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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I liked the story line but she was too simpleminded for my taste. I prefer the protagonist to be strong, smart and witty
This book had humour, love, and revenge alongside unlikeable and lovable characters. I adored the two main characters and their love and loyalty to one another. Madelyn was hilarious and lovely and Duncan was authoritative and teasing.
Their first meeting was adorable and innocent. I adored how Duncan knew from the moment Madelyn showcased kindness towards him that he could never leave her.
Their first meeting was adorable and innocent. I adored how Duncan knew from the moment Madelyn showcased kindness towards him that he could never leave her.
When Lady Madelyn is taken hostage by Baron Duncan of Wexton for a crime committed by her brother, the Baron finds himself falling in love with her sweet and loving nature.
Honor's Splendour is a 100% nostalgic read for me. I grew up an avid romance reader, but I rarely enjoyed historical romances (something I consider the bread and butter of the genre). Julie Garwood was the exception to that rule.* I found her romances to be utterly enchanting and charming. They are all rather similar - a beautiful and engaging woman; a proud and arrogant man; a charming and interesting setting; and a trove of supporting characters (with the occasional side romance) that make for a well-rounded story. I own most of her historical romances in paperback, but ended up buying a digital copy of this book because I read the cover off the paperback version. Yes, that's just how much I have re-read it.
Madelyn and Duncan have excellent chemistry with some truly memorable sex scenes. They each bring something to their relationship, and it feels as natural as breathing when the two commit to each other. I also love how quickly the two confess their feelings to each other. Don't get me wrong, they do a fair amount of denying it (either to themselves, their loved ones, or each other), but they get to their feelings much quicker than most romance novels these days. Is it a perfect romance? No. It certainly has some outdated themes and tropes, but I honestly do not care. It's like mac and cheese or a batch of chocolate chip cookies to me - the perfect blend of comfort and enjoyment to keep me entertained for the rest of my life.
* I read that Julie Garwood passed away a week after re-reading this story. Talk about serendipitous. While I was not a fan of her contemporary romance, she will always have a place in my heart.
Read if you like: ❤️ Historical romance |
Honor's Splendour is a 100% nostalgic read for me. I grew up an avid romance reader, but I rarely enjoyed historical romances (something I consider the bread and butter of the genre). Julie Garwood was the exception to that rule.* I found her romances to be utterly enchanting and charming. They are all rather similar - a beautiful and engaging woman; a proud and arrogant man; a charming and interesting setting; and a trove of supporting characters (with the occasional side romance) that make for a well-rounded story. I own most of her historical romances in paperback, but ended up buying a digital copy of this book because I read the cover off the paperback version. Yes, that's just how much I have re-read it.
Madelyn and Duncan have excellent chemistry with some truly memorable sex scenes. They each bring something to their relationship, and it feels as natural as breathing when the two commit to each other. I also love how quickly the two confess their feelings to each other. Don't get me wrong, they do a fair amount of denying it (either to themselves, their loved ones, or each other), but they get to their feelings much quicker than most romance novels these days. Is it a perfect romance? No. It certainly has some outdated themes and tropes, but I honestly do not care. It's like mac and cheese or a batch of chocolate chip cookies to me - the perfect blend of comfort and enjoyment to keep me entertained for the rest of my life.
* I read that Julie Garwood passed away a week after re-reading this story. Talk about serendipitous. While I was not a fan of her contemporary romance, she will always have a place in my heart.
Read if you like: ❤️ Historical romance |
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
'Gentle' Lady Madelyne has suffered under the rule of her brother Baron Louddon for far to long, finally planning her daring escape she sees Louddon's men leaving a man tired to a post without any protection from the fierce winter winds. Unable to leave him to die, she goes to set him free.
The man isn't just anyone though, he is the mighty Baron Duncan of Wexton. What Madelyne doesn't know, was that his capture was part of his plan of revenge for Louddon's treachery and the rape of his sister Adela. And that she has unintentionally made it all the easier for him to fulfill his plan to kidnap her by coming to him.
As all of Garwood's heroines I found Lady Madelyne to be very clumsy, innocent and amusing. She made me laugh more than once through the book, especially how we are always reminded that she is a 'gentle lady' when more than a few times we see her not so gentle side. Also, how she was not able to tell a lie, that also made things very interesting.
Duncan Wexton, was very arrogant and honorable, also a very renowned warrior. The kind of hero I always expect from Garwood. I loved how he was so patient with Madelyn, and though gruff he really did fall hard and fast for her, and would have done anything for her.
I really loved this book and I would definitely recommend it for historical fans, as well as anyone who loves Julie Garwood.
The man isn't just anyone though, he is the mighty Baron Duncan of Wexton. What Madelyne doesn't know, was that his capture was part of his plan of revenge for Louddon's treachery and the rape of his sister Adela. And that she has unintentionally made it all the easier for him to fulfill his plan to kidnap her by coming to him.
As all of Garwood's heroines I found Lady Madelyne to be very clumsy, innocent and amusing. She made me laugh more than once through the book, especially how we are always reminded that she is a 'gentle lady' when more than a few times we see her not so gentle side. Also, how she was not able to tell a lie, that also made things very interesting.
Duncan Wexton, was very arrogant and honorable, also a very renowned warrior. The kind of hero I always expect from Garwood. I loved how he was so patient with Madelyn, and though gruff he really did fall hard and fast for her, and would have done anything for her.
I really loved this book and I would definitely recommend it for historical fans, as well as anyone who loves Julie Garwood.
2.5. Predictable and a little on the boring side. I however had an invested interest in seeing if justice was served to the "evil" character. Almost got put aside.
For full review: https://katiegreviews.wordpress.com/2019/09/12/review-honors-splendour-by-julie-garwood/
For full review: https://katiegreviews.wordpress.com/2019/09/12/review-honors-splendour-by-julie-garwood/
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A solid enough historical romance, sometimes the switch between pov’s was a bit too swift. Parts of the writing is very, very dated, to be expected of course with a novel this old and it started to drag a bit in some places but fun enough overall ig
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault