Monday, July 6, 2009

Honor's Splendour - Julie Garwood

Description~

In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton—the Wolf—unleashed his warriors against Louddon's main. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he captured...but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast...as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for...Honor's Splendour.

We start off our story meeting Madelyne. Madelyne has a very cruel brother named Louddon who has raped the sister of Baron Duncan of Wexton. Wanting full revenge Duncan decides to capture Louddons own sister! Little does Duncan know that Madelyne isn't all what she seems. Madelyne is a lady but lets her true colors fly when she is face to face with the hard Baron of Wexton. What is Duncans plan for Madelyne? Surely it wasn't to fall in love...

I throughly enjoyed this story! I cant believe the luck I'm having lately with all my reads!

First off who cant love Duncan and Madelynes relationship. From the start there is an attraction even though Madelyne is SUPPOSED to be his captive. They seem to fit each other like gloves! Duncan is SO uptight and Madelyn is so free spirited that they equal each other out. I love how gentle Duncan is to her knowing how innocent she is. :o) I loved the first night they spent together after she was held captive...how she was worried he might take advantage of her b/c she slept hard! lol The banter in this book is never ending!

I also loved the relationships that Madelyne formed with Duncans family. Madeleyne didn't have parents and besides her horrible brother she had only been raised by her elderly uncle. So when she stepped foot into Duncans home and began to bond with his siblings it was very touching. i love how Edmond wasn't sure of her but later had a brotherly love for her, how Gilard hated her in the beginning...yelling at her and all other sorts and later on thought to be in love with her! And how she formed a tight bond with their sister over time and helping her overcome her tragedy.

Snib Bit

"We have bee bound to each other since the moment we met, Madelyne. God knew it, I knew it, and if you'll only reflect upon the truth you'll admit it too. We've pledged ourselves to each other, and though Laurance was not a priest and couldn't give us his true blessing, we are still wed."

"From the moment I warmed your feet," Madelyne whispered, repeating his past explanation.

"Aye, from that moment."

Who could forget in the beginning when he was freed and she warmed his feet for him! :o) She has such a gentle soul!

Overall I loved this book. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. If I had to say there were any faults to it it would be that I felt I was in the heads of the characters more than into the story at times. I wanted more face time in-between the characters and not so much thinking!

This is my first JG book I've ever read and I must say if you haven't tried her out you really should! I know I'll be returning to her work VERY soon!

I give this book a total of...




Off to read Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

<3monroe

14 comments:

Tia said...

Good review! Your dang reviews always make me want to read the book just so I have something intelligent to discuss with you. You're turning my TBR pile into Mt. Everest friend! I've never read anything by Julie Garwood but I'm about to start digging into my historicals (I have an entire pile of them that I haven't opened). I've been reading waaay too many paranormals and contemporaries. The two historicals I've read because you made me are about the only ones I've picked up in the last couple of months. I might have (stress the MIGHT) read two or three more. I've gotta get back in the groove. Those damn were-cats snagged me and I've been neglecting everything else. Crap. Oh and I have a mosquito bite right on the side of my foot by my toe. I hate it bunny! You probably have no sympathy because I'm sure your sunburn is itching super bad. Poor thing, bless your heart. Moisturize sunshine! (((hugs)))

July 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM
~ames~ said...

I love when Madelyne is sick - it's soooo funny!

And Duncan is just so yummy as a hero. Good book to read as your first JG. :P

July 6, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Monroe Dawson said...

Tia-
You should mix your books...thats what I do to ensure I dont get tired of one kind of read. :o) You should pick up an JG book! Shes great! sorry bout your mosquito bite! lol

Ames-
I didnt even think about putting that part in! I LOVE when she punches Edmond! lol

July 7, 2009 at 3:39 AM
Cindy W said...

I loved this book! My favorite from her is, The Bride, The Prize and The Secret. Boy can she write a Highlander! I'm about halfway through Dreaming of you, she just returned to her village. I'm loving it!

July 7, 2009 at 3:42 AM
VampFanGirl said...

This is my favorite novel by Julie Garwood. I don't read much of her novels anymore, but I've always had a soft spot for 'Honor's Splendour'. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on it Monroe.

;) VFG

July 7, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Rowena said...

Oh goodness, I love the scenes when Madelyne is sick and she's lashing out at Odysseus, haha. Too frickin' funny.

Great review as always.

July 7, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Monroe Dawson said...

Cindy-
Ill have to check those out...so your loving DoY?!? YAY! I LOVE THAT STINKIN' BOOK!

VFG-
Thanks dear! ;o)

Wena-
I loved how she had so much imagination! lol

July 7, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Cindy W said...

Yes do!!! I have about 100 pages left, LOVING IT!!!!!!!

July 7, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Monroe Dawson said...

Cindy-
Its so exciting when someone actually loves a book I suggest! Thanks for trusting me! lol

July 7, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Kristie (J) said...

Sadly for me, this is a book that didn`t stand the test of time. When I first read it years ago, I loved it. But I tried reading it again last year and couldn`t get through it. Madelyne just drove me bonkers after a while. Must be my advanced age or something :-(

July 7, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Isabel said...

This one was ok for me. I enjoyed it but it's not one of my favorites.

July 7, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Monroe Dawson said...

Kristie & Iz-
Really? Hmmm...I enjoyed it but are there any other JG that you can recommend?

July 8, 2009 at 3:41 AM
Kristie (J) said...

At the time, I really enjoyed The Gift, but I don't think I'll try rereading any of her books anymore and just keep my happy memories of her books.

July 8, 2009 at 5:47 AM
Monroe Dawson said...

Kristie-
Hey I dont blame you...you gotta read what you love me you love right?!?! ;o)

July 8, 2009 at 3:01 PM