Rating: Summary: Better the second time around Review:
This is a novel set in the medieval era, where men were warriors and conquerors and women didn't have as much rights as we do in the modern world. Hence, it was nice to read about how a heroine conquers a fierce warrior. This is the romance between Aislinn of Darkenwald, whose home was invaded by the Norman conquerors, and Wulfgar, the so-called Iron Wolf of Normandy. In this book, Ms Woodiwiss tells the story of how these two people overcome all obstacles to find true love.
I admire Aislinn's strength and courage. Despite what she was subjected to when the Normans, lead by Ragnor, invaded her home, she doesn't lose her spirit. She remains the symbol of strength of the people of Darkenwald. As for Wulfgar, being the warrior that he is, he seems cold at the start, but then the author explains how he came to mistrust women. I like how their love develops. You get to see Wulfgar weakens where Aislinn is concerned, doing things that you would never expect from him. The author has also added some humorous exchanges between these two. It's also good to see the villains get what they deserve, and another bonus is the surprise revelation made at the end of the book.
This is the second time I read this. Admittedly, I would have probably only given this about 3 and a half stars when I first read it years ago, but I am so glad that I gave this book another go, as I truly enjoyed and appreciated it the second time.
Rating: Summary: THE BEST MEDIEVAL ROMANCE EVER WRITTEN. Review: As some other readers have mentioned, this was my 2nd romance novel too (the 1st being KW's The Flame & The Flower). Now, 20+ yrs & uncountable romance books later, this one still stands out as the best medieval romance i've ever read. The time, the characters, the events, all come to life under KW's skillful writing (how i wish she would write another one like this). The passion between Wulfgar & Aislinn is palpable & contrary to some readers' comments, there is no real rape of the heroine (i would never be able to stomach that). The story gives a vivid account of the Battle of Hastings (albeit, more from the normans' perspective) & paints a true picture of a mighty warrior - Wulfgar - i still smile when i think of him *s*, & a strong woman - Aislinn - her strength lies in her wisdom & gentleness. All in all, a wonderful book that you will find yourself reading over & over again (my original finally fell apart). Enjoy!
Rating: Summary: Surprisingly Good! Review: Dear readers, this book was absolutly wonderful! I was very tempted to toss this book when I realized it did not have any love scenes. What good is a romance novel without a few love scenes?, but every time I tried not to like this book because of the lacking love scenes, I could not in truth , put the book down. It was too darn good! I was dying to find out what would happen next. It was remarkable to read how Aislinn changed Wulfgar's feelings about women, little by little through out the book. If Katheen E.Woodiwiss had thrown in a few hot love scenes, this book would have been five stars, but she did prove to me that a book could still be wonderful without them. I borrowed this book from the library , and when I got to the last chapter, the pages were missing. I immediatly called my husband, who was at the mall, and begged him to buy this book for me. I've been paying him back ever since!!
Rating: Summary: long winded Review: Enjoyed the story very much, but pages dragged on that could have been summed-up in paragraphs. I'd like to try this author again, have another of her books in my to-be-read pile, I just haven't found the time yet. If you're looking for an interesting historical romance (though frustrating at times) try this on a raining day.
Rating: Summary: A great Woodiwiss, but not the best medieval ever written... Review: I beg to differ with most of the reviews for this classic. It was a great book, a real classic Woodiwiss, but definately not my favorite medieval romance. I thought 'The Flame and the Flower' was a much better book by her. The problem with 'The Wolf and the Dove' was the endless talk and day to day activity in the castle. I grew bored with it and wished for some serious action scenes or battle scenes since it was taking place during the rein of William the Conqueror in 1066. It was sorely lacking in that department and from the on I lost interest. The plot was solely centered around the female lead and male lead and not much interaction with the vivid history around them. I also agree with another reviewer that said this book lagged and got a little boring then it picked up later on. The characters were well written and the story very real, but the plot kinda dragged. Too much centering on the little squabbles between the two main characters. I also thought the female lead of Aislinn was too forgiving and didn't seem to take what happened to her father and mother seriously enough to fight off the male lead of Wulfgar. It kind of bothered me and hindered the story. What they did to her family and herself for that matter was unforgivable and she seemed to just accept her fate and brushed her 'horror' off like some trivial incident. While the male lead of Wulfgar seemed to be stuck on his childhood ordeal of being a 'bastard' to a knight and cast aside. We as the reader are supposed to feel bad for him and sympathize with his plight, but we're also supposed to forgive and forget what he and his men do to Aislinn and her family. I found that hard to swallow and therefore found the tale not the best in medieval romance by a long shot...try instead 'Kingdom of Dreams' by Judith McNaught for the very best in medieval romance. ~Wulfgar, the 'Iron Wolf of Normandy' sweeps in like some bringer of death when he and his men desend on the hapless village of a Saxon princess and her proud family. He intends to claim it as his own, due his prize for helping William, the Conqueror King who finally took England as his own in 1066. What he is not expecting is a stunning woman of strong will who does not bend to his whim just because he is the 'Iron Wolf' everyone fears. The Norman knight must fight for her love as her hatred burns for him and his kind before another would claim her as his own... Aislinn is not prepared for the fires that burn in her treacherous heart to betray her when she falls for the Norman knight who destroyed her home and family. But what is worse? The Norman knight who claims her as his own, or the one who is willing to kill to make her his own...The Iron Wolf must find who is traitor and who would try to take what is his. Blood and loyalty will threaten to seperate these two unlikely mates...but true love always finds a way... Tracy Talley~@
Rating: Summary: the best romance book I've ever laid my hands on. Review: I inherited my first romance book from my aunt, and it happened to be the first edition of "The Wolf and the Dove", all yellowed and certainly much older than I am. But it couldn't have been a better book, because it is simply the best book I've ever read in my whole life. I've treasured it like an heirloom. Sure, there was a near-rape scene. But c'mon, it set the whole tone of the story from there on. I totally love the characters in this novel. My only comment is the improbability of a woman being "flame-haired and violet-eyed." Wow, that is near impossible, but it only made Eislinn seem more magical. And made the story all the more magical too. Reading this novel, at a very early point in my life, set my standards for novels I read in the future, If it didn't move me anywhere near how "The Wolf and the Dove" did, I'd give the book to the next passer-by. I've judged all my historical romance books this way. I've never read a romance novel that nears this one by a foot. Everytime I read it I still feel the palpitation in my chest, and feel all the wrath-cum-love that Eislinn and Wulfgar have inside them. This book is a classic, a must-have that every self-respecting historical romance reader must have in his or her shelf. And strangely, this book never seems to gather dust - it's always being read again, and again, and again.
Rating: Summary: Classic romance at its best! Review: In the time of William the Conqueror, two people sworn to hate forged a love so strong it would overcome any obstacle. Thus is the story of Wulfgar and Aislinn.
_The Wolf and the Dove_ is a tale full of passionate love and bitter war all set amid scenery so well described you feel that you are transported to another time and place. You'll feel as though you walk the footpaths and as if you are part of the action. Ms. Woodiwiss has a rare talent to join words together that makes them seem as if they come to life.
The characters are vibrant and well fleshed out. The interaction between the characters is some of the best I've ever seen. Their wit is matched well against each other and it makes for *very* enjoyable scenes. Wulfgar is infuriating and exasperating and even though he tries to hide it you can sense a tenderness buried deep under the surface. There are glimpses of a little boy inside of him seeking love. That said, he still remains a mystery. Most times you can't figure out what he's thinking, which makes him all the more appealing. You respect him for not immediately forcing himself upon Aislinn. It is quite humorous to watch him struggle with his feelings for Aislinn while at the same time still trying desperately to cling to his hatred of women. Aislinn is one of the finest examples of a romantic heroine. She is brave, passionate and often sets the hero on his ear.
_The Wolf and the Dove_ is a lively story that will keep you turning the pages quickly and never wanting it to end. A fine example of Ms. Woodiwiss at her all-time best.
Rating: Summary: VERY GOOD WRITING! Review: Okay, firstly, I had read some of the reviews for this book on amazon.com, and so I decided to buy it. The very next day, after reading the first chapter, I swore that I was going to return the book to barnes and nobles. However, being bored, I continued to read into the story... and I must say, if it weren't for the "scene" at the beginning of the book, I would have given this 5 stars. The author slowly spins a web around you, making you fall for her protagonists and hate the antagonists. I would definitely recommend this book to any of my friends.
Addition: A MUST READ! MAKE SURE YOU FINISH IT TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE SURPRISE ENDING!
Rating: Summary: One of the Best I have ever read. Review: This book I believe is one of the best that's if you like love. I read this book and I fell in love with it. It's a story of getting over but not forgetting the past and going on. Through tough times and feelings that confuse she fights for her people and her mother and herself. Never giving in even when the impossiable comes she keeps her faith! The new lord of the land will fall in love with her and her with him for a story for the books! You don't have to believe me but what I write is what I feel and if you feel as though I do I would suggest that you read this because I know you would be very pleased and would want to buy it as I have.
Rating: Summary: KW always writes ten star books!!!! Review: This book is no exception! KW is truly a gifted writer and I know that when I sit down to read one of her books, I am not getting up until it is finished. Wulf and Aislinn had it all. The love and the sexiness, the humor, even the tears. They were well suited in every area and I loved how Aislinn came through her horrible ideal as such a lovely person. This book is a treasure and is now residing on my keepers shelf along with all the rest of KW's books!
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