This one is an oldie but goodie from Shannon Drake/Heather Graham. It takes place during the Norman invasion of England. It was a long read and there was a lot of historical facts which I thought was not really needed. But, I'm in for the romance between the main characters who were definitely
intriguing.
After the battle of Hastings, Alaric one of William the Conqueror's trusted warrior, finds his childhood friend Fallon. She finds out her father, King Harold was killed and she hates all Normans especially Alaric. He in turn, cannot let her go of half cocked on her own, and makes her a prisoner.
Fallon has known Alaric since childhood and their relationship is rocky at best. I found that Fallon's constant hating of Alaric grating on my nerves. She is not getting her way in this story and she was a bit spoiled. Fallon sees the enemy who she once knew, changed from boy to man. He turns her crank but she's afraid of the desire that fulfills her.
If you like a lot of pages in a book, this one is for you. I skipped through a lot, and finally finished it.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

I usually enjoy Heather Graham's books IMMENSELY. But, this one just didn't do it for me. There was too much talk of war and the politics of "Kingships" and war. I felt like too little time was spent on the actual interaction and relationship development between the main characters. There was a good story buried under the overtones of Kings battling for ultimate supremacy. I felt like the book was more about the clash between the "powers that" be than the "head butting" of romantic leads. This read felt more like a chore than the usual guilty pleasure.

*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from NetGalley & Kensington Books in order to read and provide an honest review.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the book to upload this one properly which means I couldn't get passed the title page for some reason.

Could not get into this story at all. Finally gave up. It's written well enough, but boring and uninteresting. I could not continue, not working for me.

Three and a half from me
So I remember several years ago reading a Viking romance trilogy by this author that I loved but had noticed that in recent times she seems to prefer writing more modern suspense stories. So when I heard that some of her earlier historical romance books were being re released I was very keen to catch up with stories I had previously missed which brings me nicely to this particular book.
Set around the infamous battle of Hastings we are introduced to Fallon, daughter of King Harold and Alaric , loyal Norman warrior of William . This starts during the aftermath of the bloody battle that saw Harold slain and right from the outset it's plain that there's a lot of history between the couple. Now the author takes an unusual turn here and turns back time to previous events in which we see how Fallon and Alaric came to be so aware of each other . A lot of this section gives background about how Harold came to be King and just why William went on to , well frankly conquer ! The perception of Fallon is of a spoilt adolescent who clearly feels no love for the Normans and in particular delights in challenging Alaric. We also learn about Alarics earlier life and just why he has sworn to never love or marry .
Fast forward back to where our story started and it's plain that there's an intense attraction between the couple but with Fallons almost obsessive hatred of the Normans it's a difficult journey. Alaric is just so demanding and it clearly sets Fallons teeth on edge but as he calls her his slave I can't really blame her for her reactions and yet at times I did find her difficult to like. The frustration that Alaric clearly feels is palpable but no matter what Fallon does in his mind she is his ! Fallon feels she should do her duty for her country but to Alaric all he sees is her betrayal. Such a tangled web these two immerse themselves in but it gets even harder as they both continue to deny their feelings .
Well a fierce warrior pitched against a hot headed female and you just know there are going to be fireworks and truly there are and yet for me something was missing. I suppose it's almost enemies become lovers that can work beautifully but here perhaps because Fallon was so relentless and childish at times I just couldn't truly buy into it. Yes Alaric is heroic with a good heart but it's not my favourite by this author. The historical information whilst giving an interesting backdrop just felt overused at times and maybe too long? Still if you want an insight into the invasion of 1066 and how people reacted then perhaps you might enjoy this authors romantic slant
This voluntary take is of an advance reader arc

What an Awesome novel! I have been holding my breath the entire time! I am still amazed at the depth of the writing, the characters, the hero Alaric! I am madly in love with him! This should, without a doubt, be made into a Movie, with Henry Cavill! Fallon is the very description of Elizabeth Taylor, so, good luck with thst. I can't believe, I am still sighing in relief! Awesome history, fabulous, must read! I highly recommend! Thanks! I know you will enjoy every breathtaking minute!
carolintallahassee

I didn't realize that this was a reissue of Shannon Drakes book.. It was still by Heather Graham and I did enjoy Princess of Fire for the second time since it was a long time ago when I first read it. Alaric is a handsome...strong H but sometimes I wanted to shake him. As a h Fallon is strong and brave and fights against her attraction to Alaric and for her beloved England....but she can't fight her love for him. I am glad I reread it.

This book was very strong for me. The language, the first love scene... it all was a little forceful and confusing without giving the reader enough time to really catch up with what is happening with the characters. Reading it almost felt like I'd missed a large part of the story. Because of that, connecting with the characters was difficult.