Rating: 
Summary: 3 & 1/2 stars is more accurate
Review: Except for Lily immediately falling into Radulf's bed, which I found wildly unrealistic, I really enjoyed this novel. Radulf makes an excellent hero, showing a wide range of emotions and rightly wrestling with himself regarding his feelings for Lily. For me, Lily was not quite as likeable; I became annoyed with her repeated refusal to accept what she had learned of Radulf instead of caving in to old fears and keeping secrets. The playfulness in their early relationship soured later on, in large part because of Lily's attitudes & actions in this regard.
All in all, though, it was a delightful way to spend a few hours.
Rating: 
Summary: exciting Conqueror romance
Review: In 1070 England, the King's Sword Radulf seeks the traitor Saxon Lady Wifreda whose Norman husband Vorgen turned against William and is already dead. Zigzagging across the countryside in an exhausting effort to stay free, Lily arrives at Grinswade Church seeking sanctuary, but no one remains at the House of God. Radulf arrives at the church finding Lily there. She insists she is the daughter of a vassal of the Earl of Morcar, who remained loyal to the Conqueror, using the name Lily as only her father called her.
Radulf accepts what Lily says, but remains wary as not only does he trust no one, but also disbelieves women after once being badly betrayed by one. As he uncovers Lily's identity, Radulf and his "guest" fall in love. However, once he knows who she is he feels like the fool, duped again by a female, but unable to idly allow William to destroy his Lily.
THE LILY AND THE SWORD is an exciting Conqueror romance. Though the plot strictly adheres to the era's star-crossed lovers theme, nonetheless the story provides an exhilarating spin on the era. Radulf may be a giant of a warrior, but runs the human gamut of emotions such as love, hurt, anger, possessiveness, and protectiveness towards his beloved. Lily is an intrepid heroine trying to first stay alive though she loves Radulf (Maslow's hierarchy). This duo turns Sara Bennett's debut book into a worth reading medieval romance for sub-genre fans. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: exciting Conqueror romance
Review: In 1070 England, the King's Sword Radulf seeks the traitor Saxon Lady Wifreda whose Norman husband Vorgen turned against William and is already dead. Zigzagging across the countryside in an exhausting effort to stay free, Lily arrives at Grinswade Church seeking sanctuary, but no one remains at the House of God. Radulf arrives at the church finding Lily there. She insists she is the daughter of a vassal of the Earl of Morcar, who remained loyal to the Conqueror, using the name Lily as only her father called her.
Radulf accepts what Lily says, but remains wary as not only does he trust no one, but also disbelieves women after once being badly betrayed by one. As he uncovers Lily's identity, Radulf and his "guest" fall in love. However, once he knows who she is he feels like the fool, duped again by a female, but unable to idly allow William to destroy his Lily.
THE LILY AND THE SWORD is an exciting Conqueror romance. Though the plot strictly adheres to the era's star-crossed lovers theme, nonetheless the story provides an exhilarating spin on the era. Radulf may be a giant of a warrior, but runs the human gamut of emotions such as love, hurt, anger, possessiveness, and protectiveness towards his beloved. Lily is an intrepid heroine trying to first stay alive though she loves Radulf (Maslow's hierarchy). This duo turns Sara Bennett's debut book into a worth reading medieval romance for sub-genre fans. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Passionate Medieval
Review: Lady Wilfreda, English noblewoman, grandaughter of Norse King Harold Haardrada is being hunted by the Normans - namely by Radulf known as "the King's Sword". Radulf's fierce and frightening reputation has preceded him into Northumbria and Lady Wilfreda has fled. It is Radulf's mission to find her and bring her before King William who will either marry her off to one of his nobles or kill her. Radulf has no sympathy for a treacherous woman - he's had one in his life already and has no intention of repeating his past mistake of trusting a woman. The Lady Wilfreda, called Lily by those who love her, has been used by men. Her father was murdered and she was forced to wed his murderer - renegade Norman Vorgen. She endured a dreadful life with him full of abuse. Then when Vorgen was killed, her kinsman, Hew took up arms in her name. All Lily wants is peace and prosperity for her people - she's no rebel. But she knows that neither William nor his Sword will believe she is innocent. When Radulf encounters her she lies and tells him her name is Lily and that she is the daughter of a loyal vassal. Radulf is not sure he believes her, but takes her to his camp. He'll find out what's true eventually, but in the meantime, he is attracted to her in a way he has never felt before. And if he is not mistaken, she feels a similar pull toward him. And so begins a very passionate relationship founded on lies, fear and suspicion, but with the potential to be the real thing. For both want each other despite their doubts and wariness. Even finding out the truth about Lily does not dim his need to have her and so to save her from his king, her marries her. But there are still lots of obstacles to overcome and trust to be won on both sides. I liked both Radulf's and Lily's characters and their romance was full of passion and longing. The story moved along well and had lots of action to augment the romance. But I do have a pet peeve: the cover is one of those gross Fabio-esque deals with the hero sporting long flowing hair. But to quote the book "His hair was very dark and cut short over his skull, shorter even than the Norman fashion". A little more accuracy and class in the cover would be welcome - sleeveless chain mail with nothing under it but heaving chest and bulging biceps - UGH!.
