I wanted to read a historical romance to get my blood pumping and to make me sigh as I think of all the romantic things a rogue of a man and a broken woman could do. This was exactly it.

Although considered a second novel to the Rogues of Rouen series, this book stands on its own. At no point did I feel that I was missing something by not reading the first book.. There was more than enough backstory that kept me content on what I needed to know.

However, my issue with this read was Sir Drogo LaForce. He was so dramatic, most of it was uncalled for. I understood completely why he was doing what he was doing. But the whole "she doesn't deserve to know about her or speak her name" was a lot of bull especially when you find out the real reason he was doing all of this.

Once Sir Drogo LaForce gets past the fact that Lady Isabel is not your average lady, he emotionally torments her because he is bound by some non existing duty.

I liked the story but I didn't like him.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two is the Roguess of Rouen series. I will admit that I have not read the first one in the series but I was able to follow the story. We have a knight who is fighting to overcome his status from birth and a Lady who is just trying to survive and protect her family. I did end up really enjoying this story. It was a nice romance and I did enjoy the action in the book as well. Now, this is a long read but pretty good.

Just didn't take to this one despite the novel being set at the time of the Norman Conquest. I found no real empathy with the characters or the fanciful storyline, and thus found my attention waive. I gave it a good go but at 100 pages in, left it there.

Lady Isabel of Wulflandt has been hiding since her father’s death, waiting for her chance to avenge him. Unfortunately her plans are interrupted when she is abducted.
While I like reading stories in different eras, I had never actually read a book from this one, at least that I can remember. I liked both main characters and enjoyed the book. I recommend.

The book was a page turner and I enjoyed the plot. The main characters are interesting people. I especially liked Isabel because she is wild and sometimes said something quite funny she made me laugh. Drogo is tortured, damaged soul man and I am happy he finally had his happily ever after in Isabel’s arms. The only problem I have with the story is that the battle is told less. Anyway, I would love to know and read more about Normandy because honestly, when I started this series I totally clueless about them. It’s nice to have found something new.

A Knight of Her Own by Oberon Wonch is Book 2 of her intriguing "Rogues of Rouen" series. I feel it can be read as a stand alone. This is my first time reading this series and a new author to me. I did not feel lost or wondered what was before.
Sir Drogo LaForce, is trying to uncloak a traitor against the Crown, with a clever scheme. But, will his scheme finally win him everything he has dreamed, wealth and honor. He is hoping to impress the King with his findings and gain his favor.
Lady Isabel has been in hiding, since a Norman lord killed her father and took her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is definitely threatened when a mysterious, handsome, Norman knight abducts her with plans of his own, to use her in his scheme of espionage.
Drogo tutors Isabel in the art of spymaster as well as the art of romance. Their powerful attraction and their passion runs hot and deep, but can they lay aside their desire to seek revenge, wealth, honor destroy all they have worked toward or will they find their HEA?
Well written, fast paced adventure with captivating and engrossing characters, as well as political intrigue, danger and revenge. Powerful story! Easy to read and easily captures your heart. The ending felt rushed to me. Otherwise, this was a great story. I look forward to reading more from Oberon Wonch.
An enjoyable and satisfying read!
I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

Publisher's Description:
Sir Drogo LaForce has spent a lifetime chasing the family honor and wealth denied him by his bastard birth. A clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown finally promises to win him everything he desires...

Lady Isabel has been in hiding ever since an evil Norman lord killed her father and usurped her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is threatened when a mysterious Norman knight abducts her with plans to use her for espionage.

Drogo’s fascinating captive is nothing like he anticipated. Outspoken but innocent, Isabel reluctantly submits to Drogo's tutoring in the spymaster's craft, as well as the art of making love. But their potent attraction nearly leads to disaster. In the end they must decide between their dueling appetites for riches and revenge...or love.

My Thoughts:

Be prepared for a lengthy, well thought out read.
This is not a quickly read book. With fourty eight chapters this is not one for the faint at heart.
It reminds this reader of expansive tales such as The Thornbirds although written about an entirely different period in history.
If you like descriptive stories of medieval times this is a book for you.
I gave this book 4of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and 2.5 of 5 flames for heat.
It is more a violent tale than a sex filled one matching the times completely.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book.

