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Medieval #1
The Lily and the Sword
MARRIED TO HER ENEMY!
Trapped in an old Saxon church, Lady Lily is dragged from her hiding place to the very feet of the warrior who's been hunting for her --- Radulf, the King's Sword, a man whose name all speak in fear. Yet when she looks into his coal-black eyes, it is not fear that makes her tremble ... but desire. So she lies to save her life --- and prays to save her heart.
Even though some instinct whispers that Lily's not who she claims to be, Radulf is helpless against his burning need to possess her. Furious when he discovers her true identity, he nevertheless marries her --- not to protect her from the king's wrath, he tells himself, but to keep a close watch on her. For Radulf was betrayed by a woman once before ... and now trusting Lily could cost him his life.
Trapped in an old Saxon church, Lady Lily is dragged from her hiding place to the very feet of the warrior who's been hunting for her --- Radulf, the King's Sword, a man whose name all speak in fear. Yet when she looks into his coal-black eyes, it is not fear that makes her tremble ... but desire. So she lies to save her life --- and prays to save her heart.
Even though some instinct whispers that Lily's not who she claims to be, Radulf is helpless against his burning need to possess her. Furious when he discovers her true identity, he nevertheless marries her --- not to protect her from the king's wrath, he tells himself, but to keep a close watch on her. For Radulf was betrayed by a woman once before ... and now trusting Lily could cost him his life.
377 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
27 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bennett
139 books209 followersSara Bennett writes with passion. She has been published by Avon HarperCollins in the USA, and also publishes independently. She recently wrote a series of Regency novellas about Second Chances called Mockingbird Square. The four novellas are Unforgettable, Enraptured, Surrender and Reckless. They're available at all eBook stores.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
Currently she is writing a second series of Mockingbird Square. The first three novellas, Fascination, Seduction and Temptation are available, and Obsession is under way.
Sara also writes paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie, steamy historical romance as Evie North, and Australian Women's Fiction as Kaye Dobbie.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 14, 2018
This was a beauty and the beast story set in medieval times around the Norman conquest. What I particularly liked about the book was that it never betrayed the historical truth that women held no power during these times and how much they were at the mercy of strong male figures. Even keeping with this historical truth, the author still gives us a h who shows great strength for the good of her people and a H who is "so masculine, so virile" yet vulnerable to fall in love with h. The emotional pull between the two of them is explored through much of the book but sadly there is no secondary plot that drives the story forward at a good pace.
This was supposedly author's first book and it didn't discouraged me to abandon her future works.
This was supposedly author's first book and it didn't discouraged me to abandon her future works.
September 23, 2018
Lily (Lady Wilfreda) is being sought by Randulf, William the Conquerer's Sword because it is believed that *she* is the cause of the rebellion in the north. In fact, she is as much a victim of her late husband's treachery and cruelty as anyone.
I wasn't sure I would like this one because how intense that time period was, but I had to keep reading. Lots of twisty roads to the "usual" HEA because both of the MC's have been betrayed and cannot trust. However, there was one plot point left unanswered:
I wasn't sure I would like this one because how intense that time period was, but I had to keep reading. Lots of twisty roads to the "usual" HEA because both of the MC's have been betrayed and cannot trust. However, there was one plot point left unanswered:
May 6, 2018
I was annoyed with the heroine who kept saying she was tired of war and that she needed to protect her people but never actually did anything to protect them. She just ran and ran until she was caught. Her lack of action spoiled the book for me. It is noticeable that this is the author's first book.
October 7, 2025
3 stelle e mezzo
Questo è un romanzo stand-alone, anche se fa parte di una serie di romanzi accomunati dall’ambientazione medievale, che consiglio a chi ama le relazioni conquistatore/prigioniera, e dove quest’’ultima non ha alcuna intenzione di cedere in modo facile (per dire, alcune sfumature sono simili a “Matrimonio normanno” di Julie Garwood).
Ci troviamo all’indomani della conquista dell’isola britannica da parte di Guglielmo il Conquistatore (circa 1070), con i guerrieri normanni che espugnano gradualmente gli ultimi castelli sassoni. Lady Lily, già sposata a un nobile molto anziano, si è vista abbandonata e tradita. In più, il fatto di essere una giovane brillante e attenta alle sorti della sua gente le ha procurato presso i nemici la reputazione di una castellana intrigante e malvagia (bastava poco, in effetti, per esprimere un pensiero ed essere tacciati dei peccati più spregevoli).
E chi la sta cacciando è proprio Radulf, la Spada del Re, un gigante introverso e poco incline a perdere tempo con dame da rispettare. L’unica soluzione per Lily è celare la propria identità, anche dopo che è comunque finita nel letto del cavaliere. Per quanto l’amore sia pressoché istantaneo, Radulf covava già una profonda diffidenza verso il mondo femminile, e l’inganno di Lily non fa che confermarlo. Finché il re non decide di combinare un matrimonio d’interesse, a prescindere dalla ritrosia di entrambi.
Ho visto che è uno dei primi romanzi dell’autrice e si avverte uno stile ancora non troppo maturo, preoccupato di guardare a modelli di successo presso i lettori; tuttavia, i personaggi sono, quanto meno, coerenti: lui è un uomo rude, che prima agisce e poi riflette, lei è una ragazza vulnerabile e priva di protezioni, che deve arrangiarsi per sopravvivere.
Di certo, a lei va tutta la mia simpatia e le perdono il colpo di fulmine improvviso, a battaglia appena finita e con rappresaglie ancora in corso.
In effetti, se sei sola e disperata, circondata da soldati che ti vogliono solo catturare, l’idea di rifugiarsi in una tenda sicura, con un giaciglio morbido e un corpo-scudo bollente può essere oltremodo allettante.
Questo è un romanzo stand-alone, anche se fa parte di una serie di romanzi accomunati dall’ambientazione medievale, che consiglio a chi ama le relazioni conquistatore/prigioniera, e dove quest’’ultima non ha alcuna intenzione di cedere in modo facile (per dire, alcune sfumature sono simili a “Matrimonio normanno” di Julie Garwood).
Ci troviamo all’indomani della conquista dell’isola britannica da parte di Guglielmo il Conquistatore (circa 1070), con i guerrieri normanni che espugnano gradualmente gli ultimi castelli sassoni. Lady Lily, già sposata a un nobile molto anziano, si è vista abbandonata e tradita. In più, il fatto di essere una giovane brillante e attenta alle sorti della sua gente le ha procurato presso i nemici la reputazione di una castellana intrigante e malvagia (bastava poco, in effetti, per esprimere un pensiero ed essere tacciati dei peccati più spregevoli).
E chi la sta cacciando è proprio Radulf, la Spada del Re, un gigante introverso e poco incline a perdere tempo con dame da rispettare. L’unica soluzione per Lily è celare la propria identità, anche dopo che è comunque finita nel letto del cavaliere. Per quanto l’amore sia pressoché istantaneo, Radulf covava già una profonda diffidenza verso il mondo femminile, e l’inganno di Lily non fa che confermarlo. Finché il re non decide di combinare un matrimonio d’interesse, a prescindere dalla ritrosia di entrambi.
Ho visto che è uno dei primi romanzi dell’autrice e si avverte uno stile ancora non troppo maturo, preoccupato di guardare a modelli di successo presso i lettori; tuttavia, i personaggi sono, quanto meno, coerenti: lui è un uomo rude, che prima agisce e poi riflette, lei è una ragazza vulnerabile e priva di protezioni, che deve arrangiarsi per sopravvivere.
Di certo, a lei va tutta la mia simpatia e le perdono il colpo di fulmine improvviso, a battaglia appena finita e con rappresaglie ancora in corso.
