The book, Discipline That Develops Self-Discipline, is a great guide for not only first year teachers, but those teachers that have exhausted every means to have a nondisruptive classroom where learning can take place. Hunter elaborates on her strategies for changing behavior. She focuses on research based theory and teaches principles that produce effective classroom behavior. Students become in charge of their own behavior. Positive reinforcement is used to strengthened the desired behavior.

Hunter's book is filled with situations and how to deal with each one. The book ends with a Reinforcement Theory Self Test. As a classroom teacher of middle school students that want to enter the room like a tornado or blurt out, I plan to use Hunter's reinforcement theory.

Fredric Jones has done it again. He shows educators outstanding instructional techniques in a clear and detailed fashion. Difficult math concepts that I couldn't get children to master in months, I now can do in weeks. His ideas for helping children are a must read for any educator. This is the best book I've seen on improving instruction in the classroom.

A country and western song I listen to goes: "I'm in a hurry to get things done, I rush and rush until life's no fun..." If this describes your life as well, read Madeline Hunter's By Arrangement. I guarantee the first 100-150 pages will make you relax, enjoy and savor the wonderful moments you get to spend with the hero - David de Abyndon. He is described as physically beautiful but it's his quiet, simple, straightforward way of speaking and acting that will SLOW. YOU. DOWN. I don't know how to describe the scenes he was in - they were relaxing but exciting. Lazy but sexy. He's so enjoyable: he steals the show. That's not a bad thing. His bride/wife/heroine Christiana (isn't that a beautiful name?) plays a big part,of course. The romance is about both of them but it is clearly David's book. Even though the book had that lazy charm, it moved along quickly. I read it in a day and a half. The inside cover art is very true to the novel - dark, handsome David with his "Snow White" beautiful Christiana. All in all, a 5 star PLUS book. Very, very highly recommended.

Readers who know my reviews from The Romance Reader are aware that I am not fond of the current trend of using history merely as "wallpaper" for the story. Having cut my teeth on Roberta Gellis' well researched and well written romances, I like my historical romances to have real history. Well BY ARRANGEMENT fits my requirements.

Set against the early years of the 100 Years War, this novel deals with the intrigues and the machinations of the English and the French, as well as the actions of Edward III.

But however much I like the history in BY ARRANGEMENT, it is the love story that makes this book special. Christiana Fitzwaryn, after a romantic indiscretion, is informed that she is to marry the merchant David de Abyndon. She wants her prospective fiance to withdraw from the marriage; she is in love with someone else, or so she thinks. But David refuses. There is more to this marriage than a social climbing merchant's desire to marry a baron's daughter.

David sets out to woo Christiana away from her knight. And what a wooing. David is one cool hero. He is handsome, intelligent, sexy, and more than a little bit devious. He has his own agenda. Christiana finds herself attracted against her will. She also grows up as she comes to terms both with her feelings for David and her immature crush on an unworthy suitor.

Truth in advertising requires me to admit that Madeline Hunter is a friend of mine and that I have been in love with David for four years, ever since I read BY ARRANGEMENT in manuscript form. But I truly believe that I would have given this story a five star rating, whoever the author is.

It's a wonderful HISTORICAL romance.

This book is fantastic I totally enjoyed this book from begining to end. The scene is set in medievil times. Lady Christian is a daughter of a dead nobleman. She and her brother are taken in by King Edward when their parents were killed in a battle. King Edward has made arrangements for Lady Christina is to marry David a local merchant (for the kings own reasons). Lady Christina doesn't want to marry the merchant, for she thinks she is in love with an other nobleman and tries to get out of the arrangement by all means, to no avail the wedding takes place and Lady Christina learns a great deal about her merchant. The romance is intensive and the passion is there from the start. Pay attention to David and his character.David does not lie to Lady Christina but wants to see if she loves him for who she thinks he is,a merchant. You will cheer for the couple to over come any obsticles in their way.I could not put this book down, This is the first book I have read by Madeline Hunter and I will read many others. I hated to see this book end. This book is well written by a wonderful author who knows a womens desire. I would recommend this book to any one who loves to read a good romance novel. Excellent!

