Series: Brides of Legend #1
Published by Fanfare on October 1st 1996
Genres: Historical Romance, Medieval Era
Pages: 368
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 0553576232
With one roll of the dice, Rowena's drunken father gambled her away into the service of a dark and forbidding knight accused of murder. The Dark Lord of Caerleon used Rowena to slay the ghosts of his past, but he would be ensnared in his own trap--slave to a desire he could never hope to quench.
Summary
Rowena’s father has always left his children to survive on their own for the most part. He has a weakness for gambling. And with the roll of a dice, he sold one of his children for a year for servitude to the Lord of Caerlon. When Gareth, the Lord of Caerlon finds that his nemesis has a daughter, and a beautiful one at that he takes her as payment. Rowena is a protector of her brothers and she knows that if she resists too much that Gareth might harm her family. Rowena has no idea what to expect from this dark and dangerous lord who is an enigma to her. He threatens but she doesn’t feel she needs to fear him but she knows there are truths he is keeping from her. Gareth blames Rowena’s father for a betrayal from the past. But Gareth is captivated by Rowena, her passion and fighting spirit and protectiveness of her brothers, But the past is what is standing between Gareth and Rowena, and trust and honesty will be vital for them to find a future.
The Hero
Gareth, the Lord of Caerlon was blamed for the death of his stepmother, who practically seduced him when he was young and manipulated him since he was a boy. But even though Gareth wasn’t able to find the real culprit, he took the blame with pride and no fear. For years he has been wanting revenge on the man he blames for everything in the past, Rowena’s father, a gambler and a lecher. Gareth is a hero that I was uneasy about at first. He has quite a few alpha like tendencies. He is a warrior and a medieval lord, but is feared more than respected. But Gareth surprised me in this book, because there are some hidden depths to him. I did like that he proves to be honorable.
The Heroine
Rowena is protective of her family. Even though her father is rarely around and is always gambling away what little they have, she still is devoted to him and loved him. Its her brothers she will fight for though. I love how Rowena has a bit of “tom boy” in her. On a daily basis, she hunts for food so that they will survive. I like how spirited Rowena is but when faced with Gareth, even though in the beginning she fears him, she doesn’t let fear control her actions. But I also respected the way she handles Gareth and stands on her own even if the consequences wouldn’t end good for her.
Plot and Story Line
In Shadows and Lace we are introduced into a story of mystery and passion set in the Plantagenets Era in England. I did have a blast with this book, and it definitely had Teresa Medeiros written all over it so it was fun to read this author again. I did have a blast with this book though, and it was quite entertaining and lively in many ways. The chemistry between Gareth and Rowena is pretty strong even from the beginning. What I liked however, was seeing the way that Gareth is with Rowena. Once he brings her to his home, he pretty much gives her free rein. Which Rowena isn’t a fan of, she doesn’t want to be a lady of leisure at all. So goes about hunting since it’s the only thing she knows how to do to contribute. I love how she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself or what she believes in or who she protects. We are introduced into some fun characters….Gareths friend and Rowena’s brothers. The actual romance is pretty wonderful to see grow in this story. Its not a easy one, since Gareth and Rowena need to resolve events and secrets from the past before they can fully be together. But I love how they are with each other and seeing their bond deepen throughout the story.
The Cover
I do like the oldie like cover….with the intricate font here!!!
Overall View
Shadows and Lace is a story of redemption, forgiveness and an abiding love worth fighting for!!!! FANTASTICALLY WRITTEN!!
Oldie but a Goodie is right! I haven’t read this in a while but I remember loving the story. Teresa Madeiros is a great writer anyway but there was something about this one that stuck with me. Nice review!!
oh yay “clapping hands” Isn’t this author so wonderful? I can’t believe I hadn’t gotten around to her older books. You are right though, I can see how this book would stay with you.
It kind of freaks me out that he kind of has her for a year. But I guess he just lets her do whatever? Is that right?
I think I read one of her books when I was in high school. Or maybe I started but never finished. Are they lighter in tone?
Umm yeah he pretty much lets her do whatever. It was pretty funny at times though, because she was so “bored” not used to living a life of leisure. hehe
You definitely need to get back to this author. Most of her books are lighter—-she reminds me of lisa kleypas quite a bit in her stories. She has some regency’s you would really like and some great humor too. Not super fluffy but not super seriously toned either. Charming the Prince or Yours Until Dawn are pretty fantastic. And Jennifer @Feminist Fairy Tales really loves her books too. 🙂
Ugh that stepmother sounds like a real piece of work :/
oh yeah she pretty much is a child rapist and has affairs all over the place.
Old school power
Oh my this sounds fun, a kidnapping where she does what she wants. That stepmother sounds horrible!
I gorged on Teresa Medeiros when I first discovered historical romance, but I never read this book. It sounds very interesting and I do love her writing style. I’ll definitely check this book out.