Joining (Mass Market Paperback)

A sweet story. However, I didn't find the relationship between Wulfric and Milisant very convincing. Milisant is so unpleasant to Wulfric I can't see what made him fall in love with her. Still it's a good read. I prefer the prequel though, Defy Not the Heart, Ranulf and Reina's story.

Lealing

Despite this rather typical start, the novel gets worse. Milisant is just not LIKEABLE. Her reasons for disliking Wulfric (she bears a grudge from a childhood play accident), were silly, and could be resolved if the characters would spend 5 minutes together simply TALKING to one another. Milisant's 'love of animals' bordered on the ridiculous, as she travels with cages of wild animals wherever she goes. (Milisant's love for animals, apparently doesn't include loving them enough to let them go free).

Wulfric, the hero, seemed okay, but was rather under-developed and, was completely eclipsed by Milisant's strong, shrewish personality.

This book held no surprises. Read it if you must, but I found it disappointing.

Unknown to all, a third, unrelated party also does not want the marriage, and has conspired with non other than King John to ensure that it does not come about. To do that, he must arrange for Milisant's death, something that he does not hesitate to do...

I found the book very well researched, from the description of the clothing to the history of King's Richard and John, and the gossip of the realm. The court intrigue, although occupying only a few pages, was well done and set the plot in motion. I liked that the 'mystery' of the book had nothing to do with the central characters themselves, too. The threat, although known in full to the reader, comes out of the blue to the characters themselves. The story develops well, is peopled with enjoyable characters and sufficient humour. I found especially touching where Milisant finally realises that Wulf would do anything NOT to see her hurt. The development of feelings - positive and negative - between these two is completely believable. I also liked the approach taken with Mili, the feminist sub-plot which Lindsey has woven into the tale.

It is not a tale bursting with heat and passion (as Lindsey can do so well), rather more a discovery of feeling, and a fine tale firmly set in its period. Something a little different from my previous reading by this author, but also very enjoyable.