Desiree

i have read all r. gellis' historicals - not into sci-fi. OK - so maybe i would rate this book a 3 1/2. but guys - she is breaking her tradition of people who are really competent from the get go, with desiree and alex who are still learning. so the story line is a little black and white - the villian vachel - but k.c.hess - don't you remember your first kiss? mine was mind boggling - and it was 46 yrs. ago! i cannot wait for her next book. it is behind schedule. for those of you who are more into gellis' type of historical information than the romance, i recommend the lymond series (did not really like nicholas - another series) by dorothy dunnett or dunnet. probably out of print. elizabethan times - you want politics -you got it. NOT for folks who like 'bodice burners'. first book - i think is game of kings. enjoy!

Roberta Gellis wrote a historical romance series back in the 1970's called the Roselynde Chronicles. Eventually it became six novels, all well-researched and set in the times of Kings Richard and John, based around a fictional family with strong willed women and the men who loved them. What set them apart from other romances is that the author knew what she was writing about and the historical background which gave the series a depth and base that made it just as much fun to read the details as with the romance between the leads. Now in 2005 she returns to these books with a story set in the long running feud between King Richard, and his sneaky younger brother John. This time, the hero is a nephew of Simon Lemagne, the youngest son of a large brood who has come to England to make his fortune. Alexandre Baudoin hasn't much to his name except a letter to his uncle, and a strong will to succeed. He's been bullied by his elder brothers, and has fled France as soon as he could, and joined his uncle in England. Simon has fared far better than Alex -- he's married a rich heiress, and discovering that he likes what he sees in his nephew, helps Alex out by grant him the castellanship of a holding that he wants prepared against an invasion by the French. Desiree, the lady of Excaet, is young and pretty and has been watching her beloved husband die by inches. But when she meets Alex, she finds her marriage vows severely tested by this handsome knight, and how the pair of them deal with this unexpected passion provides the romance in the novel. There is also Alex's landless brother, Vachel, who is more than willing to conspire with Prince John for his own fortune, and coupled with his hatred for his brother Alex, makes for an interesting villain. Gellis stays within the style and writing of her earlier novels, and compared to what sort of thing passes for historical novels these days, this is one of the better ones out there. Fans of the series will rejoice to see Alinor and especially Simon make a reappearance. It also looks as though the entire series is being brought back into print as well.

I am a great fan of Roberta Gellis. Of all of her books, I love the Roselynde Chronicles the best. So, I was glad to see another story from that series, although it is not of Alinor's direct family. The hero is the nephew of Simon, Alinor's first husband and the story occurs between "Roselynde" and "Alinor". Those of you who like the rich historical detail and the authenticity of her stories will be glad to know that Gellis has continued to be true to the period. Those who like "bodice rippers" in general will love the story as well.

After leaving his loveless home in Normandy, Alex journeys to England to ask his uncle Sir Simon Lemagne for a position with him. After training, Alex is knighted and sent to prosperous Exceat whose ailing lord Sir Frewyn is probably dying. With Richard held for ransom, the coastal estates prepare for an invasion by the minion of Prince John. The Lady of the manor, Desiree appoints Alex as her castellan. They are very attracted to one another, but neither acts on these feelings out of respect to Sir Frewyn. Alex shores up the defenses at Exceat while keeping a close eye on his brother Vachel who is on a mission for Prince John. Vachel intends to kill his uncle, his uncle's wife, and his brother so that Nicolous of Lewes can have Desiree and her estates while John can have is vengeance on Simon and his wife. Though aware of his sibling's perfidy, Alex, lacking proof, will have to use skill and intelligence to keep his beloved family and lady safe. Readers rejoice! The latest Roselynde Chronicles is out and Roberta Gellis shows she remains one of the most brilliant historical romance writers of the past decade or two. This novel occurs between ROSELYNDE and ALINOR, which leads the audience to feel a homecoming with friends they have not seen in over a quarter of a century. The sexual tension between Desiree and Alex runs at high levels throughout the book as both ethically refuse to cuckold Frewyn. This spices up the story line that concentrates on readying the keep for invasion while surviving Vashel's machinations. Harriet Klausner

Of late years Ms. Gellis has been away from the historical novels and writing sci-fi fantasy. She returns to history with her newest addition to the Roselynde Chronicals, Desiree. As always, with a Roberta Gellis book this one is well written with characters that are very well depicted and engaging. Desiree is set in the early years of Alinor and Simon's marriage, shortly after they have returned from the crusades. While not as history intensive as the remainder of the Roselynde Chronicals, Desiree is a very welcome addition to the series. Thank you Ms. Gellis for letting us visit with old friends, Alinor and Simon, and find new ones in Alex and Desiree.