Veena’s review of Blue Heaven, Black Knight by Heather Graham
Historical Romance published by Zebra 30 May 17
I’ve been gradually growing out of my love for historical romances, but every so often one comes along that takes me to a time when I loved to read my history in a love story. Bryan Stede is loyal to Henry II, even as his sons and knights desert him. Standing vigil over his fallen King’s body, he interrupts robbers come to rob the King of his crown and jewels and nets himself what he believes is a sweet thief, Elise. As it turns out Elise is lady of a small kingdom in France and Henry’s illegitimate daughter. Richard, Geoffrey, and Eleanor are all aware of her blood, but when she’s caught running from the chapel where Henry’s body is lying, she lies and loses her innocence to Bryan. As a reward for his loyal service to his father and reparation for taking Elise’s virginity, Richard awards Bryan with Elise to wife as well as land near the border of Wales.
A marriage begun in conflict, the two barely have time to develop an amiable relationship while Bryan is away in service to King Richard and ultimately to the crusades. However, Elise’s heart has been softening toward her husband and the dowager Queen Eleanor’s romantic tales of accompanying Henry on crusade take Elise to the desert sands of the holy land to be with her husband. With her golden beauty, Elise is captured by Saladin’s nephew while Bryan is injured.
Elise bargains with her Muslim captors for their advanced medical help to heal her husband and keep herself safe. Will Elise languish behind the luxurious walls of a Muslim harem or is there a chance for her to be reunited with her enemy now turned beloved husband? The author does a superb job of painting the history of the times and the conflicts at home in England, as well as the politics between the countries and rules who are fighting in the crusades in the name of religion.
Grade: B
Summary:
The living image of a knight’s dream, Elise conceals a shocking secret: she is the illegitimate daughter of Henry II.
The Black Knight
A fierce and magnificent warrior, Sir Bryan Stede follows no law but his own . . . until he beholds the exquisite Elise.
Duty keeps her his reluctant prisoner. Fate will transform her into his cherished bride. Despite everything between heaven and hell that will come between them . .
No excerpt available.
