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Black Wolf #2
Under the Desert Moon
HER FATE WAS UNCERTAIN...
But that did not keep spirited Aubrey Blue from journeying to Santa Fe to avenge a shattering past that tormented her soul. Disguised as a prim schoolmarm, she hid more than her alluring beauty. For no one could see her fierce determination, her able sharp-shooting, her survivor's heart. No one except the one man determined to claim her as his own...
HIS PAST WAS A SECRET...
Christian McBride sought justice for the misguided verdict that wrongly jailed him years before. Traveling westward with his stoic Ute companion, Sun Shadow, the rugged, bold plainsman knew the perils of the West better than his own heart - which was about to fall hostage to the mysterious, raven-haired woman who boarded the stage he was riding - and who, it would turn out, was not at all what she seemed...
But that did not keep spirited Aubrey Blue from journeying to Santa Fe to avenge a shattering past that tormented her soul. Disguised as a prim schoolmarm, she hid more than her alluring beauty. For no one could see her fierce determination, her able sharp-shooting, her survivor's heart. No one except the one man determined to claim her as his own...
HIS PAST WAS A SECRET...
Christian McBride sought justice for the misguided verdict that wrongly jailed him years before. Traveling westward with his stoic Ute companion, Sun Shadow, the rugged, bold plainsman knew the perils of the West better than his own heart - which was about to fall hostage to the mysterious, raven-haired woman who boarded the stage he was riding - and who, it would turn out, was not at all what she seemed...
500 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 25, 2011
Aubrey Granger has waited ten long years to grow up and the chance return to Santa Fe to destroy the man she blames for sending his henchmen to kill her family and burn down their home (she was left for dead). Disguised as a plain schoolmarm for the stagecoach ride she meets up with just-out-of-Leavenworth-Prison Christian McBride (he's a hottie), and he seems to be the only one on the stagecoach that sees through her disguise and suspects she's up to more than teaching kids when she gets to town. The journey from Kansas is not without its ups and downs and some tense moments with the Indians, but Aubrey finally arrives in Santa Fe and begins her planned downfall of nefarious business man Maxwell Fleming - and Christian is none too pleased to find her apparently thick as thieves with the man he blames for sending him up the river for trumped up murder charges.
That's the basic run down and you really don't need to know much more going in, there are just too many surprises and plot twists to even try to recap it all. This is very much a historical romance and don't plan on taking things too seriously, because I'm fairly positive the author had her tongue firmly planted in her cheek while writing it. The barbs and one liners flew as much as the bullets did (we even get a very young Billy the Kid), but hats off to Lily Colorado for getting all the best lines. There is plenty of steamy sex between our pair, along with adult language so I definitely don't recommend this for the younger set, but those wanting a lighter read that still contains a real plot along with a healthy dose of romance might want to give this one a whirl.
Oh, and loved the epilogue and glad that little issue was brought back up and resolved.
That's the basic run down and you really don't need to know much more going in, there are just too many surprises and plot twists to even try to recap it all. This is very much a historical romance and don't plan on taking things too seriously, because I'm fairly positive the author had her tongue firmly planted in her cheek while writing it. The barbs and one liners flew as much as the bullets did (we even get a very young Billy the Kid), but hats off to Lily Colorado for getting all the best lines. There is plenty of steamy sex between our pair, along with adult language so I definitely don't recommend this for the younger set, but those wanting a lighter read that still contains a real plot along with a healthy dose of romance might want to give this one a whirl.
Oh, and loved the epilogue and glad that little issue was brought back up and resolved.
May 15, 2009
Marsha Canham has described this novel as her foray into "Silverado territory". What she came up with in Under the Desert Moon is actually much better written than the storyline in Silverado, and steamy enough to fog up the stagecoach windows on even the coldest desert nights.
Aubrey Blue is a woman with a past: a cardsharp, a hustler, a tragic heroine, on a very personal mission that she's well aware just might cost her her life. Disguised as a spectacle wearing schoolmarm, she's traveling on a westbound stage to her final showdown with the man who murdered her family and destroyed her life, when she meets Christian McBride, a hunky (if slightly dusty) plainsman with a past, and a personal mission of his own involving the same villain. In true Marsha Canham style, Aubrey and Christian take one look at each other, sparks fly, and the adventure begins...
I loved this book. I loved the fact that Christian notices Aubrey immediately, in spite of the presence of a blonde bombshell who tries almost as hard to get his attention as Aubrey tries to avoid it. The plot twists were as unexpected as they were engrossing, the bad guys as nasty as they get, the love scenes steamy and well written. Canham has shown time and again that she can write, and write well, in any romance sub-genre she tries her hand at, and while I've never been a big fan of western-themed romances, this one is one of my very favorite romance novels, and has a permanent home on my keeper shelf. VERY highly recommended!
Sensuality Rating: R
Aubrey Blue is a woman with a past: a cardsharp, a hustler, a tragic heroine, on a very personal mission that she's well aware just might cost her her life. Disguised as a spectacle wearing schoolmarm, she's traveling on a westbound stage to her final showdown with the man who murdered her family and destroyed her life, when she meets Christian McBride, a hunky (if slightly dusty) plainsman with a past, and a personal mission of his own involving the same villain. In true Marsha Canham style, Aubrey and Christian take one look at each other, sparks fly, and the adventure begins...
I loved this book. I loved the fact that Christian notices Aubrey immediately, in spite of the presence of a blonde bombshell who tries almost as hard to get his attention as Aubrey tries to avoid it. The plot twists were as unexpected as they were engrossing, the bad guys as nasty as they get, the love scenes steamy and well written. Canham has shown time and again that she can write, and write well, in any romance sub-genre she tries her hand at, and while I've never been a big fan of western-themed romances, this one is one of my very favorite romance novels, and has a permanent home on my keeper shelf. VERY highly recommended!
