Master of Desire (Brotherhood/MacAllister, #1)

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Master of Desire (Brotherhood/MacAllister #1)

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 2,869 ratings · 144 reviews

With the success of Kinley MacGregor's latest New York Times Expanded and USA Today bestseller A Dark Champion, we are in the perfect position to republish her backlist gem Master of Desire.

A Dream of Desire Awakened . . .

Beautiful Lady Emily dreams of the rapture of love and the joys of marriage. The youngest daughter of an English lord at war, she is shaken by the arriva...more

Mass Market Paperback, 376 pages

Published July 26th 2005 by Avon (first published 2001)

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Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Best Tortured Heroes in Fiction

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May 11, 2013 LibraryLass rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008, h-romance, mine, 2013

Great book! 4.5 stars for this one. Had a bit of everything I like, esp. humour. I loved Emily, the heroine, she knew what she wanted and went after him without being shrewish or manipulative. Her character remained consistent all through the story. This is not always the case. Authors change their characters to suit their purpose in their stories. But both Emily and Draven remained true.

I loved Draven! I thought he was an honourable hero who could park his shoes under my bed any time! His tortu...more

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Apr 07, 2009 Dina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, dik, to-blog

This book is going straight to my keepers shelf! :)

I loved everything about it: Draven (a tortured hero I just wanted to hold and never let go), Emily (a spunky heroine determined to win the hero´s heart), Simon (the most adorable second character I´ve met) and, last but not least, the story (it made me laugh and it made me cry, what more could I ask for?)

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Oct 09, 2008 Best_beloved rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-historical

First let me admit a bias: I don’t like Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series. I’ve tried it, don’t like it. So, when I realized that Kinley Macgregor was Sherrilyn Kenyon, well, I was peeved. Now, with that in mind, I have to say I liked the book. It was good.

The basic set up is that Emily, the female protagonist, is forced to live with Draven (Yes, I know, the names scream 1990’s, but go with it) to stop the fighting between their two families. It’s a cliché, but Kinley Macgregor aka Sherrily...more First let me admit a bias: I don’t like Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series. I’ve tried it, don’t like it. So, when I realized that Kinley Macgregor was Sherrilyn Kenyon, well, I was peeved. Now, with that in mind, I have to say I liked the book. It was good.

The basic set up is that Emily, the female protagonist, is forced to live with Draven (Yes, I know, the names scream 1990’s, but go with it) to stop the fighting between their two families. It’s a cliché, but Kinley Macgregor aka Sherrilyn Kenyon makes it work. For one thing, King Henry doesn’t make them marry, in fact Draven has promised not touch her in anger or lust which make it a bit difficult for Emily who has decided that she wants to marry him. Emily has been overprotected all her life so when she is made a ward of King Henry and sent off with Draven, she, very practically, knows that this is her one chance to marry and leave her father’s care. The situation puts Emily in the position of doing the perusing and Draven doing the maidenly fleeing. I think this makes Emily the Master of Desire.

One of the really clever things Kinley Macgregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon does in the book is use Emily’s father to explain why a 22 year old woman in the middle ages has never been married - which is good, because, really, I don’t want to read about 14 and 15 year old girls getting married. Eeew. With the characters of Emily’s sister and friend, the author also makes it clear that Emily’s situation is unusual. For example, Emily has a young friend, Christina, who is married to a widower with children older than she. As for Emily’s sister, it is very clear that her fiancé is more interested in her dower properties than herself. It’s a nice way to make the point that most marriage of the time were not for love but rather for political reasons or property/wealth, adding some realism, without losing the light tone of the novel.

Good relationship building, good plotting, bad names, and believable characters - somehow I ended up liking the book despite myself.
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Jul 05, 2012 HÜLYA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Arzunun Efendisi-Kinley MacGregor

Olağanüstü büyüleyici bir kalem ile tanıştım Kinley MacGregor Arzunun Efendisi Orijinal adı Master of Desire yan serisi ile 7 kitaplık bir seri olduğunu gördüm..Ne kadar doğru bilemesemde büyüleyici bir yazar ile tanıştım..Emeği geçen herkese teşekkür ediyorum..
Çocukluğunda tanık olmaması gereken bir olaya tanık olan Rawenwood Kontu Draven De Montague kalbi gözünün önünde annesi öldürüldükten sonra atmıyordu ve yüzü gülmüyordu şadece görev ve şeref için yaşayan.....more

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Sep 06, 2010 Quinn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book, medieval-romance

Lady Emily despairs of ever having the opportunity to find a husband and have the family she dreams of. She has been kept a virtual prisoner in her home due to a well-meaning but overprotective father.

Draven, Earl of Ravenswood has had an extraordinarily difficult childhood and carries the emotional and physical scars. He believes himself cursed and, with the exception of his brother Simon, does not allow anyone to get close to him.

When the King orders Draven to take in Emily, the daughter of hi...more

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Feb 15, 2009 Barbara M. rated it 2 of 5 stars

No luck with this one either...Just the same ole' same ole'...nothing great or even review worthy...Hopefully better luck next time (and considering I bought all in the series BEFORE I read the first one then lets hope they get a little better!)

