Stealing Heaven

Rating:
Summary: Stealing Heaven will Steal Your Heart
Review: Since her very first novel, I have been mesmerized by this author's writings - the medieval era comes to life under the pen of this extremely gifted author and her latest offering is no exception.

Marcus of Anglesmore was not happy to be betrothed by the king to a woman he'd never met. In the moonlit night he climbed over the garden wall where she was staying. The woman he met there both surprised and captivated him. He assumed she was his betrothed but alas it was only a case of mistaken identities as this enchantress was the sister of his betrothed. Not only the sister of his betrothed, but the discarded whore of the king he'd sworn his fealty to. Such a case of star crossed lovers you will ever come across.

Nesta's heart battled with her head for she could ill afford to let passion overcome the treasonous plans that she had become involved in. Plans that had been set in motion years before, and promises made to the father she had loved. Try as they might, both knew that nothing could come of their passion for one another. Marcus trying to do his duty to charm the sister when his heart and head could not release the images, scents, and feelings of the moonlit garden and Nesta. Marcus warred between the lover and the knight whose duty was to his king, as Nesta warred with herself between her womanly heart and duties as her father's heir to complete his treasonous plans,

The imminent battles over Welsh and English territories were nothing as to the battles of will and desires between these star-crossed lovers. Their differences seem insurmountable and the poignancy of their love, though no one spoke of love, is so sad it will bring tears to your eyes. They hope, but they both know that they will betray one another. Stealing what moments of passion they can only made the reality of their situation the hell it had become. Their words of love will entrance the most jaded and sensual and very descriptive sex will keep you warm and toasty all through the night.

Absolutely wonderful reading - a definite keeper.

Rating:
Summary: Another great read from Madeline Hunter
Review: Stealing Heaven is Madeline Hunter's sixth book. Having enjoyed all her books, I eagerly awaited this one. The story of Marcus (brother of heroine in "By Design") and Nesta is beautifully written and is filled with historical detail. Ms. Hunter as usual has done her homework well. "Stealing Heaven" reminded me of a romance novel crossed with a Sharon Kay Penman historical fiction novel. I can't wait to read her next set of novels, set in the Regency era. Anyone could enjoy this book, even those people who look down on romance novels. Don't miss out on this one!!

Rating:
Summary: Okay. This is passion!
Review: This book had me enthralled from the first page, when Marcus of Anglesmore seduces who he thinks is his betrothed in the garden, to the last (Can't tell you that). When he finds out that it is the beautiful Genith who he is to marry, not the desireable older sister Nesta, the book becomes even more captivating.

What I found enticing about the book was that the two main characters were both intelligent, where-as with some other books, the woman is described as intelligent, but is actually a dum-dum. Nesta desired Marcus, but had a will of her own and a heart to triumph that matched his blow for blow. At times I just wanted her to give in, but it made for great action. And Marcus had a brain that worked just a well as his body.

Now lets get down to what you want to hear. The passion was unbelievable. These two had a thrilling chemistry that was so potent that you could almost hear the sizzle when they looked at each other. In one scene it was so particularly strong that you could actually feel the heat and tension between them! (...)

This book is an abosulte must have!

Rating:
Summary: Starts intriguingly, but lacks historical details...
Review: This book is much better than Hunter's previous work LORD OF A THOUSAND NIGHTS. It however, does not match up in terms of psychological and emotional intensity to her first four books, particularly her first book BY ARRANGEMENT(which some people hate but I re-read obsessively).

Let me explain how I view this author. Madeline Hunter is for me one of the strongest writers in the genre of historical romance. I mourn the fact that she will not be writing more medieval romances (there are so few good writers for medievals), although I am excited about her move to a different time period, one that I am far more familiar with. The reason why Hunter is an auto-buy author for me is that her plots are (almost) always different and challenging. Her heroes and heroines are complex characters, who merit closer examination through re-reads. There is enough historical detail to ponder over during each re-read - and to feel that I am right there in that city, or that hamlet or that castle or fortress. I also learn something new from her best books, whether it is the fact that medieval people sometimes had more sophisticated toilet facilities than suspected, or the fact that trade was more extensive than I had thought.

Stealing Heaven begins with a great scene - a man (the hero Marcus of Anglesmore) is climbing a garden wall to sneak a look at his betrothed. Why is his betrothed avoiding him? Why is this man so determined to view his bride, if he cannot avoid this marriage? Why does he have to marry her? Great questions. The plot thickens when Marcus discovers that he encountered the sister of the woman he is to marry, and that she is forbidden to him both by the laws of the church (after he marries) and by the fact that she was Edward III's mistress "the King's ...."

We have met Marcus as young Mark in BY DESIGN, where he was the heroine's younger brother and a definite brat. He is older, more mature. He has not however come wholly to terms with the events of his childhood. It is not necessary to read BY DESIGN first, but some things about Mark make more sense if you have read that story first (or later).

Nesta is more of an enigma. She is consumed by her desire to fulfill her father's dying wishes, and to get her sister away from Marcus. She however cannot avoid her attraction to her sister's intended, even as she uses her body to taunt him and distract him. I will not provide too many spoilers here for those who have not read the book, but I will say that things do not turn out either as Nesta or as Marcus intended. Loyalties are challenged, and difficult decisions sometimes rest on half-truths (or half-lies) and omissions of the truth.

Some old friends from Hunter's earlier books (published earlier, that is) appear in this work. We meet David (hero of BY ARRANGEMENT) some years before his own marriage; we meet Addis (hero of BY POSSESSION) as a proud father but also a mentor to Mark. And we see a bit of Joan and Rhys (protagonists in BY DESIGN, the prequel to this work). It is always good to see old friends.

There are some problems with this work. First, I cannot buy the plot entirely for historical reasons. That is my particular problem. Secondly, this book lacks the historical detail, the specifics of geography, economy, and everyday life that made her first four books such a delight to read. I did not get as vivid a sense of being there on the Welsh marches or in London as I had hoped. Thirdly, the characters seem to lack the emotional intensity that her protagonists in earlier books had. Somehow, I cannot connect to Marcus or to Nesta. Her goals are understandable, but it is easier to relate to smaller causes or a quest for personal vengeance than a Grand Cause. No new secondary characters appear who match those in earlier books. This book could have done much more with Addis, David, Joan, and Rhys as well. We see them in glimpses here and there, and for the most part, they seem pale shadows of what they are in their own books. [I do not know if this is a good thing, because they could have taken over this story, or a bad thing].

I do wish that the book had a different title, because the title derives from comments made by Marcus that seemed like purple prose. While the writing is good (as always), I felt that hte book needed a little editing (two "vague smiles" from David within three pages was a bit too much). These may seem like petty things, but Madeline's titles have been so good for her first four books.

Finally, I wish to add that the label given to the heroine did not make sense given what was revealed about herself and the King, nor did her admission to Marcus make sense either. This part of the story could have done with a little more fleshing out.

I would have liked to rated this book higher, but while it was a good read, it lacked that emotional intensity, that tension, that complexity that the best books of hers have had for me. It was not a compelling read, although I managed to stay with the book till the end (more because I was discussing it with another reviewer).

I am measuring Hunter against Hunter. In any other author, I would rate this book at least half a grade higher (a B+). However, even among the better romances I have read this year, this is not a keeper for me because of the compelling plot and characterization. Nor is it a book that demands an immediate re-read because it is so good that I felt I did not do it justice the first time around. Either quality would have merited a higher grade (an A- or an A).

Grade = B

Rating = 3.9 (B)
Breakdown = romance element 3.8 (B); characterization 3.6 (B-); plot development 3.9 (B); writing 4.3 (B+)

Rating:
Summary: Worthy of 5 Stars...
Review: This book was just about perfect, Nesta was lovely although I think Marcus might have loved her a little bit more than she loved him; it seemed so anyway. There was NOTHING he wouldn't do for her. He was a strong, compassionate and wonderful man. Great love scenes.

Rating:
Summary: Love conquers all
Review: This is a very poignant novel about how two people, bound by duties to their countries, overcome everything to find the ultimate happiness.

Marcus of Anglesmore finds himself betrothed to the daughter of Llygad ap Madoc, former leader of the rebellious Welsh, as ordered by King Edward, for the purpose of binding Wales to England. In London, we see Marcus climbing into a garden hoping to see his future bride. He encounters a beautiful woman, and thinking she was Genith, kisses her. In truth, the woman was Nesta, the elder sister, infamously known by all as King Edward's mistress. Upon learning the truth the following day, Marcus was astonished and more so by the fact that he has fallen under the spell of Nesta.

As the story progresses, we see these two people greatly drawn to one another, but both feel the weight of their obligations to their countries. The fact that both try to stay true to their beliefs and hold on to their loyalty, yet unable to deny their feelings for each other is what makes the story complex. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking that I almost cried, especially when reading of Marcus' pain.

I would have liked to read a detailed explanation of Nesta's involvement with King Edward and how she became known as 'the King's whore', rather than the brief exchange they had towards the end and her previous admission to Marcus. I just found it quite vague - at one point I was debating whether she was coerced, then another that she probably gave in to Edward in the end. I also found it hard to relate to Nesta in the beginning. I would have understood her more if we were told that she was seeking personal revenge instead of fighting for this grand cause that wasn't fully explained until the end.

Still, this is a really good book and the fact that it almost made me cry is enough reason for me to give it 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Story/Wonderful Lead Characters
Review: This is an excellent story about two very intelligent individuals on different sides of a battle. They fall in love but cannot sacrifice their beliefs for that love. I was very moved by the story. Madeline Hunter is an excellent writer and able to make the time period come alive. Nesta is her strongest medieval heroine. She did an excellent job of making her independent in a believable manner. If you love medieval romances or strong heroines, then I recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: At First I Wasn't Too Sure About This One But...
Review: This turned out to be one of this author's best books. After reading the first few pages however, I had put it down due to tedium, but I decided to give it another try. I'm SO glad I did. Marcus is second only to Addis (BY POSSESSION) as far as sexy, sensitive, handsome heros go. And the plot was good; telling much about Marcus's feelings for Nesta in the way that he handled her 'treasonous' actions. Just a great story with great characters. David (BY ARRANGEMENT) was a delight, as was Addis, however brief his appearance.

Rating:
Summary: A magnificent medieval sexy romance
Review: This was an absolutely splendid book in more ways than one. It is my third Madeline Hunter book and I have given each the highest rating possible. Stealing Heaven seemed better than the rest but it has been a while since I have read a Hunter book and why? I have not a clue. I so love her writing and now will eagerly proceed through her unfortunately short backlist.

Marcus of Anglemore is a knight of King Edward during the 1300s. His former home and lands have been restored to him and now the king has arranged a marriage that will further unite the Welsh and English and provide Marcus with more power and land through his new wife. By Design, the prequel to this story provides the background here and it is when we are first introduced to Marcus as a young boy.

Marcus has proven himself a valiant knight worthy of the king's favor and is all that most medieval heroes are - handsome, available, alpha, smart, highly trained in battle, extremely perceptive, and very sexy. On top of all those characteristics he is more than the average medieval hero in that he is very sensitive, understanding, and caring when it comes to the woman he cherishes. In fact, his understanding of the heroine's treasonous dedication to the Welsh cause is one of the most outstanding aspects of this book. I have not ever seen such tolerance and empathy from an alpha hero before and it in no way makes him seem less of a man - only much more the fantastic hero.

Nesta, the heroine, is the oldest daughter of a rebel Welsh chieftain, Llygad, who is deceased. She has been previously married to a Scot and is referred to as the king's whore. This description of her as the king's whore kept me from reading this book for months. I could not imagine an endearing tale about a king's whore. But - please do not let that stop you. While the validity of that rumor is not known for most of the book, it does not lessen the vitality of this captivating story.

Marcus is to marry Nesta's younger sister. It is not an alliance he is anticipating with any favor. One night he slips into the garden of his future wife to determine the reason he has been denied an introduction to her. For weeks, she has been reportedly ill but Marcus correctly suspects that it is only a ruse. Once in the garden, he spots Nesta, a beautiful alluring woman, and assumes she is his bride-to-be. That garden meeting is the very beginning pages of Stealing Heaven and it starts the book off with a bang! Their attraction to each other is so immediate and downright chemical that it flies off the page. When Marcus discovers that Nesta is not to be his bride, he can barely contain his ire. From this point, the book just gathers steam, getting better and more fascinating with every single page.

Although there are some interesting secondary characters, this story is primarily about Marcus and Nesta. It reaches the level of truly great romance. There are many, many pages devoted to their relationship - making the growth of their love only more real to the reader. When rating a romance book, one of my primary requirements for a high rating is the time dedicated to the development of the romance. This book certainly rates five stars in that aspect. The sensual scenes are some of the best I have read. I had not remembered Hunter writing such sexy scenes in her two previous books I had devoured. They are powerful - not distasteful - and rate about a 4.0 to a 4.5 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines).

Stealing Heaven is a wondrous tale that I could hardly put down. I relished each page and felt that Hunter's writing was truly unique. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is part of a series of which I have been unable to establish the order precisely. This is my best guess at the order of the series: By Possession, By Design, Stealing Heaven, and By Arrangement. I have not read them in order and they can be easily relished as stand-alone books. However, Hunter is better than average when it comes to writing sequels involving characters from other books. If you can read them in order, you will be in for an additional treat.