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Trevor Family Chronicles #1
Fires of Destiny
Loves endures, even in the face of danger and death.
As a child, Alexandra Douglas adored her older, wilder friend Roger Trevor, a troubled lad who turned his back on his family. Ten years as a sellsword and pirate have transformed Roger into a darkly handsome but enigmatic stranger. His sudden return to his father's castle causes a passionate uproar in the bookish and otherwise sensible Alix.
Dangerous to know...
Surprised by his unlikely desire for his childhood friend, Roger is determined to encase his heart in ice. Haunted by his past and trapped in a lethal web of intrigue, he fears entangling Alix in a plot that could doom them both to a traitor's death.
But destiny has set them on colliding paths, and Roger can no more resist the fire in Alix than she can turn away from his increasingly ardent touch.
New, revised edition of a classic, award-winning romance.
When the original version was published in 1986, Linda Barlow received the Romantic Times award as New Historical Romance Author of the Year. Fires of Destiny was also a finalist for the Rita Award from Romance Writers of America.
This special new edition has been revised and edited by the author, but her beloved characters and their sensuous, suspenseful adventures remain the same.
Accolades
"Linda Barlow's sexy, suspenseful page-turners are pure pleasure to read." Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Jayne Ann Krentz describes Linda as "a wonderful story-teller. She grabs you on the first page and plunges you straight into the tumultuous lives of her fascinating characters.”
Catherine Coulter called Fires of Destiny "a bold and clever tapestry, provocative and seductive."
Romantic Times said in their 1986 review: "Weaving together a strong historical background, an intriguing mystery subplot, along with a touch of mysticism, Ms. Barlow crafts a marvelously textured novel that mesmerizes the reader on every level. The timeless magic of this outstanding romance will guarantee recognition of Linda Barlow as a powerful writer with the talent to surpass all genre boundaries."
As a child, Alexandra Douglas adored her older, wilder friend Roger Trevor, a troubled lad who turned his back on his family. Ten years as a sellsword and pirate have transformed Roger into a darkly handsome but enigmatic stranger. His sudden return to his father's castle causes a passionate uproar in the bookish and otherwise sensible Alix.
Dangerous to know...
Surprised by his unlikely desire for his childhood friend, Roger is determined to encase his heart in ice. Haunted by his past and trapped in a lethal web of intrigue, he fears entangling Alix in a plot that could doom them both to a traitor's death.
But destiny has set them on colliding paths, and Roger can no more resist the fire in Alix than she can turn away from his increasingly ardent touch.
New, revised edition of a classic, award-winning romance.
When the original version was published in 1986, Linda Barlow received the Romantic Times award as New Historical Romance Author of the Year. Fires of Destiny was also a finalist for the Rita Award from Romance Writers of America.
This special new edition has been revised and edited by the author, but her beloved characters and their sensuous, suspenseful adventures remain the same.
Accolades
"Linda Barlow's sexy, suspenseful page-turners are pure pleasure to read." Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Jayne Ann Krentz describes Linda as "a wonderful story-teller. She grabs you on the first page and plunges you straight into the tumultuous lives of her fascinating characters.”
Catherine Coulter called Fires of Destiny "a bold and clever tapestry, provocative and seductive."
Romantic Times said in their 1986 review: "Weaving together a strong historical background, an intriguing mystery subplot, along with a touch of mysticism, Ms. Barlow crafts a marvelously textured novel that mesmerizes the reader on every level. The timeless magic of this outstanding romance will guarantee recognition of Linda Barlow as a powerful writer with the talent to surpass all genre boundaries."
591 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
14 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Linda Barlow
46 books231 followersLinda Barlow is the author of 25 novels in various genres, including family sagas, historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, erotic romance, and general mainstream fiction.
Publishers have included Doubleday, Dell, Penguin, Warner Books, New American Library/Signet, Berkley/Putnam, Silhouette and Harlequin. Her books have been translated into approximately 20 foreign languages.
Linda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist. Several of her romances have hit the top 10 in the Kindle Store. She's also won numerous industry awards, including the Rita from Romance Writers of America (1989), Best New Historical Romance Author from Romantic Times (1986) and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times. She also contributed two essays to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, a collection of scholarly essays on the enduring appeal of the romance. This book won the Susan Koppelman Award for Excellence in Feminist Studies of Popular Culture and American Culture in 1993.
Linda is now indie publishing and loving it!
Linda served as President of Novelists, Inc. in 1992 and did two three-year terms on the Executive Council of the Authors Guild in the 1990s. She was Romance Writers of America’s keynote speaker at the annual conference in 1989.
When she is not at her computer writing, she is likely to be reading. She can't imagine what her life would be like without books!
Publishers have included Doubleday, Dell, Penguin, Warner Books, New American Library/Signet, Berkley/Putnam, Silhouette and Harlequin. Her books have been translated into approximately 20 foreign languages.
Linda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist. Several of her romances have hit the top 10 in the Kindle Store. She's also won numerous industry awards, including the Rita from Romance Writers of America (1989), Best New Historical Romance Author from Romantic Times (1986) and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times. She also contributed two essays to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, a collection of scholarly essays on the enduring appeal of the romance. This book won the Susan Koppelman Award for Excellence in Feminist Studies of Popular Culture and American Culture in 1993.
Linda is now indie publishing and loving it!
Linda served as President of Novelists, Inc. in 1992 and did two three-year terms on the Executive Council of the Authors Guild in the 1990s. She was Romance Writers of America’s keynote speaker at the annual conference in 1989.
When she is not at her computer writing, she is likely to be reading. She can't imagine what her life would be like without books!
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July 26, 2014This was the book of my heart. I invented the characters when I was 14, and lived with them for many years before the book was actually completed and published. New edition.
July 29, 2015
A well written book from an interesting period, the bloody religious cleansing days of Queen Mary I. Unfortunately, I could not warm up to the volatile hero in dire need of compulsory anger management class. The plot and the love struck heroine were subject to his pendulum mood swings, which were more labile than a two year old tot and he showed as much composure and maturity. For a closet opponent of Mary Tudor, he certainly shared the queen's violent tendencies and her insecurities. At 70% of the way through, the heroine left him to return back to England to save his father's life. His loving response was to swear that he'd personally transform her from wife to whore in gratitude for her kind consideration! And that was when I parted way with this book. I would consider trying another of Barlow's books in the future however, hence my first 3 stars for a book I did not finish. Purely a matter of taste I believe, but not a bad book.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
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June 27, 2013Welcome to the new, revised edition of my classic historical romance, Fires of Destiny. In 1986, when the novel was originally published, I was thrilled to win the Romantic Times award as New Historical Romance Author of the Year. The novel was also a finalist for the Rita Award.
Although the text has been extensively revised, polished, and re-edited and polished, the story and characters remain essentially the same.
If you like your heroes a little dark, your heroines adventuresome and brave, your romance steamy, and a story packed with danger and suspense, please give Fires of Destiny a try.
If you have read this novel before, I'm delighted that you've returned for a re-read; if this is your first time, I welcome you to the book of my heart.
author: Linda Barlow
Although the text has been extensively revised, polished, and re-edited and polished, the story and characters remain essentially the same.
If you like your heroes a little dark, your heroines adventuresome and brave, your romance steamy, and a story packed with danger and suspense, please give Fires of Destiny a try.
If you have read this novel before, I'm delighted that you've returned for a re-read; if this is your first time, I welcome you to the book of my heart.
author: Linda Barlow
July 12, 2013
All done it is so hard to review a book without giving anything away. Fires of Destiny is a romantic historical novel which is very well written but to the author's credit it didn't get bogged down in the descriptive prose that some books of this genre get bogged in - it moved along at a good pace. I enjoyed the story and really liked the two main characters in the book and the supporting characters as well. I will definitely be reading more books written by Linda Barlow.
December 5, 2013
This is a wonderful book! I read it after I finished FLAME OF DESIRE by Katherine Vickery. Both are about the reign of Mary Tudor and are keepers. Once I started this I couldn't put it down. I have both the paper copy and ebook versions.
June 26, 2024
I started off really digging Fires of Destiny by Linda Barlow. I am a sucker for historical romances and the beginning of this novel promised a heated and passionate courtship between Alexandra Douglas, a beautiful, educated and virginal country Lady in 16th century England, and her long lost childhood friend and next door neighbor Roger Trevor, who has just returned after ten years pirating on the high seas. There were initially a couple of scenes that had them circling each other, all volcanic sexual tension-like, promising an epic get-together. At one point, Alexandra comes upon Roger and his friend practicing sword fighting in the woods, their chests bared and sweaty. I mean how much better does it get? It's cheesetastic but it's also the reason why I relish these over the top bodice-rippers. LoL
As I read on, the romance morphed into a murder mystery-romance hybrid, with supernatural elements added in. Like, literally, Alexandra goes to visit the village witch in her cottage lost inside the woods, and the witch falls into a trance, predicting all sorts of cryptic things to Alexandra about the dangers she is surrounded with. Okay, not usually my cuppa but oh well, I was still intrigued.
