Book Description
Following her defeat in the Spanish-American War of 1898, Spain shifted her colonial focus to her Protectorate in northern Morocco. When Spanish conscripts began to fight and to die by the thousands, political fallout forced the government to create a new unit of professional soldiers. This unit would serve the dual function of providing fighting men for Moroccan service, while sparing the lives of conscripted men. Under its founder, Jose Millan Astray, and his deputy, Francisco Franco, the Spanish Foreign Legion would quickly become the spearhead for Spain's army in Africa. This is the story of the creation, organization, and combat role of the Legion in its formative years from 1919 to 1927. Based upon archival sources in Madrid, Segovia, and Ceuta, this is the first and most complete history in English or Spanish of the early years of the Spanish Foreign Legion. The unit was instrumental in crushing Abd-el-Krim's rebellion against Spanish colonial authority. When the Riffians annihilated the army of General Silvestre at Annual in 1921 and were poised to attack the Spanish enclave of Melilla, it was the arrival of the Legion that pacified its panic-stricken citizens. The force would be in the vanguard of all major offensives undertaken in recapturing the territory lost in 1921, and its amphibious landing at Alhucemas Bay in 1925 marked the beginning of the end for the Rif Rebellion.
Customer Reviews:
Splendid Scholarship.......2006-10-24
Dr. Alvarez made unprecedented use of orignal archival sources to chronicle the exploits of the Spanish Foreign Legion in the Riff.
His detailed analysis will be of particular interest to students of counterinsurgency operations and scholars with an interest in the region.
a solid work .......2004-10-25
Part unit history and part campaign account, this is a solid, if uninspiring work. But it's a welcome addition if only because an English-language history of the Spanish Foreign Legion has been long overdue. Spain's campaigns in Morocco are rarely mentioned in the literature on African colonial conflicts. Why? It's not as if Spain was a newcomer to Africa: the city of Ceuta in Morocco had been a Spanish possession since the 16th century.
Francisco Franco, who began his military career in the Legion, emerges as a dour, serious figure dedicated to the task at hand. Those interested in the Spanish Civil War, especially fans of Nationalist Spain, will enjoy his portrait here, and perhaps understand how such a man achieved so much. Franco's alleged involvement in the plot to overthrow the "wet" Primo de Rivera in 1923, described here, foreshadowed the events of 1936.
Incidentally, readers of Christopher Balfour's recent work, The Deadly Embrace, marketed as an expose of Spain's use of poison gas against the Riffian tribesmen, may be interested to note that there are plenty of references to it here. The use of poison gas by Spain may be deplorable, but hardly shocking. Although war can bring out the best in men, it also brings out the worst. Perhaps Spain's decision to resort to gas may seem understandable in light of the atrocities carried out by the Riffian insurgents against Spanish civilians, particularly at towns like Nador (pp.51-52).
The Spanish are a proud, civilized people with remarkable achievements to their name, of which the Reconquista and the Conquest of the New World are just two examples. The West owes Spain a considerable debt of gratitude. Although the military reputation of Spain has suffered much in the last century, the Legion, as one of the world's elite forces, is an apt reminder of the former grandeur. Viva La Legion!
El Tercio.......2002-03-05
Excellent book about the first years of the Spanish Foreign Legion, also known as El Tercio (for Spanish infantry units which ruled European battlefields in the XVI and XVII centuries). It catches the spirit of the first Banderas (batallions), which were the fer de lance of the Spanish army in the Spanish Maroc Protectorate in the first quarter of the XX century. Afterwards, it took an active part in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), in the Russian front in the Second World War, where it fought together with the Wermacht, as well as in the Spanish Sahara in the late fifties.
Currently, and since Spain does not have colonies any more, the Spanish Foreign Legion is deployed in Spain, divided into four Tercios (regiment-type units) stationed in Ceuta, Melilla (two Spanish cities in northern Africa), Ronda and Almeria. It has seen action in Kosovo, and some companies will be probably sent to Afgahnistan in the near future. Always the crack unit of the Spanish army, the Legion is considered one of the best (if not the best) units within the NATO, comparing favourably with famous units such as the British SAS in field exercises and peace (?) missions in former Yugoslavia.
A VERY DETAILED, METICULOUSLY RESEARCHED HISTORY........2001-05-01
Dr Alverez has written an extremely detailed, comprehensive account of an important unit and era in Spanish military history. This is, by far, the best account of the Spanish Foreign Legion in English, and his worked does much to bring their story to a wider public.
Superb!.......2001-03-03
The little known Spanish Foreign Legion forged a well deserved reputation for valor and professionalism during Spain's early 20th century struggle in North Africa. Unfortunately, very little has been written in English about this extraordinary force. Dr. Alvarez has written a superb account of the formation and early history of the Legion capturing the unique Spanish elan of both its leaders and men. Here was a tough, truly elite military force in the best Spanish tradition. This book fills an important gap in military history which I hope will encourage other historians to explore the role the Legion played later during the Civil war.
Book Description
Set in Lombardy in the years 1628-30, The Betrothed tells the dramatic tale of two young lovers in a time of war, famine, and plague. Following them through exile and suffering, it displays great richness of characterization and a profound insight into the workings of history and the politics of the time. First published in 1827 as I promessi sposi, The Betrothed is the first modern Italian novel. Alessandro Manzoni was born in Milan to a noble family in 1785; although he was also a poet, he remains best known for The Betrothed. He died in 1873. David Forgacs is a Lecturer in Italian at Cambridge University; he is the author of Rethinking Italian Fascism and A Gramsci Reader. Matthew Reynolds is a Research Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge.
Customer Reviews:
Neglected classic.......2007-10-03
What made me read this, outside of Italy, quite obscure book? Well, Umberto Eco writes highly of it in his On Literature (Harcourt, 2004). Apparently, in Italy it seems to be considered as important as the Divine Comedy.
The Betrothed belongs to historical fiction genre. The story takes place during the years 1628-30. Northern Italy is occupied by Spain, and the Thirty-Year War rages in northern Europe. The narrator claims that he is using an old manuscript as the source for his book. Historical events, like the famine of 1628, the siege of Mantua by the Imperial army in 1630, and the plague the invaders brought with them form the framework around the story in the book. Historical and events are woven into the narrative, some key characters like the Nun of Monza, the "Unnamed", and Cardinal Federico Borromeo are examples of historical characters who interacts with the fictional protagonists.
The story centres around the Renzo and Lucia, the betrothed of the title. Local lord, however, wants Lucia for himself, and forces the village priest not to marry them. After the lord's men try to kidnap Lucia, she, Renzo, and her mother flee. During the escape they get separated, and are caught up in the historical events It will take them two years before they find each other and can marry.
The writing style could be seen as a little bit preachy with an omniscient narrator. Often the narrator breaks the narrative to make a historical or moral expose, often several pages long. Even though sometimes preachy, Manzoni fills his book with a gentle humour. I have some problems with the religiosity of the author: the theme of the book seems to be that God tests us in any which way he wants, but, in the end, if we keep faith in Him everything will turn out fine. The author himself seems to take the role of God as he writes, since he subjects his protagonists to the most strenuous hardships, but in the end, he lets them be reunited since he has also let them keep their faith in God. It seems like Manzoni wrote this book during a period when he himself struggled with his faith.
The opening paragraph of the book gives a birds view of Lake Como, and then gradually zooms down onto the village of Lecco, which is close to the unnamed village of Renzo and Lucia. This perhaps does not sound too exiting, but consider that the book was written in 1842, way before it became commonplace to see the world as if from an airplane.
