Baron of Blackwood

The Feud #3

by Tamara Leigh

THE FEUD
England, 1308. Boursier, De Arell, Verdun—three noblemen who secretly gather to ally against their treacherous lord. Though each is elevated to a baron in his own right and given a portion of his lord’s lands, jealousy and reprisal lead to a twenty-five-year feud, pitting family against family, passing father to son.

THE PRIZE
England, 1333. When Lady Quintin Boursier leads an army against the Baron of Blackwood to demand the release of her abducted brother, she finds the same fate awaits her. Now she must free herself and discover where Griffin de Arell holds her brother before her family’s lands are forfeited. But as the long winter nights unfold and those prowling the black wood move the feud nearer its deadly end, Quintin realizes she may have wronged her captor. And he is as much a captive to her—she whose secret will spoil the prize others seek to make of a woman no man should want.

THE VICTOR
Baron Griffin de Arell protects those who belong to him, and now that the tempest who dared put a blade to his throat is his, he intends to protect her—if only from herself. However, Quintin Boursier yet has games to play. Though Griffin resists her wiles, when it appears her family’s lands are forfeited, a glimpse of her woman’s heart tempts him to make the lady his in truth. Now with the enemy responsible for inciting the feud determined to claim her as his prize, Griffin must join his grudging allies in bringing peace to their lands and protecting the woman who first set herself at his walls—then his warrior’s heart.

Join Griffin and Quintin in the third and final book in this best-selling medieval romance series as the Boursiers, De Arells, and Verduns seek the light at the end of their long, dark feud.

Genres: Medieval, Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2016

About the author

Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and tamaraleightenn@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Leigh series I have read all of the books. Not a fan of series like this. The story tends to drag and too many things are repeated in the hope people don't get lost from book one to book three. The whole first half of this book takes place at the same time the first book is going on. This was a bit frustrating. I enjoyed the romance between the two leading people. There were some points in this story that had me rolling my eyes or thinking there is no way. When a couple stays away from each other for 6 months there better be a dang good reason and this one just wasn't good enough. The Barron would not have let her stay away so long. After 50 percent the book started to take off and I enjoyed it so much till the bad guys 10 page rant at the end. Goodness it was so ridiculous. So this almost got 2 stars but man those smoldering kisses and tension had me bring it up a star. It is also a good story and good writing.
These are pg13 reads. Talk of sex after marriage. Fade to black scenes. There is torture and killing.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great conclusion to the series, a lot of fun! Full review to come.

Content
Romance: Pretty clean, closed door intimacy between married couple and mild innuendo
Language: None
Violence: Mild

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh!!! Great end to the series. The first part of the story is mostly what we already read with more detail on both Baron Griffin de Arell and Lady Quintin Bousier. I loved finding out more of went on with those two while she was held prisoner. The second part is really the end of who created all the feuds and I won't ruin the story but I am sure most of you have guessed if you have read the first two novels in this series. Overall the way this series ends is fantastic and gives you a smile at the end. Alright, I will admit that a tear came out in the epilogue, but that is to be expected with Tamara Leigh's romances.

On a side note....super excited with her news at the end posted for her readers. I won't ruin the surprise but I can't wait for that story to be told after reading the excerpt gifted to us.

[Austin Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm starting to feel a bit insincere here from always claiming I love Tamara Leigh's books. But guess what? I LOVED this book too 😍.

I really liked both Griffin and Quintin as characters, their budding relationship was a delight to read.

This book was probably my favorite in the series, but no way could you read just one of these books. I mean, it's well enough gathered that you COULD read it as a standalone, but I don't know why you'd want to.

The Feud series has a delightful mystery and you'd cheat yourself not starting at the beginning, and read in order.

More things I loved: The end, all of it, but especially the part where I got so caught up in the action I forgot it was a book, and the despair was real. Too, the part of the end where three women conspire. Also, that all three heroines in this series are strong women, although in very different ways.

