Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood

Honor's Splendour
by Julie Garwood

Genre : Historical Romance

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.

Late one night, Madelyne risks her own safety to rescue from a cruel trap the man bent on having his revenge against her brother. Except the tables quickly turn and Madelyne finds herself held captive instead. She knows where she comes from isn't a home to embrace, but this new world of brothers loving sisters and true devotion startles her in more ways than she would imagine. Soon she finds her tables have turned and that she is falling hard for the wolf of a man who defied the king and world around them to claim her a wife.

I listened to this story on audio-book during my drive to Texas for Easter. It was an exciting historical tale that sadly was pretty predictable and overall didn't have as much drama as I would have preferred. Madelyne was too easy going/stubborn and I prefer my female leads to be a little bit more saucy (and not s0 clumsy!), while Duncan was stuck in his way but much more enjoyable as a character compared to Madelyne. There affection for each other was easy to believe and the side-characters added much needed entertainment.

The story flowed somewhat nicely with a few dull dragging parts here or there. The ending was spread out a little too thinly and should have finished much more quicker that it did. All in all, the plot was lacking something that would have added some spark to the tale while the characters (excluding Madelyne who came off to me a flat within certain chapters) salvaged much of Honor's Spendour. I had higher hopes for this story and was sadly let down.

Likes: It was nice to see Madelyne blend in with Duncan's family/home quite easily.

Dislikes: I adore historical reads that focus solely on the main characters, but this book was majorly missing something ( ie. much needed finesse ) to finish of the tale.

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