Stealing Heaven (Medievals)

This is a very poignant novel about how two people, bound by duties to their countries, overcome everything to find the ultimate happiness. Marcus of Anglesmore finds himself betrothed to the daughter of Llygad ap Madoc, former leader of the rebellious Welsh, as ordered by King Edward, for the purpose of binding Wales to England. In London, we see Marcus climbing into a garden hoping to see his future bride. He encounters a beautiful woman, and thinking she was Genith, kisses her. In truth, the woman was Nesta, the elder sister, infamously known by all as King Edward's mistress. Upon learning the truth the following day, Marcus was astonished and more so by the fact that he has fallen under the spell of Nesta. As the story progresses, we see these two people greatly drawn to one another, but both feel the weight of their obligations to their countries. The fact that both try to stay true to their beliefs and hold on to their loyalty, yet unable to deny their feelings for each other is what makes the story complex. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking that I almost cried, especially when reading of Marcus' pain. I would have liked to read a detailed explanation of Nesta's involvement with King Edward and how she became known as 'the King's whore', rather than the brief exchange they had towards the end and her previous admission to Marcus. I just found it quite vague - at one point I was debating whether she was coerced, then another that she probably gave in to Edward in the end. I also found it hard to relate to Nesta in the beginning. I would have understood her more if we were told that she was seeking personal revenge instead of fighting for this grand cause that wasn't fully explained until the end. Still, this is a really good book and the fact that it almost made me cry is enough reason for me to give it 5 stars.

This is an excellent story about two very intelligent individuals on different sides of a battle. They fall in love but cannot sacrifice their beliefs for that love. I was very moved by the story. Madeline Hunter is an excellent writer and able to make the time period come alive. Nesta is her strongest medieval heroine. She did an excellent job of making her independent in a believable manner. If you love medieval romances or strong heroines, then I recommend this book!

This was an absolutely splendid book in more ways than one. It is my third Madeline Hunter book and I have given each the highest rating possible. Stealing Heaven seemed better than the rest but it has been a while since I have read a Hunter book and why? I have not a clue. I so love her writing and now will eagerly proceed through her unfortunately short backlist.Marcus of Anglemore is a knight of King Edward during the 1300s. His former home and lands have been restored to him and now the king has arranged a marriage that will further unite the Welsh and English and provide Marcus with more power and land through his new wife. By Design, the prequel to this story provides the background here and it is when we are first introduced to Marcus as a young boy.Marcus has proven himself a valiant knight worthy of the king's favor and is all that most medieval heroes are - handsome, available, alpha, smart, highly trained in battle, extremely perceptive, and very sexy. On top of all those characteristics he is more than the average medieval hero in that he is very sensitive, understanding, and caring when it comes to the woman he cherishes. In fact, his understanding of the heroine's treasonous dedication to the Welsh cause is one of the most outstanding aspects of this book. I have not ever seen such tolerance and empathy from an alpha hero before and it in no way makes him seem less of a man - only much more the fantastic hero.Nesta, the heroine, is the oldest daughter of a rebel Welsh chieftain, Llygad, who is deceased. She has been previously married to a Scot and is referred to as the king's whore. This description of her as the king's whore kept me from reading this book for months. I could not imagine an endearing tale about a king's whore. But - please do not let that stop you. While the validity of that rumor is not known for most of the book, it does not lessen the vitality of this captivating story.Marcus is to marry Nesta's younger sister. It is not an alliance he is anticipating with any favor. One night he slips into the garden of his future wife to determine the reason he has been denied an introduction to her. For weeks, she has been reportedly ill but Marcus correctly suspects that it is only a ruse. Once in the garden, he spots Nesta, a beautiful alluring woman, and assumes she is his bride-to-be. That garden meeting is the very beginning pages of Stealing Heaven and it starts the book off with a bang! Their attraction to each other is so immediate and downright chemical that it flies off the page. When Marcus discovers that Nesta is not to be his bride, he can barely contain his ire. From this point, the book just gathers steam, getting better and more fascinating with every single page.Although there are some interesting secondary characters, this story is primarily about Marcus and Nesta. It reaches the level of truly great romance. There are many, many pages devoted to their relationship - making the growth

Since her very first novel, I have been mesmerized by this author's writings - the medieval era comes to life under the pen of this extremely gifted author and her latest offering is no exception.Marcus of Anglesmore was not happy to be betrothed by the king to a woman he'd never met. In the moonlit night he climbed over the garden wall where she was staying. The woman he met there both surprised and captivated him. He assumed she was his betrothed but alas it was only a case of mistaken identities as this enchantress was the sister of his betrothed. Not only the sister of his betrothed, but the discarded whore of the king he'd sworn his fealty to. Such a case of star crossed lovers you will ever come across.Nesta's heart battled with her head for she could ill afford to let passion overcome the treasonous plans that she had become involved in. Plans that had been set in motion years before, and promises made to the father she had loved. Try as they might, both knew that nothing could come of their passion for one another. Marcus trying to do his duty to charm the sister when his heart and head could not release the images, scents, and feelings of the moonlit garden and Nesta. Marcus warred between the lover and the knight whose duty was to his king, as Nesta warred with herself between her womanly heart and duties as her father's heir to complete his treasonous plans, The imminent battles over Welsh and English territories were nothing as to the battles of will and desires between these star-crossed lovers. Their differences seem insurmountable and the poignancy of their love, though no one spoke of love, is so sad it will bring tears to your eyes. They hope, but they both know that they will betray one another. Stealing what moments of passion they can only made the reality of their situation the hell it had become. Their words of love will entrance the most jaded and sensual and very descriptive sex will keep you warm and toasty all through the night. Absolutely wonderful reading - a definite keeper.

Stealing Heaven is Madeline Hunter's sixth book. Having enjoyed all her books, I eagerly awaited this one. The story of Marcus (brother of heroine in "By Design") and Nesta is beautifully written and is filled with historical detail. Ms. Hunter as usual has done her homework well. "Stealing Heaven" reminded me of a romance novel crossed with a Sharon Kay Penman historical fiction novel. I can't wait to read her next set of novels, set in the Regency era. Anyone could enjoy this book, even those people who look down on romance novels. Don't miss out on this one!!