It's foretold by her friend the seer, that the heroine will be mated to the Norman invader. She instantly doubts this prediction but seeing the man in the flesh, eliminates any doubt. She gives a half hearted defiance but only as to not appear too eager. The hero instantly craves her from the jump but he's not possessive and defiantly not a he-man. Though he holds all the power he makes it clear to her that she'll be safe with him and he'll protect her even from herself. He's strong, powerful and kind. He's understanding of her gift and of her conflict between her feelings for him and for her people. This was such a romantic story and it's made even more likeable because it's real. The heroine, though well born, is poor and a being a woman in the middle of a war is not the safest thing to be. She's guilt-ridden and embarrassed at the beginning for becomes his lover, but that melts away eventually and she's at peace with her position. The one thing that plagues her is that, though she loves him, he's made no promises to marry her when the war is over. He's come to gain lands and wealth and, as she knows no differently until the end, that's not something she can offer him. Along the way, they collect children orphans by the war, and although it will cause whispers among his people, the hero doesn't hesitant to take them in. Both the hero and heroine were such great people that you root for them all the way. The one complaint I do have is that the villain is pretty weak. He's in there as a courtesy and isn't very threating. It became almost comical how the protagonists defeated his schemes. But beside that, this is a very well developed historical paranormal romance about very real people. ( )

Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Robin
Review Copy Provided by the Publisher

In 1066 William the Conqueror lead a Norman invasion on the Saxons. During this time villages were plundered, women and children were raped and left for dead while the men were off fighting.

However, in this medieval love story Eada of Pevensey is somehow left unharmed. Eada knowing that the invasion is upon them visit with Old Edith a very dear friend who has the sight. Edith proceeds to tell Eada that her future lies with a Norman. Unheard of in those days Eada who is a widow still has her maidenhead in tack. Edith dies and Eada finds out that not only does she have the sight to see the future she also is able to hear things.

Into Eada’s life comes a big boisterous Norman just as Edith had predicted. He I think at first finds himself intrigued by how feisty and gusty Eada is. He doesn’t rape her but instead falls for her gentle strength, along with the courage that she holds within herself as she faces the Norman’s and what is inevitable. As Eada stands her ground with Drogo De Toulan we are able to see the beginning of a very heartwarming story of love that conquers all even when war is all around.

Ms. Howell has such a way of weaving the main characters in the story that you can’t help but fall in love with their plight. Just as you fall for Eada and Drogo’s tale you find yourself falling also for two lesser character’s…Ivo and Mary. Even though they don’t speak the same language they find a way to communicate as they turn the Norman’s camp into an orphanage as they bring in the children left from the invasion.

While the Norman Invasion is going on all around it is nice to see romance, friendship and the helpfulness coming from people you normally wouldn’t think to look for it.

I found this to be another delightful story from Ms. Howell, which takes us from the rough side of war and shows us a kinder gentler side.

I know I loved this as I am sure you will also. I wish sometimes though that just once the heroine can be of normal size and not some small fry that fights off the huge hero that tends to tower over her tiny frame. Maybe that makes for better reading? More of a head to head battle of will and strength! ( )

UNCONQUERED by Hannah Howell is another exciting Medieval historical romance set in 1066 England. A battle between England’s Saxons and Normandy/France’s Normans. A complex and compelling story of the struggle between the Saxons of England and the Normans.It is the story of secrets,the lost of innocence,love,treachery,jealousy,the fight for a way of life for England,and who would rule England,Harold or William the Conqueror.A compelling cast of characters with a touch of paranormal. A Saxon women,Eada of Pevensey,a woman with a gift of sight and Drogo de Toulon,a soldier for William the Conquerer will find they have more than passion in common.Ms. Howell certainly pulls the reader into another era and is a wonderful storyteller that will have the reader spellbound. A captivating story with twists and turns. Received for an honest review. Details can be found at Zebra Books,published by Kensington Publishing Corp.,the author’s website,and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING:

Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy,mild violence or profanity.
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More ( )