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Today I’m posting the review of a book that I reviewed some time ago, but for whatever reason, never posted the review here. I got a copy of this book from the author – and she autographed it for me! That’s the book that I am giving away today. Just fill out the form at the bottom of the post to be entered. Sadly, only US/Canada entries for this giveaway please.
Vow of Deception by Angela Johnson
ISBN: 1420108581
Publisher: Zebra Books
Release: Nov 1, 2010
Source: I received a copy of this book to read and review from the author.
As a knight, Sir Rand Montague’s allegiance is to King Edward I. But when the king orders Rand to escort Rosalyn Harcourt to court in order to wed her off to Sir Golan – a crass knight Rand abhors – he’s torn between duty and desire. For Rand has never forgotten the woman he spent one incredible night of passion with…After suffering abuse at the hands of her deceased husband, Rose wishes to never wed again. But when Rand rescues her after Sir Golan attempts to compromise her, she agrees to marry Rand in name only. However, sharing such close quarters with Rand brings back memories of their torrid rendezvous – and tempts Rose to give in to an all-consuming desire…
It’s Medieval times, we have knights in shining armor, damsels in need of rescuing from evil knights without any honor, and a great storyline to pull everything together. This author does an outstanding job of telling a story in a time of war dividing loyalities and hardship hampering even the titled citizens.
Welcome to the year of our lord 1276 – and knights in shining armor. Where men are men and strength is the key to survival. It’s the unforgiving time of the rule of King Edward I and our heroine is a widow who lives on the edges of Wales. England is about to go to war with Wales and the king needs a strong point of power along that border. He has decided to offer
Rosalyn, Lady Ayleston’s had in marriage to Sir Golan; a knight with a murky past. It’s suspected that he murdered his first wife. Rosalyn’s friend, Sir Rand Montague is not happy about this potential union, but as cousin to the king, he doesn’t feel he has the power to object to it. He is sent to bring Rosalyn to court to be married, whether she likes it or not. Rand is concerned about this new marriage for Rosalyn as he suspects she was abused in her first marriage. Rosalyn, unsuspecting of the plans for her, is trying to meet with Bishop Meyland to take a vow of chastity, thus allowing her to remain unmarried. It’s not to be, as Rand arrives before she can leave to meet with the Bishop. This sets in motion the story that whisks us through the sometime rough and unpleasant times that the 1200s were.
Although I’m generally not a fan of romances set in Medieval times, I enjoyed this story. I’d not read the first book in this series, but the author sums up what happened in the previous book in a short discussion between Rand and Rosalyn early on in the book. This author doesn’t spend a huge amount of time outlining historical events surrounding the setting of this book. The reader is provided with enough background to understand the events that are happening, but history is not the driver of the plot, the characters are. Ms Johnson does an outstanding job of creating characters! Rand is a duty-bound knight, conscious of his connection to the king and his responsibilities to the crown. He has had several tragedies in his past that continue to color his actions. Rosalyn is a strong woman, trying to survive in a world ruled by men. Women are the property of men and their children are the property of their husbands. Women’s rights are sadly lacking in this time period! The respect and the chemistry between Rand and Rosalyn is a wonderful thing to read. Their understanding of each other’s past issues and them coming together despite their fears is beautifully written. The character of King Edward I is suitably haughty and somewhat irrational. The characters that I like the best were the villains of the story. Sir Golan is handsome and smooth of tongue on the surface, but evil underneath. He presents a facade that he wants certain people to see, but is utterly ruthless. Lydia is the evil character from the previous book. She is supposedly confined to a nunnery, but escapes to create havoc in this book. She is a master manipulator and has the various characters dancing to her tune.
This story moves right along, at times predictable, allowing the reader to become comfortable. Just when the reader is comfortable, a curve is thrown into the mix. This creates a story that is fairly relaxing to read, yet with enough excitement to keep things unpredictable. I enjoyed my journey into the world of knights in armor, honor, duty and loyalty to the king.
This book is a great read. It’s a wonderful love story set in difficult times. Another good book from this author and I look forward to her next work.
