Rating: 
Summary: predictable
Review: sorry, ms. henley but i did'nt really enjoyed this story very much. the story mostly revolves on getting an heir and nothing much, especially romance. you can almost predict the story right from the begining. the only interesting part are around the bruce's era which is quite good to read. hope in future you can write more interesting story. addios......
Rating: 
Summary: an original love story
Review: The language and the love scenes were a bit too graphic, but other than that, I liked this book. It wasn't the same-old, same-old. You know, wealthy lord meets knife-wielding succulent blond. No, this was different. Its based on something that's historically recorded (i.e. the handfasting), and just that seems to make the story seem like a fresh, new perspective of the romance novel world.
Rating: 
Summary: IT HAS ITS MOMENTS . . . BUT NOT ENOUGH.
Review: The reader from Chicago best described the weakness of this so-called historical romance: the total lack of any trace of how people spoke during the 13th century. There are bits of history in the book, yes. However, dry, uninspired, silly, and downright stupid conversations between the characters are enough to make the reader weep with boredom and lie down with a headache. Can you imagine a 13th century reponse like: "I am bad." What is this kindergarten? This is an insult. Even children as young as 3 can form better sentences than that! I suggest that the author brush up on her language lessons before attempting to write another historical romance, and please, do give the readers more credit. I've never been embarrassed in buying romance novels but that was before reading this. One reader commented that Henley gets better with age. I disagree. I've read some of her older works and I don't remember it being as bad as this one. Not to be totally negative, the book did have its moments. However, if you're looking for a REAL HISTORICAL ROMANCE with everything in it, great characters, dialogues, scenes, etc., THIS IS NOT IT.
Rating: 
Summary: A bit slow moving
Review: The romance was lacking I feel she is trying to write books with more of an indepth story line rather than the usual banter between characters and romance.
Rating: 
Summary: HISTORICAL READING FAN
Review: This book is my "FIRST BOOK" in three ways... One, it's my first book of Virginia Henley (and certainly not the last). Two, it's my first book that the heroine is a very typical commoner who doesn't even know how to read. I actually thought I'd be turn off by this but as I read through, I learn to understand her situation and sigh for her. Then eventually, I wanted much, much more for Jane. Three, this is my first book that is perhaps about 70% filled with historical facts and events reigned during England's King Edward Plantagenet, The Longshanks, with Scotland's Robert Bruce and William Wallace, the famous BRAVEHEART epic. If you are the type of person who prefers more romance/love story and less historical facts on your books then this one is probably not for you. Because I saw and love the movie BRAVEHEART, I was and still AM particularly interested in Robert the Bruce & William Wallace's historical (con)quest for rights and freedom, that is why I wasn't bothered with the factual events that seems to overflowed more than the romance of the hero/heroine. I guess u can say that IF I was NOT already 'drawned' to such topic, I'd probably find this book very tedious. Since the Editorial Reviews pretty much sum up the book synopsis, I'd just give my opinion without summarizing the content any longer... Jane and Lynx love story was a bit ordinary for me. Aside for Lynx obsession to have an heir and Jane's adjustments to her new life, their love story didn't have any impact on me, however, it wasn't boring at all either. There are funny times and heart warming occurances as well but I find Jory's and Robert's love story much more heart wretching. Mind you, theirs wasn't even detailed bec. they are only the secondary characters yet for some reason, their relationship and Jory's love for Robert seems more fetching. I wanted to read more of them... I also enjoyed Jory's character more than Janes. Jory is uppity, manipulative and a big flirt yet she is also unselfish, charming and full of heart. I guess you can say that in my opinion, Jory's character overshadowed Jane's. I did have an admiration for Jane though but she should have been more develop. Jane was timid and too naive. Except for her herbal/healing talents, she was a bit ignorant which is fitting for her role and station in life of that time, i guess. She did improve a bit towards the end but I was left unconvinced, perhaps I just wanted more... What i specially like about Jane is her willingness to try and her willingness to learn. She doesn't pretend and she wasn't ashamed to accept her flaws... then ask for help to improve. "I will and I shall", she always said.... That is what I admire most about her. I want to clarify a comment given by a reviewer about beastiality... For me, there was NO beastiality in this book at all. I'd say read this book for yourself and decide if it is indeed beastiality in your opinion. However,In my own comprehension, it wasn't. That part with the lynx in the forrest pool was simply a METAMORPHICAL description. A metaphormic vision. There is also another occurance where readers might find disgusting or wierd... I won't mentioned it here for those who have not read the book yet but i know readers will know what i mean once they have read the book. This is where i admire Virginia Henley most. She has the guts to create new ideas and implemented it. I do believe that when people read, see or even feel new things or ideas, we tend to shun upon it. I am always open minded for new things, new ideas and however strange it might be at first, I often times accept it and move on... Afterall, If it was thought of, it most certainly can happend. I have to agree with few reviewers here that some of the dialogue doesn't sound right. The expressions Virginia Henley used such as "Dream on", "Hellavu Woman" and few more didn't fit in to the time period. Those inconsistencies wasn't a lot to get me annoyed however, so I manage to overlook that matter, especially because I did enjoy most part of this book. I do prefer consistencies in all the books I read but sometimes, it doesn't hurt to let small matters go and simply enjoy the story as it is. I will pick up more of Ms. Henley's work and that is for sure.
