Review - Defiant

Title: Defiant
Author: Kris Kennedy
Publishing Date: April 2011
Genre: Medieval
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I received a free copy from the author.

Jamie Lost is on a mission to retrieve a Priest who is a very valuable figure amongst the powerful men in Medieval Europe. Jamie’s task is to find the priest before the enemies of his King do. When he finds the priest he is distracted by a woman, Eva who also appears to want the priest. When the priest is taken by the enemy, both Eva and Jamie unite their forces to get the king back.

Defiant is a very well written medieval romance novel. You can tell the author really did her research to bring this period of history to life in her novel. As I was reading the book, the forests and people of the past were very easy to envision. There is a lot of political intrigue in the book. I don't really like politics in my historical romance books. Mostly, I find it difficult to follow along, and really I would just rather get to the good stuff. You know... the romance! And if I had to have a complaint about this book, it would be that.

However, I really did enjoy this story. I liked the characters Eva and Jamie. Both characters are very intelligent, stubborn and honorable. There is a lot of sexual tension between Jamie and Eva which made the book so enjoyable. Also, the author keeps us guessing at Eva's identity. We know she is an important character, but we don't know exactly how until the end of the book. What was so interesting was that most of the book you are directed to wonder about Eva's identity when really you don't know Jamie's either. Then it is all sprung on you at the end of the story. It made for a nice surprise. Defiant is another enjoyable read by Kris Kennedy.

Review - The Irish Warrior

Title: The Irish Warrior
Author: Kris Kennedy
Publishing Date: June 2010
Genre: Medieval
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new copy.

Senna de Valery, an English woman who has journeyed to Ireland to make a business deal with Lord Rardove, finds herself in a terrible situation. She believed that she would be selling her prized sheep for their high quality wool, but instead she finds that the man intends to marry her and have her make the recipe for a legendary dye. Meanwhile deep in the dungeons of Rardove's castle he has imprisoned Finian O'Melaghlin an important emissary to the king of Ireland and a great warrior. Senna helps Finian to escape Lord Rardove with the hopes that Finian will help her to return to England.

I really enjoyed Kris Kennedy's debut novel The Conqueror and was looking forward to reading her next medieval. These days good, meaty medieval books are few and far between. The Irish Warrior was another solid, enjoyable read. Thank you Ms. Kennedy!

A large part of the focus to The Irish Warrior is this special legendary dye that only a handful of people know how to create. Senna happens to be the daughter of one such person who knew the secret recipe. I found the legend quite interesting and it helped to make the story unique. Reader's will note how much research the author did to make the legend come alive and seem plausible.

The romance between Senna and Finian is very volatile. I could feel the flames licking the pages of this book. These two had great chemistry. Most of the romance takes place with Finian and Senna on the run. Fans of cabin or road romances will enjoy this story. I also liked that Senna and Finian never played games with each other. Senna, although unversed in the ways of love was not afraid to be herself and accept her own sexuality as it was awakened by Finian. She was honest and open with her feelings and likewise Finian was upfront, as well. Most of the conflict came from outside factors. I'd definitely recommend this book. It's well written with an interesting plot and enjoyable main characters.

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Review - The Conqueror

Title: The Conqueror
Author: Kris Kennedy
Publishing Date: 2009
Genre: Medieval
Rating: A-
Sensuality: Hot

Guinevere de l'Ami finds herself facing marriage to a man she has no desire to marry after her father passes away. As his heir, she comes with vast lands that many noble men want to acquire. There is much political unrest currently in England. King Stephan is slowly losing his loyal vassals to Henry. Guinevere tries to run away to an abbey the night one of her neighboring lords tries to forcibly wed her. On her way to the abbey she is rescued by an unknown knight. The knight turns out to be none other than Griffyn Sauvage. Their father's were once good friends, but a treasure came between the two men and Gwyn's father took Griffyn's home from him. Griffyn had made a vow to take it back one day and soon he would at the war's end. Complications arise when Griffyn finds himself inexplicably drawn to Gwyn. She is the light in his dark existence.

I read this book because of Holly's and Wendy's reviews. I happen to really enjoy the medieval genre and I haven't come across any recently published books that have caught my attention. I am so happy to say that The Conqueror lived up to my expectations and actually managed to surpass it! This is Kris Kennedy's first book and hats off to her, because it is a great read!

I really enjoyed the connection that Griffyn and Gwyn form for one another at the beginning of the story. They are both amazed by their attraction to the other and they easily express their affection and act on it. They don't play any games when it comes to expressing their feelings, but there is plenty of conflict in terms of politics. The angst in this story is derived from each person's loyalty to a different king. While some readers may find Gwyn's loyalty excessive, I found it in keeping with her personality. It kept my heart thumping along this intense ride.

What really makes The Conqueror stand out from the masses is the interesting subplot with the treasure that Griffyn and Gwyn's families have guarded for centuries. Neither one of them fully understands what it is they are guarding and as they are discovering clues about the treasure so is the reader. I also enjoyed Griffyn's relationship with his friend and Alex. I liked that Alex was multi-faceted and he brought a depth to Griffyn that was needed to balance out the story. Kris Kennedy has the ability to really draw the reader into her story with a creative plot and likable characters. I highly recommend this one for fans of the medieval genre.

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.