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jane_kelsey's review
3.0
This is the book I needed to bring me out of the reading slump and put me in a good mood. This romance was well written, full of action, romance and sexy scenes, as well as loads of angst. The pacing was a bit uneven and found myself towards the end skimming a bit - I think it needed to be a bit shorter in my opinion and the ending was a bit tooooo dragged out. I could see where it was heading from miles away.
Overall, a good read.
Thank you to the publishers via Netgalley for a copy of this book!
Overall, a good read.
Thank you to the publishers via Netgalley for a copy of this book!
emmalb1984's review against another edition
5.0
Ella Matthews’ excellent debut, ‘The Warrior Knight and The Widow’ sees Lady Ellena Swaine escorted on a perilous journey back to her father’s home in the company of her assigned protector, Braedan, who, despite his reputation as ‘The Beast’, gives Ellena food for thought in her assertion that she will not marry again.
In Ellena and Braedan, the author has created two excellent, likeable and well matched characters who work well together within the context of the story and soon find themselves forming a connection amidst a brooding backdrop where danger is never far away, and the villainous Lord Copsi threatens all Braedan holds dear. From the outset, Braedan is presented as a formidable knight, focussed on his job, but the author’s skilled writing style soon alerts the reader to the ‘real’ Braedan who few people see, and this only adds to his appeal as the hero of the story, and the reader is soon intrigued and wants to know more. Similarly, it is clear that Ellena is quite headstrong and used to being independent, and the fact that she is prepared to stand up to Braedan says a lot about her character. Indeed, the two spark off each other well, and the reader is soon enthralled in their attempts to convince each other they are in the right. Whilst the circumstances of the story force the two together, these early scenes show that they work well together and can go on to forge a strong partnership as the plot progresses.
As their journey hits difficulties, the prevailing sense of danger shows just how far Braedan will go to protect Ellena, and the well written scenes as the threats to Ellena’s wellbeing intensify provide a vivid narrative to the reader where you almost feel you are in the forest watching the action first-hand. Furthermore, the twists and turns of the plot allow Braedan and Ellena to reveal a lot about each other, and you really do root for them to overcome the obstacles before them as they form a deeper bond. The writing of the moments where Braedan struggles with his conscience and tries not to fall in love with Ellena must be praised, and, if anything, only add to the connection the reader makes with the character.
In a neat twist to the plot, the fact that Ellena remains in danger once the party returns to Ogmore provides a clever plot device to further enhance Braedan’s story, and it is this section, as the plot shifts towards its conclusion, that gives Braedan and Ellena the opportunity to think about what they really want for themselves. Lord Copsi proves himself an excellent villain throughout, and, thanks to the author’s skilled plotting, the strong ending to this section of the story means that the reader still has to wait to see what will become of Braedan and Ellena’s budding romance.
Without spoiling the ending, the surprising revelations of the closing chapters seem fitting of the characters and the reader should feel both happy and emotional by the closing page. This is a well written, excellent debut from Ella Matthews which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
In Ellena and Braedan, the author has created two excellent, likeable and well matched characters who work well together within the context of the story and soon find themselves forming a connection amidst a brooding backdrop where danger is never far away, and the villainous Lord Copsi threatens all Braedan holds dear. From the outset, Braedan is presented as a formidable knight, focussed on his job, but the author’s skilled writing style soon alerts the reader to the ‘real’ Braedan who few people see, and this only adds to his appeal as the hero of the story, and the reader is soon intrigued and wants to know more. Similarly, it is clear that Ellena is quite headstrong and used to being independent, and the fact that she is prepared to stand up to Braedan says a lot about her character. Indeed, the two spark off each other well, and the reader is soon enthralled in their attempts to convince each other they are in the right. Whilst the circumstances of the story force the two together, these early scenes show that they work well together and can go on to forge a strong partnership as the plot progresses.