Rating:
Summary: Passionate Medieval
Review: Lady Wilfreda, English noblewoman, grandaughter of Norse King Harold Haardrada is being hunted by the Normans - namely by Radulf known as "the King's Sword". Radulf's fierce and frightening reputation has preceded him into Northumbria and Lady Wilfreda has fled. It is Radulf's mission to find her and bring her before King William who will either marry her off to one of his nobles or kill her. Radulf has no sympathy for a treacherous woman - he's had one in his life already and has no intention of repeating his past mistake of trusting a woman. The Lady Wilfreda, called Lily by those who love her, has been used by men. Her father was murdered and she was forced to wed his murderer - renegade Norman Vorgen. She endured a dreadful life with him full of abuse. Then when Vorgen was killed, her kinsman, Hew took up arms in her name. All Lily wants is peace and prosperity for her people - she's no rebel. But she knows that neither William nor his Sword will believe she is innocent. When Radulf encounters her she lies and tells him her name is Lily and that she is the daughter of a loyal vassal. Radulf is not sure he believes her, but takes her to his camp. He'll find out what's true eventually, but in the meantime, he is attracted to her in a way he has never felt before. And if he is not mistaken, she feels a similar pull toward him. And so begins a very passionate relationship founded on lies, fear and suspicion, but with the potential to be the real thing. For both want each other despite their doubts and wariness. Even finding out the truth about Lily does not dim his need to have her and so to save her from his king, her marries her. But there are still lots of obstacles to overcome and trust to be won on both sides. I liked both Radulf's and Lily's characters and their romance was full of passion and longing. The story moved along well and had lots of action to augment the romance. But I do have a pet peeve: the cover is one of those gross Fabio-esque deals with the hero sporting long flowing hair. But to quote the book "His hair was very dark and cut short over his skull, shorter even than the Norman fashion". A little more accuracy and class in the cover would be welcome - sleeveless chain mail with nothing under it but heaving chest and bulging biceps - UGH!.
Rating:
Summary: Decent Read
Review: Lily and the Sword is a good read, albeit it is predictable. Lily is a conquerored woman who in seeking shelter from the destruction of war. She inevitably falls right into the hands of her enemy, The King's Sword, Radulf. Radulf is attracted to Lily, even though he knows that she is hiding something. He tries to resist her lure, but fails miserably. When Lily's secret is revealed the the two commence battle. They don't trust each other and are weary of the other's motives. They eventually conqueror this distrust by way of a forced marriage and love saves the day. This story has been replayed numerous times you don't even need to read the ending to figure it out. Bennett does succeed in infusing a significant amount of emotion in to her characters in the beginning of the novel. It is just enough to make you continue to read on. Before the inevitable occured, I was in love with Radulf and his torment over his feelings for Lily. I also understood why Lily was doing what she was doing. Yet, Saxon maid and Norman conqueror has been played before. So about half way through the novel as things between Lily and Radulf began to detoriate, I was tempted to put it down. Yet, I stayed the course and it did turn out to be a pleasant read. Nothing spectacular but it will do to pass the time.
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding Debut Medieval Novel
Review: Setting - Northumbria - North of England 1070 ---
Lady Lily is running for her life from Radulf, the `King's Sword' - the scourge, the hideous ogre with a bloody sword, who has been sent by the king to slay all who fought him. She is the Saxon widow of Vorgen, the Norman traitor who betrayed King William. Vorgen, despised husband, who killed her father, then wedded her over his dead body. Lily arrived exhausted at Grinswade Church, where she sought the priest and to bid a final farewell at the graves of her parents- but luck was not with her. Radulf arrives at the church and discovers Lily. When he asked who she was, she lies and gives him the name of Lily, the pet name her father used for her, and also tells him that she is the daughter of the Earl of Morcar, who remains a loyal vassal to King William the Conqueror. Radulf finds himself fiercely attracted to this cool silver blonde beauty and accepts her story at face value. He has been betrayed by a woman before and is wary, but he has also never had this overwhelming attraction before. He vows to protect her and return her to her father. Lily herself is drawn to this man, her enemy, who would slay her should he discover that she is the `she-wolf' he hunts. Not only do they both fall in love (of course, they don't admit this to each other) they have an exquisitely hot and sensual time of it before he discovers that he has been deceived once again, by a woman. THE LILY AND THE SWORD follows the mold of an exciting medieval romance with a lusty, gorgeous alpha-male and divine female. Radulf is the mighty warrior but with the respect and love of his men and vassals - the tales of his brutality are just that - tales! Lily is a by-product of being the abused wife of an old, impotent and hateful man. Out of necessity and self-preservation she has hardened her heart to not trust her feelings or any man, before enduring any more betrayals and pain. Their love story is that which will bring a tear to your eye at the inevitable conclusion. This is a stellar start for a debut novel from this new author who bears watching. I found this fast paced novel to be an outstanding and truly enjoyable read for lovers of medieval historic romance.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Debut Medieval Novel
Review: Setting - Northumbria - North of England 1070 ---
Lady Lily is running for her life from Radulf, the 'King's Sword' - the scourge, the hideous ogre with a bloody sword, who has been sent by the king to slay all who fought him. She is the Saxon widow of Vorgen, the Norman traitor who betrayed King William. Vorgen, despised husband, who killed her father, then wedded her over his dead body. Lily arrived exhausted at Grinswade Church, where she sought the priest and to bid a final farewell at the graves of her parents- but luck was not with her. Radulf arrives at the church and discovers Lily. When he asked who she was, she lies and gives him the name of Lily, the pet name her father used for her, and also tells him that she is the daughter of the Earl of Morcar, who remains a loyal vassal to King William the Conqueror. Radulf finds himself fiercely attracted to this cool silver blonde beauty and accepts her story at face value. He has been betrayed by a woman before and is wary, but he has also never had this overwhelming attraction before. He vows to protect her and return her to her father. Lily herself is drawn to this man, her enemy, who would slay her should he discover that she is the 'she-wolf' he hunts. Not only do they both fall in love (of course, they don't admit this to each other) they have an exquisitely hot and sensual time of it before he discovers that he has been deceived once again, by a woman. THE LILY AND THE SWORD follows the mold of an exciting medieval romance with a lusty, gorgeous alpha-male and divine female. Radulf is the mighty warrior but with the respect and love of his men and vassals - the tales of his brutality are just that - tales! Lily is a by-product of being the abused wife of an old, impotent and hateful man. Out of necessity and self-preservation she has hardened her heart to not trust her feelings or any man, before enduring any more betrayals and pain. Their love story is that which will bring a tear to your eye at the inevitable conclusion. This is a stellar start for a debut novel from this new author who bears watching. I found this fast paced novel to be an outstanding and truly enjoyable read for lovers of medieval historic romance.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Scottish Romance
Review: The story revolves around Lily and the Kings Sword Radulf. Lily is running away and hiding from the war that has been fought between Scotland and the new King of England who is a Norman. Radulf is sent in and is known as the Kings Sword. The fierce Roman Knight finds Lily and believes that she is someone else. He can't help but be drawn to her. Lily is also captivated by Radalf. He is not what he seems to be or what the rumors have spoken of. Against all odds these two people find the gift of love with each other. Of course there are many twist and turns before you get to the happily ever after part but that is half the fun of reading this book so I won't give anything away. This is my first by Bennet and I look forward to reading more from her.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Scottish Romance
Review: The story revolves around Lily and the Kings Sword Radulf. Lily is running away and hiding from the war that has been fought between Scotland and the new King of England who is a Norman. Radulf is sent in and is known as the Kings Sword. The fierce Roman Knight finds Lily and believes that she is someone else. He can't help but be drawn to her. Lily is also captivated by Radalf. He is not what he seems to be or what the rumors have spoken of. Against all odds these two people find the gift of love with each other. Of course there are many twist and turns before you get to the happily ever after part but that is half the fun of reading this book so I won't give anything away. This is my first by Bennet and I look forward to reading more from her.
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