As a romance reader with "peasant" tastes, I looked forward to reading By Possession, the second in a trilogy of stand-alone medieval romances with some trepidation. The reviewer who raved about the first title (By Arrangement) at the site I publish, All About Romance, has far more sophisticated romance taste buds than I - what if I wasn't "up" to the book? Well, that worry was for naught; author Hunter makes 14th century England come alive in a manner few authors have done for me. For all the historical richness of the story, the romantic aspect is never lost, and the poignancy of the seemingly untenable love between scarred knight Addis de Valence and serf-born Moira Falkner is truly touching. By Possession is a medieval romance brimming with romance, intrigue, and excitement. It should well satisfy not only readers who demand a high level of historical accuracy, but readers who look to historical romance to learn about history.

TTFN, Laurie Likes Books

Publisher, All About Romance

In my opinion 'By Possession' is the most powerful of Madeline 'Hunter's works. As with her other novels, this one is set again in the Middle Ages, e.g. early fourteenth century England. The qualities which mark her work in general are even more evident here: rich historical detail, thorough research, three-dimensional story and characters (with the appropriate sensibilities). 'By Possession' is by no means a lightweight novel, since it tackles issues of freedom and possession, thus providing the reader with a really meaty read.

In an intelligent manner Madeline Hunter deals with the intense, passionate love of baron Addis de Valence and his bondswoman Moira, who have known each other since childhood. Addis,on returning to England after the Baltic Crusade and captivity in foreign lands, is deeply scarred and finds only peace with Moira. He will do everything to keep her near him and ruthlessly overrides her claims to freedom (which are supported by law).

As with 'By Arrangement' Ms. Hunter's refreshing treatment of love bridging the socialo classes is different and intelligent. The reason this novel delivers so well, is because of its extraordinary strong heroine and hero. Moira's and Addis's chemistry is brilliantly and beautifully described, they are truly the moving forces of this story.

As for the other characters, by way of the stone mason Rhys, with whom Moira forms a true and lasting friendship, the author introduces a very interesting supporting character. Rhys's story is told in 'By Design' which also features Moira and Addis as supporting characters.

Like many reviewers, I read Madeline Hunter's first historical, By Arrangement. I really enjoyed that book and looked forward to the next two books - By Possession is the first of the two, and is truly exceptional. Ms. Hunter does her research on the period, so the political and social backdrop is realistic. But more importantly, she creates characters that we (as 21st century readers) can relate to, but are not 21st century people. I know that sounds rather convoluted...I've read a lot of medievals in the last few months, and many have characters that are quite contemporary. Moira and Addis seem to be very much a product of their times - which means you may not like how they act all the time (especially Addis), but it makes for a more realistic story. I actually wondered (at points) how the book would end - and lets face it, you rarely do have questions about how romance stories are going to end, do you? Ultimately, the story was incredibly powerful. Addis and Moira create such a synergy. I look forward to the next book, By Design, where we get to see how things turn out for Rhys, a character that was introduced in this book. This book is a great read!

After reading some of the less-than-enthusiastic reviews given here, I am compelled to write in defense of Madeline Hunter's newest book By Design. I loved both of her previous books and this one is JUST AS GOOD. As much as I enjoyed Moira and Addis' story in By Possession, I was fascinated by Rhys, the mason who tried to woo Moira, and was thrilled that he would be the hero of the next book. In this story, Joan and Rhys have fabulous chemistry - their initial physical attraction, their mutual artistic talents, then the slow building of caring and friendship which eventually leads to love and beyond. I say "beyond" because they truly achieve the state we all wish for in our romance heroes and heroines ( as well as ourselves): a merging of souls so that two people become one. Joan and Rhys were not "wooden" as one reviewer said: they were slow, deep and unified in their actions and feelings towards each other. By Design is a thoroughly satisfying medieval love story. It's right up there with the high standards set by Patricia Ryan (Secret Thunder, Sun and the Moon), Julie Garwood (The Wedding), Susan Carroll (Bride Finder) and Judith McNaught (Kingdom of Dreams). Bravo, Madeline! I can hardly wait for your next book.

