What do you think?
Rate this book
Medieval Song #2
Fire Song
TOWER OF DESIRE
Kassia closed her eyes, her body trembling, as Graelam caressed her lips with his fingertips, then lowered his head and kissed the warm satiny softness of her flesh, where no man had ever touched her before. She had not willingly chosen to become the wife of this bold English knight who had brought her to his castle, carried her to his waiting bed, and threatened to conquer her throbbing senses in a whirlwind of passion ...
CASTLE OF LOVE
Graelam's powerful arms crushed Kassia against him, as he unfastened her velvet gown. Her beauty was breathtaking, irresistible, and arouse him to a fiery passion. But her unyielding pride drove him to a savage rage. Marriage had made him master of her body, but now a rising fire-hot need demanded more than submission. He must claim her complete surrender with the dark ecstasy of love ...
Kassia closed her eyes, her body trembling, as Graelam caressed her lips with his fingertips, then lowered his head and kissed the warm satiny softness of her flesh, where no man had ever touched her before. She had not willingly chosen to become the wife of this bold English knight who had brought her to his castle, carried her to his waiting bed, and threatened to conquer her throbbing senses in a whirlwind of passion ...
CASTLE OF LOVE
Graelam's powerful arms crushed Kassia against him, as he unfastened her velvet gown. Her beauty was breathtaking, irresistible, and arouse him to a fiery passion. But her unyielding pride drove him to a savage rage. Marriage had made him master of her body, but now a rising fire-hot need demanded more than submission. He must claim her complete surrender with the dark ecstasy of love ...
463 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1985
187 people are currently reading
1406 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 3, 2020
The H should be castrated.
Line starts to the right.
Line starts to the right.
October 30, 2011
Ok...so,this was a horible cheating book with a cruel hero that I wanted to clobber with a pan.
But on the other hand the author did a very realistic thing in this piece, that I just have to appraise:
The hero gets a evil maid pregnant.
The evil maid is not pregnant with somebody else. The hero is not going to marry the evil maid. The hero will not keep the child. The hero will not get mushy over the bastard. The heroine will not be a goody gooder and keep his bastard. Then what will they doooo,oh what will they do??
Because really, authors never write anything other then one of these scenarios!
This author does. Her hero may be a a moron asshat, but he acts like he should for the time frame and for his position as a warrior and lord. And what does he do here? He get a peasant, gives him some money and gets him to marry the evil maid and take off in to the sunset with her and the child. Easy peasy. And historically correct.
But on the other hand the author did a very realistic thing in this piece, that I just have to appraise:
The hero gets a evil maid pregnant.
The evil maid is not pregnant with somebody else. The hero is not going to marry the evil maid. The hero will not keep the child. The hero will not get mushy over the bastard. The heroine will not be a goody gooder and keep his bastard. Then what will they doooo,oh what will they do??
Because really, authors never write anything other then one of these scenarios!
This author does. Her hero may be a a moron asshat, but he acts like he should for the time frame and for his position as a warrior and lord. And what does he do here? He get a peasant, gives him some money and gets him to marry the evil maid and take off in to the sunset with her and the child. Easy peasy. And historically correct.
October 1, 2025
Read: 9/2/25 -late review
Setting: 1273 France, England
Trope: MOC
What a disappointment! I was so looking forward to Graelam's book, but this isn't the same guy from the first book. The H in this book is insufferable!
plot:
On his way back from the crusades, Graelam saves the life of a French nobleman. His reward is the man's estate and dying daughter, Kassia. This marriage is a way to keep the man's despicable nephew from inheriting his lands. Graelam marries the dying girl and then returns home. There, the King's uncle arranges a marriage for Graelam. On the eve of his wedding, Kassia appears. Apparently, she survived her illness and is ready to be Graelam's wife.
Can these two strangers have a successful marriage? Will others interfere? Graelam has an ex SIL that is determined to become his next wife, even if she has to kill Kassia to do it.
dislike:
1. Graelam! What a change from the previous books. In book 1, he admired Chandra because she was a strong warrior who would give him strong sons. In this book, he wants a weak, quiet, obedient wife. It was a 180°! I guess he wasn't misogynistic enough in the last book because he's on full blast here.
2. Kassia was a doormat, and Graelam mistreated her. I didn't see this couple together at all. Kassia is practically perfect, but he continues to criticize her every move and listen to others.
3. Graelam cheats and has no remorse. It's not mentioned by anyone.
4. I wish more was solved with Kassia's property in France. That problem just went away.
liked:
1. CC writing style always sucks me into her stories.
2. Never PC !
3. I always enjoy OW drama. A nice twist is that this character has a kind man to turn her from her evil ways. They ended up being the more interesting couple.
Conclusion: CC missed the mark with this one! Graelam was just an annoying boor and I couldn't wait to finish the book.
Setting: 1273 France, England
Trope: MOC
What a disappointment! I was so looking forward to Graelam's book, but this isn't the same guy from the first book. The H in this book is insufferable!
plot:
On his way back from the crusades, Graelam saves the life of a French nobleman. His reward is the man's estate and dying daughter, Kassia. This marriage is a way to keep the man's despicable nephew from inheriting his lands. Graelam marries the dying girl and then returns home. There, the King's uncle arranges a marriage for Graelam. On the eve of his wedding, Kassia appears. Apparently, she survived her illness and is ready to be Graelam's wife.
Can these two strangers have a successful marriage? Will others interfere? Graelam has an ex SIL that is determined to become his next wife, even if she has to kill Kassia to do it.
dislike:
1. Graelam! What a change from the previous books. In book 1, he admired Chandra because she was a strong warrior who would give him strong sons. In this book, he wants a weak, quiet, obedient wife. It was a 180°! I guess he wasn't misogynistic enough in the last book because he's on full blast here.
2. Kassia was a doormat, and Graelam mistreated her. I didn't see this couple together at all. Kassia is practically perfect, but he continues to criticize her every move and listen to others.
3. Graelam cheats and has no remorse. It's not mentioned by anyone.
4. I wish more was solved with Kassia's property in France. That problem just went away.
liked:
1. CC writing style always sucks me into her stories.
2. Never PC !
3. I always enjoy OW drama. A nice twist is that this character has a kind man to turn her from her evil ways. They ended up being the more interesting couple.
Conclusion: CC missed the mark with this one! Graelam was just an annoying boor and I couldn't wait to finish the book.
March 19, 2018
Second time reading. One of my favorite cheater-wallbangers.
The H is introduced in Warrior's Song, the first book of the series. He's tall, dark and hairy, the manliest man's man ever to grace the pages. He was taught from conception by his evil father that women are vessels for men to deposit their seed, to cook, to clean, etc., and to think otherwise is to be the wussiest of anti-men. As noted in other reviews, the H is a rapist, but reluctantly so (he "backed himself into a corner." heh), since book one and continues said behavior but only when he feels justified. He is also a whore-monger who sleeps with at least five other women after consummating the marriage (he was trying to get her out of system), impregnating one. But no worries, he marries her off to a farmer who's grateful to be handed a confirmed breeder with a dowry. No heroine raising any bastards in this story!
