BR The Crusader's Kiss

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I read chapter 7 last night, and I am excited they are at the camp now. It’s very Robin Hood.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Andrea , I am caught up! Do you think you will have time to read before Bingo?

Anna’s storytelling was wonderful. I was very caught up in it!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I’m at 77%. I think I’m in the middle of ch12 (I think...).

Anna is a great storyteller. I feel sorry for Bart though. She’s put tremendous pressure on him. Anna and the rest just can’t relate to his ethics. Pretty early in the book it was estab that Anna doesn’t see knights in a positive light at all, bec she’s never seen one who lives up to what they are supposed to be.

Boy are these chapters long!

I have to go into work late on Thursday so I’ll read some in the AM. I’ll probably read a bit on Friday. I work this weekend. Hard to fit reading in but sometimes I manage it.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I am through 12.

I agree on the pressure she’s putting on him. It would feel desperate if your one hope for survival/restitution is here and talking about leaving, even if you believe in the reason and that he will come back. I don’t get the idea that he is going to be leaving. Royce/other’s inside the castle are going to start making moves.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I haven’t finished ch 12, but Royce (view spoiler)[thinks somethings up with lady Marie and Bart and suspects Marie is in some sort of intrigue and has involved Bart. (hide spoiler)] when I read that there is suspitions, it was stressful for me, but that tension is what makes for excitement.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Yes, I don't know how this all going to resolve itself!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Ok, I just finished Chapter 13, and it’s gripping. I want to finish, and I might tonight! Did you get any reading done today?

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Ok, I just finished Chapter 13, and it’s gripping. I want to finish, and I might tonight! Did you get any reading done today?"

I think I’m still in ch 12.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

There are still many ways this could go! I’m in Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[ Marie just killed Royce! Cold-blooded. I kind of am cheering and am repulsed at the same time. She is an interesting character. Great multi-dimensional shady character. (hide spoiler)]

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Ok, I did finish! After 12, it was hard to put down!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I’m home from work today (Friday). I’m going to try to get some reading between chores done before the bingo cat is called this afternoon.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I finally finished ch 12

(view spoiler)[well, now it seems that Anna’s birth is not as low as we thought. HOWEVER, I still see an impediment to Bart an Anna’s marriage, and it was sort of discussed befor Anna found out about her birth. Marrying Anna is of no political benefit to Henry II. They already said that the king would want to choose a bride for Bart from a house that is loyal to him. Sometimes I overthink stuff, but The author brought the need for a marriage that benefits the crown. Although this is a romance, CD is implying that the institution of marriage WAS NOT for live at all. I applaud CD for her skill in sticking to the realities of the period, instead of some 21 C live-match dressed up in medieval trappings. Now for me, is CD equal to that task working out an HEA for the MCs that sticks with this? We know their is going to be an HEA between the MCs. But can CD stick with all of this? (hide spoiler)]

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

OMG ch 13!

(view spoiler)[Everyone is busy! Too many cooks spoil the broth! This is very tricky! They’re going to “ruin” each other’s schemes! (hide spoiler)]

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Mess #59

Agreed. (view spoiler)[the Marie character development as a fully developed supporting character shows CD skill-level that that a lot of HR who are more widely-read that separates her from the herd. Lady Marie is not a warm-fuzzy, but she’s a fascinating factor in all of this! (hide spoiler)]

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I’m done!

Wow! As I read all of these exciting parts! It was like a blockbuster action-movie of the brain! I finished a few moments ago and I haven’t caught my breath and my blood hasn’t settled down.

On Lady Marie: (view spoiler)[if this were a film, I’d say she should win an best supporting Oscar! Simply amazing! The complexity of Lady Marie and what went on with her was a level of mastery and brilliance that beyond a lot of iconic autjor’s Don’t manage to pull off or attempt. Yes, CDs supporting characters are very strong as supporting characters go in HR. (hide spoiler)]

Books in series vary no matter how outstanding a series is in general, but this is my favorite of the series. Just WOW!

CD really should be more widely-read, but medieval period is not as popular these days as are Regencies, Victorians, etc.

I think I may have said above that despite the reveal about (view spoiler)[Anna’s birth, she still doesn’t know what is needed to run a castle. Since they traveled to visit Gaston and Ysmaine, I like to think that Ysmaine will give share her knowledge with Anna! (hide spoiler)]

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Awesome! I read through your spoilers, and I think I am convinced to up my rating to 5. I wasn’t sure when I finished and new they I needed reflection. Going to respond to specific comments later!

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Joanna,

I have some kind of bad news.

Book 1 is no longer in KU. CD is in the process of removing her books from KU.

When authors put books in KU program, they have to commit for 90 days. Some authors leave things in KU longer or indefinitely if they choose. What this means for me, a KU member, is that I’m going to have to read book 4-5 sooner rather than later.

Are you getting these in KU too?

I would really like to read the rest with you if you can swing it. However, if you can’t swing it bec of other stuff I understand.

After my snafu with getting this book, the author is probably sick of me, but I think I’ll contact her to see how much more time is left.

Botheration!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I have yet to get them from KU, but I was thinking of getting the next because I have it. I don’t mind owning them though.

I believe Becca was going to try to join in for the next two books.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I have yet to get them from KU, but I was thinking of getting the next because I have it. I don’t mind owning them though.

I believe Becca was going to try to join in for the next two books."

Did you get Crusader’s Bride when it was $.99 recently?

I just thought of something. I’m sorry! I went off the deep end:?if I download the last two books, they stay in my kindle even after they are remov from KU.

I apologize for my alarms.

That would be great if Becca joined us. Has she read the other books?

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Yes, but not the last two. I will reach out to her. I would prefer to wait a couple weeks before starting the next. When works for you?

No worries! I don’t know how KU works. I will do the same. I didn’t pick up the first when it was 0.99.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

I can wait a while for the next two.

I’m excited to have Becca join us!

I can’t even recall how I came to read the first book. I had been missing out!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Hi Andrea, I thought I would check in on this for the next book. When is a good time for you to read?