Book Review-Bold Angel by Kat Martin

Bold Angel by Kat Martin
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on March 25th 2014
Genres: Historical Romance, Norman Era
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 1250041392

They were enemies in a divided land...In Bold Angel by Kat Martin, Saxon beauty Caryn of Ivesham longed to escape the chill gray cloisters of the convent to which she'd fled—but not in marriage to the towering, feared Raolfe de Gere, the Norman knight they called Ral the Relentless. Even though he had once saved her from a fate worse than death, she could not forget he'd raised the grim battlements of Braxston Keep on her dead father's lands or that his men had dishonored her sister. If she wed him to bring peace to her people, he would have to lay siege to her bed.
Will their love conquer all—or destroy them both?The darkly handsome warlord's blood coursed with desire for Caryn's burnished crimson lips, and his passion would not be denied. But in the wild ecstasy they shared, Ral feared more than his heart was in danger. Could his rebellious bride be a traitor deadlier than the wolves and brigands prowling deep in English forests?
"An excellent medieval romance...Readers will not only love this novel, but clamor for a sequel." —Affaire de Coeur

Summary

Caryn of Iversham, was sent to the convent for her and her sister’s own protection after they were attacked by Norman’s, but one particular Norman…A Knight Raolfe de Gere, saved her life. Caryn has always longed to free of the cold surroundings….she years for freedom and the outdoors. But doesn’t know if she could ever leave her sister, who suffered a form of brain damage and has finally managed to find peace after being raped when they were attacked. But when some Norman’s storm the Convent, and take her with them she comes face to face with Raolfe once again. The only way she can be saved from Raolfe’s enemy of sorts who would ravish her, is for them to marry. At first Caryn refuses, but she realizes she has little choice. At first their marriage is a marriage of convenience, but she soon learns the power of desire. As Raolfe and Caryn discover passion….Caryn and Raolfe soon learn that the future of their marriage will have valleys and hills of misunderstandings and mistrust. But there is an enemy on the horizon that seeks to take what Raolfe wants for the people here, and only by trusting each other will they find their true happy ending.

The Hero

Raolfe de Gere, is a worthy Knight and has fought many battles. He is considered one of the most powerful Norman knights. He serves his lord with distinction and honor. Raolfe has a heart of gold in many matters. He deals with justice but judges fairly and openly. He was able to stop the attack on Caryn and her sister, but not in enough time to save her younger sister who saw beauty in every living thing. He has regretted that day ever since. Until he sees Caryn once again, and even though he doesn’t trust her, he offers marriage to save her. Raolfe doesn’t understand the powerful feelings he has for Caryn, and hurts her in ways he doesn’t understand. Raolfe was a hero that learns the true meaning of love through trial and error. He makes mistakes (quite a few) and my heart ached for the heroine during some moments. But Raolfe is one of those characters, you love just the same. Because he loves Caryn and fears his feelings for her. Even when he thinks the worst of her, he treats her like a man in love would even when that women he loves hurts him deeply. He has character, honesty and is utterly loyal. He is to the core as honorable as can be.

The Heroine

Caryn  of Iversham, is a Saxon beauty. Even though she isn’t as beautiful as her sister…she has fiery red hair to match her personality. She longs for freedom, she loves to be out of doors, out in the sunshine and in nature. Her mind wanders, she has a wild imagination and a free and bold spirit. She can be a bit reckless in moments, but is loyal and kind hearted. What I really admired about her though, was seeing her tested through this story and find a heroine to admire. She definitely has to prove herself in this story. Life hasn’t treated her very well but that happened to many during the Norman and Saxon wars. You see how she has been tested in the worst ways but comes out stronger than ever. I really admired Caryn, she knows which battles she has to fight and which ones you need to give in to!! Sometimes in matters of love you have to compromise, and we see Caryn learn how vital it is with Raolfe.

Plot and Story Line

I have been wanting to read this one for quite some time, and I had thought I had read if before, and if I had it was many years ago before there was even Goodreads. (Yes I have been reading romance that long hehe ) However the moment I picked up this book I was swept away by the romance and the building nature of the plot. I love this time period, but have only read a handful of romances that deal with the Norman and Saxons. Now this era and setting are very unique, it does deal with some challenges. But when this story takes place, is when the war is winding down slowly. The story does set off in a scene that really gives some background for Raolfe and Caryn and even the younger sister. I believe the sister had an accident when she was young and now suffers from some form of mental disability. She is trusting, loving and sees beauty in everything. My heart did break for her when she ends up being raped. But soon after that scene, we skip ahead. I love marriage of conveniences, and Kat Martin did a spectacular job with building this story. There are some villains, and one of them blew me away. Because I didn’t see this character being so deception but he proves to be quite the worst of them. This pair comes across many challenges, and we do deal with some the hero spending time with his “Leman” of course this mostly happens before they end up TOGETHER!! And this was a common occurence in the time. There marriage at the beginning, was decided wasn’t to include sex. It did bother me a bit, but I understand the reasons behind it. So this element in the story is not for everyone.  However it didn’t detract from the story much. I did like the way these two figure their “marriage”out. Its definitely some hills they have to climb to get to where they need to go. Their road isn’t easy, but worthwhile in the end. The romance is heart felt and endearing in many ways.

The Cover

I love and adore this new cover!!! The pose, the dress and everything just fits this pair!!

Overall View

Bold Angel is a vibrant and tantalizing romance that is bound to sweep you off your feet!!! UTTERLY SWOON WORTHY from beginning to end.

About Kat Martin

Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.

Published since 1988, she singed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.

Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.

"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era.

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