Lady Isabel of Wulflandt has been living in hiding for 5 years avoiding the Norman knight who killed her father and took over their home and land. With the help of a hermit, a friend and some of the peasants that have rebel against the current lord and cloaked under the myth of the Blue Lady, she’s been able to survive along with her sister Phoebe while plotting how to help her people and avenge her father’s murder.
When she’s ambushed and captured by Norman knight, Sir Drogo LaForce, Lady Isabel fears what will happen to them and will do everything in her power to escape.
Sir Drogo has been sent to find proof the current Earl of Wulflandt is plotting against the King and his plan is to get Lady Isabel into the castle to spy for him and gather the information he needs. Unfortunately for his plans, she’s not the seductress myth claims her to be and he’ll find himself teaching the wild girl how to entrance and seduce a man which will place then both dangerously close to the flame either one wants to acknowledge.
This is my first book by the author and I honestly enjoyed every minute of it. The writing is good, with such descriptive that you’ll find yourself immersed in the characters’ surroundings. The banter between Isabel and Drogo, their passion defending their beliefs and the fact that they’re, not only opposed to each other in them, but her lady status to his bastard knight are also great elements to the story.
If you like historical romance, you’ll definitely love this book. It has all the elements of romance, secrets and adventure that one will expect. Isabel is a force of nature, strong and indomitable, ready to do anything for those she loves and Drogo is the perfect knight. Tall, dark, handsome, brave and virtuous, a man carrying his secrets and past guilt he won’t soon forget, bound by honor, duty and loyalty to his king. He is truly swoon worthy and he and Isabel are one explosive mix!
I’ve already added the first book in the series to my TBR and will definitely be looking out for the other Rogues of Rouen!

This was only the 3rd Historical Romance I have read, but I absolutely love anything to do with knights, so I was excited to be approved for an ARC! From the beginning, I was transported to medieval Europe and captivated by the characters.

Isabel and her sister have been hiding out for 5 years, ever since their father, a Lord, was murdered in the name of the new king, William. She and those loyal to her despise the usurper and all of his men. LaForge is a soldier who was in the right place at the right time and was able to improve his station in life. A former Rogue of Rouen, he was quite a ladies man, but vows to be chaste after a particular situation in his past.

I loved the slow-building desire between Isabel and LaForge, and the "Eliza Doolittle" aspect of LaForge needing to teach Isabel how to be a seductress and a Lady was so very, very well done (and so much fun!). They had such wonderful chemistry! The way that they pushed, pulled, and poked at each other was perfect. Isabel won me over quickly with her fiery and stubborn spirit, not long before I was taken in by LaForge and HIS stubbornness.

This had some really great political intrigue, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat! I actually have a note from about halfway through that is "Holy sh*t! I did NOT see that coming! Well done." as I read one of the many unveiled secrets woven throughout this.

If you are at all a fan of this time period, this will knock your socks off!

I would be lying if I said that I thought this was an okay book. My normal historical reading isn’t Medieval at all. I might time travel there but to actually read a whole book set in the period…no. I love movies from that time period. I’m a huge Robin Hood, Crusades, etc. fan. In fact, as I type this review I’m listening to the original soundtrack from the movie Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Don’t judge…I loved that movie and well, Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman, and Christian Slater. But moving on…

I have to admit that I almost didn’t initially want to review the book. *hangs head* I didn’t think that I would have time to read it. I made time to read it and I’m so glad that I did. I’m so picking up the first book in this series. Like today. Ms. Wonch has written a wonderful book filled with snark (yes, snark from Lady Isabel/Blue Lady), romance, nuisances from the time period, and knights to swoon over. There is more than one knight in the book but our hero, Drogan is so dang swoon-worthy that I think my heart stopped a couple of times.

I won’t go into the synopsis in regards to either Drogan or Isabel, but I will tell you that Ms. Wonch slowly weaves their back story into the present that really sets them up as great characters and gives them a chance to become so much more. Isabel is the one that has the most to lose or gain from their partnership. I instantly liked her and liked how her relationship grew from hatred to friends to lovers when it came to Drogan. Plus, let’s not forget the other men that surrounded Drogan. She truly grew from the feral child to the rightful Lady of the castle. What a transformation.

Drogan, on the other hand, only had to get Isabel to agree with his plan. He had already lost so much before the book and my heart broke a bit for him. What endeared him to me was his vow of chastity. Yes, chastity. You don’t find too many men that take that as seriously as Drogan. But oh how the mighty will fall. *giggle*

This book had everything for me. Romance, smexy times, a coming of age trope, enemies to friends to lovers, action, intrigue and ending that I didn’t see coming. Truly, I didn’t see it.

Every time I read a medieval romance that I really like, I wonder why I don't read more historical romances set in the medieval period.

So right now I'm wondering--why don't I read more historical romances set in the medieval period? ;)

I loved the main characters here; Lady Isobel and Sir Drogo were strong characters with a lot of fantastic qualities. They're both trying to do everything they can to protect those they care about, which for both of them, despite their antagonistic start, soon includes each other. Ms. Wonch does a great job of pitting the two of them against each other, and of making it difficult to see how the two of them can be together in the end. Uncertainty at how they can get to their HEA causes both the characters and the reader more than a little bit of angst throughout, right up until the very last chapter of the book!

Though this is the second book in the Rogues of Rouen series, it worked just fine as a standalone. Drogo mentions the main characters and their basic plot from the first book (Come to Me ) once, but that was it--neither of them is in this one at all.

Of course, that once is enough to make me want to read that one too...and I'll be first in line to read a book three, should it come along (subtle hunt).

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Sir Drogo is trying his best to prove that there is a traitor in the Kings midst.

Lady Isabel is hiding, plotting her revenge after a Norman Lord killed her father.

Drogo abductees Isabel thinking on using her to get the information he needs.

Things don't go to plan when they both find themselves attracted to each other

This is a medieval historical with hot romantic scenes and an unusually careful depiction of social class, 11th century politics and inheritance.

This is an adventure packed historical romance with the hero, Sir Drogo LaForce, striving to prove to King William that his suspicions of treasonous behaviour are correct. He is endeavouring to win the King's favour and gain honour and wealth both of which he believes have been denied him as his noble father failed to acknowledge him or his birth. His scheme to achieve this involves capturing the notorious Blue Lady, Lady Isabel, who had been in hiding for five years following the murder of her father by the Norman Lord who usurped his lands.

Lady Isabel never expected to be captured by a Norman knight but he's even more shocked to realise she really is an innocent virgin, not the wicked, spell casting Blue Lady of local legend. Isabel is outspoken and has no respect for the Normans, not really surprising after all she's seen and how the local people have been mistreated since her father's demise. Drogo, however, plans to use her to gain access to her former home and discover the plots of the present incumbent. As he convinces Isabel of his plans, others are also scheming and Isabel has to decide just who she can trust and who to actually work with. As the attraction between her and Drogo flourishes, there are constant danger, new allies to convince and two Kings to decide between. Add in the dangers from the Norse invaders and there are battles of all kinds ahead!

This is a fast paced historical romance with plenty of angst and turmoil as Lady Isabel has to decide just who to trust and how to achieve her ultimate goal. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way as the number of rival sides just seems to keep on growing! This isn't just a Norman v English adventure - you need to remember the Scots and Norsemen, too! Isabel is a feisty, independent and very caring young lady who has been thrust into an unwanted and unexpected role by warfare and the dastardly deeds of a traitorous Norman Lord. As more is revealed regarding his past and other connections between protagonists the story takes on a life of its own. It is an enthralling page turner, a great story to escape into and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys well written, action packed, historical romance.

Many thanks to the publishers who gifted me, with no obligation, a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

Set during the time of William the Conqueror, A Knight of Her Own tells the story of a young English maiden and a Norman knight. She's been fighting the Normans for years, trying to get back what was lost from her family. He is beholden to his liege and vows to rid a land of a possible traitor. When Isabel and Drogo meet it wasn't love at first sight. But when he instructs her on ways to seduce their common enemy it did not exactly go as planned. As the day of reckoning arrives, can Drogo and Isabel forsake their feelings for the sake of their people?
A Knight of Her Own may have a very straightforward plot with interactions mainly centered on the two main characters but it is these two that really carries the story. Its a very engaging read with memorable characters and it will hook readers to read more of this series. Isabel was delightful! She may be fair maiden material but her adventurous spirit is admirable. This lady doesn't whimper or cower even when scared out of her wits. Drogo is definitely the tortured knight in shining armor. He wasn't at the start especially once readers find out what his plans for Isabel are. Still these two will capture readers heart and will be rooting for their happy ending.

This is my first book from Oberon Wonch and I was not disappointed, I am rather sad that I hadn't found her before now. A Knight of Her Own was the perfect book to bring me out of a book slump I'd fallen into after one too many just okay romance reads.

Drago LaForce, a Knight of the Norman Realm, particular 'friend' to the Norman King has been sent out to discover if the rumors of treachery against the current Earl of WulfLandt, who happens to be related by marriage to the King, making disposing of him rather difficult. To aid in Drago's task he captures (but does not kidnap, riiiight, haha) Lady Isabel, who was the past Earl of WulfLandt's daughter and is known as the Blue Lady. The Blue Lady is known through out the lands as a woman not to be trifled with. She lures Norman fighters into her clutches through seduction and in essence 'de-mans' them. She loathes the current Earl of Wulflandt and may be the only person that can bring him to his knees.

However, Drago soon learns that the legend of the Blue Lady does not match the truth of Lady Isabel and that Lady Isabel is in truth not so much the Lady he expects but rather bit of a wild ruffian. To get the Earl into his clutches he needs The Blue Lady, he needs a skilled seductress, his only option now is to turn Isabel into a myth and manage to not fall for her in the process. Isabel is scared for her family, angry to the point of severe prejudice at the Norman invaders (who can blame her?) finds herself in taken into the clutches of the legendary Drago LaForce. To protect her people and rid their lands of tyrant she must step out of her comfort zone and become a woman meant to seduce men. Our naive heroine must quickly accept that her future, the future of her people and her lands lie in her ability to tempt and tease.

I really felt for Isabel and Drago in this story. I loved how well the author painted their pasts so clearly for us and how well her characters develop through out the book. These two both come at each other from a place of anger, frustrations and pain and while the road is not smooth believing in their story and in their love is easy to do This isn't an insta-love, there is an immediate attraction but the love comes about over time and through great trial and error. One of my favorite traits of Drago is that while he is doing what he feels he must do and while that at times hurts both Isabel and himself you always see that everything he does is laced with kindness, he is truly a good man. He's not the bad boy who becomes a good man, he is simply a hero with a golden heart.

Isabel and I could have been great friends I think. She's a determined heroine with a spirited heart. She does what needs to be done and accepts that life, especially the life of a woman in this era, is not going to be easy. She understands that her future is set, she is a Lady and there are expectations and realities that have to be met. She may find herself resigned to what is to come, she may know where her duty lies and it may not be what she wants but she will do what needs to be done, she will give her people and her lands all of herself to protect them. I loved that about her, her strength is extraordinary and Drago is the perfect man for her because he can handle and nurture that strength. I am also quite fond of her propensity to cuss, she is truly a woman of my heart, haha.

A Knight of Her Own is a wonderful Historical Romance, light enough to make it an easy read but with enough substance and heart to make it one that will leave you completely fulfilled. I will say that I found a few times where I was wondering what I missed, particularly when it comes to the back story of the Rogues of Rouen. I am assuming that there is more history in the first book so I am definitely going back to read Come to Me. I won't say that you have to have read it, I think they can all be safely read as stand-alones but there is clearly a past that I missed out on and I am hoping to discover more about it when I go back to book one. I will definitely be keeping up with this series and am very excited for more. I hope it won't be long between books as I noticed there was quite a gap between books 1 and 2 but maybe if I talk this up enough and convince all the Historical Romance fans out there to give this book a go (you won't be disappointed) we will see future books coming along quicker! So go out and get this one and then settle in for an adventure!

Sir Drogo LaForce has spent a lifetime chasing the family honor and wealth denied him by his bastard birth. A clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown finally promises to win him everything he desires...

Lady Isabel has been in hiding ever since an evil Norman lord killed her father and usurped her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is threatened when a mysterious Norman knight abducts her with plans to use her for espionage.

Drogo’s fascinating captive is nothing like he anticipated. Outspoken but innocent, Isabel reluctantly submits to Drogo's tutoring in the spymaster's craft, as well as the art of making love. But their potent attraction nearly leads to disaster. In the end they must decide between their dueling appetites for riches and revenge...or love.




Review:




Reading this book kind of reminded me of Saturday afternoons watching old swashbuckling movies growing up. I can picture Errol Flynn playing a role in this movie. So, I am showing my age, google it if you don't know who he is ;) I was submersed in this tale from the beginning. The Author did a great job of setting the scene in this book, it was very descriptive. Her characters were fun and interesting too. Isabel is tough, smart and has had so much thrust upon her at a young age and handles it with courage and resilience. Drogo is a man who has been changed by his circumstance. The bastard son of a noble man who tries to do better than has been done to him. Even the evil baddie is done excellently, you really can go along with Isabel, Drogo and the others with their plan to take him down. This is the second book in the series, but can be a stand alone. At this point I am not even sure who the first book is about and I was not lost. This is the first time I have read this Author and I would totally read more especially if her other works are like this one!




Great, historical romance to escape for an afternoon!




4Stars




*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

A Knight of her Own was a fantastic historical read and exactly what I needed after a string of contemporary romances. Sir Drogo Laforce has a plan to use Lady Isabel of Wulflandt to help to get information on the man who murdered her father and stole her land, thus forcing her to live in hiding in the woods. This information needed would oust de Belleterre and in turn she would be avenging her father.

This story was filled with action and adventure and while frustrating at times, the romance between Drogo and Isabel was heartfelt. Isabel was strong, blunt and honest. She gave as good as she got and never hesitated to speak her mind. As a result, their relationship became a battle of wills - her challenging him and making him question his true wants and needs and what was most important to him - status and duty or love. I really enjoyed this passionate and action filled story and look forward to reading more from this author.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an advanced copy of this novel for review.

It is a few years into the reign of William the conqueror, and Lady Isabel of Wulflandt is still living in hiding with what is left of her family. She still tries to help her people and they in turn have spread rumors about her to make the Normans fear her.
Dragon LaForce needs help to get information on the traitor that has taken the Northumbrian stronghold of Wulflandt. Who better than the Blue Lady who is said to enchant soldiers and emasculate them.
This is a wonderful historical romance with an unusual story line. I was hooked on the first page, and it kept me reading until 3am because I just had to finish it. Lots if twists and turns. Plenty of excitement and a little hot sex. I loved every page.

When asked how I felt about this book, my answer was that it was an easy book to get swept up in. There was no rushing to get to the end, no wondering how much longer it would be. I simply stepped in and became immersed in the plot. That's the mark of a good read, one that lets you flow along with the current without being pulled under.

“He still had no idea with whom he was dealing. There was nothing for her to lose, only knowledge and expertise to gain, and she hadn't survived this long by balking at difficulty.”

Those lines so perfectly sum up so much of Isabel's personality. She is in one way all that a gentle lady should be. Yet her strength and resolve were almost staggering. Having to live through horrors that could turn stronger men to madness, she proves the resilience of the female gender with grace.

“He could withstand this version of her, for this woman was beyond him, untouchable and unreal.”

Drogo was first and foremost a knight of great honor. His kind way with Isabel's sister, the loyalty he inspires in his companions. He is, simply put, the kind of an a woman swoons over. He had a few moments however, where his honor made me want to shout in frustration because of how stubborn it made him in regards to a possible relationship with Isabel.

“It was like kissing sunshine. And when she kissed him back, there was nothing he could do but nudge her head backward and kiss her some more.”

Overall, A Knight of Her Own was a wonderful interlude in my reading life, and it hit the spot perfectly. Washed down with a little happily-ever-after and I was thoroughly satisfied. ~ George, 4 Stars

**Amazon link to come