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Jewels of Tomorrow #2
Die schöne Rächerin
England 1197: Um den Mord an ihrem Vater zu rächen, lässt sich Helena von York auf ein gefährliches Spiel ein. Unter falschem Namen wagt sie sich bis an den Hof von Richard Löwenherz – und wird schon bald in eine finstere Intrige verwickelt, die den Thron Englands bedroht. Ausgerechnet in Stephen, dem berüchtigten Schwarzen Ritter, findet die mutige Kämpferin einen Verbündeten – und einen Mann, der ihre glühende Sehnsucht nach Liebe entfacht...
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2004
About the author
Tracy Cooper-Posey
212 books980 followersTracy Cooper-Posey is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author. She writes romantic suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy, futuristic and science fiction romances. She has published over 100 novels since 1999, been nominated for five CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award.
She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. Faring Soul won a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.
She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.
She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. Faring Soul won a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.
She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 25, 2013
a courageous heart
[Helena's] 'mouth was thick with the coppery taste of fear.'
Those words captured me, tainting the very atmosphere. The visceral reaction of this woman whose story I was about to follow was riveting. This opening scene takes place in 1197 in Oxford near to the court of Prince John.
Posing within the court of John as a Norman, the Lady Isobel of Brittany, Helena of York is seeking the truth about her father's death and the consequences that followed for the villagers where Helena's father, the Earl of Wessex's body was discovered.
Here Helena meets Stephen, Count of Dian, the 'Black Baron', once a close friend to King Richard and as chance would have it, a childhood playmate to the real Isobel. Stephen will in turn be puzzled by Helena, challenged by her, love her, protect her from her enemies and assist her in her quest for vengeance. He is quite a remarkable man for his times. The truth of why revenge is important to Helena would become clear to him, although he counsels against it. Very much in terms of how taking revenge will affect her psyche.
The action swings from the court of Prince of John in Oxford, to York, to the great forests of Robert (Robin) of Locksley, and on to King Richard in Normandy. The interweaving of these commanding characters into the very fabric of the story creates further interest. Their intersection doesn't seem beyond the realm possibility, indeed is indicative of the story's reality working within the historical and legendary contexts of the times.
Helena is companion to the seemingly fragile Lady Catherine Fitzwarren who turns out to be motivated by motherhood, ambition and fear in attaching her family to John's star. That determination of purpose leads Lady Catherine to render Helena harm. Catherine is closed to all else but her own desires in these matters.
The very kingship of England comes under threat as the key players jockey for position.
A medieval romance that stirs the imagination and portrays vividly many of the concerns, cultural habits and political intrigues of the times.
A NetGalley ARC
[Helena's] 'mouth was thick with the coppery taste of fear.'
Those words captured me, tainting the very atmosphere. The visceral reaction of this woman whose story I was about to follow was riveting. This opening scene takes place in 1197 in Oxford near to the court of Prince John.
Posing within the court of John as a Norman, the Lady Isobel of Brittany, Helena of York is seeking the truth about her father's death and the consequences that followed for the villagers where Helena's father, the Earl of Wessex's body was discovered.
Here Helena meets Stephen, Count of Dian, the 'Black Baron', once a close friend to King Richard and as chance would have it, a childhood playmate to the real Isobel. Stephen will in turn be puzzled by Helena, challenged by her, love her, protect her from her enemies and assist her in her quest for vengeance. He is quite a remarkable man for his times. The truth of why revenge is important to Helena would become clear to him, although he counsels against it. Very much in terms of how taking revenge will affect her psyche.
The action swings from the court of Prince of John in Oxford, to York, to the great forests of Robert (Robin) of Locksley, and on to King Richard in Normandy. The interweaving of these commanding characters into the very fabric of the story creates further interest. Their intersection doesn't seem beyond the realm possibility, indeed is indicative of the story's reality working within the historical and legendary contexts of the times.
Helena is companion to the seemingly fragile Lady Catherine Fitzwarren who turns out to be motivated by motherhood, ambition and fear in attaching her family to John's star. That determination of purpose leads Lady Catherine to render Helena harm. Catherine is closed to all else but her own desires in these matters.
The very kingship of England comes under threat as the key players jockey for position.
A medieval romance that stirs the imagination and portrays vividly many of the concerns, cultural habits and political intrigues of the times.
A NetGalley ARC
January 7, 2014
This is one of those books that was very, very good. To the point where I had to put it down and walk away for a while because I was SO ANGRY over some of the things that were done to Helena. While I was angry for her, in the context of history and how women were treated at the time, it completely made sense. But it was still hard to read.
Might I say, I get a huge kick out of seeing well known tales given little twists to keep them fresh. While book 1 took on King Arthur's story (although he was a secondary character, not one of the mains), book 2 throws us into Robin Hood's adventure. Again, not as the main character, but as someone who's still integral to the story being told.
Okay. So I had some issues with some of the ways women were treated in this time. As a woman, Helena is subject to the whims of her guardian. With her guardian scheming to make a better place for herself and her family and Prince John DELIGHTED to see his gross, nasty adviser taking an interest in Helena, she's put in a very fragile position. Throw in the fact that she's masquerading as someone else to try to ferret out the truth about her father's death and it's difficult for her to object too strenuously. She does object, don't get me wrong, but her safety depends on keeping her true identity hidden so she has to be very careful.
Stephen is... well, I liked him. Despite being out of favor with the king for daring to speak his mind, he's an honorable man who's still willing to rush to his king's defense if the situation calls for it. His time in the Crusades have changed him and his time with Helena changes him even further. Honestly, I LIKED the two of them together. He's willing to admit his mistakes and he's willing to push her to see her own.
Very well written with enough tense moments to leave me crazy-eyed. The romance was both sweet and hot and, in the end, everyone got what they deserved. Just the way I like my books!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Might I say, I get a huge kick out of seeing well known tales given little twists to keep them fresh. While book 1 took on King Arthur's story (although he was a secondary character, not one of the mains), book 2 throws us into Robin Hood's adventure. Again, not as the main character, but as someone who's still integral to the story being told.
Okay. So I had some issues with some of the ways women were treated in this time. As a woman, Helena is subject to the whims of her guardian. With her guardian scheming to make a better place for herself and her family and Prince John DELIGHTED to see his gross, nasty adviser taking an interest in Helena, she's put in a very fragile position. Throw in the fact that she's masquerading as someone else to try to ferret out the truth about her father's death and it's difficult for her to object too strenuously. She does object, don't get me wrong, but her safety depends on keeping her true identity hidden so she has to be very careful.
Stephen is... well, I liked him. Despite being out of favor with the king for daring to speak his mind, he's an honorable man who's still willing to rush to his king's defense if the situation calls for it. His time in the Crusades have changed him and his time with Helena changes him even further. Honestly, I LIKED the two of them together. He's willing to admit his mistakes and he's willing to push her to see her own.
Very well written with enough tense moments to leave me crazy-eyed. The romance was both sweet and hot and, in the end, everyone got what they deserved. Just the way I like my books!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 29, 2013
The second book in the Jewels of Tomorrow is an awesome blend of history, legends, and romance.
It is 1197, Kind Richard, the Lionhearted, is fighting France, Prince John is conniving his own plots, and Stephen, Count of Dinan, once Richard’s trusted knight and friend, has mysteriously become an outcast and is Known as the Black Baron. Helena of York is in disguise to find her father’s killer. Should she be discovered, she will be executed and when Stephen is drawn into Helena’s web of deceit, the two become tangled in web of intrigue that threatens the Throne of England.
The author brings this fantastic story to life with vivid descriptions, well written scenes and wonderful compelling characters. The plot flows smoothly from one scene to the next with lots of suspense to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. The motivations of each of the strong, vibrant characters are clear which makes it easy for the reader to relate to them.
The romance between Helena and Stephen progresses at a steady believable pace with lots of intrigue and chemistry to spice it up. They try to fight their attraction, each for their own personal reasons, but find it to be impossible. The author conveys the emotions involved with an intensity that draws the reader into the story and has them empathizing with both of their plights.
This book is an intriguing mix of history and myth combined with mystery and romance to make this a very enjoyable read. Tracy Cooper-Posey continues to enthrall her readers with wonderfully written stories with her attention to detail and exceptional imagination.
It is 1197, Kind Richard, the Lionhearted, is fighting France, Prince John is conniving his own plots, and Stephen, Count of Dinan, once Richard’s trusted knight and friend, has mysteriously become an outcast and is Known as the Black Baron. Helena of York is in disguise to find her father’s killer. Should she be discovered, she will be executed and when Stephen is drawn into Helena’s web of deceit, the two become tangled in web of intrigue that threatens the Throne of England.
The author brings this fantastic story to life with vivid descriptions, well written scenes and wonderful compelling characters. The plot flows smoothly from one scene to the next with lots of suspense to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. The motivations of each of the strong, vibrant characters are clear which makes it easy for the reader to relate to them.
The romance between Helena and Stephen progresses at a steady believable pace with lots of intrigue and chemistry to spice it up. They try to fight their attraction, each for their own personal reasons, but find it to be impossible. The author conveys the emotions involved with an intensity that draws the reader into the story and has them empathizing with both of their plights.
This book is an intriguing mix of history and myth combined with mystery and romance to make this a very enjoyable read. Tracy Cooper-Posey continues to enthrall her readers with wonderfully written stories with her attention to detail and exceptional imagination.
March 28, 2024
Reseña Completa: https://labrujalectora1.blogspot.com/...
Hoy vengo con esta historia que realmente me ha encantado, pues dentro de lo sencilla es bastante romántica. Los datos históricos están muy bien investigados y la ambientación genial. Aparte debo decir que es una mirada muy asertiva sobre el bosque de Sherwood y toda la historia que lleva detrás de ella. Pues sutilmente nos muestran a un Robin Hood muy elocuente.
Encontramos a Helena quien por circunstancias catastróficas ha tenido que esconder su identidad bajo el papel de Isobel de Bretaña para poder conseguir al asesino de su padre. El destino la llevará a encontrarse con Stephen el repudiado Barón Negro, quien ya no cuenta con los favores del Rey y deambula por la corte en busca de redención hasta que se topa con una enigmática mujer que dice llamarse Isobel. Pero la verdadera Isobel no tiene esos impresionantes ojos que le dejan sin aliento.
Recomendada esta historia para los amantes del genero romántico
Hoy vengo con esta historia que realmente me ha encantado, pues dentro de lo sencilla es bastante romántica. Los datos históricos están muy bien investigados y la ambientación genial. Aparte debo decir que es una mirada muy asertiva sobre el bosque de Sherwood y toda la historia que lleva detrás de ella. Pues sutilmente nos muestran a un Robin Hood muy elocuente.
Encontramos a Helena quien por circunstancias catastróficas ha tenido que esconder su identidad bajo el papel de Isobel de Bretaña para poder conseguir al asesino de su padre. El destino la llevará a encontrarse con Stephen el repudiado Barón Negro, quien ya no cuenta con los favores del Rey y deambula por la corte en busca de redención hasta que se topa con una enigmática mujer que dice llamarse Isobel. Pero la verdadera Isobel no tiene esos impresionantes ojos que le dejan sin aliento.
Recomendada esta historia para los amantes del genero romántico
March 26, 2024
Este hermoso libro me ha dejado un buen sabor de boca, pues es romántico y audaz. Sus personajes son sin duda tienen carácter y presencia en todo el libro, y creo que difícilmente puede olvidarlos.
Helena, hija de un conde quien cayo en desgracia, busca sin descanso al asesinó de su padre para vengarse. Pero inexplicablemente conoce al Barón Negro, Stephen quien también por una mala pasada dejo de tener la gracia del Rey Ricardo Corazón de León.
Stephen decide no delatar a Helena de quien se enamora perdidamente y por quien da toda su riqueza y posición para estar con ella. Y a pesar de tenerlo todo en su contra esta historia tiene un muy bonito final.
Con una escritura sencilla pero audaz, la autora nos enamorará en cada capitulo.
Muy recomendada.
Helena, hija de un conde quien cayo en desgracia, busca sin descanso al asesinó de su padre para vengarse. Pero inexplicablemente conoce al Barón Negro, Stephen quien también por una mala pasada dejo de tener la gracia del Rey Ricardo Corazón de León.
Stephen decide no delatar a Helena de quien se enamora perdidamente y por quien da toda su riqueza y posición para estar con ella. Y a pesar de tenerlo todo en su contra esta historia tiene un muy bonito final.
Con una escritura sencilla pero audaz, la autora nos enamorará en cada capitulo.
Muy recomendada.
January 23, 2016
Book Info
Kindle Edition, 3rd Edition, 230 pages
Published November 5th 2013 by Tracy Cooper-Posey (first published April 1st 2004)
original title Heart of Vengeance
ASIN B00GH1BUZ0
edition language English
URL
series
other editions (6)
Source: Digital edition from Author in exchange for honest review
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
In order to find her father's killer, Helena of York is forced to play the most dangerous game of her life. The Saxon noblewoman, now an outlaw, must adopt a false identity and pose as a Norman in the courts and great halls of Richard I's England. Should she be unmasked, her life will be forfeit. But Helena is willing to pay any price for her revenge. Stephen, Count of Dinan, once Richard's greatest friend and most able knight, finds himself an outcast from the court for reasons shrouded in mystery. Now known as the 'Black Baron', he finds himself a friendless outcast in a glittering world he has come to despise. Two dangerous destinies.The only goal in Stephen's life is to restore his honor and once again serve his king. The only desire in Helena's life is to kill the man who destroyed her father and her future. Then the 'Black Baron's' suspicions draw him into Helena's web of deceit and, together, they find themselves entangled in a greater conspiracy that threatens the throne of England itself and two embattled hearts that have allowed themselves to be touched by love.
Having been approached by the author with this book series gladly accepted a chance to read both the first and second in exchange for an honest review because quite frankly am enamored of the Arthurian legends and the infamous Robin of Loxley or as he is better known “Robin Hood”. Not disappointed when finished book one Diana By The Moon but when finished book two Heart Of Vengeance was even more impressed with the attention to even small details and the many references to historical events that added depth to the story created for the characters.
The action was interspersed with suspenseful moments that kept one anticipating what was coming next and the serious tones of the book were also offset with humorous byplay between Helena and Stephen as well as the pairs deepening of affections towards one another, which was allowed to develop at a pace that was believable as well as charged with heat.
Captivating tale, hated to put book down when real life chores interfered with reading. Helena and Stephen are matched well and the quest the pair end up undertaking together is full of suspenseful twists and dangerous turns. This was not only a fulfilling romantic suspense tale but one that showed the characters at their worst and their best as they sought to untangle the mysterious identity of the person who was behind the events that cost Helena her father.
This tale was filled with instances which easily allowed the reader to grasp the political maneuverings of the time, the drawbacks to being female and provided just enough contrast between serious events as well as those of a lighter note to truly create an intriguing tale for those of us who love history mixed with romantic elements.
I look forward to reading more from Tracy Cooper Posey in the future as she has written in several different genres that I enjoy.
Kindle Edition, 3rd Edition, 230 pages
Published November 5th 2013 by Tracy Cooper-Posey (first published April 1st 2004)
original title Heart of Vengeance
ASIN B00GH1BUZ0
edition language English
URL
series
other editions (6)
Source: Digital edition from Author in exchange for honest review
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
In order to find her father's killer, Helena of York is forced to play the most dangerous game of her life. The Saxon noblewoman, now an outlaw, must adopt a false identity and pose as a Norman in the courts and great halls of Richard I's England. Should she be unmasked, her life will be forfeit. But Helena is willing to pay any price for her revenge. Stephen, Count of Dinan, once Richard's greatest friend and most able knight, finds himself an outcast from the court for reasons shrouded in mystery. Now known as the 'Black Baron', he finds himself a friendless outcast in a glittering world he has come to despise. Two dangerous destinies.The only goal in Stephen's life is to restore his honor and once again serve his king. The only desire in Helena's life is to kill the man who destroyed her father and her future. Then the 'Black Baron's' suspicions draw him into Helena's web of deceit and, together, they find themselves entangled in a greater conspiracy that threatens the throne of England itself and two embattled hearts that have allowed themselves to be touched by love.
My Thoughts
Having been approached by the author with this book series gladly accepted a chance to read both the first and second in exchange for an honest review because quite frankly am enamored of the Arthurian legends and the infamous Robin of Loxley or as he is better known “Robin Hood”. Not disappointed when finished book one Diana By The Moon but when finished book two Heart Of Vengeance was even more impressed with the attention to even small details and the many references to historical events that added depth to the story created for the characters.
The action was interspersed with suspenseful moments that kept one anticipating what was coming next and the serious tones of the book were also offset with humorous byplay between Helena and Stephen as well as the pairs deepening of affections towards one another, which was allowed to develop at a pace that was believable as well as charged with heat.
Captivating tale, hated to put book down when real life chores interfered with reading. Helena and Stephen are matched well and the quest the pair end up undertaking together is full of suspenseful twists and dangerous turns. This was not only a fulfilling romantic suspense tale but one that showed the characters at their worst and their best as they sought to untangle the mysterious identity of the person who was behind the events that cost Helena her father.
This tale was filled with instances which easily allowed the reader to grasp the political maneuverings of the time, the drawbacks to being female and provided just enough contrast between serious events as well as those of a lighter note to truly create an intriguing tale for those of us who love history mixed with romantic elements.
I look forward to reading more from Tracy Cooper Posey in the future as she has written in several different genres that I enjoy.
[Digital edition from Author in exchange for honest review]
September 10, 2016
..Une dame en vert et un Seigneur en noir..
Heart of Vengeance was a perfect title for this historical romance, what a brave heart of a heroine sacking revenge.
As a child i always loved watching Robin Hood movies and when i read the description of this book i had to have it. Thank you to the publisher and Tracy Cooper-Posey at NetGally for granting me a copy.
The story is set back in 1197 where King Richard was fighting France. Keeping your word and honor was a big part in that era, but trusting was even harder without proving it your self.
In this novel we have two character one looking to find trust, and one looking to restore it back. I loved Helena and Stephen also known as 'le baron noir' When Helena lost her father, killed he was..her only desire was to find the murder but also gain the trust of others around her in her journey. Her brave heart is what draws Stephen to her, but her kindness is what keeps her to his heart.
I enjoyed this historical novel, the believable plot and likable characters, well not all, and they did deserve what they got. The story was intriguing, the author did such a superb job giving us a story with just the right amounts of all the elements needed in this novel. I didn't read the first installment but her detailed storytelling gave me the answers. Beautiful novel and I will definitely check more of her work.
January 4, 2011
Clare's Review
Helena of York, outlawed and travelling under an assumed name has only one thing on her mind and Stephen of Dinan is a distraction she doesn't need. Set in twelfth century England, this enchanting story follows Helena's quest for vengeance and Stephen's quest to keep Helena safe no matter what it takes.
This fast paced story has full bodied characters and plenty of intrigue and action as well as romance. The only thing that spoiled it for me was the tie in to the Robin Hood story. The story stands alone without needing the distraction of that. If you like historical novels with a hero in need of redemption, this is one for you.
3 Tea Cups!
Helena of York, outlawed and travelling under an assumed name has only one thing on her mind and Stephen of Dinan is a distraction she doesn't need. Set in twelfth century England, this enchanting story follows Helena's quest for vengeance and Stephen's quest to keep Helena safe no matter what it takes.
This fast paced story has full bodied characters and plenty of intrigue and action as well as romance. The only thing that spoiled it for me was the tie in to the Robin Hood story. The story stands alone without needing the distraction of that. If you like historical novels with a hero in need of redemption, this is one for you.
3 Tea Cups!
February 19, 2014
One word describes how i felt about this story...LOVE. It was captivating from page one till "the end" I instantly fell in love with Helena and her back story. The fact that Robin Hood was included was pure genius. Things in this story don't always go the way you want them to which I feel makes it even better. The moment I finished it I turned right back to the cover and started it all over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2010
4.5 out of 5
September 3, 2014
Wonderfully written story with arresting characters.
February 17, 2016
Good book
Liked the characters and the story sweet how the main part of the book comes to an end where love can conquer even hate. Definitely looking for more books by this author.
Liked the characters and the story sweet how the main part of the book comes to an end where love can conquer even hate. Definitely looking for more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews