Friday, December 12, 2014

Review - - The Red Wolf's Prize


The Red Wolf's Prize
Medieval Warriors - Book 1
By Regan Walker
October 1, 2014




With her father killed in battle and her brother in Scotland, it's up to Lady Serena to protect the people of Talisand - especially the women and children - from the Norman knight who now rules her family's lands. The Bastard King may have given both Talisand and its lady to Sir Renaud "The Red Wolf" de Pierrepont but Lady Serena will not be accepting her fate easily or quietly. Dying her hair a mousy brown and hiding among her people as a servant, she is determined to see them safe, if not happy, under their new lord before seeking refuge in Scotland with her brother. She's heard tales of the rampaging Normans and expects the worst but what she learns is that her enemy, the Red Wolf, is a man of honor who could easily steal her heart...if she lets him.

Sir Renaud's only hope of owning his own lands is to earn them on the battlefield so, of course, he's delighted with his king's gift of Talisand and the title of Earl. Giving him the hand of Lady Serena, daughter of the former Thegn of Talisand will give him the connection he needs to the people of Talisand. He cares not if she's beautiful or sweet tempered as his marriage will be one of political advantage, not love. The servant Sarah catches his eye immediately. He desires her for her beauty but, as he comes to know her, he's impressed by her intelligence, her caring, her knowledge of Talisand and the respect she receives from its people. He'll be required to marry Lady Serena when she's found but there is no reason he can't make Sarah his lover...if he can only get her to agree. When the truth comes out and he discovers that Sarah and Serena are the same, will he be delighted or will the fact that she's deceived him ruin any deeper feelings he may have for her?

Regan Walker has penned another fascinating story with fully developed characters, a richly detailed historical setting, pulse pounding action and deeply romantic emotion. The story flows smoothly, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. Walker has created main characters that are likable and realistic to their time and place then surrounded them with a supporting cast that only enriches the story. As with her other books, Walker's attention to historic detail draws the reader into the world in which her books are set; in this case, allowing us to immerse ourselves in medieval England and travel the tumultuous journey with her characters.

I highly recommend THE RED WOLF'S PRIZE. I'm delighted to learn that this is the first book in a new series and look forward to meeting Regan Walker's next Medieval warrior!

~PJ

Are you a fan of Medieval romance? Any authors or books to recommend? Have you read any of Regan Walker's books yet? I'm giving away a Kindle copy of The Red Wolf's Prize to a randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post. 



14 comments:

  1. Medievals have always been loved...glad for a couple new ones to explore!

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    1. Walker is a fairly new author. I've enjoyed everything I've read by her so far. She really does her historical research. This is her first medieval.

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  2. I used to read medievals all the time, then switched to Regencies or Scottish Highland romances. I have been interested in Regan's book and enjoy her FB posts and blogs about Scotland, Regency Christmases, and the symbols or historical aspects of the real Christmas.
    Thanks for the review, PJ.

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    1. Deb, this is her first medieval. Her previously published books are set in the regency. She's very skilled at giving the reader a true sense of time and place and weaving historical facts seamlessly throughout the story.

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  3. I actually haven't read a medieval since the late 90's/early 00's?! It was a fantasy medieval trilogy by Heather Graham... it was fabulous... must go and dig those back up :) Thanks for the great review! Gonna be checking this out too!

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  4. haven't read many, so none to recommend

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  5. I recommend the Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty, set in 14th century Scotland at the time of the Bruce. The books have been described as SEALs in kilts, but the historical details and the stories are wonderful. I was pulled into the times and the characters. I read a lot of Medieval literature in college, so I like to read a Medieval romance once in a while, but don't read as many as I once did.

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    1. I love Monica McCarty's books! I discovered her with her debut book. She's wonderful!

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  6. Medieval romances were the first romances I read and are one of my two favorites. Julie Garwood's medieval historicals were the first I read. THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss is one I discovered shortly afterward. It is a bit darker than Garwood's books. Medieval Highland stories are a must read for me. I don't think I have read any by Regan Walker, but I like the sound of this story and will be looking for it.

    Thank you for the review.

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  7. Like other comments here, I started out with Kathleen Woodiwiss and Julie Garwood's stories quite awhile ago. That started my love affair with historical romance! Recently, I read The Red Wolf's Prize and thought it a magnificent example of a medieval romance. The history was accurate, the description vivid and the romance realistic and wonderful. I have a new fave author of this genre! Thanks for your post. jdh2690@gmail.com

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  8. I have read a few Medieval romances, but names escape me. It's a fascinating era of daring do.

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  9. I would recommend Elizabeth Lowell's trilogy Untamed, Surrender and Enchanted. Julie Garwood's Ransom.

    Merline Lovelace and Margaret Moore also have excellent Medieval books.

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  10. I've got quite a few Medieval books most recently I'm reading Medieval Mistletoe a Christmas anthology.

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