Category: Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454)

In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or Medieval Period lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and merged into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. The Middle Ages is the middle period of the three traditional divisions of Western history: classical antiquity, the medieval period, and the modern period. The medieval period is itself subdivided into the Early, High, and Late Middle Ages.

Her Secret Vows with the Viking by Sarah Rodi

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Medieval - Early (410 - 1066), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Viking3 Comments

Her Secret Vows with the VikingHer Secret Vows with the Viking by Sarah Rodi

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Lady Ædwen of Eastbury has agreed to marry Lord Werian, the man her father Lord Manvil has chosen for her, in the hopes that her father will keep his word and let her see her daughter. Just over a year ago, Ædwen fell in love with Stefan, a Dane warrior who was injured in battle and left for dead. She nurtured him back to health and learned he had no memories of his life prior to waking up and seeing Ædwen. They grew close and fell in love, exchanging vows in secret and becoming intimate, some of his memories return and he tells her of his life in Demark and the choice his father made to come to England for a better life. But the very next day, he sees her speaking with her father and his lost memories come rushing back, her father killed his father and brothers and tried to kill him. Enraged at what he perceived as deceit by Ædwen he leaves her without a second thought. Never knowing she carried his child. A child her father took from her and a child he used to make her bend to his will. She feels she has no choice and is about to exchange vows when Stefan bursts in the church and declares himself her husband and insisting that she leave with him. She is torn, she doesn’t want to marry Lord Werian, but neither does she want to lose the chance to see her daughter Ellan. In the end the choice is made for her, but Ædwen isn’t willing to reveal all to Stefan, she isn’t sure she can trust him after he abandoned her, but she goes with the hope she will find Ellan, even if there is no chance for them to be happy. Can their love be revived or are they doomed for a life of unhappiness?

Stefan left Ædwen convinced that he had been deceived by yet another woman whom he thought he loved. He makes his way to Wintacaester and proves himself to Canute, the Danish King of England and is named the King’s commander. He is content to in his new life, until he learns he has a child and believes that Ædwen gave up that child and knowingly kept her existence from him. When he further learns she is to remarry, he decides to reclaim her, just to ruin her father’s plans. He hates her, at least he thinks he hates her, but he cannot deny the passion and desire he felt for her is still strong. He tries to get her to confess to him about their child, but it isn’t until they reach the city, and she is attacked that she finally admits the truth and her deep shame for having lost their child. He then revealed that he has Ellan and decides that they will be a family. But without trust, happily ever after seems impossible. Is their love gone or can they find their way back to each other?

This might be my favorite Sarah Rodi book to date! It was a very well written, nicely paced story about second chances and forgiveness. The story is very intense, emotional and surprisingly steamy (not complaining!!!), and filled with secrets, past hurts, betrayal, presumptions, shocking revelations, twists and finally forgiveness and love leading to HEA. Ædwen and Stefan make a lot of mistakes on their road to HEA, but they are both likable, relatable characters who are easy to root for. This book was part of a author collaboration duet but could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems. I am happy to recommend this title to medieval romance lovers or anyone who enjoys a touching second-chance love story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight by Melissa Oliver

On By TracyIn Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Stranded with Her Forbidden KnightStranded with Her Forbidden Knight by Melissa Oliver

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Years ago, Lady Elowen Bawden and Lord Simon Trebarr shared a moment that ended in tragedy and changed their lives forever, a moment that should have killed any attraction, but didn’t…

Now five years later, Elowen Bawden is widowed and has returned to her father’s house, only to learn that her father is planning to marry her off again. And Simon has inherited his family’s estates after the unexpected death of his brother. They see each other again for the first time in five years when Simon approaches Elowen’s father in hopes of forging peace between the families, and it is clear that the attraction they shared is as strong as ever and just as impossible. But fate has plans for these two and their journey to HEA is going to be a wild ride, but one that proves true love conquers all!

This book was exactly what I have come to expect from Melissa Oliver, great writing, and a wonderful story filled with relatable characters. Elowen and Simon are an amazing couple, they each have had their own demons to battle and despite the joint tragedies they share, they aren’t bent on revenge, and they don’t blame the other for circumstances beyond their control – how refreshing! But that doesn’t mean that their story is without heartache, loss and guilt, they are plagued with these things just like most romantic couples, they just handle it better! This story has death, self-esteem issues, duty, honor, familial obligations, unwanted betrothals, steamyish love scenes, loss, heartbreak, friendships, and finally a very hard-won HEA. I really loved this story and would happily recommend it to historical romance lovers, especially medieval fans!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *