The "black sheep" of the de Burgh family is a title Reynold wears well. Outcast and injured, this knight is journeying alone. But his bitter pilgrimage is interrupted by a very determined damsel who holds him to his knight's vow--to protect and serve!
Sabina Sexton knows her reluctant rescuer is skeptical about her quest. But the danger is very real, and wary Sabina must place her life--and her heart--in this dark and dangerously attractive knight's keeping....
Deborah Simmons is the author of twenty-five historical romances and novellas, published by Avon, Berkley, and Harlequin.
A native midwesterner, Simmons graduated cum laude from Wittenberg University and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Her first book, Heart's Masquerade, was published by Avon in 1989 and was followed by a number of Harlequin Historicals, including a USA Today Bestselling anthology. Her 2003 release, A Man of Many Talents, was a launch title for Berkley's Sensation imprint.
Two of her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005.
Simmons has sold two million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in twenty-four foreign countries, including illustrated editions in Japan. She is a member of RWA, Novelists Inc., and the Author's Guild.
"I like to think of my stories as adventures," Simmons says. Most take place in Regency or Medieval England, such as her popular series on the thirteen century de Burgh family. But no matter what the setting, you'll find interesting characters, romance, humor, and mystery.
It was great to finally read Reynold's story. I love him even more after seeing him find his way to his own happy ending. Reynold really made his leg more important than it was. He thought that it was all that anyone ever saw about him, and felt bad because it made him feel different from his brothers. He needed to strike out on his own and find himself. Fortunately, his pilgrimage brought him to a group of people badly in need of a hero. Sabine and her remaining people believe they are being preyed upon by a dragon. They entreat Reynold to protect them from the dragon. Reynold doesn't really believe in dragons, but his knight code requires him to protect those in need. Plus, Peregrine, the squire appointed by his kooky l'Estrange aunts by marriage, insists he needs to do this because it's preordained as his knight's quest. Reynold agrees to help them, and finds himself falling for the blonde beauty Sabine, even knowing she can't feel the same for him because of his infirmity.
I felt that Reynold was somewhat too mopey about his leg. It makes sense, to a certain extent. Being in a family of larger than life men, it must have been hard to be born different. This mission really gets Reynold to see himself and his 'lame' leg different. It doesn't have to be something that requires him to be alone and unloved by a good woman. It doesn't have to define him as a person. He begins to see himself through others' eyes for the strong, intelligent, capable man that he is.
Sabine adores him from the beginning, although she feels he's too good for a simple Sexton's daughter. Plus she's got her own secret cross to bear that she feel makes her unworthy of a man. Reynold is drawn to her, but thinks that she just wants his skills as a knight and not him. Reynold was somewhat frustrating in how he continued to push Sabine away because of his lack of self-worth. He was the only one who didn't see how wonderful he was. He had a habit of comparing himself to his brothers in a way that wasn't favorable for him--although having read the other de Burgh books, I could see that all the brothers have their weaknesses, no less than Reynold's. I was glad that he gets a wakeup call and comes to realize how much he's indulging in self-pity.
Although I thought this was a really good book, I was disappointed on how it was way too focused on the intrigue and mystery of the dragon. I wanted to see more about Reynold and Sabine's relationship. There are no love scenes. Okay, I admit that bothered me, because all the other de Burgh books did have some nice love scenes. I felt like Reynold should have gotten some good love scenes too. I think this book would have been five stars, if it had been a touch more steamy and if the romance was more of a focus. As it is, it's still a very good book, and I am so glad that I got to read Reynold story. I love this man!
Reynold de Burgh takes a last look at his family's castle with a bitter sigh. Surrounded by his brother's happy families this black sheep decides its time for him to move on. Right before he manages to sneak away, the l'Estrange women gift him with some parting gifts and the knowledge that his plans for an aimless pilgrimage may not be as aimless as he thinks. Wary of their matrimony-minded meddlesome ways, but secure in the knowing that marriage is not meant for one such as he, Reynold sets off for his future. Never imagining that he was headed straight into legend, and to a love that would finally bring this aimless wanderer home.
Eh. Sorry folks. Reynold was never one of my favorite de Burghs. Simon always took that prize. I was always optimistic for his story though, because I certainly never could have imagined that Stephen with his charming drunken ways would have nearly usurped Simon's position as my favorite, but Reynold always seemed too bleak for me. I liked him, but I never could imagine how his story was going to unfold. And I never could imagine a heroine able to bring life into his eyes.
Sabina Sexton tries her best, but I think she was too broken herself to be of much use. Unfortunately she reminded me too much of an uneducated, superstitious peasant (harsh, I know) than a fiery and passionate woman capable of shaking Reynold out of his self imposed loneliness and despair. You know how you look at a famous model and you think, "eh. I just don't see the appeal." I never saw her appeal. And Reynold - I don't know what other women see in him. He came across as kind of dense to me. *Ack! Runs away from knife-wielding Reynold lovers* Even Reynold's squire gets disgusted by his woe-is-me attitude.
The story itself was interesting, but a wee bit drab and monotonous. I've always liked how Deborah Simmons's de Burgh brothers all had stories that were slightly unique, and character based. Marion with her amnesia, Geoffrey with his shrieking, spitting, shrew of a wife (she was my favorite heroine), Simon being taken prisoner by his bride, Stephen's lush-like qualities and his witchy wife, and of course who can forget Robin and his witless search for a cure. Reynold and Sabina certainly face a foe that none of his brothers have ever faced, and no medieval romance hero to my limited recollection, and for a while it helped send this story on it's way. When I found out why Sabina was desperately looking for a hero I wondered how DS was going to extricate herself from her own plotline and while she did a good job, I didn't get a whole lot out of this story. The middle part of the book seemed to go nowhere and the rest of it was just drab and colorless. The villagers were all drab, a villain popped up out of nowhere and pieces of the story did not seem to be fully fleshed out. Or maybe I had stopped paying attention. I don't know. I only know that this was so far my least favorite of the de Burgh brothers. In fact, I might even have rated it lower if it had not been for eventually revisiting with one of my favorite fictional families.
So to sum up. I love Deborah Simmons yet this was my least favorite de Burgh brother and my least favorite de Burgh book. But I can't wait for Nicholas's story. Which hopefully won't be an eight year wait.
Serinin altıncı kitabınıda okuyup bitirmiş olarak tatlı bir burukluk hissediyorum. Sondan bir önceki kitap olduğundan biraz garip hissettim ve yavaş yavaş seriye veda ettiğimizin bilincine vardım.
Serimiz gene Brighit'in çatlak halalarının Reynold'ı kaçarken yakalamasıyla başlıyor. Tabi bizim öngörü yeteneğine sahip halalarımız bunu bildiğinden Reynold'ın yanına Peregrine'i veriyorlar ve Reynolda "Ejderhayı yen, kızı kurtar" diyorlar. Tabi Reynold gerçekten bir ejderhayla karşılaşacağından habersiz dalga geçtiklerini sanıyor ve inanmıyor. Reynold ve Peregrine'i yolculuğa çıktıktan sonra çeşitli olaylar sonucu ıssız bir kasabaya geliyorlar ve burada ejderhadan kurtaracağı kızla tanışıyorlar. Upuzun olaylar sonucu ejderhadan kurtuluyor ve bu süreçte aşık oluyorlar. Hikayede Sabinayı tebrik etmek istiyorum. İçimde yatan sağlıkçı ruhuyla "şu çocuğun bir bacağına baksalar ya" derken buluyordum ve Sabina bunu yapınca çok mutlu oldum. Adama fizyoterapi uyguladı diye mutlu oldum 😳 Ama bunun dışında bir önceki kitaptada hissettiğim bir geçiştirilmişlik vardı. Ama bu harlequin olmasından ve sayfa sınırlaması kısıtlamasından olsa gerek diyerek çok takmadım. Ama bazı şeylerin havada kalmasındansa biraz daha detaylı olmasını isteyebilirdim :) Güzel, tatlı ve kısa bir hikayeydi. Önceki hikayeden daha fazla havada hissettiğimden puanım 3 :)
I thought that even though the writing is not good and the story not great, at least I've got a dragon. But wasn't satisfied even on that element 😒 Not good
I thought this book was pretty good, however I found the romance sadly lacking. If not for the mention of Reynold paying for favors and two kisses - I would have thought this was a young adult book. There were absolutely no love scenes.
On the upside, the mystery of Grim's End was interesting and at times baffling.
Reynold is the second to youngest de Burgh son and he has a bad leg. In past books he has been described as grim and brooding. And he is the same in this book. He has decided to leave home and brood in peace - I just kept thinking - Pity, party of one...
As he is leaving, he is stopped by the l'Estrange sisters, who proceed to tell him of his upcoming quest and convince him to take their ward Peregrine along with him as a squire. They also gift him with a pouch that they say he will need. He agrees with them, just so he can leave.
Reynold and Peregrine are traveling together for about a week when they come across a deserted village. Upon closer inspection, they find that the village isn't totally deserted and that's when we meet the heroine Sabina.
Sabina is trying desperately to keep her holding and see Reynold as a godsend - since he is a knight and she is a damsel in distress with a dragon that needs slaying - literally.
The rest of the book is basically Reynold finding the dragon and unearthing the secrets of the village. He is his usual broody self and displays a healthy dose of self pity (at least in my opinion)
I personally thought the best part of the book was when Peregrine finally loses it and tells Reynold what he really thinks. Not that it really opened Reynold's eyes - that didn't happen until his brothers showed up. And then in basically three pages of dialogue - he does an about face and decides that he is worthy.
The second kiss in the book then takes place - Sabina and Reynold profess their love and the book is over. The end.
This book was not what I was expecting and the romance left a lot to be desired. But it was still a good book and I am glad I read it. Here's hoping that the last book has a bit more steam...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I found this book to be lame (no pun intended). Reynold de Burgh has a slight lameness which hasn't slowed him down in life. He's a knight but his brothers teased him when he was young and women have no interest in him. Poor poor pitiful me. He might be gorgeous but he is pathetic and annoying through most of the book. I almost put this down but figured it's only 277 pages, surely I can stand it that long. I'm glad I finished it because I liked the ending but man-o-man it was tough. I did like the heroine, Sabina, she was a tough cookie. Without her the book surely would have been tossed.
Δεν μπορώ να πω ότι μου άρεσε, αν κ είχε ασυνήθιστη πλοκή κ δράση για αρλεκιν, το θέμα του δράκου δεν με έπεισε από την αρχή, οι ήρωες ήταν νερόβραστοι (η ηρωίδα δεν υπήρχε σχεδόν σαν προσωπικότητα). Ο Ρένολντ μας ζάλισε με την εμμονή του με τα αδέλφια του. Ο.κ. κύριος το καταλάβαμε, η οικογένεια σου είναι τόοοοσο υπέροχη που σου προκάλεσε σύμπλεγμα κατωτερότητας!! Εν τω μεταξύ… το love story που είναι;;; Πουυ είναι;; Υποτίθεται ότι είναι ερωτικό αρλεκιν, ερωτικό λέμεεεε.
My least favorite in this series. The other books I read had some steam and spice, this had none which makes no sense to me. Why start a series, have smexy times in the other books and then completely eliminate it in further books. What a let down!
Besides the blandness and no passion, I also didn’t feel any emotional connection between the MCs. The plot revolved more around a scooby-doo type of mystery and the romance was sadly lacking. This book wouldve been so much better if it had focused less on mystery and more on passion, romance and emotional connection. On top of that, the ending was rushed and anti-climactic and had NO EPILOGUE!!!!! WTF!!!!!
Safe. Hero’s past is mentioned briefly as being mostly celibate. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others (very brief scene with OM) no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA but no epilogue
Kara Şövalye De Burgh The de Burghs Serisi 6 Deborah Simmons Yahu öyle çok merak ediyordum ki ama karşımda ne buldum kötü diyemem ama ne bileyim daha farklı istiyordum Neyse oğlumuz doğuştan gelen bir aksaklıkla yaşamakta bunun için kimse ile evlenmeyeceğini kimsenin onu istemeyeceğini düşünüyor . Hac a itmek için yola çıkıyor ve karşısına çıkan güzeller güzeli Lady görünce hersey karışıyor. Ondan koruma talep ediliyor hemde bir ejderhaya karşı😂 komik gelmişti hala da geliyor ama hiç beklenmedik şeyler oluyor romanda Beğendim sayılır ama sonu neydi ya var ya son üç sayfaya nasıl bırakılır aşk anlamıyorum😡
Finalmente chega a vez de Reynold... mas ao invés das centenas de possibilidades que um cavaleiro com problemas de mobilidade poderia passar, temos um romance novamente baseado no medo do matrimônio e uma sequência interminável de ações motivadas pela autopiedade.
O que mais me aborreceu foi a mudança da origem da deficiência que era implicada como congênita nos primeiros livros para ser descrita como um acidente nesse. Detesto esse tipo de modificação que indica ou uma falta de planejamento ou a absoluta displicência com o leitor.
It would normally be frustrating when women aren't written with any depth at all BUT, to this author's credit, none of the characters are. Is "candy reading" a term? Because that's what this book is - easy to read, nothing of substance, but it tastes embarassingly good
this medieval tale combines a knight in a quest with a plucky page and a damsel in distress. it was enjoyable and the knight honourable. satisfying conclusion
I thought this book was pretty good, however I found the romance sadly lacking. If not for the mention of Reynold paying for favors and two kisses - I would have thought this was a young adult book. There were absolutely no love scenes.
On the upside, the mystery of Grim's End was interesting and at times baffling.
Reynold is the second to youngest de Burgh son and he has a bad leg. In past books he has been described as grim and brooding. And he is the same in this book. He has decided to leave home and brood in peace - I just kept thinking - Pity, party of one...
As he is leaving, he is stopped by the l'Estrange sisters, who proceed to tell him of his upcoming quest and convince him to take their ward Peregrine along with him as a squire. They also gift him with a pouch that they say he will need. He agrees with them, just so he can leave.
Reynold and Peregrine are traveling together for about a week when they come across a deserted village. Upon closer inspection, they find that the village isn't totally deserted and that's when we meet the heroine Sabina.
Sabina is trying desperately to keep her holding and see Reynold as a godsend - since he is a knight and she is a damsel in distress with a dragon that needs slaying - literally.
The rest of the book is basically Reynold finding the dragon and unearthing the secrets of the village. He is his usual broody self and displays a healthy dose of self pity (at least in my opinion)
I personally thought the best part of the book was when Peregrine finally loses it and tells Reynold what he really thinks. Not that it really opened Reynold's eyes - that didn't happen until his brothers showed up. And then in basically three pages of dialogue - he does an about face and decides that he is worthy.
The second kiss in the book then takes place - Sabina and Reynold profess their love and the book is over. The end.
This book was not what I was expecting and the romance left a lot to be desired. But it was still a good book and I am glad I read it. Here's hoping that the last book has a bit more steam...
Deburgh Serisini çok seviyorum her macerayı okumak bana ayrı keyif veriyor desem yalan olmaz..
Fakat serinin 6.kitabına ben adapte olamadım sanırım başlarda okurken biraz durağan gibi geldi bana..Bu macera Reynold DeBugh'a aitti..Sayfalar geçtikçe de ejderhalar filan pek sarmadı beni nedense..Serinin en beğendiğim kitapları Dunstan, Goeffrey ve Robin'in hikayeleri idi..Yine de Kara Şövalye DeBurgh'u okurken kitap tam da tahmin ettiğim gibi çıktı..Ailenin kara koyunu..Kendine göre olan kusurunu bence fazla gözünde büyütmesi onu mutsuz ediyordu ..Babasının biraz geç kalan evlliği nedeni ile kendi yoluna gitmek istemesi normaldi bence..