I bought By Design because I like unusual romances with out of the ordinary protagonists. (A heroine rescued from the stocks by the hero is very unusual!) But it is so much more than just a better-than-run-of-the-mill romance. This is one of the most moving, passionate stories I've ever read!

Rhys is a kind, generous and tender man (sigh) and Joan a woman who has endured more than her share of suffering in life and is still struggling to recover from it. Until then, Rhys is more than patient. He is open about his attraction to her, yet gives her the space to find her own way to him. Because of that, they form a bond that is mental and physical; they truly become soul-mates.

Ms. Hunter writes beautiful love scenes. They are the perfect combination of sensuality and eloquent prose. The passage where the two express vows to one another in a moonlit pond is nothing short of poetic. Once I finished the book, I immediately re-read the last several chapters -- they were that engrossing. The story didn't leave my head for days!

I've ordered By Possession and By Arrangement and will devour them as soon as possible!!

I have never read anything by Madeline Hunter before this and I picked this up because from the title and cover picture I thought it was maybe a modern romance about a dressmaker and designer. (I know, I know, but I was in a hurry and never read the back cover.) Imagine my surprise when I begin to read and a beautiful story about the medievel lower classes reveals itself. It always seemed to be moving forward, never stalling as some historicals have the tendency of doing, because this wasn't a story dependent on the rise and fall of power. It was a simple story about Joan and the terrible things that happened to her and what she did to overcome these emotional barriers. And it was about Rhys and how his love for Joan would make him do things he wouldn't normally think he could do. It was a wonderful book, and I loved it! I can't wait to read my next Madeline Hunter!

'Tapestry' is four novellas with a common 'thread' (get it, thread?) between them all -- a tapestry of some sort shows up in every story. I thought it was an interesting thought, and I'm glad I picked it up. This is one of the more entertaining anthologies I've read lately.

Lynn Kurland's 'To Kiss in the Shadows' headlines this new anthology book, and rightfully so! I was completely blown away by this very simple, very sweet story. No time travel, no fairy godmothers, and only a pinch of magic (Jason is rumored to be a warlock). It sure wasn't what I expected from Lynn Kurland, time travel queen extraordinaire! Yet this poignant story blows the other ones out of the water. It's the tale of Lianna, the wealthiest maid at court--and the most miserable. She's horribly disfigured by the pox as a young woman, and despairs of ever finding anyone to love her....and then she meets Jason de Piaget. I just loved this story to pieces! Ten stars!

I skipped the Madeline Hunter story, so I cannot comment on it, and moved right on to Sherrilyn Kenyon's 'Dragonswan'. Now, my opinion of Kenyon is very mixed. Sometimes she writes a very smart story, and sometimes she [doesn't]. But 'Dragonswan' is actually a very cute, entertaining story. It's a curious blend of magic and myth, as a dragon-man from the past, Sebastian, meets up with Channon, our modern heroine. They're both obsessed with a particular tapestry, and the story spins off from there involving time-travel, magic, shape-shifting, a good dose of fantasy, and just about everything but the kitchen sink. It's not my normal taste, but it's still entertaining and fun to read.

Karen Marie Moning's 'Into the Dreaming' is the fourth installment in this book, and I liked it the least. I'm just not a Moning fan, though I know she has a devoted fan-base. The heroine is Jane Sillee (which nearly lost me right there--I loathe cutesy), who is obsessed with a man that she dreams about constantly. She knows he is her perfect mate. Only when she meets Aedon, the 'Vengeance' of the Unseelie King, he's her dream man...but nothing like she thought he would be. This story was fast paced and while I'm not a big fan of Moning, it was entertaining to read.

Buy it for Kurland's story, and read the rest while you're at it.

