Book Review: Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena

Once again Ms. DiPastena has created a medieval story rich in romance and intrigue.

Dangerous Favor

by Joyce DiPastena

• File Size: 1563 KB
• Print Length: 372 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007IX6UVA

Available in print format as well.

Genre:  Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

  

Book Description

Publication Date: January 17, 2012

Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.

Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?

Review: 

The story is set in 1181 in the periphery of the ever present Plantagenet jealousies, including power struggles between the brothers, Young King Henry and Richard, Duke of Aquitaine. The rising figure of William Marshall plays a part of the back drop for this tale.

Mathilde’s father has been accused of stealing from the Royal Wardrobe. Not only has his reputation been disgraced but he has lost most of his holdings over the years to a ruthless and ambitious neighbor, who was once betrothed to Mathilde. Mathilde has come into society with the goal of marrying a man who will help her prove her father’s innocence.  Of course it would be lovely if her hero is dashingly handsome and wealthy.

Etienne is the younger son of a father who was deemed a traitor. Etienne could serve his brother who has married a woman of wealth and lands (Illuminations of the Heart) but he is intent on making his own way and not being beholden to his brother. Etienne has only the winnings from tournaments unless he gains the hand and suitable dowry of a wealthy lady.

Etienne is smitten by Mathilde when they meet but unfortunately she has eyes only for Etienne’s best friend, Therri, a too handsome fellow whom Mathilde dubs “the Vision.” Etienne coaxes a satin ribbon from Mathilde to wear as a favor during the tournament. She didn’t mean to give up the token as it was lent by her brother who is absolutely furious that she has allowed a champion to claim it when she doesn’t even know his name!

Etienne is doing well during the tournament melee until he is attacked by three masked opponents demanding that he give up the ribbon. Although Etienne can’t understand why they are making a fuss over the token he refuses to let it go but holds fast to the ribbon even when he is beaten and shot.

Therri, who has a reputation as a womanizer is thwarted in his efforts to win the hand of Violette who is hosting the tournament to choose a husband. Violette’s spoiled stepdaughter has her mind set on Etienne even though he is not interested in her charms. The personality misunderstandings and conflict between the couples is frustrating but well played.

Ms. DiPastena has woven a romance that grows from gentle to fervent (passionate in a clean way) while danger and intrigue, as well as obstacles of practicality, circle the young couple.  This is the sort of story one expects to be song as a ballad of medieval intrigue, chivalry and love. The plot is extremely well crafted with likeable and annoying characters, and a mad, obsessed villain. There is plenty of action that keeps the story moving along at a good pace. I enjoyed the medieval setting and detail that intertwined the historical backdrop with the personal drama of the hero and heroine. If you like medieval romance with plenty of intrigue this is an author you shouldn’t miss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A couple of lovely quotes for you to enjoy:

Of all the erratic sensations he had thus far stirred in her, none of them prepared her of the scorching conflagration that exploded through her at his kiss. Location 1570.

It had been an empty, dangerous dream to expect Etienne or any man to come riding to her aid and restore her father’s honor. ...
[s]he had learned that in real life, sometimes the villain won. And sometimes the hero died.  Location 3125.

I received this from the author and her publisher, Leatherwood Press. Thank you.

I will include this on my ARC challenge list.

MBS Blogoversary #18 Spotlight Author Joyce DiPastena

SPOTLIGHT: AUTHOR JOYCE DIPASTENA

I met Joyce at The Sweetest Romance Author's Group where I won her first novel, Loyalty's Web which was one of  my early reviews when I started this blog.
Joyce writes mystery, adventure and "sweet" romance in the Middle Ages.


I had already set up an interview with Joyce before the Blogoversary event so this spotlight is a full interview rather than the two question format.

Q&A Interview with Joyce DiPastena, Author of Illuminations of the Heart

Q1. I note from your profile that you studied medieval history. Did you think then that you would write stories set in that time period?

A1. Actually, yes, that was definitely on my mind when I decided to major in history and take all the medieval history classes that I could find. I fell in love with the Middle Ages long before college. The book The Conquering Family (about the Plantagenet kings of England), by Thomas B Costain had been a huge influence on me as far back as junior high school. I had dabbled with writing a few medieval stories in high school, but my writing really took off when I went to college. I bought all the medieval history books I could find in the university bookstore, photocopied pages from medieval research books from the university library, and referred to all my medieval history text books for research to write my first complete medieval novel during my college years. So yes, I sort of had an ulterior motive when I decided to major in history in the first place. LOL!

That is pretty cool that you were able to pick a course of study with future writing in mind!

Q2. Do you think you might ever write any other genre(s)?

A2. In high school, I played around with a lot of different eras—the American Revolution, the English Regency, the Stuart kings of England, even some spin-offs from The Three Musketeers. But none of these eras ever held my interest long enough to see me through the completion of an entire book until I set one in the Middle Ages. I’ve been writing in that period ever since and don’t foresee switching anytime in the immediate future. Keep in mind, though, that the Middle Ages lasted for 1000 years, so there may be some other centuries within that time span I might play with someday. Time will tell.

They do say to write what you know and you seem to do well within that precept.

Q3. What most inspires your plots?

A2. A character that intrigues or touches me in some way. It’s the characters and their lives that fascinate me and keep me writing to find out what’s going to happen to them next…and how they will feel about it. I enjoy exploring their emotions, as well as the action aspects of the plot.

Yes, you do give your characters a fullness of emotions which keeps the reader engaged.

Q4.  When researching a book, have you ever found anything "hands on" or unusual required?

A2. Sadly, I haven’t had many opportunities for “hands on” research. I still dream of going to England someday and visiting the castles, seeing the landscape for myself, etc. But for now, I have to rely the excellent research books that are out there and my lively imagination.

I hope you do get to visit England someday. It is beautiful. I wouldn't mind doing more castles too.

Q5.  Since Siriol is an illustrator and Triston an artist do you have some side art talent that you pulled from for their characters?

A5. Hahahaha. I wish! Alas, I’m doing good if I can draw a recognizable stick figure. But I enjoy looking at art, so mostly I just drew from some beautiful reproductions of medieval manuscripts and other art found in books. Aren’t books a wonderful thing? What in the world would we do without them? (I hope we never have to find out!)

I agree- I wouldn't want to do without books to share!

Q.6. When you were writing Loyalty’s Web at what point did you decide to write a second book with some of the same characters?

A6. Pretty much at the moment when I typed “the end”. I just felt so sad for the situation I had left Triston in. I couldn’t foresee any happiness for him in the situation I had left him in at the end of the book. He wasn’t a bad person, just caught up in a tragic situation that had gone beyond his control. Something in me just tugged to find a way to give him a happy ending of his own. And so Illuminations of the Heart was born.

I'm glad you gave Triston his happy ending in this story.

Q7.  Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

A7. I never think about voice when I write a book. I only think about story. The voices of the characters just sound in my head while I’m writing, and whatever voice of my own comes out just does it on its own. After all these years, I recognize that my writing does have a voice that somehow emanates from “me”, but it’s not something I deliberately seek to “put there”. The characters and their story is everything when I write.

That is a good explanation for why the characters and plot flow so consistently and smoothly.

Stolen Christmas and Other Stories of the Season 

Q8.  What three words would you use to describe your writing?

A8. Oh, my, I’m not going to describe my writing for someone else. I’ve had some readers call my writing “lyrical”, but I’m sure for every reader who thinks that, there’s someone who thinks the opposite. Every reader is different, and I’ll let each of them decide for themselves how they respond to my writing.

Good (and safe) response. Okay I'll give my three words for the two books I have read:  rich, warm and full.

Q9.  What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

A9. I love to read, of course. I also enjoy playing the piano, and sometimes I even sing if no one but family is listening. I keep busy in my church. I watch too much TV and spend too much time on the internet…but who doesn’t these days? LOL!

We have similar hobbies except I don't play the piano and I watch very little TV. But lots of internet and reading - Yes!

Q10.  What writing projects are you currently working on?

A10. I’m polishing up a kind of dual romance for the characters of Etienne and Therri from Loyalty’s Web. I hope to submit that to my publisher soon. I have a romance for Acelet from Illuminations of the Heart on the back burner. And I’m dabbling with that first medieval manuscript I wrote back in college. It’s been fun to revisit it. The writing was very immature, but I still love the story. I have dreams of rewriting it into a good, workable novel, but that’s going to be a long term project. Wish me luck!

Joyce, I would say you make your own luck with your hard work. But I definitely wish you great success and I look forward to reading many more stories with your wonderful characters.
Thank you for sharing in interview and in my two year blogoversary!

Please visit Joyce at her links below.
For extra credit you can comment at one of her blog links or email her to say "Hi" and "Thank you" for the support and giveaway.
For additional credit comment on the review of Illuminations of the Heart or Loyalty's Web.

Joyce DiPastena

Loyalty's Web (2007 Whitney Award Finalist)

Illuminations of the Heart (past RWA Heart of the West winner; 2009 Whitney Award Finalist)

"An Epiphany Gift for Robin", featured in Stolen Christmas

Medieval Research with Joyce
Website

Blog

Facebook

A. Giveaway donated by Joyce:
Winner's choice of print copy of either of the two books; Kindle version available for an international winner.
B. I am adding my print copy of Loyalty's Web for Giveaway too- US only.