As their journey hits difficulties, the prevailing sense of danger shows just how far Braedan will go to protect Ellena, and the well written scenes as the threats to Ellena’s wellbeing intensify provide a vivid narrative to the reader where you almost feel you are in the forest watching the action first-hand. Furthermore, the twists and turns of the plot allow Braedan and Ellena to reveal a lot about each other, and you really do root for them to overcome the obstacles before them as they form a deeper bond. The writing of the moments where Braedan struggles with his conscience and tries not to fall in love with Ellena must be praised, and, if anything, only add to the connection the reader makes with the character.
In a neat twist to the plot, the fact that Ellena remains in danger once the party returns to Ogmore provides a clever plot device to further enhance Braedan’s story, and it is this section, as the plot shifts towards its conclusion, that gives Braedan and Ellena the opportunity to think about what they really want for themselves. Lord Copsi proves himself an excellent villain throughout, and, thanks to the author’s skilled plotting, the strong ending to this section of the story means that the reader still has to wait to see what will become of Braedan and Ellena’s budding romance.
Without spoiling the ending, the surprising revelations of the closing chapters seem fitting of the characters and the reader should feel both happy and emotional by the closing page. This is a well written, excellent debut from Ella Matthews which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
saorsa32's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
jessbookishlife's review against another edition
5.0
I have read Historical Romances before, but I have never read that many Medieval ones, so I'm always fascinated about the different subgenres and the way the story is told because of how the past is portrait. This book is in that subgenre, and the first I have read of this author.
As we follow Lady Ellena Swein's and Sir Braedan Leofric's story through a brilliantly crafted journey that was as exciting, as it was romantic, I ended up falling in love with the characters. Ellena quite a strong and independent woman, which is amazing because I lover powerful female characters. Braedan is not what we think he is, despite his nick name being The Beast.
This adventure had a good pace and a good plot, that made it so fun to read. From the descriptions to the dialogues. From all the complex characters that made us connect with the storyline, despite the space and time being very different from our lives.
I loved the book. I loved every moment between Ellena and Braedan, I loved them together because they were meant for each other and I could see it from the very beginning and seeing them grow closer and getting to learn more about each other... those were the best parts of the book. I loved that I was so focus in the story that I could feel the characters emotion and I felt I was transported there.
Overall, I felt very excited about reading another medieval romance novel and expand my knowledge and I was not disappointed. I loved it and I can't for more books in this subgenre. I learn something, I was transported to a time I don't know much about to be honest, and still I felt the love, the excitement, the action, the drama and some sort of friendship towards them.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Ella Matthews for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
As we follow Lady Ellena Swein's and Sir Braedan Leofric's story through a brilliantly crafted journey that was as exciting, as it was romantic, I ended up falling in love with the characters. Ellena quite a strong and independent woman, which is amazing because I lover powerful female characters. Braedan is not what we think he is, despite his nick name being The Beast.
This adventure had a good pace and a good plot, that made it so fun to read. From the descriptions to the dialogues. From all the complex characters that made us connect with the storyline, despite the space and time being very different from our lives.
I loved the book. I loved every moment between Ellena and Braedan, I loved them together because they were meant for each other and I could see it from the very beginning and seeing them grow closer and getting to learn more about each other... those were the best parts of the book. I loved that I was so focus in the story that I could feel the characters emotion and I felt I was transported there.
Overall, I felt very excited about reading another medieval romance novel and expand my knowledge and I was not disappointed. I loved it and I can't for more books in this subgenre. I learn something, I was transported to a time I don't know much about to be honest, and still I felt the love, the excitement, the action, the drama and some sort of friendship towards them.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Ella Matthews for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
samanthapearl's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lady Swein is successfully running her castle, the only problem is now that her husband had died her father is demanding she go back to his castle to remarry. So far no one has been successful at getting her to return until The Beast convinces her that she can bargain with her father for her freedom. What The Beast doesn't tell her is of his ultimate betrayal.
This book is absolutely delicious! The plot is really good and the execution is fabulous. Matthews takes us on a journey that is filled with thrills and adventure from start to finish. The chemistry between Lady Swein and The Beast is hot and thick. Their relationship is a juicy whirlwind of emotions. It's dramatic and will make your heart race with hope and expectation.
The first couple days I started this book I barely had a chance to read it, then on the third day I completely devoured just under 300 pages. Putting it down was torture! It was so engaging and exciting I couldn't help but just get completely lost in it.
This is the perfect guilty pleasure read. It has all the drama and steaminess to satisfy any lover of smutty romance. I loved it!
Https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
Lady Swein is successfully running her castle, the only problem is now that her husband had died her father is demanding she go back to his castle to remarry. So far no one has been successful at getting her to return until The Beast convinces her that she can bargain with her father for her freedom. What The Beast doesn't tell her is of his ultimate betrayal.
This book is absolutely delicious! The plot is really good and the execution is fabulous. Matthews takes us on a journey that is filled with thrills and adventure from start to finish. The chemistry between Lady Swein and The Beast is hot and thick. Their relationship is a juicy whirlwind of emotions. It's dramatic and will make your heart race with hope and expectation.
The first couple days I started this book I barely had a chance to read it, then on the third day I completely devoured just under 300 pages. Putting it down was torture! It was so engaging and exciting I couldn't help but just get completely lost in it.
This is the perfect guilty pleasure read. It has all the drama and steaminess to satisfy any lover of smutty romance. I loved it!
Https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
readingthroughthelookinglass's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel from Rachel's random resources for this book in return for my own honest review.
This is a well paced story with plenty of action,some dangerous, tense events and moments of passion.
I really like the characters in this book, Lady Ellena Swein and Sir Braedan Leofic, Lady Ellena is a determined lady who has no intention of remarrying after suffering through her first one.
Sir Braedan an honourable man who is trying to help his famil, when Braedan and Lady Ellena are on a long journey back to her father they grow attracted to one another and Braedan soon finds himself caring for Lady Ellena more than he wants.
sonny's review against another edition
4.0
Nice to see a debut HQ Historical Author come out the gate with a fairly decent couple and story. Unfortunately, wow, this felt similar to another medieval HQ Romance I read a few months back. When it got down to the eventual closing in on the HEA...I felt like I had read this book before but realized I couldn't have because this just came out for the month of April. But what was similar is how the tables got turned on the female MC, Ellena, at least this time there was no 2nd forced marriage of convenience and the male MC, Braedan, attempting to cow-tie his new, rambunctious wife...after lying to her for over half the book. Same situation here.
Braedan goes to "escort" a King's daughter, Ellena - The King having forced his offspring into marriage with an abusive septuagenarian - her husband dies, making her a Widow. And now her father...The King/the male MC's liege...sends him on a Quest he knows he won't come back empty-handed from. He's forced to escort her back to her father and then from there, the King will, once again, marry her off to an unknown man. She wanted to stay back at her husband's estate/castle because he had been a terrible landowner, rather cutthroat and violent to his own people, but once he was dead, she turned that entire land around and was actually making profits.
The King had already sent two prior envoys with escorts to bring her back home, but she had always managed to finagle a way around and got them to leave without her. But this time Braedan was The King's best soldier...and he was bound and determined to not leave without Ellena in his keeping. He was battle-scarred and weary, exhausted from a general melee of routine life and unsure what to do with himself once he does bring her back. Braedan lied to her face in order to get her to come with him...and it bites him in the ass at the end, toward the HEA.
It was The King's plan all along to, yes, give Ellena's husband's old castle to Sir Braedan, but then to also offer him up to Ellena as her next husband. By the time Ellena learns of the lie, things have gone too far between them, so it's murky whether she can trust he genuinely loves her or is he just complying with His Liege and agreeing to take ownership of the castle and then marry Ellena. There is a decent discussion of truths eventually but not before miscommunication brings around some dramatic moments.
