The Conqueror

This is a well-written book full of poetic prose that beautifully evokes the historical period. Ms. Kennedy blends exciting action, intrigue, and romance in her impressive debut book. The characters are well drawn and I found myself caught up in their world. The amount of historical detail is just right, enough to give a clear feel of the time period, but not overdone. An enjoyable read and highly recommended.

I get so excited when I find a new author with such talent. I love the old Jude Deveraux Velvet Books and all the Julie Garwood middle ages books but it seems hard to find authors today who write with that kind of style. I was skeptical when I picked up this book and delighted when I started reading it. The hero is irresistible and the heroine has the spunk and determination I love to see. Thanks Ms. Kennedy. Please bring more middle ages romance.

The Conqueror starts out like many historical romances; with a lady fleeing from marriage. Guinevere de l'Ami, known as Gwyn, was the daughter of the Earl of Everoot, but now he's dead and she's left to manage his keep on her own. Unfortunately for her a greedy Lord, Marcus fitzMiles, wants her and her home and has plans to trick her into marriage by playing the hand of King Stephen. Gwyn flees with the upset Lord's men hot on her trail. In the forests she is nearly taken by them but is saved at the last minute by a noble knight who names himself Pagan. The passion sparks between the Lady and her savior. But, of course, this story is not so simple as a knight falling in love with a Lady. Pagan is actually Griffyn Sauvage and he happens to be on the side of Henri fitzEmpress, the upstart opposing Gwyn's king. Added to that, Griffyn was once the heir to Gwyn's estate and was displaced by her father. He wants his title back and her family destroyed, but the growing loves between the two threatens this... There is actually a whole lot more to the plot of The Conqueror, but I feel like I can't go into all the details because they unfold very slowly as the tension in the novel builds to a climax. I will say that this books includes heavy doses of history, betrayal, revenge, and loyalty and has a sort of epic feel to it. It is a far more involving story than I had expected and inspired a lot of emotions ranging from joy to sorrow to frustration. The characters here were appealing enough to keep me reading despite those crazy emotions though. Gwyn was capable, loyal and willing to listen to good advice. She had an open heart and tried her very best to do what she thought was right and make up for the mistakes of her past. Griffyn, even though he was seeking revenge, was noble to a fault and honorable to the extreme. He was also quite romantic and made me sigh on several occassions. Even though they do lie to each other by keeping secrets (they are enemies afterall), they truly seemed to enjoy each other's company and wanted to be together. The love between them was both sweet and smoking hot, not an easy thing to pull off! As for the plot, it was quite complicated and intricate. I really found I had to pay close attention to all the details or risk missing some of them. It started out slow, but built to an exciting climax to become a book I couldn't put down. So this book had good characters, lots of emotions and a complex plot. What dragged it down half a star? Well, the first 150 pages seemed to go on forever. I kept waiting for Gwyn and Griffyn to discover each other's identities. Also, I just didn't care for the whole mystery/treasure element and found myself glazing over those parts. A couple minor quibbles in a heap of praise to be sure, but worth noting. On an aside, the back cover blurb of this book gives a bad description of its contents in my opinion. Anyway, I do recommend this book to readers who enjoy medievals.

In medieval England, Griffyn Sauvage, also known as Pagan, is a rare knight indeed. He has moral values not seen in many men knights included, and is one of the most courageous as well. When his property is seized and his familial home is snatched away from him, Griffyn's honor and morals have to fall by the wayside. He decides then and there that retribution will come at his hands and he will get his lands, home, and monies back - even if he has to marry the daughter of his enemy to do so. Griffyn might have his way sooner than later when he has to come to the rescue of a beautiful maiden fighting her own enemies. Realizing who she is, Griffyn is stunned but ecstatic that the women he is to marry is right in front of him. Smelling retribution in the form of Lady Guinevere de l'Ami, Griffyn knows that vengeance is his, or so he thinks. Lady Gwyn might have a thing or two to say about that. Trust doesn't come easily to Gwyn or Griffyn; Gwyn especially. She knows that Griffyn is hiding something. That doesn't stop either from falling in love with each other. For me, personally, there is nothing better than a well written historical romance. I love escaping into reading nirvana with knights in shining armor and damsels in distress. Bloody adversaries. Hidden traitors. Vengeance. Betrayal. THE CONQUEROR is such a book but is also so much more. THE CONQUEROR is the story of two people who had no reason to trust the other but were able to do just that. Griffyn's reasons for his distrust were obvious. He was a loyal and moral knight. He fought hard for king and country. And what did that get him? His lands taken and his treasures seized. Gwyn's life is anything but idyllic after the death of her father and in the rush of men wanting to marry her to take control of her wealth as well as her body had her a bit gun shy of marriage and all it entails. I can't say that I blamed her. Ms. Kennedy also used some humor in THE CONQUEROR. Griffyn and Gwyn's first scene together has each fighting assassins and their words to each other are quick, witty, and made me laugh out loud. Best of all, though, I love how THE CONQUEROR made me feel. I could sense the gut wrenching emotions of Griffyn for the home he had lost. Gwyn's utter despondency over her father's death and her complete refusal and anger at possible suitors was more than apparent in each scene. The love felt between Gwyn and Griffyn shined through with every single touch and kiss. I blushed, smiled, and then happily went back and started reading THE CONQUEROR again. For an amazing historical romance with emotional intensity and love scenes naughty enough to make you blush, THE CONQUEROR is the book to read. I have happily added THE CONQUEROR to my keeper shelf and plan to reread it often! ***Natalie S.***