Among the Dozen Greatest Novels of All Time.......2006-01-31
Manzoni is the preeminent figure of Italian fiction - akin to Cervantes in Spain, Twain in the USA and Hugo in France. Not only was he a fabulous writer, Manzoni was also looked upon as a kind of beloved father figure for the shapers of modern Italy. (Verdi wrote his Requiem to mark the first anniversary of Manzoni's death).
Certainly, with this work, he shaped the Italian language, in much the same way that Martin Luther shaped German with his translation of the Bible.
Although he was also a poet, his well-deserved international reputation rests chiefly upon this book. It is an episodic tale, in a Don Quixote sense, of love between two delighful people, Lucia Mondella and Renzo Tramaglino. Their love persists and prevails, in spite of their separation and nearly every kind of challenge imaginable.
There are religious themes in the book, of course, since it is a faithful rendering of its epoch. These serve to heighten the drama. As the author says in Chapter 38:
"Troubles certainly often arise from occasion afforded by ourselves; but the most cautious and blameless conduct cannot secure us from them; and, when they come confidence in God alleviates them."
Amid the themes of patriotism in the face of Spanish rule and faithfulness that overcomes tyrants, riots and plague, there is no better depiction of leave taking than in this novel. And surely, every Italian immigrant to America must have felt the same stirrings. Indeed, if you have an Italian ancestry, this is your "Roots". Read this book and soak up your heritage, in ways that you cannot elsewhere.
The sad thing is that this is Manzoni's only novel; it is as if Twain had written only Tom Sawyer, or Dickens, only Great Expectations.
If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.
The Betrothed: a great story and great history.......2006-01-21
Don't let the fact that The Betrothed has been labeled a classic, nor its length, stop you from picking it up. It's a darn good read, with very believable characters: good, evil, and mixed. The narrator is lucid, witty, and erudite: a joy to spend time with. The translation I read flowed like a delicious cool stream. The story has both intimate moments and scenes of baroque insanity that seem somehow the progeny of the Barber of Seville and the Keystone Cops.
The third quarter of the book leaves the story entirely to follow the development of the second plague in Milan from the famine years when it began to its demise--leaving 2/3rds of the population dead. Though this is quite a large detour, the descriptions of the world reduced to this hell and the understanding Manzoni brings to bear on it, are no less engrossing than the story, which he does tie in and resolve before the end of the book. The courage and faith of some of the characters burns all the more brightly when plunged into the darkness of the pestilence. Some are transformed for the good. Others, just hardened.
It's too bad Manzoni wasn't as prolific as Dickens. He wrote a second novel, only, which apparently has been published very rarely since the time of its writing. So, The Betrothed is our one chance to be exposed to his great mind and heart. Don't miss it.
If you haven't read it, do.......2005-10-31
The best type of long novel -- humane and engrossing -- it ends too soon. It's surprising how few people I meet have read this. It deserves better. Do yourself a favor and read it.
Great servoce.......2005-09-27
I received the book in timely fashion, in good condition. Thank you!
Average customer rating:
- Bubbles Books
- Not the best in the series...
- Good Installment of the Series
- Bubbles is so much fun!
- Also a Lehigh girl
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Bubbles Betrothed (Bubbles Books)
Sarah Strohmeyer
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0451412168 |
Book Description
When a murder suspect dies mid-interview, reporter Bubbles Yablonsky's notes become a hot commodity for a romance-obsessed detective, a Polish Mafioso, and a foot fetishist on the lam. If that's not enough, Bubbles' ex-husband and her studly boyfriend are making unexpected demands of the blonde sleuth. One comes with a dazzling Harry Winston rock. The other is downright dangerous. Lucky for Bubbles she's equipped to handle both.
Customer Reviews:
Bubbles Books.......2007-09-13
Oh my God!!!! These are silly, entertaining, and wonderful. I am truly sorry she may not write anymore. Bubbles is so much fun and her friends and family are a hoot. Enjoy!!!!
Not the best in the series..........2006-06-17
I thought the book was not as well put together as the others in the series. The plot was far too convoluted. Too many characters in and out with nothing to lock on to them by. At times it seemed like I had missed a chapter because characters were doing things that I didn't remember them talking about (i.e., Jane was going to be speaking at the service). Anticipating the next one in the series.
Good Installment of the Series.......2006-04-07
Though the series is starting to get a bit stale, this installment was entertaining as Bubbles moves on in her career. And the entire cast was present, which is what makes the series fun.
I didn't give it more stars, though, because I found the Dan stuff to be convoluted and completely out of left field. I also found it hard at times to keep all the characters straight in my head because there were so many of them.
I'm glad the author chose to leave the series temporarily after this book and give it a breather...hopefully she'll come back fresh with the next installment.
Bubbles is so much fun!.......2006-03-17
If you can't wait for the next Janet Evanovich book, you will love Bubbles. Although a totally different character than Stephanie Plum, both sets of books have the same wacky sense of humor and love of family and community. The authors even know each other, the librarian told me that "Bubbles" was born at Janet Evanovich's kitchen table!
Also a Lehigh girl.......2005-09-27
I have enjoyed reading as many of these books as I can find. I am from the lehigh valley, Pa. She hits the nail on the head with her descriptions. They are fun and I find myself getting lost in them.I actually am a hairdresser w/ my own shop. She is accurate when describing that part of the story also.
Book Description
With Wilkin Flammock, Henry held much conference, particularly on his subject of manufactures and commerce; on which the sound- headed, though blunt-spoken Fleming, was well qualified to instruct an intelligent monarch. "Thy intentions," he said, "shall not be forgotten, good fellow, though they have been anticipated by the headlong valour of my son Richard, which has cost some poor caitiffs their lives--Richard loves not to sheathe a bloodless weapon. But thou and thy countrymen shall return to thy mills yonder, with a full pardon for past offences, so that you meddle no more with such treasonable matters."
Download Description
With Wilkin Flammock, Henry held much conference, particularly on his subject of manufactures and commerce; on which the sound- headed, though blunt-spoken Fleming, was well qualified to instruct an intelligent monarch. "Thy intentions," he said, "shall not be forgotten, good fellow, though they have been anticipated by the headlong valour of my son Richard, which has cost some poor caitiffs their lives--Richard loves not to sheathe a bloodless weapon. But thou and thy countrymen shall return to thy mills yonder, with a full pardon for past offences, so that you meddle no more with such treasonable matters."
Customer Reviews:
An enjoyable read from the late 12th century.......2001-09-03
In this entertaining volume, Scott characterizes the unrest between England and Wales in the year 1187, during the time of the Crusades. The Western Marches had not yet been subdued by English authority, and clouds of banditti continue to make inroads into English territory. Our characters are besieged in a castle that only at the moment of crisis is it put into a posture of defense to withstand the siege. A phlegmatic Fleming and his daughter form the sensible counters to the hot-blooded English family who owns the castle. Intrigues and sorcery (the product of the times), conflicts between religion, the foreign wars, infighting within the family (when a son would murder his father for his possessions) all have equal place here. A fascinating glimpse of the times, and a highly readable story make this yet another jewel in Scott's wonderful body of historical fiction.
Book Description
She was a reluctant bride...
When Lady Roselyn Harrington discovers an injured sailor from the Spanish Armada washed up on shore, she's stunned to see he's the fiancé she abandoned at the altar two years before. When she'd first met Sir Spencer Thornton, he was far from the man of her dreams. But the Spencer she nurses back to health now is very different from the aloof nobleman who once scorned her. And in his strong embrace, Rose discovers passion...with the one man she can never trust.
He was a determined groom!
Spencer had jumped at the chance to escape London and serve Queen Elizabeth as a spy against Spain. And though he's now dependent on Rose's good graces to hide him from the traitor trying to kill him, Spencer decides to play an even more dangerous game: to make Rose fall in love with him so that he can reject her. But the impetuous girl has become a strong beauty, and Spencer's intended revenge turns into a wholesale wooing of the one woman he can't resist -- his betrothed.
Customer Reviews:
Good, but not as good as some of her other books.......2007-02-13
From the back cover:
She was a reluctant bride...
When Lady Roselyn Harrington discovers an injured sailor from the Spanish Armada washed up on shore, she's stunned to see he's the fiance she abandoned at the altar two years before. When she'd first met Sir Spencer Thornton, he was far from the man of her dreams. But the Spencer she nurses back to health now is very different from the aloof nobleman who once scorned her. And in his strong embrace, Rose discovers passion...with the one man she can never trust.
He was a determined groom!
Spencer had jumped at the chance to escape London and serve Queen Elizabeth as a spy against Spain. And though he's now dependent on Rose's good graces to hide him from the traitor trying to kill him, Spencer decides to play an even more dangerous game: to make Rose fall in love with him so he can reject her. But the impetuous girl has become a strong beauty, and Spencer's intended revenge turns into a wholesale wooing of the one woman he can't resist--his betrothed.
And my review:
I'm a fan of Gayle Callen's books. While I don't find them to be keepers, they are usually an enjoyable, fast-paced, can't-put-it-down read. HIS BETROTHED was enjoyable, but not as good as some of this author's other books.
For one thing, I felt that she relied just a little too heavily on sexual attraction to bring Roselyn and Spencer together. Even by the end of the book, when they actually declare their love, it just didn't ring true for me. There seemed to be just lust, and no real tender feelings to support the raging hormones. They were two strong characters--but unfortunately, I just didn't see them as a couple, even by the end of the story.
I often felt like there was more focus on the "spy" storyline (and the lust) that the romance part of the book wasn't as well developed as it could have been. This was still an enjoyable book, but I've liked some of her other books, such as HIS SCANDAL (the sequel to this book, which is Spencer's twin brother Alex's story), or BEAUTY AND THE SPY much better. Maybe I didn't enjoy HIS BETROTHED as much because I was expecting more of this author.
One other complaint: the hero was so sweaty! Seriously, the guy was dripping with perspiration just about every scene. I know he was often sweating from being injured, or from exerting himself trying to recover faster than was wise (or because it the weather was just hot), but it was really overdone. Honestly, I started to wonder if the hero had some kind of gland problem or something, considering the way he was ALWAYS soaked in sweat. It got kind of gross after a while.
Fans of this author are probably going to buy this book regardless of the negative and neutral reviews. I would recommend trying to borrow this one first, even if you are a fan of Gayle Callen's, as it's not up to par with some of her other books. It was an enjoyable way to pass a few hours, but not a story that really moved my emotions or stayed with me once I'd finished reading it. I would recommend HIS SCANDAL or BEAUTY AND THE SPY over and above HIS BETROTHED.
passionate, emotional read..........2006-02-04
this is my first book by Gayle Callen. I loved it. The story, set in Elizabethan England is of arranged marraige gone wrong-and how true love and affection can make it right.
I give credit to Ms. Callen's writing-she wrote the hero, at the beginning, as such a jerk that I really couldn't stand him. But as the book progresses you see that the hero and heroine have issues in the background that have caused them to behave this way.
I thought the book highly charged-emotionally as well as sensually. There is lots of sexual tension and the love scenes are well written.
I don't quite understand the mediocre reviews. I highly recommend this book.
5 stars:)
Good book - looking forward to the sequel!.......2004-07-29
I enjoyed this book -- It was not quite the in depth story as those by other romantic authors but still I felt the romance between Spencer and Roselyn. I am often facinated by men like Spencer who because of their birth and history often feel inadequate or less worthy and finally when they meet and get to know the right woman they let their guard down and really become all they can be as a loving person. This is what eventually happened between this couple and it was a romantic read for me!!
As I said I am looking forward to the next two books in the series.
Mediocre; not nearly as good as its sequel.......2004-06-13
I expected a lot from this book because I happened to read the sequel (His Scandal) first. Loved that book, but this one is much less...well, it's just less. Less romance, less intriguing characters, less action and intrigue (which is bad considering Spencer is a spy who's life is in danger), less sensuality, less humor....just less.
Rose is, frankly, a strong but rather boring heroine. Spencer isn't all that exciting either. He has his moments, but brother Alex (His Scandal) is so much more...heroic.
The plot just never really went anywhere. It seemed repetitious and slow. Just skip this one and go on to His Scandal.
It has a beginning and an ending ..........2002-03-10
Maybe it's because I am a fan of the more passionate novels than the "romantic" ones (or maybe I just like Medieval romances than Elizabethan romances), but this novel did not seem that at all interesting. Roselyn seemed too meek around the time she came face to face with the fiance she jilted (thirty years later!), and the fact that Spencer Thorton came to the wedding drunk made me lose interest in the hero. There didn't seem to be enough suspense or surprises. I am not knocking the book all together, but it just did not seem to capture much interest for me while something a little more, ahem, sensual like Samantha James' "Truest Heart" (where a ship crashes and the washed-ashore hero ends up being nursed back to health by the heroine). To each their own.
Average customer rating:
- Weakest of the three but still pretty good
- Great read! Hope the author writes more!
- Suprisingly good.
- Outstanding Read
- wonderful 2nd book in the series
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Betrothed
Elizabeth Elliott
Manufacturer: Fanfare
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 055357566X
Release Date: 1996-09-01 |
Amazon.com
Guy of Montague steps off the pages of Elizabeth Elliot's The Warlord and into his own book,
Betrothed. Guy arrives at Lonesdale Castle to claim what is rightfully his. He meets Italian-born Lady Claudia Chiavari and sparks fly. But lies and subterfuge are the couple's enemies, and they must fight to keep their love alive. Great characters make this a page-turner and so does the visit of Kenric from
The Warlord.
Book Description
Baron Guy of Montague came to Lonsdale Castle prepared to fight for what was rightfully his...only to find a woman who made him all but forget his purpose. With her angel's face and womanly curves, Lady Claudia Chiavari was enough to tempt a saint to sin. And when she returned his kisses with innocent fire, Guy knew that he was bewitched.
But in a matter of hours, everything changed, as he found himself betrayed, betrothed, and imprisoned, with only Claudia to blame...
Five lonely years of exile under her uncle's tyrannical rule had taught Italian-born Claudia Chiavari to distrust all Englishmen--until Guy swept into her life. Now, determined to prove to the handsome knight that she had no part in her uncle's schemes, she will risk her life to help him escape. But when she rides with Guy to his magnificent fortress, she will discover a terrible truth: that she herself is a prisoner...and at the mercy of a man whose tumultuous passion could cost her her heart.
Customer Reviews:
Weakest of the three but still pretty good.......2006-07-21
Guy Montague is a powerful baron who prefers to expand his estates and coffers through business and trade rather than warring. He has just come to a tentative agreement with Baron Lonsdale to purchase Lonsdale castle. Hidden within Lonsdale castle is Claudia Chiavari, the Baron's niece. She has been much maligned and abused by her uncle and his people that Claudia pretty much keeps to herself. What Guy doesn't know is that Baron Lonsdale has a malicious plot in the works to get more gold out of him and also to keep his hold on Lonsdale castle. Guy escapes with his life, with Claudia in tow. He believes that Claudia was part of the conspiracy and plans to hold her prisoner until he can decide what to do with her.
Betrothed is not exactly my favorite among the three books written by Elizabeth Elliott (Warlord, Scoundrel and Betrothed). In my opinion, it is the weakest of the three, but still, Elizabeth Elliott's gift of words is such that she succeeds in weaving another fascinating story about the Montagues.