The h is the pampered daughter of a... something... earl?.. baron?.. don't remember, who is about 17 years old and is clueless about anything sexual. She has a burr haircut (due to fever; but don't worry, it grows out) and is extremely dry throughout much of the book, until she isn't. Later, she's as slick as a slip and slide, always ready for her man whether she's happy about it or not.
Those who like cheater book will find this a wet-dream (*cough*)...if they can get over the rapiness of it. If it helps, throughout the rest of the series, he becomes, ad nauseam, the most devoted and loving women's-liber ever to be born in the 13th century .
Judge me if you will, but I can't help it if I like'em mean.
The H is introduced in Warrior's Song, the first book of the series. He's tall, dark and hairy, the manliest man's man ever to grace the pages. He was taught from conception by his evil father that women are vessels for men to deposit their seed, to cook, to clean, etc., and to think otherwise is to be the wussiest of anti-men. As noted in other reviews, the H is a rapist, but reluctantly so (he "backed himself into a corner." heh), since book one and continues said behavior but only when he feels justified. He is also a whore-monger who sleeps with at least five other women after consummating the marriage (he was trying to get her out of system), impregnating one. But no worries, he marries her off to a farmer who's grateful to be handed a confirmed breeder with a dowry. No heroine raising any bastards in this story!
The h is the pampered daughter of a... something... earl?.. baron?.. don't remember, who is about 17 years old and is clueless about anything sexual. She has a burr haircut (due to fever; but don't worry, it grows out) and is extremely dry throughout much of the book, until she isn't. Later, she's as slick as a slip and slide, always ready for her man whether she's happy about it or not.
Those who like cheater book will find this a wet-dream (*cough*)...if they can get over the rapiness of it. If it helps, throughout the rest of the series, he becomes, ad nauseam, the most devoted and loving women's-liber ever to be born in the 13th century .
Judge me if you will, but I can't help it if I like'em mean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2008
SPOILERS*****************************************
This is a wallbanger because the hero is a rapist. Sorry, that sends you straight to wall-bangers. I actually liked the end of the story after he softens up but I just can't overlook the rape and the adultury. The heroine actually catches the hero with a maid who ends up pregnant. Then the hero blames her for not wanting to make love to him (well he did rape her) so that is why he had to bang the maid.
This is a wallbanger because the hero is a rapist. Sorry, that sends you straight to wall-bangers. I actually liked the end of the story after he softens up but I just can't overlook the rape and the adultury. The heroine actually catches the hero with a maid who ends up pregnant. Then the hero blames her for not wanting to make love to him (well he did rape her) so that is why he had to bang the maid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2016
More Catherine Coulter re-read for me. I think of all her books, Fire Song and Secret Song are my favorites. But I really would not recommend this book to anyone as a romance novel. It is a story with a lot of sexual actions. Typical of Coulter. In a medieval setting, her typical asshole and cruel heros don't seem so outrageous and out of place.
I rate it 4 stars because I could not stop reading this book. I wanted to read on and see how Graelem and Kassia reconciled with each other. Graelem is a real asshole, no kidding. You rarely see a hero with such unredeemable qualities. Kassia is all perfect and forgiving with occational shows of girlish pride. It is not the romance that appealed to me. Honestly there is no romance in this story at all, if you ask me. It does however, concentrates on the relationship, how the relationship began tenderly and then was destroyed by distrust and doubts.
I will not make excuses for Graelem's behaviors. He is no hero. I can almost see him in some of the men I know. Unyieldling and stubborn, distrustful and selfish. While in reality such men stay the assholes that they are, Graelem's gradual change because of Kassia paints a believable, albeit unlikely, picture of typical female fantasies that women could "save such men from their misery", aka turn a bad boy into a loving man, which of course, is only an urban legend.
If you generally find Coulter's stories repulsive, you will likely find this one repulsive as well. If you want a tender romance, skip it too. If you want a historical fiction with a relationship as the backbone, and like me, can put some distance between fiction and reality, you might enjoy this book as much as I did.
I rate it 4 stars because I could not stop reading this book. I wanted to read on and see how Graelem and Kassia reconciled with each other. Graelem is a real asshole, no kidding. You rarely see a hero with such unredeemable qualities. Kassia is all perfect and forgiving with occational shows of girlish pride. It is not the romance that appealed to me. Honestly there is no romance in this story at all, if you ask me. It does however, concentrates on the relationship, how the relationship began tenderly and then was destroyed by distrust and doubts.
I will not make excuses for Graelem's behaviors. He is no hero. I can almost see him in some of the men I know. Unyieldling and stubborn, distrustful and selfish. While in reality such men stay the assholes that they are, Graelem's gradual change because of Kassia paints a believable, albeit unlikely, picture of typical female fantasies that women could "save such men from their misery", aka turn a bad boy into a loving man, which of course, is only an urban legend.
If you generally find Coulter's stories repulsive, you will likely find this one repulsive as well. If you want a tender romance, skip it too. If you want a historical fiction with a relationship as the backbone, and like me, can put some distance between fiction and reality, you might enjoy this book as much as I did.
March 23, 2012
Thoughts before reading:
Okay? Am I just supposed to forget that when trying to force Chandra to marry him he rapped Mary? Am I supposed to be routing for this man now? I’m sorry that’s like celebrating the happy marriage of the central park rapist. Or congratulating Jack the Ripper on a successful hunting trip.
Thoughts after reading:
I’m calling it. Two books in this series were more then enough. All he did was rape and wench and cast aside women. Maybe it was because of my preconceived opinions but I DID NOT WANT ANYTHING GOOD TO HAPPEN TO GRAELAM. I should have stopped reading this series as soon as I saw Graelam was the hero of this book.
Okay? Am I just supposed to forget that when trying to force Chandra to marry him he rapped Mary? Am I supposed to be routing for this man now? I’m sorry that’s like celebrating the happy marriage of the central park rapist. Or congratulating Jack the Ripper on a successful hunting trip.
Thoughts after reading:
I’m calling it. Two books in this series were more then enough. All he did was rape and wench and cast aside women. Maybe it was because of my preconceived opinions but I DID NOT WANT ANYTHING GOOD TO HAPPEN TO GRAELAM. I should have stopped reading this series as soon as I saw Graelam was the hero of this book.
January 22, 2008
So bad i actually wrote to the author about it. First and only time I've done that.
Read
June 23, 2010i hated this book so much that i took some precious time out of my life to write to the author about how much i hated it. How does a cheater and rapist become a hero of a romance, i have no idea. Kassia should've gotten out of the marriage from the get go. God i hated this book, there are no words to describe how much i detested this.
February 2, 2011
When it comes to Fire Song, I suspect many of the ratings will be a reflection of the reader's feelings toward Graelam de Moreton, the "hero" of the book. Many heroes are jaded in some way, all the more to redeem themselves, and yet I'm not utterly convinced Graelam found redemption at the end. If anything he is a reformed man in progress. The story between Graelam de Moreton and Kassia de Lorris though is better, not particularly romantic but one of a medieval beauty and the beast: tumultuous and in some instances emotionally jarring. Graelam and Kassia are truly opposites. He is older, more experienced with the cruelty of life, whereas she is young and optimistic and it is their natures that clashes but also brings them together.
Graelam is far from a hero. He is a warrior, which is fitting having only known a harsh life strife with brutality and a belief that men rule and women to be overruled. Unsurprisingly, it is not love that brigs Graelam and Kassia together in matrimony, but seemingly inevitable death. Despite her fragile and soft appearance, Kassia has a quiet strength and a fighting spirit that rival a warrior princess. Most importantly, she is a survivor who later finds herself married to the intimidating Graelam.
It is not his faults, of which there are many, that Kassia sees at first but a gentle nature and tenderness that surprises them both. She is quick to believe, to place a halo on her husband, and just as quick to forgive. After all he is not an easy man to live with, much less love but she forges on. One argument, one battle, one wit at a time. Unwilling to "lose" to a woman, Graelam is distrustful and harsh to his wife, quick to find faults and attribute them to a deceptive and manipulative nature.
He is many things, not an easy man, exerting his power with cruelty and expressing harshness but he does with Kassia's unyielding belief in the goodness of his nature. Although, based in naivety, she sees many instances of kindness that only reinforces it. Her kindness penetrates his cold soul, melting away layers of coldness. His difficult nature and many shortcomings aren't celebrated, nor are they romanticized but perhaps his transformation, however slow can be viewed in a more favorable light. He isn't perfect, he still isn't perfect but with his wife's support and unconditional love he is able to receive and give love.
Graelam is far from a hero. He is a warrior, which is fitting having only known a harsh life strife with brutality and a belief that men rule and women to be overruled. Unsurprisingly, it is not love that brigs Graelam and Kassia together in matrimony, but seemingly inevitable death. Despite her fragile and soft appearance, Kassia has a quiet strength and a fighting spirit that rival a warrior princess. Most importantly, she is a survivor who later finds herself married to the intimidating Graelam.
It is not his faults, of which there are many, that Kassia sees at first but a gentle nature and tenderness that surprises them both. She is quick to believe, to place a halo on her husband, and just as quick to forgive. After all he is not an easy man to live with, much less love but she forges on. One argument, one battle, one wit at a time. Unwilling to "lose" to a woman, Graelam is distrustful and harsh to his wife, quick to find faults and attribute them to a deceptive and manipulative nature.
He is many things, not an easy man, exerting his power with cruelty and expressing harshness but he does with Kassia's unyielding belief in the goodness of his nature. Although, based in naivety, she sees many instances of kindness that only reinforces it. Her kindness penetrates his cold soul, melting away layers of coldness. His difficult nature and many shortcomings aren't celebrated, nor are they romanticized but perhaps his transformation, however slow can be viewed in a more favorable light. He isn't perfect, he still isn't perfect but with his wife's support and unconditional love he is able to receive and give love.
October 23, 2025
Моралът не е въпрос на епоха. Но представата кой е нормален представител на обществото определено е! И считаното някога за нормално днес може да доведе до затвор в тежки случаи и до развод - в леки. Затова е необичайно, че авторката е наистина е успяла да поднесе всичко в историята не като добро, а просто като част от грубия средновековен пейзаж, където жените оцеляват както могат, и гледката на това оцеляване рядко е била приятна.
3,5⭐️
3,5⭐️
September 25, 2019
Since I am a fan of jackass heroes and long suffering heroines this was an enjoyable book for me!
May 25, 2013
Kassia de Lorris is heiress to the magnificent keep of Bellaterre, but she may not live long enough to inherit. The lovely young woman is suddenly taken ill and her father, Maurice, fears that powerful forces may take advantage of this apparent weakness in the succession.
Kassia’s cousin, Geoffrey, covets the wealthy property, but Maurice knows he isn’t fit to command. In a desperate move to protect Bellaterre, Maurice weds his daughter, Kassia, to a virtual stranger, Lord Graelam de Moreton.
Graelam is a knight hardened in battle. Little touches him, but the sight of Kassia’s sweet face and fragile hands affect him greatly. To honor their friendship, Graelam weds Maurice’s daughter on what may be her deathbed. Sadly, he assumes that he shall never see his young bride again.
Graelam returns home to England and, at last, prepares to take a wife. The lovely Joanna is chosen for him by Cornwall, but Blanche, Graelam’s sister-in-law from a previous marriage, also wishes to wed the knight. Graelam is handsome and strong. Wolffeton is also a powerful keep. Although lacking in social amenities, the vast holding will secure Blanche’s future and that of her young son.
As Blanche prepares to oust the Lady Joanna, a stranger suddenly arrives from Brittany, a small woman named Kassia, claiming to be Graelam’s wife! No one is more surprised by Kassia’s arrival than her husband. Wolffeton is set on its ear as the three women vie for Graelam’s attentions.
At last, Joanna departs in a huff, but Blanche continues her assault on the young mistress of Wolffeton, twisting the truth to suit her devious plans. Again and again, Kassia is made to look the fool, but she cannot help herself. Despite Graelam’s gruff manner and harsh handling, she falls in love with her handsome husband.
Will Graelam realize the truth in time or will Kassia be forced to return home to Bellaterre in misery and disgrace? Great period piece filled with intrigue.
Kassia’s cousin, Geoffrey, covets the wealthy property, but Maurice knows he isn’t fit to command. In a desperate move to protect Bellaterre, Maurice weds his daughter, Kassia, to a virtual stranger, Lord Graelam de Moreton.
Graelam is a knight hardened in battle. Little touches him, but the sight of Kassia’s sweet face and fragile hands affect him greatly. To honor their friendship, Graelam weds Maurice’s daughter on what may be her deathbed. Sadly, he assumes that he shall never see his young bride again.
Graelam returns home to England and, at last, prepares to take a wife. The lovely Joanna is chosen for him by Cornwall, but Blanche, Graelam’s sister-in-law from a previous marriage, also wishes to wed the knight. Graelam is handsome and strong. Wolffeton is also a powerful keep. Although lacking in social amenities, the vast holding will secure Blanche’s future and that of her young son.
As Blanche prepares to oust the Lady Joanna, a stranger suddenly arrives from Brittany, a small woman named Kassia, claiming to be Graelam’s wife! No one is more surprised by Kassia’s arrival than her husband. Wolffeton is set on its ear as the three women vie for Graelam’s attentions.
At last, Joanna departs in a huff, but Blanche continues her assault on the young mistress of Wolffeton, twisting the truth to suit her devious plans. Again and again, Kassia is made to look the fool, but she cannot help herself. Despite Graelam’s gruff manner and harsh handling, she falls in love with her handsome husband.
Will Graelam realize the truth in time or will Kassia be forced to return home to Bellaterre in misery and disgrace? Great period piece filled with intrigue.
September 12, 2009
Married on her deathbed to Graelam, Kassia miraculously recovers and goes to rejoin her husband--a hard man not ready for a wife.
How on earth is a rapist and abuser a 'bad boy' just begging to be reformed by love? While this story seems to flow slightly better than Warrior's Song, I hated Graelam so much. He really doesn't deserve any sort of happiness. Dying in battle would have been more satisfying. I felt so sorry for Kassia the entire time, even while I was railing at her to just snap and get out.
How on earth is a rapist and abuser a 'bad boy' just begging to be reformed by love? While this story seems to flow slightly better than Warrior's Song, I hated Graelam so much. He really doesn't deserve any sort of happiness. Dying in battle would have been more satisfying. I felt so sorry for Kassia the entire time, even while I was railing at her to just snap and get out.
dnf
August 2, 2012Did not finish it.A person who rapes and cheats,then blames everything on wife,nothing can redeem him.Cannot surpass the rape and cheating,its unforgivable:(
Read
July 8, 2022I would cut off the H's dick. Unless you didn't know the H brutally raped the h from the previous book and the bastard daughter is the result. If you loved this book I don't know what to think
October 24, 2025
Another book that had a good first half then fizzled. Graelem rescues Kassias father. When they arrive at his home in France they discover his daughter has a sickness and is near death. The dad wants Graelem to marry Kassie so that he becomes his heir instead of the evil cousin. The H marries unconscious h then leaves for England. Kassia survives and months later she finds out she’s married when her father is notified by H that he is about to marry again. Kassia goes to the H and he decides to keep her.He considers her chattel. His dead wife’s sister is the evil ow. All kinds of bodice ripper shiz happens. After all that’s what this is a classic BR. Don’t read it expecting sunshine and rainbows and a mamby pamby Hero. He’s an ass and takes what he wants. He also cheats with a secondary evil Ow serving girl and Kassia walks in on them. He doesn’t finish so there’s that… and also recent virgin Kassia is glad because she finds sex painful.. but also she feels possessive/jealous. Anyway then a lot of excesss is thrown in to drive the plot to the end.
January 31, 2024
Motherhood. Fertility. The functioning uterus. Children.
These are all things that this book, which I see was first published in 1985, discussed at long and great length, and possibly—and I don't want to put words in her mouth—what led Susan Faludi to write her famous Backlash book.
Having children. Mainly male children, but women > illegitimate children.
It's the single most important and most discussed topic in this book of over 400 pages. Let's review all the pregnancy issues and/or people who got pregnant within the pages:
-Kassia’s father is sterile, so there is no point in marrying again to ensure his estate doesn't go to his heinous, cowardly, possibly murderous nephew.
-Blanche, the OW of status, has a son and a daughter…somewhere. The daughter is never mentioned again, but the son is mentioned at great length and has screen time.
-Nan, the serving maid, falls pregnant to Graelam and is then packed off to a peasant worker with a neat dowry. He's pleased as mead, because the bastard child’s upbringing is paid for, he gets a working child, and he knows for sure his wife's womb is fully functioning.
-Chandra, Graelam’s ex-love is pregnant—proof her marriage and love are real.
-Mary, some other woman from the first book, I'm assuming, has a child by Graelam’s magically potent sperm and has a child that's immediately recognizable at first glance by Kassia, in a move that's more impressive than modern-day genetic testing.
-Blanche gets pregnant—against her will. But she's the evil other woman, so this is considered too good an ending for her, but luckily it puts her out of the way of our main couple.
-Kassia’s father eventually remarries. It's a great thing she's a widow with TWO sons and a daughter who gets a tiny blurb. Now the dastardly nephew can't do anything to inherit now.
-The queen—maybe?—might? be pregnant. (I couldn't tell which country she was queen of, or maybe she wasn't a queen. All the kings and queens went by their first names instead of having their title in front, unlike Queen Elizabeth. It was that kind of a casual, chummy era.)
-Everyone's hips and menstrual cycles and sleeping arrangements are discussed publicly. Because they lead to, you know, children. Cue heavenly lights and choir.
-Kassia’s entire marriage and the entirety of this book. It hinges on inheritance and children. [cue lights and choir] She needs to do her duty and give Graelam a child within a year or else all the reigning monarchs on both continents will disband their marriage. This task is made difficult when Graelam is seized by a fit of lust after not seeing her for two days and then falls on her like a rampaging bull and traumatizes her for two hundred pages. She mans up however (⇐I used this in a toxic fashion, because it was that kind of an era), and does her duty. Eventually, she ends up miscarrying, which signals our third act climax.
-No worries. In the epilogue, it's shown that despite her non-childbearingesque skinniness, her uterus and hips are able to bring forth a child in under four hours. Graelam is pleased and immediately discusses plans for more. Kassia is less than pleased, but what can she do?
- Lady Joanna and the murderous nephew are to be engaged to be married. Since both parties are too heinous to have a happy ending, this is the only couple without children. [cue lights and choir]
*This reminds me that 90% of the romance novels I read growing up had a viable pregnancy in the epilogue, complete with the scene of a doting father next to the just labored mother and child. A few placed the scene even further in the future, so that we can see the happy couple plus three or four.*
Despite all this, I happily endorse the writing of this novel. The dialogue was on point and natural for the time period. The setting was beautifully done. Medieval life was richly laid out and extensively researched, down to the economics of everyday life, including all the varying motivations from people of all different sects of life.
Editing and grammar were 🤌 as per pre-Covid times. Graelam’s toxic masculinity was a given and accepted by his biddable little wife. (Hey, she tried to protest many times, but seriously what could she do?) There was no satisfactory grovel, and she 'fesses her love first—that's probably fair since he's a “man built for war.” His biggest concession is never raping her again (fidelity is never discussed), so you know, progress.
It's not a great romance, but it's a damn solid historical novel—and reflects the time period of when it was written.
———
Reading progress at 10%:
It's time to add to my rapity-rape-rape folder!
But seriously, I'm not even halfway through the first chapter, and already I'm impressed with the level of research she poured into the setting. Stone-age misogyny, here I come!
These are all things that this book, which I see was first published in 1985, discussed at long and great length, and possibly—and I don't want to put words in her mouth—what led Susan Faludi to write her famous Backlash book.
Having children. Mainly male children, but women > illegitimate children.
It's the single most important and most discussed topic in this book of over 400 pages. Let's review all the pregnancy issues and/or people who got pregnant within the pages:
-Kassia’s father is sterile, so there is no point in marrying again to ensure his estate doesn't go to his heinous, cowardly, possibly murderous nephew.
-Blanche, the OW of status, has a son and a daughter…somewhere. The daughter is never mentioned again, but the son is mentioned at great length and has screen time.
-Nan, the serving maid, falls pregnant to Graelam and is then packed off to a peasant worker with a neat dowry. He's pleased as mead, because the bastard child’s upbringing is paid for, he gets a working child, and he knows for sure his wife's womb is fully functioning.
-Chandra, Graelam’s ex-love is pregnant—proof her marriage and love are real.
-Mary, some other woman from the first book, I'm assuming, has a child by Graelam’s magically potent sperm and has a child that's immediately recognizable at first glance by Kassia, in a move that's more impressive than modern-day genetic testing.
-Blanche gets pregnant—against her will. But she's the evil other woman, so this is considered too good an ending for her, but luckily it puts her out of the way of our main couple.
-Kassia’s father eventually remarries. It's a great thing she's a widow with TWO sons and a daughter who gets a tiny blurb. Now the dastardly nephew can't do anything to inherit now.
-The queen—maybe?—might? be pregnant. (I couldn't tell which country she was queen of, or maybe she wasn't a queen. All the kings and queens went by their first names instead of having their title in front, unlike Queen Elizabeth. It was that kind of a casual, chummy era.)
-Everyone's hips and menstrual cycles and sleeping arrangements are discussed publicly. Because they lead to, you know, children. Cue heavenly lights and choir.
-Kassia’s entire marriage and the entirety of this book. It hinges on inheritance and children. [cue lights and choir] She needs to do her duty and give Graelam a child within a year or else all the reigning monarchs on both continents will disband their marriage. This task is made difficult when Graelam is seized by a fit of lust after not seeing her for two days and then falls on her like a rampaging bull and traumatizes her for two hundred pages. She mans up however (⇐I used this in a toxic fashion, because it was that kind of an era), and does her duty. Eventually, she ends up miscarrying, which signals our third act climax.
-No worries. In the epilogue, it's shown that despite her non-childbearingesque skinniness, her uterus and hips are able to bring forth a child in under four hours. Graelam is pleased and immediately discusses plans for more. Kassia is less than pleased, but what can she do?
- Lady Joanna and the murderous nephew are to be engaged to be married. Since both parties are too heinous to have a happy ending, this is the only couple without children. [cue lights and choir]
*This reminds me that 90% of the romance novels I read growing up had a viable pregnancy in the epilogue, complete with the scene of a doting father next to the just labored mother and child. A few placed the scene even further in the future, so that we can see the happy couple plus three or four.*
Despite all this, I happily endorse the writing of this novel. The dialogue was on point and natural for the time period. The setting was beautifully done. Medieval life was richly laid out and extensively researched, down to the economics of everyday life, including all the varying motivations from people of all different sects of life.
Editing and grammar were 🤌 as per pre-Covid times. Graelam’s toxic masculinity was a given and accepted by his biddable little wife. (Hey, she tried to protest many times, but seriously what could she do?) There was no satisfactory grovel, and she 'fesses her love first—that's probably fair since he's a “man built for war.” His biggest concession is never raping her again (fidelity is never discussed), so you know, progress.
It's not a great romance, but it's a damn solid historical novel—and reflects the time period of when it was written.
———
Reading progress at 10%:
It's time to add to my rapity-rape-rape folder!
But seriously, I'm not even halfway through the first chapter, and already I'm impressed with the level of research she poured into the setting. Stone-age misogyny, here I come!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2013
I don't read very many romance novels. I kind of roll my eyes when someone mentions them actually, hahaha. But my friend willingly admits that they are her guilty pleasure, so when she recommended this book to me, I basically turned her down. Her repeated recommendations eventually wore me down and I borrowed the book. Needless to say, it caught my attention in the first twenty pages and held it there to the finish. I loved it so much, I even went out and bought my own copy. Still has some cheesy romance-novel-esque parts, but I found it thoroughly entertaining.
July 19, 2024
this is not a desirable hero, he is truly a medieval lord - stubborn and sexist and stupid. I actually think I originally found this book because he was voted one of the worst heroes in romance
but I liked this story, of course he changes greatly by the end, it’s even better having read the next book and seeing what a simp he becomes
this was a reread for me but this time I listened to the audiobook
but I liked this story, of course he changes greatly by the end, it’s even better having read the next book and seeing what a simp he becomes
this was a reread for me but this time I listened to the audiobook
Read
March 22, 2013disgusting ... sickening .... i hated it.. i kept reading and hoping it would get better ... but i hated both the hero and the heroin ... this was a failure of a book.... a total disgrace
January 14, 2024
Well.... I just have to say I do not like this book.....
Summary: Douchebag Lord weds unaware teenage girl on her deathbed per her father's request to protect his lands from the evil nephew. The Lord (Graelam) leaves thinking all is well. He doesn't have to worry about this wife as she is dead & once the father dies he has more land. Hooray for him.... However, the father kept a big secret from Graelam.... the girl (Karissa) survived her ordeal and is thriving! The father hid the marriage from the daughter & her wellbeing from Graelam. In the meantime Graelam is soon to wed another woman and the Duke is getting word from the evil nephew that this whole marriage is a sham. Under pressure and worry the father and Karissa decide that she will go to Graelam unannounced & let him know she is alive & well (& of course this happens while his bride to be are visiting). Karissa arrives and causes a stir, the (no longer) bride to be leaves in a huff and everyone is in awe of Karissa. Mainly, because they all compare her to a skinny boy due to her slender body, short hair (it was cut off while she was ill due to her fever), and small chest. She has to work on becoming the lady of the manor & taking charge but this isn't working well due to the constant combat between Kassia & Nan (a recently widowed servant that has visited Lord Graelam's bed quite a lot recently) & the Lord's half sister in law (his deceased wife's half sister). The sister in law wants to marry him to give herself & her children a better life as she is now widowed as well. So she plays the subservient woman & Graelam loves this so continues to give her power in the home & over the servants & taking her side when she lies about Kassia.
That is the setup. What happens during & after all this is Lord Graelam being an asshole constantly. Giving Kassia body dysmorphia (please see above, comparing her to a boy, comparing her to other women, talking about how small her chest is, talking about her eating more so she can gain more weight to fit a body type he likes, etc), literal rape, constant rape threats, cheating on Kassia (gets the servant Nan pregnant & sells her to a local farmer who recently lost his wife to pawn her off), threats of physical harm/violence, accusations of theft (& running away from him. Long story short the SIL started playing nice with Kassia, gained her trust & paid men with a stolen valuable necklace from Graelam to abduct Kassia & take her away), etc etc etc. He rapes Kassia early on in the book and for the rest of the book he threatens rape again & again but it is Kassia dealing with her trauma and being frightened of him while still trying to make her marriage work because she loves him (gag). She even tries to learn "men's sports" (AKA archery) because the woman that Graelam had a thing for previously (apparently from the first book which I have not read) is a warrior. She tries extra hard & hides it from him to surprise him at a tournament that she set up so she could impress him. Unfortunately, during this tournament she was on a horse she was not used to & fell off. Later that day she suffers a miscarriage, but she hadn't known she was pregnant. Not only does Graelam MAKE FUN OF HER (basically because he thinks she is so naive & doesn't know about womanly things - SHES 17 AND HER MOM DIED DURING CHILDBIRTH SO SHE DIDN'T HAVE A MOTHER) but he also holds it against her that she was doing "manly sports" & killed their child. He is a total monster & asshole the whole time & yes yes I get it... it was medieval times & this is how men/knights/lords were. I DON'T CARE IT WAS TOO MUCH. But, don't worry, peppered in there he has some thoughts of "man, maybe I shouldn't have raped her" "oh jeez, I'm an asshole" "wow I really do love my wife" "shoot, I should stop accusing her of things she didn't do & hold it against her" etc & shows some moments of growth & "kindness" but he usually reverts back to his asshole ways in his eternal struggle with how men should behave in this era based on his father's raising of him (beat women, they are property, basically only good for breeding, sleep with anyone you want, etc). No actions of his were enough to redeem him.
I will give credit to the author, she wrote well enough that I really felt for Kassia the entire time. I felt her fear & struggles and I was rooting for her the whole time. She constantly put up with more bullshit than anyone ever should but still held her head high & tried her best to move forward.
In the end, she does stay with him & he's okay or nice now or something and they have a son & he cracks jokes about her getting knocked up again soon (even though they thought she was going to die in childbirth). Fin.
HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR THINGS THAT GAVE ME THE ICK IN THIS BOOK:
-There is a scene straight out of Revenge of the Nerds (you know the scene... Darth Vader & the bounce house....) A knight named Guy sneaks in to SIL's room twice & sleeps with her BUT SHE THINKS IT IS LORD GRAELAM. And the knight forces her to marry him after this. She doesn't realize it was Guy until he announces in front of a crowd of people that he is going to marry her after "going to her bed" the past few nights.
-Towards the end of the book Kassia finally has enough of Graelam & goes back to her father. (Where she finds out he married a woman with 2 children & never told her....). She looks worse for wear due to her whole ordeal with Graelam and when the dad gives Kassia a hug HE DESCRIBES FEELING HER BREASTS FOR THE FIRST TIME & REALIZING SHE IS "A WOMAN" & STARTS TO THINK ABOUT IF GRAELAM HAS RAPED HER.... wtf... I can't even make this stuff up.
-The literal end of the book is Graelam drinking Kassia's breast milk (from the source) & jokingly saying he is jealous that the baby gets her warm milk.
I could go on but I won't.... That is enough. And, to give more insight, I never read books like this. I did this for a book club. I know that this author & genre have a lot of fans and I in no way want to criticize any readers out there. This type of book is just not for me. And I want to reiterate that I do understand that the things that happened in this book line up with the time that it takes place in, I just don't like reading such harsh treatment of women (or anyone really).
Summary: Douchebag Lord weds unaware teenage girl on her deathbed per her father's request to protect his lands from the evil nephew. The Lord (Graelam) leaves thinking all is well. He doesn't have to worry about this wife as she is dead & once the father dies he has more land. Hooray for him.... However, the father kept a big secret from Graelam.... the girl (Karissa) survived her ordeal and is thriving! The father hid the marriage from the daughter & her wellbeing from Graelam. In the meantime Graelam is soon to wed another woman and the Duke is getting word from the evil nephew that this whole marriage is a sham. Under pressure and worry the father and Karissa decide that she will go to Graelam unannounced & let him know she is alive & well (& of course this happens while his bride to be are visiting). Karissa arrives and causes a stir, the (no longer) bride to be leaves in a huff and everyone is in awe of Karissa. Mainly, because they all compare her to a skinny boy due to her slender body, short hair (it was cut off while she was ill due to her fever), and small chest. She has to work on becoming the lady of the manor & taking charge but this isn't working well due to the constant combat between Kassia & Nan (a recently widowed servant that has visited Lord Graelam's bed quite a lot recently) & the Lord's half sister in law (his deceased wife's half sister). The sister in law wants to marry him to give herself & her children a better life as she is now widowed as well. So she plays the subservient woman & Graelam loves this so continues to give her power in the home & over the servants & taking her side when she lies about Kassia.
That is the setup. What happens during & after all this is Lord Graelam being an asshole constantly. Giving Kassia body dysmorphia (please see above, comparing her to a boy, comparing her to other women, talking about how small her chest is, talking about her eating more so she can gain more weight to fit a body type he likes, etc), literal rape, constant rape threats, cheating on Kassia (gets the servant Nan pregnant & sells her to a local farmer who recently lost his wife to pawn her off), threats of physical harm/violence, accusations of theft (& running away from him. Long story short the SIL started playing nice with Kassia, gained her trust & paid men with a stolen valuable necklace from Graelam to abduct Kassia & take her away), etc etc etc. He rapes Kassia early on in the book and for the rest of the book he threatens rape again & again but it is Kassia dealing with her trauma and being frightened of him while still trying to make her marriage work because she loves him (gag). She even tries to learn "men's sports" (AKA archery) because the woman that Graelam had a thing for previously (apparently from the first book which I have not read) is a warrior. She tries extra hard & hides it from him to surprise him at a tournament that she set up so she could impress him. Unfortunately, during this tournament she was on a horse she was not used to & fell off. Later that day she suffers a miscarriage, but she hadn't known she was pregnant. Not only does Graelam MAKE FUN OF HER (basically because he thinks she is so naive & doesn't know about womanly things - SHES 17 AND HER MOM DIED DURING CHILDBIRTH SO SHE DIDN'T HAVE A MOTHER) but he also holds it against her that she was doing "manly sports" & killed their child. He is a total monster & asshole the whole time & yes yes I get it... it was medieval times & this is how men/knights/lords were. I DON'T CARE IT WAS TOO MUCH. But, don't worry, peppered in there he has some thoughts of "man, maybe I shouldn't have raped her" "oh jeez, I'm an asshole" "wow I really do love my wife" "shoot, I should stop accusing her of things she didn't do & hold it against her" etc & shows some moments of growth & "kindness" but he usually reverts back to his asshole ways in his eternal struggle with how men should behave in this era based on his father's raising of him (beat women, they are property, basically only good for breeding, sleep with anyone you want, etc). No actions of his were enough to redeem him.
I will give credit to the author, she wrote well enough that I really felt for Kassia the entire time. I felt her fear & struggles and I was rooting for her the whole time. She constantly put up with more bullshit than anyone ever should but still held her head high & tried her best to move forward.
In the end, she does stay with him & he's okay or nice now or something and they have a son & he cracks jokes about her getting knocked up again soon (even though they thought she was going to die in childbirth). Fin.
HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR THINGS THAT GAVE ME THE ICK IN THIS BOOK:
-There is a scene straight out of Revenge of the Nerds (you know the scene... Darth Vader & the bounce house....) A knight named Guy sneaks in to SIL's room twice & sleeps with her BUT SHE THINKS IT IS LORD GRAELAM. And the knight forces her to marry him after this. She doesn't realize it was Guy until he announces in front of a crowd of people that he is going to marry her after "going to her bed" the past few nights.
-Towards the end of the book Kassia finally has enough of Graelam & goes back to her father. (Where she finds out he married a woman with 2 children & never told her....). She looks worse for wear due to her whole ordeal with Graelam and when the dad gives Kassia a hug HE DESCRIBES FEELING HER BREASTS FOR THE FIRST TIME & REALIZING SHE IS "A WOMAN" & STARTS TO THINK ABOUT IF GRAELAM HAS RAPED HER.... wtf... I can't even make this stuff up.
-The literal end of the book is Graelam drinking Kassia's breast milk (from the source) & jokingly saying he is jealous that the baby gets her warm milk.
I could go on but I won't.... That is enough. And, to give more insight, I never read books like this. I did this for a book club. I know that this author & genre have a lot of fans and I in no way want to criticize any readers out there. This type of book is just not for me. And I want to reiterate that I do understand that the things that happened in this book line up with the time that it takes place in, I just don't like reading such harsh treatment of women (or anyone really).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
Personal opinion:
Morality -in my opinion- has no place in novels. Characters don't have to be good people, they have to be entertaining or likeable enough to read about. And enjoying a story about an assassin killing people right and left does not mean the reader or author condones murder. Its fantasy.
Why I bought this book: Cause
Why I like this book:
Graelam! He is HORRIBLE! Yes, yes, I know. Weird reason to like it. He is type of man you'd club on the head with a bat. He is: . And he's not sorry for any of that. The author doesn't try to redeem him. He doesn't really change and he was extremely entertaining to read about.
