El señor de la seducción

Hearts of the Conquest #3

by Paula Quinn

Inglaterra, siglo XI. Por orden del rey, lady Tanon Risande debe desposarse con el príncipe galés Gareth ab Owain. Pero la testaruda Tanon tiene otras intenciones, y ninguna de ellas involucra rendirse a su prometido. Gareth está decidido a probarle a su deliciosa esposa que él reserva su rudeza para la guerra, no para el lecho matrimonial, y utilizará los más persuasivos métodos para atraerla. Pero, aunque él es un príncipe, no puede ofrecerle la vida lujosa a la que está acostumbrada. Lo que puede garantizarle es un amor como ella jamás ha conocido. Con esta novela culmina la saga iniciada con El señor del deseo y El señor de la tentación.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Medieval, Medieval Romance, Historical Fiction, Adult

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2014

About the author

Paula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, Hearts of the Highlands featuring the brave, romantic MacPhersons on Amazon now!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Talon has all the guts I wished I could muster up!

I really enjoyed the sweet story of Gareth helping her and becoming her friend when they were young.

I think I find myself caught in these stories where the girl feels obligated to be a 'perfect, polite, and proper' woman because I think all women feel that way at some point in their lives, but dang it all sometimes we just need break out of it! And Talon did just that. :-)

Gareth was every ones dream man (at least to me). Big, strong, manly, virile, feared by others, but with is woman thoughtful, kind, and treats her like the most beautiful woman to grace the earth. If someone could please make this type of man real?...SIGN ME UP! (Don't tell my hubby I said that...lol

I gave this book fours stars because it did slow a bit in some parts and then fly in others.

It was an easy fun read. I recommend it to all my friends. :-)

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so the book starts out with a prologue detailing our heroine, Tanon's, visit to her godfather, King William of the Normans, during her 6th summer. It is during this visit that Tanon's father also learns of her betrothal to one of the Welsh princes. This is not received well as the relations with the "savage Welch" have been very turbulent and Tanon's father is worried about his daughter's safety. But in hopes of forming peace between the two nations, this alliance is agreed to. It is also this summer that Tanon meets her betrothed (but she does not know this at the time), Cedric, who is SEVENTEEN years old, and he does know this and does not like it.

I think I'd probably be a little pissed too if I was a 17 year old almost man being presented with a toothless 6 year old as my future bride, but anyway I digress... Tanon also meets Cedric's little brother, Gareth, who is 10 years old and they quickly become inseparable friends. Unfortunately, Gareth has to return after a few months and they don't see each other again until 13 years later (and after the prologue is complete). At this point, Tanon's betrothal to Cedric has been voided as his behavior has gotten him exiled from Wales and she has been betrothed to another asshole, Roger, the cruelest bully from her childhood.

Gareth sweeps in to the assembly announcing that he has come to claim the rights of the treaty that was signed years ago and he will wed Tanon. Roger gets a little upset about this. Not because he cares about Tanon, but he does care about the dowry that would come with their marriage. So Roger and Gareth agree to fight for her hand in the tournament the next day. Gareth wins by a landslide and our story begins with the union of these two childhood friends getting reacquainted as not only adults, but as husband and wife.

So I loved that the dynamics of their relationship allowed for so much angst and sexual tension to build. However, I was terribly disappointed at the delivery of the spice once it was achieved. I mean, this was a wonderful slow burn and the build up was done in such a thrilling way, but was just lackluster once we got there. Aside from that, the ONLY other thing that I wasn't a fan of was the description of the Welsh's fighting style. It was said that they all learned to "dance" to defend themselves in combat. Initially, I thought this was a metaphor for just quick footwork, but then it was referenced while they were dancing at a festival as if they literally danced while in combat. So very confusing. Lastly, I'm a sucker for epilogues. I LOVE them! So imagine my disappointment when I realized that the epilogue was written more so for a side character rather than the main couple. I'm sure it was being used as segue into the author's next book, but I was not a fan of the choice to utilize it in that way.

There were no errors or mistakes that I readily noticed and I loved this story of love growing from two childhood friends. Gareth was fiercely in love with Tanon. And Tanon was completely enamored with Gareth and the life they could build together. Beautiful story and would recommend to anyone that loves a good historical romance!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters and plot were good, but there wasn't much steam. LOTS of build-up towards steam, and then ONE so-so steamy scene (and a few implied sex scenes). If you're looking for a romance with a decent plot and not much else, then this would be a good book for you.

On a side note that has nothing much to do with this story, I have a question. What is up with the word 'laved'? As in, "He 'laved' her mouth with his tongue.". Ewwww. The hero in this book did a little laving to the heroine, so I guess that's what made me think about it. To me, the word brings to mind those first awkward fumbling kisses in middle school, when boys had no finesse at all. You know, just randomly jabbing their tongues in the general vicinity of your mouth. Urk!

[Elis Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanon Risande is a political football. William I may love her like a daughter, but he'll also marry her off to any jerk who has something he wants. When she was a girl, he betrothed her to Cedric, the creepy elder nephew of Rhys ap Tewdwr (geek alert: Rhys was in fact a contemporary of William's, though based on the ages of his children, I think he was a bit younger than portrayed here. He is also an ancestor of the Tudor kings and queens, and his daughter, Nest, bore the bastard of a king, was raped and abducted by her cousin, which nearly launched a civil war, and is the ancestress of, among many others, the Kennedys and Prince William.). When Cedric rebelled against his uncle and fell into disfavor, and his younger brother Gareth was killed, William betrothed Tanon to her childhood nemesis.

Only Gareth isn't quite as dead as all that. He shows up and challenges Tanon's fiancé to combat--winner gets the girl. Which is how Tanon ends up married to Gareth, and William gets the promise of peace between him and Rhys (geek alert: William did in fact strike an agreement with Rhys and kept his aggressive marcher lords from invading the south of Wales until his death.)

Intrigues abound, and, for the sake of peace, Gareth has to make a difficult choice, one that leaves Tanon in grave danger. When she realizes what he did, she's all



And frankly, since the situation would have been a hell of a lot less dangerous for her if he had at least TOLD her what he planned, I'd have liked for her to stay that way longer than she did.

When it's all said and done, the romance is excellent, the intrigues exciting, and me, I'm always



When I get to read a historical romance that has some actual history (even if I might quibble with a detail or two).

Five stars.
.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Paula Quinn's books and this one is no exception. I absolutely loved Tanon and Gareth's story, so full of passion and danger. I'm glad I finally had a chance to read their story, it sure didn't disappoint.

Gareth saved Tanon when they were both children and now 13 years later he saves her again. He's a Welsh prince and a warrior to be feared but with her he's always been gentle so she doesn't fear him. When he marries her for peace between their countries, he will do anything to keep her safe but some secrets will surely make her distrust him. As danger surrounds them, their passions heat up and Tanon finds herself falling in love and blossoms into the daring and strong woman she was always meant to be.

Well written, fast paced and definitely worth reading!

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

kind of bland, I wouldnt recommend it but it's not poorly written. Gareth and Tanon just have little chemistry. If there was any, well, it isn't the kind that I pick up on.
In truth I wanted to give 2 stars, but I do like Quinn's medieval stories. honorary one star so all in all, 3 weak stars.

[Seon Ji (Dawn)]

++Need more safety info++

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este fue el libro que más me gustó de los tres, al menos aquí Tanon no perdona a Gareth nada más verlo por lo guapo que es (como su mamá Brynna con Brand), sino que si le discute y él se llega a disculpar. Y si pude conocer en este libro un poco más a Hereward que incluso ya es amigo de Guillermo y esra enamorado de Rebecca (aun asi me hubieea gustado ver toda su historia😍). Otro personaje que me gustó fue Madoc que como dice Tanon por fuera se ve temible, pero por dentro es como un oso de peluche 😆.

[Starry · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the king's order, Lady Tanon Risande is to be wed to a fierce Welsh prince. Headstrong Tanon has other ideas, and none of them involve submitting to Prince Gareth ap Owain. Yet she can't help but notice how the ladies of the court sigh at his mere glance. And when this rough warrior sets his penetrating gaze on her, Tanon, too wonders what it would be like to bed a barbarian...

Gareth is determined to prove to his delectable new wife that he saves his savagery for the battlefield, not the bedchamber. He will use far more persuasive methods to lure this lady willingly into his arms--and he looks forward to trying them all. But though Gareth is a prince, he cannot offer Tanon the finery she is used to, nor can he be sure she will be safe in his untamed land. What he can guarantee he is a love unlike any she has ever known...
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

When Tanon was little, she was betroth to marry Gareth's brother. Tanon spent the summer with Gareth when they were kids, and they both had lots of fun. Later on Gareth's older brother was killed in war, which means the betroth is off...but 12 years later, Gareth comes back and challenges Roger, so that he can claim Tanon as his wife.
Gareth, of course, wins. and then the next day or so he marrys Tanon.
the next day after the wedding, Tanon was taken by Gareth and his men for her to go to Gareth's villiage.On the way war occurs, because apparently noone likes a Norman to marry Gareth.
Later on there are complicated matters dealing with Gareth's brother who wants to take over the throne, but in the end everything is revealed and everyone is happy.
#48
And of course you can assume that everyone lives HEA.

[Yasmin Halliwell Fraser Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, in the historical and romantic aspects. It was a light read with an interesting plot and a cute love story. I would have liked for them to accept their love for each other sooner, it was pretty obvious and they were like "Oh I don't know what the other feels" COME. ON.
I don't know much about Normandy and Wales, so it was interesting to see cultural things mixed with the story, like dances and life itself.
There were some funny quotes, I loved Tanon's spank and gareth was dreamy. I had a really good time reading it, so I'm giving it 4 stars!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The daughter of one of King William's knights becomes the pawn in a game of peace with the Welsh. One summer at six years old, she bonds with one of the Welsh prince's nephews who is ten. Thirteen years later, the nephew is a prince himself and a powerful warrior. He returns to Winchester to take her as his wife. What follows is a woman caught in a fight for war or peace and finding love. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaime
1,704 reviews
304 followers

February 3, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are perfect together and the details to setting really drew me into the story. I found the romance to be tender yet realistic to the timeframe. Another excellent story!

5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Dragonblade Publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @dragonbladepub
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[Mollie Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Author finished this series strong:) Really enjoyed Prince Gareth!! Not a very heady series...but fun easy reads. Finished all three on a long lazy weekend. Will miss the Risande's. Also wish Madoc had his own book....☺️

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promised Heart by Paula Quinn starts off when Lady Tanon Risdale is six years old and the target for a bully and his comrades until one day when an older boy, Gareth, comes to her rescue. She would never tattle on the boys to William (the Conquerer) the king, but Gareth sure did. Gareth’s uncle, Prince Rhys ap Tewdwr, had appeared at the castle for peace talks. The way of bonding the treaty was through a betrothal, so Tanon found herself betrothed to Gareth’s older brother, Cedric, who appeared to be as unkind as the bully, Roger deCourtney. But she was six. She didn’t worry for long. Then, years later, Cedric was banished from his uncle’s kingdom, so the betrothal was over. Instead, her father and William betrothed her to the dreaded Roger. At least he lived close by. Then, one day a troop of wild looking soldiers appeared. It was lead by a god of a man who turned out to be her childhood protector, Gareth, who was not dead as they had heard. He wanted the peace treaty and he wanted her. He was willing to fight deCourtney who didn’t really want her but did want her dowry. She was not all that happy about going to Wales, but she was obedient and did what was necessary.

This was truly a love story that took years to come to fruition. As she spent time with Gareth, she fell in love but was really surprised when she arrived at his home and found it was not a castle, but a cottage, much like those of his people. That they loved him was obvious. She was insecure. There were women here who smiled at him. Could he ever love her? Gareth was smart. He always anticipated. He usually anticipated correctly. His closest friend was Madoc and when he appeared to turn on Gareth she was beyond angry. She could not allow this. She would warn him. Gareth loved her but he could not order her about. She would not allow it. This was a warm and somewhat accurate account of what Wales was like in medieval times. The reader didn’t know what Gareth was thinking much of the time so many of his actions came as surprises, although they shouldn’t have. What a fabulous book!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Promised Heart by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #PaulaQuinn #ThePromisedHeart

[Anna Hix · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!

Paula Quinn is one of my all time authors. Her stories are always enjoyable and fun. In The Promised Heart she has created vivid characters with real faults. The plot is somewhat predictable yet the events keeps one enthralled. I would definitely recommend and look forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

PQ really know how to create strong but humble hero. Another enjoyable story, really liked the series. Really wish there was another!!! This book hooked me in the preview from book 2. Tanon -love the name - was very convivial and had a good balance of innocence and ardor. Gareth was like all of Quinn's heros, just about perfect. I loved the beginning when Tanon was just a little girl and how she came to know Gareth. I also love when Gareth was mistakenly lead to Tanon's room the first night he sees her again since childhood. Full bodied plot that progressed with definite direction. The story moved well, and I would even venture to say almost too fast. Certain little things could have been a bit more embellished, like the confrontation between Tanon and Madoc. She did some damage but it was never mentioned again, or his admission to his part in the charade. That relationship needed to be put right in my mind. And the final scene where Gareth and Tanon hit the "make or break" apex. I would have like to seen that more dramatic and emotional. Lastly, they never said "I love you" to one another. Granted sometime an author can make you roll your eyes with an abundance of the phrase but not once in a romance novel? None the less, the story worked and I was submersed, racing through, watch the end draw near with conflicted thoughts of not wanting it to end and wanting to see what was happening next. Really, really wish there was another!!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about reading about the men from the past. They are so tough and rugged but they all have a different side to them, a softer side that makes you really want to be apart of their world. Gareth is no different, loving one for many years. His patience with Tanon is hilarious. She is such a spitfire but also so naive in the ways of marriage. Gareth with his battling skills that are amazing, they way he moves and his tenderness is lucky to have Tanon and vice versa.

[Shefa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this story between Gareth and Tanon. It's simple and didn't give me any heartache while reading it. As I read for leisure, this is perfect. I didn't have to worry my heart out with the overwhelming sadness in some books. The guy knows what he wanted and he took it. Simple, isn't it? Having dealing with guys with uncertainties all the time, heroes who are very sure of themselves are my weakness. And I love every hero's second in commands, though I wish Madoc is cheekier than he is. I recommend this book for those who want wonderful romance, but need to keep it simple. One thing bugging my mind is that, how old is William's son? He did send Roger to train under his son but he wasn't married when Brynna and Brand get together, was he? I tried to calculate but it's getting tangled in my head. Oh well, great read btw!

[Alexandra Taco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fue el mejor cierre de trilogía.
El libro nos cuenta sobre la historia de amor entre Tanon y Gareth, un amor que comenzó cuando eran apenas unos niños.
La valentía de Tanon frente a su destino es invaluable y Gareth es un perfecto protagonista, seguramente quedarán encantados con ambos porque el amor mutuo de los protagonistas fluye armoniosamente.
Además de que nos cuentan que ha sucedido con las parejas de los anteriores libros y una pequeña historia entre Hereward y la nodriza Rebeca.
Las intrigas que llevan al desasosiego de Tanon si dan pena pero por suerte no duelen tanto.

Eso sí a diferencia de los anteriores, en este libro no encontré muchas frases o momentos memorables pero se lee súper rápido.
Totalmente recomendable.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started the book I thought that it might not be my kind of thing to read. But the more I read it the more started to enjoy it.
The two main characters Gareth & Tanon were actually made for each other the got on each other's neeves but they loved one another. When he took her to his homeland she wasn't too sure about it. She was used to the finer things but once she was there she got used to it.
The plot was a good one. But things didn't work out the way a villian of the story thought that it would. The villian thought that he had it all worked out. But Gareth was a step ahead of that plot.
But I love how the book was written and the way that it ended

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first by Paula Quinn. Just one big build up and then anti-climatic regarding the steam factor. I hate books that tease and then let you down...that's a big pet peeve of mine. I blame it totally on the author. All talk and no action. Anyways, the plot did entertain me enough to finish the book. I doubt I'll be rushing out to purchase another by this author, but I will probably read her again....someday.

[Risa Nichols | Alated Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a sweet book filled with romance, a little bit of mystery, intrigue and some humor. I fell in love with the characters and didn't want the story to end! The author also included a couple of twists that kept me guessing along the way and made it that much more intriguing. This was my first Paula Quinn read, even though it was the third in a series. I didn't ind that hard to follow however, and I look forward to reading the rest in the series (:

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It! From the first page to the last you will spellbound by The Promised Heart. Paula Quinn's stories are always interesting with characters with diversity of personalities who manage to grow and yet retain their individualities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end. It's emotional ride that keeps you turning the pages, passion, intrigue and a journey for both Lady Tanon and Prince Gareth as they learn to trust and believe in one another.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norman lady Tanon is promised in a political marriage to the welsh prince Gareth. Now he´s there to bring her back to his home. At the same time this warriors brother has plans to murder the king and take revenge on Tanon.

[Melan Choly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread about 10 times

- I never get tired of reading this book. Ever. ❤️❤️❤️😉

The dynamic between Tanon and Gareth is undeniably heart melting sweet, cavities sweet, butterflies fluttering sweet.

Never have I read a book with so many winks 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉.

[Mary Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was the best of the series. Gareth was so awesome, how he loved Tanon for years, I seriously wish there could have been an additional book with Madoc finding a wife, that would be so interesting

[Susan Overby johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this book and didn't want it to end. The story kept my attention from beginning to end! Great read!

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this a 4.5. It's a great read and a very sweet story.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[MARY JANE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Ms. Quinn books takes you to a world of a previous century that we could have endure to in our century today.