Description
When Princess Guendolen’s privileged existence is shattered by tribal war and the threat of rape impends, she is left with no choice but to surrender her virginity to a lowly commoner. The spoiled sovereign expects a night of torment and shame. Instead, her unlikely bedfellow introduces her to a world of carnal delights.
Prince Taran, dreaded leader of the savage Picts, approaches. He plans to pluck Guendolen’s prized maidenhead. Once she carries his heir, he will claim her father’s throne. King Cedric hatches a frantic scheme. His daughter must lie with one of their own. Better a Briton babe growing in her womb than a Pictish one. With every last man fighting on the battlefield, there is only one lad who is available for such a task, and that is Phalen, her childhood nemesis.
Mysterious as he is defiant, the adopted son of the village blacksmith has little interest in Guendolen’s beauty and considers the overindulged “jewel of the kingdom” to be a royal pain in the rear. Sparks fly each time they meet. On the fated night, Guendolen does her best to obstruct Phalen from carrying out his orders, but what starts out as an act of duty soon turns into an evening of passion.
Our hero and heroine reunite two years later. She, having given birth to his son; and he, having returned from battle – now a formidable warrior. Under constant pressure from her father to marry, Guendolen agrees to wed the father of her bastard child, whose touch she still wears like a brand. The elusive Phalen continues to rile the princess with his taunting gaze, denying her the attention she craves in and out of the bedchamber. Will she ever be able to win the favor of this dark and brooding man?
Brooke Ehly –
I loved this book in every way! The conversations and quick comebacks these two have towards each other were fantastic! And the twist that you didn’t see coming was even better! Overall a great book and the pick of narration was absolutely perfect! The accent done here is perfect.
You can find this review as well as my others on my audible listener page.
https://www.audible.com/listener/A3D2GLXNZP4EWR
Chopstickz11 –
This is the first book in a new series by Tessa Bowen and while the opening is a bit unusual for a ‘romance’ novel, it is fully disclosed in the description of the book.
Read expertly once again by Virginia Ferguson, the ‘hero’ is sometimes hard to love but the story is well penned. I loved the unexpected surprises this book offered. I look forward to reading more in this series as I think there are certainly several characters that could be further explored.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.
Jocelyne –
This is the first book in the The Pillager Series. Wow! I love this story! The characters are really great! The story has it all: Fun, sexy, steamy, sweet, fast-paced, and suspenseful. Virginia Ferguson did an outstanding and amazing narration! I enjoyed my listening, and can’t wait for the next book in the Series.
Felicia Steele –
The Marauder by Tessa Bowen is the first book in the Pillager Series. I listened to this book on audio narrated by Virginia Ferguson. Virginia dis a great job narrating with the different voices she uses for each of the characters. This is the third book of Tessa’s and Virginia’s collaboration that I have listened to and I look forward to future projects. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances with an Alpha male.
Mary Dean –
It’s official. Tessa Bowen is the queen of stubborn romance. The kind of romance that makes you want to scream in frustration but you secretly enjoy the ride. And the outcome is well worth it. This book has that. Princess Guendolen is forced to take a mate by her father before their kingdom’s enemy takes her for himself. The problem is he chose her childhood enemy, the son of a blacksmith. After the deed is done they are separated by war for a few years. He returns a hero and becomes a father and her husband. Don’t go thinking a child made these two fall in love. Far from that. It’s a stubborn battle. Talk about enemies to lovers! Just when you think you have this story figured out this author hits you with an exposed secret that will shock you. I know I yelled “oh my god” myself. This story was a fun ride and I am pretty sure I felt every emotion possible. Romance fans, add this one to your list. And Tessa Bowen fans, get ready for what is I think her best one yet.
Jodi Price –
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book!! It is a sexy, funny story. The beginning was hilarious “Blue Horn”. I received some funny looks at a stop light I was laughing so hard.. (this is the fourth book I have listened to by Tessa Bowen, and I think I have laughed with all them, definitely puts a smile on your face) I love the dialogue between the characters, Princess Guendolen met her match in Phalen. Guendolen is a very whiny, selfish and spoiled princess who thinks everyone should love and bow down to her, and Phalen could care less, he is indifferent to her, and it drives her crazy. You have a love /hate relationship with the characters and you will find a lot of unexpected surprises!
JoAnn Thompson –
Excellent Story! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this historical romance tale and am quite confident in recommending this story to others. You’ll find a lot of unexpected surprises as the story progresses. As I listened, I kept wondering: “Does he or does he not…” and kept thinking: “Goodness, talk about spoiled!!” I totally fell in love with “Phalen” and could totally understand where he was coming from!!
Kimberly Howe –
It was a good book! Taran was a surprise and the overall book was well done! Storyline was fun and playful. Felt Guendolen was a little whiny but that time period the princesses where a bit whiny. I would definitely recommend!