Okay, I'm done. Please go read Baron of Godsmere now (it's free on Kindle for another 3 hours!) or just forget all my warnings and simply read Baron of Blackwood. You'll make a fine choice either way.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have eagerly anticipated the conclusion to Leigh's series, The Feud; and it did not disappoint! I dove into the story, and wished late last night, that I had it in me to stay up and finish it. Leigh once again, transports us to another time and place and breaths life to her characters and the setting. There is the perfect blend of chemistry, hope, love, friendship, suspense, romance and faith. In fact, it will be hard to say goodbye to these characters. Thankfully, I read that she is writing the 6th Book to the Age of Faith series (Sir Durand's tale)!

Baron of Blackwood, starts us back to the beginning of the tale in Book 1, but told from Quintin and Griffin's eyes. I enjoyed getting to see the behind the scene by plays that they shared, which were but hinted at in the previous novels. There is a satisfying ending, but still one that leaves you hopeful that Leigh might revisit these characters again, maybe through their children's tales.

Overall, a very well written clean read romance, with just the right dash of suspense to keep the pages rapidly flying! Really looking forward to what Leigh has in store for us next!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the ending of this book, the thrill of these 6 people's stories coming to an end. I liked the series as a whole
but
This book is the over-arching one in the story, starting from where Baron Of Godsmere started, moving on through the same time as Baron of Emberly and then going on to end the overall story of the feud and the 6 main protagonists. It was frustrating at times, and confusing as well. I wasn't so keen on this love story. There were some points in this story that had me rolling my eyes or thinking there is no way. When a couple stays away from each other for 6 months there better be a dang good reason and this one just wasn't good enough. The Barron would not have let her stay away so long.
I appreciate the excellent job Leigh did in working the conspiracy through all three books, gradually revealing more details and unveiling new foes. If I liked the love story between Griffin and Quintin I may have liked it it could have worked and I know some people enjoyed I just didn't.

[Tina Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story

I'll confess it, this isn't an objective review. Although I don't know Ms Leigh, I love her stories. All of them. Historical and contemporary alike. This one is just as good. In fact I needed this story to fill in the gaps from the other books in the series, and I'm glad that Ms Leigh spend a good portion of the book showing us exactly that. It had a few surprises too. If you haven't read the other books in the series, I would recommend reading them first. It's not required, but you will enjoy the book so much more. I'm hoping this one is also scheduled to be released as an audiobook, and I'm fingers-crossed-hoping Mary Sarah Agliotta will be the narrator again. I love her work too.

Can't wait to read Sir Durand's story when it's released next year, and I'm impatient for the re-release of her book 'Lady Ever After'.

[Kirsi Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Satisfying Conclusion

I do love a good ending, and Ms. Leigh's third installment in the Feud Series does a good job delivering a most satisfying conclusion. In short, Griffin and Quintin's story drew more than one smile across my face and at least one contented sigh. For that, I call this book a success!

And for those who might be wondering, I would recommend reading this series in order. This one definitely builds on the previous installments and gives some greater depth to scenes in the other books.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two amazing series from author Tamara Leigh, THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES and THE FUED are absolutely incredible!

I’m not going to review the books individually, because I read both series so fast (nine books in all), I have too many stories buzzing around in my head; I would not do them the justice they deserve. Needless to say, it was an incredible journey filled with knights and ladies, castles and baronies, romance, intrigue, and tragedy.

The true center of THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES is the Wulfrith family. Baron Wulfrith, Lady Beatrix, Lady Gaynor, Sir Abel, and Sir Everard, these are the main characters, and each has a book devoted to them. Everything about their stories captivated me, including the alluring covers. Currently, there are six books in this series, with the seventh to be released in Winter 2018. I can’t wait!

The FUED series tells the tale of three noblemen: the Baron of Godsmere, the Baron of Blackwood, and the Baron of Emberly, and their family feud that spans twenty-five years. The King wants an end to the feud, so he demands that the families inter-marry, creating bonds instead of rivals. Begrudgingly, the families follow the King’s command, and the stories that unfold keep you turning page after page.

My genre of preference is usually contemporary pieces. I’m not one for Regency era, Amish, or fantasy, so I don’t generally give period pieces my attention. However, a blogger I follow and respect, showcased books by Tamara Leigh, on more than one occasion, so I decided to give them a try. After reading, THE UNVEILING from THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES, and THE BARON OF GODSMERE from THE FUED SERIES, I was hooked, and immediately bought the other seven books that completed these two series. Each story transported me to a dark but magical era. Passion and pride, rivals and rogues, deception and dalliances. These series are escapism at its best! Exactly what I look for in a book. Thank you, Ms. Leigh, for an incredible journey.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now onto Griffin and Quintin's story, a sigh worthy conclusion if there ever was one. This story goes back and recaps and gives us a panoramic view of the first and the second book. This story is told through Griffin and Quintin's eyes. I know some people don't like that sort of storytelling, but I had been most excited about getting their stories from the get-go. And what a story.

These two were quite snarky with one another. However, the attraction for them was there from the beginning. They had but to hide it from the world. Quintin needed a man like Griffin, and I am so glad that Elianor messed up the alliances as they were going. And as danger closes in on all three families, secrets come out, and the whole of the villain's plan is shown.

I enjoyed the comradery between the barons and their ladies as they became family and confidants. I have such a book hang over now after reading this entire series in a week, I feel quite lost in our modern world. This is one of the best series I have ever read.

I purchased a copy of this novel for my reading enjoyment. All views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...

[Piyushi Dhir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the over-arching one in the story, starting from where Baron Of Godsmere started, moving on through the same time as Baron of Emberly and then going on to end the overall story of the feud and the 6 main protagonists. Some may complain of the overlaps, but personally, I loved reading the entire story from Griffin and Quintin's perspective. As good as the other books in the series, this book is particularly satisfying in the way it wraps up the series.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed getting to read Quintin and Griffen’s story, and really liked the characters for the most part, I didn’t enjoy the rehashing of what had happened (about 30% of the story). I get why it was there. You had basic details from that time, but you didn’t know their perspective, which was WAY different at times than what the other characters knew. It was that it was poorly done, it just kind of felt like I was rereading part of the story I had just read before getting to new stuff. It also was one of the sadder stories. Not hopeless, just sad. It was nice to understand all of the complex things that had been going on during the series and to get a glimpse of what would be happening after things calmed down.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting Conclusion!

This final installment of The Feud keeps you engrossed in the story from the first page to the final word. The author brings ALL the characters together from books 1 & 2 and wraps up all the loose ends answering all unanswered questions very nicely. Baron Griffin de Arell is nothing like his father or brother but is all that is good and honorable and his betrothal to the beautiful and tempestuous Lady Quintin Boursier is challenging beyond words and exciting at every turn! She is his prize to be valued and together they are each other's sonnet of love.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly it’s a good book, I took stars off for the amount of repetition from the 2 previous books in the series; both of which I have read, and so I didn’t enjoy reading info I already knew. Also, there was just too much explaining, which I didn’t enjoy.

The pacing was a bit slower compared to the others, or maybe I was just impatient to find out what happens to the traitor? lol but the ending was fantastic. I enjoyed how she wrapped up the whole thing it was really cute, especially Rhys and Lianor, please make a book for them Mrs Leigh, pretty please. I’m not ready to leave this world just yet it’s too good.

[Sara Turnquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give it four and a half stars. I really really enjoyed this book. But after the second book in this series, I just couldn't give it five. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but the second book in this series had so captured my attention that this one was about a half star shy of it. But these characters were well developed and the story intriguing. I liked how this book somewhat spanned the timing of the other two and Leigh did a fabulous job of pulling it all together in a way that kept the reader tuned in to the story and prevented confusion.

[Cheryal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really should give this a 3 because I hated the first half. As the third book, the first half was narrated from the third party therefore we had to recap all of the first two books from the third party's angle. I skimmed.
BUT holy cow the last half that just dealt with the third party was fabulous! I thought about it all day long and couldn't wait to read at night.
I highly recommend this series.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending!

These books have a lot of edgy content. They aren't super descriptive, but there is sex with marriage. Again, not a lot of details, but lots of Tamara Leigh's normal readers might find this series offensive.

I enjoyed the series. The ending here felt a little confusing with all the kids together and trying to keep them all straight in one final chapter. But I still really enjoyed this series and this was a great ending.

Happy reading!!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the conclusion to this trilogy, but did feel like after 25 years of plotting, the villain would not have given up/in so easily in the end.

I did like Griffin and Quintin together, as I did the other two couples.

But, I also feel after reading all three in short time frame, that the stories of all three really were too similar and heroes and heroines of all three could've been the same people.

[robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weakest of the three in terms of the romance; I expected Quintin to be the fiercest and most strong willed of the three ladies, but she turned out to be the most biddable of all. Disappointing.

We've been seeing her story from the outside all along, and it could have been interesting that it had been so misinterpreted by the onlookers. I appreciate the excellent job Leigh did in working the conspiracy through all three books, gradually revealing more details and unveiling new foes.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamara Leigh is one of my favorites. Loved the Age of Faith series and The Feud series is just as good. This book nicely finished up the story of or 3 Barons with an HEA. Quintin and Griffin have much to over come but they are strong in their love and faith. My question is about Father Crispin, he said he had cancer but he was still alive years later when they were at Wulfen castle.
Overall a great Trilogy. So how about Rhys and Lianor? Next book?

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara Leigh has no competition in her writing genre. Her skills with storytelling are as swift and fluid as any of her 'Barons' with their swords. I know some have been unhappy with the repetitiveness at the beginning of the book, but I for one enjoyed reading it from Quintin & Griffin's perspective. I was saddened to say good-bye to these feuding families, but farewell came easier given the fantastic ending...or was it truly the end?? (rolling eyes towards Rhys and Lianor). I strong suggest reading these books in order as the stories will make much more sense and create a deeper understanding of all the characters.

[Flora W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

satisfying conclusion to trilogy

I loved this book. The final book in the trilogy starts off with Quintin going to Castle Mathe for her brother, and covers her story there that was alluded to in the first book. Quintin was a great heroine, feisty but also vulnerable. I thought she and Griffin were a great match. The mystery of the villain of the previous 2 books is finally revealed( I was right!) and gets his just desserts. Well written clean romance.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting conclusion to the trilogy.

The exciting conclusion to The Feud trilogy was everything I expected. Kudos to Tamara Leigh for another tale that was hard to put down. Griffin and Quintin’s story was intriguing, touching and so romantic! I’m anxiously awaiting Rhys and Lianor’s story. Hint, hint! (Note: This is definitely a series to be read in order.)

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great end

This was a good series. I recommend reading it as a series but could be read alone. I think the books got better as the series went along. I really enjoyed Quinten and Griffin's story. Although I felt the epilogue did not flow as well as the book. Seemed so much information in such a short chapter.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic ending to a three part romantic adventure! I enjoyed the fact that the first part of the book took place the same time as the other two, so that the reader was able to view all sides of the situation. This author is now one of my favorite historical romance writers. I highly recommend this series.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best yet

I had thought that I had read all of this series until I saw this book on Kindle Unlimited. It was a fantastic way to end the series and answered any lingering questions that I might have had throughout the series. Now, however, I demand a book for Lianor and Rhys! My favorite book yet in this series.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good wrap up

I enjoyed Baron of Blackwood. It moved along nicely. Quintin fell for Griffin quicker than Elianor did Bayard and Thomasin did Magnus but I was ready for one of the women to not be stubborn. Lots of details and aha moments were revealed,that tied all 3 books up into a pretty bow!

[Liza Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to a slower pace in this final installment of The Feud trilogy, I wasn't sure I was going to like it as much as the first two books, but it ended up being my favorite. Not only are answers to mysteries revealed, but the romance between Griffin and Quinton is exceedingly tender, previous even. I love how Griffin's motto for life evolved in his hour of greatest need.

[Dusty Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge to the End

Three families brought together by a Kings command are haunted by a previous Barons son and family that seek revenge. Much trouble do they cause you until the persecutors are brought down. Strong men and spirited women run in the three families. Good reads. Big D

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I think the second of this series was the best, this was a good read. I liked how this book encompasses the events of the whole series, and there were some twist in the progression of the story I did not see coming.