-Graelam! You kicked a puppy!
-Yeah, what of it? Are you gonna nag about this woman?
Or if you want the book version paraphrased:
This is towards the end. It is delightful to see a character that just doesn't even get what he is doing wrong. Not even in the end. I was entertained.
Go figure.
Back to my regency betas now :P
Morality -in my opinion- has no place in novels. Characters don't have to be good people, they have to be entertaining or likeable enough to read about. And enjoying a story about an assassin killing people right and left does not mean the reader or author condones murder. Its fantasy.
Why I bought this book: Cause
Why I like this book:
Graelam! He is HORRIBLE! Yes, yes, I know. Weird reason to like it. He is type of man you'd club on the head with a bat. He is: . And he's not sorry for any of that. The author doesn't try to redeem him. He doesn't really change and he was extremely entertaining to read about.
-Graelam! You kicked a puppy!
-Yeah, what of it? Are you gonna nag about this woman?
Or if you want the book version paraphrased:
This is towards the end. It is delightful to see a character that just doesn't even get what he is doing wrong. Not even in the end. I was entertained.
Go figure.
Back to my regency betas now :P
July 21, 2019
I absolutely loved Fire Song!!! This is certainly not a standard romance, so if you are looking for sweet fairy tales of Prince Charming, look away!!! I was so angry at Lord Graelam de Moreton in Warrior’s Song. I would never in a million years expect the author to give me any new feelings for him. Catherine Coulter had me on a roller coaster of emotions from the opening pages. I could tell immediately that Lord Graelam seemed a little nicer than he had been in the previous novel at least to Kassia’s father who he rescued. His attitude toward women was horrible before and is still horrible, but more realistic than most historical novels. The idea of women being possessions and nothing more is hard to understand, but it was that way so for the author to write otherwise would be a fairy tale. Catherine Coulter kept things real to the times and made me feel hurt and anger for sweet Kassia. I can not imagine being forced to live as some women had to. The strength it took for Kassia to endure the situation with her husband’s mistresses, his hurtful words, and his painful treatment made her seem so brave. I did not see her as only a victim, but a warrior of the times. I mean what choice was there for any lady in her position. Having said all that, there were moments where the heat was on between Lord Graelam and Kassia. This novel makes you feel bad, good, angry, hot, swoony and all the feelings. I love a chance to feel strong emotions on all sides.
April 1, 2013
Hmm. Not sure quite how to rate this. I love a good bodice ripper. I don't get offended at rape between the hero and heroine as that's how life was back in the olden days and quite honestly, this is fiction. Bodice rippers usually start with the hero being an a-hole and progress from there to eventual redemption. This followed a different course. Graelem was a kind, considerate man then his switch flipped and he turned into a raging jerk. Apparently because the heroine Kassia took some velvet out of his trunk without asking? He used that as an excuse for every cruel thing he said and did. That is, until Kassia was set up to make it look like she had somehow betrayed him and then he turned even crueler. Also, I understand Graelem was tall, dark, and handsome but did the story need not one but three jealous whores trying to steal him from the sweet innocent heroine? Pretty much every other scene consisted of Graelem ordering Kassia to strip and forcing himself on her while saying "Tell me the truth about your lover." Of course there is no lover. It never occurs to this kind beautiful girl to cheat on Graelem. And he refuses to trust her for really no good reason. These scenes started to feel like the movie Groundhog Day. Talk about tedious.
May 30, 2020
⚠️ This book should come with a huge content warning alert!! 🚨
Now I don’t know about this author, nor about all the enthusiastic readers who championed this book, but rape is not romantic! Abuse is not romantic! Misogyny is not romantic!
See, the thing is, I signed up for a romance story; a feel-good escape with a relatively satisfying conclusion. Now, if I wanted to read about the horrible atrocities done to cis-gender women across time and place, then at least I would have wanted it to be my choice, not to trip on it under the false guise of a romance. At least then I would have chosen a book that respects survivors, and calls a perpetrator of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse, an offender.
Indeed, the main male character is certainly a pitiful excuse for the genre’s bad boy redemption arch. He is more fitting for a one dimensional antagonist, rather than the protagonist of a romance novel.
Now I don’t know about this author, nor about all the enthusiastic readers who championed this book, but rape is not romantic! Abuse is not romantic! Misogyny is not romantic!
See, the thing is, I signed up for a romance story; a feel-good escape with a relatively satisfying conclusion. Now, if I wanted to read about the horrible atrocities done to cis-gender women across time and place, then at least I would have wanted it to be my choice, not to trip on it under the false guise of a romance. At least then I would have chosen a book that respects survivors, and calls a perpetrator of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse, an offender.
Indeed, the main male character is certainly a pitiful excuse for the genre’s bad boy redemption arch. He is more fitting for a one dimensional antagonist, rather than the protagonist of a romance novel.
September 11, 2025
By and1515
Graelam watched as a rabble group of about a dozen men was attacking a merchant and his armed men.
He'd seen enough with a quick yell he lead his men into battle as they killed or at the very least chased of the rabble.
With a wonderful invitation extended to him and his men from a greatfull merchant by the named Maurice de Lorris.
They spent the night at his sister's holding before making their way to Maurice's Belleterre.
However upon their arrival his host received the worst news any parent could imagine his beloved child was sick and probably dying.
Graelam thought the man had lost his mind when he begged him to marry his dying daughter. Because it would keep his greedy nephew from getting his hands on his property.
Finally he gave his consent to the quick marriage think how unfair life could be after all his bride was slowly slipping away.
Before leaving for home he stopped and offered the Duke of Brittany his fidelity and news of his marriage and a beautiful bauble for his wife.
Kassia couldn't believe she was married to a man she didn't know and barely remember seeing during her illness.
The Duke of Cornwall wished him to marry there for to please his over Lord he would.
It was quite comical all the different women fighting to crawl into his bed.
Unfortunately those plans fell through with the arrival of his french wife whom he almost didn't reckonized except for the short hair and his ring.
Annulment... No he wasn't going to have his marriage set aside Kassia was just as much an Heiress as that other witch.
Unfortunately there are those who don't want Kassia to fit in and do there best to undermine her at every turn.
Graelam was so use to women; especially the kind of woman who knew exactly what man wanted from them.
Unfortunately his little wife didn't have a clue and he was totally out of his element were woman like her were concerned.
Blanche was a sneaky witch whom quietly bid her time waited to influence her husband while inflicted all the damage she could.
Yeah what a brute her husband made promises and broke every single one and what she just saw had here wanting to leave.
Graelam knew in that insane moment he shouldn't have and when he went searching for his wife before he realized her intent an he quickly followed.
Kassia should have realized Blanche would do anything to see her gone and would never stop trying to stab her in the back.
She'd never been more terfied in her life but for some reason he took her back instead of hurting her like he claimed he would.
And of course husband didn't believe her even as she explained what happened he accused her of horrible things.
Kassia was a good person with a huge heart and when she discovered the man who'd been paid to kidnap her had been tortured.
She let him go.
Kassia admire Chandra and when she heard that her husband also admired her as well she thought to speak with and then she put an unusual plan in motion.
Even after all their problems filled with doubts and mistrust between them Kassia wanted him to be proud of her.
However that wasn't to be it was no one's fault naught really well maybe her own.
Kassia at last gave up and decided to return to her father and of course she reached out to the only person she could think to help her.
Graelam was beside himself he honestly couldn't see the forest for the trees nor could he see his wife's true nature until she was gone and now. Well now he had plenty to prove.
Graelam watched as a rabble group of about a dozen men was attacking a merchant and his armed men.
He'd seen enough with a quick yell he lead his men into battle as they killed or at the very least chased of the rabble.
With a wonderful invitation extended to him and his men from a greatfull merchant by the named Maurice de Lorris.
They spent the night at his sister's holding before making their way to Maurice's Belleterre.
However upon their arrival his host received the worst news any parent could imagine his beloved child was sick and probably dying.
Graelam thought the man had lost his mind when he begged him to marry his dying daughter. Because it would keep his greedy nephew from getting his hands on his property.
Finally he gave his consent to the quick marriage think how unfair life could be after all his bride was slowly slipping away.
Before leaving for home he stopped and offered the Duke of Brittany his fidelity and news of his marriage and a beautiful bauble for his wife.
Kassia couldn't believe she was married to a man she didn't know and barely remember seeing during her illness.
The Duke of Cornwall wished him to marry there for to please his over Lord he would.
It was quite comical all the different women fighting to crawl into his bed.
Unfortunately those plans fell through with the arrival of his french wife whom he almost didn't reckonized except for the short hair and his ring.
Annulment... No he wasn't going to have his marriage set aside Kassia was just as much an Heiress as that other witch.
Unfortunately there are those who don't want Kassia to fit in and do there best to undermine her at every turn.
Graelam was so use to women; especially the kind of woman who knew exactly what man wanted from them.
Unfortunately his little wife didn't have a clue and he was totally out of his element were woman like her were concerned.
Blanche was a sneaky witch whom quietly bid her time waited to influence her husband while inflicted all the damage she could.
Yeah what a brute her husband made promises and broke every single one and what she just saw had here wanting to leave.
Graelam knew in that insane moment he shouldn't have and when he went searching for his wife before he realized her intent an he quickly followed.
Kassia should have realized Blanche would do anything to see her gone and would never stop trying to stab her in the back.
She'd never been more terfied in her life but for some reason he took her back instead of hurting her like he claimed he would.
And of course husband didn't believe her even as she explained what happened he accused her of horrible things.
Kassia was a good person with a huge heart and when she discovered the man who'd been paid to kidnap her had been tortured.
She let him go.
Kassia admire Chandra and when she heard that her husband also admired her as well she thought to speak with and then she put an unusual plan in motion.
Even after all their problems filled with doubts and mistrust between them Kassia wanted him to be proud of her.
However that wasn't to be it was no one's fault naught really well maybe her own.
Kassia at last gave up and decided to return to her father and of course she reached out to the only person she could think to help her.
Graelam was beside himself he honestly couldn't see the forest for the trees nor could he see his wife's true nature until she was gone and now. Well now he had plenty to prove.
August 26, 2012
Bad Boy Knight Takes a Biddable Bride
Second in Coulter’s Song series, this is the story of Graelam de Moreton, the bad boy knight from the first book, WARRIOR’S SONG. On his return from the crusades, Graelam saves the life of a French nobleman; his reward is the man’s estate and his daughter, Kassia de Lorris of Brittany. They were married while Kassia was ill, unconscious and expected to die, but she didn’t die and so Graelam finds himself with a delicate wife he never would have sought. Kassia is gentle, shy and biddable, and unusual for Graelam, he is gentle with her—at first. Really, he was so tame I hardly recognized the man who raped a young woman in WARRIOR SONG.
But all is not tame for long, and Graelam, who had been gentle with his new bride, turns harsh, particularly when he believes (incorrectly) that she has betrayed him, a belief he holds for most of the book.
What I liked: Coulter does a superb job of bringing to life once again the late 13th century (though no date is given, it is clear this book follows WARRIOR’S SONG set in 1272). The description of the castles, the fortifications and the clothing and food are accurate to the period and the role of women and the language is just medieval enough to suggest the earlier time. Her plot is intriguing and held my interest.
What detracted: We knew Graelam was a domineering, take-what-you-want-by-force kinda guy and so I was not expecting a beta male here, but I do think pairing him with a heroine who was more often given to tears than action made them seems mismatched. Coulter did a good job with the characters she drew but still, they weren’t quite as good a pair at Chandra and Jerval in WARRIOR’S SONG. (and we get to see them here in a cameo appearance). Still, even with the negatives, I liked the story and can recommend it.
The Medieval Song Series:
WARRIOR'S SONG (earlier version titled CHANDRA)
FIRE SONG
EARTH SONG
SECRET SONG
Second in Coulter’s Song series, this is the story of Graelam de Moreton, the bad boy knight from the first book, WARRIOR’S SONG. On his return from the crusades, Graelam saves the life of a French nobleman; his reward is the man’s estate and his daughter, Kassia de Lorris of Brittany. They were married while Kassia was ill, unconscious and expected to die, but she didn’t die and so Graelam finds himself with a delicate wife he never would have sought. Kassia is gentle, shy and biddable, and unusual for Graelam, he is gentle with her—at first. Really, he was so tame I hardly recognized the man who raped a young woman in WARRIOR SONG.
But all is not tame for long, and Graelam, who had been gentle with his new bride, turns harsh, particularly when he believes (incorrectly) that she has betrayed him, a belief he holds for most of the book.
What I liked: Coulter does a superb job of bringing to life once again the late 13th century (though no date is given, it is clear this book follows WARRIOR’S SONG set in 1272). The description of the castles, the fortifications and the clothing and food are accurate to the period and the role of women and the language is just medieval enough to suggest the earlier time. Her plot is intriguing and held my interest.
What detracted: We knew Graelam was a domineering, take-what-you-want-by-force kinda guy and so I was not expecting a beta male here, but I do think pairing him with a heroine who was more often given to tears than action made them seems mismatched. Coulter did a good job with the characters she drew but still, they weren’t quite as good a pair at Chandra and Jerval in WARRIOR’S SONG. (and we get to see them here in a cameo appearance). Still, even with the negatives, I liked the story and can recommend it.
The Medieval Song Series:
WARRIOR'S SONG (earlier version titled CHANDRA)
FIRE SONG
EARTH SONG
SECRET SONG
March 4, 2017
Not the worst book in the world. And in this case, although there was abuse, rape and infidelity, the hero seemed to have come to his senses. He realized what an ass he'd been and begged his wife's forgiveness and became a likeable guy. The hero was relatively in period with his beliefs about women and how love is a weakness and men need to be virile with women(although yikes - he gets into a fight with the heroine and ten minutes later he's going to town with his mistress...) He even didn't seem to mind spreading a few bastards around...he spoke so casually about the 2 he already had and displayed absolutely no emotion about the one he ended up with while married. Seems pretty callous, but is probably historically accurate. I was actually more annoyed with the oh so emotional and turbulent heroine. She whined and cried and acted like a child for a good part of the book. Despite her, I can't say that I hated this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews