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fevvers's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
polariiis's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Five glowing stars for this wonderful, wonderful book. Juliana and Sebastian’s love story had such a wonderful development, I couldn’t stop rooting for them the way they longed and cherished each other. I loved the first half of the book, the melancholic undertones enthralling, I felt the pain of our ML and FL. It was such a departure from the light language of HRs I have read, but something I never thought I would enjoy. I loved the latter half, because it gave me adventure and a satisfying ending that I find quite rare in the books I have read. I loved the whole book because it gave me intrigue, suspense, and history without ever forgetting that this was, first and foremost, a love story of our leads. Karen Ranney somehow achieved all of this and more, in just one book of 300+ pages. I plan to read more of her works, and I hope to read more awesomeness.
And the way they professed their love for one another? The angst? I CAANOT HANDLE IT, SO DELICIOUS!
“The Cathars believed the soul lives again,” he softly said. “That our bodies are only vessels to be discarded after a lifetime. Perhaps one day we will meet again, my Juliana. In a place where I might touch you, where I might enfold you in my arms.”
“Then let it come quickly, Sebastian,” she said, her voice tremulous through her tears. “Not a hundred years or a thousand, but soon. I will wend my way through eternity seeking you.”
And the way they professed their love for one another? The angst? I CAANOT HANDLE IT, SO DELICIOUS!
“The Cathars believed the soul lives again,” he softly said. “That our bodies are only vessels to be discarded after a lifetime. Perhaps one day we will meet again, my Juliana. In a place where I might touch you, where I might enfold you in my arms.”
“Then let it come quickly, Sebastian,” she said, her voice tremulous through her tears. “Not a hundred years or a thousand, but soon. I will wend my way through eternity seeking you.”
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
1.0
This book was hell of boring! Not what I was expecting at all.
I was expecting a story full of drama, heartache and love but I didn’t get any of that.
Sure, there was a bit of drama in the beginning, with Sebastian pushing Juliana away, but it was nowhere near as intense as it should have been.
To tell you the truth, I found this book boring since the prologue. It was such a waste, since the plot had a lot of potential.
Also, I couldn’t bring myself to care about the characters. They felt weak and ridiculous to me.
I barely remember the name of the protagonists now, when I have just finished the book. That certainly says a lot, don’t you think?
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
My Beloved by Karen Ranney was a classic medieval romance with a writing style that I
have missed so much over the years. Its definitely has a old school feel, and it is part of the Avon Romantic Treasures line, so if you loved that line of romances, you will have a good time with this one. Karen Ranney has always been such a fun author to read over the years and picking up this classic of hers, made me remember why I fell in love with her writing many years ago in the first place and man I miss reading historical's like this. Full of depth and emotion and drama and a great plot of mystery. This one definitely packs a punch, and yeah its not a perfect read but quite an enjoyable one.
It starts off with our hero and our heroine when they get married as children. Its an arranged marriage, and afterwards Sebastian has left to Europe to join in the wars and fighting and Juliana has been sent to the convent. Juliana has spent years in the convent, and barely remembers her husband. But now he has returned and wants her as his wife, but not in the ways that she expects or looks forward to. Sebastian had been imprisoned, and he hides a great secret that no one but his squire knows the truth....a truth that keeps him from being close to Juliana....the one woman he wishes he could show his love and affection. But their lives are in danger from the Templars who are after a treasure.
This is a slow burn romance that builds very gradually and nothing happens as far as sex scenes until the end of the book. Of course, once you understand Sebastian's secret, you can definitely see why they can't be intimate. (But of course, its Karen Ranney, so you just know it will happen) but I felt like sometimes it's nice to build up the sexual tension in the ways that Karen Ranney handles her books. I felt like the bedroom scenes in the end were so much more satisfying and sensual because you feel the build up more and more with each chapter. I loved seeing Sebastian and Juliana become really good friends and seeing emotional intimacy build stronger that eventually matches the physical intimacy between these two. There is a plot of danger and intrigue of course, which wasn't a super strong element, but a element that adds some intensity to the story line. I did feel that the romance was the primary focus which was so delightful. At times the story is slow going, but due to the set up of the story and the how story evolves....you can see why. But I did get a kick out of reading this one for sure. Highly recommend for historical romance lovers, especially those that love medieval era themes.
[foogallery id="58286"]
My Beloved by Karen Ranney was a classic medieval romance with a writing style that I
have missed so much over the years. Its definitely has a old school feel, and it is part of the Avon Romantic Treasures line, so if you loved that line of romances, you will have a good time with this one. Karen Ranney has always been such a fun author to read over the years and picking up this classic of hers, made me remember why I fell in love with her writing many years ago in the first place and man I miss reading historical's like this. Full of depth and emotion and drama and a great plot of mystery. This one definitely packs a punch, and yeah its not a perfect read but quite an enjoyable one.It starts off with our hero and our heroine when they get married as children. Its an arranged marriage, and afterwards Sebastian has left to Europe to join in the wars and fighting and Juliana has been sent to the convent. Juliana has spent years in the convent, and barely remembers her husband. But now he has returned and wants her as his wife, but not in the ways that she expects or looks forward to. Sebastian had been imprisoned, and he hides a great secret that no one but his squire knows the truth....a truth that keeps him from being close to Juliana....the one woman he wishes he could show his love and affection. But their lives are in danger from the Templars who are after a treasure.
Aristotle was once asked the definition of a friend. He answered that it was a single soul dwelling in two bodies. What is love? I think it is the same. Be my soul, my dearest Juliana.
This is a slow burn romance that builds very gradually and nothing happens as far as sex scenes until the end of the book. Of course, once you understand Sebastian's secret, you can definitely see why they can't be intimate. (But of course, its Karen Ranney, so you just know it will happen) but I felt like sometimes it's nice to build up the sexual tension in the ways that Karen Ranney handles her books. I felt like the bedroom scenes in the end were so much more satisfying and sensual because you feel the build up more and more with each chapter. I loved seeing Sebastian and Juliana become really good friends and seeing emotional intimacy build stronger that eventually matches the physical intimacy between these two. There is a plot of danger and intrigue of course, which wasn't a super strong element, but a element that adds some intensity to the story line. I did feel that the romance was the primary focus which was so delightful. At times the story is slow going, but due to the set up of the story and the how story evolves....you can see why. But I did get a kick out of reading this one for sure. Highly recommend for historical romance lovers, especially those that love medieval era themes.
[foogallery id="58286"]
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