Sensuality Rating: R
February 25, 2011
This one surprised me. I am not a cowboy fan, so this is the first western/cowboy novel I have ever read. The author is the only reason I gave it a shot. Canham did not fail to deliver. At first I read reluctantly and it was hard to put my mind into the place and time and submerge into the story. I was thinking, "well, she had to have some books that weren't too good, this must be one", but still I read on. I don't know of any other author I have read that can create a perfect hero, but Marsha Canham can. As the story develops, you get dragged under and the next thing you know you are reading about a stage coach under a Comanche attack and the ride begins. I am not saying that this was as good as her Scottish trilogy, nothing is, but this was really good. I loved the hero and I loved heroine, not to mention the secondary characters. Equally excellent at writing villains, this story had some nasty ones. I found that half way through the book I was unable to put it down. Read until 5 am. This book however is quite graphic in details and most likely the treatment of the women were the way they were treated for that time so don't expect rainbow and rose peddles, but there is a great romance and there is a ton of action and violence. I wish she had wrote more books and I wish all her books were digital, so be prepared if you fall in love with MC's writing style as I have, tracking down some of her books will be a bit of a task. Thank god for Biblio.com
The story focuses around revenge. The two main character meet by chance on a stagecoach ride and the relationship is very interesting to read. The characters are all so rich you cannot help but put faces on them almost immediately. Christian is to die for, William Bonnie makes an appearance which was so cool, Stink Finger the coach drive was brilliant, and Aubrey was perfect. Great read would highly recommend.
The story focuses around revenge. The two main character meet by chance on a stagecoach ride and the relationship is very interesting to read. The characters are all so rich you cannot help but put faces on them almost immediately. Christian is to die for, William Bonnie makes an appearance which was so cool, Stink Finger the coach drive was brilliant, and Aubrey was perfect. Great read would highly recommend.
November 22, 2011
I loved the first book in this series. I cannot say the same thing about this book. The female lead is totally unlikeable. It is one thing to be a strong and independent woman. It is quite another to be a spoiled, nonsensical, brat. I disliked her so much it ruined the book. What a waste.
December 20, 2020
Marsha Canham's In the Shadow of Midnight is a well-written medieval romance where the political intrigue and historical backstory oftentimes overshadowed the romance. This is a good and bad thing. The good is that the most memorable scenes are the scenes of political machinations of barons, the cruel decisions of power-hungry kings, and the mysterious fates of heirs with claims to the English throne. I mean, what happens to Arthur and Eleanor remain the OMG moments of the book for me. It reminded me in these respects of George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones.
But back to the romance. Lady Ariel de Clare is a spitfire and I loved her. I don't know about you but I love irritable heroines with an insult ready for any man who dares try to be her suitor. The honesty is much appreciated. I also loved her camaraderie with her brother, Henry, and the humourous observations made by various characters on how Henry loves her but also cringes from her volatile temper.
This temper does not disappear when she encounters Eduard. It is such a wonderful surprise that Ariel is paired with Eduard, who, by all respects, has led a completely tortured childhood. Generally speaking, heroes with tortured pasts are paired with nice girls that can show them how to crack a joke every now and then. However, Eduard's traumatic upbringing doesn't really figure in to his drive or motivation as a character. In fact, he was super cool whenever Ariel's temper got the better of her. I assumed Eduard would blow up at least once over her "impertinence", thus having an excuse for bodice ripping, but he never once made or acted upon physical threats. I felt like that was his knightly essence coming out, and the combination of Ariel and Eduard together was quite appealing.
While Ariel's temper doesn't disappear, I did eye roll at one point because she says the same thing to Eduard that another one of Canham's heroines say, which is to the effect of, "I don't care if I'm your mistress or your slave but TAKE ME WITH YOU!" Something that does bother me because while it is said in a moment of desperation, it is quite spineless, although I guess it shows how much she digs Eduard, so much so she'd sacrifice her pride or whatever on the altar of love.
Overall, a great medieval to get lost in.
But back to the romance. Lady Ariel de Clare is a spitfire and I loved her. I don't know about you but I love irritable heroines with an insult ready for any man who dares try to be her suitor. The honesty is much appreciated. I also loved her camaraderie with her brother, Henry, and the humourous observations made by various characters on how Henry loves her but also cringes from her volatile temper.
This temper does not disappear when she encounters Eduard. It is such a wonderful surprise that Ariel is paired with Eduard, who, by all respects, has led a completely tortured childhood. Generally speaking, heroes with tortured pasts are paired with nice girls that can show them how to crack a joke every now and then. However, Eduard's traumatic upbringing doesn't really figure in to his drive or motivation as a character. In fact, he was super cool whenever Ariel's temper got the better of her. I assumed Eduard would blow up at least once over her "impertinence", thus having an excuse for bodice ripping, but he never once made or acted upon physical threats. I felt like that was his knightly essence coming out, and the combination of Ariel and Eduard together was quite appealing.
While Ariel's temper doesn't disappear, I did eye roll at one point because she says the same thing to Eduard that another one of Canham's heroines say, which is to the effect of, "I don't care if I'm your mistress or your slave but TAKE ME WITH YOU!" Something that does bother me because while it is said in a moment of desperation, it is quite spineless, although I guess it shows how much she digs Eduard, so much so she'd sacrifice her pride or whatever on the altar of love.
Overall, a great medieval to get lost in.
March 9, 2016
In the Shadow of Midnight takes place in the year 1203, which isn't one of my favorite time frames to read in. However, you get Robin Hood like mens involved and then I am good. This also takes place about 14 years after Through a Dark Mist. Our hero is Eduard, which is the Black Wolf's bastard son and was in TaDM. King John, Richard the Lionhearted's brother, has taken over the throne. Only there is a horrible rumor that he has killed his own nephew and kidnapped his niece to ensure that there is no one left to challenge him for the throne.
To say that John is a good and kind king is like saying that Jack the Ripper was just performing day surgeries on the indigent out of the goodness of his heart. He was horrible to his people and was steadily draining his people dry. So in order to make his supporters happy, he was making unions between their sons and daughters. Or in this case his Lord Marshall's niece to the son of one of his gaolers. Only Ariel wasn't willing to go gently into that good night. She made her own deal with another stranger for marriage to the North.
On the way they stop at the castle of the Black Wolf, where Henry, Ariel's uncle, decides that as well as deliver Ariel to her fate, a rescue of the Pearl, Eleanor of Brittany and the true descendant of the throne, needs to be executed as well. But Henry can only trust one man to get the job done and that is Eduard, the Wolf's son. Eduard is scarred, huge and scary. He was also tortured as a boy by his mother and her lover. So he isn't looking for love, he just wants to save someone that was a friend of his childhood. He doesn't want to take spoiled Ariel to her new husband. It has nothing to do how he feels about her or what parts of him are moved by her. ;-) For Ariel's part, she wants nothing to do with Eduard, he is a scarred bastard for Christ's sake. That is how I felt about Ariel, she was spoiled for most of the book. Finally in the end, she matures to the point that I can handle reading her parts. Once the romance kicked in it was sweet and hot. The epilogue was also well done.
For the most part the book reads like a historical fiction with a thread of romance. It worked though and MC kept me interested enough to keep reading. I am looking forward to the next installment.
To say that John is a good and kind king is like saying that Jack the Ripper was just performing day surgeries on the indigent out of the goodness of his heart. He was horrible to his people and was steadily draining his people dry. So in order to make his supporters happy, he was making unions between their sons and daughters. Or in this case his Lord Marshall's niece to the son of one of his gaolers. Only Ariel wasn't willing to go gently into that good night. She made her own deal with another stranger for marriage to the North.
On the way they stop at the castle of the Black Wolf, where Henry, Ariel's uncle, decides that as well as deliver Ariel to her fate, a rescue of the Pearl, Eleanor of Brittany and the true descendant of the throne, needs to be executed as well. But Henry can only trust one man to get the job done and that is Eduard, the Wolf's son. Eduard is scarred, huge and scary. He was also tortured as a boy by his mother and her lover. So he isn't looking for love, he just wants to save someone that was a friend of his childhood. He doesn't want to take spoiled Ariel to her new husband. It has nothing to do how he feels about her or what parts of him are moved by her. ;-) For Ariel's part, she wants nothing to do with Eduard, he is a scarred bastard for Christ's sake. That is how I felt about Ariel, she was spoiled for most of the book. Finally in the end, she matures to the point that I can handle reading her parts. Once the romance kicked in it was sweet and hot. The epilogue was also well done.
For the most part the book reads like a historical fiction with a thread of romance. It worked though and MC kept me interested enough to keep reading. I am looking forward to the next installment.
June 24, 2022
4.5 stars. June is Western HR month on Regan Walker’s monthly blog so I chose to start with a great author. This is an excellent western with some twists in the plot towards the end! Every book I have read by M. Canham has been great. I own almost all of hers books and I doubt I’ll be disappointed by any of the others I have yet to read. I highly recommend her books! She is truly one of the best authors I’ve ever read.
June 20, 2018
Aubrey Blue is this close to avenging her family. There's just the last leg of her journey between her and her goal, a journey that will take her through the desert, fending off Comanche attacks, unwanted drunken advances from one of her travelling companions, and not-so-unwanted advances from another, a former convict who's after the same man she is, Christian McBride...
Marsha Canham never disappoints. Be it set in the Highlands, on the high seas, or way back in the medieval times, her stories never fail to entertain and/or intrigue the reader.
This one was no different. Set in the wild-wild West in the late 19th century, it featured everything one comes to expect from a western, and what I've come to expect from Ms Canham.
Old feuds for land, money, power, and/or women, gunslingers, chases through the desert, fighting "Injuns", gun fights, saloons...descriptive, evocative narration, wonderful characters, drama galore, and a romance that makes you tingle.
Christian McBride might've been a typical Canham hero (they all pretty much look and act the same), but it was still a pleasure learning about him, discovering the depths of his personality, and watch him topple like a felled oak for the one).
Audrey Blue was rather special. An acquired taste and as much of a puzzle for both her hero and the reader. Some of her choices and decisions were rather incomprehensible (when there were simpler ways to accomplish what she wanted) as was her unwillingness to tell Christian the entire truth. Turns out, she had a good reason for keeping her cards close to her vest, and that reason sure was a doozy.
Together, these two made for quite a couple, with sparks flying every each way whenever they shared a scene, and though the romance might've come across as rather rushed, it was fiery and all-consuming, like romances "of old" are supposed to be (and Ms Canham sure can write a fiery romance).
The rest was just as wonderful, rife with mystery, intrigue and enough suspense to keep the reader engaged, on the edge of the seat and furiously turning pages to learn what would happen next. Multiple villains with multiple motives, each got their well-deserved end, with the most satisfying confrontation offered as cherry on the cake.
Rife with intrigue, wonderful characters with more or less shadowed pasts, revenge-seeking, scorching passion, and stunning imagery, this novel is a must read for all Marsha Canham fans, as well as fans of romance set under the sizzling sun of the frontier or under the glowing desert moon.
Marsha Canham never disappoints. Be it set in the Highlands, on the high seas, or way back in the medieval times, her stories never fail to entertain and/or intrigue the reader.
This one was no different. Set in the wild-wild West in the late 19th century, it featured everything one comes to expect from a western, and what I've come to expect from Ms Canham.
Old feuds for land, money, power, and/or women, gunslingers, chases through the desert, fighting "Injuns", gun fights, saloons...descriptive, evocative narration, wonderful characters, drama galore, and a romance that makes you tingle.
Christian McBride might've been a typical Canham hero (they all pretty much look and act the same), but it was still a pleasure learning about him, discovering the depths of his personality, and watch him topple like a felled oak for the one).
“You’re supposed to make a wish on a falling star,” he murmured.
“Did you?”
“I most certainly did. It took two dozen, but you’re finally here.”
Audrey Blue was rather special. An acquired taste and as much of a puzzle for both her hero and the reader. Some of her choices and decisions were rather incomprehensible (when there were simpler ways to accomplish what she wanted) as was her unwillingness to tell Christian the entire truth. Turns out, she had a good reason for keeping her cards close to her vest, and that reason sure was a doozy.
Together, these two made for quite a couple, with sparks flying every each way whenever they shared a scene, and though the romance might've come across as rather rushed, it was fiery and all-consuming, like romances "of old" are supposed to be (and Ms Canham sure can write a fiery romance).
The rest was just as wonderful, rife with mystery, intrigue and enough suspense to keep the reader engaged, on the edge of the seat and furiously turning pages to learn what would happen next. Multiple villains with multiple motives, each got their well-deserved end, with the most satisfying confrontation offered as cherry on the cake.
Rife with intrigue, wonderful characters with more or less shadowed pasts, revenge-seeking, scorching passion, and stunning imagery, this novel is a must read for all Marsha Canham fans, as well as fans of romance set under the sizzling sun of the frontier or under the glowing desert moon.
August 20, 2008
A Great Swashbuckling Romp! The author must have been having a gas writing this series. Lots of action, witty dialogue (LOVED SPARROW!!), and well written secondary characters. A nice take on the Robin Hood legends. I know another reviewer or two complained that there were too many characters and not enough romance, but those were complicated times, and this book tries to represent that. The author does play a little loose with the historical characters (I'm pretty sure the two welsh brothers were either the first Llywellen's uncles or the brothers of Llywellen the last, who was the grandson of the first Llywelen that came LONG AFTER the reign of King John), so don't take this book for a history lesson.