O yüzden Hacı olmaya karar verir ve tam güzergah belirlemeden de yola çıkar.Yanında da Peregrine isimli ünlü L'Estrange kız kardeşlerin evlatlığı da vardı...Derken Yolları Sabina Sexton isimli güzel bir genç kadın ile kesişmesi ile hayatı değişmeye başlar..Genç kadının yardıma çok ihtiyacı vardır..Zira topraklarında ejderha ile savaşmaktadır.Bu ejderha insanlarına büyük zarar vermiş köyü terk etmelerine sebep olmuştur.Fakat olayların içinde başka büyük oyunlar dönmektedir genç kadın neredeyse çaresiz kalmıştır.. Reynold yardım edip hemen gideceğini düşünürken işler tahmin ettiğinden uzun sürer ve Sabina ile aralarında yakınlaşma başlar..Fakat iki tarafta birbirini karşısındakine layık görmez ...İşler gittikçe dahada ilginçleşmeye başlar...İşin içine bir de hazine girer..
Sanırım yazar serinin sonlarına gelirken biraz şevkini kaybetmiş gibi geldi bana.... fakat bence serinin vasat kitaplarından idi..Bundan önceki kitabı daha çok beğenmiştim...Kurgu güzeldi fakat biraz durgundu bana göre..DeBurgh ailesinin en mutsuz bireyi olması nedeni ile bana öyle gelmiş olabilir..Okuyacak arkadaşlara keyifli okumalar dilerim...
Acho que o título, O Cavaleiro Negro, já diz tudo, Reynold é o irmão: misterioso, quieto, carrancudo, desconfiado. O que é mais estranho, apesar dele ter consciente, de suas habilidades como “guerreiro”, é totalmente inseguro em relação aos sentimentos que desperta nas pessoas.
É incrível como ele não se enxerga como homem, não percebe sua própria beleza. A única coisa que ele vê é o defeito na perna, como se ele nada mais fosse que um coxo.
A princípio fiquei muito irritada, mas na realidade, criei uma expectativa equivocada em relação a este livro, talvez por ter lido, as histórias dos outros irmãos do Clã De Burgh, várias vezes.
Achei que este, seguiria a mesma linha dos outros livros. Mas, não me ative ao fato que Reynold sempre foi e sempre será, o mais diferente da família De Burgh. Depois, que compreendi este pequeno detalhe a leitura fluiu. E não é que acabei gostando do que li.
Gostei muito da Sabina, Peregrine e dos irmãos De Burgh, que pela primeira vez, chegaram depois do problema já ter sido resolvido. Kkkkkkkk....
O certo a fazer é ler este livro, sem pensar nos outros livros da série. E ter em mente, que todas essas reações estremadas de Reynold, se devem aos traumas e as desilusões que ele teve por conta do defeito na perna.
"Quante persone cercano ovunque l'amore? Invece voi lo fuggite, ogni volta che vi viene offerto liberamente. Vi siete allontanato dalla vostra famiglia e adesso voltate le spalle anche alla donna che vi ama."
Nel complesso il romanzo è carino, però, il protagonista maschile più che un eroico cavaliere sembra un giovane timido e un po' testone!!!
This is a book I shouldn't have liked. Dragons? Knights? Really? But I really loved this book. The hero is hot, hot, hot and the heroine is a strong sister. Because of the time period, you will forgive their fruit-loopiness. Fav, fav scene at the end with the brothers in black on horseback, all pounding hooves and sexiness. Would have liked a little more steam though...
Bir ara ejdarha olayından sıkılsamda idare ederdi işte. Ama seri içindeki en sevdiğim kitap Geoffrey'in ki hala. Sonuncu kardeş Nicolas'ı da okuyunca tam belli olucak ama bence değişmeyecek gibime geliyor :))
What can I say, I love a „wounded��� hero and Reynold its wounded body and soul! But he is also sensitive, inteligent, clever, caring, patient, generous and hot!!! So It was nice to see him grow in confidence and overcome his insecurities to finally be abel to accept Sabines affection.
Reynold is not the "black sheep", he's the best De Burgh! I liked his story more than the other brother's. Needless to say, this is my favorite book in all the series. :3