"Promise of the Rose" is a historical romance set in 1093, following the story of Stephen de Warenne, the bastard son and heir of the Earl of Northumberland, and Mary, the daughter of King Malcolm Canmore of Scotland. The plot revolves around mistaken identity, lust, loyalty, betrayal, and politics during the time after William the Conqueror. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with well-developed characters, rich historical details, and a mix of romance and drama. delves into themes of power struggles, family loyalties, and the complexities of medieval relationships.

Despite some issues with character development, readers found the heroine Mary to be sympathetic, brave, and passionate, while the hero Stephen is portrayed as a hard, strong man with a damaged alpha male persona. explores the challenges of their marriage, political intrigue, and personal growth, particularly focusing on Mary's journey from a stubborn young girl to a more mature woman. The story also includes subplots involving secondary characters like Stephen's brother Geoffrey and Adele, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Characters:

Characters include a naive yet brave heroine and a cold, complex hero, with some secondary characters receiving more favorable attention.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style has been criticized for being subpar with awkward dialogue, yet some appreciated the historical detail and context.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around mistaken identities, political intrigue, and the tumultuous relationship between a Scottish princess and an English lord, highlighting themes of lust, loyalty, and betrayal.

Setting:

The setting is a historical medieval context, specifically Scotland and England during the late 11th century.

Pacing:

The pacing is predominantly fast and engaging, although some found the length excessive.

"Men do not cry," his father had told him gravely when he had taken him aside earlier on the day that he left for Winchester. "Tis a great honor to foster with the King, Stephen, a great honor, and I ...

Notes:

Promise of the Rose is a sequel to The Conqueror but can be read on its own.

The book is set after William the Conqueror's reign and touches on themes of mistaken identity, lust, loyalty, betrayal, and politics.

The heroine, Mary, is portrayed as brave, passionate, and a bit stubborn, starting the story at just 16 years old.

The hero, Stephen, suffered as a political hostage, shaping him into a cold and damaged Alpha male.

Mary and Stephen's marriage is tumultuous, marked by trust issues and betrayal.

Mary refuses to reveal her identity when captured, leading to a politically motivated marriage to Stephen.

The plot involves political maneuvers between Scotland and England, with Stephen planning to attack Scotland despite marrying Mary for peace.

Some readers found the characters' behavior unrealistic and frustrating, particularly Mary’s repeated mistakes.

Geoffrey, Stephen's brother, gets some praise for his subplot with Adele, showing more dynamic chemistry than the main couple.

The author is noted for repetitive storylines and problematic characterizations, particularly regarding trust and strength in female leads.

Despite its flaws, the book contains well-researched historical elements and has been described as entertaining by some readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings, including themes of violence, betrayal, and some non-consensual implications.

Has Romance?

There is a strong presence of romance throughout the book, characterized by intense emotions and complex relationships.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Brave and battle-hardened Stephen de Warenne is to defend to the death that which is his by right of conquest -- including the golden-haired captive who awakens his soul's most secret yearnings. For theirs is a passion that will not be denied -- a magnificent fire that burns hotter and brighter than the blazing flames of war that engulf the land.

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Promise of the Rose

Brenda Joyce

Book 3 in the series:The deWarenne Dynasty