If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFlrU25WQjh1WHcwUHdMVzZwUG1UYmc6MA 
OPEN US ONLY FOR PRINT VERSION;  WORLDWIDE FOR KINDLE VERSION.
PLEASE ENTER WITH THIS FORM: 

Book Review: Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena

This is an engaging medieval romance.
Illuminations of the Heart (Historical Romance Novels)
By Joyce DiPastena

• Paperback: 425 pages
• Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (June 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935217267
• ISBN-13: 978-1935217268

     Genre: Historical Romance
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

"Clothilde." He spoke the name on a breath like a prayer. Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

Her heart is lost in that first embrace, her world is shaken to its foundations. There is just one problem; her name is not Clothilde. It is Siriol de Calendri. Trained in the art of illumination in the far-off city of Venice, Siri is directed by her late brother's will to the county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother's friend Sir Triston de Brielle. Once in Poitou, Siri hopes to find employment in an illuminator's shop - until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guild he carries for the death of his late wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife's shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri's face, all he sees is Clothilde.

Then Triston's past returns to threaten them both. Will his tragic life with Clothilde be repeated with Siri? Trapped between the rivalry of the king's sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. But how can he bear to lose her again?

Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman's shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint. But can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston's soul and make his heart beat for her alone?

Review:  This is a lovely, clean romance filled with plenty of action.

Siri travels from Vienna to Poitou in France to deliver herself to the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Triston.  Her traveling party is attacked by highway men shortly before arriving at their destination.  Then she is startled when her host kisses her in an “urgent caress.”  She is immediately attracted to the brooding Triston but dismayed to realize that his kiss was meant as a caress for his dead wife, Clothilde.  

Triston idolized his beautiful but unstable wife, Clothilde. He feels he caused her unhappiness and contributed to her accidental death. He has vowed to honor Clothilde forever and not to bed any other woman but his wife.  Although he is drawn to Siri it is hard for him to see past her striking resemblance to Clothilde.  He has a difficult time seeing Siri as the spirited and strong young woman she is.

Men are drawn to Siri’s beauty.  Triston’s young and foolish cousin, Acelet, becomes her ardent admirer.  Although he is supposed to be training to be a knight, it appears that he would rather dream of glory than work for it.  Triston’s neighbor and rival, Sir Raynor, charms Siri with his repeated attentions and overtures for reconciliation with Triston. It would be so much simpler if Siri could respond to this exuberant rogue but she is already lost in her reactions to Triston.  Then there is the arrogant, demanding brut, Lord Fauke, who is not beyond taking what he wants and who would love to ruin Triston’s family. 

Although Siri would love to make a family with Triston and his young, traumatized son, Perrin, she does not want to be a substitute for Clothilde.  Sadly it appears that Triston is so lost in his past vows that he could never love another even though there is a strong attraction to Siri. His solution is to force Siri into a suitable marriage as quickly as he can. Siri was trained in the arts of illumination and would like to find work rather than be remarried for convenience.

The story is filled with revenge and intrigue in the underlying battles between the vicious, lying and manipulative men who vie against each other for power and royal connections.  Siri is caught up in the intrigues as she struggles with her feelings for Triston. There is pain, fear and tenderness.  Triston is filled with confusion and guilt and distracted by his longings for Siri.  The romance is full of awareness but completely clean in its presentation.

The author does a wonderful job of portraying the medieval setting through visual and vocal details so you feel as though you are there.  The writing flows smoothly and the story and characters are consistent with their roles. Ms. DiPastena is an author who clearly takes time with her work and delivers a well-crafted and engaging story.

 xxx 

I was fortunate to win this book from a holiday party at The Sweetest Romance Authors blog.

I have the first book, Loyalty's Web, which I am offering as a giveaway along with Joyce's Blogoversary Spotlight Giveaway (next post).

Three Winners for Hearing From God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer

Title: HEARING FROM GOD EACH MORNING

This morning's devotional in Hearing From God Each Morning was wonderful and I was hoping to get time early today to post a bit about it. That didn't happen.  However in looking up the link in the Giveaway post I discovered that I had apparently not put the Giveaway up on the Sticky list and I had not yet selected winners.  SO my face is a bit red!

On the other hand - finding this deficiency is a perfect example of God's nudging! Today's page is titled:
"God Speaks Through Promptings".  If you would like, go to the Book Browse/Open book and type in February 18 for the search.  You can read the devotional and be reminded that God does speak to us to take certain actions, like praying for a need even if we don't fully know what it is.  He knows!

I briefly thought about extending the Giveaway another week but then decided that wouldn't be fair to those who entered timely.  So I went ahead and picked the three winners.  I do apologize to others who may have entered if they had seen the link on the list, but let me encourage anyone interested in getting this book to hunt down other contests at Hachette if any are still going on or break down and buy the book - you won't be sorry.  In fact I may have to buy one for my daughter because she wanted mine but it is helping me get a Bible verse read every day! :o)

CONGRATULATIONS TO 

#3. 

Image by Cool Text: Logo and Button Generator - Create Your Own

#9


and #4

I will e-mail the winners with the Hachette form to complete.

BTW- should anyone ever notice that I haven't posted a Giveaway in the Sticky note list or that I missed announcing winners ---- feel free to e-mail me, comment or otherwise "nudge" me!  *G*

Review of Loyalty's Web - A 5.0!

Title: Loyalty’s Web
Author: Joyce DiPastena
Genre: Historical Romance (Medieval)
Publisher: Leatherwood Press

Rating: 5.0 of 5.0
Heat Rating: Sweet
Author Website: Joyce DiPastena
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Buy Link: Loyalty's Web
ISBN: 9781599921235


Blurb: In twelfth century France, King Henry II of England has just finished quashing a rebellion by his power-hungry sons and now seeks to tame the lawless barons who supported them in this corner of his "Angevin empire." To this end, the king has sent the Earl of Gunthar as his royal representative to ensure that Prince Richard and his former cohorts faithfully adhere to the terms of the peace treaty.


Far from being welcomed with open arms, Gunthar no sooner steps foot in the county of Poitou than he is greeted by a series of assassination attempts. All appear to be linked to the former rebellious prince through the agents of the family and friends of young Heléne de Laurant. A clever, intrepid young woman, she realizes that the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin. Heléne races against time—and dark secrets of the past—to unmask the killer before the kingdom plunges back into war.


Fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction as Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor. But their blinding magnetism almost causes them to overlook an even deadlier threat from an entirely unexpected direction.

REVIEW:  This is a superbly written, action packed, “classic” medieval romance. I say “classic” as I see this in the tradition of the top historical romances I have read – rich in authentic details, descriptions, characters and plot.

I love Heléne’s character. She is smart, brave, humble, resourceful, and caring without being hysterically emotional. She is loyal to her family and friends and wants to protect her father, her sister and even her friend who is caught attacking Gunthar. She doesn’t faint or panic but rather takes a deep breath and manages to get done what has to be done! She has learned skills that most young ladies would not: she can read, she can shoot a bow and she has learned about herbs and healing. She is not rebelliously disobedient to her parents but she is not going to let them “sell” her in marriage to a man she has not even met. She may not be the physical beauty in the family, but she is beautiful in character. Heléne thinks Gunthar is cold and ruthless at first, but their impassioned confrontations ultimately lead to an attraction that surprises and distresses her since he is to be betrothed to her reluctant sister. Heléne wants to trust him but fears she must keep her secrets because of his narrow minded view of “traitors” which allows no mercy.

Gunthar is a great character also. He definitely fits the expectations of a King’s trusted knight and representative. He is big, powerful in presence, and a skilled warrior and strategist. He believes in honor, loyalty and duty. He is pretty stubborn and obstinate in his attitude towards traitors, taking the usual position of a medieval knight that if a member of a family is guilty then, in addition to death to the traitor, the whole family is stripped of title and lands, even if it means putting the women and children out to fend for themselves. He doesn’t believe in love and certainly doesn’t lose control of his fierce demeanor… at least he didn’t before he tangled with the spirited Heléne!

The plot is wonderfully full of tension, from the very first page until the end, with blackmail, murder, and secrets tangled up with political intrigues. Although it is obvious there are several conspirators and spies, there are red herrings and twists that make it difficult to determine for sure who the enemies are, especially since more than one party wants Gunthar dead.

The author clearly did her research on the time period and the writing is wonderfully authentic to the setting. The romance is sweet and balanced well with the action elements of the book. This book is a page turner that keeps you anxious to know what happens, but then I was sorry to come to the end. I will definitely be looking forward to more wonderful books from Ms. DiPastena. Thanks for a great read!

xxx

This book was supplied by the author for an unbiased review.

This is my Tuesday R&R review at SaSR.

I have also linked this review to Book Review Wednesdays where you can find lots of other linked reviews. Right click on the badge to take you to the site in another window or tab! Thank you, Cym Lowell.