Customer Reviews

The Black Lyon (Five Star Romance)

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This novel is set in Medieval times, during Edward I's reign, when the English were at war with the Welsh (no specific year is pinpointed, but I assume it is some time during the mid 1200s). Ranulf de Warbrooke, Earl of Malvoisin, is known to everyone as the Black Lion because of his big, dark and rugged good looks and for his fierceness as an unbeatable warrior. He is also known for his dark moods, for he's never smiled after his awful marriage with his first wife. However, his life has new meaning after he meets Lyonene, daughter of a lowly baron and the only person who has made him smile in years. They fall in love after two days and he asks for her hand in marriage. Things aren't easy at first though. Ranulf hasn't gotten over his first wife's treachery and thinks that Lyonene will betray him as well, especially after a childhood friend of hers lies and says that he and Lyonene are lovers. Lyonene goes out of her way to prove her faithfulness and love to Ranulf, but soon other things get in the way and Lyonene ends up a prisoner in Ireland. Will the Black Lion be able to rescue his damsel in distress? There are various twists throughout the novel.

This is Jude Deveraux's second novel and it shows. The writing isn't quite as good as her later work, but she already showcased great skill and ability as a storyteller. I love this short Medieval story. The plot sort of reminds me of The Taming (though TT was published a decade after The Black Lyon) -- about a fierce and independent woman who tames the brutish warrior. The second part of the novel is also somewhat similar to the one in The Taming, but this one has its own entertaining story to tell. Jude does have a similar taming-the-brute theme in many of her novels. And I love the time setting. Even in the beginning of her career JD was able to bring the time period to life. I love her ability to describe Medieval times so well. The scenes during the mock tourneys were wonderful. The protagonists are great if kind of frustrating. Ranulf upset me a great deal in the beginning. His lack of faith in Lyonene was quite painful to read at times. However, he redeems himself in many ways. Then Lyonene ticked me off as well. I couldn't believe her stupidity during the second part of the novel. Amicia is disgusting and I wish I could have beaten the manipulative wench down. I am disappointed with the way everything is resolved in the last few chapters. I wanted to see more battle scenes and see the villains go down. Everything is so rushed. Ugh. Other than that, I loved The Black Lyon. I loved reading about the beginning of the Montgomery dynasty. It is so great to read a family saga that goes back all the way to its sire. Despite some rookie flaws by Deveraux, The Black Lyon is an awesome read and I cannot recommend this novel enough.

This book is the first of the Montgomery clan where it all started! If you love the Montgomery's like I do then this is a must have for you,such a classic!!! I love how Jude Deveraux tells the story of the pain of Ranulf De Warbrooke who was deeply hurt by his first wife and how true love was able to heal that pain. Ranulf is handsome, sexy, intelligent, but embittered by life. I am always a sucker for stories with "heartless" heroes who find their souls through the love of a good woman. The dialogue that ensues between Ranulf and Lyonene is just fast paced and very enjoyable. The plot and characters seemed fresh, the pace was quick, and it was a totally engrossing read. It was written with an amazing level of intensity and feeling that my heart was pumping furiously with palatable passion. This book has lots of drama and the characters are colorful and unforgettable. The reader will feel the despair, the heartbreak, passion and the joy of Ranulf De Warbrooke and Lyonene in this very excellent character driven romance.

This book is a MOST if you have read Velvet Song. A truly remarkable book that is a must read for any fan of Jude Deveraux or any fan historical romance.

First of all, I like this book, generally speaking. I loved the marvellous detail of history that the author painted, it was truly amazing.

I also liked the characters for the most part, but like many reviewers, I felt that some of the character's actions were rather stupid or downright inappropriate. Several times I thought I'd like to slap the heroine myself, actually, as she sometimes acts like a complete twit, and the hero... Well, let's just say that he needs a boot in the backside and a smack upside the head in a few places, as well.

Do remember that this was Jude's second book, and her first historical. It's my understanding that an editor basically required changes in the book that Jude didn't want to make (the rape/abuse, for example; note that after this book, Jude changed publishers). The plot is wobbly as heck in several places, as well, mostly due to inexperience and (I got this from a book I once read where Jude contributed a chapter on how to write a working outline), poor planning on the part of the author.

My review sounds dismal, but it's not really meant to be. I really do like the book, and re-read it periodically. I think the strength of the atmosphere and the vivid storytelling (even if it is wobbly and frustrating at times) makes it worth the effort, and makes it an enjoyable read.

