BP is the second book published in Hunter's medieval series but is actually the first book chronologically and takes place in 1326 at the end of Edward II's reign. Addis de Valence who has been presumed dead returns to his home only to discover that his wife and father are dead, and his stepbrother has taken over his estate. Addis is a crusader knight and for the past 8 years was a captured slave in the Baltics until his lover helped him to escape.Moira Falkner is the daughter of Edith who was a bondswoman and his father-in-law's mistress. Edith and Moira were freed on his deathbed but there are no witnesses or papers to prove this fact. So Addis takes advantange of this lack of evidence and refuses to recognize her free state and claims her as his bondswoman and assumes that she will become his whore, just as her mother was a whore. After all, like mother like daughter. But Moira is one massively stubborn woman to match Addis's massively arrogant ego and he has met his match. Moira accepts the bond until she can acquire proof but refuses to stoop to becoming his mistress.
The sexual tension is so thick between them throughout most of the book. I loved Moira's strength and how she refuses to be cowed or controlled by Addis. I became extremely frustrated with Addis and wanted to knock him upside the head through most of the first half of the book. But when an extremely alpha male like him falls in love it packs an emotional punch.
Addis is determined to regain his birthright that was stolen by his stepbrother and he and Moira journey to London to seek help from the king. The political intrigue provided an excellent backdrop for this great love story and was realistically portrayed. Moira is equally determined to marry a freemason who is her equal in the rigid medieval social structure. Moira has been in love with Addis since before his doomed marriage, but he never noticed her. Slowly he falls in love but lords and peasants in the Middle Ages didn't marry. The expected outcome in those days would be for Moira to become his mistress but Moira stubbornly refuses and I greatly respected her for it. Don't worry though, there are some very lovely sex scenes. But how do they get a happy ending? I won't spoil it for you. Just suffice to say that there was a very satisfying ending and you won't want to miss it.
My grade: B+
9 comments:
I'm trying to think of how they got to their happy ending, but I've completely forgotten. Which is a good sign... means I can reread and it will be like the first time!
Good book, good review.
Rosario: Yes, up until the very end doubted they would ever be able to have a HEA. I love books like that.
Rosie: Thanks. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. It's around here somewhere.
It's been a long long time since I read this one. Reading your review, I think it's due for a reread!
Sounds pretty good :) I'll have to look into it.
I read a few MH books (not the "By" novels) and felt like throwing in the towel on this author. But many recs have floated my way about these books. Great review and I'm definitely going to give MH another chance. :P
Great review of a book I've not reread in years, I can't remember how they find their HEA either, definitely needs a reread :D
I read this series about 6 months ago and fondly stuffed it in my keeper box. I think I like the last one best but this one was very good.
Kristie: Definitely worth a re-read.
Nath: Yes!
Ames: I think these older medieval books are her best. If you like this time period you must try them.
Tara: Great HEA.
Kyahgirl: I just read By Design and liked it even better than this one. Review coming up.
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