveal of Serena's identity.
Even though Serena has a couple "the lady doth protest too much" instances, you really feel for her. Her uncertainty and conflicted emotions about who she is actually betraying in the end by denying her feelings for Renuad create quite a few heartfelt moments. Renaud was a nice change of pace from the usual sword thrusting rape threatening male lead typically found in medievals. He is the boss but acknowledges the need to form good, strong lasting relationships with the people of his domain; Renaud is a strong armed knight with a gentle grip. Each time he treats her people with respect, the reader can see Serena fall in love with him a little bit more. Serena and Renuad have a gentle romance that clashes wonderfully with the outside atmosphere of bitter strife.
There are also a couple secondary romances, with one being resolved and another that will probably be the star of the show in a following book in the series. The romance involving the past mistress to Serena's father and one of Renaud's knights had some particular aching moments involving not feeling worthy enough that had me wanting to see more from this couple. For the most part though, the secondary characters helped move the story along but never stole the spotlight from our leads.
As newly published medievals are pretty rare, the excellent attention to detail and emotional feeling, in regards to the time period, Ms. Walker has created make The Red Wolf's Prize a strong addition to the romantic retellings of William the Conqueror and his knights.
booksuperpower's review
5.0
The Red Wolf's Prize by Regan Walker is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Has anyone else been wondering what happened to Medieval romance? Are we destined to read of Earls and Dukes forever? Will there never again be a historical romance with depth, true authenticity, emotion, and the guts to portray life in the times that were fraught with war and danger? I for one was past ready to read a historical romance with some meat on its bones. If you have been missing these types of romances too, then your wait is over. This book was just what I have been waiting for.
Sir Renaud, aka The Red Wolf, is a Norman Knight rumored to be in King William's favor. Renaud was given the lands of the English Talisand by the king as a reward. The lands were once owned by an Engish Thegn who was slain in battle. He left behind a castle and beautiful daughter named Serena. Serena was promised to Renaud along with the lands and castle.
Before he arrives to claim his stake and his bride, Serena vows she will never wed a Norman. To avoid this fate she will take desperate measures.
When Renaud arrives in Talisand and discovers his intended has fled, he finds a servant girl that captures his interest. He pursues her relentlessly only to be spurned over and over. But, soon Renaud begins to suspect something is going on with the servant girl who is deadly accurate with a bow and knife and can sing like an angel. Then the truth hits him right between the eyes. Now the warrior is more determined than ever to claim his bride- not just her body but her heart as well.
This book has everything you could hope for in a historical romance. It was like a soothing balm to once more read a Medieval tale that took me away to a time long ago where everything around me just fell to the wayside and I was completely absorbed with ladies of honor, pride, boldness and tenacity. Warriors with valor and loyalty who inspired others in their wake. The brutality of war and the emotional tug of war Serena fought within herself as she suffered the loss of her lands and watched helplessly as William tore through English lands burning and pillaging everything in sight. Her heart ached with the loss and fear for her brother , leaving her to feel disloyal to to her people, her brother, and her father's memory as she slowly falls in love with her Norman husband.
This book is so well researched and I am so happy to see an author learn her subject and the era in which she chooses to write. The language was authentic, the actions true to the times, no modern slang or terms, which I absolutely loath, and was as accurately depicted as our modern world will allow.
My eyes stung with tears as I struggled along with Serena and her fight to find a common ground with her warrior husband. How difficult this must have been for her. Renaud was realistically depicted as he made no excuses or apologies for the war to his bride, but was sensitive to her feelings nonetheless. While this was not a likely love match, the two find that despite all the differences between them, each respected the other and the love they shared was the the most powerful weapon of all.
Beautifully written, perfectly paced, action packed, with a passionate and epic love affair...what more could you ask for? 5 stars
Has anyone else been wondering what happened to Medieval romance? Are we destined to read of Earls and Dukes forever? Will there never again be a historical romance with depth, true authenticity, emotion, and the guts to portray life in the times that were fraught with war and danger? I for one was past ready to read a historical romance with some meat on its bones. If you have been missing these types of romances too, then your wait is over. This book was just what I have been waiting for.
Sir Renaud, aka The Red Wolf, is a Norman Knight rumored to be in King William's favor. Renaud was given the lands of the English Talisand by the king as a reward. The lands were once owned by an Engish Thegn who was slain in battle. He left behind a castle and beautiful daughter named Serena. Serena was promised to Renaud along with the lands and castle.
Before he arrives to claim his stake and his bride, Serena vows she will never wed a Norman. To avoid this fate she will take desperate measures.
When Renaud arrives in Talisand and discovers his intended has fled, he finds a servant girl that captures his interest. He pursues her relentlessly only to be spurned over and over. But, soon Renaud begins to suspect something is going on with the servant girl who is deadly accurate with a bow and knife and can sing like an angel. Then the truth hits him right between the eyes. Now the warrior is more determined than ever to claim his bride- not just her body but her heart as well.
This book has everything you could hope for in a historical romance. It was like a soothing balm to once more read a Medieval tale that took me away to a time long ago where everything around me just fell to the wayside and I was completely absorbed with ladies of honor, pride, boldness and tenacity. Warriors with valor and loyalty who inspired others in their wake. The brutality of war and the emotional tug of war Serena fought within herself as she suffered the loss of her lands and watched helplessly as William tore through English lands burning and pillaging everything in sight. Her heart ached with the loss and fear for her brother , leaving her to feel disloyal to to her people, her brother, and her father's memory as she slowly falls in love with her Norman husband.
This book is so well researched and I am so happy to see an author learn her subject and the era in which she chooses to write. The language was authentic, the actions true to the times, no modern slang or terms, which I absolutely loath, and was as accurately depicted as our modern world will allow.
My eyes stung with tears as I struggled along with Serena and her fight to find a common ground with her warrior husband. How difficult this must have been for her. Renaud was realistically depicted as he made no excuses or apologies for the war to his bride, but was sensitive to her feelings nonetheless. While this was not a likely love match, the two find that despite all the differences between them, each respected the other and the love they shared was the the most powerful weapon of all.
Beautifully written, perfectly paced, action packed, with a passionate and epic love affair...what more could you ask for? 5 stars
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