Defy Not the Heart

"Defy Not the Heart" is one of Johanna Lindsey's BEST novels. I cannot even begin to say how great it was, starting at page one. This book was fast-paced, witty, well written, and had some unbelievably unforgettable characters. Set in medieval times, "Defy" is a story about the mercenary knight Ranulf, who kidnaps Lady Reina to force her to wed a greedy lord, only to be convinced by Reina to marry her himself. Reina is an awesome heroine. Nicknamed the "Little General" by her new husband, she has a sharp wit, fiery temper, and a penchant for calling her loved ones "lackwits." She even goes to war against a cat. Ranulf is her gorgeous equal -- part grouch, part giant, with a sad past and the body of a god. I love the fact that he spends most of the book trying to figure out how to pleasure his wife in bed, an area where he was most disappointing at first. This book is unique among Lindsey's work. She is careful with the narration, using a "medieval" writing style. There are some serious laugh-aloud scenes in this book, mostly because of the cat and Reina's gay chambermaid. And, the story revolves around the two characters getting to know each other after having been thrust into a quite-unexpected marriage (rather than revolving around a bad guy or some other distracting plot line). Altogether, it's a refreshing change! I heartily recommend this book. It is Johanna Lindsey at her best! Though, please note, it does have a sequel in the recently published "Joining," which is like a deflated balloon compared to the amazing zeppelin of a romance that is "Defy Not the Heart."

This has got to be one of my favorite romance novels of all times. I pull it out at least once a year and reread all of those hilarious "good parts".The book is set in England 1192 where our spunky heroine, Reina, is kidnapped one night by a gorgeous mercenary named Ranulf. Ranulf has been hired to deliver the orphaned heiress into the grasping hands of Lord Rothwell (an elderly geezer who's four previous wives have all died mysteriously). In desperation, Reina offers Ranulf a bargain: marry her instead of handing her over to Lord Rothwell and thereby become the new Lord Clydon. It is a win-win solution for them both. Ranulf will finally get the land and stability he craves, and Reina will get a strong protector to keep her people and her land safe. This book is truly amazing. Sparks fly from page one and don't end till the last sentence. Reina and Ranulf are the perfect match and it is a joy watching them both "adjust" to married life and to each other. Read this one somewhere where you can laugh out loud, and be prepared to stay up all night to finish it.

I was not disappointed with this book. I was DEFINITELY one of my favorites. At first Ranulf seem so dangerous and cold, but with Reina help he turns out to be a man any woman can love. I found it very heart warming that he took the time and effort to find a way to give his wife pleasure with his fears getting in the way. Both Reina and Ranulf were WONDERFUL characters. Reina was soOO sprited and so fun. Ranulf was so caring, understanding, & fair. I love the relationship they have going on. If it wasn't for Reina wit and spunk we wouldn't have seen Ranulf playful, sexual side. I LOVED THIS BOOK AND RECOMMEND ANYBODY TO READ IT. Johnanna Lindsey biggest fan.

This is my favorite book not just from Johanna but in general I have lost count of the times I've read it. This book will make you laugh any day of the week. This is real life relationships not just with Ranuff and Reina but with their friends and family members.I truly miss them every time the book ends. I would love to see all their friends recieve book of thier own!