At a further point, the murder mystery turns into a full gothic, as Alexandra and Roger are searching the woods at night in a deep fog, with Alexandra suspecting Roger of foul play. There is a bloated corpse, a cave full of writhing snakes, a midnight swim in the lake, and a night spent sheltering in the witch's cottage where Alexandra and Roger proceed to maul each other while Roger's brother is sleeping steps away from them. Can I just say eeek?
As if that wasn't bad enough, Alexandra is the worst detective in the history of the world and a TSTL doormat heroine while Roger gets more assholish by the minute. Apparently, he used to like to tie her up and beat her up when they were children, even giving her a black eye once, and she licked that shit up! So now they are back to their dangerous games except they are adults now so they have added sex to their wrestling sessions.
"As a child, you loved it, being tied to trees and such. For a moment I thought you were playing a game with me, an adult version of our antics long ago." He paused, his eyes glowing with the reflected flicker of the flames. "For a moment, I wanted to play."
Barf.
Every five minutes, Alexandra suspects Roger of being a murderer, then he gets all rough and grabby with her lady parts and whaddya know? Holy Traitorous Body Alert, Batman! She is back to lusting after him and rationalizing that he couldn't possibly be a criminal. Then, when they get too far up his britches and her corset or girdle or whatever, he pulls back and reminds her that he will never marry her, because she is too innocent for him and he does not want to be tied down and other nonsense. Then five minutes later, she throws herself at him again and the cycle repeats itself. I just can't stand a wishy washy hero in a bodice-ripper. It was just so absurd.
__"Virgins are a pack of trouble", he whispered in her ear.
__"I'll grit my teeth. I am not afraid."
__"You may not be, my Amazon, but I am." His voice sounded strained and breathless. "Afraid of hurting you, afraid of ruining your chances for decent wedlock, afraid of getting a child upon you. None of these things need happen, though, if we're careful. I haven't spent years in the erotic East for nothing."
Sorry, Roger, this has to be the LEAST erotic dirty talk I have ever heard. Maybe you need to go back to that erotic East of yours for a refresher course?
I have a lot of tolerance for the campiness and hokeyness associated with bodice-rippers but I just could not get my mind around this TSTL heroine and her big, fat, jerk of an alleged hero, along with the ridiculous, unsexy dialogue and a boring murder mystery that I could not care less about. DNF at 30%.
As I read on, the romance morphed into a murder mystery-romance hybrid, with supernatural elements added in. Like, literally, Alexandra goes to visit the village witch in her cottage lost inside the woods, and the witch falls into a trance, predicting all sorts of cryptic things to Alexandra about the dangers she is surrounded with. Okay, not usually my cuppa but oh well, I was still intrigued.
At a further point, the murder mystery turns into a full gothic, as Alexandra and Roger are searching the woods at night in a deep fog, with Alexandra suspecting Roger of foul play. There is a bloated corpse, a cave full of writhing snakes, a midnight swim in the lake, and a night spent sheltering in the witch's cottage where Alexandra and Roger proceed to maul each other while Roger's brother is sleeping steps away from them. Can I just say eeek?
As if that wasn't bad enough, Alexandra is the worst detective in the history of the world and a TSTL doormat heroine while Roger gets more assholish by the minute. Apparently, he used to like to tie her up and beat her up when they were children, even giving her a black eye once, and she licked that shit up! So now they are back to their dangerous games except they are adults now so they have added sex to their wrestling sessions.
"As a child, you loved it, being tied to trees and such. For a moment I thought you were playing a game with me, an adult version of our antics long ago." He paused, his eyes glowing with the reflected flicker of the flames. "For a moment, I wanted to play."
Barf.
Every five minutes, Alexandra suspects Roger of being a murderer, then he gets all rough and grabby with her lady parts and whaddya know? Holy Traitorous Body Alert, Batman! She is back to lusting after him and rationalizing that he couldn't possibly be a criminal. Then, when they get too far up his britches and her corset or girdle or whatever, he pulls back and reminds her that he will never marry her, because she is too innocent for him and he does not want to be tied down and other nonsense. Then five minutes later, she throws herself at him again and the cycle repeats itself. I just can't stand a wishy washy hero in a bodice-ripper. It was just so absurd.
__"Virgins are a pack of trouble", he whispered in her ear.
__"I'll grit my teeth. I am not afraid."
__"You may not be, my Amazon, but I am." His voice sounded strained and breathless. "Afraid of hurting you, afraid of ruining your chances for decent wedlock, afraid of getting a child upon you. None of these things need happen, though, if we're careful. I haven't spent years in the erotic East for nothing."
Sorry, Roger, this has to be the LEAST erotic dirty talk I have ever heard. Maybe you need to go back to that erotic East of yours for a refresher course?
I have a lot of tolerance for the campiness and hokeyness associated with bodice-rippers but I just could not get my mind around this TSTL heroine and her big, fat, jerk of an alleged hero, along with the ridiculous, unsexy dialogue and a boring murder mystery that I could not care less about. DNF at 30%.
July 10, 2014
This ARC was provided by Net Galley.
I'll tell you honestly that I was expecting nothing from this ARC. I was bored and the ARC was available to download so... This has been one the few unexpectedly good books. A historical romance novel which is rich with history and romance in equal measure. Intriguing nefarious plots, big government, heretics in danger, and in the midst of it all a tempestuous love. The kind of love that is slow to build and burns hotter because of it.
Alexandra Douglas and Roger Trevor are childhood friends, she has loved him for a long time now. However, the love she has at the beginning is nothing compared to what she feels at the end. Both of these characters were indescribable. No words can really do them justice. It was hard to like them in the beginning, it was even hard to like the plot in the beginning, but if you stick with them then you'll love them and their story.
Roger was a hard hero to like but a good man nonetheless. There are insights into his character that make you really see him as a well rounded person. He has faults and he is the first to acknowledge many of them. Many times he's portrayed as the villain, especially in the beginning, but later we learn the truth behind his actions. Alexandra is brash, quick to judge, and really naive in the beginning. She's lost in her own world and you can't hate her for it because she doesn't know any better. She grows up though; she is assigned as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary and at court she learns the art of courtly manners, intrigues, and flirtation. All in all the characters are very exciting, the plot is diverse and attention grabbing. LOVED IT!
I'll tell you honestly that I was expecting nothing from this ARC. I was bored and the ARC was available to download so... This has been one the few unexpectedly good books. A historical romance novel which is rich with history and romance in equal measure. Intriguing nefarious plots, big government, heretics in danger, and in the midst of it all a tempestuous love. The kind of love that is slow to build and burns hotter because of it.
Alexandra Douglas and Roger Trevor are childhood friends, she has loved him for a long time now. However, the love she has at the beginning is nothing compared to what she feels at the end. Both of these characters were indescribable. No words can really do them justice. It was hard to like them in the beginning, it was even hard to like the plot in the beginning, but if you stick with them then you'll love them and their story.
Roger was a hard hero to like but a good man nonetheless. There are insights into his character that make you really see him as a well rounded person. He has faults and he is the first to acknowledge many of them. Many times he's portrayed as the villain, especially in the beginning, but later we learn the truth behind his actions. Alexandra is brash, quick to judge, and really naive in the beginning. She's lost in her own world and you can't hate her for it because she doesn't know any better. She grows up though; she is assigned as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary and at court she learns the art of courtly manners, intrigues, and flirtation. All in all the characters are very exciting, the plot is diverse and attention grabbing. LOVED IT!
September 24, 2014
I love Dark Hero!!!
h: Alexandra Douglas
H: Roger Trevor
Alexandra Douglas grew up next door to the Trevors, and was suppose to marry the heir, Will. So when he dies she thinks that that is all in the past but then walks in the black sheep of the family and the next in line Roger. People start to talk that the rough mean roger probably had a hand in his older brothers death. At first Alexandra thinks the same but as more stuff comes to life she realize roger is not all he seems. Will they find love together? will they find out who the enemy is?????
I am a huge historical romance reader! I have read so many i lost count some great, some good, some i wish i never touched but this one falls in the pretty darn good i love the tension between them. I love when a romance has misunderstanding and keep the two apart. I LOVED IT AND I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD!!!
h: Alexandra Douglas
H: Roger Trevor
Alexandra Douglas grew up next door to the Trevors, and was suppose to marry the heir, Will. So when he dies she thinks that that is all in the past but then walks in the black sheep of the family and the next in line Roger. People start to talk that the rough mean roger probably had a hand in his older brothers death. At first Alexandra thinks the same but as more stuff comes to life she realize roger is not all he seems. Will they find love together? will they find out who the enemy is?????
