The Warrior's Damsel [Mass Market Paperback]

Her father decides to find a second spouse for Katherine. However, Rafe begins his own courting and she finds his kisses quite enchanting. When her father and his chosen beau for her learn that a Godsol is sniffing around Katherine, they plot to kill Rafe. Poor Katherine now realizes that Rafe wanted her for her money and not out of love, something that the landless knight now knows is not true, but doesn't know how to prove to her.

Though adhering to the unwritten guidelines of the sub-genre, THE WARRIOR'S DAMSEL is an entertaining medieval romance that sub-genre fans will find enticing. The story line works because the motives of the charcaters ring true and thus lead to relational conflicts, thirteenth century style. Denise Hampton's novel will provide pleasure to readers who enjoy a straightforward historical romance.

Harriet Klausner

This novel has the ability to be a great romance novel. Its well set in the time period it's in, the author has done her homework in that regard. And while the plot of falling for the enemy is cliché, it's always possible to put a spin on it.

I think the plot was the biggest letdown. There's a point in the book where the heroine has a flash of insight, and says to the hero that a marriage between the two families would put an end to the feuding, which is what the hero was planning. At that point they could have devised a plan to run away and end the feuding. Instead, she plays dutiful daughter to a father who can't stand her, and then gets kidnapped twice.

This book really feels like your typical canned romance novel, which is a disappointment. Her heroine has spunk, and the hero has drive, but some of the more interesting minor characters get lost in the shuffle, and are instead replaced with a father that hates his daughter for some unknown reason, and his right hand servant, who harbors lustful thoughts and a bad temper. Even when the father's reason for hating his daughter is explained it still leaves you wondering.

I tried to give this novel a chance, but I really felt it was lacking in the things that would make it a really good novel.