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- Romance - |
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By Arrangement |
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 By Arrangement by Madeline Hunter Bantam Books [Random House Canada] 389 pages, 2000 ISBN 0553582224 Reviewed by our UK Editor Rachel A. Hyde Read our review of By Possession, the second book in this trilogy. If you are a romance reader, you will welcome newcomer to the scene Madeline Hunter. This is the first of a trio of novels set in 14th century London featuring Lady Christiana Fitzwaryn, a ward of the king who longs for the knight she once knew, fearing that her reputation may now be lost. But the king has something for her - a husband called David de Abyndon, not the romantic chivalrous man she dreams about, but a mere merchant. He means to have his way though, and make her his despite her protests. Other people have plans for this pair too including the king, sadistic lady Catherine, Christiana’s former boyfriend, and her brother to name a few. This isn’t going to be a boring marriage. Romance, sex, castles, thrills and spills - it’s all here in an admirably taut book. Fans of mediaeval romances will enjoy this book because of its high romantic appeal, even if parts of the background are rather sketchy in places. I was gripped and the story rushed along with two likeable characters leading the events all the way. At the back, you can read excerpts of the next two books to whet your appetite for more, if reading this novel hasn’t already done that. Pure romantic escapism. Visit the author’s website at www.MadelineHunter.com |
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