The King's Pleasure (Zebra Books) [Paperback]

Shannon Drake (Author)

Book Description

Series: Zebra Books | Publication Date: April 1, 1998

Danielle D'Aville, the ward of Edward III, was sworn to obey the King's order to marry her enemy Adrien MacLachlan, the legendary Scot who masterminded the fall of Danielle's beloved home, Aville. Suddenly she was the arrogant knight's reluctant wife, pledged to a marriage neither desired. But swept off to his castle in the Scottish highlands, and into his strong embrace, Danielle was soon possessed by a raging passion for the husband she had vowed to despise.

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821758578
• ISBN-13: 978-0821758571
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Okay Read, May 17, 2000

By 

Tina "tinaellorascave" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The King's Pleasure (Zebra Books) (Paperback)

I'm not really sure what to make of Shannon Drake. After reading "Beneath a Blood Red Moon" I thought she was fabulous. After reading "Blue Heaven, Black Knight" I thought she was awful. After reading "The King's Pleasure" I'm sort of leaning toward the fact that she's a good writer, but she won't ever be one of my favorite authors.

"The King's Pleasure" was well written. If you're a history buff, you will no doubt love this book. I am not a history buff. I think fans of historical romance fall into two different categories: those who love rich, detailed accounts of history woven all throughout the novel, and those of us who enjoy the setting but don't wish to read a dissertation on medieval life. I am definitely of the latter group. I love the settings provided by historical authors, but I don't care to read blow by blow accounts of a particular battle any more than I would want a blow by blow account of a modern battle while reading a contemporary novel. So I found myself glossing over the majority of this book.

The next problem I had with this novel was that the heroine was stubborn to the point of ridiculousness (a common attribute of all Drake's heroines). Because of some vague, obscure vow she made to her mother on her deathbed, she chose to betray her husband and father repeatedly to keep it. Who would do this in real life? It was too far-fetched and aggravating.

The last reason I found this novel less than compelling was because I simply don't enjoy her style of writing. Drake uses exclamation points after every other sentence which, after awhile, has the same effect as writing all in caps throughout the entire book. Exclamation points were used to the point of ridiculousness. Even if the heroine was whispering, whatever she said seemed to warrant an exclamation point to Drake's way of thinking. It got to be too much.

If you enjoy Drake in general, you will probably love this book. If you enjoy a lot of conflict between the hero and heroine and tons and tons of "rich, historical detail" (a phrase used by critics I've since come to steer clear of), you will like this book. If you don't fall into the above categories, save your money.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Richly Spun Tale of History--Mediocre Romance, December 28, 2000

By 

Kat K. Munro (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The King's Pleasure (Zebra Books) (Paperback)

This book is an engaging and entertaining example of historical fiction. I found the romance portion of the book to be quite frustrating. The flaws, though, did not detract overmuch from the fantastic writing. This book is well researched, and that effort shines through! It meanders through the lives of mother and daughter and their complicated ties with the warring Kings of France and England. The accounts of their lives was richly detailed. The battles, the fortifications, the painful reality of medieval warfare were explored. I found the history angle to be one of the strongest of any "historical romance" I've encountered of this period. HOWEVER...(and there is a big "however")

The romance between Danielle D'Aville and Adrien MacLachlan was a bit forced. She is French and rallies for their cause while Adrien is one of England's champions. The money, titles, and land that he receives by marrying the wretchedly stubborn Danielle more than make up for it. They fight, spit, and hate each other for a span of nearly 6 years. (Which to a reader seems nearly as long in real time.) During that time, they both discover they are in love with each other (and things take a turn for the better)..despite the fact that Adrien's method of discipline and control centers around rape. This author offended me greatly with her casual use of rape in the book. The two women to suffer so are portrayed as struggling with their desire by the end of the assault. Excuse me? What tripe. Luckily the book progresses beyond its stumbling blocks to develop into an intriguing historical tale.

Kudos on the cover art. Tasteful outer cover with a good attempt at "good" romance art. No caked on harlot-blue eyeshadow on the heroine, no half-shed clothing. Though I've never seen a Scotsman who looked like that.

Overall? Give it a shot if you are enchanted by the age of chivalry. The romance isn't very satisfying, but the background makes up for it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Avid Historical Romance Reader from NJ, March 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The King's Pleasure (Zebra Books) (Paperback)

I have read almost every period novel written by Shannon Drake/Heather Graham. I put off reading The King's Pleasure based on the other reviewer's comments that the characters fought and the stress and tension in the book was constant. Boy am I ever sorry I let those comments keep me from reading what is by far one the best stories I've read in awhile-and I read alot! The fact that the characters meet when she is a child, half the battles are pranks. These two characters are as honest and caring towards each other, as is possible, while maintaining their own loyalties. Please if you enjoy Shannon Drake then run, don't walk and get your hands on this book. Its a fast read two days at most and you won't be disappointed.