Rating: 
Summary: Sparks Fly!
Review: ...high praise to THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD!
Lady Rose is a fiercely independent woman who has striven to retain control of her lands in a male-dominated arena. Reluctant to approach her liege lord, Lord Radulf (from THE LILY AND THE SWORD) for help she instead hires Gunnar Olafson (son of Olaf and Gundren from THE LILY AND THE SWORD) and his band of mercenaries to protect Somerford Manor against raiders believe to be merefolk by her peopel. Unbeknownst to her, he is hired to spy on Lady Rose and expose her for treason. His reward will be Somerford Manor for himself. Upon first meeting Gunnar and Rose are attracted to each other. Gunnar is a hero to swoon over. Large in size and handsome in face he is frequently surrounded by ogling women. Described most vividly by Ms. Bennett, he is a Viking with blue eyes like the ocean, and long reddish hair. Rose finds herself under his sensual spell. He is not immune to her charms either. Gunnar initially doubts Rose's innocence, and sees her as a conniving woman in cahoots with her knight. He soon realizes this is not the case, and Rose has ably handled the administration of her lands and people. The physical chemistry between these two characters sparks from the beginning. As the story progresses the love for each other matches their passion. Ms. Bennett does a wonderful job providing a passionate romance in 1072 England and stays consistent in this second book and follow up of THE LILY AND THE SWORD. Watch for more wonderful stories from Ms. Bennett in 2003. Ivo de Vessey's story will be called ONCE HE LOVES and released in April '03.
Rating: 
Summary: Good leads and story, but too slow to start, too abrupt end
Review: 3 1/2 stars. I have to disgree with other reviews in that I did not find this a fast paced read. I found the beginning quite slow and was tempted to skip ahead - something I rarely do. While Gunnar (oooh, yum!) and Rose are both engaging and likable characters, I was frustrated by how long it took for them to even have a one-on-one private conversation, let alone anything more romantic! Once they do get together passion swirls and the pace picks up, but then the end seems too quick and abrupt for my taste. It seemed like we went from distrust to love in, like two pages! The story itself is good, if familiar (see Lady of Valor by Tina St John). Widow and Lady of the Manor trying to keep what's hers hires mercenaries not realizing that they come from her overlord, Radulf, who suspects her of treason. Rose does not go to her overlord for help because she is afraid of appearing weak. Responsibility and duty weight heavily on Rose and in those solitary moments at her solar window, she longs for someone to share her burdens. Gunnar Olafson is the son of Radulf's armourer and is tired of the mercenary life. He wants land and a home he can call his own, and if Rose is found to be a traitor, Radulf will reward him with Somerford Manor. And so, these two have to decide whether they can trust one another, all the while they are attracted to each other. While sharing a bed, they refuse to share their innermost thoughts and certainly not their hearts. But when the true threat to Somerford is revealed, they have no choice but to trust one another to survive. This is the second book from this author and while I enjoyed both, I prefer "Lily and the Sword" to this one. Looks like Ms Bennett has another book due out soon (she certainly cranks them out quick) and I will likely also check that one (Once He Loves) out as well.
Rating:
Summary: Good leads and story, but too slow to start, too abrupt end
Review: 3 1/2 stars. I have to disgree with other reviews in that I did not find this a fast paced read. I found the beginning quite slow and was tempted to skip ahead - something I rarely do. While Gunnar (oooh, yum!) and Rose are both engaging and likable characters, I was frustrated by how long it took for them to even have a one-on-one private conversation, let alone anything more romantic! Once they do get together passion swirls and the pace picks up, but then the end seems too quick and abrupt for my taste. It seemed like we went from distrust to love in, like two pages! The story itself is good, if familiar (see Lady of Valor by Tina St John). Widow and Lady of the Manor trying to keep what's hers hires mercenaries not realizing that they come from her overlord, Radulf, who suspects her of treason. Rose does not go to her overlord for help because she is afraid of appearing weak. Responsibility and duty weight heavily on Rose and in those solitary moments at her solar window, she longs for someone to share her burdens. Gunnar Olafson is the son of Radulf's armourer and is tired of the mercenary life. He wants land and a home he can call his own, and if Rose is found to be a traitor, Radulf will reward him with Somerford Manor. And so, these two have to decide whether they can trust one another, all the while they are attracted to each other. While sharing a bed, they refuse to share their innermost thoughts and certainly not their hearts. But when the true threat to Somerford is revealed, they have no choice but to trust one another to survive. This is the second book from this author and while I enjoyed both, I prefer "Lily and the Sword" to this one. Looks like Ms Bennett has another book due out soon (she certainly cranks them out quick) and I will likely also check that one (Once He Loves) out as well.