Great read! Hope the author writes more!.......2004-08-09
I found this book in the clearance bin at my used book store for the outrageous price of $0.20!...what a pleasant surprise! I had never heard of Ms. Elliott but after reading Betrothed I couldn't wait to read Warlord which I also enjoyed...though not as much as Betrothed. I liked Claudia, what a relief to find a heroine with intelligence...I laughed out loud over the rat in the bedchamber scene...I haven't yet gotten around to Scoundrel since I like historical romances...I hope Ms. Elliott picks up the pen once again!
Suprisingly good........2003-12-22
I really didn't expect the book to be as good as it turned out to be, I liked being suprised. I wanted a little more flavor to the books, but other than that it was a really fun read.
Outstanding Read.......2003-01-17
Baron Guy of Montague came to Lonsdale with the intention of regaining Halford Hall -- prepared to buy or lay siege in order to get what was really his by right. On the way into the keep he noticed a maid standing in the doorway of the chapel and he was bewitched. Finding her later in the chapel garden, he knew he had to have her at all costs but events would unfold that put both their lives in danger before he could set in motion his plans to ask for her hand in marriage.
Lady Claudia Chiavari, half Italian, half English, was the despised niece of Baron Lonsdale and for the last five years her life had been treated little better than the lowliest servant. With Baron Lonsdale thinking that Guy Montague was going to back out of the deal, he concocted an elaborate scheme in which he drugged Guy and his niece; transported Guy into his nieces bedchamber stripping both of them naked so that he could then force Guy into a betrothal and marriage to his niece thereby gaining more money in the dower price. Both were locked up. Claudia, overhearing the rest of her uncle's plan, found out that he also planned murder. Claudia would then risk her life to rescue Guy and escape. Guy, thinking that the Claudia was part of the elaborate scheme, would take Claudia with him, but as his prisoner.
Being Italian and not always being understood had made her life quite solitary. She had no friends and was looked down upon as a foreigner. Her distrust of the English made it difficult to understand what Guy wanted from her. She found him intoxicating, but having lost everyone she ever loved, she would not take the chance of being his mistress and then being tossed aside when he tired of her. Guy, on the other hand, could not consider marriage now, after being tricked by her uncle no matter how much he burned for her. Treachery abounds with more threats from relatives, murder attempts and betrayals before either could trust one another to admit what was in their hearts.
This was an amazingly intense historical romance that absolutely sizzles with sensuality. The characters are totally believable and so very much in love that you really have to root for them. The prequel The Warlord was outstanding, although more humorous, by this relatively new author and I certainly hope she can continue with more sequels to this series as I could certainly envision entirely new stories with the outstanding secondary characters that she brought to life in this book, such as Claudia's brother Dante. This is an outstanding read and certainly stands alone but you will find it all that more enjoyable if you read The Warlord first.
wonderful 2nd book in the series.......2002-03-11
the first book in the series"The Warlord" briefly introduced the character of Guy, the half brother to Kenric. He is now the Baron of Montague and a very strong, wealthy, smart, man. He goes to Lonsdale castle to get back Halford hall which is rightfully his back. He spots a beautiful woman and looses his heart right away. The woman is Lady Claudia Chivari, a half English, Half Italian niece of Lord Lonsdale. She has not had an easy life and is not well liked by her uncle. She speaks with a heavy accent and it is hard for people to understand her, all except Guy that is. Thiers is an instant attraction but Guy insists that it is not love and only lust. Claudia fights her feelings for him as well and this makes for some very interesting conversations.
They must learn to trust each other and when both her uncle and her brother Dante mess with thier lives this makes it almost impossible to do. There are wonderful secondary characters in this book and we even get to meet Kenric and Fitz Alan again.
I really enjoy these books and look forward to more by this author.
Product Description
This is the Tales of the Crusaders series.
Customer Reviews:
Of course she's gotten better!.......2005-10-14
This was Jo Beverley's first book. It's not really fair to compare it to her later work. All authors improve (or at least they should). However, taking this book as a first work and as a traditional Regency rather than the longer single-title works she now does, I hate to rate it highly.
Yes, I wish David were better delineated as a character. Yes, it sometimes dragged. Yes, the plot could have been stronger. And yes, there were times the exposition or dialogue was sub-par. But over all, as a debut novel, it was quite good. When also considering the time in which it was published, it's very good.
There are some excellent moments of tension, romance, humor, and intrigue. There are also some fine character moments. If they are not without flaw, I consider that merely a first novel situation. This book is still head and shoulders above so much that is published. I got this book from the library because of the mostly negative reviews. However, I liked it well enough to put it on my "buy" list. I might have rated it 3 stars if not for the other reviews, but it's much better than the rating made it seem.
All the Regency books should be rewritten!.......2002-11-22
None of JB's Regency stories were any good. All the characters were fine but the plots were [not]. The men seemed to all talk like dandies too. Not very appealing even if it was accurate.
An early Beverley - sheýs MUCH improved since then!.......2002-06-20
Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed is part of the series which also contains The Stanforth Secrets, The Stolen Bride and Emily and the Dark Angel. Jane Sandiford, brought up in a very sheltered and restrictive household, becomes betrothed to a man her parents have chosen for her, and suddenly finds herself catapulted into the ton and the middle of a London season, and tries to get to know this sophisticated stranger she's about to marry.
This book really didn't do a lot for me. I did quite like both Jane and David in the beginning, but - and this is a short Regency! - the story really began to drag from around halfway through. Jane and David were already pretty much in love with each other, and it seemed as if the story could be over. But Beverley dragged it out with a mystery plot (and since I'd guessed the identity of the culprit very early in the book, that wasn't exactly suspenseful) and a largely absent fiancé.
And those are my main problems with the book. First, I ended up feeling that I really didn't get to know David at all, because he was missing for so much of the time. Second, the mystery plot was uninteresting and a distraction from the real story. And then third, I found Jane a little too perfect to be either interesting or convincing. She's had no real experience of Society or even mixing with other people of her own class - and yet she fits into the ton as if she's been attending parties and coping with repartee all her life?! She's an instant success - but why? She copes with every obstacle placed in her path just too easily. And her behaviour in respect of David is too inconsistent: she keeps believing that he's having affairs, and yet every time she sees him she ignores that suspicion and behaves as if he's the love of her life.
I ended up being far more interested in Randal and Sophie, two secondary characters; but their romance was dealt with very abruptly in the end, and then I realised that their story is finished in The Stolen Bride.
There are also a couple of clichéd villain-types in the book, which is something later Beverley books avoid like the plague. All in all, this is definitely not Beverley's best work - if you want to read a good short Regency by her, try Emily and the Dark Angel.
A Quick and Enjoyable Read.......2000-06-08
I'm not generally a fan of Regency Romances, they always leave me wanting more. I am a huge fan of Jo Beverley's though, so I took a chance on this one and I'm glad I did.
Jane Sandiford is a sheltered and not very fasionable girl, raised in the country far away from the London scene. She hails from one of the oldest and wealthiest families in England which makes her a prime canditate to become the bride of David Kyle, Tenth Earl of Wraybourne. With much trepidation, she sets out on her first and last season as a single women. With a little help from David's sister Sophia, we watch Jane blossom, going from fear to awe and then total adoration for her betrothed. David is the typical Regency gentleman, a little stiff but with such endearing qualities the reader can't help but fall in love with him, right along with Jane.
The secondary characters are extremely likable too. Sophia, David's devilish sister and his friend, Lord Randal Ashby, an incorrigible rake with the face and form of Adonis. A secondary romance?
Add to all of this, a mystery; Lord Wraybourne is recruited by his uncle to help solve a rash of attacks on women which he reluctantly does. Beverley keeps the reader guessing till the very end.
This book is out of print, but you can find it through out-of-print searches,it is well worth the effort. It is a quick and very enjoyable read (I read it in one sitting). Do yourself a favor and get it.
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