There is a running Villain who seems to have this "need" to not only chase after Ellena throughout the book but kidnap her and force her to marry him. A good majority of the book is simply Braedan and Elleena being a two-person esort...like forced proximity and also pretending to be "husband & wife" whenever they stop at inns and such. This bad guy has lands or a large estate that borders The King so, he keeps popping in and out. Especially when Braedan is simply trying to escort Ellena back to her childhood home.
There is a small trigger warning for much of the marriage Ellena had with her much-older husband. It ranged from sexual assault to abuse...to even locking her in a room without food or water. So, yeah...she will flashback to these terrible moments as it sours her for future relationships with men. Especially huge brutish-looking men like Braedan
For a first novel, it was really decent which is why I gave it the rating I did.
Braedan goes to "escort" a King's daughter, Ellena - The King having forced his offspring into marriage with an abusive septuagenarian - her husband dies, making her a Widow. And now her father...The King/the male MC's liege...sends him on a Quest he knows he won't come back empty-handed from. He's forced to escort her back to her father and then from there, the King will, once again, marry her off to an unknown man. She wanted to stay back at her husband's estate/castle because he had been a terrible landowner, rather cutthroat and violent to his own people, but once he was dead, she turned that entire land around and was actually making profits.
The King had already sent two prior envoys with escorts to bring her back home, but she had always managed to finagle a way around and got them to leave without her. But this time Braedan was The King's best soldier...and he was bound and determined to not leave without Ellena in his keeping. He was battle-scarred and weary, exhausted from a general melee of routine life and unsure what to do with himself once he does bring her back. Braedan lied to her face in order to get her to come with him...and it bites him in the ass at the end, toward the HEA.
It was The King's plan all along to, yes, give Ellena's husband's old castle to Sir Braedan, but then to also offer him up to Ellena as her next husband. By the time Ellena learns of the lie, things have gone too far between them, so it's murky whether she can trust he genuinely loves her or is he just complying with His Liege and agreeing to take ownership of the castle and then marry Ellena. There is a decent discussion of truths eventually but not before miscommunication brings around some dramatic moments.
There is a running Villain who seems to have this "need" to not only chase after Ellena throughout the book but kidnap her and force her to marry him. A good majority of the book is simply Braedan and Elleena being a two-person esort...like forced proximity and also pretending to be "husband & wife" whenever they stop at inns and such. This bad guy has lands or a large estate that borders The King so, he keeps popping in and out. Especially when Braedan is simply trying to escort Ellena back to her childhood home.
There is a small trigger warning for much of the marriage Ellena had with her much-older husband. It ranged from sexual assault to abuse...to even locking her in a room without food or water. So, yeah...she will flashback to these terrible moments as it sours her for future relationships with men. Especially huge brutish-looking men like Braedan
For a first novel, it was really decent which is why I gave it the rating I did.
evmb_c's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second historical romance book I’ve read and I’m starting to love the genre more and more.
I LOVED this book. It had excellent writing, a great plot, wonderful characters and a beautiful ending. There was a lot of chemistry between the two characters but not a lot of x-rated scenes however this wasn’t a downside-the script worked perfectly for the story. I also loved how we didn’t have to wait long in the story to see if our noble lady would feel for the knight, and once we found out she did the story built and built with no dips in plot - it just kept going right through to a strong ending.
Only thing I could have asked for more was more pages because I loved it so much!
I LOVED this book. It had excellent writing, a great plot, wonderful characters and a beautiful ending. There was a lot of chemistry between the two characters but not a lot of x-rated scenes however this wasn’t a downside-the script worked perfectly for the story. I also loved how we didn’t have to wait long in the story to see if our noble lady would feel for the knight, and once we found out she did the story built and built with no dips in plot - it just kept going right through to a strong ending.
Only thing I could have asked for more was more pages because I loved it so much!
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