Well, I've finished it. Karen Tabke's medieval romance, Master of Surrender. Wow, what a great read, and a wonderful reminder of how much I love medievals. It's also a fresh take on that genre. No 'light knights' here, folks. Alpha all the way. Sometimes I was a bit put off by Rohan's handling of Isabel, the heroine, but then he would redeem himself and I'd be in lust...er love...with him once more. Definitely, this series is a pull away from light and fluffy, and dare I say, PC medievals. It's very true to the times, which were dark and turbulant. The men are quite agressive, a bit sexist, but ultimately come to heel by the power of the woman.....as is only right in a romance! lol!
The sexual tension was definitely steaming, and while I wouldn't fully agree that there is a strong parallel between Tabke's knights and Ward's vampires, I will reserve the right to say in future, that it's a definite possibility.
What I really liked is that she's given us a band of brothers--all dark, tortured knights, with teasing glimpses into many of them. With the first book, I can't say any, besides Rohan, really stood out to me (and really, that's the way it should be, it is Rohan's book) but the two who had me wondering, and wishing to learn more, were Wulfson (Wulf) and Warner....I understand Wulson's book is next.
The only nit I have is that there was the occasional use of a modern word that temporarily pulled me out of the story. Was it a major thing? Well, not really. It didn't cause me to want to throw the book at the wall or anything, but it did make me think...'hmm, too modern'. But I kept reading it and enjoying it, so really the point is moot. Besides, I'm not a historical purist in any sense. I prefer to read for the enjoyment of the experience, and Tabke, definitely gave me something to gratify my sexy medieval craving.
So, if you like hot alpha men, traditional dark medievals, and lots of REALLY good sexual tension, than Master of Surrender by Karen Tabke is for you. I've pre-ordered Wulf's story, so you know it's gotta be good......
