Rating: 
Summary: Lusty Medieval Tale
Review: This was one of the first romance novels I read and it greatly influenced my reading choices. See, it was one of those books that made me understand romance writing could be really interesting and fun. I had read hundreds of books since I first read So Speaks the Heart and could still remember most of the story line. There are not many books that can stand that test of time.Rowland Of Montville is the bastard son of rather mean warlord. He is called home after six years in France because there is a threat to his father's fortress and Rowland is one very talented warrior. He is surprised at his father's request for him to return home because he thought it understood by both his father and himself that he would never return to Montville. But after listening to a convincing argument of the friend sent to retrieve him, Rowland begins the journey back home. Bridgette de Louroux is the daughter of French nobleman who has died and left her in her brother's care. Her brother is now reported dead and since Bridgette is only seventeen, a really evil aunt steps in and takes over the estate in the unauthorized role of Bridgette's guardian. The trials she suffers under this awful aunt are too many to swallow with any measure of belief - but hey - it's a great story otherwise. The aunt has forced Bridgette into the servants' quarters, taken away anything of value, and Bridgette works alongside the other servants. She is being kept for an advantageous marriage that the wicked aunt will arrange and benefit from financially. And sure enough - the chosen future groom is all a woman could abhor in a man. During all of this, Rowland is traveling through France, on his way home, blissfully unaware of what awaits him when he stops at Bridgette's home. He is there to deliver a message that her brother is alive and will come home when he recovers from a wound suffered in a fight. He is to deliver this message to the fallen man's sister and as Rowland introduces himself and the purpose of his visit, the aunt assumes Bridgette's identity. Through many more convoluted actions of the aunt, Bridgette ends up in Rowland's room that night accidentally and it is assumed by all that he has taken her virginity during the night. In the furor of Bridgette's supposed loss, the wicked, evil aunt gives her to Rowland - insists he take her as his servant - and polishes up some really big lies to convince him to finally carry Bridgette away from her homeland forever. Since the aunt fears her nephew's reaction to his sister's horrible treatment upon his ultimate return, she forces Rowland to promise that Bridgette will never come back to this part of France again. Rowland, embarrassed by apparently taking an innocent (he doesn't remember doing so), promises that he will keep her with him, as his servant, far away as requested. Of course, Rowland has no idea Bridgette is a nobleman's daughter. The tales he has been told about her repulse him and he unwillingly continues home to Montville - now with Bridgette in tow as his servant. Now I know this all sounds a little overdramatic. Actually it is much, much more dramatic than I have described. But it finally makes an excellent platform from which a great romance adventure springs. It doesn't take long for Rowland to see beyond Bridgette's dirty and disheveled appearance and discover a real beauty. It also becomes increasingly difficult to believe EVERYTHING the wicked aunt has said about her but he believes it nonetheless. He ignores Bridgette's claims to her nobility and her continued denial that she is a servant. Bridgette is pretty feisty as she attempts to get Rowland to understand who she really is. She finally gives up and begins to discover the man who she now finds she is attracted to as well. This is one of those juicy romance novels that is about romance! That is the main purpose of the entire book and Rowland and Bridgette have a lot of quality time to develop a relationship. That relationship is often on shaky ground and has a lot of highs and lows. The sensual scenes are few and rate about a 3.5 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). However, that doesn't indicate a lack of sexual chemistry at all. Lindsey, in her earlier books, had the ability to create this chemistry that lasts the entire book without having to get too descriptive. I have reread several of Lindsey's novels lately and have enjoyed each of them as much or more the second time around. If you have not read some of Lindsey's earlier books from the 1980s (beware - her books are often published later without reference to their original publication dates), I suggest that you try one. This book was originally published in 1983. They are easy to find on the Internet and are worth your while. Since she has also written a few during this timeframe that are probably not her best - I recommend - in addition to this book - the following Lindsey books for your consideration: Fires of Winter, Prisoner of My Desire, Hearts Aflame, and You Belong to Me.
Rating:
Summary: A great book!!!
Review: This was the first Johanna Lindsey book I read, and I loved every page of it! I enjoyed the book so much I started collecting her books and I am a huge fan! This is a great book to read if you want to try out some romance novels. I loved it! I've read over twenty of her other books, but this one really stuck with me! Enjoy!
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