Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A marvelous medieval romance! A different kind of hero...., 2 Sep 1999
By A Customer
How anyone can find this sensitive medieval romance boring is mind-boggling. Is it because the author quotes Latin, Ovid and Catullus? Is it because the hero and heroine actually talk to one another, rather than boink behind every tree in the forest or nook in the castle at the least opportunity?Besides, how could I resist a book where the hero is so enigmatic that the heroine's first words to him are, "Are you Death?" : )If you enjoy the wounded hero type, a man with secrets and great pains in his soul; if you like your heroines to grow in the story, becoming emboldened and nobler in character; if you like to see people fall in love credibly, step by step, before consumation, rather than just lusting all over the chapters of a romance; then you should love MY BELOVED. A glorious castle. A hero to break your heart. A heroine who casts off her fears in the name of love and life and grows up. Secrets that unfold. A plot that touches on the religious aspects of the time period. An exploration of loyalty and doing what is right. But above all a delicious love story.I have not read a medieval all the way through in a few years. I'd become bored with how similar they were. This one is different, and I thank Ms. Ranney for reminding why I once adored Medieval Romances so very much.PS--I had read a Ranney historical before and didn't particularly care for it, but was willing to give this one a try after it was recommended to me by more than one person. I'm glad I listened. PPS--For those who LIKE boinking in their books, this one has several very intense love scenes. Me, I can do without so many pages of the details of conjugal bliss, but I didn't want to leave the possible reader thinking this was a "dry" romance. Oh, no. Interestingly, the sexiest, most mouth-watering scene takes place in such a way that the hero never so much as sets one finger on the heroine. A big "Whoo!"
|
|
|
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very loving book, 5 May 2000
By A Customer
This is a lovely book. The characters are well fleshed out and the mystery keeps you involved. For those that care about the sex scenes...let's put it this way ... there is a gorgeous scene that is erotic and loving ..but they don't touch each other! Have I caught your interest yet? There is a miracle in this book and it is one that makes sense - it is not artistic license - it really could happen. Perhaps I have slightly spoiled the ending but come on - if you are reading this review then you are looking for romantic books with a happy ending!... You have found it....
|
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant piece of writing, all romancesshould be like this, 22 Jul 1999
By A Customer
The Earl of Langlinais, Sebastian married Julianna when she was five years old. For the next dozen years, Julianna resides at the Sisters of Charity, learning to be a chatelaine for the time when her spouse finally collects her. By 1251, a wary Sebastian returns home after fighting in the Crusades and being held for ransom by the Templars. Sebastian sends for his wife to enlist her help in a plot in which he pretends to consummate their marriage, but refuses to tell her why he won't. Sebastian and Julianna are immediately attracted to one another and quickly love flourishes. However, Sebastian worries about the safety of his beloved because of the Templars, including his brother Gregory, who will kill anyone who steps in the path of the Knights. Gregory's current assignment is to find the missing Cathar Treasure and he believes his sibling is the source. Sebastian's love for his spouse appears to be the key to force Sebastian to agree to the Templars demand for the treasure. MY BELOVED is a superb Medieval romance that is first and foremost a beautiful love story. The lead characters enchant the audience as their integrity, courage, and love will entice readers to find more novels by Karen Ranney. The story line is filled with wickedness, tension, and intrigue that counterpoint the love and honesty of the lead characters, and allow readers to discern much about life in the era. Ms. Ranney's wonderful tale of love's malfeasance will send sub-genre fans searching for her delightful other novels (see MY WICKED FANTASY and UPON A WICKED TIME). Harriet Klausner
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|