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May 31, 2007 Noelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ridiculous, romance

Ok, I HAD to read a book with a title like this. And it was a typical, run-of-the-mill romance. I'd give it one star except for a scene where the heroine tells jokes to make the hero laugh.

“Milord?” she asked Draven. “Know you how many Byzantines it takes to light a fire?” His look hovered between boredom and skepticism as he reached for his goblet. “I cannot imagine.” “Two,” she said simply. “One to start the fire and one to confuse the issue.”

“How many Norsemen does it take to light a fire?” “...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Miraphora rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-storico

A volte capita che la Kenyon, con i romance storici, toppi alla grande, soprattutto quando i protagonisti sono più menestrelli che guerrieri, più Teneroni che maschi alfa. Stavolta, invece, ha fatto un buon lavoro. Sono pienamente soddisfatta della storia, dello stile, dello svolgimento e dei personaggi.
Per quanto riguarda la trama siamo, per forza di cose, sul già letto: il nostro eroe Draven viene da tutti visto come un assassino senza scrupoli, un uomo senza cuore, freddo e micidiale. Il pap...more

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May 04, 2012 Serpil Kır rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kinley MacGregor__Arzunun Efendisi...Son zamanlarda okuduğum en en en güzel kitaplardan bir tanesiydi...Ama her güzel şey gibi bu da bitti...

Yer yer kahkahalarla güldüğüm ( bu kısım daha ağır basıyor) ve yer yer de Draven'e deli gibi üzüldüğüm,karmakarışık duygular bırakan bir kitap oldu...her karakteri ayrı sevdim...Şaka gibi :)) kral Henry'i bile sevdim :)) ama en en en çok da Dravenin kardeşi Simonu sevdim...

Ben şimdiden onun kitabının hayalini kurmaktayım...Elbette tek duam,her kardeşin başı...more Kinley MacGregor__Arzunun Efendisi...Son zamanlarda okuduğum en en en güzel kitaplardan bir tanesiydi...Ama her güzel şey gibi bu da bitti...

Yer yer kahkahalarla güldüğüm ( bu kısım daha ağır basıyor) ve yer yer de Draven'e deli gibi üzüldüğüm,karmakarışık duygular bırakan bir kitap oldu...her karakteri ayrı sevdim...Şaka gibi :)) kral Henry'i bile sevdim :)) ama en en en çok da Dravenin kardeşi Simonu sevdim...

Ben şimdiden onun kitabının hayalini kurmaktayım...Elbette tek duam,her kardeşin başına gelen akıbetin olmaması..
Hani hep yazarlar,"ilk kitapta kardeş espirili,cana yakın,hayat dolu olur ama ne zaman şahsına kitap yazılır,işte o zamanda acıların çocuğu moduna sokarlar küçük kardeşleri! işte temennim Simonunda bundan nasibini almaması".

Draven ve Hugh'u kralın karşısına getiren birbirlerinin topraklarına yaptıkları sözde saldırıdır..ve ceza olarak Kral Henry,Hugh dan en sevdiği kırılgan ! kızını bir yıl boyunca Draven'nin koruması altına vermesi ve Dravenden de söz alarak şeref yemini etmesidir...

Draven...Hayatı babasının diktatörlüğünde geçmiş,acı hissetmeyen gülmeyen taş kalpli bir savaşçı şövalyedir..Ravenswood Kontu Draven Montague dendimi akar sular durur..savaş meydanlarında gözünü kırpmadan adam öldürmesi ile ünlenmiştir..Aşk yada evlilik onun için söz konusu bile değildir...
Henry'e şeref sözü verdiğinde tutmak onun için çok kolaydır...tabi bu söz Emiliy görmeden ve Emiliy'nin üstün evlenme çabalarına tanıklık etmeden önceydi :)

Emiliy...Babasının gözünün nuru...şatoya hapsolmuş,ve asla babasının onu evlendirmeyeceğinden korkmaktadır..Dravenin koruması altına girdiğinde tek hedefi onu evlenmeye ikna etmektir...Ahh söylemeden geçemeyeceğim Emiliy okuduğum en açık sözlü leydiydi :)

Vee olaylar zinciri mükemmel bir komedi,aşk,arzu,ihtiras ve Emiliynin Draveni ikna etme mücadelesi ile başlar...
sonlanma şekli ve sonlanırken başlarına gelenleri okurken müthiş keyif alacaksınız..
Çok severek okudum..ve tarihi aşk hikayeleri sevenlerin asla kaçırmaması gereken bir kitap...
Kesinlikle tavsiyemdir...(less)

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Jan 27, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: brotherhood-of-the-sword, historical-romance

Draven of Ravenswood is a man hardened into a warrior by a cruel father. His name is whispered; his reputation, that of a relentless demon on the battlefield. He trusts no one, except for his brother Simon and cherishes nothing except his honor.

Someone has been pillaging his lands and he suspects his neighbor, Hugh. The same thing is happening to Hugh and he suspects Draven. So they take their grievances to the king. His majesty decides to send Hugh’s daughter to live with Draven for a year. Th...more

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Jul 31, 2010 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, historical-romance, sherrilyn-kenyon

Another winner from Kinley MacGregor!

I don't give 5 stars lightly, but this one easily made it to my list. The story was brilliant and the romance between Emily and Draven was refreshing. The characters were likeable, even the secondary ones. Simon in particular was very amusing when he agreed to conspire with Emily and Cristina. There was humor and I hate to spoil but there's a particular scene where Draven caught Emily red-handed reading a book for intended for lovers.

It's very easy to love Em...more Another winner from Kinley MacGregor!

I don't give 5 stars lightly, but this one easily made it to my list. The story was brilliant and the romance between Emily and Draven was refreshing. The characters were likeable, even the secondary ones. Simon in particular was very amusing when he agreed to conspire with Emily and Cristina. There was humor and I hate to spoil but there's a particular scene where Draven caught Emily red-handed reading a book for intended for lovers.

It's very easy to love Emily with her charm, wit, and fastidiousness. Draven on the other hand was a hopeless case, he ceased to have a heart long ago since he was bred from childhood to be a killing machine. He witnessed several horrors unfit for an adolescent, and has known no love or friendship, just rage and sometimes indifference. He and Emily are two opposing poles and despite of that, perfect for each other.

It's usual to have sparks between the hero and heroine, especially when a formidable and menacing hero who's feared by most men, meets his match. It's obvious he would be intrigued and challenged, and this is one of those stories that has it. There were countless times Emily stood her ground and made valid arguments, she railed at him until he conceded defeat.

Unlike the usual romance formula of hero as pursuer, Kinley MacGregor twisted this one to meet her end. When Emily boldly declared to Draven that she wants him for husband, I knew she'd be in favorite characters list. It's obvious now that I love Emily because I'm always drawn to strong-willed, resilient women. It's admirable how she didn't give up, she exerted a lot of effort to finally claim Draven, without appearing inappropriate, because her dreams and future depended on it. She's one of those women whom once she sets her sights to something, she'll get it no matter what, and she got her man.

Draven with all his perpetual scowls, cared for Emily and lusted after her; he kept a clear head and honored his oath, he has this constant fear and sometimes unfounded anxiety of killing Emily because he's always likened himself to his father. After their table scene (Draven slashed a newly-made table in two with an axe), there was a moment of a great revelation, until he broke his oath to the king, and finally surrendered himself to his passion for Emily.

The love scenes were emotional, passionate, and expertly described. They were very erotic they burn the pages. There was just the right amount and given the pent-up sexual tension, it wasn't surprising that after the first taste, the frequency increased. Both of them were very tender and loving, and most of all vulnerable especially Draven. Not a man of many words, he proved his love for Emily in the best way - his actions, and they spoke volumes.

In the end, differences were settled and the culprits met their end. I was touched, moved, and delighted by this book. It was brilliantly written and I'll definitely read more of her works.(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Selin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-summer

Bu yorumu aynı zamanda burada da bulabilirsiniz.
Fantastik kitaplarıyla ülkemizde ün kazanmış ve özellikle de Dark Hunter serisiyle sevgimi kazanan Sherrilyn kenyon'ın takma isimle yazdığı çok da iyi puanları olan bir tarihi aşk romanının ülkemizde çevrisinin satıldığını görünce hemen atlaya zıplaya koşup bir tane aldım.
Dili güzeldi hele de benim gibi birden çok kişinin bakış açısından anlatılan romanları sevmeyen biri için geçişleri çok ustaca ve akıcıydı. Espiriliydi de,hep bir tebessümle okud...more Bu yorumu aynı zamanda burada da bulabilirsiniz.
Fantastik kitaplarıyla ülkemizde ün kazanmış ve özellikle de Dark Hunter serisiyle sevgimi kazanan Sherrilyn kenyon'ın takma isimle yazdığı çok da iyi puanları olan bir tarihi aşk romanının ülkemizde çevrisinin satıldığını görünce hemen atlaya zıplaya koşup bir tane aldım.
Dili güzeldi hele de benim gibi birden çok kişinin bakış açısından anlatılan romanları sevmeyen biri için geçişleri çok ustaca ve akıcıydı. Espiriliydi de,hep bir tebessümle okudum. Ancak hafif bir kitaptı onca beklentiyle aldığım kitabın gayet basit bir konusu vardı. Zaten çoğu gizem tahmin edilebilirdi. Aslında kitap boyunca tüm amaç Draven'ın aile ilişkilerini,annesinin ve babasının nasıl öldüğünü çözmekti.Devamını dediğim gibi zaten tahmin edebiliyorsunuz.
İlginçtir kimi zaman fantastik kitapları hatırlatıyordu bana ,gerek Draven'ın başında olduğunu sandığı lanetle,gerek orta çağın mistik dokusuyla,gerek dönemin getirdiği ortam vasıtasıyla gerekse Draven'ın sürekli "aman sana zarar vereceğim,uzak durmalıyım senden,ben bir canavarım" tarzı bir felsefeyle hareket ettiğinden.
Kısaca konusundan bahsedersek; Draven ve Huge sürekli birbirlerinin topraklarına saldırdıkları gerekçesiyle kralın kapısını aşındırıyorlardır. Kralda en sonunda sinirlenip ikisininde birbirlerine saldırmamaları için Huge'ın en değerli varlığı olan kızını bir yıllığına can düşmanı Draven'a vermesini ister ve Draven'dan da bu bir yıl içerisinde asla kıza şehvet ve şiddet duygularıyla dokunmayacağına dair yemin etmesini ister,eğer bir yıl içinde Hugh Draven'a saldırırsa kız Draven'ın olacaktır,eğer olurda Draven yeminini bozarsa onu idam edeceğini söyler. Emily ise aşırı derece de koruyucu olan babasının asla evlenmesine izin vermeyeceğinden ve asla çocuğu olamayacağından korkmatadır. Bu güne kadar kaleden hiç çıkmamış olan Emily için rehine bile olsa kaleden böylesine yakışıklı birisiyle çıkma fikri heyecan vericidir,ve o anda anlar bu onun biriyle evlenip çocuk sahibi olabilmesi için tek şanstır! Ancak Draven'ı ikna etmek o kadar kolay değildir çünkü Draven başında lanet olduğuna inanmaktadır. Nesillerdir ailesine lordun eşi olarak giren herkes bizzat o lord tarafından öldürülmektedir. Bu sebeple Draven asla bir aile kuramayacağını düşünüyordur ve hiç bir kadınla doğru düzgün konuşmuyordur bile. Emily çok geçmeden bu adama tutulmuştur ve asla babasının köyüne saldırdığını düşünmüyordur,ayrıca kuzenin de söylediğine bakılırsa bu o adam değildir,aynı şekilde babasının da saldırmadığına emindir. Peki kim neden bu iki soyluyu birbirine düşürmek istiyordur?
Bana göre her ne kadar hafife alınsa da bir aşk romanı yazmak çok zor iştir,çünkü bir polisiyedeki gibi "aman katili kim öldürdü acaba?" diyemezsiniz zaten daha başlamadan kimin kime aşık olacağını bilirsiniz ve mutlu son mu olacak acaba da diyemezsiniz çünkü bu da yine bir polisiye romanda "ulan sonunda olayı çözüp katili bulabilecekler mi?" Sorusuna benzer. Bilinen bir hikayeyi okuyucuya tekrar satmak zor iştir. Yazar bunu bana satabildi mi,emin değilim. Öncelikle dili güzelde olsa baş kısmı çok uzatılmış hikayeye çok sonra girilmişti başta puanımı kıran ve en çok canımı sıkanda bu olmuştu.
Sonuçta önerir miyim? Benim için okyanustaki diğer balıklardan bunu ayıracak çok bir şey yoktu,ama zaten elinizde varsa kesinlikle okumaktan zevk almayacağınız bir kitap değil...
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May 28, 2013 Kaugummiqueen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beendete-reihen

INHALT

Als die Fehde zwischen dem Baron of Warwick und dem Lord of Ravenswood zu eskalieren droht, sieht König Henry II. keine andere Möglichkeit, für Frieden zu sorgen: er verlangt von Warwick, dass er seine jüngste Tochter Emily als politische Geisel ein Jahr lang in die Obhut des undurchsichtigen und gefürchteten Lord Draven of Ravenswood gibt. Diesen wiederum zwingt der König zu dem Versprechen, Lady Emily unter keinen Umständen anzurühren, geschweige denn sie zu entjungfern. Sollte es doch d...more INHALT

Als die Fehde zwischen dem Baron of Warwick und dem Lord of Ravenswood zu eskalieren droht, sieht König Henry II. keine andere Möglichkeit, für Frieden zu sorgen: er verlangt von Warwick, dass er seine jüngste Tochter Emily als politische Geisel ein Jahr lang in die Obhut des undurchsichtigen und gefürchteten Lord Draven of Ravenswood gibt. Diesen wiederum zwingt der König zu dem Versprechen, Lady Emily unter keinen Umständen anzurühren, geschweige denn sie zu entjungfern. Sollte es doch dazu kommen, so wäre Draven des Todes. Nicht sonderlich beeindruckt von dieser Drohung stimmt Draven dem Handel zu, sieht er sich nicht sonderlich gefährdet, dem Charme einer x-beliebigen Frau zu erliegen - bis er Lady Emily of Warwick persönlich kennen lernt. Sofort fühlt er sich zu ihr hingezogen und verteufelt den Eid, den er dem König geleistet hat. Emily selber ist heilfroh, für ein Jahr der Obhut ihres gestrengen Vaters zu entkommen und als sie Lord Draven das erste Mal sieht, ist es um sie geschehen: Sie setzt alles daran, ihn für sich zu gewinnen und seine Frau zu werden, doch weiß sie nichts von der Strafe, die Draven erwartet, sollte er ihren Annäherungsversuchen erliegen.

MEINE MEINUNG

Immer, wenn ich diesen Titel lese und das Cover sehe, überkommt mich Gänsehaut. Ich finde es schrecklich, dass diese Bücher im Deutschen so verschandelt werden. Warum kann man ihnen kein neutrales Cover oder ein neutrales Aussehen verpassen? Warum muss man als Außenstehender sofort wissen, dass diese Bücher einem einschlägigen Genre zugeordnet werden können? Ich verstehe es nicht. Wobei ich gestehen muss, dass in diesem Fall der englische Titel Master of Desire nicht unbedingt unauffälliger ist. Dennoch bin ich mir sicher, dass In den Armen des Highlanders ziemlich falsch ist, denn soviel ich weiß ich Draven kein Highlander und somit kein Schotte, sondern ein Engländer.

Da ich Die schottische Braut schon vorher gelesen habe, auch wenn In den Armen des Highlanders chronologisch vor diesem Teil spielt und der erste Band der MacAllister-Saga ist, sind Draven und Emily für mich keine Unbekannten mehr. In Die schottische Braut haben sie einen kurzen Auftritt und kamen mir dort schon sehr sympathisch rüber. Ebenso wird in dem Band erwähnt, dass Sin MacAllister, Draven und sein jüngerer Bruder Simon eine bewegende gemeinsame Vergangenheit haben, sich sehr nahe stehen und vieles durchgemacht haben.

Wie Sin MacAllister ist auch Draven of Ravenswood ein "Tortured Hero", der sein ganzes Leben lang nur gelitten hat und dem nichts geschenkt wurde. Für alles musste er kämpfen und niemals hat er erfahren, was tiefe Liebe ist. Seine Leidenschaft gilt dem Schlachtfeld, seine Ehre ist sein Leben. So leistet er bereitwillig den Eid, den ihm König Henry II. auferlegt, da er sich sicher ist, niemals etwas wichtigeres im Leben zu besitzen als seine Ehre. Auch wenn Draven und Sin viel gemeinsam haben und eine schwere Kindheit durchleben mussten, so ist Draven durchaus noch ein wenig umgänglicher und menschlicher. Aber insgesamt ist er ein düsterer und pessimistischer Geselle, der nur sich selbst und dem König verpflichtet ist und niemals lacht. Von Baron Warwick wird er sogar als Teufel bezeichnet. Mit seinem jüngeren Halbbruder Simon, der ebenfalls in Die schottische Braut vorkommt und dort auch eine etwas größere Rolle spielt, hat er ein enges Verhältnis, auch wenn sich die beiden ständig streiten. Simon ist das komplette Gegenteil von Draven: fröhlich, aufgeschlossen und rothaarig, während Draven ernst, in sich gekehrt und schwarzhaarig ist. Warum Draven so ist, wie er ist, kommt nach und nach im Laufe der Geschichte raus und man erfährt einiges über Dravens Vater, der auch schon Sin MacAllister aufs Übelste misshandelte.

Emily wuchs ihr ganzes Leben wohlbehütet bei ihrem Vater auf, der sie wie einen Augapfel bewacht. Sie wünscht sich nichts sehnlicher, als zu heiraten und Kinder zu kriegen, doch nachdem ihre Mutter und auch einige ihrer Schwestern am Kindbett starben, will ihr Vater nichts davon wissen. Ihre ältere Schwester Joanne jedoch steht kurz vor ihrer Heirat, aber das nur, da sie von ihrem Vater erwischt wurde, als sie mit einem Mann intim war. Daher sieht Emily ihre Chance gekommen, als sie für ein Jahr alt Unterpfand zu Lord Draven soll. Unterstützt von ihrer frivolen Kammerzofe Alys heckt sie einen Plan nach dem anderen aus, um Draven für sich zu gewinnen, was für die ein oder andere lustige Begebenheit sorgt. Als sanftmütig und zart von ihrem Vater beschrieben ist sie jedoch stur, aufmüpfig und gewiss nicht auf den Mund gefallen, was sie zu einer sehr sympathischen Protagonistin macht, mit der man sich sehr gut identifizieren kann und die man einfach ins Herz schließt. Zwar ist sie als Jungfrau freilich unerfahren in Liebesdingen, besonders da ihr Vater jede mögliche Liebe sofort im Keim erstickte, dennoch ist sie gewillt, Draven mit allen Mitteln der Kunst zu verführen.

Natürlich sind auch in diesem Band die beiden sofort Feuer und Flamme zueinander und können sich ihrer Anziehungskraft nur schwer entziehen. Doch während Emily sich ihrer Zuneigung recht offen hingibt, was wieder im amüsanten Gegensatz dazu steht, wie ihr Vater sie beschrieben hat, bleibt Draven lange reserviert und leidet still vor sich hin. Wie auch in den anderen Büchern sind die intimen Szenen zwischen den beiden zwar sehr leidenschaftlich und ausführlich beschrieben, doch wie immer nie billig oder obszön. Man merkt, dass beide sich nicht nur körperlich, sondern auch seelisch zueinander hingezogen fühlen und eine tiefe Liebe herrscht, besonders beim Geschlechtsakt.

Kurz vor dem Ende, wenn man als Leser schon glaubt, dass alles überstanden wurde, muss man dennoch kurz um ein Happy End bangen (auch wenn man natürlich weiß, dass diese Bücher alle ein Happy End haben) und die Liebenden werden auf eine harte Probe gestellt. Denn die Folgen der Liebesnacht bleiben natürlich nicht unbemerkt und Draven muss dafür büßen, dass er den Eid gebrochen hat, den er dem König geleistet hat. Somit werden die letzten Seiten auch noch ein wenig spannend und fliegen nur so dahin, wobei das gesamte Buch sehr kurzweilig und an einem Tag gelesen ist. Es ist fesselnd und sehr unterhalten und wie auch in den anderen Büchern kommt der Witz nicht zu kurz, besonders wenn Dravens jüngerer Bruder Simon mit von der Partie ist.

FAZIT

Der erste Band der MacAllister-Saga ist eine sehr schöne und ergreifende Liebesgeschichte, auch wenn ich nicht ganz verstehe, dass sie zur MacAllister-Saga zählt, da kein einziger MacAllister auftaucht. Wer eine äußerst innovative Geschichte erwartet, der wird sicherlich enttäuscht und wer es nicht mag, dass die Geschichten sich sehr ähneln, der sollte keins dieser Bücher anfassen. Wer aber auf nette, romantische und erotische Unterhaltung steht und sehr kitschige Happy Ends liebt, der macht mit diesem Buch nichts verkehrt. Man kann es durchaus als Einzelband lesen, aber im Rahmen der gesamten Saga macht es natürlich einfach mehr Spaß. Ich vergebe dem Buch abschließend gute 4 von 5 Sterne.(less)

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Mar 26, 2013 Melis Akgüzel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kitap iyiydi, ben beğendim. Hatta o kadar güldüm ki bazı tabirlerine kitabı okuyamadım. Emily'nin çok hırslı olması, daha ilk baştan ne istediğini bilipte işin peşini bırakmaması çok hoştu. Draven gibi koca bir canavarı bile geri püskürtebildi. Tabi bazen Draven'in lanet de lanet demesi ve kendini kızdan uzak tutması sinirime dokundu. Ama en sonda - orası sahneden gerçketen duygulandım - kendini koyvermesi güzeldi. Hatta öyle bir koyveriyor ki dokuz yılda tam tamına altı tane çocukları oluyor. K...more

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Jun 12, 2012 Sha Mslvoe ♥♥♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Sha Mslvoe ♥♥♥ by: .þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...]

Shelves: on-nook, historical-romance, medieval, scottish-highland, highlander, keepers, hot-warrior

This is the first book by Kinley MacGregor I have ever read! I fall in love with the story, I loved Draven and Emily. I love the way the story flow that keeps me hooked. I loved the epilogue, it's make me sad to see this story end. I just want more and more.

It's a must read to those who loved Highlander and medieval story.

** SK, I love you but I love you more as Kinley MacGregor

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Aug 19, 2012 Lyndi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy the occasional historical romance, but I usually aim for the Victorian era, not the... what is this?? Medieval? Whatever. It's usually not my thing and I've probably only read 4 or 5 books that would be called 'medieval'... Anyway, point is: I don't have much to compare it to, so I won't discuss that part of it.

What I will address is the relationship. It felt quick. Really quick. But at the same time, I understood why it would happen so fast. I would have enjoyed an intimate moment where...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Anna D. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: re-read, sweet-moments, favorites

I LOVED IT! I love the world Kinley MacGregor created here and I’m giddy with excitement for this series!!! Thank you Kinley MacGregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon! MacGregor writes heroes and heroines I adore. She also writes with the style of humor, banter, emotions, and sensuality that I favor. I haven’t been this excited for a series since I discovered Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton siblings –wait, not true..i also loved the Lisa Kleypas' Hathaway tribe - and now I have a band of brothers that are once again...more

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May 19, 2010 Crista rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-star, historical, series

...and Emily wants Draven de Montague, the Earl of Ravenswood.

Draven and Emily's father are enemies, and by decree from the king, Emily is to live under Draven's roof for in one year in order to stop the fighting between the two lords. Draven is not to touch her (in violence or lust). It is Draven's belief that he will have no problem keeping his hands to himself until he meets Emily!

Emily wants Draven, (in the biblical sense), from the first moment they meet. I love this twist because so ofte...more

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Jul 06, 2010 Readitnweep rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: english-romance, historical, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 05, 2013 Avey Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

“Master of Desire” written by Kinley MacGregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon, is an extremely enjoyable and one of the most hysterically funny historical romances that I have had the pleasure to read, in a very long while. I almost continually laughed out loud while reading the banner that takes place between Emily and Draven and between Draven and his brother Simon. It also had its share of heart break moments in the romantic development of the characters, in finding their love for each other. Emily is a v...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Deanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, fav-authors, historical-fiction, makes-me-laugh, romance

In this book one can see that MacGregor (i.e. Sherrilyn Kenyon) was well on her way to being a great writer. (Kenyon's Acheron is as close to a perfect novel as a novel can be.)

Characters: Well drawn with believable actions for their time and personal history. Scenery: Described so that it hits the brain with images and delight. Emotions: Honest and understandable for the characters. Story: Filled with emotion, laughter, trust, growth and tenderness. Love: Given to time to grown between Draven...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ahhhh... Emily - youngest daughter of Hugh... and Hugh lost his wife and 2 daughters in childbirth,so he became very protective of his remaining 3 daughters - keeping them within his castle, and away from potential suitors. one daughter succumbed to a neighboring lord's advances, and she is to marry (she's pregnant)... and 2nd daughter joined a convent to get out of the castle - and Emily, the most courageous and adventourous of his daughters, and well loved, wants her opportunity.

Draven, on the...more Ahhhh... Emily - youngest daughter of Hugh... and Hugh lost his wife and 2 daughters in childbirth,so he became very protective of his remaining 3 daughters - keeping them within his castle, and away from potential suitors. one daughter succumbed to a neighboring lord's advances, and she is to marry (she's pregnant)... and 2nd daughter joined a convent to get out of the castle - and Emily, the most courageous and adventourous of his daughters, and well loved, wants her opportunity.

Draven, on the other hand, was raised to be a warrior, by a father who was a warrior, and ancestors going back - kindness/gentleness was beaten out of him, and his father's proudest moment was when Draven killed him in protection of King Henry... he had a gentle mother, but as 12 when he laughed at something his mother said, his father, in anger (warriors don't laugh) threw his mother on the 'lord's table' and started to strangle her - Draven tried to stop his father, was slashed (still bears a scar on his neck) - and watched his father kill his mother. His leg was broken in 4 places, when he pushed his younger brother Simon out of the way of his father trying to run him down on his war house - and he still has a bit of a limp and pain. He has proven to be a great warrior for his lands and in Henry's service.

Draven's land borders Hugh's - and both believe the other is making raiding forays onto the other's lands - pillaging, raping, murdering. And Hugh takes his case to King Henry... Henry decides to put Emily (Hugh's daughter) under Draven's care for a year - thinking this would prevent them from warring against one another. Emily, though frightened, is excited to see some of the world - is attracted to Draven from the beginning... and is pushed by her sister and maid to get Draven to marry her, and free her from her family... and Draven is fascinated by her.

We have the majority of the book of the 'dance' they perform - Emily is forthright, and tells her he wants her to marry her - Draven is fighting his attraction (to both her body and her warmth) because of his oath to Henry and his fear that at some point in the future he would strike out at her as he was trained and lead to her pain and maybe death. Over and over Emily sees his kindness and fairness (for instance - a friend of her father is taking funds due to Henry & Draven is sent to find the truth - and after examining his books, but then overhearing his drunken son come in with thugs demanding gambling debt payment, Draven covers the lost amount with his own funds, sends the son to serve King Henry (and maybe to grow up) ), and she repeatedly says she wishes he would see himself as she sees him.

They go to her sister's wedding to Niles (another neighbor) - and Emily can see that her sister is unhappy - after angry words with her father, they leave, and are attacked by men who are wearing her father's colors - but Draven knows her father would not sanction an attack where his daughter might be hurt - and Emily nurses him back to health (he was struck by 3 arrows)- and Emily spoke with he head guard of her father who says the attack earlier in the year by Draven was not Draven - the one wearing Draven's colors was a head shorter... but who wants Hugh and Draven to think the other is attacking them?

there is humor - they first meet when she is being harrassed by her sister's fiance's best friend - and offers him a kiss to stop him, but when he closes his eyes, she picks up a chicken for him to kiss - and later, whenDraven orders his keep made comfortable for her, no expense spared, he specifically orders red feathered chickens as part of the package. And when she is chasing after him... they are camped while traveling and she and her maid spy on him when he is bathing in the river - until a wild boar starts after them, and they run into his arms for protection...

And in a fit an pique, she orders the building of a lord's table in his hall - though he said no, his housekeeper (and friend of his mother) says no, and the keep manager says no - but no one will tell her why - she does it anyway, and when he comes in and sees it he goes into a fit of rage, and takes an ax to destroy the table... Though his brother Simon tries to stop her, Emily rushes to him, to apologize and to ease his pain - and he turns to her with ax raised - and calms down... and when he tells her that his father killed his mother on the 'lord's table', and she understands and then points out that he did not harm her, though lost in a rage - and he finally succumbs to the passion he feels for her - taking her to his room to ravage her...

But the next day dad shows up (another strike against his land)... she goes with him when Draven does not kill her father and will not fight him because of her love for her father... and 5 months later, King Henry shows up, interviews Emily (who is pregnant) - tells her Draven's broken oath means his death - Emily begs for his life, says she loves him and he loves her - and Henry says if he has proof that Draven loves her, he will not take his life... and following the behavior modeled in a Viking oral story they heard at the fair, Draven disrobed and went into her father's castle & to face henry naked - to state his love... and henry accepts it, he orders 20 lashes instead of death and Joanne stumbles in - very pregnant - saying her husband wants Hugh's death to inherit all of his lands... and Draven & Hugh take their men to fight and unmask Joanne's husband dressed as Draven - both fighting him (taking both - Hugh's age & Draven's recent whipping weakening them by themselves) - and Hugh asks Draven's forgiveness, which is easily given - and 9 years later - 5 boys, and 1 daughter later, grandpa Hugh is there to take them hunting - and Draven & Emily have time to indulge in their continuing passion. ahhhh

(less)

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Feb 19, 2012 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books, historical-romance

King Henry has decided to use Lady Emily for a peace pact between Draven and her father Hugh. The King has said that Emily not be touched nor harmed while she spends a year on Dravens lands.

Little does anyone realize but Emily is wanting to find love and adventure. She takes to Draven immediately and decides he should be her husband. Draven knows that if he touches her it will mean his death, but even beyond that he is haunted by his past and believes he may kill Emily because he cannot control...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Chris rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Tea: I do believe, after that sip, I'll pass.
Overall, this was another mediocre romance, a story that lacked real depth the characters or the plot.
It follows a young innocent girl who is forced to stay at a sort of rival's castle. And as expected, there starts to be some sparks between the rival and the young girl, big surprise there.
Interesting idea, it was so very predictable, how the story unfolded, that it failed to impress me or truly grab my attention. Not bad characters though. It could h...more

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Oct 28, 2011 Patricia Shepherd rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is my far my favorite in the brotherhood series. The most feared knight in the land, Draven and his willful woman, Emily. We first met Draven when he and Emily's father are arguing before the king about the on going feud between them. Both blame each other for the attacks on their land. The king decides that in order to make these two come to a peace that Emily shall spend one year in Draven's care and that Draven must never touch her or else he will die. They both agree and Draven gives hi...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I only read this one because I am such a huge fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. Since Kinley MacGregor is one of her other pen names, I decided to give this one a shot. It was cute and all, but it was nowhere near the caliber I've come to expect from her. There just really wasn't any true conflict, other than Emily trying to win Draven's heart. About 3/4 of the way into the book, we're introduced to the possibility that a third party is trying to pit Emily's father and Draven against...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Mey Buentipo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, mystery-historical-romance, scottish

The first book I read fron Kinley McGregor. I am so hooked now for Scottish stories. So I picked this for hoping a funy and witty story. Well it did not disappoint me. The plot of the story is the same. A brooding man and light hearted heroine. What stand it out is the flow and the bantering between the h/h. This book made me laugh. I liked the sarcasm between the h/h. Although the mystery part is bit too late for the story because almost of the story is about the past of the hero. It added a ni...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Definitely a worthy read for historical romance lovers. I enjoyed the development of the characters. Emily is a twenty-something woman who is sheltered by her father. Two of her sisters and her mother have died in childbirth and her father doesn't want to let any of his other daughters go. Due to a feud with Draven he is forced (by the King's order) to give one of his daughter's over to him for a year. This is supposed to ensure that there will be no blood shed between the two lords.[return][ret...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Crazy4more rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 stars

If you're looking for a light, fun, sweet and romantic read, you'll find it in this book.

Due to constant attacks between Hugh and Draven, King Henry had no choice but forced the two to exchange something most precious to them for one year. To Draven, his word of honor bc wealth, fear and death were worthless to this fierce warrior. To Hugh, his youngest daughter, Lady Emily. Draven promised to protect Emily with his life and never to touch her. Easy task for Draven until he was confronte...more

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Oct 12, 2011 Elle rated it 4 of 5 stars

OK, this one gets four stars right off because it's Medieval. The hero is dark, and has some history that makes him complex and hard to reach. The heroine is pretty easy-going, for a gal who's torn from her family home and sent to live with her father's enemy, the man she's taught is given to raping and pillaging nearby villages. I was a little startled when she decides right off she's going to get him to marry her, especially when she seems to realize that her sister, in her desperation to get...more

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About Kinley MacGregor

Please see Sherrilyn Kenyon

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Books by Kinley MacGregor

Knight of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, #2)

Born in Sin (Brotherhood/MacAllister, #3)

Taming the Scotsman (Brotherhood/MacAllister, #4)

Claiming the Highlander (Brotherhood/MacAllister, #2)

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Quotes from Master of Desire

“(Emily frowned, then turned about in her saddle to scan the inner bailey.)
Milady? What do you seek? (Simon)
A marker announcing this as the gate to Hades. (Emily)” — 7 people liked it

“Oh, Draven. You’re my hero too! If not for you, that mean old boar would have eaten me alive. (Simon)
Get off me, you nimble-pated gelding. (Draven)” — 6 people liked it

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Master of Desire (Brotherhood/MacAllister #1)

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