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This Is All I Ask
Set near the Scottish border at a rugged castle on the edge of the sea, this is the story of a courageous lord who lost everything he held dear. Of a strong young woman willing to sacrifice everything for happiness. Two lost souls who find in each other a reason to live again, to laugh again, and to love for the first time...
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1997
132 people are currently reading
2928 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
69 books1,568 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
March 18, 2010
This is a truly lovely romance story about two scarred people who find each other. There are parts that made me so sad to think about how Gillian was treated by her family. I was pretty curious to see how Ms. Kurland would handle a blind hero in a medieval romance. Think about it. How difficult that would be for a blinded knight? How could he run his keep, and keep what he earned by blood and sweat, in a world where might means right? I think she did a great job of dealing with the blindness issue. There's a part that is very realistic, although those who dislike heroes who are not 100% physically capable probably won't like it. But it made sense the way things happen.
I thought the emotion and love between Gillian and Christopher was so touching and poignant. The power of it transcended the words on the paper and went right to my heart. There are no love scenes in this book. And to be honest, they are not necessary. Yes, I love a good love scene, but a book that has a powerful love story doesn't need one.
This book was also good for the way you see scared, shy Gillian grow into a strong, beautiful woman. She was described as being unattractive, but part of it was because of her lack of self-esteem and belief that she was unworthy. There is no magical makeover. You see Gillian's inner beauty bloom as she is carefully tended and loved by Christopher. It brought tears to my eyes.
Christopher is a wonderful hero, thoughtful, intelligent, kind, and strong. He's been in a funk because of his loss of vision, but you don't hold that against him. It's perfectly understandable.
The humor was the perfect balance to the often dark subject matter. Colin, who has his own story in From This Moment On, is Christopher's best friend and companion. Christopher always knows when Colin is around because he can smell him. Colin's not too fond of bathing, so he has a characteristic odor. Despite my being a stickler for good personal hygiene, Colin won me over for his kind heart behind a gruff exterior. I loved his back-handed matchmaking for Gillian and Christopher.
This was a great medieval romance. Highly recommended.
I thought the emotion and love between Gillian and Christopher was so touching and poignant. The power of it transcended the words on the paper and went right to my heart. There are no love scenes in this book. And to be honest, they are not necessary. Yes, I love a good love scene, but a book that has a powerful love story doesn't need one.
This book was also good for the way you see scared, shy Gillian grow into a strong, beautiful woman. She was described as being unattractive, but part of it was because of her lack of self-esteem and belief that she was unworthy. There is no magical makeover. You see Gillian's inner beauty bloom as she is carefully tended and loved by Christopher. It brought tears to my eyes.
Christopher is a wonderful hero, thoughtful, intelligent, kind, and strong. He's been in a funk because of his loss of vision, but you don't hold that against him. It's perfectly understandable.
The humor was the perfect balance to the often dark subject matter. Colin, who has his own story in From This Moment On, is Christopher's best friend and companion. Christopher always knows when Colin is around because he can smell him. Colin's not too fond of bathing, so he has a characteristic odor. Despite my being a stickler for good personal hygiene, Colin won me over for his kind heart behind a gruff exterior. I loved his back-handed matchmaking for Gillian and Christopher.
This was a great medieval romance. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2017
If I read the book 25 years ago, I think I would’ve liked it.
The story started out promisingly enough. Twenty-one-year old woman who's been kept as a virtual prisoner by horribly abusive father is sprung from her nightmare home by a marriage offer from a knight friend of her deceased warrior brother. She goes along because she has no choice, even though her husband to be has a fearsome reputation as a dark dragon-like creature. Of course, as she gets to know her new husband, she learns he's not the monster she feared and they fall in love.
The book could’ve been an interesting character-driven story but, unfortunately, it felt in execution for me. The heroine is about as emotionally developed as a 12-year-old which is understandable considering her upbringing, but it doesn't make her very interesting. On the contrary, her portrayal seemed to be built on a bunch of stereotypes. She's the girl who thinks she's ugly but we find out she really isn't, she's tomboyish enough to play with a sword--but from what I read she really doesn't know how to use it nor does she have the presence of mind to keep from dropping it at the first sign of threat. I had to remind myself again-and -again of the heroine abusive past, and be understanding of her annoying and puzzlingly inconsistent behavior and constant tears. And speaking of tears...We get not only constant tears from our heroine, we also get teary-eyed hero, that is when he gets tired of constant shouting.
Thanks goodness for witches whose magic made the leads fall in love. Without their outside intervention, it’s hard to imagine a more unlikely outcome if one considers numerous misunderstandings and wrong assumptions.
The book is 432-pages long and the magical falling in love happens half-way through. The rest of the story felt more like a page-filler that took things off course and didn’t do anything to promote the development of relationship.
The story started out promisingly enough. Twenty-one-year old woman who's been kept as a virtual prisoner by horribly abusive father is sprung from her nightmare home by a marriage offer from a knight friend of her deceased warrior brother. She goes along because she has no choice, even though her husband to be has a fearsome reputation as a dark dragon-like creature. Of course, as she gets to know her new husband, she learns he's not the monster she feared and they fall in love.
The book could’ve been an interesting character-driven story but, unfortunately, it felt in execution for me. The heroine is about as emotionally developed as a 12-year-old which is understandable considering her upbringing, but it doesn't make her very interesting. On the contrary, her portrayal seemed to be built on a bunch of stereotypes. She's the girl who thinks she's ugly but we find out she really isn't, she's tomboyish enough to play with a sword--but from what I read she really doesn't know how to use it nor does she have the presence of mind to keep from dropping it at the first sign of threat. I had to remind myself again-and -again of the heroine abusive past, and be understanding of her annoying and puzzlingly inconsistent behavior and constant tears. And speaking of tears...We get not only constant tears from our heroine, we also get teary-eyed hero, that is when he gets tired of constant shouting.
Thanks goodness for witches whose magic made the leads fall in love. Without their outside intervention, it’s hard to imagine a more unlikely outcome if one considers numerous misunderstandings and wrong assumptions.
The book is 432-pages long and the magical falling in love happens half-way through. The rest of the story felt more like a page-filler that took things off course and didn’t do anything to promote the development of relationship.
October 2, 2023
As this is one of my favorite romance novels to read, a book that I have read and re read over and over, I thought it was time to do a review on this read. This Is All I Ask starts out with Gillian of Warewick, whose mother died when she was young, and her father tends to be very abusive to her both physically and emotionally. Gillian after losing her brother, who was the only one that loved her, she feels that she has no courage or beauty inside or out. When she is suppose to marry the Dragon of Blackmour, a man known for his deeds in battle, and rumored to have killed his previous wife, and deals in nefarious acts. Gillian, after being married to Christopher of Blackmour, Gillian is terrified of this man whom she knows regrets their marriage. After a deep misunderstanding these two lost souls find a way to overcome, what they view as deficiencies, but will become strengths as they find love and a reason to live and enjoy every moment together.
I love reading from this author, and as this is one of my favorites of this author I thought I would re read it and do a review on it. This is probably one of the most emotional romances that I have ever had the opportunity to read. Its both powerful yet sensitive, and will pull at your heart strings. Gillian is a young woman whose only known abuse and domination. She has never had freedom or to be able to think for herself. So when she first meets Christopher she knows that he is only marrying her out of a promise that he made to her brother. But as she sees that he struggles with a certain challenge of his own, that will be with him the rest of his life, she knows he suffers pain and loss as well, that he is in need of love as much as Gillian needs it and more. Kurland will take you on a roller-coaster of a journey will ups and down that might make you shed a tear, but will brighten up your day, I found This Is All I Ask to be a enriching read that you will never regret taking the chance on!!!
I love reading from this author, and as this is one of my favorites of this author I thought I would re read it and do a review on it. This is probably one of the most emotional romances that I have ever had the opportunity to read. Its both powerful yet sensitive, and will pull at your heart strings. Gillian is a young woman whose only known abuse and domination. She has never had freedom or to be able to think for herself. So when she first meets Christopher she knows that he is only marrying her out of a promise that he made to her brother. But as she sees that he struggles with a certain challenge of his own, that will be with him the rest of his life, she knows he suffers pain and loss as well, that he is in need of love as much as Gillian needs it and more. Kurland will take you on a roller-coaster of a journey will ups and down that might make you shed a tear, but will brighten up your day, I found This Is All I Ask to be a enriching read that you will never regret taking the chance on!!!
September 19, 2012
I usually reserve my one-star reviews for utter, painful rubbish. This book does actually have some redeeming features, so maybe I should nudge it up, but I can't see past the ridiculous portrayal of blindness suffered by Christopher, the male protagonist. You may feel free to groan at the painful pun. I assure you the pain won't come near that of trying to figure out on which planet the author ran across a blind person. Hmmm....maybe if this were relabeled science fiction? Nah...
I quit reading 2/3 of the way through (and I'll relay my put-down moment in a minute), so I didn't get to the point where, I assume, the hero miraculously recovers his vision. If he stays blind at the end, someone leave a comment, and I'll nudge it up to 2 stars, I swear. But I've just got this feeling...
Christopher is hiding his blindness from his people. His squire knows, and one night. (This is set in the 1200's, ftr). I have to assume he is totally blind, although the author has no description whatsoever of his specific visual problem, probably assuming, as many do, that there is only one way to be blind. So let's go with the idea that this guy is BLIND, nothing but darkness, not even the ability to detect light.
Um....and no one's noticed? The thing is, you can memorize how many steps it takes to get around your keep, and the general location of furniture. But furniture moves, especially when there are lots of servants bustling about and they don't know they're not supposed to keep it in one place. Auditory cues are great, but they won't help you look a person in the eyes.
But wait, there's more! Because this blind person can fool more than just the servants...he can fool the knights he still trains with. He can apparently joust with a few shouted hints from his squire, sword fight, wrestle, and do hand to hand combat. He's described as being better than most sighted people. Unbelievable! No, really. Unbelievable. Blind people can adapt in seemingly miraculous ways at times, but not being able to see is actually a big problem.
The description of this guy's blindness was so poor that at a couple of points in the book, I thought he had miraculously gotten his vision back. It was amazing how many times he "looked" at things. He had very little trouble finding things, even things that do not necessarily stay put (like blankets to cover his wife). At one point he tripped over a stool, hit his head against a chair, and then "looked" at Gillian. I was sure the author was going to suggest that this bump on the head had restored his wight, but that's not at all what happened.