In effetti, se sei sola e disperata, circondata da soldati che ti vogliono solo catturare, l’idea di rifugiarsi in una tenda sicura, con un giaciglio morbido e un corpo-scudo bollente può essere oltremodo allettante.
December 20, 2008
This medieval lite story is set during The Harrying of the North in 1070 and Lady Lily is caught in the middle during that tumultuous and savage time. All the men in her life have used and betrayed her and now she is the only one left to face King William's wrath. Using her wits she hides and evades capture until her hiding place is found and she is brought before the great warrior known as the King's Sword. Destined to be enemies, these two form an instantaneous attraction and pretty soon they are steaming up the medieval sheets. Radulf has known betrayal from women before so while he feels a strong passion for Lily, he knows such feelings are fleeting, so he watches her and sure enough, she proves his distrust true. She is caught in her lies and with the enemy, and Radulf marches her to King William and her possible imprisonment. Along the way they both try to harden their heart but when they reach King William, Radulf decides he will ask for her, and decide her punishment for himself..
Marriage to Radulf is hardly a punishment. While the much feared King's Sword might have a brutal and terrible reputation, the man behind the legend is just a big softie. All the poor guy wants is to love and be loved. Awww. Lily is, in my opinion, much more complex than Radulf. Despite his baggage, at least he was on the winning side. She was on the loser's side and not only had to marry her father's murder, but she has been abused and used by her deceased husband and her friend. Everyone takes up arms under her name and banner, but no one takes up for her, and she's been surviving as best she can, alone. Then Radulf sweeps into her life and her icy heart melts for him. Even though she knows she should be running and hiding, all she wants is just one more night in his arms.
I thought this book was going to be much better than it was. This is a debut novel and it shows. While it's definitely not mediocre, neither is it good. It's "not bad." Unfortunately, with the title of this book, the setting and the synopsis, I was hoping for a juicy and angsty tale to sink my teeth in and be swept away in. Instead it's rather medieval lite, the character's aren't very well fleshed out or developed, and it's all rather flimsy. I felt like I had read this book before. If you have read Judith McNaught's A Kingdom of Dreams and Madeline Hunter's Lord of a Thousand Nights, you might feel the same way I did after this book.
This is not to say you shouldn't read this book. This author has written several novels since this one and I'm sure she's improved. I even have her Rose And The Shield book waiting for me to be read one day. I might have been projecting my own wishes and wants on to this story, hoping for something else, while not paying attention to the story Sara Bennet had created. Or I could just be blowing smoke up my own behind and this story really wasn't all that great. Whatever the reason, I didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping for, but I also want to try it again in the future to see if my opinion of it changes.
Marriage to Radulf is hardly a punishment. While the much feared King's Sword might have a brutal and terrible reputation, the man behind the legend is just a big softie. All the poor guy wants is to love and be loved. Awww. Lily is, in my opinion, much more complex than Radulf. Despite his baggage, at least he was on the winning side. She was on the loser's side and not only had to marry her father's murder, but she has been abused and used by her deceased husband and her friend. Everyone takes up arms under her name and banner, but no one takes up for her, and she's been surviving as best she can, alone. Then Radulf sweeps into her life and her icy heart melts for him. Even though she knows she should be running and hiding, all she wants is just one more night in his arms.
I thought this book was going to be much better than it was. This is a debut novel and it shows. While it's definitely not mediocre, neither is it good. It's "not bad." Unfortunately, with the title of this book, the setting and the synopsis, I was hoping for a juicy and angsty tale to sink my teeth in and be swept away in. Instead it's rather medieval lite, the character's aren't very well fleshed out or developed, and it's all rather flimsy. I felt like I had read this book before. If you have read Judith McNaught's A Kingdom of Dreams and Madeline Hunter's Lord of a Thousand Nights, you might feel the same way I did after this book.
This is not to say you shouldn't read this book. This author has written several novels since this one and I'm sure she's improved. I even have her Rose And The Shield book waiting for me to be read one day. I might have been projecting my own wishes and wants on to this story, hoping for something else, while not paying attention to the story Sara Bennet had created. Or I could just be blowing smoke up my own behind and this story really wasn't all that great. Whatever the reason, I didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping for, but I also want to try it again in the future to see if my opinion of it changes.
July 13, 2024
4 stelle stiracchiate
Una lettura scorrevole e molto piacevole ambientata in un contesto storico che a me piace molto nei libri.
I personaggi mi sono piaciuti molto, ben strutturati e molto coerenti; la loro storia mi è piaciuta molto anche se forse alcune parti sono ripetitive ma nel complesso una bella storia.
Decisamente un buon libro anche se ne ho letti di migliori ma per chi vuole qualcosa di poco impegnativo e ama il genere lo consiglio.
Una lettura scorrevole e molto piacevole ambientata in un contesto storico che a me piace molto nei libri.
I personaggi mi sono piaciuti molto, ben strutturati e molto coerenti; la loro storia mi è piaciuta molto anche se forse alcune parti sono ripetitive ma nel complesso una bella storia.
Decisamente un buon libro anche se ne ho letti di migliori ma per chi vuole qualcosa di poco impegnativo e ama il genere lo consiglio.
October 18, 2018
A SOLID 4.5 STARS!
THIS HAS ALL THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT I ENJOY IN A MEDIEVAL ROMANCE. THERE'S NOT JUST PASSION, CHEMISTRY BUT ALSO GOOD OL' JEALOUSY AND ANGST THE SPICE THINGS UP! YOU WILL DEFINITELY FIND AN ALPHA, YET CAN BE GENTLE HERO, A STRONG BEAUTIFUL HEROINE AND ALSO A EX-LOVER SCORNED.
OUR HERO is the King's Sword, his name spoken in fear by others and his infamy for those who has met the end of his blade. Ruthless and strong, he has been dispatched by King William to find the traitor's wife who has fled and will be brought to judgement. Little does he know, the said wife has been under his protection all along when he encountered a beautiful maid hiding in the shadows of the Church. Without doubt, he was suspicious of her because the story she told doesn't add up, yet he cannot help but keep her beside him and seduce her into his bed. I enjoyed the moments he tortured himself with wanting but also anger at the heroine. The question is will he set aside his pride for her? And who is this mystery lady who once had his heart, and had betrayed him duly?
OUR HEROINE was the wife of a dead rebel who is believed to have turned her own husband against the King. No one but she knows the truth that her husband was an evil man who killed her father and forced her hand in marriage. Luckily he was impotent (perhaps she had something to do with it) and she remains untouched (sorry, I'm a prude when it comes to historical romances, I like my heroines a good ol' virgin). When she flees from the castle, knowing that men are after her, she hides in the church and was discovered by Ranulf. How she has heard stories of him, yet this man makes her breath catch, her heart quickens and also stirs her womanly passions. I'm also glad that she wasn't a shrew. Though she has experienced first love with a bumbling lad, she knows that with Ranulf, it's with a man and one she wants to last a lifetime. If only they can overcome their subtle differences!
OVERALL I liked the transition from strangers to lovers and then to a married couple, though the two were practically still strangers. Forced weddings in medieval romances are a classic and this one certainly didn't disappoint! I absolutely loved the angst! It wasn't dark or intense, but still good.
THIS HAS ALL THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT I ENJOY IN A MEDIEVAL ROMANCE. THERE'S NOT JUST PASSION, CHEMISTRY BUT ALSO GOOD OL' JEALOUSY AND ANGST THE SPICE THINGS UP! YOU WILL DEFINITELY FIND AN ALPHA, YET CAN BE GENTLE HERO, A STRONG BEAUTIFUL HEROINE AND ALSO A EX-LOVER SCORNED.
OUR HERO is the King's Sword, his name spoken in fear by others and his infamy for those who has met the end of his blade. Ruthless and strong, he has been dispatched by King William to find the traitor's wife who has fled and will be brought to judgement. Little does he know, the said wife has been under his protection all along when he encountered a beautiful maid hiding in the shadows of the Church. Without doubt, he was suspicious of her because the story she told doesn't add up, yet he cannot help but keep her beside him and seduce her into his bed. I enjoyed the moments he tortured himself with wanting but also anger at the heroine. The question is will he set aside his pride for her? And who is this mystery lady who once had his heart, and had betrayed him duly?
OUR HEROINE was the wife of a dead rebel who is believed to have turned her own husband against the King. No one but she knows the truth that her husband was an evil man who killed her father and forced her hand in marriage. Luckily he was impotent (perhaps she had something to do with it) and she remains untouched (sorry, I'm a prude when it comes to historical romances, I like my heroines a good ol' virgin). When she flees from the castle, knowing that men are after her, she hides in the church and was discovered by Ranulf. How she has heard stories of him, yet this man makes her breath catch, her heart quickens and also stirs her womanly passions. I'm also glad that she wasn't a shrew. Though she has experienced first love with a bumbling lad, she knows that with Ranulf, it's with a man and one she wants to last a lifetime. If only they can overcome their subtle differences!
OVERALL I liked the transition from strangers to lovers and then to a married couple, though the two were practically still strangers. Forced weddings in medieval romances are a classic and this one certainly didn't disappoint! I absolutely loved the angst! It wasn't dark or intense, but still good.
January 4, 2019
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : In de handen van de vijand - Candlelight Historische roman 813 .
Ik ben niet zo'n fan van de schrijfstijl van deze auteur - veel tekst met onzekere mijmeringen ( waarin dus niets gebeurt ) waardoor er weinig tempo zit in het verhaal .
Ik ben niet zo'n fan van de schrijfstijl van deze auteur - veel tekst met onzekere mijmeringen ( waarin dus niets gebeurt ) waardoor er weinig tempo zit in het verhaal .
October 30, 2025
Sara Bennett in questo libro ci condurrà in un Inghilterra sconvolta dalla guerra e dall'invasione di Re Guglielmo.
Farà da sfondo la passione incontenibile fra una giovane sassone e un affascinante guerriero normanno.
Lily dopo la morte dell’uomo che era stata costretta a sposare è in fuga per sfuggire al terribile Radulf, "La spada del Re" . L'uomo ha fama di essere violento e crudele e la sta cercando per consegnarla appunto a Re Guglielmo.
Ma quando si ritroverà tra le sue braccia, Radulf non sembra affatto l'uomo sanguinario che le aveva sempre descritto il suo defunto marito, bensì un uomo giusto e coraggioso.
Ma Lily ha nascosto la propria identità facendosi passare per qualcun'altra. Quando il guerriero scoprirà l'inganno dovrà subirne le conseguenze.
Restare incatenata a lui fa sì che Lily si faccia un'idea più che positiva di quel cavaliere possente e ombroso, che la attrae incredibilmente.
Radulf, dal canto suo, sospetta che la ragazza non sia chi dice di essere, ma preferisce far finta di nulla, perché il desiderio che prova per lei è irrinunciabile e va ben oltre le barriere che li dividono.
"Vi do la mia ricchezza e le mie proprietà, la mia forza e la mia spada… e vi consegno il mio cuore, Lily, ora e sempre.
Lei alzò il capo, con gli occhi grigi inondati di lacrime. — Il vostro cuore sarà al sicuro con me, mio signore."
Presto l'attrazione fra loro ha la meglio e Lily non potrà che cedere alla passione. E sotto le sue mani esperte, che sanno come e dove toccarla, scopre finalmente il piacere. Un'estasi sconosciuta e del tutto nuova per lei, reduce da un arido matrimonio di convenienza.
Tra i due nasce un forte sentimento messo a dura prova da gelosie, segreti, ostacoli che il destino metterà loro davanti.
Riusciranno a fidarsi uno dell'altro? e ha trovare finalmente l'intesa perfetta?
È il primo libro che leggo di questa autrice e mi ha letteralmente stregata, ho trovato la lettura scorrevole e coinvolgente, la trama ben articolata e i protagonisti ben caratterizzati, mi sono ritrovata a vivere la storia e le emozioni attraverso i loro occhi.
Non vedo l'ora di vivere altre avventure simili.
Ringrazio la Mondadori per la fiducia e l'invio della bellissima copia cartacea
Farà da sfondo la passione incontenibile fra una giovane sassone e un affascinante guerriero normanno.
Lily dopo la morte dell’uomo che era stata costretta a sposare è in fuga per sfuggire al terribile Radulf, "La spada del Re" . L'uomo ha fama di essere violento e crudele e la sta cercando per consegnarla appunto a Re Guglielmo.
Ma quando si ritroverà tra le sue braccia, Radulf non sembra affatto l'uomo sanguinario che le aveva sempre descritto il suo defunto marito, bensì un uomo giusto e coraggioso.
Ma Lily ha nascosto la propria identità facendosi passare per qualcun'altra. Quando il guerriero scoprirà l'inganno dovrà subirne le conseguenze.
Restare incatenata a lui fa sì che Lily si faccia un'idea più che positiva di quel cavaliere possente e ombroso, che la attrae incredibilmente.
Radulf, dal canto suo, sospetta che la ragazza non sia chi dice di essere, ma preferisce far finta di nulla, perché il desiderio che prova per lei è irrinunciabile e va ben oltre le barriere che li dividono.
"Vi do la mia ricchezza e le mie proprietà, la mia forza e la mia spada… e vi consegno il mio cuore, Lily, ora e sempre.
Lei alzò il capo, con gli occhi grigi inondati di lacrime. — Il vostro cuore sarà al sicuro con me, mio signore."
Presto l'attrazione fra loro ha la meglio e Lily non potrà che cedere alla passione. E sotto le sue mani esperte, che sanno come e dove toccarla, scopre finalmente il piacere. Un'estasi sconosciuta e del tutto nuova per lei, reduce da un arido matrimonio di convenienza.
Tra i due nasce un forte sentimento messo a dura prova da gelosie, segreti, ostacoli che il destino metterà loro davanti.
Riusciranno a fidarsi uno dell'altro? e ha trovare finalmente l'intesa perfetta?
È il primo libro che leggo di questa autrice e mi ha letteralmente stregata, ho trovato la lettura scorrevole e coinvolgente, la trama ben articolata e i protagonisti ben caratterizzati, mi sono ritrovata a vivere la storia e le emozioni attraverso i loro occhi.
Non vedo l'ora di vivere altre avventure simili.
Ringrazio la Mondadori per la fiducia e l'invio della bellissima copia cartacea
June 26, 2019
A fairly cheesy but enjoyable "beauty and the beast" -style romance. At times the angst was high (especially on the hero's end) and it got fairly repetitive (how many times must we read that the heroine is half-English, half-Viking? Once or twice is enough, seriously!!!). Also, there was some distracting head-hopping.
But I liked it. The heroine, Lily, is quite likable--she's every bit as proud and independent as the rest of the willful heroines in historical romances, but she wasn't overbearing and obnoxious. She was a good fit for Radulf, who I found somewhat exasperating at times. When they finally affirmed their feelings for each other, it was so sappy yet so sweet, heh.
3 stars.
But I liked it. The heroine, Lily, is quite likable--she's every bit as proud and independent as the rest of the willful heroines in historical romances, but she wasn't overbearing and obnoxious. She was a good fit for Radulf, who I found somewhat exasperating at times. When they finally affirmed their feelings for each other, it was so sappy yet so sweet, heh.
3 stars.
July 19, 2017
I definitely, absolutely loved this book.. It has been really hard searching for a good Medieval book to read with the right kind of alpha hero and an heroine who isn't naive/irritating/annoying.. I found all of it here while reading this book, wishing it would never end.. sigh.. I want more Radulf!!!!!!!
October 7, 2025
A captivating medieval romance filled with tension, passion, and intrigue. Lady Lily and Radulf’s story is as fiery as it is emotional, with strong chemistry and plenty of twists. The historical setting feels vivid and immersive, and the author balances action and romance beautifully. A must-read for fans of historical love stories with powerful, complex characters.
March 17, 2024
The Lily & The Sword is one of favourite Norman Conquest comfort reads!
I had no idea this was SB’s first book & in my view it beautifully set the medieval backdrop with a passionate & emotive enemies to lovers plot! It had the drama, angst but a HEA which is always a must !
I had no idea this was SB’s first book & in my view it beautifully set the medieval backdrop with a passionate & emotive enemies to lovers plot! It had the drama, angst but a HEA which is always a must !
January 30, 2018
Rated 3.5
June 5, 2021
Nichts besonders, zeitweise sehr langatmig.
August 5, 2023
2.5 stars
I liked the setting but the story was repetitive and unrealistic.
I liked the setting but the story was repetitive and unrealistic.
June 16, 2025
4.5 💫. I really liked this one. Not perfect, but some truly heartwarming scenes.
November 13, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Medieval times romance will always be one of my favorites romance tropes! Followed by enemies to lovers!
April 21, 2015
Lily is being hunted for crimes that her deceased husband committed using her name. When discovered by Radulf, her pursuer, in a church that she had hoped to find sanctuary in she makes a quick lie and ends up traveling with him as he continues his search for her. Once Radulf discovers her deception he takes her before the King and is given permission to marry her. Still operating under the assumption that Lily is the cause for her previous husbands misdeeds Radulf struggles to fight his growing feelings for her, more so when another women appears who had wounded and manipulated him when he was younger.
The story is enjoyable if not slightly predictable in places, though there is a surprise or two that pops up along the way. My biggest criticism of this story is that when appearing before the King Radulf seemed to take a bit too much pleasure in humiliating Lily not only in front of the King but the court as well. If not for that complaint I think I would have gone with four stars instead of three for this book.
The story is enjoyable if not slightly predictable in places, though there is a surprise or two that pops up along the way. My biggest criticism of this story is that when appearing before the King Radulf seemed to take a bit too much pleasure in humiliating Lily not only in front of the King but the court as well. If not for that complaint I think I would have gone with four stars instead of three for this book.
May 7, 2015
Mostly enjoyable read. Great beginning and ending but the middle got bogged down. Overall, I like this author's style and I rate it about 3 1/2 stars.
July 8, 2009
Enjoyed this one a lot, set in the aftermath of the Norman Invasion of England - Radulf is the King's Sword, a legendary enforcer of Norman justice who seeks the widow of a rebel Norman lord, the Lady Wilfreda, or Lily. Their story is like good Chinese take out - both sweet and sour and leaves you hungry in a few hours.
October 24, 2014
There's nothing like a good old fashioned historical romance to clear one's mind.
July 29, 2016
read it from their wedding(i.e second half).it was okay.with regular arguments and all.though i do think the h shudn't have held on to her pride so long...still it was enjoyable...
May 29, 2013
Ignore the cheesy old school cover. This book isn't terrible. Perfect mindless summer reading.
January 4, 2015
His euphemism throbbed. Hers wept. That's about it.
January 28, 2016
After months and a year passed, I finally rated this one.
October 12, 2014
I loved this and could not put it down great author
December 30, 2014
Books like this one are the reason my line between dreaming and reality of love is blurred! Loved it! :)
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