If too much history, intrigue and complicated characters are not for you, there are PLENTY of lackluster "historical" romances to be found that contain light weight predictable plots with no other purpose than to set as a back drop for a book laden with gratuitous sex.
If too much history, intrigue and complicated characters are not for you, there are PLENTY of lackluster "historical" romances to be found that contain light weight predictable plots with no other purpose than to set as a back drop for a book laden with gratuitous sex.
December 17, 2011
This book was well-written and exciting, that's for sure. Very descriptive and graphic with the violence that is characteristic of the Old West. Was a bit long and too drawn out in parts. And while I genuinely liked the heroine, I didn't LOVE the hero. He was just O.K. I felt he was a bit 2-dimensional. We rarely saw things from his perspective. This was a very heroine-centered book, and I tend to prefer somewhat equal time from both characters' points of view.
But generally a great read, and would highly recommend if you're looking for a very suspenseful 'old west' romance.
But generally a great read, and would highly recommend if you're looking for a very suspenseful 'old west' romance.
January 24, 2022
Another sweeping saga based on historical events mixed with the author's imagination. I loved the first book in this series and loved this one as well, except I didn't care much for the heroine for the first 75% of the story! lol She redeems herself but omigosh, what a shrew she was!!
We met Eduard in the first book when he was 13 years old and had just found out the Black Wolf was his real father. Now he's a man, a full fledged warrior in his own right, scarred, morose and will do anything for Princess Eleanor who has been imprisoned by her evil uncle, King John. As he and his men are sent to free her, he's also in charge of bringing Lady Ariel to her betrothed. Ariel is the spoiled and mouthy niece to the powerful Marshal of England and would test the patience of a saint! Amidst the danger throughout the voyage and the quest to free the princess Eleanor, quarrels soon turn to passion between Eduard and Ariel.
As in the first book, I enjoyed all the characters and it's for certain Sparrow has a special place in my heart:) Now it's time to read the 3rd book in the series....
We met Eduard in the first book when he was 13 years old and had just found out the Black Wolf was his real father. Now he's a man, a full fledged warrior in his own right, scarred, morose and will do anything for Princess Eleanor who has been imprisoned by her evil uncle, King John. As he and his men are sent to free her, he's also in charge of bringing Lady Ariel to her betrothed. Ariel is the spoiled and mouthy niece to the powerful Marshal of England and would test the patience of a saint! Amidst the danger throughout the voyage and the quest to free the princess Eleanor, quarrels soon turn to passion between Eduard and Ariel.
As in the first book, I enjoyed all the characters and it's for certain Sparrow has a special place in my heart:) Now it's time to read the 3rd book in the series....
February 23, 2024
A ton of set up in this book, but it really pays off in the last 10%. Definitely worth the read.
March 19, 2011
Absolutely love this story. This is the second in the series and not only enhances the first, but exceeded it with depth and page turning adventure. The characters in this book were so faceted and cultivated throughout the story they seemed palpable. Eduard is an amazing character (love him!). I feel like through book 1 and 2 I could visually watch him develop into this glorious image that make Marsha Canham's books so addictive. Ariel complimented him perfectly, matching him in will and passion, challenging him at every turn. The plight of Arthur and Eleanor was heart wrenching and even at one point caught me so off guard, I was shocked. In honesty I cannot say there were any "secondary" characters because each had such a tremendous presence that even if one would have been removed the story would not be what it was. The story was amazing, and best of all, you see another tendril of a story start to vine it's way through which will have you chomping at the bit to jump into. This one definitely was one that nagged the back of my mind throughout my day, and left it's residue after I finished. I found myself trying desperately to pace it out to make it last longer but didn't succeed and raced through to the end despite myself. A definate must read for those of you who are fans of Marsha Canham, romance, historical or not, and lovers of swashbuckling adventures. So very well written, it's joined up with my most favorites. But, to me, you must read book 1 to fully enjoy it, not that it couldn't stand on it's own, it would just be a disservice to the fantastic creation of characters not to have the full story behind them.
December 4, 2008
This was a fantastic fun continuation of THROUGH A DARK MIST (then continues with THE LAST ARROW) all the characters I loved from the first in Marsha Canham's series the secondary characters are well written and very likable! I won't take up anyone's time with a repeat of the specifics, because you can look to MISFITs review as she did it to perfection (as usual) IMHO...I just would like to second what she has said! This is definitely much more that HR it has so much more to offer...and it is also so much more than HF cause it has some explicit sex scenes, or more explicit anyway, than you normally would get in a regular HF at any rate....not gratuitous sex I don't feel anyway..it all rolled with the story line. Marsha Canham writes a good HF/HFR for sure.
July 28, 2020
I gave In the Shadow of Midnight a B at All About Romance.
Note: Although In the Shadow of Midnight can be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it. There will be spoilers for Through a Dark Mist (Robin Hood #1) in this review.
In the Shadow of Midnight begins with a prologue. After a failed attempt to reinstate himself as a claimant to the throne of England, Arthur, Duke of Brittainy, son of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, is imprisoned at Rouen Castle along with his older sister Eleanor, who insisted upon remaining with him even though she had known surrender and captivity would be her only reward for loyalty. Exhausted, hungry and filthy, Arthur refuses to pledge fealty to his uncle, King John, or renounce his claim to the throne in exchange for freedom, remaining defiant in the face of his uncle’s threats,
When Henry and Ariel de Clare’s parents died, they went to live with their aunt Isabella (their mother’s half-sister) and her husband, the powerful Earl Marshal of England, William of Pembroke. Pembroke quickly recognized Henry’s potential as a knight, only to discover Ariel expected to train with him and had no interest in becoming a lady. Eventually, a compromise was reached. Henry taught Ariel everything he learned, and everyone pretended not to know. When In the Shadow of Midnight begins, Ariel is a fiercely independent – and lethal – eighteen-year-old, with no plans to marry. But the surprise return of her brother Henry to Pembroke (accompanied by Welsh lords, Rhys and Dafydd ap Iorwerth), upends her happy life.
Henry claims that King John has promised Ariel to Reginald De Braose, one of his faithful retainers. Ariel is furious; William assured her she could choose her own husband. But with William away in France, and Lady Isabella inclined to agree to the marriage, Ariel pleads with her aunt for permission to go to her uncle, so Henry and Ariel make their way to France, where Pembroke takes them to visit Castle Amboise, home of Lord Randwulf de la Seyne Sur Mer (the Black Wolf!!), Lady Servanne and their children, Sparrow, and Eduard FitzRandwulf d’Amboise, Lucien’s bastard son with Nicolaa de la Haye. (Lucien learned he had a son at the end of Through a Dark Mist; Eduard helped them escape after learning the evil Etienne wasn’t his father).
Pembroke is angry with his niece, but focused on a much bigger problem. In a private meeting with Lord Randwulf and members of his inner circle, Pembroke pledges the small group to secrecy before revealing what he’s learned. He reveals that Arthur of Brittany is most likely dead, and Eleanor remains imprisoned by King John. He proposes they form an alliance to rescue her and place her on the English throne. After a heated debate, the group agrees and tasks Eduard, a close friend of Eleanor, with leading the rescue attempt.
Posing as knights returning from the Crusades (with Ariel disguised as a squire), the rescue party secretly sets out. Ariel, unaware of their true purpose, believes the group is retrieving a valuable pearl. After a series of misadventures, they reach Rennes where they await word of from Pembroke. When the messenger finally reveals Eleanor is imprisoned at Corfe Castle (governed by a sadistic Guy Gisbourne), they return to England and strike out for the castle.
I know, I still haven’t mentioned the romance! Okay. Eduard and Ariel get off to a ROUGH start. They meet as strangers; he spots her in the armory and manhandles her. Ariel mistakenly assumes he’s a servant and delivers a scathing set-down. Eduard then attempts to apologize, but Ariel rejects his apology and insults him. Later that night neither can sleep and they both wind up on the rooftop. One thing leads to another (the kissy kissy 💋💋kind). Ariel is furious; Eduard is frustrated. But it keeps happening! By the time they depart Amboise, Ariel is convinced Eduard is pledged to another woman (he wears a woman’s ring on a necklace), but she’s unable to resist her attraction to him or his kisses. Eduard is overwhelmed by his feelings for Ariel (who’s already engaged!), but focused on the dangerous rescue mission. And Henry is super big-brother suspicious.
Friends, Ariel is unlikeable for much of the novel – she has zero impulse control, jumps to conclusions (usually the wrong ones), and is often immature and petulant. She’s also fiercely loyal, frequently kind, in love with Eduard, and deadly with a bow and arrow. I ultimately liked her, but she made it difficult. Meanwhile, Eduard is her (likeable) TOTAL opposite. Mature, wise, dedicated to Eleanor (as a friend! As a friend!), and a super badass in a fight (like his dad), he can’t help his lust – and eventually, love – for Ariel. They argue and make-up, argue and make-up… And eventually realize they can’t live without each other. Their love affair is sexy and passionate, but disappointing. I was much more interested in the possible love match between Robin (first born son of the Wolf and Lady Servanne) and maid Marienne (the illegitimate daughter of Pembroke). Le sigh.
Despite its underwhelming romance, In the Shadow of Midnight is chock full of intrigue, adventure, villains (Gisbourne is memorably awful), and feats of derring-do. It moves at a brisk pace and I was entertained the whole way through. By the time the dust finally settles, Ms. Canham has cannily set up book three and hooked readers for the long haul. Sherwood Forest figures prominently; there’s the promise of a love match between Robin and maid Marienne; Eduard and Ariel are married and Eleanor… well friends, Eleanor is the lynchpin of the series, and her fictional fate will finally be resolved in The Last Arrow. And Little John, the last missing character from the legend, memorably joins our growing cast of secondary characters.
Romantic (sort of), thrilling, and thoroughly...
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance.
Note: Although In the Shadow of Midnight can be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it. There will be spoilers for Through a Dark Mist (Robin Hood #1) in this review.
In the Shadow of Midnight begins with a prologue. After a failed attempt to reinstate himself as a claimant to the throne of England, Arthur, Duke of Brittainy, son of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, is imprisoned at Rouen Castle along with his older sister Eleanor, who insisted upon remaining with him even though she had known surrender and captivity would be her only reward for loyalty. Exhausted, hungry and filthy, Arthur refuses to pledge fealty to his uncle, King John, or renounce his claim to the throne in exchange for freedom, remaining defiant in the face of his uncle’s threats,
“Take my eyes. Take my hands and my limbs. Take anything you wish piece by piece and see how quickly the tide of condemnation would turn. Kill me, aye, and you remove an enemy from power. Torture me, blind me, cripple me, and every knight in the realm would see you for the yellow cur you are.”Enraged by Arthur’s continued defiance, King John brutally murders him. After a brief period of silence, Reginald De Braose (the guard at the door), enters the cell. He discovers not much more than a shapeless lump of bloodied mush and shattered bone where the proud, golden head of the Duke of Brittany should have been, and the king in the throes of an apoplectic fit. The prologue ends with De Braose racing from the cell for help.
When Henry and Ariel de Clare’s parents died, they went to live with their aunt Isabella (their mother’s half-sister) and her husband, the powerful Earl Marshal of England, William of Pembroke. Pembroke quickly recognized Henry’s potential as a knight, only to discover Ariel expected to train with him and had no interest in becoming a lady. Eventually, a compromise was reached. Henry taught Ariel everything he learned, and everyone pretended not to know. When In the Shadow of Midnight begins, Ariel is a fiercely independent – and lethal – eighteen-year-old, with no plans to marry. But the surprise return of her brother Henry to Pembroke (accompanied by Welsh lords, Rhys and Dafydd ap Iorwerth), upends her happy life.
Henry claims that King John has promised Ariel to Reginald De Braose, one of his faithful retainers. Ariel is furious; William assured her she could choose her own husband. But with William away in France, and Lady Isabella inclined to agree to the marriage, Ariel pleads with her aunt for permission to go to her uncle, so Henry and Ariel make their way to France, where Pembroke takes them to visit Castle Amboise, home of Lord Randwulf de la Seyne Sur Mer (the Black Wolf!!), Lady Servanne and their children, Sparrow, and Eduard FitzRandwulf d’Amboise, Lucien’s bastard son with Nicolaa de la Haye. (Lucien learned he had a son at the end of Through a Dark Mist; Eduard helped them escape after learning the evil Etienne wasn’t his father).
Pembroke is angry with his niece, but focused on a much bigger problem. In a private meeting with Lord Randwulf and members of his inner circle, Pembroke pledges the small group to secrecy before revealing what he’s learned. He reveals that Arthur of Brittany is most likely dead, and Eleanor remains imprisoned by King John. He proposes they form an alliance to rescue her and place her on the English throne. After a heated debate, the group agrees and tasks Eduard, a close friend of Eleanor, with leading the rescue attempt.
Posing as knights returning from the Crusades (with Ariel disguised as a squire), the rescue party secretly sets out. Ariel, unaware of their true purpose, believes the group is retrieving a valuable pearl. After a series of misadventures, they reach Rennes where they await word of from Pembroke. When the messenger finally reveals Eleanor is imprisoned at Corfe Castle (governed by a sadistic Guy Gisbourne), they return to England and strike out for the castle.
I know, I still haven’t mentioned the romance! Okay. Eduard and Ariel get off to a ROUGH start. They meet as strangers; he spots her in the armory and manhandles her. Ariel mistakenly assumes he’s a servant and delivers a scathing set-down. Eduard then attempts to apologize, but Ariel rejects his apology and insults him. Later that night neither can sleep and they both wind up on the rooftop. One thing leads to another (the kissy kissy 💋💋kind). Ariel is furious; Eduard is frustrated. But it keeps happening! By the time they depart Amboise, Ariel is convinced Eduard is pledged to another woman (he wears a woman’s ring on a necklace), but she’s unable to resist her attraction to him or his kisses. Eduard is overwhelmed by his feelings for Ariel (who’s already engaged!), but focused on the dangerous rescue mission. And Henry is super big-brother suspicious.
Friends, Ariel is unlikeable for much of the novel – she has zero impulse control, jumps to conclusions (usually the wrong ones), and is often immature and petulant. She’s also fiercely loyal, frequently kind, in love with Eduard, and deadly with a bow and arrow. I ultimately liked her, but she made it difficult. Meanwhile, Eduard is her (likeable) TOTAL opposite. Mature, wise, dedicated to Eleanor (as a friend! As a friend!), and a super badass in a fight (like his dad), he can’t help his lust – and eventually, love – for Ariel. They argue and make-up, argue and make-up… And eventually realize they can’t live without each other. Their love affair is sexy and passionate, but disappointing. I was much more interested in the possible love match between Robin (first born son of the Wolf and Lady Servanne) and maid Marienne (the illegitimate daughter of Pembroke). Le sigh.
Despite its underwhelming romance, In the Shadow of Midnight is chock full of intrigue, adventure, villains (Gisbourne is memorably awful), and feats of derring-do. It moves at a brisk pace and I was entertained the whole way through. By the time the dust finally settles, Ms. Canham has cannily set up book three and hooked readers for the long haul. Sherwood Forest figures prominently; there’s the promise of a love match between Robin and maid Marienne; Eduard and Ariel are married and Eleanor… well friends, Eleanor is the lynchpin of the series, and her fictional fate will finally be resolved in The Last Arrow. And Little John, the last missing character from the legend, memorably joins our growing cast of secondary characters.
Romantic (sort of), thrilling, and thoroughly...
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance.
August 5, 2013
Marsha Canham is a hit-or-miss author for me - when I love her books I really love them, but she is as likely to write a book that annoys me as one I adore.
This book is spoiled by its shallow, spoiled, immature, idiotic heroine. I can't say I loved the hero, who was too bland to have more personality than a doorknob, but at least he didn't actively annoy me.
This book is spoiled by its shallow, spoiled, immature, idiotic heroine. I can't say I loved the hero, who was too bland to have more personality than a doorknob, but at least he didn't actively annoy me.
December 1, 2010
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! Book just built and built.... right up to the very end. There were two HUGE mouth dropping twists at the end that you won't see coming. Marsha Canham's writing will keep you glued to the pages. She's brilliant. Very steamy and HOT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
March 6, 2011
I liked the characters and dialogue in this book. And the author has a beautifully descriptive style.
However, I found myself skimming A LOT. It was wordy and dry. The descriptions went on and on and on.....
July 2, 2011
I read very few westerns, but I would pick up any book by Marsha Canham, I like her that much! There are plenty of reviews on this book, I think Stevie's sums it up quite well. There is a lot of action, adventure, romance and blood and gore! And now Amazon has her out of print books for $2.99.
July 20, 2012
Hot. Sassy. And unable to put down. A real page turner.
October 9, 2012
Very "shoot 'em um cowboy." Fun and sexy. Much too verbose, sometimes felt like a textbook on life in the old west.
November 16, 2023
Not since The Time-Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England has an author painted such a vivid picture of everyday medieval life as Marsha Canham does here. Along with the cruelty and squalor of the time (witness Corfe Castle 😨), we’re treated to markets and banquets with jugglers and acrobats. She went heavy on the period detail, but I didn’t mind at all.
Taking place 14 years after Through a Dark Mist, this is the story of Ariel, a clever, headstrong and generally awesome woman; and Edmund FitzRandwulf, a scarred hero who is so smoking hot that I didn’t even mind that the book opens with him boning a woman who isn’t the heroine. (Oh yeah, and he’s also the bastard son of Randwulf and the demonic Nicolaa.)
But that’s not all: there’s another band of merry men who must rescue an honest-to-Pete princess from the greasy clutches of King John.
There is gore, much of it shocking, and swashbuckling, and political intrigue, and road trips, and daring escapes…
A note that this book probably won’t appeal to anyone who prefers lighter wallpaper historicals, because while the romance is sweet and hot, this almost reads more like historical fiction. I loved it.
Taking place 14 years after Through a Dark Mist, this is the story of Ariel, a clever, headstrong and generally awesome woman; and Edmund FitzRandwulf, a scarred hero who is so smoking hot that I didn’t even mind that the book opens with him boning a woman who isn’t the heroine. (Oh yeah, and he’s also the bastard son of Randwulf and the demonic Nicolaa.)
But that’s not all: there’s another band of merry men who must rescue an honest-to-Pete princess from the greasy clutches of King John.
There is gore, much of it shocking, and swashbuckling, and political intrigue, and road trips, and daring escapes…
A note that this book probably won’t appeal to anyone who prefers lighter wallpaper historicals, because while the romance is sweet and hot, this almost reads more like historical fiction. I loved it.
September 9, 2013
Eduard FitzRandwulf d'Amboise finds a trespasser playing with swords in his father’s armory. A half-naked trespasser with green eyes and long, red hair. So, what is a man to do upon stumbling onto a beautiful, half-naked stranger? He grabs her and teases her...Until she reveals her identity. She’s her father’s guest’s niece. She’s the niece of William, the Marshall of England.
Then she runs away without giving Eduard a chance to apologize. And since she’s William the Marshall’s niece, Eduard is probably a dead man.
Actually, he’s not, since Ariel neglects to mention the ‘incident’ to either her uncle or brother. After all, she wasn’t supposed to be in the armory in the first place. So she’s not about to say anything. Besides, she’s never laying eyes on the unkempt serf who’s accosted her, either. Or is she? Because the bastard son of their host looks very much like the serf in the armory, only better dressed and cleanly shaved. On closer scrutiny, it is the same lout. How dare he? And how dare he mock her throughout the evening meal? How dare a bastard speak thusly to a lady?
Well, she’s put him in his place, hasn’t she? And once she leaves she’ll never have to see him again. Unless her uncle decides FitzRandwulf is to accompany them back to England. There goes her peace of mind. Now she has to spend even more time with him, dressed as his squire, remembering that wretched kiss on the battlements. Ooh, the gall of the man to still tease her, to make her remember that wretched kiss on the battlements...What is she to do? Certainly not fall in love.
This second installment in Marsha Canham’s Robin Hood Trilogy was much more historical than its predecessor, which is somewhat of a pattern in her multi-book historicals. The first book is to establish the characters, the second is to thrust them into a true historical content. Though the characters weren’t the same as in Through a Dark Mist , except for the cameos from the Black Wolf and Lady Servanne, and let’s not forget Sparrow, the male lead has been introduced in the previous book.
So, as I said, there was much more history involved than in the first book in the trilogy. In the prologue the author offered an ‘alternative’ explanation to the ‘disappearance’ of Arthur of Brittany in approx. 1203, the book offered an ‘alternative’ to the fate of Eleanor of Brittany, the story was set against the backdrop of the war for the provinces of Touraine, Brittany, Normandy, Anjou, Poitou, and in the epilogue the reclaiming of Normandy by the French was mentioned...
I’m really glad the historical content was rather predominant in this one, because if I had to read even more about the heroine and experience more of her obtuse, childish, spoiled tantrums I’d probably had hurled the book at the wall. Marsha Canham is one of those authors where I like all her heroines, even the stubborn and proud ones, but Lady Ariel De Clare was obnoxious and annoying almost throughout the entire story. Lucky for us she fell head over heels in love with the hero and suffered a character transplantation that actually endeared her to me toward the end. But at the beginning I just wanted someone to run her through with a sword, bash her over the head with a sword, strangle her or throw her off the battlements of a keep. Or maybe all of it. In that order.
But I guess, in hindsight, she was a rather fitting heroine for our Eduard. He needed someone like that, someone to notice, someone to keep him ‘engaged’, someone to keep him thinking about, someone to burrow under his skin...He needed someone like Ariel to demolish those walls he’s erected around his heart and around his emotions. And by taming her (a little), he’s been tamed as well.
It was rather a rather frustrating read, this love story of Eduard and Ariel, but a satisfying one in the end.
There was another difference between the first and second book in this trilogy, beside the emphasis on the historical setting—the action. Though there were a few ‘skirmishes’ I didn’t feel the action, the violence of that time, played such a major role as in Through a Dark Mist . This story focused more on the characters, their personalities, and relationships to one another. The relationships I was enjoying the most were the ones between Ariel and Eduard (yes, despite the beginning) and Eduard and Princess Eleanor. Though the reader, unlike Ariel, knew the truth, their true feeling to one another, it was still a very emotional and bittersweet experience reading the scenes between the two.
This book was a real rollercoaster of a ride. A powerful, intriguing, at times nail-biting, emotional book, that could be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading Through a Dark Mist first. It caters to those that like books where romance takes a little (lot) more work and the lovers of historicals with an emphasis on the real historical background.
And we got the first glimpses of the ‘merry men’ the trilogy has been inspired by—Littlejohn, Will Scarlett (though he’s still very young in this book), Friar Tuck (what a twist that one was), Alan of the Dale had a cameo, Marienne appeared in a secondary role, and Robin in-the-hood was mentioned.
Now, onto the next book, the last installment in this trilogy, in which Robin and his younger sister, the youngest (I think) of the Wolf’s cubs, will meet (one of them already has) their match.
Then she runs away without giving Eduard a chance to apologize. And since she’s William the Marshall’s niece, Eduard is probably a dead man.
Actually, he’s not, since Ariel neglects to mention the ‘incident’ to either her uncle or brother. After all, she wasn’t supposed to be in the armory in the first place. So she’s not about to say anything. Besides, she’s never laying eyes on the unkempt serf who’s accosted her, either. Or is she? Because the bastard son of their host looks very much like the serf in the armory, only better dressed and cleanly shaved. On closer scrutiny, it is the same lout. How dare he? And how dare he mock her throughout the evening meal? How dare a bastard speak thusly to a lady?
Well, she’s put him in his place, hasn’t she? And once she leaves she’ll never have to see him again. Unless her uncle decides FitzRandwulf is to accompany them back to England. There goes her peace of mind. Now she has to spend even more time with him, dressed as his squire, remembering that wretched kiss on the battlements. Ooh, the gall of the man to still tease her, to make her remember that wretched kiss on the battlements...What is she to do? Certainly not fall in love.
This second installment in Marsha Canham’s Robin Hood Trilogy was much more historical than its predecessor, which is somewhat of a pattern in her multi-book historicals. The first book is to establish the characters, the second is to thrust them into a true historical content. Though the characters weren’t the same as in Through a Dark Mist , except for the cameos from the Black Wolf and Lady Servanne, and let’s not forget Sparrow, the male lead has been introduced in the previous book.
So, as I said, there was much more history involved than in the first book in the trilogy. In the prologue the author offered an ‘alternative’ explanation to the ‘disappearance’ of Arthur of Brittany in approx. 1203, the book offered an ‘alternative’ to the fate of Eleanor of Brittany, the story was set against the backdrop of the war for the provinces of Touraine, Brittany, Normandy, Anjou, Poitou, and in the epilogue the reclaiming of Normandy by the French was mentioned...
I’m really glad the historical content was rather predominant in this one, because if I had to read even more about the heroine and experience more of her obtuse, childish, spoiled tantrums I’d probably had hurled the book at the wall. Marsha Canham is one of those authors where I like all her heroines, even the stubborn and proud ones, but Lady Ariel De Clare was obnoxious and annoying almost throughout the entire story. Lucky for us she fell head over heels in love with the hero and suffered a character transplantation that actually endeared her to me toward the end. But at the beginning I just wanted someone to run her through with a sword, bash her over the head with a sword, strangle her or throw her off the battlements of a keep. Or maybe all of it. In that order.
But I guess, in hindsight, she was a rather fitting heroine for our Eduard. He needed someone like that, someone to notice, someone to keep him ‘engaged’, someone to keep him thinking about, someone to burrow under his skin...He needed someone like Ariel to demolish those walls he’s erected around his heart and around his emotions. And by taming her (a little), he’s been tamed as well.
It was rather a rather frustrating read, this love story of Eduard and Ariel, but a satisfying one in the end.
There was another difference between the first and second book in this trilogy, beside the emphasis on the historical setting—the action. Though there were a few ‘skirmishes’ I didn’t feel the action, the violence of that time, played such a major role as in Through a Dark Mist . This story focused more on the characters, their personalities, and relationships to one another. The relationships I was enjoying the most were the ones between Ariel and Eduard (yes, despite the beginning) and Eduard and Princess Eleanor. Though the reader, unlike Ariel, knew the truth, their true feeling to one another, it was still a very emotional and bittersweet experience reading the scenes between the two.
This book was a real rollercoaster of a ride. A powerful, intriguing, at times nail-biting, emotional book, that could be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading Through a Dark Mist first. It caters to those that like books where romance takes a little (lot) more work and the lovers of historicals with an emphasis on the real historical background.
And we got the first glimpses of the ‘merry men’ the trilogy has been inspired by—Littlejohn, Will Scarlett (though he’s still very young in this book), Friar Tuck (what a twist that one was), Alan of the Dale had a cameo, Marienne appeared in a secondary role, and Robin in-the-hood was mentioned.
Now, onto the next book, the last installment in this trilogy, in which Robin and his younger sister, the youngest (I think) of the Wolf’s cubs, will meet (one of them already has) their match.
December 22, 2011
I'm going through the many freebies on my Kindle, and I'm seeing a lot of western romances, not normally my first choice. This one, however, has made me a big fan, and I think I'll have a few more books set in the Wild West in my future. Aubrey had to watch her mom and dad be killed by thugs sent out by a wealthy man who demanded their land, and her younger twin brothers were lost to her as she tried to save them all. Fast-forward 10 years, and she's 23 on the outside but still that terrified 13-year-old on the inside. She's decided it's time to find a way to go back and make that man Fleming pay for what he did to her family. On the stagecoach out west, she meets Christian McBride, recently released from Leavenworth. She's disguised herself as a prim school teacher to avoid attention, but she's a mystery that McBride can't help but notice. Their stubborn personalities and banter along with surprising glimpses of Christian's tenderness drew me quickly into the story.
June 13, 2013
A perfectly respectable western romance.
The heroine Aubrey watched her family succumb to unimaginable tragedy at the hands of ruthless Santa Fe business man Maxwell Fleming as an adolescent. She is found some days later and taken in by a gambler and sometimes con-man. Some years later, she decides it is time to take her revenge. By adulthood she is a breathtaking beauty (aren't they all?). To exact her revenge she disguises herself on a stage coach as an uptight school-marm. We meet just out of jail hottie Christian McBride who sees through her disguise. Chaos, romance, and adventure ensues.
All in all, not a particularly memorable romance, but it did make for an enjoyable, easy read.
The heroine Aubrey watched her family succumb to unimaginable tragedy at the hands of ruthless Santa Fe business man Maxwell Fleming as an adolescent. She is found some days later and taken in by a gambler and sometimes con-man. Some years later, she decides it is time to take her revenge. By adulthood she is a breathtaking beauty (aren't they all?). To exact her revenge she disguises herself on a stage coach as an uptight school-marm. We meet just out of jail hottie Christian McBride who sees through her disguise. Chaos, romance, and adventure ensues.
All in all, not a particularly memorable romance, but it did make for an enjoyable, easy read.
August 19, 2011
OK. I finished the book and here is what I thought. I was not interested in the main characters love lives. I mean, like, at all. I completely skipped most of their dialog and all of there love scenes just to move the book along. I felt like their conversations with each other were so very boring. After the half way point when I decided to skip them completely the book picked up it's pace and became very interesting. Hence the three star rating.
I was very interested in Princess Eleanor and Littlejohn. And Robin and Merienne. I loved the escape from the castle. And Sparrow always adds a bit of interest to the story.
So I believe I will read the next book in the series after all.
I was very interested in Princess Eleanor and Littlejohn. And Robin and Merienne. I loved the escape from the castle. And Sparrow always adds a bit of interest to the story.
So I believe I will read the next book in the series after all.
December 21, 2011
I'm not a fan of cowboy romances, but I am a HUGE fan of Marsha Canham. So, to make my collection of Ms. Canham's books complete, I had to get this book. WOW! I was totally blown away. This is an edge of your seat page turner that kept me guessing (and one nervous wreck) the whole way through. I loved it! And, I never would have guessed this was her very first book. It has all the elements of a classic.
Ms. Canham's books are pure gold and guaranteed great reading. I'm so happy she is writing again. :)
Ms. Canham's books are pure gold and guaranteed great reading. I'm so happy she is writing again. :)
October 25, 2018
The one thing Marsha Canham does not write is cheesy romance. Her works are gritty and passionate. Up until this point, I had only read her pirate romance novels. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she'd immersed herself equally well in the western genre. Her heroines are always kick-ass women who overcome great obstacles and painful pasts (and presents). This book was no different. There were a couple of surprises along the way that had me gasping, and a final one that had me bursting into tears. Beautifully written. It was like watching a really good epic western (and I do enjoy them).
December 18, 2013
Not bad! Evocatively set on a stagecoach ride ending in Santa Fe. Interesting cast of characters (could have done with even more character development, but it wasn't too lacking) that included numerous secondaries, one of which was Billy the Kid, which should have been cheesy but it was pulled off. Pretty well plotted in two parts plus prologue and epilogue. Smoking hot romance between Aubrey and McBride that didn't jump straight into sex or avowals of love. Good relationship progression that led to some nicely intense moments. I approve.
February 10, 2016
This was a deliciously and remarkably well written story!
It was soooo goooood!
What more can I say? The story itself was interesting but Marsha Canham's writing was sublime. I gobbled it up, yet I was sorry to see the story end.
Highly, highly recommended. If you're looking for a western historical romance, this is the one!
The errors on the e-copy I had were very distracting but I was able to ignore them. For this one, getting a hard copy would be definitely better.
It was soooo goooood!
What more can I say? The story itself was interesting but Marsha Canham's writing was sublime. I gobbled it up, yet I was sorry to see the story end.
Highly, highly recommended. If you're looking for a western historical romance, this is the one!
The errors on the e-copy I had were very distracting but I was able to ignore them. For this one, getting a hard copy would be definitely better.
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