The Warlord

I have re-read this story nearly ten times and it still keeps me enthralled. This has to be one of the best historical romances ever written, if not one of the best in the genre period. The story has all the usual medieval tags, ie. forced marriage, wounded (...) hero, sweet virginal heroine, and wicked villian (family member), but its the unusual tags of the story that did it for me. Kenric is absolutely to DIE FOR! His emotional turmoil as well as his feelings for Tess vibrate right off the pages. Tess is also not your standard heroine. She is sweetly naive and sometimes really stupid, but you like her and can understand her reluctance. I don't know what else to say about this story except it is one of the best books I have ever read. Sadly, I haven't seen much else from this author. She has two continuation books, one that deals with Kenric's half brother and another that deals with his descendant. They are good, but this book surpasses them by far.

Lady Tess of Remmington, has endured five years of abuse and suffering from a step father that intends to marry her to his heir in order to retain possession of Remmington Castle. With the help of her uncle and two hired mercenaries Tess has escaped to the safety of an abbey where her plans are to seek sanctuary as a nun. Unfortunately, her uncle didn't tell her the rest of the story - that one of the mercenaries was the infamous Butcher of Wales, Kenric of Montague, and she would be married to him that very night. The arguments are made - and you can get your first glimpse at the spunk, courage and a little humor of our heroine - where Tess is convinced that as evil as her step-father is, by marrying the Butcher of Wales, Kenric of Montague. He might be the only one capable of keeping her step-father away and her regaining her family keep of Remmington. Kenric and his man-at-arms Roger Fitz Alan knew, by order of the King, that he would be marrying the maid, but seeing a short squat hooded person, Fitz Alan quipped that perhaps she had a comely face, and was making Kenric have second thoughts - even if this marriage was by royal order. When Tess threw off her cloak in anger to accuse her uncle of trickery - Kenric was at once awestruck at her beauty. He, who had vowed to never marry, had never felt passion stir in him for any woman before this night - used them, bedded them - but never had a woman caused him this soul stirring passion. For some reason, Tess even at this forced alliance, somehow felt safe with this very proud and unsmiling warrior - who hid his passion so very well. She only knew that when she saw him - she knew that she had seen him before - in her dreams. His trust would be hard won, having been emotionally scarred throughout his childhood, and yet she would betray him, to save her people, sacrificing everything to the point of losing that which she finally came to realize was most dear to her. This is an absolutely divine story of love and passion. The main characters, Tess and Kenric, are both so well developed you will find yourself feeling their pain, cheering them on in their joy of discovery, and wariness in their very sensual dance of love. I was made to feel like a fly on a wall and I laughed and cried with them both as this author endeared them to my heart. Bravo - a most excellent medieval romance!

The first of the series, The Warlord is a wonderful book to read!Lady Tess of Remmington was forced to flee and marry Kenric of Montague to escape the physical and mental abuse enforced by her cruel stepfather and stepbrother to which she is betrothed to. To be able to regain her beloved Remmington Castle again, she must abide this decree given by the King of England. What happens during the book is of course for the reader to find out. Elizabeth Elliot has crafted a wonderful tale of knights and their ladies in 1200 England. She takes you back in time and writes the story of Tess and Kenric so vividly that you will feel like you are there yourself. I also enjoyed the secondary characters of Roger Fitz Alan (his first in command) and the guards Simon and Evard. They added a bit of comedy in this delightful book. Guy, the brother of Kenric who stars in his own book Betrothed, was only mentioned but never really given a role in this book which makes reading the sequel much more exciting. So pick up this book, relax and be prepared to stepback in time where men are men to protect what is theirs and ENJOY The Warlord!

This is the best historical romance I've read. The story, the characters were all very well written. The author is one of those rare writers who can tell a story in-depth without ever slowing down the action. The story was gut wrenching, dramatic and humorous as well. These characters, even the minor characters were complex and interesting. Don't miss reading this book!

Very enjoyable book. Storyline based in the gothic era after Kenric "The Butcher" returns from his 3rd tour of duty in the Crusades. He is ordered by King Edward to rescue Tess, Lady Remmington from her evil step father. She is running for her life since she's suffered physical abuse from her step-father & his clan. She meets Kenric and nothing is the same. Both characters are stubborn & tend to "misinterpret" the other person's feelings. However they eventually admit their love & as they say...Love Conquers All... Great read; 1st in the Warlord series!!!!!!