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5.0 out of 5 stars
Bloodstone Castle - Beautiful story and great characters, October 20, 2008
In a haze of blood and death, Morena Monterossa, daughter of the Count of Portovenere, enters the world. As her mother Vittoria's lifeblood ebbs, she wills her daughter a precious keepsake; a bloodstone pendant passed from mother to daughter. The pendant is the key to an ancient Roman treasure, buried somewhere in the count's castle.
So begins Mirella Patzer's recent release, Bloodstone Castle. Ms. Patzer transports her readers to the medieval Italian states, where Amoro Dragone vows to fulfill a deathbed promise he's sworn to his murdered father. But there's a problem with his plan - his intended bride Morena Monterossa is the daughter of a long-time rival, betrothed from childhood to Ernesto Boccanera, the Duke of Savona. Despite Amoro's determination, Morena is very clear about her unwillingness to break the betrothal pact. But her suitor isn't so easily swayed. He lays siege to her castle and her heart.
Morena must choose between the duty which binds her to the past and the promise of love that beckons in Amoro's eyes. She travels with him to Genoa, to the safety and comfort of Amoro's familial estate. But the continued presence of Amoro's spurned lover, Laria, threatens her hope of life with Amoro. And while Morena and Amoro make their bid for happiness, Ernesto of Savona plots to have his way. He has not forgotten his betrothal contract. Desperate and determined, he'll do anything to have Morena and the famed hidden treasure beneath her father's castle.
Morena is not immune to Amoro's confident charm and he is enthralled by her beauty and daring. His seductive kisses and touch tempt her to surrender but she chafes against his protective nature. She defies him in an act of rebellion and finds herself the prisoner of Ernesto. Amoro and Ernesto challenge in each other in a contest of wills, where Amoro risks his very life for honor's sake and his love of Morena. Cruel Ernesto keeps the lovers apart, until an unlikely ally changes all their fortunes.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Lady Rosalie Skinner, Fantasy Author.. reviews Bloodstone Castle, August 28, 2008
From the prologue, Mirella Patzer creates the atmosphere of 10th century Italy, with all the tension and emotion of childbirth. In the opening chapters we begin to understand the drama of life in those times. Death, marriage and family loyalty are themes that play a large part in this story.
Duke Amoro Dragone the handsome hero, is told that his father's dying wish is for the feud between the house of Dragone and the house of Monterossa, to end. His father wishes for Amoro to marry Morena Monterossa the only daughter of the family who own Bloodstone Castle. That the two families have been feuding for three generations does not deter Amoro in his quest to win Morena's love.
There is of course a fly in the ointment, or the story would be short and sweet. Before his death, Morena's father promised her hand to Ernesto of Savona. Morena knows of this betrothal and would honour her father's wishes. While reluctant to accept the advances of Amoro, Morena finds herself charmed and confused by his attention.
Should she follow her heart, or follow her father's wishes? Is Ernesto's claim valid? Or is he only after the treasure that legend says is buried beneath Bloodstone Castle.
With two father's murdered both Amoro and Morena are intent on finding their killers. Amid a tempestuous romance, betrayal, murder, rape and torture, Mirella Patzer weaves a tale filled with intrigue, passion and power. Her characters search their souls for an answer to the predicament they find themselves in. Despite devotion, love and ultimate sacrifice will Destiny bring them together or will Ernesto's original betrothal keep them apart? Bloodstone Castle explores the depth of passions and how they dictate behaviour. Passion, love and lust all play a part as this tale unfolds.
I would recommend Bloodstone Castle for anyone looking for a romantic trip back in time. Amoro's loyalty binds him to his father's dying wish, but he remains thoroughly heroic. Morena matures from a virtuous maid to a passionate woman who discovers her own mind and is not afraid to express her opinions. The villain is devious and dastardly enough to satisfy any reader.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Bloodstone Castle, August 9, 2008
Bloodstone Castle by Mirella Patzer
Medieval Italy is a setting I am unfamiliar with but this didn't stop me from enjoying this well written and researched book. Ms Patzer obviously has a love of, and special knowledge of Italy in those times, because it shows up in her writing. Her descriptions of the clothing and surrounds of the period weave a rich tapestry that draws you into the story and keeps you enthralled.
Amoro is a gallant hero, Morena a brave and beautiful heroine. The dungeon scenes were particularly gripping, so realistic I could almost hear the vermin scurrying across the stone floors, feel the damp seeping into my bones.
Ernesto, the villian was brought to life in all his evil madness.
This story has everything the reader of an historical romance craves, love, beauty, hidden treasure, castles, evil and betrayal. If you don't read this powerful and emotive story, you will have missed something special.
Margaret Tanner
Published author
http://www.margarettanner.com/
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