Historical Review: A Dangerous Love (de Warenne Dynasty) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "A Dangerous Love" the book in her de Warenne Dynasty series by Brenda Joyce.

Product Description

A Dangerous OBSESSION Torn from his Romany mother's arms as a small boy, Viscount Emilian St. Xavier has spent a lifetime ignoring the whispers of gypsy that follow him everywhere. A nobleman with wealth, power and privilege, he does not care what the gadjos think. But when the Romany come to Derbyshire with news of his mother's murder at the hands of a mob, his world implodes. And Ariella de Warenne is the perfect object for his lust and revenge .…

A Dangerous PASSION Ariella de Warenne's heritage assures her a place in proper society, though as a radical and independent thinker she scorns her peers' frivolous pursuits in the Ton, fashion and marriage. Until a Roma camp arrives at Rose Hill, and she finds herself drawn to their charismatic leader, Emilian. Even when he warns her away, threatening that he intends to seduce and destroy her, she cannot refuse him. For Ariella is just as determined to fight for their dangerous love …

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN Books (April 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373772750
ISBN-13: 978-0373772759

My Review:

Viscount Emilian St. Xavier was taken from his gypsy mom to live with his father an English Lord at an early age which has resulted in him hating all gadjos (non-gypsy) with a passion.  He was taken to his father to learn about the aristocracy and to take his place as his father's heir.  He can't decide if he's half gypsy or half English which makes him confused of what he is or who he wants to be.

When his gypsy family decide to settle on land he gets a calling to join them and leaves his estate and his business dealings to visit his mother's grave in Scotland.  They have settled on Cliff de Warenne's land and when Cliff's daughter Ariella sees/meets Emil she is intensely attracted to the dark and mysterious gypsy.  Emil decides to use Ariella to avenge his mother's death caused by the gadjos.

Ariella is a studious, smart and very interested in other cultures and traveling to other lands.  When she meets Emil she believes it's true love and that doesn't stop her from throwing herself at him.  He uses her for sex and she is still fascinated by him.

Emil is a rude, obnoxious, immature and full of hate and loathing.  He had remorse at first for using Ariella for sex to revenge his mother's death.

3/5

Historical Review: The Promise (De Warenne Dynasty) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Promise" the 8th book in her De Warenne Dynasty series by Brenda Joyce.


Product Description

After a record-breaking sail from China, Alexi de Warenne's moment of triumph quickly vanishes. At his welcoming party, his bewitching childhood friend Elysse O'Neill begins flirting with a shipmate, clearly punishing Alexi for his time at sea. But when Alexi finds Elysse desperately struggling in the man's arms, tragedy ensues. Within days, Alexi weds her to save her honor — and leaves her to forge a new life.

Elysse de Warenne rules the ton with her wit and grace, but the whispers of "abandoned bride" follow her ruthlessly. Elysse will never reveal the truth: that she hasn't seen her husband in six years — and that they didn't even consummate their marriage! When Alexi unexpectedly returns to England, Elysse will do whatever it takes to win his heart and claim her place at his side ….

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; 1 edition (September 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373774427
ISBN-13: 978-0373774425


My Review:

Alexi has loved Elysse since they were young children but he doesn't admit it to himself.  He has always protected her from childhood and even now in adulthood.

Elysse has always loved Alexi too but he has never paid attention to her so she flirts with alot of guys but she's not really interested in them.

Alexi has come home after six years in China and at his welcome back party Elysse starts flirting with one of his shipmates/friends Montgomery to punish him for being at sea.  He warns Elysse not to play with his friend because Elysse is an innocent and he knows that his friend can be aggressive with the women.  After seeing Elysse struggling in Montgomery's arms he comes to her rescue but it ends with Montgomery's death.  He weds Elysse to save her honor.

Right after the wedding party Alexi sets sail again without consummating his marriage.  He's angry at Elysse and blames her for Montgomery's death.  He makes sure she hears that he has a mistress in every port and he calls her rude names because she's been seen being escorting to events by other men.  He finally comes home after six years and buying a house without letting her know about it.

When Elysse finds out about it she moves in but he ignores her and makes sure she hears about his women.  She asks him not to embarrass her in public by being a gentlemen and make believe they are together.

I can't really blame him that he's mad at Elysse for leading Montgomery on but I didn't really like how he treats her.  I know he's a guy and his pride was hurt but the things he called Elysse is really hurtful.  He did warn her not to play with Montgomery.

I thought they should grow up and just talk to each other instead of trying to see who could hurt each other more.

4/5

The Prize (De Warenne Dynasty) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Prize" the first book in her De Warenne series by Brenda Joyce.

Product Description

Vengeance ruled his days . . . and nights

An infamous sea captain of the British Royal Navy, Devlin O'Neill is consumed with the need to destroy the man who brutally murdered his father. Having nearly ruined the Earl of Eastleigh financially, he is waiting for his moment to strike the final blow. And it comes in the form of a spirited young American woman, the earl's niece, who is about to set his cold, calculating world on fire.

Pride inflamed her spirit

Born and raised on a tobacco plantation, Virginia Hughes is determined to rebuild her beloved Sweet Briar. Daringly, she sails to England alone, hoping to convince her uncle to lend her the funds. Instead, she finds herself ruthlessly kidnapped by the notorious Devlin O'Neill. As his hostage, she will soon find her best laid plans thwarted by a passion that could seal their fates forever.

Love conquered them both

Against the backdrop of a turbulent war between England and America, Devlin and Virginia are torn apart by duty, pride and honor. Their private battle is one that Virginia must win-for at stake is Devlin's heart. But as the war rages ever closer to Sweet Briar, each must make the ultimate sacrifice-and surrender to the healing power of their consuming love. --

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 592 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; Reprint edition (January 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373773633
ISBN-13: 978-0373773633

My Review:
 
Devlin witnessed the cruel death of his dad when he was 10 yrs old along with his 7 yr old brother Sean which has scarred him for life.  All he wants is revenge against the man who killed his dad by ruining his family.  He would do anything at any cost to obtain that goal and an opportunity arraises!  He is as cold-hearted as the Earl.  Devlin is sleeping with the Earl's young wife basically takes everything he owns from him.

Virginia is on her way to meet her uncle to save Sweet Briar when Devlin kidnaps her and plans to use her as ransom.  But her uncle doesn't care about her and says so.  Virginia falls in love with Devlin but tries to reason with him that he shouldn't take his revenge so seriously.
 
You can see the steam and feel the heat between them.  The love scenes were well written but not too graphic!
 
4/5