Review: The Lion in Glory by Heather Graham

Reviewer's Ratnig: 5

5.0Overall score

A detail rich ride through history

The Lion In Glory By Heather Graham

Genre: Historical Highlander Romance

Released: June 28, 2016

Publisher: Zebra

Series: Graham, Book 5

Synopsis

“A master of her craft, and a writer whose star shines ever brighter.” –RT Book Reviews

“An incredible storyteller.” –Los Angeles Daily News

“Heather Graham sparkles!” –Kat Martin, New York Times bestselling author

The tides of war have turned for the valiant Scots led by King Robert the Bruce, and they boldly reclaim lands still ruled by the English. When Jamie Graham comes to seize Hamstead Heath, he has no need for a hostage–not even one as beautiful and spirited as Christina, the manor’s chatelaine. Yet she insists that he abduct her. Though he is certain this confounding woman is trying to play him for a fool, Jamie is determined to claim the sweet temptation she offers…

Christina has but one goal–to free her brother from the fortress of the new English king who has accused her family of treason. Her growing love for her unwilling captor is both unexpected and thrilling, yet it must not deter her from her mission–to master the art of jousting, win a tournament in disguise, and secure her brother’s release. She cannot foresee the twist of fate that will threaten all she holds dear: her life, her lands…and the man who has captured her heart.

“Full of historical detail and bloody battles, the newest installment in Drake’s 14th century Graham family series pits a resourceful Englishwoman against an overbearing Scottish warrior” –Publishers Weekly

Review

Reviewed by Jean

A detail rich ride through history

My second historical romance for the week is The Lion in Glory. I didn’t immediately realize that this is in fact, a re-release. The original was published under the pen name Shannon Drake. Back in the day, Shannon Drake was one of my for sure go to’s for medieval historical romance. The books are full of adventure, battles, historical detail and pageantry. On the other hand, back in the day, books written under Heather Graham’s name were contemporary or paranormal. I didn’t realize originally that the books were in fact written by the same author. Why publishers forced their authors to write under separate pseudonyms for the different sub-genres still mystifies me. As if we as readers couldn’t differentiate sub-genres when we purchased books or accept that like her readers, an author might have very different stories in her repertoire that needed to be told. I know that what is pleasing one day, might totally grate on another day while in another mood.

In The Lion in Glory, the heroine is desperate to ensure her brother’s release from captivity. Yet her people are held between a rock and hard place. Being border dwellers in northern England they are at the mercy of Robert the Bruce with no support from King Edward II. Forced to pay tribute to remain unmolested by the northern Scotsmen they are looked upon as traitors by their spoiled and incompetent king. With her brother being held on suspicion of treason, Christina feels she has no choice other than to demand to be taken hostage by the Scotsmen when Sir Jamie Graham comes to collect tribute. Anything less would appear as further proof of her brother’s treason. It doesn’t help that her brother is being held by a man who covets Christina, her dowry, and connection to the infamous horseflesh bred at Hamstead Heath.

Christina’s compliance is guaranteed when Sir Jamie takes Christina’s future sister-in-law into captivity as well. But unlike her sister-in-law, Christina finds herself being held in contempt and treated as a treacherous viper amongst the Scotsmen. Needless to say, she doesn’t help her case with her stubborn willfulness. This is one feisty heroine with a heart of gold but a stubbornness fired in iron.

The Lion in Glory was every bit as good a read the second time through as it was the first. Ms. Graham remains a go to for medieval historical romance no matter what name she pens under. If you enjoy your historicals rich in detail and fact, you’re going to love The Lion in Glory.

♥♥♥♥♥

O Factor: Spicy

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Books in the Series

Graham Novel Series by Heather Graham aka Shannon Drake

Come the Morning, Book 1

Conquer the Night, Book 2

Seize the Dawn, Book 3

Knight Triumphant, Book 4

The Lion In Glory, Book 5

When We Touch, Book 6

The Queen’s Lady, Book 7

About Heather Graham

Heather Graham

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell’s Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette’s Shadows, and for Harlequin’s mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children’s charity. She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards from Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
Heather Graham Links