I am a huge historical romance reader! I have read so many i lost count some great, some good, some i wish i never touched but this one falls in the pretty darn good i love the tension between them. I love when a romance has misunderstanding and keep the two apart. I LOVED IT AND I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD!!!
August 14, 2014
Honestly one of the best historical books I have ever read. I am not easily moved by a book but fires of destiny had moved me to tears and had me giggling on many occasions. Linda Barlow is an amazing author.
(Read through netgalley)
(Read through netgalley)
December 4, 2013
I won my copy through a Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway contest!
[PART I]
Chapters 1 – 6 (pp 1 – 100)
So far, this is possibly the best romance novel I've ever read. Murder. Intrigue. Steamy foreplay scenes that almost get there, but don't, and isn't that half the fun? I like Alix. She's feisty and pretty much doesn't give a hoot. She speaks her mind, and I like that. I'm in love with Roger. Of course, I always do like the dark ones that need help. Alan is annoying and whiny. Man up, please. Oh, wait! That's Roger's job. Never mind. I like Merwynna, though we haven't seen much of her. And now since I've given you general information, I'll give you some spoilers thus far.
Chapters 7 - 12 (pp 110 – 184)
OK. I love how well this book is written. Surprises at every turn, and I can't really guess what people are thinking. I love that. I hate when a book is so obviously written that I get to the point before the characters do. It's annoying. Alix is my new role model. She's tough, courageous, and strong. Roger is just... every woman's dream, yes? And now for the spoilers...
More as I read on.
Chapters 13 - 14 (pp 185 – 202)
I can never say more without giving away spoilers, but this stuff just keeps getting hotter. Now that many of the secrets are out, and Alix no longer suspects Roger of the terrible things she thought he'd done, we can move on with the book. Alix's father is upset, and he's about to send her off to court in London. Should be interesting. That will be Part II. For now... Some Part I spoilers...
[END of Part I]
[Part II]
Chapters 15 – 21 (pp. 205-302)
So this new part is interesting. Alix is at court in London now, in the direct service of Her Majesty, Mary Tudor (AKA Bloody Mary). Alix of course, is adjusting to life in London, since she's a tomboy and used to climbing trees and running around with the Trevor boys and such. She runs into Roger every once in a while, and has met a new enemy for both of them, a French man named Geoffrey. He's come out of Roger's past, and it's not looking good. Alan has bucked up a little, though I still find him whiny in ways, but he's quickly becoming a man, and getting in trouble for it. When Chapter 21 ends, Alix and Alan are about to be in some major trouble with the new enemy. I'm almost scared to see what happens. And now, as usual, for some detailed spoilers...
Chapters 22 – 28 (pp. 303-390)
OK. So Geoffrey is creepier than I ever imagined and his unrelenting vileness brought to might images of Captain Barbosa from Pirates, though that might be my brain's association with Geoffrey Rush. I still think the vileness is quite as equal. ~~shudders~~
Anyway, Roger gets Alix out of the scrape with Geoffrey, though not in the usual way. In fact, not in a way you'd expect at all. Her father helps some, too. Now we are on a boat, with injured people, and a lot of mistrust and misunderstandings. Thankfully, they are soon cleared up, and as Chapter 28 ends, we get almost everyone back to health. Whether that is a good thing remains to be seen. And now for actual detail of spoilers...
Part III should be quite interesting. I have work early in the morning, so, sadly, that will have to wait for tomorrow evening. Otherwise, I would stay up all night finishing this novel. Have I mentioned how fantastic it is? I already know it's getting 5 stars. I'd five it 10 if I could.
[END of Part II]
[Part III]
Chapters 29 – 41 (pp. 391 – 528)
OK. So now we're on a boat at sea, and we can't go home. Of course, Alix, stubborn as a mule does go home after some treacherous blackmail by non other than her father. Now Roger has to risk returning to go get her. Somewhere in there Alix almost dies, and Roger duels her attempted murderer. But now her father has found that Roger has returned, and the Part ends with Roger being led away to London on a horse for trial. And now for the detailed spoilers...
And so here we go into Part IV. I cannot wait. I cannot put down this book. Heaven help me! I don't know how this book only got runner-up for the RITA back I '86. I don't know if I could handle a book that was better. I really don't think it's possible there is one.
[End of Part III]
[Part IV; Epilogue]
Chapters 42 – 44; Epilogue (pp. 529 – 585)
Ahhh! The ending. I don't know how to talk about it without spoilers. Let's just say it was as adventurous and high-stakes as the rest of the book and that it was the perfect ending to a perfect story. Even Alan got a happy ending.
[End of Part IV]
{The End}
GENERAL COMMENTS:
I cannot say enough about this book, as you may have guessed from this five page long review/synopsis. This book has everything: mystery, love, six, intrigue, murder, paranormal, and adventure. Plus it has a great, feminist heroine to boot. Alix is someone you can cheer, and Roger is, too. Plus Roger's hot. Seriously hot. As I said earlier, I don't know how this one didn't take the RITA that year, but it must have been a damned fine book that did, for this one certainly is.
[PART I]
Chapters 1 – 6 (pp 1 – 100)
So far, this is possibly the best romance novel I've ever read. Murder. Intrigue. Steamy foreplay scenes that almost get there, but don't, and isn't that half the fun? I like Alix. She's feisty and pretty much doesn't give a hoot. She speaks her mind, and I like that. I'm in love with Roger. Of course, I always do like the dark ones that need help. Alan is annoying and whiny. Man up, please. Oh, wait! That's Roger's job. Never mind. I like Merwynna, though we haven't seen much of her. And now since I've given you general information, I'll give you some spoilers thus far.
Chapters 7 - 12 (pp 110 – 184)
OK. I love how well this book is written. Surprises at every turn, and I can't really guess what people are thinking. I love that. I hate when a book is so obviously written that I get to the point before the characters do. It's annoying. Alix is my new role model. She's tough, courageous, and strong. Roger is just... every woman's dream, yes? And now for the spoilers...
More as I read on.
Chapters 13 - 14 (pp 185 – 202)
I can never say more without giving away spoilers, but this stuff just keeps getting hotter. Now that many of the secrets are out, and Alix no longer suspects Roger of the terrible things she thought he'd done, we can move on with the book. Alix's father is upset, and he's about to send her off to court in London. Should be interesting. That will be Part II. For now... Some Part I spoilers...
[END of Part I]
[Part II]
Chapters 15 – 21 (pp. 205-302)
So this new part is interesting. Alix is at court in London now, in the direct service of Her Majesty, Mary Tudor (AKA Bloody Mary). Alix of course, is adjusting to life in London, since she's a tomboy and used to climbing trees and running around with the Trevor boys and such. She runs into Roger every once in a while, and has met a new enemy for both of them, a French man named Geoffrey. He's come out of Roger's past, and it's not looking good. Alan has bucked up a little, though I still find him whiny in ways, but he's quickly becoming a man, and getting in trouble for it. When Chapter 21 ends, Alix and Alan are about to be in some major trouble with the new enemy. I'm almost scared to see what happens. And now, as usual, for some detailed spoilers...
Chapters 22 – 28 (pp. 303-390)
OK. So Geoffrey is creepier than I ever imagined and his unrelenting vileness brought to might images of Captain Barbosa from Pirates, though that might be my brain's association with Geoffrey Rush. I still think the vileness is quite as equal. ~~shudders~~
Anyway, Roger gets Alix out of the scrape with Geoffrey, though not in the usual way. In fact, not in a way you'd expect at all. Her father helps some, too. Now we are on a boat, with injured people, and a lot of mistrust and misunderstandings. Thankfully, they are soon cleared up, and as Chapter 28 ends, we get almost everyone back to health. Whether that is a good thing remains to be seen. And now for actual detail of spoilers...
Part III should be quite interesting. I have work early in the morning, so, sadly, that will have to wait for tomorrow evening. Otherwise, I would stay up all night finishing this novel. Have I mentioned how fantastic it is? I already know it's getting 5 stars. I'd five it 10 if I could.
[END of Part II]
[Part III]
Chapters 29 – 41 (pp. 391 – 528)
OK. So now we're on a boat at sea, and we can't go home. Of course, Alix, stubborn as a mule does go home after some treacherous blackmail by non other than her father. Now Roger has to risk returning to go get her. Somewhere in there Alix almost dies, and Roger duels her attempted murderer. But now her father has found that Roger has returned, and the Part ends with Roger being led away to London on a horse for trial. And now for the detailed spoilers...
And so here we go into Part IV. I cannot wait. I cannot put down this book. Heaven help me! I don't know how this book only got runner-up for the RITA back I '86. I don't know if I could handle a book that was better. I really don't think it's possible there is one.
