41 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love Lucy meets Camalot, August 4, 2000
This review is from: Always (Leisure historical romance) (Mass Market Paperback)
This is my first Lynsay Sands novel and it will not be my last.Always is a novel tat has it all: Humor, romance and Mystery.The parts of the story with Aric and Rosamude's wedding night as well asAric trying to teach his wife to enjoy the " Matial Bed" are priceless.The real humor however, is when Rosamude dressed Aric's horse up in his clothes by the fire in the Keep to help the animal get over a cold. I laughed s hard people on the bus were looking at me.Although these two people did not start out loving each other the relationship and the love was so much fun to read. Learning about themselves and learning to trust easc other was wonderful.The novel also contained a little myster, Who killed Rosamude's mother and why issomeone trying to kill her is a question that takes center stage is the later part of this book.This book is one I will read over and over again.Great love stories never grow tried.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another winner!, March 12, 2004
This review is from: Always (Leisure historical romance) (Mass Market Paperback)
You've gotta love the lengths to which Rosamunde will go to not "disobey" her new husband. Being that "to obey" is a pretty important wedding vow, and we all know how men feel about being obeyed.....
Once again Sands delivers a charming and bright story about two who go through some interesting changes in order to become one. Aric has just enough stubborness so that we're sure he's all man, but put the threat of being drawn and quartered on his plate and...... Well, he's no dummy. And what can we say about Rosamunde? Sweet, intelligient, easy to get along with, undercover rebel (that kinda thing happens when you're raised in a convent) and well schooled in the art of mating. Animal mating, that is. Makes for some interesting lovemaking, you think? Enough said about that.
I don't know how Ms. Sands keeps coming up with these great stories; I'm just glad she does. It's always such a pleasure to be surprised, amused by and truly interested in the characters.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Highly entertaining, June 20, 2005
This review is from: Always (Leisure historical romance) (Mass Market Paperback)
After catching his betrothed Delia in the arms of another man, Aric of Burkhart drowns his sorrows in the company of his trusted friend, Robert of Shambley. Well into his cups, he is in the middle of condemning all women, vowing to never marry even under the threat of torture when a cloaked man suddenly appears and asks him if he would still keep his vow under the threat of death. Outraged by the man's audacity, he turns around only to find himself faced with his liege, King Henry II. Adding to his shock, the king wastes no time in announcing his intention to marry off his illegitimate but beloved daughter, Rosamunde, in order to protect her from possible danger with his throne currently under threat from his own sons' betrayal. And he declares his choice of husband for her to be Aric. Fearful of being drawn and quartered, Aric reluctantly obeys the king and they immediately ride off to the abbey where Rosamunde has lived since she was born. As fate would have it, they arrive in the abbey just in time for Rosamunde was about to take the veil the very next day. Now out of love for her father, Rosamunde obediently accepts her father's request for her to marry Aric.
What follows is a hilarious beginning to their marriage. Having grown up in the company of nuns, Rosamunde has no idea what takes place in the marriage bed and briefly gets a crash lesson from Sister Eustice. After exchanging vows, King Henry orders them to consummate the marriage to ensure that it cannot be annulled, locks the two up in Rosamunde's small bedchamber and gives them a few minutes to get the deed done. What occurs is one of the most hilarious love scenes (if one can call it that) I have ever read. Due to ignorance, Rosamunde does and say some funny things that shock Aric! And the hilarity doesn't end there but continues all the way to their trip home to Goodhall Keep.
Although some things were pretty far-fetched, you won't be able to help but laugh. Initially, Rosamunde comes across as a bit dense, but it is understandable because you do see how torn she is trying to hold true to the vow she's made to God and her father to obey her husband, and also the need to put Aric in his place when he becomes too stubborn and arrogant. As for Aric, even when he acts like a real jerk sometimes, it is amusing to see him struggle to suppress his feelings for Rosamunde and his ever-growing concern for her happiness and safety.
Fun and entertaining, ALWAYS is a nice way to spend a leisurely afternoon when you're after a light-hearted read.
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