Veena’s review of A Sword For His Lady (Courtly Love, Book 1) by Mary Wine
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 07 Jul 15
Ms. Wine paints a realistic picture of England during the rule of absentee King Richard under the stewardship of John. Ramon de Segrave has faithfully served his King on crusade to be awarded lands of his own near the Welsh border, as well as the hand of the widow whose lands border his in reward for his loyalty and service. Ramon is not ready for marriage, but the lady is definitely not happy when the arrogant baron comes knocking on her door. She’s a challenge that Ramon definitely cannot resist. Soon his men are camping on her land and he’s made himself at home in her castle with his captains. And just as soon, the sparks are flying between the two of them, but it seems that he’s not alone and there are others who covet the beauteous widow and her rich lands. The story line is not unique or new, but what makes it enjoyable is the authenticity of the times and the chemistry between the two protagonists and the great cast of supporting characters.
Isabel is definitely not a shrinking violet. She has survived a horrible marriage with emotional scars, which she has put behind her in managing her estate and leading her people effectively. She is definitely not happy when Ramon de Segrave lands at her door and proceeds to lay down the law. Frightened of losing herself and all she’s built, she resists him even as he excites her in unexpected ways.
Ramon has his own unhappy marriage in his past and was resistant to the idea of marriage, until he meets the lady in question. He’s impressed with what she has created but fearful of the consequences to her when the truth of all that she’s built is revealed. He woos Isabel, determined to marry and protect her, but an old enemy is on the scene, one who is just as determined to foil his plans and win the prize for himself. Danger and treachery surround them. Can they outwit their enemies and find happiness together?
I enjoyed the sparks between these two. My favorite scenes in the book are the bathing scene when he forces her to give him the courtesy of the lady of the keep in bathing him; then her thrust when she orders the most beautiful of the kitchen maids to flirt with him to keep him busy and diverted and the consequences of that strategy and his clever defense when he camps in her bed, using his sword on the bed between them as a chaperon.
The story is well paced with clever repartee balanced with danger and suspense. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Grade: B
Summary:
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.