[End of Part III]
[Part IV; Epilogue]
Chapters 42 – 44; Epilogue (pp. 529 – 585)
Ahhh! The ending. I don't know how to talk about it without spoilers. Let's just say it was as adventurous and high-stakes as the rest of the book and that it was the perfect ending to a perfect story. Even Alan got a happy ending.
[End of Part IV]
{The End}
GENERAL COMMENTS:
I cannot say enough about this book, as you may have guessed from this five page long review/synopsis. This book has everything: mystery, love, six, intrigue, murder, paranormal, and adventure. Plus it has a great, feminist heroine to boot. Alix is someone you can cheer, and Roger is, too. Plus Roger's hot. Seriously hot. As I said earlier, I don't know how this one didn't take the RITA that year, but it must have been a damned fine book that did, for this one certainly is.
August 13, 2014
I received this book free from Net Galley for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion in any way.
Fires of Destiny by Linda Barlow is an action packed historical romance novel. It is full action from the very beginning of the book. Fires of Destiny will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and keep you reading until the very end. There are a lot of twists and turns in the in the plot and it makes for an interesting read. Fires of Destiny is Roger and Alexandra’s story. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I would pick another book by her up based on how much I enjoyed this one.
Alexandra has always had feelings for her friend Roger. At first they were just feelings of admiration but as the years went on her feelings developed into something more. The two of them could never be together though because she is betrothed to his brother. Her father had made this arrangement years before. There is also the fact that Roger left and no one knew if he would return. When her betrothed meets his untimely death everything is up in the air. Shortly after that Roger returns and he has awakened feelings within her that his brother never could. He insists that he doesn’t want her but she can tell that he isn’t being entirely honest. Things go from bad to worse and things around her spin out of control. She doesn’t know what will happen but she does know that she loves Roger and that she will never love anyone more than him. When their paths cross again she knows that she still feels the same way and she will do just about anything to win his heart. When she finally does she will do anything to keep him safe. Will she be successful when he lands himself in trouble? Will she end up losing the love of her life? Or will they find happily ever after?
Roger lives his life the way he wants. He won’t answer to anyone but himself. That is why he left his family behind years ago. When he returns he returns to the town of his birth he doesn’t even visit his family until his brother dies. When he does go back there is nothing but tension. There is tension between him and his father and there is tension between him and his childhood friend Alexandra, his brother’s fiancé. The tension between him and her grows and he desires her but he isn’t willing to marry her so he tells her as much. It doesn’t quell the attraction between the two of them but he knows he will be leaving again soon so he continues to keep her at arm’s distance. He also knows that what he endeavors to do is very dangerous and he can’t have any entanglements. When he leaves he doesn’t expect to see her again but their do cross again. He is finding it harder and harder to resist her. In fact he is realizing that he is in love with her. When he finally accepts that they are meant to be together that’s when all the trouble really starts. She is determined to keep him safe but he is more determined to keep her safe. Will they be able to survive all those who have come against them? Or will their love be doomed?
I liked Fires of Destiny a lot. I liked that it was action packed. I liked that the story wasn’t a perfect girl meets boy, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after type of story. I liked that they had to fight for their love. I liked the characters as well. I disliked the ones that you are supposed to dislike. I didn’t really have a favorite character at all. I liked Roger and Alexandra equally. The only problem I had with Roger was the fact that he was in such denial about his feelings for Alexandra. I could understand it at first but he spent far too much of the book in denial. I also didn’t like that Alexandra would assume the worse about Roger a lot of the time. I like a certain amount of drama in stories but I think it can be over done at times, and when that happens it distracts from the story itself. It wasn’t the case in Fires of Destiny but it did get on my nerves from time to time and found myself screaming “Come on already!” Over all, though Fires of Destiny was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a lot of action and tension within the pages.
Fires of Destiny by Linda Barlow is an action packed historical romance novel. It is full action from the very beginning of the book. Fires of Destiny will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and keep you reading until the very end. There are a lot of twists and turns in the in the plot and it makes for an interesting read. Fires of Destiny is Roger and Alexandra’s story. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I would pick another book by her up based on how much I enjoyed this one.
Alexandra has always had feelings for her friend Roger. At first they were just feelings of admiration but as the years went on her feelings developed into something more. The two of them could never be together though because she is betrothed to his brother. Her father had made this arrangement years before. There is also the fact that Roger left and no one knew if he would return. When her betrothed meets his untimely death everything is up in the air. Shortly after that Roger returns and he has awakened feelings within her that his brother never could. He insists that he doesn’t want her but she can tell that he isn’t being entirely honest. Things go from bad to worse and things around her spin out of control. She doesn’t know what will happen but she does know that she loves Roger and that she will never love anyone more than him. When their paths cross again she knows that she still feels the same way and she will do just about anything to win his heart. When she finally does she will do anything to keep him safe. Will she be successful when he lands himself in trouble? Will she end up losing the love of her life? Or will they find happily ever after?
Roger lives his life the way he wants. He won’t answer to anyone but himself. That is why he left his family behind years ago. When he returns he returns to the town of his birth he doesn’t even visit his family until his brother dies. When he does go back there is nothing but tension. There is tension between him and his father and there is tension between him and his childhood friend Alexandra, his brother’s fiancé. The tension between him and her grows and he desires her but he isn’t willing to marry her so he tells her as much. It doesn’t quell the attraction between the two of them but he knows he will be leaving again soon so he continues to keep her at arm’s distance. He also knows that what he endeavors to do is very dangerous and he can’t have any entanglements. When he leaves he doesn’t expect to see her again but their do cross again. He is finding it harder and harder to resist her. In fact he is realizing that he is in love with her. When he finally accepts that they are meant to be together that’s when all the trouble really starts. She is determined to keep him safe but he is more determined to keep her safe. Will they be able to survive all those who have come against them? Or will their love be doomed?
I liked Fires of Destiny a lot. I liked that it was action packed. I liked that the story wasn’t a perfect girl meets boy, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after type of story. I liked that they had to fight for their love. I liked the characters as well. I disliked the ones that you are supposed to dislike. I didn’t really have a favorite character at all. I liked Roger and Alexandra equally. The only problem I had with Roger was the fact that he was in such denial about his feelings for Alexandra. I could understand it at first but he spent far too much of the book in denial. I also didn’t like that Alexandra would assume the worse about Roger a lot of the time. I like a certain amount of drama in stories but I think it can be over done at times, and when that happens it distracts from the story itself. It wasn’t the case in Fires of Destiny but it did get on my nerves from time to time and found myself screaming “Come on already!” Over all, though Fires of Destiny was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a lot of action and tension within the pages.
December 20, 2013
Fires of Destiny by Linda Barlow is a historical romance. Alexandra and Roger, friends during childhood, meet years later and fall in love. Fine, simple, and straightforward. Not. Set in the England of Queen Mary with her brutal prosecution of Protestants, everything is complicated. Francis Lacklin, who Alexandra at first despises, has converted Roger’s family to a Protestant faith. Roger, burdened with guilt because a woman in his care has died, has returned to his family after years of absence. One of Alexandra’s best friends is a follower of the old religion, or, in the terms of the times, a witch. The brother of the woman who died in Roger’s care, Geoffrey, blames him and wants revenge, pushing his desire to hurt Roger to pathological extremes. Roger’s younger brother is in love with Alexandra, who, up to his recent and suspicious death, was betrothed to Roger’s older brother. Alexandra’s father, an agent of the Queen, considers Roger a scoundrel and possible traitor and doesn’t want him near his daughter. Roger and his own father are constantly fighting. At this point the complications are just starting.
As in almost any romance story, girl meets boy, girl and boy are separated (several times), girl and boy get back together. That part is expected and, to some readers, may become a bit tedious after the first few misunderstandings and separations. The Fires of Destiny starts slowly, but moves inexorably on, drawing the reader with it, looking for the next twist and wondering, as the protagonists often are, exactly what is going on. Was a death an accident, a suicide, or a murder? Where do a person’s loyalties lie? What is the mysterious connection between Roger and Francis? Is there a supernatural force at work or are the witch’s predictions and the premonitions of others just the ability to make good guesses? By the middle of Fires of Destiny it is difficult to put the book down, because the reader wants to know what happens next. At that point the pace picks up, with chase following battle following personal clashes, duels, and one crisis and revelation after another.
Barlow adds Love triangles in several forms, although physical love is not always a factor. The physical contacts between Alexandra and Roger, when they finally occur, are often described in explicit sexual detail, but make up only a tiny fraction of Fires of Destiny. Aside from the romance elements Fires of Destiny is an excellent swashbuckler and a good historical novel. In fact, I’d consider the second half of the book more a swashbuckler than a romance, although the romance element is a constant force in the plot.
None of the major characters are one dimensional or unbelievable, although the mentally ill villain Geoffrey stretches the limits. Even he, when compared to some of the fanatics and psychotics who exist in real life, is marginally within the bounds of realism. In several cases the reader might think, “Wait, no one could get away with that disguise, escape, plot, whatever”, only to realize more fantastic things have happened not once by many times.
Because of the tangled webs of intrigues and interactions Barlow weaves skillfully into Fires of Destiny it is difficult to say much about the plot with introducing a spoiler. What I can say is this. I enjoyed the book and sincerely recommend it.
As in almost any romance story, girl meets boy, girl and boy are separated (several times), girl and boy get back together. That part is expected and, to some readers, may become a bit tedious after the first few misunderstandings and separations. The Fires of Destiny starts slowly, but moves inexorably on, drawing the reader with it, looking for the next twist and wondering, as the protagonists often are, exactly what is going on. Was a death an accident, a suicide, or a murder? Where do a person’s loyalties lie? What is the mysterious connection between Roger and Francis? Is there a supernatural force at work or are the witch’s predictions and the premonitions of others just the ability to make good guesses? By the middle of Fires of Destiny it is difficult to put the book down, because the reader wants to know what happens next. At that point the pace picks up, with chase following battle following personal clashes, duels, and one crisis and revelation after another.
Barlow adds Love triangles in several forms, although physical love is not always a factor. The physical contacts between Alexandra and Roger, when they finally occur, are often described in explicit sexual detail, but make up only a tiny fraction of Fires of Destiny. Aside from the romance elements Fires of Destiny is an excellent swashbuckler and a good historical novel. In fact, I’d consider the second half of the book more a swashbuckler than a romance, although the romance element is a constant force in the plot.
None of the major characters are one dimensional or unbelievable, although the mentally ill villain Geoffrey stretches the limits. Even he, when compared to some of the fanatics and psychotics who exist in real life, is marginally within the bounds of realism. In several cases the reader might think, “Wait, no one could get away with that disguise, escape, plot, whatever”, only to realize more fantastic things have happened not once by many times.
Because of the tangled webs of intrigues and interactions Barlow weaves skillfully into Fires of Destiny it is difficult to say much about the plot with introducing a spoiler. What I can say is this. I enjoyed the book and sincerely recommend it.
December 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I was in the mood for a change of pace and felt like I needed some historical fiction/romance in my life. I'd purchased this in the summer. I think perhaps I saw it mentioned in a FB post by another author and I can't even remember who it was. Anyhow, I bought it and suggested it to my friend Keryn and she really enjoyed it. I thought the time was right.
First of all, I like this cover a lot more than some of the older ones. I posted one of the other covers on Facebook and my sister said, "Really? That looks like a book mom would have read in the 80s." This had me a little worried. This book was written in the 80s and was recently re-edited and re-published. I was afraid it was going to be a cheesy bodice ripper but I trust Keryn so I dove right in.
The story is set in England in the mid 1500s during the reign of Mary Tudor. The history was fairly simple in the book. It set a great backdrop for the story but I never felt like it over-powered the romance. It took me a little while to really warm up to the characters. I liked them enough from the beginning but the story does absolutely build in terms of character development.The heroine was smart and brave and looks after herself. The male is essentially a 1550s bad boy who you get to know a little at a time. This worked for the story because it was so long. It took it's time there. My only problem was that I REALLY wanted to love these two as much as some of the historical novels I've read and while they had their beautiful moments, I never really got to that point.
I think what surprised me the most was that this story unfolded around a mystery. As long as it was, I never got bored. It took me some time to get to the "I can't put this down" point but it didn't mean that I wasn't enjoying it.
I think if you enjoy some lighter historical romance books, you should give this a whirl. Let me know what you think.
First of all, I like this cover a lot more than some of the older ones. I posted one of the other covers on Facebook and my sister said, "Really? That looks like a book mom would have read in the 80s." This had me a little worried. This book was written in the 80s and was recently re-edited and re-published. I was afraid it was going to be a cheesy bodice ripper but I trust Keryn so I dove right in.
The story is set in England in the mid 1500s during the reign of Mary Tudor. The history was fairly simple in the book. It set a great backdrop for the story but I never felt like it over-powered the romance. It took me a little while to really warm up to the characters. I liked them enough from the beginning but the story does absolutely build in terms of character development.The heroine was smart and brave and looks after herself. The male is essentially a 1550s bad boy who you get to know a little at a time. This worked for the story because it was so long. It took it's time there. My only problem was that I REALLY wanted to love these two as much as some of the historical novels I've read and while they had their beautiful moments, I never really got to that point.
I think what surprised me the most was that this story unfolded around a mystery. As long as it was, I never got bored. It took me some time to get to the "I can't put this down" point but it didn't mean that I wasn't enjoying it.
I think if you enjoy some lighter historical romance books, you should give this a whirl. Let me know what you think.
August 20, 2013
Well I have to say my expectations weren’t high given the title. “Fires of Destiny” just doesn’t really inspire confidence in a reader. It’s the kind of title you’d rather not admit to a stranger on the metro or a coworker in the lunchroom. I am not a huge historical romance reader, but have recently been giving a few books in the genre a try. This one has actually been my favorite of my recent historical reads. I really could never have pictured myself liking a book that used loins with such disturbing frequency and yet here I am writing what is going to be a very positive review.
This book really keeps you guessing. Both as far as the romance and the plot is concerned. Usually during a romance you just know that the two characters are going to end up together. With this book I really wasn’t confident that Alexandra and Roger would end up together. The danger was very real and I was very afraid for the characters lives at different points. The story itself had a good flow and was very exciting. There were many mysteries to be solved and the wonderful historical context really kept everything together. I’m not a huge history buff, so I can’t be sure everything was accurate, but it seemed pretty authentic to me. The plot was really interesting, but I do wish there had been a little more character growth on Alexandra’s part. Roger on the other hand seemed to grow a lot as a character and I really enjoyed his worldly views compared to Alexandra’s more sheltered ones. I was also pleased with how well rounded the other characters were as well. Finally the story really wrapped up in a way that was a bit too much like "this is the moral" and I think it would have been a stronger ending without it. But I can see why the author wanted to include it.
All in all it was an edge of your seat historical romance, that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the genre.
This book really keeps you guessing. Both as far as the romance and the plot is concerned. Usually during a romance you just know that the two characters are going to end up together. With this book I really wasn’t confident that Alexandra and Roger would end up together. The danger was very real and I was very afraid for the characters lives at different points. The story itself had a good flow and was very exciting. There were many mysteries to be solved and the wonderful historical context really kept everything together. I’m not a huge history buff, so I can’t be sure everything was accurate, but it seemed pretty authentic to me. The plot was really interesting, but I do wish there had been a little more character growth on Alexandra’s part. Roger on the other hand seemed to grow a lot as a character and I really enjoyed his worldly views compared to Alexandra’s more sheltered ones. I was also pleased with how well rounded the other characters were as well. Finally the story really wrapped up in a way that was a bit too much like "this is the moral" and I think it would have been a stronger ending without it. But I can see why the author wanted to include it.
All in all it was an edge of your seat historical romance, that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the genre.
July 20, 2019
Positives: The unusual setting & the secondary characters, most of whom I liked, or at least found interesting.
Neutrals: Heroine Alix. She wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but she was determined to do the right things, even at whatever cost to herself. I can respect that. The thing I can't respect is her undying lurve for the asshole hero.
Negatives: Hero Roger. I hated him. The dude gleefully stomped on my last nerve. It wasn't the punishing kisses & attempted rapes that bothered me--it was his constant whining, jumping to conclusions, & toddler-esque tantrums. And then, after expounding at great length on what a terrible person he is, the guy is so very offended when people believe he's the creep he claims to be?? Fuckin' hell, bro. At one point Roger returns to find Alix is gone home to save his father's life (or so she believes). Roger can't be bothered to stir his ass & do this himself, y'know, because it means having to relinquish sexy times with Alix. (What a noble fellow. 🙄) Instead of thinking "Wow, what an awesome woman I've got," he throws yet another tantrum. He's pissed that she wasn't there to spread her legs literally the instant he walks in the door, therefore he tears up their special marriage license, calls her a disloyal whore, threatens to rape her, & sulks in a corner.
Sorry, but that kind of hero I can't abide. It's not that he pushed the heroine away or beat on her when they were kids--nah, don't feel special, Alix. He treated *everyone* like crap his entire life. Anything that didn't go his way got a tantrum; anyone that didn't agree with or obey him 100% was drop-kicked as a reason why his life sucked so hard. Grow the fuck up, man. It's not always about you. 💩
Neutrals: Heroine Alix. She wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but she was determined to do the right things, even at whatever cost to herself. I can respect that. The thing I can't respect is her undying lurve for the asshole hero.
Negatives: Hero Roger. I hated him. The dude gleefully stomped on my last nerve. It wasn't the punishing kisses & attempted rapes that bothered me--it was his constant whining, jumping to conclusions, & toddler-esque tantrums. And then, after expounding at great length on what a terrible person he is, the guy is so very offended when people believe he's the creep he claims to be?? Fuckin' hell, bro. At one point Roger returns to find Alix is gone home to save his father's life (or so she believes). Roger can't be bothered to stir his ass & do this himself, y'know, because it means having to relinquish sexy times with Alix. (What a noble fellow. 🙄) Instead of thinking "Wow, what an awesome woman I've got," he throws yet another tantrum. He's pissed that she wasn't there to spread her legs literally the instant he walks in the door, therefore he tears up their special marriage license, calls her a disloyal whore, threatens to rape her, & sulks in a corner.
Sorry, but that kind of hero I can't abide. It's not that he pushed the heroine away or beat on her when they were kids--nah, don't feel special, Alix. He treated *everyone* like crap his entire life. Anything that didn't go his way got a tantrum; anyone that didn't agree with or obey him 100% was drop-kicked as a reason why his life sucked so hard. Grow the fuck up, man. It's not always about you. 💩
October 11, 2013
When I saw the cover and read the blurb, the impression I got was misleading. I thought it'll be a typical historical romance, which normally runs; boy meets girl, they fall in love or unavoidable circumstances force them into marriage, have to face hard obstacles, one of them have an epiphany about how they can't live without the other and HEA. Well those things did happen in this book. But that was only halfway through the book. The story didn't end there.
From there on the plot went sideways. We have a slight love triangle with Alix, Roger and his best friend(guess who it is). And of course the historic part of the events, Queen Mary Tudor's reign. And the hint of mystery also worked. It wasn't much, but it worked.
About the characters all I have to say is that they were well written and interesting. The only thing I didn't like was the cover. (The male model had his back turned. I would have preferred to have both models side ways.) But the title gave a bit of a hint. There certainly was many fires. All in all I enjoyed reading this book.
My rating:3.5 stars
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
From there on the plot went sideways. We have a slight love triangle with Alix, Roger and his best friend(guess who it is). And of course the historic part of the events, Queen Mary Tudor's reign. And the hint of mystery also worked. It wasn't much, but it worked.
About the characters all I have to say is that they were well written and interesting. The only thing I didn't like was the cover. (The male model had his back turned. I would have preferred to have both models side ways.) But the title gave a bit of a hint. There certainly was many fires. All in all I enjoyed reading this book.
My rating:3.5 stars
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
April 30, 2015
Fires of Destiny tells the story of Alexandra Douglas and Roger Trevor when he returned to the North of England after being gone for ten years. Alix, knew immediately that the one man she loved had returned to her but Roger, after ten long years at sea, resisted her and the temptation she was to him until it was almost too late.
For the first third of the novel he treats teases her and gives her only heartache. His father keeps up a constant verbal battle and when the local half-wit is found dead, he becomes suspect. As the story progresses he shows a kind and human side that is concerned with the poor and needy of the world and he strives to help them, even though to do so is treason at the time of Queen Mary's Catholic rule of England.
By the end, Alix and Roger are man and wife with a little girl and the new Queen Elizabeth has granted Roger a full pardon to allow them to return home to England the their families.
The main point of the story is between the beginning and end and well worth reading.
For the first third of the novel he treats teases her and gives her only heartache. His father keeps up a constant verbal battle and when the local half-wit is found dead, he becomes suspect. As the story progresses he shows a kind and human side that is concerned with the poor and needy of the world and he strives to help them, even though to do so is treason at the time of Queen Mary's Catholic rule of England.
By the end, Alix and Roger are man and wife with a little girl and the new Queen Elizabeth has granted Roger a full pardon to allow them to return home to England the their families.
The main point of the story is between the beginning and end and well worth reading.
February 11, 2014
Against the backdrop of England during the time of Queen Mary, Fires of Destiny follows the lives of Alexandra and Roger as they twist and turn down the path to true love. Facing everything from religious persecution, mental illness, and family suspicions, the two face a long and bumpy journey.
Barlow’s historical research is sound and realistic, although I’m no expert on this era in history. Her characters come to life as real players in this fragment in history. Save for a few “slower” moments during the story, there wasn’t anything that made this fictional story anything less than real history. Barlow is an accomplished author, one who knows what it means to create characters and tie them together with words on a page.
All in all, this was a great read. A little slow at times, but I'm not big into romance, so please take my interpretation of "slow" with a grain of salt!
Barlow’s historical research is sound and realistic, although I’m no expert on this era in history. Her characters come to life as real players in this fragment in history. Save for a few “slower” moments during the story, there wasn’t anything that made this fictional story anything less than real history. Barlow is an accomplished author, one who knows what it means to create characters and tie them together with words on a page.
All in all, this was a great read. A little slow at times, but I'm not big into romance, so please take my interpretation of "slow" with a grain of salt!
May 9, 2014
An exceptional Tudor historical romance—and so much more!
Fires of Destiny is a rip-roaring historical romance adventure full of suspense, action, love, tragedy and triumph. I was so caught up in the lives and risky exploits of Alexandra and Roger, I could barely put the book down to live my own life. Barlow is an exceptional storyteller, whose characters are both compelling and flawed, which makes them human—and easy to relate to as they grow to understand themselves, each other, and the nature of their love for one another. Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary’s) England—rife with treachery, appalling violence, and the extreme precariousness of existence—is the setting for Alix and Roger’s story, in which friends are enemies, enemies friends, and lies and deceit rule the day. Will they be wise enough to recognize who their true allies are in time to save their love—and their lives?
Fires of Destiny is a rip-roaring historical romance adventure full of suspense, action, love, tragedy and triumph. I was so caught up in the lives and risky exploits of Alexandra and Roger, I could barely put the book down to live my own life. Barlow is an exceptional storyteller, whose characters are both compelling and flawed, which makes them human—and easy to relate to as they grow to understand themselves, each other, and the nature of their love for one another. Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary’s) England—rife with treachery, appalling violence, and the extreme precariousness of existence—is the setting for Alix and Roger’s story, in which friends are enemies, enemies friends, and lies and deceit rule the day. Will they be wise enough to recognize who their true allies are in time to save their love—and their lives?
November 5, 2019
** 5 Stars for Everlasting Love**
Fires of Destiny is a 5 star captivating love story! I read this in 2017 but quickly regretted not having read it years before. The story of Roger and Alexandra is one of the most shattering and poignantly told love stories in the historical romance genre. Frankly, I've never read any other tale such as this one! Their attraction & love is very real, lasting and the reader can definitely feel it as the story unfolds. I felt their heartbreak and betrayal, it just pierced my heart and couldn't put the book down. It kept me reading very late into the night. Linda Barlow should've made more great stories such as this. She is a fascinating writer and story-teller. And the Shakespearean feel in this novel is not amiss!
Fires of Destiny is a 5 star captivating love story! I read this in 2017 but quickly regretted not having read it years before. The story of Roger and Alexandra is one of the most shattering and poignantly told love stories in the historical romance genre. Frankly, I've never read any other tale such as this one! Their attraction & love is very real, lasting and the reader can definitely feel it as the story unfolds. I felt their heartbreak and betrayal, it just pierced my heart and couldn't put the book down. It kept me reading very late into the night. Linda Barlow should've made more great stories such as this. She is a fascinating writer and story-teller. And the Shakespearean feel in this novel is not amiss!
January 18, 2015
I really really loved this book. Ok, at first, I felt that it was starting to drag on. There are some points that it does. But I'm telling you, it's worth pushing through! This was one of the best Pirate-Historical-War Romances I have ever read! I loved Alix, and hot damn, that Roger sure did it for me. The majority of the characters are so well developed, you cry, you laugh, you really feel what they are going through. This book was just fantastically written! I loved it.
March 30, 2014
The story follows characters Alexandra Douglas and Roger Trevor. Here’s a small quotation from the book: …”He tipped her chin up with one sun-browned finger and kissed her upturned mouth in a lusty manner that was new to her. It happened so swiftly that she hardly had time to note the unfamiliar tingle that shivered along her nerves at the feel of his lips pressing on hers. It was pleasant—very pleasant—“ so that you could make an idea.
If you are looking for a book that has characters with depth and a storyline with great meaning, Fires of Destiny is it. This novel teaches the reader not to give up hope in the person you love and trust. Linda Barlow wrote this book with passion. I love how she introduces her characters, and how the story unfolds. I would recommend this to anyone who loves being taken back in time and treated to a love story that has depth. This story wraps you up in interesting people and places. I couldn't ask for more. It's a historical romance that peaks over and over again with every chapter. The characters are real and vibrant. You come to know each of them personally through Linda Barlow’s talent of bringing them to life. The storyline is remarkable and believable. The author will make you laugh, turn you on with her incredibly seductive heroes and of course, make you fall in love with her story. Reading her book was truly a pleasure.
If you haven't grabbed your copy of the historical romance Fires of Destiny, what are you waiting for?
If you are looking for a book that has characters with depth and a storyline with great meaning, Fires of Destiny is it. This novel teaches the reader not to give up hope in the person you love and trust. Linda Barlow wrote this book with passion. I love how she introduces her characters, and how the story unfolds. I would recommend this to anyone who loves being taken back in time and treated to a love story that has depth. This story wraps you up in interesting people and places. I couldn't ask for more. It's a historical romance that peaks over and over again with every chapter. The characters are real and vibrant. You come to know each of them personally through Linda Barlow’s talent of bringing them to life. The storyline is remarkable and believable. The author will make you laugh, turn you on with her incredibly seductive heroes and of course, make you fall in love with her story. Reading her book was truly a pleasure.
If you haven't grabbed your copy of the historical romance Fires of Destiny, what are you waiting for?
March 11, 2018
I really loved this book because it is so different. It is also very informative about the time period.
July 7, 2019
Probablemente he estado descentrado y distraída pero el libro no me ha atraído nada, el estilo es facilón, profundidad cero y trama tontorrona. No lo he llegado a acabar.
October 6, 2014
Fires of Destiny by Linda Barlow is an action packed historical romance novel. It is full action from the very beginning of the book. Fires of Destiny will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and keep you reading until the very end. There are a lot of twists and turns in the in the plot and it makes for an interesting read. Fires of Destiny is Roger and Alexandra’s story. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I would pick another book by her up based on how much I enjoyed this one.
Alexandra has always had feelings for her friend Roger. At first they were just feelings of admiration but as the years went on her feelings developed into something more. The two of them could never be together though because she is betrothed to his brother. Her father had made this arrangement years before. There is also the fact that Roger left and no one knew if he would return. When her betrothed meets his untimely death everything is up in the air. Shortly after that Roger returns and he has awakened feelings within her that his brother never could. He insists that he doesn’t want her but she can tell that he isn’t being entirely honest. Things go from bad to worse and things around her spin out of control. She doesn’t know what will happen but she does know that she loves Roger and that she will never love anyone more than him. When their paths cross again she knows that she still feels the same way and she will do just about anything to win his heart. When she finally does she will do anything to keep him safe. Will she be successful when he lands himself in trouble? Will she end up losing the love of her life? Or will they find happily ever after?
Roger lives his life the way he wants. He won’t answer to anyone but himself. That is why he left his family behind years ago. When he returns he returns to the town of his birth he doesn’t even visit his family until his brother dies. When he does go back there is nothing but tension. There is tension between him and his father and there is tension between him and his childhood friend Alexandra, his brother’s fiancé. The tension between him and her grows and he desires her but he isn’t willing to marry her so he tells her as much. It doesn’t quell the attraction between the two of them but he knows he will be leaving again soon so he continues to keep her at arm’s distance. He also knows that what he endeavors to do is very dangerous and he can’t have any entanglements. When he leaves he doesn’t expect to see her again but their do cross again. He is finding it harder and harder to resist her. In fact he is realizing that he is in love with her. When he finally accepts that they are meant to be together that’s when all the trouble really starts. She is determined to keep him safe but he is more determined to keep her safe. Will they be able to survive all those who have come against them? Or will their love be doomed?
I liked Fires of Destiny a lot. I liked that it was action packed. I liked that the story wasn’t a perfect girl meets boy, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after type of story. I liked that they had to fight for their love. I liked the characters as well. I disliked the ones that you are supposed to dislike. I didn’t really have a favorite character at all. I liked Roger and Alexandra equally. The only problem I had with Roger was the fact that he was in such denial about his feelings for Alexandra. I could understand it at first but he spent far too much of the book in denial. I also didn’t like that Alexandra would assume the worse about Roger a lot of the time. I like a certain amount of drama in stories but I think it can be over done at times, and when that happens it distracts from the story itself. It wasn’t the case in Fires of Destiny but it did get on my nerves from time to time and found myself screaming “Come on already!” Over all, though Fires of Destiny was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a lot of action and tension within the pages.
Alexandra has always had feelings for her friend Roger. At first they were just feelings of admiration but as the years went on her feelings developed into something more. The two of them could never be together though because she is betrothed to his brother. Her father had made this arrangement years before. There is also the fact that Roger left and no one knew if he would return. When her betrothed meets his untimely death everything is up in the air. Shortly after that Roger returns and he has awakened feelings within her that his brother never could. He insists that he doesn’t want her but she can tell that he isn’t being entirely honest. Things go from bad to worse and things around her spin out of control. She doesn’t know what will happen but she does know that she loves Roger and that she will never love anyone more than him. When their paths cross again she knows that she still feels the same way and she will do just about anything to win his heart. When she finally does she will do anything to keep him safe. Will she be successful when he lands himself in trouble? Will she end up losing the love of her life? Or will they find happily ever after?
Roger lives his life the way he wants. He won’t answer to anyone but himself. That is why he left his family behind years ago. When he returns he returns to the town of his birth he doesn’t even visit his family until his brother dies. When he does go back there is nothing but tension. There is tension between him and his father and there is tension between him and his childhood friend Alexandra, his brother’s fiancé. The tension between him and her grows and he desires her but he isn’t willing to marry her so he tells her as much. It doesn’t quell the attraction between the two of them but he knows he will be leaving again soon so he continues to keep her at arm’s distance. He also knows that what he endeavors to do is very dangerous and he can’t have any entanglements. When he leaves he doesn’t expect to see her again but their do cross again. He is finding it harder and harder to resist her. In fact he is realizing that he is in love with her. When he finally accepts that they are meant to be together that’s when all the trouble really starts. She is determined to keep him safe but he is more determined to keep her safe. Will they be able to survive all those who have come against them? Or will their love be doomed?
I liked Fires of Destiny a lot. I liked that it was action packed. I liked that the story wasn’t a perfect girl meets boy, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after type of story. I liked that they had to fight for their love. I liked the characters as well. I disliked the ones that you are supposed to dislike. I didn’t really have a favorite character at all. I liked Roger and Alexandra equally. The only problem I had with Roger was the fact that he was in such denial about his feelings for Alexandra. I could understand it at first but he spent far too much of the book in denial. I also didn’t like that Alexandra would assume the worse about Roger a lot of the time. I like a certain amount of drama in stories but I think it can be over done at times, and when that happens it distracts from the story itself. It wasn’t the case in Fires of Destiny but it did get on my nerves from time to time and found myself screaming “Come on already!” Over all, though Fires of Destiny was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a lot of action and tension within the pages.
March 18, 2014
I was given a copy of “The Fires of Destiny” for an honest evaluation through ReviewsRUs.
Though I do love all things related to the British Aristocracy and Regency-type books, it is not my normal go-to for casual reading. Most of them don’t stack up to my favorite authors like Judith McNaught, Elizabeth Hoyt or Stephanie Laurens. So I admit I dove into the book with pre-conceived notions. However, with “The Fires of Destiny,” I was more than just pleasantly surprised, I was enthralled. At first the length of the book caused me to take pause. But once I started reading and finally finished, it wasn’t long enough. I wanted more of the wonderfully rich, passionate, yet highly flawed characters of Alexandra Douglas and her rouge lover, Roger Trevor.
Set during the bloody reign of England’s Queen, Mary Tudor, the story is filled with religious persecution, murder, rape, conspiracy, rebellion, heresy, intrigue, treason, torture, and queenly executions. There are illegitimate children and doomed lovers. Everything a good mid 1500s English romance should have.
Spirited, red-headed Alexandra grew up in awe of the Trevor brothers, but was drawn to the middle son, Roger, who ran away from his father’s tyranny when he was only fourteen. Roger grew up on the sea and made the acquaintance of a man who would figures prominently in the book. Because I would be issuing a *SPOILER*, I won’t say in what capacity. What moves the story is the complicated relationship between Alix and Roger – when they first discover that love and passion hangs between then, followed by gross misunderstandings. Roger is haunted by the death of a mistress who wasn’t what she seemed and holds Alix off – mostly for her own protection. So their path to true love is rocky and dotted with secondary characters who appeared to be friends and yet turn out to be deliciously evil villains. The local witch forewarns Alix that she’ll have many lovers and that revelation disturbs her, because Roger’s loving is the only thing she craves.
Alix is drawn into one conspiracy after another usually mistakenly believing Roger is at the heart of each. The constant coming together and then being separated, added to my enjoyment of the consistent conflict making me thirsty to read on. I found Alix and Roger’s physical and spiritual bond explosively forged, fiery passionate, and sexually charged. Their crocked course to happily-ever-after was a roller coaster ride. When they finally do come together, it is after the horrific mistake of him believing she has betrayed his trust and got his friends massacred. It’s just brilliant the way Linda weaves the reader through Alix and Rogers eventual coming together and loving each other. Beautiful.
The only flaws that I could see are the usual regency-esk romances tropes, like those silly adjectives, and Linda’s confusion with the attributions, “said he” or “he said.” Other than that, I found story held me captive. I would recommend this book to anyone who is drawn into the dark, mysterious, and lusty world of the pre-regency era. I will definitely read more of Linda’s books.
WARNING: There are explicit sexual situations that may offend some.
Though I do love all things related to the British Aristocracy and Regency-type books, it is not my normal go-to for casual reading. Most of them don’t stack up to my favorite authors like Judith McNaught, Elizabeth Hoyt or Stephanie Laurens. So I admit I dove into the book with pre-conceived notions. However, with “The Fires of Destiny,” I was more than just pleasantly surprised, I was enthralled. At first the length of the book caused me to take pause. But once I started reading and finally finished, it wasn’t long enough. I wanted more of the wonderfully rich, passionate, yet highly flawed characters of Alexandra Douglas and her rouge lover, Roger Trevor.
Set during the bloody reign of England’s Queen, Mary Tudor, the story is filled with religious persecution, murder, rape, conspiracy, rebellion, heresy, intrigue, treason, torture, and queenly executions. There are illegitimate children and doomed lovers. Everything a good mid 1500s English romance should have.
Spirited, red-headed Alexandra grew up in awe of the Trevor brothers, but was drawn to the middle son, Roger, who ran away from his father’s tyranny when he was only fourteen. Roger grew up on the sea and made the acquaintance of a man who would figures prominently in the book. Because I would be issuing a *SPOILER*, I won’t say in what capacity. What moves the story is the complicated relationship between Alix and Roger – when they first discover that love and passion hangs between then, followed by gross misunderstandings. Roger is haunted by the death of a mistress who wasn’t what she seemed and holds Alix off – mostly for her own protection. So their path to true love is rocky and dotted with secondary characters who appeared to be friends and yet turn out to be deliciously evil villains. The local witch forewarns Alix that she’ll have many lovers and that revelation disturbs her, because Roger’s loving is the only thing she craves.
Alix is drawn into one conspiracy after another usually mistakenly believing Roger is at the heart of each. The constant coming together and then being separated, added to my enjoyment of the consistent conflict making me thirsty to read on. I found Alix and Roger’s physical and spiritual bond explosively forged, fiery passionate, and sexually charged. Their crocked course to happily-ever-after was a roller coaster ride. When they finally do come together, it is after the horrific mistake of him believing she has betrayed his trust and got his friends massacred. It’s just brilliant the way Linda weaves the reader through Alix and Rogers eventual coming together and loving each other. Beautiful.
The only flaws that I could see are the usual regency-esk romances tropes, like those silly adjectives, and Linda’s confusion with the attributions, “said he” or “he said.” Other than that, I found story held me captive. I would recommend this book to anyone who is drawn into the dark, mysterious, and lusty world of the pre-regency era. I will definitely read more of Linda’s books.
WARNING: There are explicit sexual situations that may offend some.
February 24, 2014
Maybe I was a bit put off by the title…and possibly the genre. Historical romance has never been one of my favorites. But as the book “Fires of Destiny” by Linda Barlow came highly recommended, I decided to give it try. And I wasn’t disappointed! Early into its pages I became captivated by this story of love and intrigue in Tudor England. In fact I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough.
Why? I think at first it was the characters that caught my imagination. I found feisty heroine Alexandra Douglas (‘Alix’) likable and real. And her protagonist Roger Trevor, a childhood friend who returns to his father’s castle in the wake of his brother’s death, more than simply the proverbial dark brooding hero—he showed grit and depth. Lesser characters—some of which include a queen, a wise woman, a half wit, a Reformer--were also well drawn.
I enjoyed the settings. How fun to wander through an ancient haunted forest, visit a witch’s hut, eavesdrop in a queen’s boudoir, gallop across brooding moors or experience the brittle, glittery goings on at court. Ms. Barlow’s place descriptions painted pictures--I felt I was really there.
The plots and sub plots kept me on the edge of my seat. Had to find out the answers to these questions: would the prophecies uttered by old wise woman come true? What secret was Roger hiding about his past? Who were the liars and who might be trusted. And would Alix keep enough spunk and belief in herself to endure all of the challenges thrown at her?
I won’t issue any spoilers—but I’d say check this book out and discover the answers for yourself!
Why? I think at first it was the characters that caught my imagination. I found feisty heroine Alexandra Douglas (‘Alix’) likable and real. And her protagonist Roger Trevor, a childhood friend who returns to his father’s castle in the wake of his brother’s death, more than simply the proverbial dark brooding hero—he showed grit and depth. Lesser characters—some of which include a queen, a wise woman, a half wit, a Reformer--were also well drawn.
I enjoyed the settings. How fun to wander through an ancient haunted forest, visit a witch’s hut, eavesdrop in a queen’s boudoir, gallop across brooding moors or experience the brittle, glittery goings on at court. Ms. Barlow’s place descriptions painted pictures--I felt I was really there.
The plots and sub plots kept me on the edge of my seat. Had to find out the answers to these questions: would the prophecies uttered by old wise woman come true? What secret was Roger hiding about his past? Who were the liars and who might be trusted. And would Alix keep enough spunk and belief in herself to endure all of the challenges thrown at her?
I won’t issue any spoilers—but I’d say check this book out and discover the answers for yourself!
September 20, 2014
A good read complex enough to require attention
I've always been somewhat reluctant to read books written by friends. What if the book is not good? But I had read two other books by Linda Barlow, so I tried Fires of Destiny. I'm glad I did. I happen to know that Linda is a fan of the historical fiction author Dorothy Dunnett, so I recognized Linda's inspiration for this tale as the Lymond Chronicles. set in England during the reign of Queen Mary, I was pleased to discover that the male lead of the story, Roger Trevor, is different from Francis Crawford. Although there were similarities, this was not fanfic. Roger had run away from home at age 15 and had gone to sea. when the book opens he has returned to his home to discover his older brother recently dead in an accident. He encounters the neighbor girl, Alexandra Douglas, who had been betrothed to his brother, but had always been in love with him. Alexandra is really good at jumping to conclusions based on circumstantial evidence. She convinces herself that Roger caused his brother's death, but she's attracted to him anyway. Roger does little to disabuse her of her low opinion. He seems to revel in being the black gaurd everyone believes him to be. There's plenty of swash and buckle, including a sword fight that is reminiscent of the sword fight in Dunnett's Game of Kings.
Good job, Linda
I've always been somewhat reluctant to read books written by friends. What if the book is not good? But I had read two other books by Linda Barlow, so I tried Fires of Destiny. I'm glad I did. I happen to know that Linda is a fan of the historical fiction author Dorothy Dunnett, so I recognized Linda's inspiration for this tale as the Lymond Chronicles. set in England during the reign of Queen Mary, I was pleased to discover that the male lead of the story, Roger Trevor, is different from Francis Crawford. Although there were similarities, this was not fanfic. Roger had run away from home at age 15 and had gone to sea. when the book opens he has returned to his home to discover his older brother recently dead in an accident. He encounters the neighbor girl, Alexandra Douglas, who had been betrothed to his brother, but had always been in love with him. Alexandra is really good at jumping to conclusions based on circumstantial evidence. She convinces herself that Roger caused his brother's death, but she's attracted to him anyway. Roger does little to disabuse her of her low opinion. He seems to revel in being the black gaurd everyone believes him to be. There's plenty of swash and buckle, including a sword fight that is reminiscent of the sword fight in Dunnett's Game of Kings.
Good job, Linda
September 8, 2013
While the path to true love is rarely straight and narrow, the lead couple in this novel had a really rocky road. I do not normally read historical romance because I find them tedious; but Ms. Barlow's writing skills are well up to the challenge. Her characters are well drawn, if a bit flawed, and their actions seem to suit the time period. The dialogue seemed appropriate as well. The settings were interesting, seemed to be well researched, and the pacing was relatively even. The author and publisher freely admit that the book is a reissue, updated and polished for 2013. Obviously the story has stood the test of time.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2014
I just finished Fires of Destiny this afternoon after staying up all night because I could not put this book down! There is a strong depiction of the political climate in England during Mary Tudor's reign and the fear that religious persecution created among the masses. The main characters, friends from childhood are reunited when Roger Trevor returns after a ten year absence. Alexandra finds that the infatuation of her youth towards Roger has developed into deeper feelings. Because of his involvement in shipping "heretics" out of England to safety, he tries to resist Alix, but discovers that he is totally in love with his spirited red haired beauty. The climax of the book becomes a real nail biter and is hard to put down, but who really needs eight hours of sleep!
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