This was an awesome book! Highly recommend this book. Such a romantic and beautiful story. You will not be able to put this book down.

The Monk and the Maid by Leslie Vollard is a little different type of story. William wan’t really a monk although he lived as if he were with the other brothers. He hadn’t taken vows yet because his father continued to make generous donations to keep that from happening. He was a skilled healer and had participated in several hospitals being built as well as working beyond the ocean. He was the heir of a lord and his parents wanted him to come back to his life. He had a guilty conscience for something that was not his fault and so refused. The third daughter of a local lord was also a healer, although it was highly inappropriate and they argued over the “experts” in medicine almost daily. She for Hildegarde and he for Galen. Then his parents came to town, ostensibly bringing his brother Michael to court Iselda, the medic. There was no chemistry and Michael didn’t want to marry, but William’s mother saw an opportunity for William and Iselda and she, with William’s mother, hatched a plan.

They did marry, but it was not the happily ever after Iselda had envisioned. She was totally at the mercy of her mother-in-law who wanted to make her into a noble lady. Then there was the matter of William’s illegitimate offspring from his misspent youth. One of them lived here in the castle. It wasn’t so much the child as it was that he had lied to her. This are both strong characters, with minds of their own. It was amusing watching them figure out marriage and their lives. The setting was medieval and enticing. The other characters, may of whom were fleshed out well, were interesting and pertinent to the story. The plot was thin, but the story telling was excellent.

I was invited to read the Monk and The Maiden by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #LeslieVollard #TheMonkAndTheMaiden

Leslie Vollard’s "The Monk and the Maiden" starts strong with a compelling medieval setting, an intelligent heroine, and a conflicted hero. Iselda’s passion for medicine and William’s internal struggle between his past and his religious vows create an engaging premise. Their chemistry—built on debates over healing and medicine—adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship.

However, the novel stumbles in its pacing. William’s transition from monk to husband happens surprisingly early in the story, making what could have been a gradual, emotionally charged decision feel rushed. Instead of deepening their connection, the second half of the book is filled with unnecessary drama and miscommunication that drags down the momentum. The tension shifts from genuine inner conflict to frustrating misunderstandings that could have been resolved with a few honest conversations.

That said, the historical details are well-researched, and the writing is engaging. Fans of medieval romance and/or medical dramas will enjoy the setting and the unique premise.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Book four of this series is filled with great medieval history. William who is soon to be a monk comes into contact with Iselda a healer the fireworks begin. Family, secrets, deceit and so much more. William has a past that doesn't really lead to being a monk. Iselda is a different type of healer so the two don't always mesh but the adventure is so very entertaining. The entire series is lively and so engaging, not one to miss out on.

A highly recommended medieval romance.
Whilst I am no expert, this felt like a book well researched in its historical accuracy, which made it all the more interesting to read. The characters were well fleshed out and the storyline engaging. I look forward to reading more by this author
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I think this has been my favorite De Veres novel. Iselda and William are just so perfect for each other.

Over the years, Iselda has watched her siblings find love and get married. She has always been overlooked. She's too smart, too shy and too opinionated. She's perfected the art of blending into the shadows.

William comes from a noble family but has been working as a monk for the last nine years. He used to live a completely different lifestyle when he was younger and he's been running from the consequences ever since.

I really liked both characters. They had an almost enemies to lovers story line. They would swear they didn't like each other, but yet find reasons to argue just to be in each other's company. Iselda's list was very touching, and I'll admit to crying a bit when William cried.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

He's a monk...

I found that it was interesting that William is studying to be a monk and has taken vows. It puts him in conflict with Iselda. She's the daughter of a baron, is interested in medicine and healing and has been rejected by her suitors. They are found in a compromising situation. Yet, they have a shared connection is healing and medicine.
Set in the 1100's.

The set up of the youngest daughter of a Baron who wants to practice medicine and improve the practices at the local hospital was interesting. However I struggled with the religious aspects of this with the Male Main character being a Monk who has sworn off love and relationships due to a trauma in his past. It continues to be a point of conflict that as a Monk he has made vows to forsake love.
It didn't end up being my favourite set up for a romance.

I found this medieval romance both sensual and interesting as William and Iselda pursue their passion for medicine and healing the sick, despite their ongoing arguments over the better treatments. Tricked into a compromising situation, they discover they have more in common than anticipated. Unfortunately, their mothers' solution to their unmarried state results in Iselda falling ill, which is when William finds her list, the one that reflects her past failures. Recognizing his feelings for Iselda, William determines to ensure that she will never again be spurned nor rejected. Their two families making demands on William and Iselda results in a bumpy ride until they both learn to stand up for themselves bringing the novel to a joy-filled conclusion. Whilst one would find the language spoken in 1183, either French or Anglo-Saxon English, incomprehensible, I found the use of some of the modern-day language a bit jarring at times. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

4/5 ⭐️

I've been reading more historical romances and this was my first one set in the Medieval period. I was pleasantly surprised by this. It read super quick and the chemistry between William and Iselda was great. The last 1/3 of the book kind of lost me though and I got bored of it. It just didn't have enough tension and the conflicts that were created fell flat.

Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie Vollard, and Dragonblade Publishing for my early access to this.

This was a very cozy, fuzzy read. For days when your anxiety is a little too high and you don't need angst in a book adding to it, this is your book to dive into! I LOVE the FMC Iselda. She's feisty, intelligent, and kind. She is very likable throughout the whole story, and despite a few times where she lets nerves get in her way, she holds to her priorities. The male lead William is also very likable. A little childlike in some aspects as he grows in his responsibilities and faces his fears, but what man isn't?? I liked that some of the very obvious tropes were avoided (such as miscommunication or jealous ex girlfiends) and that Iselda was able to bond with the women of his town as well as the servants of her new home. Overall, it was a quick and lighthearted read that I really enjoyed.

I was given a free arc copy for my honest review, and I am thankful for that as it was a very pleasant read !

Dreams, Decisions, Family. Sabotage:
This is a lighthearted story of two people each in a similar profession. Wiliam a doctor (also a soon to be monk), and Iselda a healer with unusual remedies. Which as you might have guessed caused a few disagreements.
Family is quite involved with both, and the meddling eventually sets Iselda and William on a path of discovering not only their love for one another but introduces us to many of William's shocking indiscretions from his past which made the last few chapters much more intriguing.
We follow this charming couple through many frustrations and watch how they conquer emotional and mental struggles which leads them to a very perfect ending.
I felt this book four of the series was a nice story, but nothing as dashing, exciting or passionate as the previous books in this series.

I haven't read a historical fiction in awhile but I loved this one! It was sweet, sexy, and intelligent. I really enjoyed the characters and the premise of the book.

This was a really sweet story. I loved the banter between the two and I love that even though she was often ignored, he always truly saw her. ❤️

William and Iselda were os one mind when it came to healing, but otherwise debated and argued a bit. Their passion and tension existed but was not anything compelling to read about. Overall I give this 3* for the setting and premise.

#netgalley #TheMonkandTheMaiden

I enjoyed the setting. I found the characters and relationship a little one dimensional. I wasn't invested, and I feel it was an instant type of romance. Low stakes and not a lot of plot tension.

Really enjoyed!

This romance was a bit different in the sense that these two got trapped in a room because their families want them to get together (haha!). I loved Iselda and William. They were both passionate about medicine and their debates were interesting to read. I thought they complimented each other well and had good chemistry.

A romantic romance with a fun plot. Would recommend.