Rating:
Summary: Very Historical yet interesting all the same...
Review: This book is my "FIRST BOOK" in three ways... One, it's my first book of Virginia Henley (and certainly not the last). Two, it's my first book that the heroine is a very typical commoner who doesn't even know how to read. I actually thought I'd be turn off by this but as I read through, I learn to understand her situation and sigh for her. Then eventually, I wanted much, much more for Jane. Three, this is my first book that is perhaps about 70% filled with historical facts and events reigned during England's King Edward Plantagenet, The Longshanks, with Scotland's Robert Bruce and William Wallace, the famous BRAVEHEART epic. If you are the type of person who prefers more romance/love story and less historical facts on your books then this one is probably not for you. Because I saw and love the movie BRAVEHEART, I was and still AM particularly interested in Robert the Bruce & William Wallace's historical (con)quest for rights and freedom, that is why I wasn't bothered with the factual events that seems to overflowed more than the romance of the hero/heroine. I guess u can say that IF I was NOT already 'drawned' to such topic, I'd probably find this book very tedious. Since the Editorial Reviews pretty much sum up the book synopsis, I'd just give my opinion without summarizing the content any longer... Jane and Lynx love story was a bit ordinary for me. Aside for Lynx obsession to have an heir and Jane's adjustments to her new life, their love story didn't have any impact on me, however, it wasn't boring at all either. There are funny times and heart warming occurances as well but I find Jory's and Robert's love story much more heart wretching. Mind you, theirs wasn't even detailed bec. they are only the secondary characters yet for some reason, their relationship and Jory's love for Robert seems more fetching. I wanted to read more of them... I also enjoyed Jory's character more than Janes. Jory is uppity, manipulative and a big flirt yet she is also unselfish, charming and full of heart. I guess you can say that in my opinion, Jory's character overshadowed Jane's. I did have an admiration for Jane though but she should have been more develop. Jane was timid and too naive. Except for her herbal/healing talents, she was a bit ignorant which is fitting for her role and station in life of that time, i guess. She did improve a bit towards the end but I was left unconvinced, perhaps I just wanted more... What i specially like about Jane is her willingness to try and her willingness to learn. She doesn't pretend and she wasn't ashamed to accept her flaws... then ask for help to improve. "I will and I shall", she always said.... That is what I admire most about her. I want to clarify a comment given by a reviewer about beastiality... For me, there was NO beastiality in this book at all. I'd say read this book for yourself and decide if it is indeed beastiality in your opinion. However,In my own comprehension, it wasn't. That part with the lynx in the forrest pool was simply a METAMORPHICAL description. A metaphormic vision. There is also another occurance where readers might find disgusting or wierd... I won't mentioned it here for those who have not read the book yet but i know readers will know what i mean once they have read the book. This is where i admire Virginia Henley most. She has the guts to create new ideas and implemented it. I do believe that when people read, see or even feel new things or ideas, we tend to shun upon it. I am always open minded for new things, new ideas and however strange it might be at first, I often times accept it and move on... Afterall, If it was thought of, it most certainly can happend. I have to agree with few reviewers here that some of the dialogue doesn't sound right. The expressions Virginia Henley used such as "Dream on", "Hellavu Woman" and few more didn't fit in to the time period. Those inconsistencies wasn't a lot to get me annoyed however, so I manage to overlook that matter, especially because I did enjoy most part of this book. I do prefer consistencies in all the books I read but sometimes, it doesn't hurt to let small matters go and simply enjoy the story as it is. I will pick up more of Ms. Henley's work and that is for sure.
Rating:
Summary: THIS IS WHAT ROMANCE IS ALL ABOUT!
Review: This book will have me eagerly awaiting all of Virginia Henley's future books. I have read some of her other books and liked her but this one I truly loved! I was ready to start from the beginning again almost as soon as I had finished this one in one sitting. Her characters totally enraptured me without "draining" me with the story line. The coming together of two souls was truly magnificent.
Rating:
Summary: I LOVED IT!!!
Review: THIS IS A REAL TEAR JERKER. IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE RIGHT THERE AND OH LA LA ROBERT THE BRUCE.....
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully-told story
Review: This is a well-told story of Edward (I) Plantagenet's fight for, conquest of and loss of Scotland. It follows English lord Lynx de Warenne as he fights for his king and also befriends Robert Bruce, who is eventually crowned king of Scotland as Robert I. Lots of detail is provided about war campaigns, battles, treason and betrayal. The story also includes a variety of passionate love scenes, including some that are playful, others that are just a bit crude, and still others that are loving and tender. I was extremely touched by the scenes in which Jane literally nurses her husband back to health after he is viciously attacked. I also enjoyed reading about Jane's special gift for communicating with animals and her brother's gift of second sight. The story is humorous in spots, but it also contains quite graphic descriptions of the base deeds of many involved in the wars.
Rating:
Summary: HISTORICAL READING FAN
Review: THIS IS ONE OF THOSE LOVES STORIES, WHERE IT WILL LEAVING YOU CRYING. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEN LINX AND JANE IS SO BEAUTIFUL. ALTHOUGH IT STARTS OFF KINDA OF CRAZY BY THE END YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE. EVEN THE STORY OF JORY AND ROBERT IS INTERESTING AND GOOD. IT DOES NOT TAKE AWAY FROM THE MAIN CHARACTERS BUT ADDS TO IT.
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