I'm not sure why the author decided to make Christopher blind. The condition had almost no impact on the story or the character.
***
I feel the need for a scene break here. Sort of a...moving right along...because alas, I am not done. Gillian was an interesting character, and probably the reason I kept reading as far as I did, despite everything. She was an abused little creature at the beginning, one who had to learn to trust. I thought the initial description of her abuse and her mindset as a result of the abuse was very good. I did find that her ultimate trust came too easily, but under other circumstances, I probably would have overlooked it.
This story got boring pretty quickly once Gillian started to get over her fear. It didn't move quickly in the first place, and it slowed to a snail's pace afterward. The two loved each other but wouldn't say the words. (My "Quest for the Three Magic Words.")
Gillian was embarrassingly innocent. I got the impression she didn't know men have penises. Christopher found this sweet. I found it disturbing. A little innocence can be fun, and it's a hallmark of historicals, but for me, this one went a little over the top.
My put down moment came on me gradually. I kept hitting "speed up" on my audiobook player, wondering how on earth the thing wasn't just about over, because there wasn't much left to do. I was contemplating hitting the fast forward button to skip a few chapters, thinking maybe they were going to do something with her father (although really, they didn't need to), but then came the sex scene. Well, actually, then came the curtain in my face to keep me from reading about the sex scene. Argh! Are you kidding me? You've spent how many chapters on tentative kisses, the fact of her innocence, and the fact of his desire, but when they actually have sex it's suddenly the next morning? Um, that was an important moment that you missed right there. You can't skip moments you've been gradually leading up to for 2/3 of the book! This was a critical moment for her. This book claims to be all about trust, about Gillian learning to trust, and about Christopher learning to trust. The author could have glossed over the physical details for all I cared, but skipping the emotions and the intimacy....well...at this point, I really should desist.
Oh, and in case I didn't make it clear, I don't recommend. :)
I quit reading 2/3 of the way through (and I'll relay my put-down moment in a minute), so I didn't get to the point where, I assume, the hero miraculously recovers his vision. If he stays blind at the end, someone leave a comment, and I'll nudge it up to 2 stars, I swear. But I've just got this feeling...
Christopher is hiding his blindness from his people. His squire knows, and one night. (This is set in the 1200's, ftr). I have to assume he is totally blind, although the author has no description whatsoever of his specific visual problem, probably assuming, as many do, that there is only one way to be blind. So let's go with the idea that this guy is BLIND, nothing but darkness, not even the ability to detect light.
Um....and no one's noticed? The thing is, you can memorize how many steps it takes to get around your keep, and the general location of furniture. But furniture moves, especially when there are lots of servants bustling about and they don't know they're not supposed to keep it in one place. Auditory cues are great, but they won't help you look a person in the eyes.
But wait, there's more! Because this blind person can fool more than just the servants...he can fool the knights he still trains with. He can apparently joust with a few shouted hints from his squire, sword fight, wrestle, and do hand to hand combat. He's described as being better than most sighted people. Unbelievable! No, really. Unbelievable. Blind people can adapt in seemingly miraculous ways at times, but not being able to see is actually a big problem.
The description of this guy's blindness was so poor that at a couple of points in the book, I thought he had miraculously gotten his vision back. It was amazing how many times he "looked" at things. He had very little trouble finding things, even things that do not necessarily stay put (like blankets to cover his wife). At one point he tripped over a stool, hit his head against a chair, and then "looked" at Gillian. I was sure the author was going to suggest that this bump on the head had restored his wight, but that's not at all what happened.
I'm not sure why the author decided to make Christopher blind. The condition had almost no impact on the story or the character.
***
I feel the need for a scene break here. Sort of a...moving right along...because alas, I am not done. Gillian was an interesting character, and probably the reason I kept reading as far as I did, despite everything. She was an abused little creature at the beginning, one who had to learn to trust. I thought the initial description of her abuse and her mindset as a result of the abuse was very good. I did find that her ultimate trust came too easily, but under other circumstances, I probably would have overlooked it.
This story got boring pretty quickly once Gillian started to get over her fear. It didn't move quickly in the first place, and it slowed to a snail's pace afterward. The two loved each other but wouldn't say the words. (My "Quest for the Three Magic Words.")
Gillian was embarrassingly innocent. I got the impression she didn't know men have penises. Christopher found this sweet. I found it disturbing. A little innocence can be fun, and it's a hallmark of historicals, but for me, this one went a little over the top.
My put down moment came on me gradually. I kept hitting "speed up" on my audiobook player, wondering how on earth the thing wasn't just about over, because there wasn't much left to do. I was contemplating hitting the fast forward button to skip a few chapters, thinking maybe they were going to do something with her father (although really, they didn't need to), but then came the sex scene. Well, actually, then came the curtain in my face to keep me from reading about the sex scene. Argh! Are you kidding me? You've spent how many chapters on tentative kisses, the fact of her innocence, and the fact of his desire, but when they actually have sex it's suddenly the next morning? Um, that was an important moment that you missed right there. You can't skip moments you've been gradually leading up to for 2/3 of the book! This was a critical moment for her. This book claims to be all about trust, about Gillian learning to trust, and about Christopher learning to trust. The author could have glossed over the physical details for all I cared, but skipping the emotions and the intimacy....well...at this point, I really should desist.
Oh, and in case I didn't make it clear, I don't recommend. :)
August 27, 2024
2.75 stars
This started off strong. I thought I was going to discover a new old school HR favorite. Unfortunately, half way in I realized this was more campy medieval romantic comedy rather than dark Beauty and the Beast-inspired medieval romance. Or at least the writing style gave it that feel. Which is fine, and if you are fan of Amanda Quick and Julie Garwood then maybe this will work for you. But for me personally, it wasn't a good combination and very odd at times. When the plot stalls out and characters are doing the same thing over and over again and fumbling about and being hopelessly inept for laughs it's not very exciting or interesting. I needed the plot to move forward and stuff to happen after the 200 page mark. The last 100 pages took forever to get through. I lost count how many clouds of dust "tussles" happened with the hero stepping over grown men fighting in the mud like kids over a lady's favor. I felt the author spent more time trying to make a funny scene rather than focusing on her couple and the overall plot. Having your heroine choke on her own spit while kissing and getting the wind knocked out of her from aggressive back thumping just leaves something to be desired. Things are over exaggerated for a laugh. Her characters oddly started to take on a one-dimensional feel the deeper I got into the book. I've never seen characters regress into comical flat caricatures like they do here. I don't mind comedy in my HR but this felt more slapstick humor with a dark backdrop and it felt weirdly...odd.
This is my first Lynn Kurland book and I've been meaning to try her for some time. This definitely has dark elements with a blind cantankerous "The Dragon of Blackmour" hero and a shy timid heroine who has been badly abused by her father and pretty much given away to the hero in a marriage pact. I thought the hero Christopher was a sweet cinnamon roll with a snarky sense of humor and big soft spot for the heroine Gillian who is terrified of him for a good half of this story. I enjoyed seeing him try to get a rise out of the heroine and trying to put her at ease. That was probably the part I enjoyed the most. You need patience with how Kurland writes the timid mousy heroine who is so naive and helpless and bursts into tears at the drop of a hat whether she's terrified, upset or happy. I was intrigued at the beginning because I thought we were going to get a scrapy tomboy heroine who loves to fight (she owns a sword and practices with it since childhood) and we'd get to see her learn to stand up for herself and find her independence. We technically get that but 100 pages too late and with a looooooot of hand holding and "magic" potions to help her along the way. Gillian is terrified of her own shadow, doesn't like new-comers and men to the point she hides, believes her new husband is a warlock who is going to beat her and sacrifice her for a good half of this story. She turns to 3 witches for potions to give her beauty and courage. She believes what anyone tells her or overhears and takes it as fact and runs with it so you could well imagine the numerous misunderstandings that take place here. The number of times this girl attempts to run away or go to the witches to help her made things go from serious to just silly and ridiculous. Her inept naivety while at first made for some hilarious moments, the longer it went on the charm wore off for me and my patience was long gone. Gillian is a sweet girl who desperately wants to be loved and she's had a very difficult sheltered life but I would qualify her as TSTL with how Kurland wrote her.
Another thing that I found surprising was there was no sex scenes in this. I wasn't expecting this to be closed door considering all the heavy lifting Kurland does with all the sexual tension. I don't know if no sex is a thing of Ms. Kurland's or she was trying to be clever but it didn't work for me here because all the sexual tension and angst hinged on it. Considering Gillian is terrified of the marriage bed and believes babies are conceived through kissing and all the slow build up to get to the actual act....well let's just say I was expecting more than gasping, kissing and afterglow being shown. It felt like a blanket was being held up and you are trying to make out what's going on through hazy light behind the cloth or just listening through a closed door. 🙄 What was the point of this? The author just teases you and makes you guess what is happening in the scene. Everything is alluded to. "Did you like that?" and "what about this?" a gasp here and gasp there just leaves you wanting and feels so pointless. I didn't understand this writing choice. Was it because the hero is blind? If half the story wasn't built around the sexual tension and the heroine being terrified about sexual intimacy then I wouldn't be this annoyed about it or call it out. You can't build your conflict on marital intimacy and show nothing for it in the end. Like WTF? I don't like being baited.
So overall, disappointing. I wanted to give this a 3 star because it definitely had it's sweet moments but the last quarter just made that remaining star wither away.
This started off strong. I thought I was going to discover a new old school HR favorite. Unfortunately, half way in I realized this was more campy medieval romantic comedy rather than dark Beauty and the Beast-inspired medieval romance. Or at least the writing style gave it that feel. Which is fine, and if you are fan of Amanda Quick and Julie Garwood then maybe this will work for you. But for me personally, it wasn't a good combination and very odd at times. When the plot stalls out and characters are doing the same thing over and over again and fumbling about and being hopelessly inept for laughs it's not very exciting or interesting. I needed the plot to move forward and stuff to happen after the 200 page mark. The last 100 pages took forever to get through. I lost count how many clouds of dust "tussles" happened with the hero stepping over grown men fighting in the mud like kids over a lady's favor. I felt the author spent more time trying to make a funny scene rather than focusing on her couple and the overall plot. Having your heroine choke on her own spit while kissing and getting the wind knocked out of her from aggressive back thumping just leaves something to be desired. Things are over exaggerated for a laugh. Her characters oddly started to take on a one-dimensional feel the deeper I got into the book. I've never seen characters regress into comical flat caricatures like they do here. I don't mind comedy in my HR but this felt more slapstick humor with a dark backdrop and it felt weirdly...odd.
This is my first Lynn Kurland book and I've been meaning to try her for some time. This definitely has dark elements with a blind cantankerous "The Dragon of Blackmour" hero and a shy timid heroine who has been badly abused by her father and pretty much given away to the hero in a marriage pact. I thought the hero Christopher was a sweet cinnamon roll with a snarky sense of humor and big soft spot for the heroine Gillian who is terrified of him for a good half of this story. I enjoyed seeing him try to get a rise out of the heroine and trying to put her at ease. That was probably the part I enjoyed the most. You need patience with how Kurland writes the timid mousy heroine who is so naive and helpless and bursts into tears at the drop of a hat whether she's terrified, upset or happy. I was intrigued at the beginning because I thought we were going to get a scrapy tomboy heroine who loves to fight (she owns a sword and practices with it since childhood) and we'd get to see her learn to stand up for herself and find her independence. We technically get that but 100 pages too late and with a looooooot of hand holding and "magic" potions to help her along the way. Gillian is terrified of her own shadow, doesn't like new-comers and men to the point she hides, believes her new husband is a warlock who is going to beat her and sacrifice her for a good half of this story. She turns to 3 witches for potions to give her beauty and courage. She believes what anyone tells her or overhears and takes it as fact and runs with it so you could well imagine the numerous misunderstandings that take place here. The number of times this girl attempts to run away or go to the witches to help her made things go from serious to just silly and ridiculous. Her inept naivety while at first made for some hilarious moments, the longer it went on the charm wore off for me and my patience was long gone. Gillian is a sweet girl who desperately wants to be loved and she's had a very difficult sheltered life but I would qualify her as TSTL with how Kurland wrote her.
Another thing that I found surprising was there was no sex scenes in this. I wasn't expecting this to be closed door considering all the heavy lifting Kurland does with all the sexual tension. I don't know if no sex is a thing of Ms. Kurland's or she was trying to be clever but it didn't work for me here because all the sexual tension and angst hinged on it. Considering Gillian is terrified of the marriage bed and believes babies are conceived through kissing and all the slow build up to get to the actual act....well let's just say I was expecting more than gasping, kissing and afterglow being shown. It felt like a blanket was being held up and you are trying to make out what's going on through hazy light behind the cloth or just listening through a closed door. 🙄 What was the point of this? The author just teases you and makes you guess what is happening in the scene. Everything is alluded to. "Did you like that?" and "what about this?" a gasp here and gasp there just leaves you wanting and feels so pointless. I didn't understand this writing choice. Was it because the hero is blind? If half the story wasn't built around the sexual tension and the heroine being terrified about sexual intimacy then I wouldn't be this annoyed about it or call it out. You can't build your conflict on marital intimacy and show nothing for it in the end. Like WTF? I don't like being baited.
So overall, disappointing. I wanted to give this a 3 star because it definitely had it's sweet moments but the last quarter just made that remaining star wither away.
July 17, 2022
Reading this was certainly an interesting experience. This was a third-hand recommendation from someone who told a friend that This Is All I Ask was a read-alike for Laura Kinsale's For My Lady's Heart, so that's why we picked it up, and... WOW is that not the case. I mean, at all. It's not even really a very good book, but I do think it occupies an interesting place in m/f historical romance's decades-long struggle to unpack toxic masculinity and understand consent. So for that, at least, I'm glad I read it.
The basic premise here is that Gillian, our heroine, lives with her horribly abusive father, and has been promised in marriage to the "Dragon of Blackmour" - the lord of a scary and forbidding castle on a cliff who is rumored, I guess, to dabble in some kind of dark magic? (Honestly, how anyone in England Times kept their evil lords with scary castles straight or remembered how they got their fearful reputations is beyond me. Was there a separate Debrett's for that?) Anyway, the time comes for Gillian to be married, and she shows up to Blackmour to find Christopher, a man with a relatively unconvincing bark and no bite at all, who is trying to hide the fact that he's blind. And they fall in love, and miscommunicate a lot, and make some colossally stupid decisions on their path to plotting the murder of Gillian's abusive father (always a fun couples activity) and admitting their feelings to each other. Also there's a group of 3 witches who are bad at magic who keep popping up at plot-opportune moments to give them potions. Or sometimes fake potions, so they could discover the beauty and courage that were inside them all along.
Like I said, it's not necessarily a *good* book. The pacing is way off: all of the action is stuffed into the first and last 10% of the book, and the middle is a flabby mess of Gillian and Christopher telling each other how wonderful they are, and then retreating to their separate corners to inexplicably decide that the other person secretly hates them, actually. Despite the heroine being an adult, her portrayal makes her seem much younger, in a way that often squicked me out significantly. The depiction of Christopher's blindness is both wildly inconsistent and horribly ableist. And the witches just make no sense at all.
However, this book (which I think it bears mentioning is 22 years old) does make some really fascinating decisions around consent and intimacy and recovery from trauma. The setup of the book is, I think, deliberately familiar: an innocent young girl with a dead mother and an abusive father is shipped off to be married to a man with a fearsome reputation. In my reading at least, there was a clear plot expectation that Christopher would be a domineering asshole, largely replicating the emotional abuse Gillian suffered from her father, but would eventually convince her to love him via semi-coercive sex and minimal displays of vulnerability (generally limited to the vulnerability of admitting a single feeling, which he will call love, but will largely read as sexual obsession). Like, we know that story, right?
Except... that doesn't happen here at all. Christopher almost immediately recognizes how deeply Gillian has been traumatized by her father. And sets out - with a great deal of patience - to restore her courage and faith in herself. His main goal isn't to convince her to get in bed with him, but rather to convince her that she's safe, and that she can express her desires, and even her contrary opinions, without fear of retaliation. (The way he loves it when she sasses him, because he sees it as a sign of recovery, is legitimately charming). Sexually, he's very into consent, and moving things slowly, and letting Gillian take the lead. At one point, he offers to pretend to be asleep, because that seems like a safer scenario in which Gillian can explore her desire to kiss him. There's even a scene where he takes care of her while she has her period, without later attempting to seek knighthood for it.
But what fascinates me most is that for all its enlightenment about consent and trauma... the book seems unwilling to just let Christopher be a man who happens to understand consent and feelings. We may be running away from traditional bodice-ripping tropes here, but there's a WHOLE lot of baggage to carry as we run. For starters, Christopher tends to relate to the other male characters in this book primarily by... wrestling them to the ground and punching them in the stomach a lot? Truly, every time two men walk by each other in this novel, they end up rolling around on the ground in some kind of weird, semi-comedic efflux of undirected toxic masculinity. Christopher is clear with all the men around him that they have to avoid startling Gillian, or touching her, or making any sudden movements around her, because she's recovering from massive trauma but... the book seems to still think that men have to beat up *something* to remain men, and in the absence of Gillian as a target, they only have each other.
More problematic still, though, is how Christopher's blindness factors into calculations around masculinity. There's a scene towards the end of the book where Christopher fails to kill Gillian's abusive father in battle because he's unable to see. Christopher clearly reads this as a failure of masculinity, and I think the reader is invited to as well (I mean, an inability to slay the father with a sword to protect a woman would probably leave even Freud saying "nah, a bit too obvious"). And that tension doesn't come out of nowhere. Christopher spends a lot of time feeling like "less of a man" because he is blind. And even though, at the end of the book, Christopher learns to "reconcile" being a man and being blind (in part by finally killing Gillian's father)... the idea of that needing to be reconciled at all is still incredibly ableist, as well as a deeply troubling way to think about masculinity.
So while the book never comes out directly and says Christopher cares about consent and feelings and likes a bold and bossy wife *because* he doesn't fully think of himself as a man... the suggestion is there. Rather strongly. At the very least, this book is written from a space where emotional care and understanding of consent cannot exist in a hero without weird excess anxieties about masculinity popping up all over the rest of the narrative. Which, at the very least, made this book a fascinating time capsule of where romance was with this kind of thing in 2000. I'm just not sure I'd recommend this book for... anything other than Romance Archaeology Reasons.
The basic premise here is that Gillian, our heroine, lives with her horribly abusive father, and has been promised in marriage to the "Dragon of Blackmour" - the lord of a scary and forbidding castle on a cliff who is rumored, I guess, to dabble in some kind of dark magic? (Honestly, how anyone in England Times kept their evil lords with scary castles straight or remembered how they got their fearful reputations is beyond me. Was there a separate Debrett's for that?) Anyway, the time comes for Gillian to be married, and she shows up to Blackmour to find Christopher, a man with a relatively unconvincing bark and no bite at all, who is trying to hide the fact that he's blind. And they fall in love, and miscommunicate a lot, and make some colossally stupid decisions on their path to plotting the murder of Gillian's abusive father (always a fun couples activity) and admitting their feelings to each other. Also there's a group of 3 witches who are bad at magic who keep popping up at plot-opportune moments to give them potions. Or sometimes fake potions, so they could discover the beauty and courage that were inside them all along.
Like I said, it's not necessarily a *good* book. The pacing is way off: all of the action is stuffed into the first and last 10% of the book, and the middle is a flabby mess of Gillian and Christopher telling each other how wonderful they are, and then retreating to their separate corners to inexplicably decide that the other person secretly hates them, actually. Despite the heroine being an adult, her portrayal makes her seem much younger, in a way that often squicked me out significantly. The depiction of Christopher's blindness is both wildly inconsistent and horribly ableist. And the witches just make no sense at all.
However, this book (which I think it bears mentioning is 22 years old) does make some really fascinating decisions around consent and intimacy and recovery from trauma. The setup of the book is, I think, deliberately familiar: an innocent young girl with a dead mother and an abusive father is shipped off to be married to a man with a fearsome reputation. In my reading at least, there was a clear plot expectation that Christopher would be a domineering asshole, largely replicating the emotional abuse Gillian suffered from her father, but would eventually convince her to love him via semi-coercive sex and minimal displays of vulnerability (generally limited to the vulnerability of admitting a single feeling, which he will call love, but will largely read as sexual obsession). Like, we know that story, right?
Except... that doesn't happen here at all. Christopher almost immediately recognizes how deeply Gillian has been traumatized by her father. And sets out - with a great deal of patience - to restore her courage and faith in herself. His main goal isn't to convince her to get in bed with him, but rather to convince her that she's safe, and that she can express her desires, and even her contrary opinions, without fear of retaliation. (The way he loves it when she sasses him, because he sees it as a sign of recovery, is legitimately charming). Sexually, he's very into consent, and moving things slowly, and letting Gillian take the lead. At one point, he offers to pretend to be asleep, because that seems like a safer scenario in which Gillian can explore her desire to kiss him. There's even a scene where he takes care of her while she has her period, without later attempting to seek knighthood for it.
But what fascinates me most is that for all its enlightenment about consent and trauma... the book seems unwilling to just let Christopher be a man who happens to understand consent and feelings. We may be running away from traditional bodice-ripping tropes here, but there's a WHOLE lot of baggage to carry as we run. For starters, Christopher tends to relate to the other male characters in this book primarily by... wrestling them to the ground and punching them in the stomach a lot? Truly, every time two men walk by each other in this novel, they end up rolling around on the ground in some kind of weird, semi-comedic efflux of undirected toxic masculinity. Christopher is clear with all the men around him that they have to avoid startling Gillian, or touching her, or making any sudden movements around her, because she's recovering from massive trauma but... the book seems to still think that men have to beat up *something* to remain men, and in the absence of Gillian as a target, they only have each other.
More problematic still, though, is how Christopher's blindness factors into calculations around masculinity. There's a scene towards the end of the book where Christopher fails to kill Gillian's abusive father in battle because he's unable to see. Christopher clearly reads this as a failure of masculinity, and I think the reader is invited to as well (I mean, an inability to slay the father with a sword to protect a woman would probably leave even Freud saying "nah, a bit too obvious"). And that tension doesn't come out of nowhere. Christopher spends a lot of time feeling like "less of a man" because he is blind. And even though, at the end of the book, Christopher learns to "reconcile" being a man and being blind (in part by finally killing Gillian's father)... the idea of that needing to be reconciled at all is still incredibly ableist, as well as a deeply troubling way to think about masculinity.
So while the book never comes out directly and says Christopher cares about consent and feelings and likes a bold and bossy wife *because* he doesn't fully think of himself as a man... the suggestion is there. Rather strongly. At the very least, this book is written from a space where emotional care and understanding of consent cannot exist in a hero without weird excess anxieties about masculinity popping up all over the rest of the narrative. Which, at the very least, made this book a fascinating time capsule of where romance was with this kind of thing in 2000. I'm just not sure I'd recommend this book for... anything other than Romance Archaeology Reasons.
February 10, 2024
Good but ultimately kinda confusing. I read one Lynn Kurland way back in the day and never read another. I've been reminded as to why.
This was a well written if terribly repetitive book with likeable me characters. If you like your heroes adorably grumpy and stompy then this is for you. I like mine with some edge. Christopher was as edgy as Grandma's afghan. The heroine was Julie Garwood-esque levels of adorable. She was also horribly abused by her dad so I got where some of her annoying behavior was coming from. The pacing was wacky with nothing but the same scene playing out in different ways. The slow burn was glacial and once they get it on, the door gets shut in your face 🙄
Overall, I am glad I read it but I don't think I'll be trying anything else by this author .
Tropes
Beauty and the beast
Forced marriage
Scarred hero
This was a well written if terribly repetitive book with likeable me characters. If you like your heroes adorably grumpy and stompy then this is for you. I like mine with some edge. Christopher was as edgy as Grandma's afghan. The heroine was Julie Garwood-esque levels of adorable. She was also horribly abused by her dad so I got where some of her annoying behavior was coming from. The pacing was wacky with nothing but the same scene playing out in different ways. The slow burn was glacial and once they get it on, the door gets shut in your face 🙄
Overall, I am glad I read it but I don't think I'll be trying anything else by this author .
Tropes
Beauty and the beast
Forced marriage
Scarred hero
December 26, 2021
Re-read. Two souls broken in spirit are brought together and heal their hearts together. Sigh. ;) If you have read the earlier books in this series, you will recognize Christopher of Blackmour as having been Robin of Artane's former squire.
November 24, 2024
Well this was somewhat disappointing. It has been on my to-read list for many years, but I must admit I just was not feeling the feels that this book is supposed to bring. Written in 1997, I think this book is perhaps a bit dated. Having the MMC referring to Gillian as "child" on multiple occasions was just weird when she was twenty-one. Having many other male characters also calling her "child" seems like infantilisation of the FMC. I guess the fairer sex needed protection and all that in those days but it still did not sit right with me, even if Gillian did act like an overgrown child for the most. I get that she led a sheltered life, but some instances of her complete and persistent ignorance were to the point of simplemindedness and not naivete. Gillian also frustrated me with her perpetual can't-do attitude, giving up before she even started. Yes, she was a victim of abuse, but callous me did grow weary of her spiritless character. She was timid and wimpy for most of the book and when she finally decided not to be timid and wimpy, she was impulsive and thoughtless without a proper plan to execute her intention. I do like Christopher's character. I understood his anguish at his profound loss. Despite that, he was caring, protective and encouraging, not just towards Gillian but also his squire and friend. Special mention goes towards Jason the Squire and Colin the Friend, both were wonderful supporting characters who carried Gillian through her tantrums and frequent moments of self-doubts and uncertainties. The writing feels authentic and is of high quality just mainly let down by a weak heroine.
March 30, 2015
Re-April 2015
Good gracious, it seems I just can't leave this book alone.
I still love it, though the one scene with "blanket" annoys the pie out of me.
I stick with my original rating of 4.5/5 Stars, and hope I can find something else that strikes my fancy so I don't end up re-reading the entire series.
Re-Read July 2011.
This is still a favorite of mine. While I think Christopher is a bit too squishy for my tastes, as Ms. Kurland has a tendency to make her terrifyingly powerful warriors have an incredibly soft underbelly. As such Christopher (and Colin both lol) tend to tear up a bit more than is to my preferences.
I still love how Gillian overcomes the horrible physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, as well as how Christopher finally comes to terms with the fact that his disability does not make him less of a man in truth.
Gillian's actions during her fever still feel unrealistic -- that sick and she's going to hold an entire (and rather lucid) conversation and not remember it? I could go with some incoherent babbling, but nowhere near the extent of conversation she holds with "blanket" during her recovery. Plus, I'm not certain how one can be burning up with fever but also be so cold that someone has to get into bed with you to warm you up before you freeze to death *shrugs*
A few unrealistic bits aside, this is still a favorite of mine, and highly recommended for fans of abused heroines in their historicals.
4.5/5 Stars
Good gracious, it seems I just can't leave this book alone.
I still love it, though the one scene with "blanket" annoys the pie out of me.
I stick with my original rating of 4.5/5 Stars, and hope I can find something else that strikes my fancy so I don't end up re-reading the entire series.
Re-Read July 2011.
This is still a favorite of mine. While I think Christopher is a bit too squishy for my tastes, as Ms. Kurland has a tendency to make her terrifyingly powerful warriors have an incredibly soft underbelly. As such Christopher (and Colin both lol) tend to tear up a bit more than is to my preferences.
I still love how Gillian overcomes the horrible physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, as well as how Christopher finally comes to terms with the fact that his disability does not make him less of a man in truth.
Gillian's actions during her fever still feel unrealistic -- that sick and she's going to hold an entire (and rather lucid) conversation and not remember it? I could go with some incoherent babbling, but nowhere near the extent of conversation she holds with "blanket" during her recovery. Plus, I'm not certain how one can be burning up with fever but also be so cold that someone has to get into bed with you to warm you up before you freeze to death *shrugs*
A few unrealistic bits aside, this is still a favorite of mine, and highly recommended for fans of abused heroines in their historicals.
4.5/5 Stars
July 2, 2017
LO AME, LO AME, LO AME!!!! Definitivamente tengo una debilidad por las protagonistas inocentes y maltratadas y los héroes con algún tipo de discapacidad.
This is All I Ask una historia hermosa. Prometo escribir una reseña (muy bien merecida) cuando tenga tiempo :)
100% recomendada.
April 11, 2015
This book is so derivative it hurts. The heroine is tstl in every way who misconstrues everything as bad, even if someone so much as sneezes near her.
Her abusive, cruel father is two dimensional and a typical 'evil' character used as a plot device to show how the heroine is vulnerable but it all just feels contrived of the (bad parts) medieval romance genre, especially the hero with the fierce reputation as a wicked man with a 'black soul' (eye roll) with nothing of substance to back up these claims to make his perceived demeanour seem convincing to make the reader believe in these characters emotions.
Seriously, its a ho-hum and typical medieval with all the sterotypes checked off: fearful heroine who is married off to the big mean knight and thinks of ways to escape his house (to London, because its always London in these books (I swear all the heroines in these books who plot their escape, its so ridiculous especially given the era); then the hero who is the devil even when he is kind to her.
It just got exhausting how many times the hero was patient and calm with the heroine yet she'd jump from A to X in her stupid conclusions thinking the worst.
Her abusive parent as an explanation for her bahaviour is a cop-out. Troubled and hurt people are not by default stupid people.
I really wanted a good mediavel but this was not it. The high reviews baffle me!
Her abusive, cruel father is two dimensional and a typical 'evil' character used as a plot device to show how the heroine is vulnerable but it all just feels contrived of the (bad parts) medieval romance genre, especially the hero with the fierce reputation as a wicked man with a 'black soul' (eye roll) with nothing of substance to back up these claims to make his perceived demeanour seem convincing to make the reader believe in these characters emotions.
Seriously, its a ho-hum and typical medieval with all the sterotypes checked off: fearful heroine who is married off to the big mean knight and thinks of ways to escape his house (to London, because its always London in these books (I swear all the heroines in these books who plot their escape, its so ridiculous especially given the era); then the hero who is the devil even when he is kind to her.
It just got exhausting how many times the hero was patient and calm with the heroine yet she'd jump from A to X in her stupid conclusions thinking the worst.
Her abusive parent as an explanation for her bahaviour is a cop-out. Troubled and hurt people are not by default stupid people.
I really wanted a good mediavel but this was not it. The high reviews baffle me!
March 17, 2014
I've got to admit, I liked this one the best so far out of all that I've read in the series. Christopher was absolutely swoony :) if I could pluck him from the pages and have him for myself, I'd gladly do it. I loved how Gillian blossomed and became courageous. Her transformation was great.
October 5, 2010
When her abusive father sells her off to a man she's heard has horns and practices the Dark Arts, our heroine is understandably scared out of her wits but is also a bit relieved to escape her sire's tortures. Instead of finding the Devil, she finds a wounded, proud and wonderful man, a man who needs her love to become whole again - her soulmate. Set in medieval times, THIS IS ALL I ASK is a beautiful and emotionally rewarding love story for those who enjoy a believable tale about the magical healing powers of love. Kurland infuses her writing with a tender and often times humorous touch. Though the story lacks an explicit love scene (my only complaint!) it packs a powerful emotional punch and should not be missed for fans of well written medieval tales. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it again!
August 27, 2025
Rating: 4.8 / 5
To anyone who has said that this book is heartbreakingly beautiful...
...I agree.
I'm reading through Lynn Kurland's de Piaget / MacLeod series in publication order, so this is book #3 for that, and basically, it's my favourite thing that I've read by this author so far, and the only one that doesn't have ridiculous elements in it. I'm thinking that this is because there are no supernatural / time travel elements involved, and, well, quite frankly, I works better that way.
It's just pure, raw emotion and love, and it. just. WORKS.
______________
Meet Gillian and Christopher: two individuals who each have their own scars in their own ways, and who don't expect to find love or healing, but just might in each others' arms. Gillian herself has been beaten and abused by her father since her childhood; and as for Christopher, well...he carries his own scars both physically due to his blindness, but especially emotionally. Kept apart, they make an unlikely pair; but together, they become each others' strength, and it just gets more and more heartening to see!
Ahem, but anyway, in terms of what I absolutely loved about this story, just as a reminder for myself, I'd say that the pacing and just how real everything felt was a perfect combo. Usually, I don't like for the buildup to the romance via route of distrust and pushing apart (instead of pulling together) to go on for TOO long (because my tender heart can only stand so much angst); but in THIS story, absolutely everything felt justified. Even if it did feel harsh at times, I couldn't help but feel that YES, it IS realistic for things to have happened in the way they did, because both Gillian and Christopher were just so justified in what they felt, including with fear and mistrust. No decision ever felt forced or out of nowhere, contrived or just for plot convenience. I believed EVERYTHING that was happening, and so it just tore at me more when they either had their sad moments or had tender, loving moments. I was really rooting for them from start to finish, and absolutely LOVED how they found each other and their happy ending.
No magic, no miraculous elements, nada. Just LOVE and pure feeling to get them through and together at the end.
*sigh romantically and cries happily for a bit*
And anyway, I'd like to give extra kudos to Christopher, which has inspired me to make up a new list of "heroes I love" for books. He'll be a honourable first entry. Basically, for anyone wondering why, what I especially loved about Christopher was how he didn't hold onto his pride unnecessarily in ways that were stupid or that kept him from making the right decisions. I've seen so many heroes in these types of roles where they keep up acting tough until AFTER a life-or-death situation has passed for their lady love, and only THEN or at the end of the book do they actually use the L-word to confess how they feel.
But, gents and especially ladies, hold on to your hats because this is NOT SO for Christopher! He's super strong and manly, but he doesn't feel it's beneath him to confess what he feels; he doesn't do it right away, but when he DOES, you just know that he means it, what the weight of those words is to him. Not only that, but when he fails, yes he's surly about whatever that failure might be; but, if it calls for despair and tears, by God, here's a hero whom the author is not afraid to make CRY!
For men out there, let me tell you this: it's not a weakness to see a man cry, not at all; in fact, there's something (in my view, always) so uniquely powerful about a man being strong enough to cry if ever a situation calls for it, that I can't help but think higher of a man who does cry in a terrible situation as opposed to a man who does not. And I don't mean over every little thing or weeping like a big baby over nothing; no, what I mean is the type of crying of despair, like Christopher does over his own perceived ineptitude due to his blindness, and how he feels that he'll never be good enough for Gillian because he's not a "whole man". There's this one scene where he even goes to one of the three wise women of the story, and asks her to take all that he has, if only she can give him sight--that's where the title of the story actually comes from, I think. It just tore at my heart, that entire scene, and I could just picture Christopher crying as he asked for that. Knowing what that meant in terms of how much he cared for Gillian as well was just beyond words.
_________
All in all, therefore, this story indeed is nothing short of beautiful, and definitely one that I'll be re-reading in all its heartwarming moments, for many years to come.
To anyone who has said that this book is heartbreakingly beautiful...
...I agree.
I'm reading through Lynn Kurland's de Piaget / MacLeod series in publication order, so this is book #3 for that, and basically, it's my favourite thing that I've read by this author so far, and the only one that doesn't have ridiculous elements in it. I'm thinking that this is because there are no supernatural / time travel elements involved, and, well, quite frankly, I works better that way.
It's just pure, raw emotion and love, and it. just. WORKS.
______________
Meet Gillian and Christopher: two individuals who each have their own scars in their own ways, and who don't expect to find love or healing, but just might in each others' arms. Gillian herself has been beaten and abused by her father since her childhood; and as for Christopher, well...he carries his own scars both physically due to his blindness, but especially emotionally. Kept apart, they make an unlikely pair; but together, they become each others' strength, and it just gets more and more heartening to see!
Ahem, but anyway, in terms of what I absolutely loved about this story, just as a reminder for myself, I'd say that the pacing and just how real everything felt was a perfect combo. Usually, I don't like for the buildup to the romance via route of distrust and pushing apart (instead of pulling together) to go on for TOO long (because my tender heart can only stand so much angst); but in THIS story, absolutely everything felt justified. Even if it did feel harsh at times, I couldn't help but feel that YES, it IS realistic for things to have happened in the way they did, because both Gillian and Christopher were just so justified in what they felt, including with fear and mistrust. No decision ever felt forced or out of nowhere, contrived or just for plot convenience. I believed EVERYTHING that was happening, and so it just tore at me more when they either had their sad moments or had tender, loving moments. I was really rooting for them from start to finish, and absolutely LOVED how they found each other and their happy ending.
No magic, no miraculous elements, nada. Just LOVE and pure feeling to get them through and together at the end.
*sigh romantically and cries happily for a bit*
And anyway, I'd like to give extra kudos to Christopher, which has inspired me to make up a new list of "heroes I love" for books. He'll be a honourable first entry. Basically, for anyone wondering why, what I especially loved about Christopher was how he didn't hold onto his pride unnecessarily in ways that were stupid or that kept him from making the right decisions. I've seen so many heroes in these types of roles where they keep up acting tough until AFTER a life-or-death situation has passed for their lady love, and only THEN or at the end of the book do they actually use the L-word to confess how they feel.
But, gents and especially ladies, hold on to your hats because this is NOT SO for Christopher! He's super strong and manly, but he doesn't feel it's beneath him to confess what he feels; he doesn't do it right away, but when he DOES, you just know that he means it, what the weight of those words is to him. Not only that, but when he fails, yes he's surly about whatever that failure might be; but, if it calls for despair and tears, by God, here's a hero whom the author is not afraid to make CRY!
For men out there, let me tell you this: it's not a weakness to see a man cry, not at all; in fact, there's something (in my view, always) so uniquely powerful about a man being strong enough to cry if ever a situation calls for it, that I can't help but think higher of a man who does cry in a terrible situation as opposed to a man who does not. And I don't mean over every little thing or weeping like a big baby over nothing; no, what I mean is the type of crying of despair, like Christopher does over his own perceived ineptitude due to his blindness, and how he feels that he'll never be good enough for Gillian because he's not a "whole man". There's this one scene where he even goes to one of the three wise women of the story, and asks her to take all that he has, if only she can give him sight--that's where the title of the story actually comes from, I think. It just tore at my heart, that entire scene, and I could just picture Christopher crying as he asked for that. Knowing what that meant in terms of how much he cared for Gillian as well was just beyond words.
_________
All in all, therefore, this story indeed is nothing short of beautiful, and definitely one that I'll be re-reading in all its heartwarming moments, for many years to come.
July 22, 2023
This was an unexpected read! It was full of angst and sweet moments between two people that fate had through together.
It's a romance - me it's a pg-13 one. There are mentions of sex, but they are not actually written. It's more about romance in the character/relationship development than anything.
It's a romance - me it's a pg-13 one. There are mentions of sex, but they are not actually written. It's more about romance in the character/relationship development than anything.
January 31, 2008
Again, this has sexual situations...but I loved the story. It made me believe in true love...wow, that was sappy.
October 2, 2016
WHAT A READ.
Once again, I'm marveling in the bittersweet aftermath of such an exquisite, fairy-tale like novel.
There was a hundred and one things I loved about this book, so much love that I can't even begin to think of anything I disliked (apart from Gillian's dad. Oh boy did I hate him!).
I really appreciate when an author goes above and beyond to create a wonderful story. This is my first novel by Lynn Kurland and will certainly not be the last. She had me spellbound by the charm, cleverness and beauty of her words and thoughts. What a dream to read.
I devoured this book...or maybe it devoured me?
Either way, I am more than content. I'm pretty DAMN DELIGHTED! And as a thank you, here's a (hopefully) above and beyond review :)
1. Plot
2. Characters and Arcs
3. Cast
4. Extra Notes
5. Romance
Let's begin...
1. Plot
One of my favourite things about this book? The air of magic and sheer wonder. This book begins with witches. Yes you read correctly. Three wizened old crones who stole my heart. And like all witches (I confess I only know a handful) they were a meddling bunch, in the best way. They have a hand in the proceedings of this novel.
Gillian of Warewick- a soft, tender soul who has been abused at the hands of her disgusting brute of a father, has learned the horrifying news. Her father plans on marrying her off to none other than the notoriousB.I.G. Christopher "The Dragon" of Blackmour. His reputation proceeds him and strikes terror into the hearts of all England, Gillian included. However, their marriage offers her something she never dreamed of. Hope, freedom, friendship and love. But her Dragon's heart is not so easily tamed for he harbors his own secrets...
2. Characters and Arcs
Arguably the best part of a novel, the characters often make the book. Lynn Kurland did not disappoint. Her characters were alluring, delightful and fun. And further, they were flawed. Nothing pulls me in like a flawed character.
To me, a flawed character is like a meadow at night, bursting with colour, spilling over with vibrancy and life, yet shrouded in a darkness so deep, only the whispers of moonlight alert us to the true complexity hidden.
Both Gillian and Christopher were flawed in their own perfect ways.
Gillian
Gillian was such a pleasure to read and is one of those characters who makes you frustrated at their fiction. I wish she was real. She was treated terribly by her father and yet he never broke her spirit. She was so very sweet, clever and innocent as well, and I loved her journey into self-acceptance and love. She learnt so much from Christopher and vice versa.
She was faithful and above all, incredibly strong and courageous- something she never realised she possessed. Kurland chose to make Gillian a heroine who wasn't drop-dead gorgeous but instead rather plain. Yet she had a wealth of beauty within her. And that, I believe, is how she was perceived as beautiful. There is, as one of the characters noted, a light that shines in her eyes. The kind, I think, that only the true pure of heart possess. Gillian was an absolute joy to read about.
At the beginning, she was terrified of Christopher. The stories told about him were all she saw when she looked at him, but slowly she began to see the man beneath the tough, gruff exterior. And when she did, she offered her heart and soul so completely.
She began as a timid, quiet and shy little "mouse" and bloomed into a wonderful, spirited "dragoness" fit for her dragon.
Christopher
Christopher was absolutely delicious.
Ughh he was strong, arrogant and dominant whilst also being incredibly tender and gentle with Gillian. He was just the right sort of hero. Not overly alpha and might I just add, he was certainly a tormented hero. We learn fairly early on that Christopher is blind (I have to add that Gillian managed to figure out very quickly and I was so impressed. What a smartie. Further, she never saw that as a hindrance :') Also, Kurland never dragged it out or set a dreary tone.)
Christopher was so strong and managed to hide his blindness and cope with it. For a warrior to lose something so key and necessary in a fight, he found other ways to do overcome this. Further, he was even braver for having his heart broken once before and learning to love again. I loved the emphasis on character rather than beauty. The woman Chris once "loved" was actually an evil, greedy woman who also happened to be breathtakingly, heartstoppingly beautiful. He learnt, after losing his sight, that true sight comes from the soul. What he lost, he finds in a woman with enough heart to take on the world. Despite trying to hold his love back, it swept over them both like waves on the shore.
Minor Characters
I couldn't write a review without mentioning the awesome Lord Artane and his sons who stole my heart with their antics. So thankful for Lord Artane raising Christopher like his own son because he grew to be an incredible man - a "whole" man.
Also, Christopher was very fortunate to have the most adorable squire and some truly brilliant friends who made me laugh out loud. The characterisation in this book was epic, everything and everyone's involvement wove together magically. And speaking of magically...
I have to mention the three witches (who seem more like wiccans) again. They were absolutely hilarious and oh so wise. Almost like guardian angels. I liked how Gillian kept visiting them for advice and herbs for beauty and courage - when in fact the herbs were just placebos! I suppose their involvement makes this seem even more fairytale like.
3. Cast
Gillian
Christopher
4. Extra Notes
One thing that stuck out to me was when Gill first saw the ocean. She fell in love on sight and it was one of the major reasons she stayed at Blackmour when she had just arrived, terrified.
I liked the idea that she fell in love with the ocean - this wild, raw piece of nature. A pulsing, breathing entity capable of both destruction and beauty. And it reminded me of Christopher. A force of nature himself, he was danger but he was also a work of art. Gillian sought comfort in the ocean, this wild thing that calls to each of us, to the wildness in our hearts. And I think this was a precursor, preparing her to allow the untameable, chaos of Christopher and his love into her heart.
Just a thought :)
5. Romance
Let's end this with a bang me thinks. Where this wasn't a particularly steamy read, the romance was rich and heartwarming. It was a sweet read and a gem for romantics. I reveled in every moment- each caress, soft word, tease ahhh all of it was wonderful.
This is one of those reads that you have to see for yourself what all the fuss is about. I just adored it and would happily go back and re-read. It has a very Julie Garwood feel to it, and I'm in no way complaining. There was tears and triumphs and the most melty happy lil feeling in your heart after reading this.
In short, this is what romance is about.
And as I mentioned before, this was like a fairytale. And in true fairytale fashion, it had it's own share of morals and lessons.
What I learnt:
Beauty is in far more than appearance. It is in your capacity to love and be loved.
Courage is in far more than battling nightmare foes. It is facing each day with a strong and determined heart, taking on whatever the dawn brings.
And finally, sometimes when one thing is lost, it opens up another world of possibilities. All we need to open our eyes, is a little faith- in ourselves, in what is and all that will be.
We are more able than we know, stronger than we think and more beautiful than we may feel.
Thank you for these lessons, Lynn Kurland. This was truly a one-of-a-kind read. Now onto something else, no doubt unable to top this. The bar has been set precariously high...but then where would I be without my books?
Very lost indeed.
Once again, I'm marveling in the bittersweet aftermath of such an exquisite, fairy-tale like novel.
There was a hundred and one things I loved about this book, so much love that I can't even begin to think of anything I disliked (apart from Gillian's dad. Oh boy did I hate him!).
I really appreciate when an author goes above and beyond to create a wonderful story. This is my first novel by Lynn Kurland and will certainly not be the last. She had me spellbound by the charm, cleverness and beauty of her words and thoughts. What a dream to read.
I devoured this book...or maybe it devoured me?
Either way, I am more than content. I'm pretty DAMN DELIGHTED! And as a thank you, here's a (hopefully) above and beyond review :)
1. Plot
2. Characters and Arcs
3. Cast
4. Extra Notes
5. Romance
Let's begin...
1. Plot
One of my favourite things about this book? The air of magic and sheer wonder. This book begins with witches. Yes you read correctly. Three wizened old crones who stole my heart. And like all witches (I confess I only know a handful) they were a meddling bunch, in the best way. They have a hand in the proceedings of this novel.
Gillian of Warewick- a soft, tender soul who has been abused at the hands of her disgusting brute of a father, has learned the horrifying news. Her father plans on marrying her off to none other than the notorious
2. Characters and Arcs
Arguably the best part of a novel, the characters often make the book. Lynn Kurland did not disappoint. Her characters were alluring, delightful and fun. And further, they were flawed. Nothing pulls me in like a flawed character.
To me, a flawed character is like a meadow at night, bursting with colour, spilling over with vibrancy and life, yet shrouded in a darkness so deep, only the whispers of moonlight alert us to the true complexity hidden.
Both Gillian and Christopher were flawed in their own perfect ways.
Gillian
Gillian was such a pleasure to read and is one of those characters who makes you frustrated at their fiction. I wish she was real. She was treated terribly by her father and yet he never broke her spirit. She was so very sweet, clever and innocent as well, and I loved her journey into self-acceptance and love. She learnt so much from Christopher and vice versa.
She was faithful and above all, incredibly strong and courageous- something she never realised she possessed. Kurland chose to make Gillian a heroine who wasn't drop-dead gorgeous but instead rather plain. Yet she had a wealth of beauty within her. And that, I believe, is how she was perceived as beautiful. There is, as one of the characters noted, a light that shines in her eyes. The kind, I think, that only the true pure of heart possess. Gillian was an absolute joy to read about.
At the beginning, she was terrified of Christopher. The stories told about him were all she saw when she looked at him, but slowly she began to see the man beneath the tough, gruff exterior. And when she did, she offered her heart and soul so completely.
She began as a timid, quiet and shy little "mouse" and bloomed into a wonderful, spirited "dragoness" fit for her dragon.
Christopher
Christopher was absolutely delicious.
Ughh he was strong, arrogant and dominant whilst also being incredibly tender and gentle with Gillian. He was just the right sort of hero. Not overly alpha and might I just add, he was certainly a tormented hero. We learn fairly early on that Christopher is blind (I have to add that Gillian managed to figure out very quickly and I was so impressed. What a smartie. Further, she never saw that as a hindrance :') Also, Kurland never dragged it out or set a dreary tone.)
Christopher was so strong and managed to hide his blindness and cope with it. For a warrior to lose something so key and necessary in a fight, he found other ways to do overcome this. Further, he was even braver for having his heart broken once before and learning to love again. I loved the emphasis on character rather than beauty. The woman Chris once "loved" was actually an evil, greedy woman who also happened to be breathtakingly, heartstoppingly beautiful. He learnt, after losing his sight, that true sight comes from the soul. What he lost, he finds in a woman with enough heart to take on the world. Despite trying to hold his love back, it swept over them both like waves on the shore.
Minor Characters
I couldn't write a review without mentioning the awesome Lord Artane and his sons who stole my heart with their antics. So thankful for Lord Artane raising Christopher like his own son because he grew to be an incredible man - a "whole" man.
Also, Christopher was very fortunate to have the most adorable squire and some truly brilliant friends who made me laugh out loud. The characterisation in this book was epic, everything and everyone's involvement wove together magically. And speaking of magically...
I have to mention the three witches (who seem more like wiccans) again. They were absolutely hilarious and oh so wise. Almost like guardian angels. I liked how Gillian kept visiting them for advice and herbs for beauty and courage - when in fact the herbs were just placebos! I suppose their involvement makes this seem even more fairytale like.
3. Cast
Gillian
Christopher
4. Extra Notes
One thing that stuck out to me was when Gill first saw the ocean. She fell in love on sight and it was one of the major reasons she stayed at Blackmour when she had just arrived, terrified.
I liked the idea that she fell in love with the ocean - this wild, raw piece of nature. A pulsing, breathing entity capable of both destruction and beauty. And it reminded me of Christopher. A force of nature himself, he was danger but he was also a work of art. Gillian sought comfort in the ocean, this wild thing that calls to each of us, to the wildness in our hearts. And I think this was a precursor, preparing her to allow the untameable, chaos of Christopher and his love into her heart.
Just a thought :)
5. Romance
Let's end this with a bang me thinks. Where this wasn't a particularly steamy read, the romance was rich and heartwarming. It was a sweet read and a gem for romantics. I reveled in every moment- each caress, soft word, tease ahhh all of it was wonderful.
This is one of those reads that you have to see for yourself what all the fuss is about. I just adored it and would happily go back and re-read. It has a very Julie Garwood feel to it, and I'm in no way complaining. There was tears and triumphs and the most melty happy lil feeling in your heart after reading this.
In short, this is what romance is about.
And as I mentioned before, this was like a fairytale. And in true fairytale fashion, it had it's own share of morals and lessons.
What I learnt:
Beauty is in far more than appearance. It is in your capacity to love and be loved.
Courage is in far more than battling nightmare foes. It is facing each day with a strong and determined heart, taking on whatever the dawn brings.
And finally, sometimes when one thing is lost, it opens up another world of possibilities. All we need to open our eyes, is a little faith- in ourselves, in what is and all that will be.
We are more able than we know, stronger than we think and more beautiful than we may feel.
Thank you for these lessons, Lynn Kurland. This was truly a one-of-a-kind read. Now onto something else, no doubt unable to top this. The bar has been set precariously high...but then where would I be without my books?
Very lost indeed.
January 29, 2015
This is the best book I've read in a while. It was so nice to read a romance novel that focused on the emotional connection and healing power of love instead of sex. There are no explicit sex scenes in this book, and it was awesome. So many new books have lost sight of the love in the pursuit of the lust and this book was a refreshing divergence from the norm.
Christopher, the Dragon of Blackmore, and our hero, is blind. Some reviewers thought the blindness was poorly handled and quit reading because they thought the hero would regain his sight. He never does. What makes this book awesome is that while our hero never physically sees again, he does learn how to appreciate and love inner beauty which cannot be seen by many that have perfect vision. I loved how his disability was handled, it made for a gripping and emotionally charged tale.
Gillian, our heroine, was terribly abused by her father. For a large chunk of the book, she is skittish and fearful. However, she slowly gains courage and she blossoms in the care of our hero. The transformation was handled in a way that was truly believable and kept me turning pages.
Both hero and heroine have physical and emotional scars from betrayal and abuse in the past and there are a few misunderstandings before they come to realize just how much they need each other. The story is not fast paced, but instead focuses on the passage of time and how the characters change and grow closer. Gillian's father is quite a villain in this story and I must warn readers that there is a scene where he humiliates the hero. For those who do not like when the hero is not indestructible, this book isn't for you. The hero has flaws and he struggles with them regularly. How he dealt with his blindness showed immense strength of character that made him one of the most attractive and wonderful heroes ever.
I must admit that the supporting characters, Colin and Jason, stole the show. Colin is Christopher's gruff and somewhat smelly brother-in-law from Chris' first marriage. Wow, I adored him. He was so protective and endearing while trying to keep up his ferocious facade. I cannot wait to read his story. Jason is Chris' eyes and his squire. He is 16 and is one of the first to make Gillian feel comfortable. He is a sweet addition and I'm looking forward to reading his novella where he is all grown up, and lessons from his master help him find love.
This book is wonderful. I will be reading more by Kurland! 5 stars!!
Christopher, the Dragon of Blackmore, and our hero, is blind. Some reviewers thought the blindness was poorly handled and quit reading because they thought the hero would regain his sight. He never does. What makes this book awesome is that while our hero never physically sees again, he does learn how to appreciate and love inner beauty which cannot be seen by many that have perfect vision. I loved how his disability was handled, it made for a gripping and emotionally charged tale.
Gillian, our heroine, was terribly abused by her father. For a large chunk of the book, she is skittish and fearful. However, she slowly gains courage and she blossoms in the care of our hero. The transformation was handled in a way that was truly believable and kept me turning pages.
Both hero and heroine have physical and emotional scars from betrayal and abuse in the past and there are a few misunderstandings before they come to realize just how much they need each other. The story is not fast paced, but instead focuses on the passage of time and how the characters change and grow closer. Gillian's father is quite a villain in this story and I must warn readers that there is a scene where he humiliates the hero. For those who do not like when the hero is not indestructible, this book isn't for you. The hero has flaws and he struggles with them regularly. How he dealt with his blindness showed immense strength of character that made him one of the most attractive and wonderful heroes ever.
I must admit that the supporting characters, Colin and Jason, stole the show. Colin is Christopher's gruff and somewhat smelly brother-in-law from Chris' first marriage. Wow, I adored him. He was so protective and endearing while trying to keep up his ferocious facade. I cannot wait to read his story. Jason is Chris' eyes and his squire. He is 16 and is one of the first to make Gillian feel comfortable. He is a sweet addition and I'm looking forward to reading his novella where he is all grown up, and lessons from his master help him find love.
This book is wonderful. I will be reading more by Kurland! 5 stars!!
October 14, 2016
So, in this book, there are witches who magically bring our leads together. This is a good thing, because it's hard to envision any other situation in which the stupidity of our hero and heroine doesn't drive them apart. Our heroine and hero fall in love basically all at once. You'd think the story would end there, but we have anguished misunderstandings to keep things happening for another 300 pages. We also have a cast of what I'm sure are intended to be loveable side-characters whose slap-stick goodness is only eclipsed by the utter incomprehensible villainy of the baddies. Add in a couple of useful coincidences to tie things up at the end, and you have a long story about a pair of not-particularly-charismatic fools who are utterly in love with each other. They express this by tearing up. A lot.
As for the central plot, it's an interesting setup. But The Devil's Lady explores a similar notion, and does it far far better. It has likeable characters and witty dialogue. And a romance whose tension doesn't come down to 'I-thought-he-wanted-me-to-leave-but-really-I-misunderstood-him-entirely-because-my-utter-lack-of-self-esteem-means-I-lack-basic-comprehension-skills'. What I'm getting at is, you should read The Devil's Lady instead.
As for the central plot, it's an interesting setup. But The Devil's Lady explores a similar notion, and does it far far better. It has likeable characters and witty dialogue. And a romance whose tension doesn't come down to 'I-thought-he-wanted-me-to-leave-but-really-I-misunderstood-him-entirely-because-my-utter-lack-of-self-esteem-means-I-lack-basic-comprehension-skills'. What I'm getting at is, you should read The Devil's Lady instead.
May 5, 2023
SKIP - Read Defy Not The Heart by Johanna Lindsey. This “could have” been a decent book if is wasn’t so silly and immature. Also, the premise that Christopher needed to be blind to find that beauty on the outside isn’t what truly matters.
The heroine, Gillian, cries ALL the time over everything. There is a bunch of misunderstandings and misconceptions that are based on gossip that she keeps focusing on when all Christopher ever does is show her kindness and patients. Then when she was given the “love potion” after she ran from her husband and his keep (another illogical misunderstanding) he again showed her nothing but kindness. However, when she was burning with fever she was able to speak truly and openly to him because she thought she was talking to a BLANKET!!! And she knew this BLANKET had hands wrapped around her….WTF?!?!?? From there is just got more ridiculous and syrupy sweet. 👎🏽👎🏽
The heroine, Gillian, cries ALL the time over everything. There is a bunch of misunderstandings and misconceptions that are based on gossip that she keeps focusing on when all Christopher ever does is show her kindness and patients. Then when she was given the “love potion” after she ran from her husband and his keep (another illogical misunderstanding) he again showed her nothing but kindness. However, when she was burning with fever she was able to speak truly and openly to him because she thought she was talking to a BLANKET!!! And she knew this BLANKET had hands wrapped around her….WTF?!?!?? From there is just got more ridiculous and syrupy sweet. 👎🏽👎🏽
March 29, 2014
This is one of my all-time favorite pure romance novels. No sex, just romance. I love how Lynn Kurland writes.
2nd Time reading it: 4.5 ★ Loved it all over again! Christopher is such an amazing hero and Gillian is amazing as well. Both of them have so much to overcome and yet they love each so deeply. Beautiful story.
2nd Time reading it: 4.5 ★ Loved it all over again! Christopher is such an amazing hero and Gillian is amazing as well. Both of them have so much to overcome and yet they love each so deeply. Beautiful story.
December 16, 2010
Excellent. This is the sweetest historical romance I have ever read. Both H/H believe they are unworthy but with love and each other they become a beautiful whole.
April 5, 2018
Thật sự là đã cố gắng hết sức để lết tới 1/2 bộ truyện nhưng vẫn phải drop!!
Mô tuýp thì khá hay và khác biệt so v���i những bộ historical romance khác : Nữ chính không đẹp vs Nam chính là lãnh chúa mù. Thấy lạ nên lao vào đọc ngay kì vọng rất nhiều để rồi thất vọng. Truyện dài dòng lan man quá, đã đọc được nửa bộ rồi mà hai nhân vật vẫn còn kì kèo ỉ ôi với những vấn đề của chính mình cứ lặp đi lặp lại đến phát chán. Nữ chính thì cứ bánh bèo khóc lóc đến phát bực. Haizz nói chung đọc mà bực cả mình...
Mô tuýp thì khá hay và khác biệt so v���i những bộ historical romance khác : Nữ chính không đẹp vs Nam chính là lãnh chúa mù. Thấy lạ nên lao vào đọc ngay kì vọng rất nhiều để rồi thất vọng. Truyện dài dòng lan man quá, đã đọc được nửa bộ rồi mà hai nhân vật vẫn còn kì kèo ỉ ôi với những vấn đề của chính mình cứ lặp đi lặp lại đến phát chán. Nữ chính thì cứ bánh bèo khóc lóc đến phát bực. Haizz nói chung đọc mà bực cả mình...
January 14, 2009
This is all I ask is a very very nice romance, that I loved reading for the first 2/3 of it. In fact, if I was to rate it objectively I might rate it with 5 stars, but since all this rating/reviewing system is about how I feel about it, I can't give it more than 4 stars, or 3 and 1/2 to be exact.
The story, as it has been described already here is that of Gillian's of Warewick, shy and timid and physically abused by her father marrying the evil, hard-hearted warlock Christopher of Blackmoor. Gillian, under his tender treatment of her's overcomes her shyness and falls in love with him and he with her. But before they live happily ever after, they have to fight her evil father who wants to hurt Chris.
The story is simple and very forward, but also sweet and tender and I really enjoyed reading how their trust and love developed day by day (although Chris could have resisted a little longer before he fell for Gill's charm).
But, I had two major issues with the book and they are exactly the same I had with Stardusts of Yesterday; it has nothing to do with the story or the predictability of it which I don't mind a bit. It has everything to do with the overly flowery language that Kurland uses in those two books (didn't find the same in The very Thought of you nor in A Dance through time which I both love) and my personal preference of having the heroes openly profess their love to each other at the very end of the book. For me, when the heroes say their respective "I love you"s to each other, this is where the story ends. I might have the patience of reading another 5 or 10 pages of epilogue on how they lived happily ever after or about 30-40 pages of hunting down the villain before they can live happily. But to read for over 120 pages, in between of which only 3 pages of fight/action exist, of character development (Gillian overcoming her shyness even more and Chris becoming even more confident that he still is a warrior) is something I am extremely BORED to do. I found myself skipping most of those pages, until I reached the fight scene which is 10 pages before the end.
Taking in mind the PG rating of this book and the way I was never tired of reading enough I love you's from the hero to the heroine when I was in my teens, I can only deduce that this novel is targeted mainly to the younger audience. More cynical readers will have little patience with so sugary a writing style. Also, those as myself, who want their male hero dark and brooding will firstly love Chris, but soon become disappointed as in a few pages after the middle of the book he fiercely claims "Don't lean out the window. You're liable to fall and then where would I be?" only to answer by himself "Bereft" a couple of lines later. Pleeeeeaaaase.... What more is there to read after that???
The story, as it has been described already here is that of Gillian's of Warewick, shy and timid and physically abused by her father marrying the evil, hard-hearted warlock Christopher of Blackmoor. Gillian, under his tender treatment of her's overcomes her shyness and falls in love with him and he with her. But before they live happily ever after, they have to fight her evil father who wants to hurt Chris.
The story is simple and very forward, but also sweet and tender and I really enjoyed reading how their trust and love developed day by day (although Chris could have resisted a little longer before he fell for Gill's charm).
But, I had two major issues with the book and they are exactly the same I had with Stardusts of Yesterday; it has nothing to do with the story or the predictability of it which I don't mind a bit. It has everything to do with the overly flowery language that Kurland uses in those two books (didn't find the same in The very Thought of you nor in A Dance through time which I both love) and my personal preference of having the heroes openly profess their love to each other at the very end of the book. For me, when the heroes say their respective "I love you"s to each other, this is where the story ends. I might have the patience of reading another 5 or 10 pages of epilogue on how they lived happily ever after or about 30-40 pages of hunting down the villain before they can live happily. But to read for over 120 pages, in between of which only 3 pages of fight/action exist, of character development (Gillian overcoming her shyness even more and Chris becoming even more confident that he still is a warrior) is something I am extremely BORED to do. I found myself skipping most of those pages, until I reached the fight scene which is 10 pages before the end.
Taking in mind the PG rating of this book and the way I was never tired of reading enough I love you's from the hero to the heroine when I was in my teens, I can only deduce that this novel is targeted mainly to the younger audience. More cynical readers will have little patience with so sugary a writing style. Also, those as myself, who want their male hero dark and brooding will firstly love Chris, but soon become disappointed as in a few pages after the middle of the book he fiercely claims "Don't lean out the window. You're liable to fall and then where would I be?" only to answer by himself "Bereft" a couple of lines later. Pleeeeeaaaase.... What more is there to read after that???
July 3, 2017
This is an amazing book! I have to say, it is by far, the sweetest, and touching romance books I have ever read. The hero, Christopher of Blackmour, is blind due to an accident he sustained a few years prior. The last thing he wants to do is to marry, but he made a promise to a friend, William, that if anything should ever happen to him then Christopher would take care of his younger sister, Gillian. Unfortunately, William died, and Christopher has to uphold his promise to his friend by getting her away from her abusive father, by the only way he knows how; to marry. Gillian, while a sweet girl, is petrified to have to marry “The Dragon of Blackmour.”
This is a story about two people, both who don’t believe they deserve love, but find it all the same in each other. It is also a story about finding who you are and, given love, can grow into something remarkable. It is the most precious and tender romance I’ve read. The characters, all of them (including all the secondary characters), are real and add so much to the story.
This is the 6th book in the De Piaget series, but I did not feel lost even though this was the first book in that series I’ve read. I am intrigued by some of the characters and will probably read certain character’s stories, but I don’t believe I’ll read the whole series. While I loved this book, the only downside are the PG or “young adult” love scenes. I do not mind this, as I enjoy many “old school regencies” which have this as well. But, I don’t believe I could read all of Ms. Kurland’s books, as this is a trait shared by them all, or so I have read from other reviewers.
This is a story about two people, both who don’t believe they deserve love, but find it all the same in each other. It is also a story about finding who you are and, given love, can grow into something remarkable. It is the most precious and tender romance I’ve read. The characters, all of them (including all the secondary characters), are real and add so much to the story.
This is the 6th book in the De Piaget series, but I did not feel lost even though this was the first book in that series I’ve read. I am intrigued by some of the characters and will probably read certain character’s stories, but I don’t believe I’ll read the whole series. While I loved this book, the only downside are the PG or “young adult” love scenes. I do not mind this, as I enjoy many “old school regencies” which have this as well. But, I don’t believe I could read all of Ms. Kurland’s books, as this is a trait shared by them all, or so I have read from other reviewers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2022
If I had to explain this book in one sentence, it would be:
"Compatible hero and heroine both think they are unworthy of each other and are angsty all the time."
"Compatible hero and heroine both think they are unworthy of each other and are angsty all the time."
January 8, 2011
Above-average writing style, situation, and set-up. The heroine is a typical scaredy-cat abused and virginal girl who transforms through love into a woman with confidence, blah blah. The hero is blind -- which was interesting, but not very much explored except that he needed to have the furniture in his household be the same, etc. -- but typical strong man who is not a bad guy inside, blah blah. And, of course, the villain of the piece is the abusive father, who is pure cardboard. Nothing original or unusual occurred, and I was bored out of my mind by the 50% page count.
An extra star for equality between hero and heroine. This one lacks the overt misogynist overtones of many genre romances.
An extra star for equality between hero and heroine. This one lacks the overt misogynist overtones of many genre romances.
May 8, 2019
I must have a heart of stone. ‘Twas the most stupid story I’ve read in a long while.
July 17, 2022
We heard this medieval romance had Laura Kinsale vibes but I don't see the comparison at all. It was an uneven reading experience thanks to the meandering plot, a TSTL heroine, and MCs who knew not how to communicate even if their lives depended on it. Oh, and some randomly appearing witches as a framing device. However, it was an interesting enough foray into Old School Romance that was a 3 star read until the last 75 pages, when the plot just plain turned ridiculous.
A few moments between Gillian and Christopher that really tugged on my heartstrings. I enjoyed watching Gillian gain confidence and how satisfying it was for Christopher to watch that as well, knowing that her growing confidence also meant she felt more safe with him. Consent was handled well, especially for an Old School. Christopher lets her set the pace and does whatever it takes for her to feel comfortable. (The sex scenes are Fade to Black, FYI.) They both got bogged down in their respective insecurities far too much (and Gillian is dealing with trauma from her father's abuse) but I could at least understand where it was coming from.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of elements that did not age well. In addition to Christopher’s internalized ableism and characters being ableist toward him, the book’s depiction of his blindness is extremely ableist. It had a whole lot of toxic masculinity and gender essentialism. I might try something else from her catalog in the future—the blurbs for both Colin and Jason’s books sound promising and I enjoyed their characters the most here—but this isn’t one I’d recommend. (For more thoughts, please read Charlotte's review, as she lays everything out perfectly.)
Characters: Gillian is a 21 year old white lord’s daughter and a virgin. Christopher is a blind white lord around 9 or 10 years older than Gillian. He has a dog named Wolf. This is set in 1249 Warewick Keep and Blackmour Keep, England.
Content notes: emotionally and physically abusive father (FMC has scars on back from floggings), blind MMC, ableism, internalized ableism, PTSD, brief contemplation of suicide, FMC contemplates getting MMC drunk so they can have sex (she doesn’t), self-harm (MMC cuts himself and puts blood on the sheets to fake consummating the marriage), fistfights, swordfights, murder , attempted murder of MMC, MMC’s first wife cheated and left him because he was blind (later murdered), animal harm (Wolf lost part of tail in a fight but otherwise okay), vomit, fever, sexism, slut-shaming, homophobia, past death of FMC’s mother and brother, misogynistic and transphobic insults, brief Islamaphobia/xenophobia (“camp of infidels”), pregnancy, fade to black sex scenes, alcohol, inebriation (secondary characters), hangover, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, mention that MMC’s father married his mother when she was 12 and he was 20
*Buddy read with Charlotte, Hannah, and Vicky!
A few moments between Gillian and Christopher that really tugged on my heartstrings. I enjoyed watching Gillian gain confidence and how satisfying it was for Christopher to watch that as well, knowing that her growing confidence also meant she felt more safe with him. Consent was handled well, especially for an Old School. Christopher lets her set the pace and does whatever it takes for her to feel comfortable. (The sex scenes are Fade to Black, FYI.) They both got bogged down in their respective insecurities far too much (and Gillian is dealing with trauma from her father's abuse) but I could at least understand where it was coming from.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of elements that did not age well. In addition to Christopher’s internalized ableism and characters being ableist toward him, the book’s depiction of his blindness is extremely ableist. It had a whole lot of toxic masculinity and gender essentialism. I might try something else from her catalog in the future—the blurbs for both Colin and Jason’s books sound promising and I enjoyed their characters the most here—but this isn’t one I’d recommend. (For more thoughts, please read Charlotte's review, as she lays everything out perfectly.)
Characters: Gillian is a 21 year old white lord’s daughter and a virgin. Christopher is a blind white lord around 9 or 10 years older than Gillian. He has a dog named Wolf. This is set in 1249 Warewick Keep and Blackmour Keep, England.
Content notes: emotionally and physically abusive father (FMC has scars on back from floggings), blind MMC, ableism, internalized ableism, PTSD, brief contemplation of suicide, FMC contemplates getting MMC drunk so they can have sex (she doesn’t), self-harm (MMC cuts himself and puts blood on the sheets to fake consummating the marriage), fistfights, swordfights, murder , attempted murder of MMC, MMC’s first wife cheated and left him because he was blind (later murdered), animal harm (Wolf lost part of tail in a fight but otherwise okay), vomit, fever, sexism, slut-shaming, homophobia, past death of FMC’s mother and brother, misogynistic and transphobic insults, brief Islamaphobia/xenophobia (“camp of infidels”), pregnancy, fade to black sex scenes, alcohol, inebriation (secondary characters), hangover, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, mention that MMC’s father married his mother when she was 12 and he was 20
*Buddy read with Charlotte, Hannah, and Vicky!
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