Customer Reviews

If I Had You

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The upside to "If I Had You" is that the latest installment of the de Piaget saga is a relatively strong one. The downside is that its strength doesn't come into play until the last 180 pages of the novel. The first 250 pages of the book are redundant and exasperating, with misunderstandings and miscommunications being used far too often (and over silly things) to keep Anne and Robin apart.

There are several positive aspects to "If I Had You". Speculation that arose in "Another Chance to Dream" concerning Robin's heritage is laid to rest, making this novel worth reading for that aspect of it alone. The love relationship between the protagonists is heart-warming and endearing, and the story line contains Kurland's usual witticisms and humorous dialogue. The negative aspect of the book, and the reason I can't give it more than a 3, is that all of the aforementioned positive aspects occur in the last 180 pages.

"If I Had You" is an entertaining read, but there is no question that Kurland is capable of better.

(sexual content G = love scenes, but no description of consummations)

Anne of Fenwyck has loved her foster brother, Robin de Piaget, since they were children. Robin was smitten himself when he first laid eyes on her, and boys being boys, he put a frog down her dress to show his affection. When they were younger, the two of them had been as close as could be, but because of an act of humiliation Robin felt so profound, he kept himself and his heart away from Anne for fear that she would find him lacking. As soon as he could, he went off to war, determined to forget Anne, and prove himself.

Robin has grown up to become a most fierce and feared knight and has stayed away for five long years yet when he learns that Anne's father is husband-hunting he rushes home before it is too late. Proficient in war, but unskilled in wooing his surliness soon works to a distinct disadvantage as he tries to get on Anne's good side.

Knowing Robin's heart better than he knows himself, his brother Nicolas and his very strong-willed and domineering grandmother set out to bring a bit of chivalry to this fearsome knight! As if Robin didn't have enough on his plate trying to woo his lady, there is an evil plot afoot to take Anne from him before he ever makes her his.

I have to credit Kurland with creating a most beautiful and enjoyable love story. I absolutely adored the love and warmth portrayed by the sibling rivalries of this loving de Piaget family. It was both hilarious and touching to `feel' the love and tenderness between these siblings as they beat on each other whether it be with words or fists. Her portrayal of Robin so manly and strong, yet so boyishly awkward when trying to woo Anne was nothing short of brilliant. Kurland draws you in and makes you one of the family, and I can hardly wait to for the next family reunion. Highly entertaining and heartwarming, this book will retain a space on my keeper shelf.

Geoffrey Fenwick wants his daughter Anne married immediately. Though she has no takers due to her crippled leg, Geoffrey feels her large dowry should prove enough incentive to complete the deed. While visiting Artane, a fortress that Anne loves, Geoffrey makes it clear that Anne will marry soon. Anne only wants Robin, the heir to Artane, but he has hidden from her as if he is ashamed of her appearance.

Robin has just returned home after fighting overseas, a place he hid after suffering a humiliation in front of his beloved Anne. He wants to tell Anne he loves her, but cannot find the words. Instead, he is harsh with her, making it even more difficult to tell her he loves her. Complicating matters is a plot to kill Anne, Robin, and his siblings.

Lynn Kurland always provides her audience with an exciting tale and her latest medieval romance, IF I HAD YOU, will enhance her reputation. The story line is crisp, fast-paced, and provides much insight into early twelfth century life. Though readers will have no empathy for the inept Robin, the audience will root for Anne and Robin's siblings to succeed. Overall, sub-genre fans will enjoy this warm historical romance.

Harriet Klausner

I have been sporadically reading Kurland's books for a while now, and have been getting them all out of order. I just now finally got to Robin and Anne's tale, although I've already read all of the subsequent books - and overall, it was delightful to finally hear how the two found each other.

Kurland writes some of the sweetest romance stories I have ever read, and "If I Had You" is no exception. Her characters are sublimely human, flawed with self-doubts and lots of angst, which should be hard to read but never really is. I was completely caught up in the story here, wondering when Robin was finally going to accept his feelings for Anne and sort out his relationships with his family. The plot synopsis written above the editorials really does sum up the storyline, which is a little sparse for the 433 pages it takes to tell it, which seems to be a Kurland signature. Her books are incredibly character-driven and intricate, with the actual plot of the story coming in third, behind the characters and the historical details.

The tale is very engrossing and sweet, which you don't normally find in most of the historical romance books published these days. It wasn't until after I finished the book that I thought about what I didn't like. I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer that gave the romance a "G" rating - there literally is no sex in this book. It is alluded to, but the characters go from having one kiss and determining that they are going to consummate their relationship, to waking up the next morning and looking back fondly on the events of the night before. It's a little strange, and after finishing the book, I think Kurland did her readers a disservice by not giving us at least a small glimpse into Robin and Anne's bedroom. However beautifully written, this is a sanitized love story and leaving out that aspect of their relationship makes the characters seem a little untouchable. While other romance books are full of highs and lows between the characters, this story really is full of middles.

Overall, this was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and I don't regret buying the book. I probably won't read it again, simply because I never really made an attachment with the characters beyond what was written, but I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for romance that is sweet, tender and not particularly involving.

I am a big fan of Lynn Kurland, and so was very excited to see a new installment arriving in stores. I wasn't dissappointed. I think the story is great, and after reading all of her other books, I was happy to learn more about Robin and Anne's story. I really love how she connects all the books together, and I hope she continues. It made me go back through all my other books to review what happened to their parents and their children. I look forward to more great reads with her; I have never been dissapointed!

Lynn Kurland manages to erase time and create an atmophere so realistic, that you'll hate to put the book down and rejoin the 21st Century. The beauty of Kurland's writing is in her characters. As in "This is All I Ask," Kurland presents a hero and heroine whose flaws are what create their beauty. Anne's leg, considered a weakness by her father, inspires respect for Anne's courage from Robin. Robin's own demons, which are not as visible, prove to be the catalist for his tender love for Anne. Despite their own inhibitions, they learn that the past can only be the past, but the future still lies ahead. Throughout the book, you'll find yourself carried away on a flight of emotions ranging from frustration at the two for their own stubborness to communicate, to laughter at the witty dialogue and skilled descriptions of the lessons in wooing, to warmth from the unflawed glow of family love. It's a journey that, although mainly character driven, keeps you flipping pages until you find the story has ended. Or has it. Kurland is an expert at presenting secondary characters that could easily hold their own in another novel. Robin's brothers and sisters are so well defined, that the reader knows there's more to come. I would adore an entire novel about Nicholas and Amanda, as well as a novel that expands on Jason's declaration. You'll find yourself feeling as though you're part of the family. Whether it's the intrigue as to the murder attempts, the continuation of a family we've grown to love, or the awkward courtship and resulting blossoming of true love, Kurland has created yet another masterpiece. For that reason, I have to disagree with other reviewers. The closed door romance is ideal for these books. Consider the era to understand the true effect a kiss can have on a young woman. Sometimes love is a coming together that can't be shared with anyone by means of words. This is a romance novel in the truest and purest sense of the word. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Kurland's work!

I liked this book, but one thing really got me was that we learned about the relationship of the main characters through memories. I think the characters would have developed much more smoothly if the author had allowed us to see their adolescent relationship. I really liked Robin's half-brother and am avidly awaiting his own story!

I hardly ever give 5 stars, so 4 is a very good book! This was a very sweet and engaging story. I felt compassion for the characters and wanted to read as much about them as I could. This was the second Lynn Kurland book I read. I picked it up without realizing that it was the prequel(of sorts) to the first one I read. I liked finding out the story of Robin and Anne who were both strong-willed and likeable characters. Despite their stubbornness, you liked them anyway! The story was suspenseful and interesting with a different turn at every chapter. Very enjoyable read!

I do love Lynn Kurland's books, and I was excited to get this one. However, I have spent some time being frustrated because the hero and the heroine take entirely too long to smooth things out. I like Robin, as heros go, but geez, he spent too much time hurting Anne. Of course, when they finally do patch it up and get together, it relieves the frustration, but I hope Ms. Kurland doesn't allow any more characters to spend this much time getting together.

I enjoyed this book from the beginning, but the last half was definitely my favorite part! As I sat in my living room reading this last part, I began to snicker to myself, then chortle, then laugh out loud! At that, my family asked my to please take my book to the bedroom, because they couldn't hear themselves think! The scenes where Robin is being "civilized" are so hilarious!