Jude Deveraux's second book! I've read this book so much I've worn out the spine, it's taped together now! ...

It's a book and story about a Lyon and his Lyoness. A tumultuous love affair that has it's ups and downs, just like any marrriage would. Lord Ranulf being much older has demons to deal with (just like all heroes) and in fighting those demons, he thinks that his new wife, the beautiful Lyonene is like his first wife from years and lifetimes ago, so in thinking that he accuses her of cheating (like his first wife cheated).

Even after a huge fight between them, she followed him into the thick of battle to make amends with him, as well as a kidnapping that takes them both across the Irish Sea!

Ms. Deveraux did VERY well on her second adventure!

Lyonene's life is forever changed when Ranulf de Warbrooke, the Earl of Malvoisin, asks for her hand in marriage. What began as a political alliance between two families becomes so much more. With each passing day, Lyonene falls deeper in love with her husband.

When reality and war invade their idyllic world, Ranulf has no choice but to fight for his lands. Unforeseen by Ranulf, leaving behind an alone and bewildered Lyonene will have terrible repercussions. With sinister outsiders doing their best to tear the lovers apart, even resorting to abduction, can the Black Lyon save his lioness, or will he believe the falsehoods told to him by others?

I had forgotten how much I loved THE BLACK LYON. I remember reading this book over and over and simply swooning at the thought of having a brave knight for my very own. Whether I am 18 or 42, this novel never becomes dated. It's timeless quality and ability to keep me enthralled has never wavered. From the first time I read it until the last, THE BLACK LYON remains my favorite novel by the talented Jude Deveraux.

A new generation of Deveraux fans are sure to enjoy THE BLACK LYON. It was released once again by Avon in January, 2007.

In The Black Lyon we meet Ranulf de Warbrooke, the Earl of Malvoisin, who is the champion knight of King Edward I. He is dark, powerful, wealthy and, of course, incredibly handsome. At the tender age of 15, he was married to a woman, Isabelle, who only wanted him for the wealth and power that his earldom brought. Although she came to the marriage carrying the child of another man, Ranulf was so in awe of her that he worked day and night training to be a knight in order to please her.

However, Isabelle had no use for Ranulf, saying that his black looks revolted her; she continued her adulterous behavior after she gave birth to the other man's child, a daughter, whom Ranulf grew to love. When Isabelle lay dying from a fever, she professed her hatred for Ranulf and told him her greedy reasons for marrying him. Out of hatred and spite, Isabelle was determined to take away any shred of love that Ranulf had for anything. The cruel woman made sure that her little girl died of the fever along with her. Her hateful words and actions on her deathbed closed Ranulf's heart and made him even more determined to be the most powerful earl and strongest knight in England and he eventually does becoming The Black Lyon.

Sixteen years after the death of Isabelle, Ranulf meets Lyonene, the beautiful, seventeen year old daughter of a baron who named her for a lioness because of her mass of tawny hair and emerald eyes. They decide to marry after a whirlwind three-day courtship, but do not actually marry for another three weeks. It is during this waiting period, during which they are separated, that Ranulf has more than enough time to dwell on his decision to marry again. He recalls all too well the emotional pain inflicted on him by his first wife. Because of his reflections on Isabelle, he falls into a black mood, which he displays on his wedding day and wedding night. Lyonene is left to wonder where the Ranulf that she grew to love over those glorious three days went.

Ranulf accuses Lyonene of conspiring with a boy from her childhood and threatens to cast her aside. Lyonene is determined to save her marriage/ She disguises herself as a serf so that she can hide in Ranulf's entourage as he travels to Wales, where the king has sent him to thwart plans of a Welsh uprising. Lyonene discovers the truth of her husband's past and understands the hurt and mistrust he has suffered. She knows that mere words will not convince him of her sincerity. During a Welsh attack, Lyonene proves her love by her deeds, which nearly kill her. Her response to Ranulf when he asks why she acted as she had is a two-hanky moment. Ranulf finally appears to have come to his senses about his relationship with Lyonene and he vows to start their lives anew.

Of course, Jude Deveraux fans know that this is not the only trial by fire these two will face. Sure enough, amid the announcement of Lyonene's pregnancy, we learn that a jealous plot is being concocted to tear the two lovers apart. How their love triumphs will appeal to all lovers of romance.

The Black Lyon is a joy from start to finish. I especially loved the secondary characters - Berengaria, the friend Lyonene made at court; her younger brother Brett who is sent to foster at Ranulf's castle; Dacre, Ranulf's friend and comrade and especially Ranulf's seven knights, his "Black Guard." I loved how Jude Deveraux gave each of them his own unique personality. I love this book so much I am now on my second copy because I read the first one so much the spine split.

Very intense in the passion department and filled with romance, 'The Black Lyon' was very good. My only complaint? I wasn't fully convinced that 'the black lyon', Ranulf, was madly in love with the heroine Lyonene. It was clear that she loved him to no end and would die for him, but all I got out of his feelings were intense passion for her and jealousy. I have to also remember that this was written in the time of bodice-rippers(the 80's, 1980 to be exact)when the male was the dominant character and often pushed the heroine around.
The plot was great and the characters very real and colorful, a true Deveraux novel. This is distantly related to the 'Velvet' series.

The fierce Black Lyon (Ranulf)was rich, devestatingly handsome and powerful. He was feared by men and women alike, until he came across a brave woman named Lady Lyonene with flashing emerald eyes and tawny hair much like a lion's mane. The only thing she feared? Not being able to snare him for a husband.

Being one of the King's Earls, Ranulf wanted to make a good marriage, even after his tortured past came creeping up on him and threatened to destroy what happiness he could find with Lyonene.
We are taken through a whirlwind romance and then deep into an intense and stormy marriage. Jealousy, lies and deceit threaten their love and try their trust. Driven across the Irish Sea, Lyonene is in grave danger, only one man is capable and able to save her...the fierce Black Lyon. Only he has the courage to destroy the ruthless plot to keep them apart forever.
Now Ranulf must believe in trust and love to bind them together once again. But is it too late?

Tracy Talley~@

I cannot decide where to begin with this novel. The beginning was I thought, promising for a great read. They meet in her parents donjon and immediately are attracted and drawn to one another. She made him laugh, which everyone thought was impossible to do. But the fun of the story stopped after they are married, which did not take long to happen. Ranulf makes terrible assumptions about Lyonene, concluding that she was like his first cold and unfaithful wife. Their wedding night was a disaster, first of all. And I could not believe that Ranulf did not apologize for his action. It was most disgusting and distasteful when Ranulf hit his wife and turning his back on her after that. I found Lyonene's reactions to Ranulf's cold treatments so frustrating! She was toooooooooo forgiving throughout the book. Never really standing up for herself. And the DANCE! How could someone forgive her husband for kissing a girl he did not know (even though it WAS her concealed). Ranulf should have not been tempted to "mess around" with other girls if he REALLY love his wife as he claimed he did. And what of Amicia ...it was a big disappointment to not hear what they did to her. I can't go on with this story ...it was horrible! I curse this book! I have tried giving Ms. Deveraux so much chances when I buy her books, but it always give me the same results. I do not understand how many people come to love her works. The only novel that did it for me was her time travel, The Knight In Shining Armor. I recommend for her to stick to those type of novels. If you want an author that is worth your money, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Julie Garwood's works, Honor Splendour especially. Also, Judith Mcnaught's Almost Heaven and Whitney My Love. Now those authors are worth going back to the bookstores for.

I am a guy who likes to read a romance novel every now and then. I just finished a Nora Roberts book and really enjoyed it. I had high hopes for this novel. I have heard alot about what a great writer Deveraux is and how her books sell millions, so I picked up this one. I could not believe how boring this book was and how bland the characters were throughout the story.

This novel was written in 1980 and maybe her talent was not there yet (I never read Deveraux before) when she wrote this particular story. I didn't even finish this book, it moved to slow and had nothing to offer as far a plot is concerned.

So why not just one star. The history part of the story was accurate and gave a sense of the 1300-1400's and I like history. I have not given up on Deveraux, but I hope the next book I pick in better than this one.

I have read quite a few of Jude Deveraux's books and was sincerely disappointed in this one. I went off of everyone's majority of reviews on this site and was anticipating a good read. Unfortunately, I felt that the lady described in the book was a bit on the abused side, especially from the man that she loved. Although this is just my opinion, I like it better when the heroine is not hit by her lover and not told what she should be feeling. But if you like the simpering, defenseless types then you will sure enjoy this one.