Sandy M’s review of Always by Lynsay Sands
Historical Romance reissue published by Avon 24 Nov 15

I was a bit perplexed when I began reading this latest book by Lynsay Sands. I was expecting…more. It wasn’t until after I’d finished reading that I learned Always is a reissue from the year 2000. In my mind, that explains things a bit, because this book, to me, isn’t up to Ms. Sands’ usual historical romance standards. Not nearly as good as her Madison Sisters or Devil of the Highlands series or, more especially, her 2006 release, Love Is Blind. Even the best get better and better over time.

This book does have it moments, however. What’s lacking the most for me is the chemistry between Aric and Rosamunde, which doesn’t come until late in the book. That’s because they are forced together by her father, King Henry. His sons are scheming to overthrow him for the crown, so he’s taking precautions, the most important of which is his daughter by the love of his heart who died years before. So when Henry discovers Aric’s betrothal has been broken, he knows he’s found the best man for his beloved girl. Aric is still reeling from the betrayal by his ex, so even though he’s not sure he now wants to marry, he won’t go against his king.

Rosamunde has been safely tucked away in an abby all these years, so she’s an obedient young woman and even promises her father she will obey her new husband. I enjoyed the emotional scenes between Henry and Rosamunde as he tries to explain why her life is about to so drastically change. The consummation scene is cute, Rosamunde having gotten very wrong information about the marriage bed, along with Henry’s need for speed to have the marriage binding and legal. And later scenes between them when Aric very sexily teaches Rosamunde exactly what should happen between husband and wife are nicely done.

There is some good humor to be had, the best of which is Rosamunde wrapping Aric’s horse in every free garment she can find when the animal turns up ill – with a cold. I’m usually not one to go for flatulence jokes, but they are quite funny here. There’s also the mystery of who murdered Rosamunde’s mother and there are new attacks on our heroine herself, which aren’t recognized for what they are until much later, all amid Aric and his jealousy of every man in the vicinity when Rosamunde is about. That particular trait gets a tad tiresome, so I can just imagine how Rosamunde feels. Then Rosamunde has a few issues herself, like no common sense even after Aric has reminded her to be careful and stay put, after they identify the danger around them. I do, however, like her sixth sense when it comes to animals, just wish she’d use it differently in other aspects of current goings-on. The villain really isn’t much of a surprise. If I can figure it out early, anyone can.

So for me, this is just an average book, not a whole lot we haven’t read before. Ms. Sands’ later books are much more than a cut above this one.

Grade: C

Summary:

Bastard daughter to the king, Rosamunde was raised in a convent and wholly prepared to take the veil . . . until King Henry declared she would wed Aric, one of his most valiant knights. Suddenly she found herself promising to love, honor, and obey.

Rosamunde’s education had not covered a wedding night, but the handsome warrior she was now bound to seemed intent on giving her a lesson in the art of pleasure. In no time, Aric was certain she would surrender to the irresistible passion he promised.

And while Rosamunde’s spirited nature often put her at odds with her new husband, his mastery in seduction was quickly melting her resolve—and capturing her heart.

Read an excerpt.