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as others by Sara Bennett :-(
Review: I really enjoyed Bennett's Lily and the Sword, so I anxiously awaited this book in the mail. However, I had a hard time finding any romance/spark that signified a love developing. Yes, they lusted after each other, but I didn't see any interaction between the heroine and hero that led me to believe they were soul mates. Oh well, I still enjoy Ms. Bennett's writing and will give her work another try.
Rating:
Summary: exciting first decade after the Normandy Invasion romance
Review: In 1072, Lord Radulf (see THE LILY AND THE SWORD) sends mercenary Gunnar Olafson and his men to check whether the widow Lady of Somerford has joined his enemies. When he arrives Gunnar is surprised to see the land surrounding Somerford Manor thriving especially in light of much of England being wasted since the invasion. He assumes that the Lady of the manor Rose has nothing to do with the golden fields. Rose knows that she has numerous enemies who covet her land and simply want her out of the way either through legal means of marriage or by treachery. She has rejected several proposals and has kept under control the betrayals through strong leadership and solid land management since her husband died last year. However, when Rose and Gunnar meet sparks fly that quickly turns towards love, but neither trusts the other leaving both vulnerable to her deadliest foes. THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD is an exciting first decade after the Normandy Invasion romance that provides sub-genre fans with an intriguing look at the transformation through the eyes of a lead protagonists who has seen much of the destructive side of the change. The story line hooks the reader from the start because of Gunnar's unique perspective. Rose is a heroine though a bit too perfect in an age filled with turmoil yet the audience will enjoy this exciting sequel. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: exciting first decade after the Normandy Invasion romance
Review: In 1072, Lord Radulf (see THE LILY AND THE SWORD) sends mercenary Gunnar Olafson and his men to check whether the widow Lady of Somerford has joined his enemies. When he arrives Gunnar is surprised to see the land surrounding Somerford Manor thriving especially in light of much of England being wasted since the invasion. He assumes that the Lady of the manor Rose has nothing to do with the golden fields. Rose knows that she has numerous enemies who covet her land and simply want her out of the way either through legal means of marriage or by treachery. She has rejected several proposals and has kept under control the betrayals through strong leadership and solid land management since her husband died last year. However, when Rose and Gunnar meet sparks fly that quickly turns towards love, but neither trusts the other leaving both vulnerable to her deadliest foes. THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD is an exciting first decade after the Normandy Invasion romance that provides sub-genre fans with an intriguing look at the transformation through the eyes of a lead protagonists who has seen much of the destructive side of the change. The story line hooks the reader from the start because of Gunnar's unique perspective. Rose is a heroine though a bit too perfect in an age filled with turmoil yet the audience will enjoy this exciting sequel. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Crisp writing, passionate and visual
Review: Setting England - 1072 ----- In this sequel to THE LILY AND THE SWORD, Lord Radulf has intercepted a missive from one of his vassals asking for assistance from one of his enemies. In order to determine if the widow Lady Rose of Somerford has turned traitor to him, he sends one of his mercenaries, Gunnar Olafson and his men to see if what he fears is true. If Gunnar can prove that Radulf's beloved wife Lily's protégé has turned against him, then Somerford manor would be given to him once he regains control. Rose, a product of her time, knows she has been a bargaining chip and although she was shown kindness from her elderly and now deceased husband, she did not trust her heart to any of the male species. She would do whatever was necessary to keep control of and the care of her people. Sir Arno, her knight whom she thought loyal, convinced her, that if she asked Radulf for help he would think her incompetent and take the control of Somerford out of her hands. Gunnar, riding up and seeing a great looking harvest in the fields was thinking only that once the traitor, Lady Rose was ousted, this fertile demense would be his. However, when Rose and Gunnar meet their attraction to one another is mutually fierce and disturbing. He to think he was attracted to a traitor, and she to a mercenary; though both attribute it to lust neither wanted to trust their feelings or each other. THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD is an exciting historical romance sequel set during the reign of William the Conqueror after the Norman's landed. Being a female in those tumultuous times, the thought of a loving and caring relationship would be but a dream, with your value being determined solely upon political alliances. Knowing that a mercenary warred for coin, Rose fought her attraction as much as she could. Gunnar, raised in a home of love and devotion and once he realized Rose was innocent of treachery, prayed that she would learn to trust both him and her feelings. Unfortunately, her independence was for me, just a little too rigid when she should have been able to see past his profession especially after such a sensual and thoroughly satisfying tryst; to still doubt him, was a little hard to swallow. This was still a good and satisfying read for lovers of this historical period and well worth your time. The writing is crisp, passionate, and quite visual so I am looking forward to the next sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Crisp writing, passionate and visual
