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A review by minabear
Winter's Heat by Denise Domning
2.0
Mini Review:
A medieval romance that takes medieval life seriously is usually one I enjoy, but Winter's Heat fell a bit flat for me. Rowena is forced into marriage with Lord Rannulf of Graistan. After a quick consummation, Rannulf leaves Rowena at his castle to deal with his surly servants, evil sister-in-law, Maeve, and young son.
After more than 30% into the book, I realized that the hero was nowhere to be found, and I was ok with that. I enjoyed reading about Rowena's attempts to turn Rannulf's pigsty into a liveable home. Unfortunately once Rannulf re-enters the picture, the book doesn't get better. Rannulf mistrusts his capable wife and only believes Maeve's ridiculous lies. This book reminded me of the worst of Johanna Lindsey's romances, with the hero and heroine bickering for no real reason, refusing to engage in basic communication and making lots of love even though they hate each other.
As this was Domning's first book, I'm willing to forgive the unsatisfying romance and read on to the next book in the Graistan series, as I did appreciate the historical authenticity. Hopefully the characterization and romance is better handled in her later works.
2 1/2 stars
A medieval romance that takes medieval life seriously is usually one I enjoy, but Winter's Heat fell a bit flat for me. Rowena is forced into marriage with Lord Rannulf of Graistan. After a quick consummation, Rannulf leaves Rowena at his castle to deal with his surly servants, evil sister-in-law, Maeve, and young son.
After more than 30% into the book, I realized that the hero was nowhere to be found, and I was ok with that. I enjoyed reading about Rowena's attempts to turn Rannulf's pigsty into a liveable home. Unfortunately once Rannulf re-enters the picture, the book doesn't get better. Rannulf mistrusts his capable wife and only believes Maeve's ridiculous lies. This book reminded me of the worst of Johanna Lindsey's romances, with the hero and heroine bickering for no real reason, refusing to engage in basic communication and making lots of love even though they hate each other.
As this was Domning's first book, I'm willing to forgive the unsatisfying romance and read on to the next book in the Graistan series, as I did appreciate the historical authenticity. Hopefully the characterization and romance is better handled in her later works.
2 1/2 stars