Customer Reviews

Vow of Deception

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I enjoyed my second foray into the Knights of the Crusade series just as much as I did the first. Rand and Rose were secondary characters in the first, and I was quite looking forward to their story. Rose was an interesting heroine....abused by her first husband, she was wary of getting close to another man. And then there was the mystery surrounding the death of her abuser husband. I really liked Rand in the first book, and he was even better here. I hope Ms. Johnson continues with this series.

Angela Johnson has another gem on her hands with Vow of Deception. Dramatic, passionate and endearing, this novel is a great read!

Sir Rand Montague is an honorable knight always seeking to serve King and country, even if he may not agree with the request. When he is ordered to escort Rosalyn Harcourt back to court so the King may arrange her next marriage, Rand must obey even if he knows marriage is the last thing Rosalyn desires. Rosalyn's late husband was very cruel to her and she wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her days taking care of her lands and her son, but she must obey the King's orders and return with Rand.

When they arrive at court, Rosalyn discovers she is to marry Sir Golan in two days. When Golan attacks Rosalyn before their wedding, Rand steps in determined to protect Rosalyn and marry her instead. Marriage will not solve all of their problems, though. Both Rosalyn and Rand have insecurities they refuse to share with one another and both have enemies that refuse to leave them alone. Secrets and suspicions are weighing heavily on both of them, not to mention the passion they never expected to feel for one another.

Vow of Deception had edge of your seat drama that made the book irresistible. The plot line was complex and intriguing, yet fascinating and romantic. Very early on, you will find a point in which you are unable to stop reading this novel until you finish it. Throughout the book, the pace moves quickly and has an emotionally intense ending. It is a story which lures you in, gives you everything and once it ends, you couldn't ask for more.

The main characters in this romance were enthralling. Both the hero and heroine were complex and damaged by events in their past. You could form a true sympathy and relation with their struggles because Johnson outlines it all perfectly. It certainly isn't a simple relationship to move through so be prepared for the intense journey of discovery as both characters fight their way through their insecurities. Rand and Rosalyn have a relationship that is developed with great care and gentility that any romance fan would adore. You also have villains that are dangerous and despicable but increase the overall appeal of the drama within the story. Overall, the novel has an amazing cast of characters with great chemistry and perfect dialogue.

You will certainly be able to enjoy Vow of Deception without reading Johnson's debut novel Vow of Seduction. The characters from the previous novel make an appearance in this story, but it isn't so complex that the reader would be lost starting with the second novel. Yet the richness of the relationships between all the characters, and their past, would be strengthened by having read the first novel.

This certainly isn't a lush fairytale story, but a more realistic tale for this time period and setting. It deals with vengeful enemies, power struggles, arranged marriages, unexpected romance and treachery. The ending justifies the emotional journey and makes it a worthwhile and wonderful read. Vow of Deception has fantastic characters, thrilling drama, vivid descriptions and a romance worth dying for. This novel is an absolutely delightful read, one that you should not pass up.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Heat Level: 3/5

Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter

Secrets, feelings of guilt, and traumatic experiences keep Rosalyn Harcourt, Lady Ayleston and Sir Rand Montague from acknowledging their feelings for each other, until....

Rose, once bubbling with a zest for life, hides her beauty in drab widow's attire. Her heart is cold and hard from her deceased husband, Bertram's abuse. She despises a man's touch. The humiliation, degradation, physical and emotional abuse drove her to docile obedience in order to survive and to protect her little son Jason. After Bertram's death, she gains full custody of Jason and for two years manages and improves Castle Ayleston and its holdings. Once again, she can openly function as a healer and study her treasured books that give her insight, wisdom, and guidance. Rose's strength in the face of colossal challenges makes her a memorable heroine. How far she goes to protect her little Jason shows a mother's love that has no bounds.

Edward I, in his greed for more riches (which Sir Golan offers) plus his wanting stronger control of his position near the Welsh Marches, prompts him to grant Sir Golan the wardship of Ayleston Castle and all its holdings plus Rose for a wife--of course, he does all of this under the guise of protection from the rebellious Welsh.

Sir Rand Montague, who has a past history with Rose and her family, goes to bring Rose to court so she can be informed of her new situation. Loyal to Edward I and believing Sir Golan will be suitable for Rose, Rand follows the king's orders to not tell Rose anything. However, as the drama unfolds at court, Rand sees the dark, cruel, bullying side of Golan and recognizes Edward for the arrogant despot he can be at times. Rand identifies with the powerlessness Rose feels. He remembers how powerless he had been in the past when he so desperately wanted to rectify things. He denies that he loves Rose, but vows to do every thing possible to save her from another abusive husband. Even though flawed, he is a hero to the core.

The secondary characters have important roles in the unfolding of the plot. The three-year-old Jason plays a unique part in events. Lydia, once Bertram's mistress, and Sir Golan create terrifying conflicts that set off pulse-pounding actions. Driven by their own inner-demons, they prove to be powerful and conniving antagonists. Other, less visible, foes threaten to defeat Rose and Rand as they work to outmaneuver Edward and Golan.

The horrors of her marriage to Bertram make Rose terrified of having another husband, even her long-time friend Rand. She is drawn to him but cannot seem to get passed the emotional pain and trauma she has suffered. On the other hand, Rand feels if he admits to loving her, something bad will happen to her as it has to all others that have been dear to him. These intangible foes hamper their finding what they both long for in their marriage, but abiding love, strong and true, wiggles its way in slowly but surely with ever-growing strength. The good fortune and misfortune that beset Rose and Rand makes Vow of Deception a mesmerizing vicarious adventure for the reader.

Using subtle and often ominous undercurrents that threaten to swamp the hero and heroine, Angela Johnson enchants with an incredible love story while weaving in events of history that add a realness to the spellbinding Vow of Deception.

Originally posted at The Long and Short of It ROmance Reviews

In 1276 England, Lady Rosalyn Ayleston understands the meaning of the death of her abusive husband, Lord Bertram; as instead of being under his nastiness she will now be subject to King Edward's mercurial temperament. The monarch will select her mate though her choice is a left alone widow raising her son Jason and working her estates Ayleston Castle. Before a new husband is chosen, she decides on a vow of chastity to thwart the King.

King Edward sends loyal knight Sir Rand Montague to escort his childhood friend Rose to court. Rand, who has vowed not to marry, changes his mind when he finds out cruel Lord Golan will wed Rose. He proposes to Rose who accepts with the stipulation their nuptial remains a marriage of convenience though they once shared an incredible night of passion. As they fall in love, war against the Welsh heats up and Golan plots to destroy the pair for the humiliation he received when they wed.

The second medieval Vows romance (see Vow of Seduction) is an entertaining historical as King Edward I proves to be a failure at matchmaking. The story line is fast-paced from the moment the monarch sends his trusted knight to retrieve the widow. Although Golon is a weak bullying adversary even compared to his partner, fans will enjoy this suspense laden journey to love.

Harriet Klausner