Each novella or short story in the anthology is an enjoyable read. The mix of authors is great; and though the eras in which the stories are written in are diverse, there is a common thread, beyond a tapestry, that ties them together.

"To Kiss in the Shadows" is a lovely story about how to misfits find one another. It is an emotional read and my favorite of the anthology. I must admit however that Lynn Kurland is one of my favorite genre writers.

"An Interrupted Tapestry" by Madeline Hunter is a story about two people who belong together, who seem to always be in different places in their lives when opportunity arises. I think that this was a weaker story than the others, only because I think that it deserved a full length book.

Karen Marie Moning creates a fantastic world in "Dragonswan" where dragons and men are one and they have only one chance to find love. This was a richly detailed story with a great fantasy background and I would love to return to the world in a full length novel.

Sherrilyn Kenyon takes us "Into the Dreaming" where the fey play games with human lives and only love can save the day.

All right all of these descriptions are highly subjective, but the stories are so short I don't want to give anything away. Buy the book, open your own piece of mind candy. :) The anthology gets a 4 and not a five because while all of the stories were great, I don't think I would read them a second time.

TO KISS IN THE SHADOWS - What a great story! Lynn Kurland tells the tale of Lianna of Grasleigh, once beautiful but now her face ravished by the effects of the pox. She was shunned, ridiculed and kept to the shawdows. Jason de Piaget finds her and is attracted by her personality, when he does see her face, he can still see the beauty of the person she is. He was shunned as well - guilt by association because of his connection to the Lord of Blackmour reputed to practice the 'dark arts'. They find a love together that lets them love amongst the treachery and intrigues of court. AN INTERRUPTED TAPESTRY by Madeline Hunter is the story of Andreas von Brennan and lady Giselle. Once close friends but separated for the last 10 years. She comes to him in anger not knowing why he had broken the friendship - he was her last hope to save her brother. The years passed but the attraction is still there. This is another fine entry by a wonderful medieval author. DRAGONSWAN by Sherrilyn Kenyon - This was my introduction to this author. Never considering myself a huge fan of fantasy type stories, I was very pleased with this story. It was written with a huge dose of love and compassion. The dialog was also quite witty and fresh! Super story! INTO THE DREAMING by Karen Marie Moning - Again, another new author for me in this time travel story. Aedan had been tricked by the fairy king in order to save his people, what he thought was imprisonmen for 5 years was actually 5 'fairy' years - (100 human years equals one 'fairy' year) After being frozen in time and for 500 years and given subconscious directions, he had forgotten who he was. Jane had been dreaming of her knight rescuer for years, she knew exactly who he was so when she was sent a tapestry with the face of her knight on it whe was transported back in time. She had one month to make Aedan remember who he was and why they would always be to together!

All in all - these were four SUPER GOOD stories by four extremely talented authors. Excellent offering and a keeper!

it cannot compare to this author's previous books. Nesta is a woman consumed by a need to fulfill her father's dying wish. He dreamed of freeing Wales from English rule but was unable to accomplish this before he died so he asked his daughter to do so. Nesta's sister Genith has been betrothed by King Edward to an english lord, Marcus of Anglesmore, in an effort to calm the tensions in the region. The only problem is that Marcus doesn't want Genith but her sister Nesta whom he suspects of treason which is bad enough, but worse still is that she's also rumored to be the King's mistress.

This book, had it been written by any other author would have been an excellent read. However, having been written by this outstanding, virtually incomparable author it is merely good. In her previous books she seamlessly blended rich history with sensual, heart-stopping romance. With this book the history is sparse and not quite as interesting to read. Also the whole part about Nesta and the King is ambiguous at best and there really wasn't a happy resolution to that. I think the biggest problem I had with this book was the heroine Nesta and her treatment of Marcus. I thought she came across as a shrew and her refusal to accept what was between them lasted almost to the last page which I found really annoying. This was purely personal taste though and wasn't taken into account when I rated this book.

In short I recommend this book to both fans of Hunter and to those who are new to her. Although to new readers I would strongly suggest to start with her earlier works which are simply brilliant. Recommended :)

This book is much better than Hunter's previous work LORD OF A THOUSAND NIGHTS. It however, does not match up in terms of psychological and emotional intensity to her first four books, particularly her first book BY ARRANGEMENT(which some people hate but I re-read obsessively).

Let me explain how I view this author. Madeline Hunter is for me one of the strongest writers in the genre of historical romance. I mourn the fact that she will not be writing more medieval romances (there are so few good writers for medievals), although I am excited about her move to a different time period, one that I am far more familiar with. The reason why Hunter is an auto-buy author for me is that her plots are (almost) always different and challenging. Her heroes and heroines are complex characters, who merit closer examination through re-reads. There is enough historical detail to ponder over during each re-read - and to feel that I am right there in that city, or that hamlet or that castle or fortress. I also learn something new from her best books, whether it is the fact that medieval people sometimes had more sophisticated toilet facilities than suspected, or the fact that trade was more extensive than I had thought.

Stealing Heaven begins with a great scene - a man (the hero Marcus of Anglesmore) is climbing a garden wall to sneak a look at his betrothed. Why is his betrothed avoiding him? Why is this man so determined to view his bride, if he cannot avoid this marriage? Why does he have to marry her? Great questions. The plot thickens when Marcus discovers that he encountered the sister of the woman he is to marry, and that she is forbidden to him both by the laws of the church (after he marries) and by the fact that she was Edward III's mistress "the King's Whore."

We have met Marcus as young Mark in BY DESIGN, where he was the heroine's younger brother and a definite brat. He is older, more mature. He has not however come wholly to terms with the events of his childhood. It is not necessary to read BY DESIGN first, but some things about Mark make more sense if you have read that story first (or later).

Nesta is more of an enigma. She is consumed by her desire to fulfill her father's dying wishes, and to get her sister away from Marcus. She however cannot avoid her attraction to her sister's intended, even as she uses her body to taunt him and distract him. I will not provide too many spoilers here for those who have not read the book, but I will say that things do not turn out either as Nesta or as Marcus intended. Loyalties are challenged, and difficult decisions sometimes rest on half-truths (or half-lies) and omissions of the truth.

Some old friends from Hunter's earlier books (published earlier, that is) appear in this work. We meet David (hero of BY ARRANGEMENT) some years before his own marriage; we meet Addis (hero of BY POSSESSION) as a proud father but also a mentor to Mark. And we see a bit of Joan and Rhys (protagonists in BY DESIGN, the prequel to this work). It is always good to see old friends.

There are some problems with this work. First, I cannot buy the plot entirely for historical reasons. That is my particular problem. Secondly, this book lacks the historical detail, the specifics of geography, economy, and everyday life that made her first four books such a delight to read. I did not get as vivid a sense of being there on the Welsh marches or in London as I had hoped. Thirdly, the characters seem to lack the emotional intensity that her protagonists in earlier books had. Somehow, I cannot connect to Marcus or to Nesta. Her goals are understandable, but it is easier to relate to smaller causes or a quest for personal vengeance than a Grand Cause. No new secondary characters appear who match those in earlier books. This book could have done much more with Addis, David, Joan, and Rhys as well. We see them in glimpses here and there, and for the most part, they seem pale shadows of what they are in their own books. [I do not know if this is a good thing, because they could have taken over this story, or a bad thing].

I do wish that the book had a different title, because the title derives from comments made by Marcus that seemed like purple prose. While the writing is good (as always), I felt that hte book needed a little editing (two "vague smiles" from David within three pages was a bit too much). These may seem like petty things, but Madeline's titles have been so good for her first four books.

Finally, I wish to add that the label given to the heroine did not make sense given what was revealed about herself and the King, nor did her admission to Marcus make sense either. This part of the story could have done with a little more fleshing out.

I would have liked to rated this book higher, but while it was a good review, it lacked that emotional intensity, that tension, that complexity that the best books of hers have had for me. I am measuring Hunter against Hunter. In any other author, I would rate this book at least half a grade higher. Even among the better romances I have read this year, this is not a keeper for me, nor is it a book that demands an immediate re-read. Either quality would have merited a higher grade.

Grade = B

Rating = 3.9 (B)
Breakdown = romance element 3.8 (B); characterization 3.6 (B-); plot development 3.9 (B); writing 4.3 (B+)

Since her very first novel, I have been mesmerized by this author's writings - the medieval era comes to life under the pen of this extremely gifted author and her latest offering is no exception.

Marcus of Anglesmore was not happy to be betrothed by the king to a woman he'd never met. In the moonlit night he climbed over the garden wall where she was staying. The woman he met there both surprised and captivated him. He assumed she was his betrothed but alas it was only a case of mistaken identities as this enchantress was the sister of his betrothed. Not only the sister of his betrothed, but the discarded whore of the king he'd sworn his fealty to. Such a case of star crossed lovers you will ever come across.

Nesta's heart battled with her head for she could ill afford to let passion overcome the treasonous plans that she had become involved in. Plans that had been set in motion years before, and promises made to the father she had loved. Try as they might, both knew that nothing could come of their passion for one another. Marcus trying to do his duty to charm the sister when his heart and head could not release the images, scents, and feelings of the moonlit garden and Nesta. Marcus warred between the lover and the knight whose duty was to his king, as Nesta warred with herself between her womanly heart and duties as her father's heir to complete his treasonous plans,

The imminent battles over Welsh and English territories were nothing as to the battles of will and desires between these star-crossed lovers. Their differences seem insurmountable and the poignancy of their love, though no one spoke of love, is so sad it will bring tears to your eyes. They hope, but they both know that they will betray one another. Stealing what moments of passion they can only made the reality of their situation the hell it had become. Their words of love will entrance the most jaded and sensual and very descriptive sex will keep you warm and toasty all through the night.

Absolutely wonderful reading - a definite keeper.

Madeline Hunter created wonderful characters. I immediately grew attached to Anna. She was both strong and vulnerable. Morvan was the perfect match for her, understanding of her position and still masculine. Both of the main characters are admirably intelligent and creative. The story is also well written, moving quickly without skimping on the details that bring scenes to life. My only criticism, one very common in romance novels, is her story focuses only on the two main characters and doesn't really involve minor characters who may have influenced them. Every good idea and heroic effort is made by Anna and Morvan. Her sister never has an idea or opinion. Ascanio, a preist-knight, isn't necessary either. He only once makes a difference in the plot when he chooses to follow the lord over the lady in a symbol of her loss of power. Relationships with more than just the love interests create a more believeable character.

Despite my criticism, which I've come to expect in any romance novel, I throughly enjoyed it, will probably reread it a couple of times, and would recommend it to any avid romance reader.

With The Protector author Madeline Hunter has written an intelligent and compelling medieval which confirms her status as one of the best new authors in the genre. Since the editorial and the other customer reviewers have already outlined the story quite well, I'll focus on the elements which made this story a memorable read and true keeper for me. Suffice it to say that it's set in Brittany and England in 1348 and at the time the Plague had begun it's devastating sweep across Europe.

The Protector is the story of Morvan Fitzwaryn (Christiana's brother, and already introduced in By Arrangement) and Breton noblewoman cum warriorlady Anna de Leon of La Roche de Roald. Madeline Hunter provides us with a beautiful, passionate friendship which grows into a deep love. It stands out by it's fine characterization, truly memorable characters, exciting action, good but not overwhelming historical detail, sweeping story and humour. And certainly the extreme conditions of the plague makes it quite intense.

Both Anna and Morvan are strong, fascinating and likeable characters and they won my heart immediately. Though they travel a bumpy road in their relationship with each other, it's wonderful to see how they learn to compromise. With Anna Madeline Hunter delivers commentary on the position of women during that time. Women were considered mere chattels and possessions. Anna is strong and independent and manages eventually to remain so even after she has married Morvan. Further there's a nice revesal of roles here: on several occassions Anna saves Morvan.

Morvan's sister Christiana (the heroine of By Arrangement) and David have a guest part here. Further I very much enjoyed Anna's tutor the knight/priest Ascanio.

Anyway I recommend The Protector very highly!

The Black Death is the catalyst for the English mercenary knight Morvan's arrival at a Breton coastal stronghold, and his subsequent interaction with its lady, Anna de Leon. But the political setting for this story is not just the Hundred Years' War (a struggle for control of the French throne between England and France). The key to the story is a local power struggle over the succession in Brittany, one of the many semi-independent duchies that make up the feudal kingdom of France. Since Brittany is on the coast, its control is crucial to both the French and the English.

I don't want to give away key plot elements (for those of you who have not read the other reviews). But readers should keep the political story in mind as they read the book. Without it, the actions of the king, of Anna herself, and of other characters make little sense. [I also recommend taking a look at Madeline Hunter's website for further information].

Enough on the background. On to praise for the book, but where should I begin? This is a wonderful and thoroughly well-crafted sequel to my favorite medieval romance (BY ARRANGEMENT). Readers of Hunter have eagerly awaited this book, especially since the more knowledgeable fans know that she wrote Morvan's story first. This book more than meets my expectations for a good read this summer. I have to say that the published description didn't make the book sound very exciting, which is a bit unfortunate - the book kept me up until 3 AM (an automatic 4 stars therefore, at least).

The story begins with Morvan facing a likely death from the Black Death. During this phantasmagoric time, he meets the one woman who can turn him from thoughts of regaining his ancestral home and family honor. Unfortunately, the lady has other ideas . I can't give away any secrets by saying that Morvan and Anna do get married (since this is expected in a romance). But their courtship takes unexpected turns, as does their marriage.

What I liked about this book: 1)I don't usually like alpha-male characters, but Morvan somehow crept through my defenses (as he cuts through those of court ladies). Must be those sparkling black eyes. Well, a fantastically handsome hero is easy to dream about - and his dominating ways make some sense given the dangers faced by Anna and her household.

2)The heroine is remarkable. This is not the place to discuss whether Anna's actions and beliefs are really anachronistic. Her desires, fears, and needs seemed ageless to me - they boiled down to the desire for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" as she defined them, and not as society or her overlord defined for her.

3)Hunter has her usual skill in weaving historical details into a rich tapestry of sights, sounds and smells. I am no medievalist, but I have detected no errors in her settings - and I know (from writing to her) that she takes considerable pains to get the details right but not too overwhelming. I do wish that she would cut out the "Aye" and "Nay" in her dialogue. Since the rest of the dialogue is modernized, I find these words a bit more jarring as I keep reading and re-reading.

4)Hunter is very creative in her love scenes. As it happens, in this particular book, the physical relationship is not consummated until the wedding night, but there is plenty of sensuality and "hot stuff" before then. And we learn enough to realize that Morvan is a consummate seducer and is used to getting his way with sweet talk... which makes subsequent developments all the more interesting. The love scenes, while detailed, are not quite as explicit as in BY ARRANGEMENT - although there is plenty going on.

5)The motivations of the hero and the heroine are quite credible. Anna wants to live life on her own terms, and initially, she will not accept a loveless marriage anymore than she will accept a marriage in which she is anything but an equal (or the superior). Morvan wants both the woman and the riches she represents, but on his terms. The battle of the sexes between them draws the reader right in - all the way to the delightfully surprising end.

6)The flaws of the main characters make the story more suspenseful, by raising the stakes in certain situations and by shifting the reader's sympathies in other situations. [Put yourself in Morvan's place when he rescues Anna in the stream, for example]. Morvan's love for Anna does not change his innate character, and he must in fact work on some of his flaws before his marriage will be truly happy. And Anna herself can let stubbornness do her in, and lead her into some hair-raising actions. Her capacity for risk tolerance (to put it mildly) is far higher than that of her husband and their household. She also underestimates potential dangers at times, due to her limited world-experience.

The pairing of two nobles as hero and heroine is a bit unusual for Hunter. Her first three books have featured cross-class romances, which I have come to identify as Hunter's special area. By contrast, this fourth book features a landless knight marrying a great heiress. While this story works beautifully, I look out for (and recommend) Hunter's books in part because of her cross-class romances. I am not sure if Hunter has decided to move into the "mainstream" of medieval romance plots.

I am delighted that more readers are discovering Hunter. As for the problems that some readers detect, yes, there are flaws. Unlike in BY ARRANGEMENT, we read little about the needs and desires of other characters. But it is hard to argue that with characters such as Duke Jean (the young duke), Edward III, and several of Anna's vassals and servants, that all the secondary characters are cardboard cutouts with no inner life (I beg to disagree). Hunter writes romances, not historical fiction, and the limitations in her work are those of the genre. I have some minor criticisms here and there, but overall, I enjoyed the work tremendously. The book rates a 4.7 from me.

I read and buy Madeline Hunter (hot off the shelf) because of her elegant writing style, her vivid primary and secondary characters, her attention to historical detail, and above all, the feeling that "I'm there, in the Middle Ages". And yes, I like a good romance, and lots of luscious love-making thrown into the mix.

While this book stands above the usual crop of medieval, I do not frankly think this to be her best work. It began promisingly with Lady Reyna Graham setting out to re-enact Judith and Holofernes. It ended with a whimper, oh, with the usual happy ending, but I could care less about Ian and Reyna at that point. Why? Perhaps it is the fact that the story line is a bit more cliched than the normal Hunter plot. Perhaps it is the fact that I never really saw Ian in the process of being redeemed from that ridiculous title he wears. Perhaps it is the attitude of Reyna herself.

My personal feeling is that her three best books so far are her three first books - By Arrangement, By Possession, and By Design (where Bk 2 is actually the first chronologically). With Bk 4 - The Protector - Hunter's stories become more independent of what is happening around her protagonists, which I consider to be not so good. [If you could care less about the history, you won't mind that]. Book 5 employs even less historical detail - which reign, what is happening, what is the situation with the Templars - and you could almost be set in any generic medieval period.

Read if you are addicted to the entire series, or if you want to read someone who is a very very good writer (technically). I almost wish I had skipped this book.

Rating = 3.2
Recommended = with reservations

I am still so grateful that I picked up this authors body of work, she is definitely a star on the rise. I loved this book that had a bit of everything thrown into it - even some comedic touches as well!
It starts out grabbing your interest from the very first pages, whith Lady Reyna Graham, disguised as a courtesan, passing behind enemy lines with a desperate plan to save her people. She meets up with Ian of Guilford, the epitome of a lady's man for his era and is dizzy from his breathtaking handsomeness!
You can read the other reviews for more of the story, but I must say that this latest offering had a bit of everything.

If you've read the other books in this series, you will be reintroduced to David and Christina (By Arrangement), and Morvan and Anna (The Protector) - The three females form a wonderful bond. There are mysteries galore, hot sensual scenes, and wonderful historical background. All in all a wonderful addition to this this authors series of novels. A definite keeper with the rest.

Lord of a Thousand Nights is a "keeper". It has well-developed characters, a wonderful love story, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end. You will love joining Ian and Reyna as they try to discover the mysteries of one another, as well as the mysteries of the past.

Unlike other reviewers, I think that a reader new to Hunter's books could easily enjoy this story without having read the previous ones. However, having the pleasure of reading By Arrangement and The Protector will only add to the enjoyment of this story. It's great to see old friends, Anna and Morvan, and Christiana and David, again. The interaction between the three women - Anna, Christiana, and Reyna - is a real treat. Female bonding at its best.

Madeline Hunter has great skill as a storyteller. Every piece of the story fits the puzzle; not one word or character is wasted. You will love the way that she uses historical fact as a backdrop to her story. It gives added depth and richness that is hard to come by these days.