Review: Setting England - 1072 ----- In this sequel to THE LILY AND THE SWORD, Lord Radulf has intercepted a missive from one of his vassals asking for assistance from one of his enemies. In order to determine if the widow Lady Rose of Somerford has turned traitor to him, he sends one of his mercenaries, Gunnar Olafson and his men to see if what he fears is true. If Gunnar can prove that Radulf's beloved wife Lily's protégé has turned against him, then Somerford manor would be given to him once he regains control. Rose, a product of her time, knows she has been a bargaining chip and although she was shown kindness from her elderly and now deceased husband, she did not trust her heart to any of the male species. She would do whatever was necessary to keep control of and the care of her people. Sir Arno, her knight whom she thought loyal, convinced her, that if she asked Radulf for help he would think her incompetent and take the control of Somerford out of her hands. Gunnar, riding up and seeing a great looking harvest in the fields was thinking only that once the traitor, Lady Rose was ousted, this fertile demense would be his. However, when Rose and Gunnar meet their attraction to one another is mutually fierce and disturbing. He to think he was attracted to a traitor, and she to a mercenary; though both attribute it to lust neither wanted to trust their feelings or each other. THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD is an exciting historical romance sequel set during the reign of William the Conqueror after the Norman's landed. Being a female in those tumultuous times, the thought of a loving and caring relationship would be but a dream, with your value being determined solely upon political alliances. Knowing that a mercenary warred for coin, Rose fought her attraction as much as she could. Gunnar, raised in a home of love and devotion and once he realized Rose was innocent of treachery, prayed that she would learn to trust both him and her feelings. Unfortunately, her independence was for me, just a little too rigid when she should have been able to see past his profession especially after such a sensual and thoroughly satisfying tryst; to still doubt him, was a little hard to swallow. This was still a good and satisfying read for lovers of this historical period and well worth your time. The writing is crisp, passionate, and quite visual so I am looking forward to the next sequel.
Rating:
Summary: I liked this one a great deal until
Review: the end. It was far too abrupt and made their love, especially Rose's love for Gunnar, not ring true.
The issues between Gunnar and Rose are trust and, for her, love. She is used to the men in her using her as a pawn and being completely untrustworthy. Plus, she learned to reject love from a co-dependent mother. Gunnar is tired of his mercenary life and looks forward to a home of his own; unfortunately for him, Rose isn't the triator he thinks she is, so he's not comfortable taking her home as his reward for foiling the plot against his lord, Radulf (The Lily & the Sword). Since he's playing a role and therefore lying to Rose about who he is and his purposes there, trust again is a big issue.
DO NOT READ THIS PARAGRAPH IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED. I have no problems with Gunnar or his interactions with Rose. The problem with the book is that Rose doesn't even admit to herself that she loves Gunnar until the next to the last page. And while she accepts that she should have been more trusting, she doesn't tell him until the last page. A couple of "I love you's" and the book is over. There's not enough there to make the reader feel the truth of Rose's change of heart.
Other than the abrupt, unsatisfying ending, the book held my attention well. Although I wasn't crazy about the dream device, everything else meshed together smoothly. The secondary romance for Gunnar's man Alfred was nice, and it was great to read more about characters from the first book and those featured in the third. Realistic details about distrust among the various peoples, too.
Rating:
Summary: A Fun Romance
Review: This was another great romance by Ms. Bennett. The Rose and the Shield is a follow up to Lily and the Sword and is set in England a year after the Norman invasion. Rose is the very strong and independent mistress of Somerford and it's lands. Her people have been under attack and she needs help but is afraid to ask for it from her overlord Radulf (Lily and the Sword) because she feels that this would be a sign of weakness and he would take the land away from her. Rose has a understandable distrust for men and this is the reason for her not wanting to ask for help. She sends a messenger out requesting mercenaries to come and assist her with those that are harassing her people. The message is intercepted by Radulf and he believes that she is planning treason so he sends his best soldier Gunner to Somerford with the promise that if Gunner can prove the treason Gunner can have Somerford. Gunner is tired of being a paid soldier and longs for home and hearth. He comes to Somerford determined to win the land and a place that he can call is own. What he does not plan on is the attraction that he feels for the mistress of Somerford and how that could effect his taking of the land. Soon he realizes that Rose is not the one with treason on their mind and that she is just as much in danger as he is. He becomes her shield and protects her from those that mean her harm. This is a great story and the characters are very easy to like. Gunner and Rose are the perfect complement to each other. I found this story to be a fast read and I look forward to the next novel by the author.
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