A Sword For His Lady (Courtly Love #1) by Mary Wine-Review and Book Tour
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2015
He’d defend her keep…
After proving himself on the field of battle, Ramon de Segrave is appointed to the Council of Barons by Richard the Lionheart. But instead of taking his most formidable warrior on his latest Crusade, the king assigns Ramon an even more dangerous task—woo and win the Lady of Thistle Keep.
If only she’d yield her heart…
Isabel of Camoys is a capable widow with no intention of surrendering her valuable estate. She’s fought long and hard for her independence, and if the price is loneliness, then so be it. She will not yield… even if she does find the powerful knight’s heated embrace impossible to ignore.
But when her land is threatened, Isabel reluctantly agrees to allow Ramon and his army to defend the keep—knowing that the price may very well be her heart.
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REVIEW:
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
Oh how I love an amazing medieval romance. “A Sword For His Lady” by Mary Wine had all I have come to love in my medieval romances .. strong hero who is stubborn but has a sense of humour, honour and loyalty. A heroine that can match that stubborn charm by being the strong resourceful woman, who cares more about her people than she does herself. A storyline that has some believability of it’s time and that is enriched with battle and history .. oh and a nasty villain who you really hope gets what is due.
Set in the time of Richard the Lionheart, our hero is Ramon de Segrave, who after proving himself on the battlefield had been awarded lands and titles by King Richard. Included in his winnings is the hand of marriage to our heroine Isabel of Camoys. Isabel was married to a horrible man and would pray for his demise on the battlefield believing she had enough strength and support of her people to keep her home running. When her prayers of his demise are answered she is relieved, until she comes to understand that she is to wed once again. Not having any of that, the battle of hearts begins.
Ramon is worthy of his Knighted title. He is domineering yet sensible and caring, he has a fun playful side that seems to come out with Isabel, but he is ever much the dangerous foe. He is fair and believes he can sway Isabel to believe that they can have a happy union. Isabel thwarts all his efforts at first and it isn’t until her keep comes into serious harm that she realizes marriage to Ramon is a duty she must do to keep her people safe. It it the last thing she expects when her hearts begins to open to this Knight and she comes to recognize that he is truely a part of her home.
These two were so well matched. I adored Isabel as she was the brains behind keeping her lands running effectively before Ramon came into the picture. I loved how Ramon wasn’t put off but rather intrigued by a woman who had accomplished so much successfully without the aid of a man. I also loved how “when you know what” hit the fan, that Ramon was not a complete arse about taking the “man reigns”. There was a friendship that bloomed between the two and a mutual respect. When we get to the conflict of the story and the secrets that were hidden, Mary Wine perfectly times the love and lust aspect to her story.
Secondary characters were set up for what I hope is more to this series. If you love a strong medieval romance then this is certainly a book for you! You will find it all here and chances are you will be wanting for more of the same!
HAPPY READING!
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
Reviewed by Rachel T.
“What are you doing?”
“I am entering the keep.” His tone made it clear he knew he was invading her home.
“No.” She fought back her breathlessness. “You shall not.”
She backed up, but forced herself to stop in the doorway.
“Why not, my lady?”
He climbed another step and she felt her knees quiver. It was an insane reaction, one that shocked her with how intense it was its intensity.
“You do not belong in the keep. This is my home.”
He frowned but climbed another step to stand on even ground with her. Isabel lifted her chin so she might maintain eye contact.
“I will be making a full assessment of this structure, lady. You may stand aside or I shall remove you from my path.”
She should have lowered herself and gracefully glided out of the doorway. It was the only response the code of chivalry afforded her, but she couldn’t force herself to do it. She didn’t feel in control of her emotions; they were scattering like autumn leaves. Her heart accelerated. He was pressing closer, watching her, gauging her reactions to him. She’d never felt so exposed. Never felt like any man took so much notice of her. He reached for her, his expression full of promise.
“No one enters this keep without bathing.” She spat the words out in a rush and had to pull in a deep breath because her lungs burned when she was finished. At last, relief flowed through her, for she had found a valid argument to use.
The baron’s expression didn’t change. His hands were clenched around his wide leather belt, his knuckles turning white.
“Take yourself off to the bath house, my lord baron.” She was being brazen.
He suddenly grunted, amusement returning to his eyes. “Very well lady, since you wish to offer me your hospitality, I accept.”
She stared at him, uncertain of the flicker burning in his dark eyes. This wasn’t a man who knew defeat, and the muscles in her neck tightened when his lips twitched into a smug grin once again.
An expression that was full of victory.
“I shall enjoy having you bathe me, Isabel. It is certainly a good place for us to begin to learn more about one another.” A gleam appeared in his eyes that sent a shiver down her body.
“I did not offer to bathe you myself.” Her voice was a horrified whisper. He stepped closer, capturing her wrist in a grip that surprised her because it lacked pain with its gentleness. Instead, she felt their connection keenly, so much so, it felt as though that she couldn’t form a single, sensible thought. Logic had always offered her salvation in the past. Before Ramon, it crumbled away, leaving her at his mercy.
“You claim you are no maiden, so it is only customary for you to attend me since you are the lady of this keep.” His voice lowered. “Or perhaps, you would prefer not to act as a lady. In such a case…I will be most pleased to dispense with ceremony.”
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Mary Wine has written over twenty novels that take her readers from the pages of history to the far reaches of space. Recent winner of a 2008 EPPIE Award for erotic western romance, her book LET ME LOVE YOU was quoted “Not to be missed…” by Lora Leigh, New York Times best-selling author.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
While you are here, don’t forget to take a peek at all her intoxicating novels and also say hello at her blog!
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