What do you think?
Rate this book
Poitevin Hearts #4
Dangerous Favor
Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.
Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?
Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?
367 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2012
13 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
Joyce DiPastena
22 books586 followersJoyce DiPastena illuminates the Middle Ages for modern readers through heartfelt historical romance. However many changes a few centuries may bring, she believes that stories of love unite people across time. Joyce is a two-time Whitney Award finalist. The Historical Novel Society rated her romantic historical novel, The Lady and the Minstrel as “highly recommended,” while the same title won a Swoony Award for Excellence in Clean Secular Romance.
Joyce grew up in southern Arizona and can easily withstand summer temperatures of 115 degrees, as long as she’s sitting in a restaurant, movie theater, or under a ceiling fan—inside an air-conditioned building. She can be bribed with chocolate chip cookies and enjoys attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival every year. She holds a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages, from the University of Arizona. Joyce currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with her black cats, Nyxie and Calypso, who bring her good luck every day.
Visit her at joycedipastena.com.
Joyce grew up in southern Arizona and can easily withstand summer temperatures of 115 degrees, as long as she’s sitting in a restaurant, movie theater, or under a ceiling fan—inside an air-conditioned building. She can be bribed with chocolate chip cookies and enjoys attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival every year. She holds a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages, from the University of Arizona. Joyce currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with her black cats, Nyxie and Calypso, who bring her good luck every day.
Visit her at joycedipastena.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 27, 2012
Beautifully written, flawlessly researched, this book immersed me into the romantic, yet often dangerous, world of Medieval England complete with knights' jousts and court intrigue. The heroine was a delightful combination of innocence and determination who incorrectly labels one knight as "The Vision" and another knight "The Seducer." I laughed, I sighed, and at times, almost cried. This book is firmly on my "keeper shelf" and I will probably read it again, which is unusual for me. Because it's squeaky clean, with no swearing, profanity, or sex, it's also suitable for all ages and all "heat" comfort levels.
October 7, 2018
Ms. DiPastena's third installment of this series takes no prisoners. In her beautiful medieval style she plunks your mind and heart into the era and tangles you up in the love and intrigues relative to marriage and honor.
The characters and tale are well crafted and bid you to continuously turn the page to see how she will untangle the web of deceit and innocence to a sigh worthy romantic and life threatening conclusion.
My only wish was that I'd read the previous books to remember better certain familial connections as it had been years between readings. This story may be read as a stand alone, but when the writing is at such a lofty level, why would you?
The characters and tale are well crafted and bid you to continuously turn the page to see how she will untangle the web of deceit and innocence to a sigh worthy romantic and life threatening conclusion.
My only wish was that I'd read the previous books to remember better certain familial connections as it had been years between readings. This story may be read as a stand alone, but when the writing is at such a lofty level, why would you?
May 14, 2012
When I finished another book, it was late at night and I had that let-down feeling, wishing I had something else just as captivating to read. There, just staring up at me was Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena. It was already late, but I thought to myself, I'll just read one chapter. Wow, was I ever sucked in. Reading until 2 a.m. sort of sucked in. The next day I carried that book with me everywhere, desperate enough to read even a paragraph or two while I was at a red light, just so I could see what happened! I read whenever I had two minutes during the rest of the day and finished by supper time. (Yes, my kids got a great dinner that night. I promise.)
This is a medieval adventure romance that had it all---mayhem, massive misunderstandings, medieval jousting, and of course, murder. It was like an incredible French mille-feuille with all the layers of delicious intrigue mixed in with the cream of romance and love.
Mathilde, our heroine, is determined to find a man to help her prove her father's innocence since he was accused of being a thief. She meets Lord Therri and knows from the instant she sees him, after he's accidentally knocked her to the floor, that he is the knight of her dreams. His friend, Etienne, with his laughing eyes and teasing voice takes a favor from Mathilde to wear on the jousting fields the next day, but Mathilde, an innocent, believes Etienne to be a seducer only trying to make the lovely Lady Violette jealous. The laugh out loud misunderstandings and hijinks that follow quickly become serious when an assassins' crossbow cuts through the air and murderous demands are dealt with. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a new layer was introduced and I was quickly turning pages wondering who could really be trusted and if our fair hero would prevail.
I would highly recommend this book to any historical lover. The medieval setting is incredible, and the author has given her readers plenty of action, intrigue, and clean romance---all the ingredients of a book that will remain on my keeper shelf.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
This is a medieval adventure romance that had it all---mayhem, massive misunderstandings, medieval jousting, and of course, murder. It was like an incredible French mille-feuille with all the layers of delicious intrigue mixed in with the cream of romance and love.
Mathilde, our heroine, is determined to find a man to help her prove her father's innocence since he was accused of being a thief. She meets Lord Therri and knows from the instant she sees him, after he's accidentally knocked her to the floor, that he is the knight of her dreams. His friend, Etienne, with his laughing eyes and teasing voice takes a favor from Mathilde to wear on the jousting fields the next day, but Mathilde, an innocent, believes Etienne to be a seducer only trying to make the lovely Lady Violette jealous. The laugh out loud misunderstandings and hijinks that follow quickly become serious when an assassins' crossbow cuts through the air and murderous demands are dealt with. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a new layer was introduced and I was quickly turning pages wondering who could really be trusted and if our fair hero would prevail.
I would highly recommend this book to any historical lover. The medieval setting is incredible, and the author has given her readers plenty of action, intrigue, and clean romance---all the ingredients of a book that will remain on my keeper shelf.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
April 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! There were a few slow parts for me, but I loved the characters so much that it didn't bother me too much.
There are two main characters, Mathilde and Etienne, and the story was told from both perspectives. It was great to hear from both sides of the story. It helped me like them more. Mathilde was a little star struck with a handsome man, Lord Therri, when she first came to the tournament with her brother. She even referred to him as The Vision. Silly, silly girl. She drove me a little crazy thinking Lord Therri, aka The Vision, was the perfect man when she didn't even know him. I liked Etienne all throughout the book. He seemed kind, loyal, and fun to be around.
I loved how the story was wrapped around the tradition of giving favors to knights. Women chose their champion knight before the tournaments and gave them something they had on them like a handkerchief or ribbon from their hair. To see all that entailed and the consequences that came was very entertaining.
This is a wonderful love story that might appeal more to older teens and adults since their ages are: Mathilde, 18, and Etienne, 24.
Also reviewed on my blog with my Content Ratings. Clean Teen Fiction
There are two main characters, Mathilde and Etienne, and the story was told from both perspectives. It was great to hear from both sides of the story. It helped me like them more. Mathilde was a little star struck with a handsome man, Lord Therri, when she first came to the tournament with her brother. She even referred to him as The Vision. Silly, silly girl. She drove me a little crazy thinking Lord Therri, aka The Vision, was the perfect man when she didn't even know him. I liked Etienne all throughout the book. He seemed kind, loyal, and fun to be around.
I loved how the story was wrapped around the tradition of giving favors to knights. Women chose their champion knight before the tournaments and gave them something they had on them like a handkerchief or ribbon from their hair. To see all that entailed and the consequences that came was very entertaining.
This is a wonderful love story that might appeal more to older teens and adults since their ages are: Mathilde, 18, and Etienne, 24.
Also reviewed on my blog with my Content Ratings. Clean Teen Fiction
February 16, 2012
DiPastena has done it again! I can't get enough of this series. The rich world of medieval France continues in it's tangled web of loyalties of love. I was sucked in once again and simply couldn't put it down. Building on two side characters in previous books, Etienne and Therri have their own adventures of finding love and testing priorities. Their wonderful characters are complimented by Mathilde and Lady Violette. Mathilde is a brave character that you just have to love. She plays the damsel who, though in distress, is determined to try to help herself. Lady Violette is slightly volitile but still a fun side character. Mathilde and Etienne have a sweet romance that makes you smile and curl your toes. Overall a great tale of romance and mystery - a great book in a fabulous series!
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
March 6, 2012
I enjoyed this latest installment of DiPastena’s medieval series quite a bit. I wasn’t sure I would, I didn’t really like Etienne that much in the first book, but it’s been five years since the events of that book and his character has grown a lot. Plus he’s a shameless flirt, which is always fun. I really liked him this time around. I also liked Mathilde, they had good chemistry together. Her “dreaming” tendencies were endearing. The overall story felt a little more lighthearted than the previous two books, maybe because Etienne is more upbeat than Hugh or Triston. Speaking of, it was fun seeing characters from previous books show up in this one. There is also a side love story going on between Therri and Violette, which was also fun. Overall, a great medieval story and great series.
March 1, 2013
This is by far the best romance I've read in a long time, yet it's more than romance. It's a well-researched historical novel. DiPastena knows the Medievel period as intimately as if she lived there.
January 4, 2013
(Genre:Fiction/historical romance/middle ages) Despite a cheesy cover, I really did enjoy this book. I feel that DiPastena's strength lies in her ability to bring to life the political setting and intrigues present during King Henry II's reign (the 1100's, I believe). She totally shows how precarious court life can be and how the rulers schemed for more power, authority, and riches. This is her 3rd book in the series, and while it helps to have read the previous ones, it is not a must. Each story stands on its own.
Etienne is the younger son of a Lord, and as such, he must make his own way in the world, living as a knight in the Young King's (Henry II's son and heir) court and performing in knightly tournaments for gain. He has hopes of a future marriage to a lady that will bring him both land and riches, so that he will not have to depend on his older brother for his upkeep. The Lady Hermaline is willing to have him and she has both lands and riches, but Etienne just can't bring himself to accept her, due to her shrewish nature.
Mathilde is the daughter of a disgraced nobleman. Her father was once very wealthy and had many holdings, but he lost them in gambling and he was accused of stealing from the kings wardrobe while doing service there as a young man. She isn't impressed when she meets Etienne at a tournament that her brother is jousting in. Mathilde only has eyes for Etienne's handsome friend and is rather put out when Etienne takes the ribbon from her hair as a token for the knightly tournament. She is sure he did it just to provoke Lady Hermaline who was trying to get Etienne to wear her veil on his sleeve as a favor. Mathilde really needs to get that ribbon back, and very soon. It wasn't hers, but belonged to her brother's admirer and he is very angry with her when he sees that the ribbon is gone. Soon Mathilde is deeply involved in political intrigue and personal problems and she really needs a champion to help her to safety. Etienne wants to be that champion although he knows that her impoverished state makes it impossible for him to marry her.
Etienne is the younger son of a Lord, and as such, he must make his own way in the world, living as a knight in the Young King's (Henry II's son and heir) court and performing in knightly tournaments for gain. He has hopes of a future marriage to a lady that will bring him both land and riches, so that he will not have to depend on his older brother for his upkeep. The Lady Hermaline is willing to have him and she has both lands and riches, but Etienne just can't bring himself to accept her, due to her shrewish nature.
Mathilde is the daughter of a disgraced nobleman. Her father was once very wealthy and had many holdings, but he lost them in gambling and he was accused of stealing from the kings wardrobe while doing service there as a young man. She isn't impressed when she meets Etienne at a tournament that her brother is jousting in. Mathilde only has eyes for Etienne's handsome friend and is rather put out when Etienne takes the ribbon from her hair as a token for the knightly tournament. She is sure he did it just to provoke Lady Hermaline who was trying to get Etienne to wear her veil on his sleeve as a favor. Mathilde really needs to get that ribbon back, and very soon. It wasn't hers, but belonged to her brother's admirer and he is very angry with her when he sees that the ribbon is gone. Soon Mathilde is deeply involved in political intrigue and personal problems and she really needs a champion to help her to safety. Etienne wants to be that champion although he knows that her impoverished state makes it impossible for him to marry her.
February 28, 2012
Not long ago, Joyce was holding an online release party for this book, Dangerous Favor. She had some awesome giveaways going on and they all included books and chocolate! I'm telling you, Joyce totally rocked the house with this one. I'm a fan of Joyce DiPastena. I love her books and I was chopping at the bit to read her latest. I entered the contest and guess what?! I won! Well, I didn't win Dangerous Favor. I actually won a different book (one that I already own) but Joyce was so kind. She sent me Dangerous Favor in the box with all the chocolate and swag I won. I swear it was like Christmas. I was so excited to get my hands on Dangerous Favor. (happy, happy, joy, joy)
If you don't know Joyce's books, you really should. She is so good at writing sweet medieval romances. Her stories will transport you through time. You will find mystery and intrigue, history and of course, romance. Joyce really does her homework when she writes a book and it shows in her writing. She knows her medieval stuff.
I loved the story of Mathilde and Etienne. Mathilde is young and very inexperienced in the ways of courting and romance. Her loyalty and courage on the other hand, runs deep. Wanting to free her father from the shame and accusations that have been laid at his feet, Mathilde seeks out someone who will take up her cause and extend the help she so desperately seeks. Mathilde has no idea the danger she is about to unravel and fortunately for her, she picked the right men to aid her. Etienne is all that and more. Sheesh, talk about your knight in shining armor. Who wants one? Me, me, pick me! I'm still dreaming of Etienne and his six pack, or was it eight pack? His silken raven curls . . .
Oh, sorry. Temporary distraction. I loved Dangerous Favor. I LOVED Dangerous Favor. I love the way Joyce writes. She weaves such a fantastic medieval story. I'm so grateful to her for sending me her book.
If you don't know Joyce's books, you really should. She is so good at writing sweet medieval romances. Her stories will transport you through time. You will find mystery and intrigue, history and of course, romance. Joyce really does her homework when she writes a book and it shows in her writing. She knows her medieval stuff.
I loved the story of Mathilde and Etienne. Mathilde is young and very inexperienced in the ways of courting and romance. Her loyalty and courage on the other hand, runs deep. Wanting to free her father from the shame and accusations that have been laid at his feet, Mathilde seeks out someone who will take up her cause and extend the help she so desperately seeks. Mathilde has no idea the danger she is about to unravel and fortunately for her, she picked the right men to aid her. Etienne is all that and more. Sheesh, talk about your knight in shining armor. Who wants one? Me, me, pick me! I'm still dreaming of Etienne and his six pack, or was it eight pack? His silken raven curls . . .
Oh, sorry. Temporary distraction. I loved Dangerous Favor. I LOVED Dangerous Favor. I love the way Joyce writes. She weaves such a fantastic medieval story. I'm so grateful to her for sending me her book.
July 17, 2012
I recently learned about Dangerous Favor on LDSWBR. Their review and the sample chapter online grabbed my attention. It's a story with lords, knights, queens, mistaken identity, plots to overthrow kings, traitors, and mysterious "favors".
I didn't love the cover, but if you feel the same way, don't let that stop you from giving the book a try. The story is quite engaging.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Mathilde and Etienne. Mathilde is young and naive, but she is extremely loyal to her father and is determined to prove that he was wrongly accused of theft. Etienne seems like a player, but he has his loyalties too.
If you get hung up on unfamiliar foreign terms, be sure to note that there is a glossary in the back (I would have loved a pronunciation guide too).
I didn't love the cover, but if you feel the same way, don't let that stop you from giving the book a try. The story is quite engaging.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Mathilde and Etienne. Mathilde is young and naive, but she is extremely loyal to her father and is determined to prove that he was wrongly accused of theft. Etienne seems like a player, but he has his loyalties too.
If you get hung up on unfamiliar foreign terms, be sure to note that there is a glossary in the back (I would have loved a pronunciation guide too).
February 13, 2012
Joyce is very good at taking a mystery, a romance and a piece of history and mixing it all together for a fun book. I wish I knew a little more about this part of England. I always feel a little lost but now that I have read all three of her books I feel like I know a little more. We even got a little glimpse of the characters from past books. This love story was fun to read and I really had no idea where this book was all going. You know the two will end up together you just don't know how. There was a little sexual innuendo, some violence- talk of rape and a fight scenes. 18 and up.
May 24, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed Dangerous Favor!! I was completely swept into the medieval time period with Joyce's beautiful description and thorough research! I was so excited to hear Etienne's story and was shocked by how much I loved his character by the end of the story. It was also such a treat to be able to have another glimpse into the lives of so many of the other characters of Ms. DiSpastena's that I have loved. All 3 books of this series were excellent and I can't wait to read more from this author!
November 27, 2015
I always like these medieval romances by Dipastena. They are full of intrigue, lots of action and suspense, mystery, and love, of course. Mathilde is our heroine in this book. She was innocent, yet spunky. I loved her character. And the knights—Therri (The Vision) and Etienne (The Seducer) as Mathilde has come to call them—are awesome. The villain is chilling and the action never ending. Another great book that was incredibly difficult to stop reading.
August 12, 2014
Author Joyce DiPastena is a talented writer so knowledgeable about the medieval time period that she easily weaves her story with historical fact without even a blink from the reader!
Read full review in the 2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 19, 2016
If you love knights in shining armor and maidens in waiting then you will love this story. Joyce DiPastena doesn't disappoint. The incredible authenticity of this medieval adventure is outstanding. The story is a continuation of the original book of Loyalty's Web which is very intriguing and you are held to read to the very end of what will happen. A great read!
June 5, 2012
Oh Joyce, you did it again! I totally loved it. The detail to character and settings make it such a wonderful read. It was fun to see more of some of my other favorite characters from the other books. It is so great to find good clean wonderful romances to read. Thanks again , Joyce.
March 18, 2025
Well, Joyce, I did indeed find this book in the “vacuum” (thanks to my husband for buying me this blind date book) and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Historical fiction is most often a miss for me but this one was intriguing and twisting. I’m really glad to have read it! Thank you!
Historical fiction is most often a miss for me but this one was intriguing and twisting. I’m really glad to have read it! Thank you!
December 29, 2025
I loved this book
I love how this book basically has two love stories written intertwined with each other, one story yet also kind of separate, with two different Happily ever afters for the two characters that from the start of the series sound almost inseparable.
I love how this book basically has two love stories written intertwined with each other, one story yet also kind of separate, with two different Happily ever afters for the two characters that from the start of the series sound almost inseparable.
January 20, 2019
The plot has a slow start and the intruige was hard to follow. The romance finished better than it started and ended nicely which made up for the hard start.
January 28, 2021
Love this story!
April 16, 2021
A book of intrigue and characteristic of a periodic novel of early history.
March 9, 2023
intriguing
I loved the romance, the history, & the intrigue found in this book! What a treat! There is more than one Swoony hero as well as more than one dastardly villain!
I loved the romance, the history, & the intrigue found in this book! What a treat! There is more than one Swoony hero as well as more than one dastardly villain!
July 22, 2012
Wow. Just...Wow. I truly tend to dislike outright romances, but there's so much mystery and intrigue in this! I absolutely adored it! It's my first of her novels, but I'm going to have to read more now.
I have to caution anyone unfamiliar with the language of medieval literature. I'm used to it since it is my favorite genre, and there is of course a helpful glossary to explain things, but it can be unnerving and I daresay annoying to those not versed in it, as a friend explained. Still, it's mighty beautiful and totally worth any fuss you'll have learning it.
I honestly don't know much of anything regarding the historical aspects of the book, and it's certainly not needed for all that politics is a huge part of the plot. DiPastena does such an excellent job of incorporating it all into her twist so that you don't need to know. But, you'll be wanting to research it yourself by the end of the tale! Thankfully, she helps out there too with some references for her readers. (She's really got it all covered!)
Mathilde is such a strong character. For all that she may be a tad naive at first, she still shows fierce loyalty to her family and courage where the standard well-bred lady might falter. Etienne is the definition of chivalrous, mostly. He may play a trick and a flirt to escape a harpy, but it was worth it in the end.
There is action, with a grand tourney and knights fighting one another throughout. There is death, sad ones even (or not sad, depending on how you look at it). There is more than one tale of romance, quite different but equally beautiful...and frustrating...and so well worked with the intrigue that endangers the characters that you'd not think the book was meant to be a romance.
There is so much I want to say about this book and yet I don't want to ruin anything because even the slightest things played monumental parts...in the romance and in the mystery. It was so eloquently written and was a constant fascination the entire way through. I never wanted to put it down, for all that I was only able to steal away a few moments at a time until I could finally find the time to myself. I'm so in love with all the characters that I'm looking forward to reading the tales of the ones that made mere cameos in this one.
I have to caution anyone unfamiliar with the language of medieval literature. I'm used to it since it is my favorite genre, and there is of course a helpful glossary to explain things, but it can be unnerving and I daresay annoying to those not versed in it, as a friend explained. Still, it's mighty beautiful and totally worth any fuss you'll have learning it.
I honestly don't know much of anything regarding the historical aspects of the book, and it's certainly not needed for all that politics is a huge part of the plot. DiPastena does such an excellent job of incorporating it all into her twist so that you don't need to know. But, you'll be wanting to research it yourself by the end of the tale! Thankfully, she helps out there too with some references for her readers. (She's really got it all covered!)
Mathilde is such a strong character. For all that she may be a tad naive at first, she still shows fierce loyalty to her family and courage where the standard well-bred lady might falter. Etienne is the definition of chivalrous, mostly. He may play a trick and a flirt to escape a harpy, but it was worth it in the end.
There is action, with a grand tourney and knights fighting one another throughout. There is death, sad ones even (or not sad, depending on how you look at it). There is more than one tale of romance, quite different but equally beautiful...and frustrating...and so well worked with the intrigue that endangers the characters that you'd not think the book was meant to be a romance.
There is so much I want to say about this book and yet I don't want to ruin anything because even the slightest things played monumental parts...in the romance and in the mystery. It was so eloquently written and was a constant fascination the entire way through. I never wanted to put it down, for all that I was only able to steal away a few moments at a time until I could finally find the time to myself. I'm so in love with all the characters that I'm looking forward to reading the tales of the ones that made mere cameos in this one.
June 15, 2012
Every story I read, written by Joyce DiPastena, makes me fall in love with this time period more and more. Medieval France is brought to life again, in this story about the fair maiden, Mathilde, and her handsome knight, Etienne. Both Etienne and Mathilde come from imperfect families and backgrounds. Neither were looking for love, but end up falling for each other amongst danger, surrounded by those in King Henry's court. This great tale in woven so brilliantly, with rich and accurate history, and a clean love story.
This third novel has beloved characters that we have "met" before in Joyce's others books, Loyalty's Web and Illuminations of the Heart.
I always feel like I am coming home when I read a series that has familiar characters I have read about before. Joyce has such a beautiful writing style that brings to life the middle ages with rich descriptions and flavors. There is more than one romance being played out, as Lord Therri and Lady Violette are dancing around each other; then Mathilde and Etienne are trying hard not to fall in love. There is a lot of romantic tension, without anything gratuitous. There were many times I sighed out loud as Mathilde and Etienne interact for example...
A footstep sounded, and then Etienne's arms encircled her from behind...
"Don't," she said.
His cheek rested atop her head. "Don't what?"
"Touch me."
His cheek came up and she felt his start of surprise
"Please let me go." She heard her voice, flat, colorless...
Yes, there is a lot of "dancing" going on, but you will truly enjoy the ride. I highly recommend this book to those who love historical romance, especially from the middle ages. If you have never read any from this genre, this is the series that you need to start with. A romance written by Joyce DiPastena will never leave you disappointed.
This third novel has beloved characters that we have "met" before in Joyce's others books, Loyalty's Web and Illuminations of the Heart.
I always feel like I am coming home when I read a series that has familiar characters I have read about before. Joyce has such a beautiful writing style that brings to life the middle ages with rich descriptions and flavors. There is more than one romance being played out, as Lord Therri and Lady Violette are dancing around each other; then Mathilde and Etienne are trying hard not to fall in love. There is a lot of romantic tension, without anything gratuitous. There were many times I sighed out loud as Mathilde and Etienne interact for example...
A footstep sounded, and then Etienne's arms encircled her from behind...
"Don't," she said.
His cheek rested atop her head. "Don't what?"
"Touch me."
His cheek came up and she felt his start of surprise
"Please let me go." She heard her voice, flat, colorless...
Yes, there is a lot of "dancing" going on, but you will truly enjoy the ride. I highly recommend this book to those who love historical romance, especially from the middle ages. If you have never read any from this genre, this is the series that you need to start with. A romance written by Joyce DiPastena will never leave you disappointed.
June 10, 2012
Excellent!!! Mathilde needs to marry well. Her father has been accused of crimes she does not believe he committed, and she makes it her personal goal to marry well and prove his innocence. Her brother takes her to tournament and in her hair, he weaves a silk ribbon after she begs him for the trinket to help 'dress her up' a bit. Before the tourney begins, she meets Etienne de Brielle, a knight who asks her for a favor to wear during the melee. He takes the ribbon from her hair with out her consent and wears it into battle. Little to Etienne and Mathilde know, but that ribbon means life or death to the one carrying it. Many dangerous men, and many men with good intentions are all out to get the ribbon for one sole purpose; to deliver it to King Henry (from his daughter in law, Queen Marguerite of France who is married to his son the Young King.)
Add to all of this, d'Amville, a man Mathilde was once betrothed to seemingly comes back from the dead to renew his threats against her and her family. Etienne, in the mean time, has fallen madly in love with Mathilde and will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even if it means leaving the service of the Young King to work for his brother, who is under service to King Henry.
Add a few bits of humor, and a good love story between a few of the characters, and this is one great read!!
Add to all of this, d'Amville, a man Mathilde was once betrothed to seemingly comes back from the dead to renew his threats against her and her family. Etienne, in the mean time, has fallen madly in love with Mathilde and will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even if it means leaving the service of the Young King to work for his brother, who is under service to King Henry.
Add a few bits of humor, and a good love story between a few of the characters, and this is one great read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2012
Mathilde, a lady whose father has been accused of stealing from the king and is now impoverished, needs a champion to clear her father's name. She accompanies her brother to a tournament to look for one. While there she meets Etienne, a younger son who doesn't have the means to help her. Etienne,charmed at first sight, begs to wear Mathilde's favor in the tournament. The only thing Mathilde has is a ribbon in her hair, which she is keeping safe for her brother. Before she knows it, Etienne takes the ribbon from her hair and disappears. As it turns out, it's a very dangerous favor, indeed...
I loved Etienne, with his sparkling green eyes and sense of humor. I loved the way he wouldn't part with the ribbon and was so protective of Mathilde. Mathilde was the ultimate self-sacrificing heroine, determined to clear her father's name. The plot involved mystery, court intrigue, and romance.
Joyce DiPastena excels at writing clean (G-rated), sweet Medieval romances. She brings the Middle Ages to life. With her words you can see, hear, taste, smell and feel what it was like to live back then. Her research is painstaking, and so her books are all historically accurate. If you're a fan of the Middle Ages, you won't want to miss them!
I loved Etienne, with his sparkling green eyes and sense of humor. I loved the way he wouldn't part with the ribbon and was so protective of Mathilde. Mathilde was the ultimate self-sacrificing heroine, determined to clear her father's name. The plot involved mystery, court intrigue, and romance.
Joyce DiPastena excels at writing clean (G-rated), sweet Medieval romances. She brings the Middle Ages to life. With her words you can see, hear, taste, smell and feel what it was like to live back then. Her research is painstaking, and so her books are all historically accurate. If you're a fan of the Middle Ages, you won't want to miss them!
March 4, 2012
Joyce DiPastena has lived true to her reputation and written another outstanding historical romance set in the tumultuous backdrop of France in the Middle Ages. With extraordinary skill, she has woven intrigue and danger around the exquisitely delicious romance between Etienne and Mathilde.
Joyce has masterfully shrouded the origin of Matilde's favor to Etienne in a mystery that is unraveled one perilous strand at a time. As the attraction between Etienne and Mathhilde heightens, they slide steadily deeper into a darkening pit of danger. I fell in love with Etienne. He is the epitome of masculine perfection: sensitive, kind, full of honor, passionate, fearless, romantic, and...GORGEOUS! Matilde possesses the beauty of an angel who has the inner will and strength to take on demons--and she does. The story is complex. The quality of the writing is exceptional. The prose is poetic and keenly descriptive. The novel's historical elements are seamleessly threaded into every scene.
I couldn't put Dangerous Favor down. It went EVERYWHERE with me (even into the kitchen to cook). Thank you to Joyce DiPastena for another first-rate romance.
Joyce has masterfully shrouded the origin of Matilde's favor to Etienne in a mystery that is unraveled one perilous strand at a time. As the attraction between Etienne and Mathhilde heightens, they slide steadily deeper into a darkening pit of danger. I fell in love with Etienne. He is the epitome of masculine perfection: sensitive, kind, full of honor, passionate, fearless, romantic, and...GORGEOUS! Matilde possesses the beauty of an angel who has the inner will and strength to take on demons--and she does. The story is complex. The quality of the writing is exceptional. The prose is poetic and keenly descriptive. The novel's historical elements are seamleessly threaded into every scene.
I couldn't put Dangerous Favor down. It went EVERYWHERE with me (even into the kitchen to cook). Thank you to Joyce DiPastena for another first-rate romance.
September 27, 2012
This was fun, clean, exciting, and romantic. It had a lot a dialog about solving the mystery/puzzle. I would read more from this author. From the book: Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams. Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor-an embroidered white ribbon-for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?
January 4, 2013
Joyce continues her prowess with sweet medieval romance. Dangerous Favor takes us into a world of knights, castles, customs, clothing, sword fights, tournaments, treachery, lovely clothed women, history and the list goes on. All this serves as a backdrop for the love between Etienne and Mathilde, the hero and heroine.
I appreciated the purity of Etienne and Matilde and the value of marriage. The obstacles in their path, preventing them from being together, kept me turning the pages. The passion, yet restraint of Etienne and Mathilde is well done. Characterization is vivid through the use of dialogue, decription of expressions, outward actions, and the use of all five senses. All characters, even the minor ones, are fleshed out for us. The glossary was of great help. I highly recommend this third novel of Joyce's.
I appreciated the purity of Etienne and Matilde and the value of marriage. The obstacles in their path, preventing them from being together, kept me turning the pages. The passion, yet restraint of Etienne and Mathilde is well done. Characterization is vivid through the use of dialogue, decription of expressions, outward actions, and the use of all five senses. All characters, even the minor ones, are fleshed out for us. The glossary was of great help. I highly recommend this third novel of Joyce's.
March 4, 2012
Joyce has done it again with this book. I love her writing and the medieval romance gets me every time. Another gripping book like Loyalty's Web. The research is wonderful you feel like you are in France along with everyone else. I read a lot of romance novels here lately and I like them , but when I want clean romance I turn to Joyce. She has a way of brining her characters to life to grip you through out the book. A page turner.
Mathilde is my favorite character. Even though she is our damsel in distress she tries her hardest to help herself. The relationship she has with Etienne is a remarkable one full of love.
A must read for everyone.
Mathilde is my favorite character. Even though she is our damsel in distress she tries her hardest to help herself. The relationship she has with Etienne is a remarkable one full of love.
A must read for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews