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Siege of the Heart
He fought for king and country, but that battle was nothing compared to the one he’ll wage for a woman’s heart.
Still reeling from the news of her father’s death during the Norman Conquest, Isabel Dumont is unprepared when trouble arrives at the castle gates. Alexandre d’Èvreux, a Norman knight with close ties to England’s new king, has arrived to secure the land and the loyalties of the Dumont family. Desperate to protect her people, Isabel strives to keep the confounding knight at arm’s length and hide the truth about her father’s death.
For Alexandre, the spoils of war come with more than just a generous gift of land. They come with Isabel Dumont. Vowing to marry only for love, Alexandre finds himself in a difficult situation as a conqueror granted dominion over the land and its people. Isabel is the one person capable of helping him win the regard of those living in the war-torn country…if he chooses to accept her.
Just when Alexandre finds a spark of hope that he and Isabel have a chance at love, she vanishes. His quest to find her plunges him deeper into the conquest’s fallout. Was she taken? Or did she leave?
CONTENT WARNING: Entering into this novel may cause extreme affection toward knights of old, admiration for strong-willed women, and the overwhelming belief that love really can conquer all.
Still reeling from the news of her father’s death during the Norman Conquest, Isabel Dumont is unprepared when trouble arrives at the castle gates. Alexandre d’Èvreux, a Norman knight with close ties to England’s new king, has arrived to secure the land and the loyalties of the Dumont family. Desperate to protect her people, Isabel strives to keep the confounding knight at arm’s length and hide the truth about her father’s death.
For Alexandre, the spoils of war come with more than just a generous gift of land. They come with Isabel Dumont. Vowing to marry only for love, Alexandre finds himself in a difficult situation as a conqueror granted dominion over the land and its people. Isabel is the one person capable of helping him win the regard of those living in the war-torn country…if he chooses to accept her.
Just when Alexandre finds a spark of hope that he and Isabel have a chance at love, she vanishes. His quest to find her plunges him deeper into the conquest’s fallout. Was she taken? Or did she leave?
CONTENT WARNING: Entering into this novel may cause extreme affection toward knights of old, admiration for strong-willed women, and the overwhelming belief that love really can conquer all.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Elise Cyr
1 book5 followersI’m a writer of historical romance.
I’ve always loved adventure, romance, and happy endings. I write primarily in the medieval period. Because there’s still so much we don’t know about that time in history, the writer’s imagination is essential for fleshing out the research and making it come to life on the page. Plus swords and castles are just plain fun.
I live in New Mexico with my husband and the sweetest dog ever. When I’m not writing, I hike, bike, cook, and (of course) read.
My debut novel will be released by Lyrical Press in April 2014.
I’ve always loved adventure, romance, and happy endings. I write primarily in the medieval period. Because there’s still so much we don’t know about that time in history, the writer’s imagination is essential for fleshing out the research and making it come to life on the page. Plus swords and castles are just plain fun.
I live in New Mexico with my husband and the sweetest dog ever. When I’m not writing, I hike, bike, cook, and (of course) read.
My debut novel will be released by Lyrical Press in April 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 5, 2014
I love history. I've loved history even longer than I've loved romance, so when a historical romance gets the history wrong, or relies too much on outdated, uncreative perceived wisdom, I get a sinking feeling, almost as if I've been duped. I'm angry with myself for being taken in and wasting my valuable reading time.
Well, this one, provided through the publisher through netgalley, was NOT one of those! Yes, it had the feisty heroine, battling against type and expectations, and, yes, it had the all-conquering, all-male hero, but this one completely stood apart from the rest. It made the feisty, against-type heroine not only fit into the romance, but actually fit into the circumstances of the history. It made me challenge my own understanding of expectations of women at that time. After all, women were chattel, they were considered ignorant she-devils whose role was to tempt man and who, therefore, needed to be restrained by man, but if she also managed to aggressively defend a home on the restive Welsh Marches from violent raiders, while the men of the house were fulfilling their obligations to their liege lord, then how could she not be valued to some extent? Even if she were unnatural, her family would be grateful for her abilities.
This one also makes wonderful use of one of periods of English history which were quite busy, and probably quite confusing, and makes use of the tensions of the time between Norman and English, English and Welsh, but without overdoing it. The relationship between invader and invaded wasn't going to necessarily be violent everywhere all the time and I loved that this story implied that.
So, this was no irritatingly simplistic story, relying on the fallacy that England of 1066 was a crude, simple, uncultured place, full of crude, simple, uncultured people, and charmingly (and thankfully) it also actually mentions that women (even heroines of romance and ladies at that), need to pee (and I always thought they were too perfect for that..)
But, don't get me wrong, this is also a great romance between an on-the-make, upwardly-mobile hero, taking his chances in an invasion force, and a wild, focused, dutiful heroine, who has spent her life ignoring convention, and yet always with an eye to doing what she must for those who depend on her. I liked them both immensely.
Mainly though, I loved the way this story tackled women's dependence, independence, power and leverage and the loss of independence on marriage and all in a great romance. It was easy to understand the points of view and motivations of both the hero and heroine, and in particular why the hero desperately needed the heroine to make a success of the land acquired through marriage to her, regardless of how attracted he was to her. It clearly highlights the benefits to both sides in a marriage of alliances in a way most HRs don't really convincingly do. They always seem to imply that the wife ends up with no power and is extraneous in an arranged marriage after the ceremony, but I struggle to believe that was always the case.
And finally, that cover, although a startling yellow, is pretty damned cool.
4 stars. I really liked it.
Well, this one, provided through the publisher through netgalley, was NOT one of those! Yes, it had the feisty heroine, battling against type and expectations, and, yes, it had the all-conquering, all-male hero, but this one completely stood apart from the rest. It made the feisty, against-type heroine not only fit into the romance, but actually fit into the circumstances of the history. It made me challenge my own understanding of expectations of women at that time. After all, women were chattel, they were considered ignorant she-devils whose role was to tempt man and who, therefore, needed to be restrained by man, but if she also managed to aggressively defend a home on the restive Welsh Marches from violent raiders, while the men of the house were fulfilling their obligations to their liege lord, then how could she not be valued to some extent? Even if she were unnatural, her family would be grateful for her abilities.
This one also makes wonderful use of one of periods of English history which were quite busy, and probably quite confusing, and makes use of the tensions of the time between Norman and English, English and Welsh, but without overdoing it. The relationship between invader and invaded wasn't going to necessarily be violent everywhere all the time and I loved that this story implied that.
So, this was no irritatingly simplistic story, relying on the fallacy that England of 1066 was a crude, simple, uncultured place, full of crude, simple, uncultured people, and charmingly (and thankfully) it also actually mentions that women (even heroines of romance and ladies at that), need to pee (and I always thought they were too perfect for that..)
But, don't get me wrong, this is also a great romance between an on-the-make, upwardly-mobile hero, taking his chances in an invasion force, and a wild, focused, dutiful heroine, who has spent her life ignoring convention, and yet always with an eye to doing what she must for those who depend on her. I liked them both immensely.
Mainly though, I loved the way this story tackled women's dependence, independence, power and leverage and the loss of independence on marriage and all in a great romance. It was easy to understand the points of view and motivations of both the hero and heroine, and in particular why the hero desperately needed the heroine to make a success of the land acquired through marriage to her, regardless of how attracted he was to her. It clearly highlights the benefits to both sides in a marriage of alliances in a way most HRs don't really convincingly do. They always seem to imply that the wife ends up with no power and is extraneous in an arranged marriage after the ceremony, but I struggle to believe that was always the case.
And finally, that cover, although a startling yellow, is pretty damned cool.
4 stars. I really liked it.
October 4, 2014
Great Debut and an Entertaining William the Conqueror Romance
This was Cyr’s debut novel and it’s a well-written, entertaining story from the time of William the Conqueror.
The story is set in the south of England, beginning in December 1066, a few months after the Battle of Hastings. Lady Isabel receives word her father, a thegn, while on his way to Hastings, died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, fighting for King Harold. And then a Norman knight, Alexandre d’Evreux, shows up at her castle at Ashdown to take her and her family to meet William, soon to be crowned king.
Isabel has no desire to leave, particularly when she has received no word of her brother who fought at Hastings. So she stalls the knight, telling him she is waiting for her father. Little does she know that William has already given both Ashdown and her to Alex.
Alex is a noble and gentle knight, a saint when it comes to the rebellious Isabel. Rather than demand his way, he prefers to woo her. He tells Isabel only that he is charged with taking her and her father to London. And Isabel withholds the truth from him that her father is dead. Though Isabel is resigned to her fate that William will give her to one of his knights, it never occurs to her that Alex is that man. She is independent and can take care of herself—and often does in her battles with the Welsh. She is surprisingly accepting of what has happened to her family and her country.
Cyr brings to life Ashdown and the time immediately after the Conquest, and includes some nice secondary characters. If you like medieval romances set in this time period, this one has to appeal. It will be interesting to see what setting Cyr chooses for her next book, but with her fondness for the medieval subgenre, we can expect more like this!
This was Cyr’s debut novel and it’s a well-written, entertaining story from the time of William the Conqueror.
The story is set in the south of England, beginning in December 1066, a few months after the Battle of Hastings. Lady Isabel receives word her father, a thegn, while on his way to Hastings, died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, fighting for King Harold. And then a Norman knight, Alexandre d’Evreux, shows up at her castle at Ashdown to take her and her family to meet William, soon to be crowned king.
Isabel has no desire to leave, particularly when she has received no word of her brother who fought at Hastings. So she stalls the knight, telling him she is waiting for her father. Little does she know that William has already given both Ashdown and her to Alex.
Alex is a noble and gentle knight, a saint when it comes to the rebellious Isabel. Rather than demand his way, he prefers to woo her. He tells Isabel only that he is charged with taking her and her father to London. And Isabel withholds the truth from him that her father is dead. Though Isabel is resigned to her fate that William will give her to one of his knights, it never occurs to her that Alex is that man. She is independent and can take care of herself—and often does in her battles with the Welsh. She is surprisingly accepting of what has happened to her family and her country.
Cyr brings to life Ashdown and the time immediately after the Conquest, and includes some nice secondary characters. If you like medieval romances set in this time period, this one has to appeal. It will be interesting to see what setting Cyr chooses for her next book, but with her fondness for the medieval subgenre, we can expect more like this!
April 26, 2014
This review is for a free ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via NetGalley.
The medieval setting comes to life, which I enjoyed, it was also accurate as far as I can tell and the story needed, and I thank the author for that.
William the conqueror has just succeed on the throne of England and Alex one of his Norman knights is rewarded with marriage to Isabel and claim on her lands.
The setting and idea was predictable, and most characters were one dimensional, except for Isabel.
I quite liked Isabel, her father allowed her freedom and learning, she took her duties and responsibilities very seriously. She was skilled in riding and weapons and can hold her own, and although some of her actions were a bit naive, I think it comes from the fact that she was sheltered in some way.
The book is a bit realistic in its approach to the history and the romance, which I don't really mind, it doesn't sweep you away, yet if one likes history its enjoyable.
The medieval setting comes to life, which I enjoyed, it was also accurate as far as I can tell and the story needed, and I thank the author for that.
William the conqueror has just succeed on the throne of England and Alex one of his Norman knights is rewarded with marriage to Isabel and claim on her lands.
The setting and idea was predictable, and most characters were one dimensional, except for Isabel.
I quite liked Isabel, her father allowed her freedom and learning, she took her duties and responsibilities very seriously. She was skilled in riding and weapons and can hold her own, and although some of her actions were a bit naive, I think it comes from the fact that she was sheltered in some way.
The book is a bit realistic in its approach to the history and the romance, which I don't really mind, it doesn't sweep you away, yet if one likes history its enjoyable.
July 3, 2014
3.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review
Its 1066, the Battle of Hastings has occurred and our heroine, Isabel Dumont, has just learned that her father has been killed and there is no word of her brother, oh and the Welsh are trying to take advantage of the chaos by encroaching on her lands. Isabel has a full plate to say the least. Isabel is not your typical damsel in distress; she lost her mother at a young age and as a consequence has been indulged by her father. She carries a sword and seax and knows how to use them, is headstrong, and take charge. She has refused to get married, claiming she hasn't found anyone worthy but really fears the loss of independence. Alexandre d'Evreux is a Norman knight who fought for William and has been rewarded with Isabel's lands through marriage to her. Unsurprisingly, swords aren't the only thing clashing in this story.
This started off with a bang; the first couple chapters were written with such detail, had a feeling for the time period, and the characters were highly intriguing. After those first couple chapters though, the story became a bit stagnate. Alex was charged with bringing Isabel and her father to London to meet with William. Isabel lies and says her father should be coming home soon, when she knows he is dead, to buy time. The middle of the story is a lot of Isabel occasionally crossing the line into bratty territory as Alex morphs into a very gentle and understanding guy. The meat of the story was missing for me here. It was when Isabel finally tells Alex her father is dead and they travel to London that I thought the story picked back up. There was more action, interaction, and point to the storyline.
Alex was a very gentle soul and good guy, especially for how he could have been due to the times, but a bit of his depth of character was missing. Most of what we see or hear from him is soothing Isabel or forgiving her. Isabel was a better written character but may have you occasionally groaning out loud at times due to her fool hardiness. Together, they were just missing a certain spark. My favorite character? The time period. The history aspect of this was written very well. If you're a history nut you're going to enjoy the clash of the Normans and English, the tensions of the time, and uncertainty. This was the real star of the show.
This is a debut book and because of that I was impressed with how solid the structure and writing was. There was just a depth of emotion between the lead characters that I missed. I would still recommend this book to people who like medieval romance stories, especially if you like this time period, and don't mind an overall calmer feeling tale. I’ll definitely being keeping an eye on this author if she continues to write historical romance. Really though, I buried the lead, William the Conqueror makes a cameo in this and in the end, who can say no to that?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review
Its 1066, the Battle of Hastings has occurred and our heroine, Isabel Dumont, has just learned that her father has been killed and there is no word of her brother, oh and the Welsh are trying to take advantage of the chaos by encroaching on her lands. Isabel has a full plate to say the least. Isabel is not your typical damsel in distress; she lost her mother at a young age and as a consequence has been indulged by her father. She carries a sword and seax and knows how to use them, is headstrong, and take charge. She has refused to get married, claiming she hasn't found anyone worthy but really fears the loss of independence. Alexandre d'Evreux is a Norman knight who fought for William and has been rewarded with Isabel's lands through marriage to her. Unsurprisingly, swords aren't the only thing clashing in this story.
This started off with a bang; the first couple chapters were written with such detail, had a feeling for the time period, and the characters were highly intriguing. After those first couple chapters though, the story became a bit stagnate. Alex was charged with bringing Isabel and her father to London to meet with William. Isabel lies and says her father should be coming home soon, when she knows he is dead, to buy time. The middle of the story is a lot of Isabel occasionally crossing the line into bratty territory as Alex morphs into a very gentle and understanding guy. The meat of the story was missing for me here. It was when Isabel finally tells Alex her father is dead and they travel to London that I thought the story picked back up. There was more action, interaction, and point to the storyline.
Alex was a very gentle soul and good guy, especially for how he could have been due to the times, but a bit of his depth of character was missing. Most of what we see or hear from him is soothing Isabel or forgiving her. Isabel was a better written character but may have you occasionally groaning out loud at times due to her fool hardiness. Together, they were just missing a certain spark. My favorite character? The time period. The history aspect of this was written very well. If you're a history nut you're going to enjoy the clash of the Normans and English, the tensions of the time, and uncertainty. This was the real star of the show.
This is a debut book and because of that I was impressed with how solid the structure and writing was. There was just a depth of emotion between the lead characters that I missed. I would still recommend this book to people who like medieval romance stories, especially if you like this time period, and don't mind an overall calmer feeling tale. I’ll definitely being keeping an eye on this author if she continues to write historical romance. Really though, I buried the lead, William the Conqueror makes a cameo in this and in the end, who can say no to that?
April 20, 2014
**Originally written for Book Bliss book blog.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.**
Review: 4 stars
General: This book is a cute romantic read with all the wonderful elements of it's time period. I think my favorite part of the book was the time period itself. I love historicals for so many reasons but the top reason is I love to pretend I've been in the past and this book gave me a glimpse at a past I don't believe I've read before. I felt the plot really took a back seat to the characters in this book and I'm not certain if it was a good or bad thing because I loved the characters so much I kept on reading despite personally thinking the plot was a little overdone/lacking.
The world building in this book was wonderful. It felt like it was done with an ease of sorts and I had no trouble being in the book. I loved that it tackled certain comical elements that are often left out in any history (really any female character in any book) and felt it gave it another little bump up. It was the little details that added some amazing realism to the book that I enjoyed most about the world building. I love knights and romance and this one definitely had the right mix.
Characters: Isabel- Isabel was a great character. It took me a little bit to really like her because she was so the anti version of a female from the tim period. Once I got used to that I really enjoyed her. She was clever and well educated because of her station in life but she was more than that too. She was willing to take risks and very independent. She had some humorous one liners as well. I felt the connection with Alexandre pretty early on.
Alexandre- Alexandre was the perfect character match for Isobel but I can't say I really liked him. I have a thing for knights and while I loved seeing him with her and their chemistry he and I just didn't click.
Review: 4 stars
General: This book is a cute romantic read with all the wonderful elements of it's time period. I think my favorite part of the book was the time period itself. I love historicals for so many reasons but the top reason is I love to pretend I've been in the past and this book gave me a glimpse at a past I don't believe I've read before. I felt the plot really took a back seat to the characters in this book and I'm not certain if it was a good or bad thing because I loved the characters so much I kept on reading despite personally thinking the plot was a little overdone/lacking.
The world building in this book was wonderful. It felt like it was done with an ease of sorts and I had no trouble being in the book. I loved that it tackled certain comical elements that are often left out in any history (really any female character in any book) and felt it gave it another little bump up. It was the little details that added some amazing realism to the book that I enjoyed most about the world building. I love knights and romance and this one definitely had the right mix.
Characters: Isabel- Isabel was a great character. It took me a little bit to really like her because she was so the anti version of a female from the tim period. Once I got used to that I really enjoyed her. She was clever and well educated because of her station in life but she was more than that too. She was willing to take risks and very independent. She had some humorous one liners as well. I felt the connection with Alexandre pretty early on.
Alexandre- Alexandre was the perfect character match for Isobel but I can't say I really liked him. I have a thing for knights and while I loved seeing him with her and their chemistry he and I just didn't click.
April 1, 2014
I just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading this book by Elise Cyr. The book was exciting, never bored me and kept me reading. If you like Knights and their ladies you will fall in love with the characters. You have Alexandre d’Èvreux, a Norman knight who lays claim to the Dumont lands and the people. He wants peace between the Normans and the English. His King has rewarded him and the lovely daughter Isabel Dumont hand in marriage. But Isabel has secrets and her father's death would mean she would lose control over her castle, people, etc. She is overwhelmed when she meets the handsome Knight who threatens her mind with touches, kisses and longing. Can Alex claim Isabel's trust and love before it's too late? Can Isabel believe the Knight who lays a great and powerful "siege" to her heart? Thanks for Net Galley for letting me read and review.
July 19, 2014
I received this book as a gift. This book is a keeper for me and I do not say that lightly. This book was magnificent! I loved Alex and Isabel. This Norman knight was determined to win her heart. Elise Cry created a masterpiece with Seige of the Heart. I would welcome a novel of Kendrick's story. The only thing I wish the author would have done was an Epilogue. I feel there was still more that could have been told, but this book was truly fantastic. I will read more from this author if it is from this same genre. I hopes she hurries and writes an9ther one.
May 11, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a medieval story that will capture your attention and pull you in deeper and deeper with every page. The details the author gives adds to the story and the feeling that you are there watching this story unfold. I loved the relationship dynamic between Isabelle and Alexandre. Can't wait to read more from the author.
This was a medieval story that will capture your attention and pull you in deeper and deeper with every page. The details the author gives adds to the story and the feeling that you are there watching this story unfold. I loved the relationship dynamic between Isabelle and Alexandre. Can't wait to read more from the author.
April 30, 2014
The romance between Isabelle and Alexandre was evenly paced, with enough tension to keep it interesting. I love knights and romance and this one definitely had the right mix. The book was well written and kept me interested until the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
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July 8, 2017This book is fabulous. Incredibly well written and well researched. Isabel is my hero. I adore her.
September 8, 2014
parts of it were okay. not enough history, and it seemed fairly generic.
May 9, 2015
Interesting, quick read. Written in a basic English not relevant to the time period but still entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews