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de Piaget #1
Another Chance to Dream
From Lynn Kurland, the New York Times bestselling author of the Nine Kingdom series.
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segrave. But he would always have her heart. The two are kindred souls...Rhys, a knight with far too many notions of chivalry for his own good. And Gwen, a lover of minstral tales, waiting to be swept away. But Gwen is betrothed to another man, and Rhys fears he will lose her forever. Until a suprise offer comes his way—bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love...
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segrave. But he would always have her heart. The two are kindred souls...Rhys, a knight with far too many notions of chivalry for his own good. And Gwen, a lover of minstral tales, waiting to be swept away. But Gwen is betrothed to another man, and Rhys fears he will lose her forever. Until a suprise offer comes his way—bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love...
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1998
104 people are currently reading
2064 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
71 books1,557 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
December 25, 2021
Re-read. This series is one that I MUST read every couple of years. They are my "go to" books that always make me smile. The romance is sweet, the dialogue is clever and the stories are timeless. Some are time travel and others are not. But, they are all wonderful.
This is the book that began the de Piaget dynasty which continues through 800 years to the present. Rhys and Gwen de Piaget are the beginning of an amazing English family. I just love it. The trials they endure to be together are considerable. "That they would have another chance to dream was not a gift he would take lightly." That sums it up. Rhys and Gwen appear briefly in other books and are often mentioned in those in which they do not appear. Rhys de Piaget is honored and remembered through the centuries as the man who wrestled a title from King John and built from scratch the most revered and visited, magnificent castle in England - Artane. His honor, his prowess with a sword and his love and devotion to his family is heralded through the generations. He is a amazing character and I wish he appeared in more books. Gwen is no slouch either. She is feisty and fearless and his perfect mate. All the books that follow are wonderful, heartwarming tales. ;)
This is the book that began the de Piaget dynasty which continues through 800 years to the present. Rhys and Gwen de Piaget are the beginning of an amazing English family. I just love it. The trials they endure to be together are considerable. "That they would have another chance to dream was not a gift he would take lightly." That sums it up. Rhys and Gwen appear briefly in other books and are often mentioned in those in which they do not appear. Rhys de Piaget is honored and remembered through the centuries as the man who wrestled a title from King John and built from scratch the most revered and visited, magnificent castle in England - Artane. His honor, his prowess with a sword and his love and devotion to his family is heralded through the generations. He is a amazing character and I wish he appeared in more books. Gwen is no slouch either. She is feisty and fearless and his perfect mate. All the books that follow are wonderful, heartwarming tales. ;)
Read
June 26, 2018DNF....I'll refrain from rating as I'm only about 15% in. I found this too unexciting and dull to continue.
November 1, 2020
Knight in shining armor...
A tale of a dashing knight and his beautiful lady is bound to be perfection and I absolutely adored parts of this story. I was hoping that with their kindred hearts and instant, deep love, Rhys and Gwen would slay dragons to be together and do whatever it took to find love and happiness, but alas, that would have been too easy. Instead, the sacrifices they each had to endure were almost heart wrenching and it was hard to understand at times why they put themselves in that situation.
There is so much longing and angst, but with some solid secondary characters, I was hooked--precocious Robin, the Viking Twins, Montgomery, and the grandfather, to name a few. Rhys is chivalrous and all that I imagine a knight to be, but Gwen wasn't the lady I imagined her to be. She was very headstrong, but also demanding and entitled, which made it hard for me to endure her at first. I enjoyed watching the characters mellow and grow, but it was occasionally a long, arduous journey to get there.
I listened to this story and although there were parts that bothered me or dragged on, I couldn't stop listening and did enjoy it. I've read other books in this series and it was fun to get to the roots of the family and see their tale unfold.
Content: moderate romance (talk of infidelity, fade-to-black scenes--not graphic); mild+ violence (some abuse/mistreatment, fighting); mild language
A tale of a dashing knight and his beautiful lady is bound to be perfection and I absolutely adored parts of this story. I was hoping that with their kindred hearts and instant, deep love, Rhys and Gwen would slay dragons to be together and do whatever it took to find love and happiness, but alas, that would have been too easy. Instead, the sacrifices they each had to endure were almost heart wrenching and it was hard to understand at times why they put themselves in that situation.
There is so much longing and angst, but with some solid secondary characters, I was hooked--precocious Robin, the Viking Twins, Montgomery, and the grandfather, to name a few. Rhys is chivalrous and all that I imagine a knight to be, but Gwen wasn't the lady I imagined her to be. She was very headstrong, but also demanding and entitled, which made it hard for me to endure her at first. I enjoyed watching the characters mellow and grow, but it was occasionally a long, arduous journey to get there.
I listened to this story and although there were parts that bothered me or dragged on, I couldn't stop listening and did enjoy it. I've read other books in this series and it was fun to get to the roots of the family and see their tale unfold.
Content: moderate romance (talk of infidelity, fade-to-black scenes--not graphic); mild+ violence (some abuse/mistreatment, fighting); mild language
September 17, 2010
Very clean G-rated romance. Cute simple chivalrous tale of true love over coming all obstacles, but it drug on too long in spots. If I was 14 y/o I may have loved it, but overall this is not my flavor of romance reads.
August 31, 2009
Rhys and Gwen are soul-mates of the love-at-first-sight-never love-another kind. He is merely a knight, however, and she is betrothed and must marry another. That "other" just happens to now be Sir Rhys' Lord and Rhys is ordered to be her 'man at arms' and forced to watch all the atrocities her husband deems to afflict her with. As the catastrophes (and pages) mount to keep the lovers apart, I just wanted to get to the end of the book so someone could be happy and find some peace! With 50 less pages and almost that many fewer hardships, the book would have been great.
May 20, 2012
This is written more like the traditional, historic 'romance' tale, not the taudry term it has become.
Spoiler
This is a tale of almost-unrequited love. Unfortunately, Gwen is empty-headed, daydreams whenever Rhys kisses her, and is headstrong just enough to give everyone troubles and not to do anything constructive or helpful. She's totally not worth the years of toil, fighting and stress Rhys puts in to get her. If not because of a whimsical Grandfather who withholds information (a plot device I abhor)none of Rhys's suffering would have been necessary. Certainly not Rhys and Gwen having sex, then her going to her wedding bed with her husband the next night and having several of his children. The plight of the poor, especially the women, whom the bad guys rape, is looked over. As is Rhys illegitamate son Nicholas, found by accident, fathered on a village girl abducted for the bad guy's pleasure, but used by Rhys instead on Gwen's wedding night. How chivilrous is that?
A flawed book, and not as good as many of her others.
I read Kurland as a stress-reducer between other books. She's funny, the characters aren't usually cardboard, the women aren't usually stupid. She's the only romance author I read. Sherbet between courses. She has a great imagination, and is usually satisfyingly happy in this unhappy world. This book, however, wasn't my favorite.
Spoiler
This is a tale of almost-unrequited love. Unfortunately, Gwen is empty-headed, daydreams whenever Rhys kisses her, and is headstrong just enough to give everyone troubles and not to do anything constructive or helpful. She's totally not worth the years of toil, fighting and stress Rhys puts in to get her. If not because of a whimsical Grandfather who withholds information (a plot device I abhor)none of Rhys's suffering would have been necessary. Certainly not Rhys and Gwen having sex, then her going to her wedding bed with her husband the next night and having several of his children. The plight of the poor, especially the women, whom the bad guys rape, is looked over. As is Rhys illegitamate son Nicholas, found by accident, fathered on a village girl abducted for the bad guy's pleasure, but used by Rhys instead on Gwen's wedding night. How chivilrous is that?
A flawed book, and not as good as many of her others.
I read Kurland as a stress-reducer between other books. She's funny, the characters aren't usually cardboard, the women aren't usually stupid. She's the only romance author I read. Sherbet between courses. She has a great imagination, and is usually satisfyingly happy in this unhappy world. This book, however, wasn't my favorite.
January 23, 2016
I can't finish this book. It was highly recommended. I wanted to like it, but I could not believe the setting and the characters were idiots. I cannot stand Gwen. She should have been a plucky spunky heroine, instead she comes across as a spoiled brat without any common sense. I like the hero, but for the life of me I could not understand why any man would put up with the silly woman. I also could not understand why her parents would force her to marry a moron. There is talk about station, blah, blah, blah... But really, it is not as if the woman has no land or wealth. No, let's give our only daughter to a man who cannot take care of his own keep, hoping that he will be a good steward of our perfect land, instead of wedding her to a kind knight who can actually take care of it, and who has earned enough gold to better it. I just cannot believe the stupidity of all the characters. The villains come across as idiots, too. I'm sorry, but I just can't take any more.
March 23, 2012
It started out good, a little more lighthearted than I was expecting. However, after 65 pages I was already tired of Gwen's personality and I'm not sure if I care enough to see if she matures as the story goes on.
I just can't imagine reading 400+ pages of Rhys and Gwen wanting to be together and doing nothing about it. Why let everyone else dictate your life. Not sure why, if they were so in love, they didn't just elope and run away together??
I just can't imagine reading 400+ pages of Rhys and Gwen wanting to be together and doing nothing about it. Why let everyone else dictate your life. Not sure why, if they were so in love, they didn't just elope and run away together??
July 23, 2023
First in the De Piaget historical romance series and revolving around the De Piaget family (it's not yet paranormal). (It’s seventh in the combined De Piaget/MacLeod series.) The couple focus is on the landless Sir Rhys de Piaget and Gwen of Segrave.
My Take
Kurland uses third person global subjective point-of-view, as we get a lot of perspectives from a wide range of characters.
Poor Gwen. She’s been spoiled by all those chansons d’amour her mother loved, which helps explain the strange start with her planning on theft and lying to running away, not having any idea how to ride — all a plan that goes nowhere. The whole story is something of a comic opera, what with the Fitzgeralds and Alain with Rollan as the truly evil villain and Rhys' grandfather holding back such secrets.
Alain is such a jerk with such a weird preference for cooks’ daughters — he is an idiot. And it’s both funny (and a relief) that cooks are so important. Rollan is much worse. You will not believe how deluded these two are! Wait’ll you read Rollan’s emotions towards the end, oy. As for that deus ex machina at the end, oh brother.
I do feel for Rhys. He loves Gwen and can never again have her, tortured by having to remain near her. Now Robin, oh yeah, after having read so many later stories in which he appears, yeah, you can easily see how this small lad’s personality is evident from the beginning, lololol. The twins now, they’re a right pain if loyal to Rhys.
Jeez, what I do hate about these historic romances is how beat down-upon women are. They have no rights at all! They can be handed out to whomever the man in power owes a favor. Why can’t a father set it up in advance as to who his daughter will be forced on? As for law, hah! It’s the law of whoever is the strongest or has the most money.
It’s sad that noble children are sent out to foster at seven. I much prefer Rhys’ argument for twelve being an age when “a lad truly appreciates the adventure”.
There certainly is a ton of ill-will in Another Chance to Dream, what with Alain's and Rollan’s hateful disdain and Geoffrey’s disgust toward Rhys. Then there’s the arson which points Rhys to the estate that will come down through the centuries.
The plot in Another Chance to Dream is full of plots by all sorts of characters. Evil. Good. Duplicitous from both ends and on both sides. The action is most definitely character-driven with Rhys seeming to be the only honest one.
I didn't like Another Chance to Dream, but a friend liked the stories, so I'll persevere. And, well, this story does set the basis for most of the future tales.
The Story
To have land, Sir Rhys will have to submit to the hideous will of Alain of Ayre, the man set to wed the woman Sir Rhys wants. And whom he's plotting to steal.
The Characters
1200, Ayre, England
Gwennelyn “Gwen” of Segrave will be forced to marry Alain of Ayre. Her mother, Joanna of Segrave, is still alive but was not invited to the wedding. Hugh of Leyburn is Gwen’s guardian. Robin is her newborn son, who will be followed by Amanda. Artane is an estate left to Gwen by her father and is on the border with Scotland.
Captain Sir Rhys de Piaget, Bertram’s foster son with a reputation for wenching, has always been landless and now he wants both Segrave and Gwen. His grandfather, Sir Jean, had been a knight of renown at the French court. His father, Sir Etienne, had been a knight and a healer, burned as a heretic for breathing life into someone twenty years ago. His mother is the abbess at a French convent. Wyckham is to be Rhys’ — once he reaches twenty-six after Alain weds Gwen and yet another penalty.
The argumentative Jared and Connor Fitzgerald are Viking twins, loyal to Rhys who much prefer to walk. They and Sir Montgomery of Wyeth will be part of Gwen’s personal guard.
Alain of Ayre is its rutting boar of a lord. The venomous Rollan is Alain’s younger brother; another brother, fourteen-year-old John, worships Rhys and is his squire. Bertram is their deceased father. Master Socrates is the keep’s healer. A girl-child with a touch, Socrates’ granddaughter, Berengaria, who cannot help Gwen or Rhys. Osbert is captain of Alain’s guard and hates Rhys.
The widowed Geoffrey of Fenwyck has some power, and Gwen hates him for what he did to her as a child. He had been a friend to Gwen’s father and still has a liking for her mother. Anne is Geoffrey’s daughter. Edlred is a messenger.
Canfield is . . .
. . . held by Rachel, a slut who has Alain’s attention . . . as well as others. Lord Edward of Graundyn is her brother, interested in her lands.
John, Richard the Lionhearted’s brother, a.k.a. Johnny Lackland, is the king of England. Phillip is the king of France. The Count d’Auber is but one of many from whom Rhys accepts ransoms. Nicholas is a bastard child by the blacksmith’s sister. Seakirk is an abbey near Artane. Patrick of Sedgwick is uncle to the kidnapped Mary, who would have been the true heir to Sedgwick when her father, Henry of Sedgwick, died.
François, Jean-Luc, and Pierre, who is the leader of their little group, are hired thugs.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a white background with a thin tapestry-like border on the right with a pattern that reflects the rose trailing up the staff for Rhys’ swallowtail red banner with gold fleur-de-lis populating the background and a square Iberian shield with its reflective gold background and a thin orange border with a black lion pacing in the center. At the very top on the right is an info blurb in black. To the left is the author’s name in a deep purple script above the pennant. The title is in a scripted red below the banner. Below that is an info blurb in black.
The title is a such a relief to Rhys, for he and Gwen have Another Chance to Dream.
My Take
Kurland uses third person global subjective point-of-view, as we get a lot of perspectives from a wide range of characters.
Poor Gwen. She’s been spoiled by all those chansons d’amour her mother loved, which helps explain the strange start with her planning on theft and lying to running away, not having any idea how to ride — all a plan that goes nowhere. The whole story is something of a comic opera, what with the Fitzgeralds and Alain with Rollan as the truly evil villain and Rhys' grandfather holding back such secrets.
Alain is such a jerk with such a weird preference for cooks’ daughters — he is an idiot. And it’s both funny (and a relief) that cooks are so important. Rollan is much worse. You will not believe how deluded these two are! Wait’ll you read Rollan’s emotions towards the end, oy. As for that deus ex machina at the end, oh brother.
I do feel for Rhys. He loves Gwen and can never again have her, tortured by having to remain near her. Now Robin, oh yeah, after having read so many later stories in which he appears, yeah, you can easily see how this small lad’s personality is evident from the beginning, lololol. The twins now, they’re a right pain if loyal to Rhys.
Jeez, what I do hate about these historic romances is how beat down-upon women are. They have no rights at all! They can be handed out to whomever the man in power owes a favor. Why can’t a father set it up in advance as to who his daughter will be forced on? As for law, hah! It’s the law of whoever is the strongest or has the most money.
It’s sad that noble children are sent out to foster at seven. I much prefer Rhys’ argument for twelve being an age when “a lad truly appreciates the adventure”.
There certainly is a ton of ill-will in Another Chance to Dream, what with Alain's and Rollan’s hateful disdain and Geoffrey’s disgust toward Rhys. Then there’s the arson which points Rhys to the estate that will come down through the centuries.
The plot in Another Chance to Dream is full of plots by all sorts of characters. Evil. Good. Duplicitous from both ends and on both sides. The action is most definitely character-driven with Rhys seeming to be the only honest one.
I didn't like Another Chance to Dream, but a friend liked the stories, so I'll persevere. And, well, this story does set the basis for most of the future tales.
The Story
To have land, Sir Rhys will have to submit to the hideous will of Alain of Ayre, the man set to wed the woman Sir Rhys wants. And whom he's plotting to steal.
The Characters
1200, Ayre, England
Gwennelyn “Gwen” of Segrave will be forced to marry Alain of Ayre. Her mother, Joanna of Segrave, is still alive but was not invited to the wedding. Hugh of Leyburn is Gwen’s guardian. Robin is her newborn son, who will be followed by Amanda. Artane is an estate left to Gwen by her father and is on the border with Scotland.
Captain Sir Rhys de Piaget, Bertram’s foster son with a reputation for wenching, has always been landless and now he wants both Segrave and Gwen. His grandfather, Sir Jean, had been a knight of renown at the French court. His father, Sir Etienne, had been a knight and a healer, burned as a heretic for breathing life into someone twenty years ago. His mother is the abbess at a French convent. Wyckham is to be Rhys’ — once he reaches twenty-six after Alain weds Gwen and yet another penalty.
The argumentative Jared and Connor Fitzgerald are Viking twins, loyal to Rhys who much prefer to walk. They and Sir Montgomery of Wyeth will be part of Gwen’s personal guard.
Alain of Ayre is its rutting boar of a lord. The venomous Rollan is Alain’s younger brother; another brother, fourteen-year-old John, worships Rhys and is his squire. Bertram is their deceased father. Master Socrates is the keep’s healer. A girl-child with a touch, Socrates’ granddaughter, Berengaria, who cannot help Gwen or Rhys. Osbert is captain of Alain’s guard and hates Rhys.
The widowed Geoffrey of Fenwyck has some power, and Gwen hates him for what he did to her as a child. He had been a friend to Gwen’s father and still has a liking for her mother. Anne is Geoffrey’s daughter. Edlred is a messenger.
Canfield is . . .
. . . held by Rachel, a slut who has Alain’s attention . . . as well as others. Lord Edward of Graundyn is her brother, interested in her lands.
John, Richard the Lionhearted’s brother, a.k.a. Johnny Lackland, is the king of England. Phillip is the king of France. The Count d’Auber is but one of many from whom Rhys accepts ransoms. Nicholas is a bastard child by the blacksmith’s sister. Seakirk is an abbey near Artane. Patrick of Sedgwick is uncle to the kidnapped Mary, who would have been the true heir to Sedgwick when her father, Henry of Sedgwick, died.
François, Jean-Luc, and Pierre, who is the leader of their little group, are hired thugs.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a white background with a thin tapestry-like border on the right with a pattern that reflects the rose trailing up the staff for Rhys’ swallowtail red banner with gold fleur-de-lis populating the background and a square Iberian shield with its reflective gold background and a thin orange border with a black lion pacing in the center. At the very top on the right is an info blurb in black. To the left is the author’s name in a deep purple script above the pennant. The title is in a scripted red below the banner. Below that is an info blurb in black.
The title is a such a relief to Rhys, for he and Gwen have Another Chance to Dream.
February 5, 2017
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Another Chance to Dream kicked off my 2017 reading with a bang. I’d never read anything by Lynn Kurland before, but I’d heard good things about her. Still, recommendations aren’t always a sure-fire indicator that I’ll like the author’s work, but in this case, everything I’d heard was definitely true. Without a doubt, this author knows how to write a truly romantic story that made my heart do flip-flops. Even though she keeps her narrative pretty PG-rated and I typically prefer my romances steamy, it wasn’t a detractor for me. Ms. Kurland is now one of only a handful of authors who write in this less-explicit style that I can genuinely say I thoroughly enjoy. I also haven’t been reading many medieval romances lately, so this was a very welcome reintroduction to the time period. I’m very excited to have found a new-to-me author who’s a skillful enough writer to keep me on the edge of my seat with some action and adventure, while also keeping me guessing as to how the hero and heroine will overcome the obstacles in their path to finally get together, and at the same time, gives me the strong emotional connection that I crave in romance.
Rhys is a prince among men, exactly the kind of hero who can make me swoon. He’s definitely more a beta where his lady and her children are concerned – sweet, gentle, kind, and basically wears his heart on his sleeve. But he’s no pushover. He’s a skillful swordsman, who won his knighthood at the tender age of fourteen and is known far and wide for his victories in battles and tournaments. He’s also earned the respect of the men under his command with his fierceness and fairness. Rhys takes his duty as a knight very seriously, deeply prizing the knightly virtues of honesty, gallantry, and most of all chivalry. Even though societal norms won’t allow a mere knight with no land or title to wed a titled lady, he’s determined to have Gwen no matter what he has to do or how long it takes. It was so sweet that he even saved himself for her, not wanting any other woman in his bed. Despite years apart and her forced marriage to another man, Rhys never stops loving her and won’t stop trying everything he can to win her hand for himself. Beyond loving Gwen, he also loves and accepts her children as his own, treating them the way a father should. How could a romance reader not fall in love with a hero like that?
Gwennelyn was a headstrong lass from a very young age. When she meets Rhys at the mere age of nine, she demands that the vaunted knight champion her against her enemy, another young man who locked her in the pigsty. When he did as she asked, she fell in love with him on the spot, giving him her favor like any good lady would. When she finally met up with him again five years later, she pursued him all over her father’s keep, trying to get him alone so she could declare her love, while he, of course, was trying to avoid her because he knew he couldn’t have her. But Gwen giving voice to her tender regard for him is what set Rhys on his determined path to earn enough gold to bribe the right people into giving him land and perhaps a title so he could marry her like they both wanted. Gwen’s courage never faltered through all the things she had to deal with during the years they were apart, nor did her love for Rhys either. She was a fierce protector of her children as well. Gwen was more than a worthy match for Rhys, strong without being annoying and loving and kind without being overly sentimental.
There are a number of strong and beautifully drawn secondary characters as well. Montgomery and the Viking twins, Connor and Jared, were instrumental in Rhys training as a young knight. They’re loyal to a fault and look out for Gwen while Rhys is away. They’re also good for some laughs. Gwen’s children, Robin and Amanda, as well as Nicholas, another little boy the same age as Robin, whom Gwen insists they take in, are cute as buttons. Their speech is perhaps a bit advanced for their ages, but undeniably adorable. The little boys are well on their way to becoming gallant knights themselves, while Amanda is a charmer who has no trouble wrapping Rhys around her little finger. The next three books in the De Piaget series are about these three all grown up. Rhys’s family, his grandfather and his mother, an Englishwoman who ended up in a convent in France, are full of surprises. Gwen’s mother is always the calm voice of reason. Geoffrey, Gwen’s childhood tormentor who’s now sweet on her, is also good for some laughs. Gwen’s brother-in-law, John, pledges his loyalty to her and Rhys, becoming Rhys’s squire. Last but certainly not least are the dastardly villains, Gwen’s husband, Alain, and his brother, Rollan. Alain can be deliberately cruel but isn’t very smart, relying on Rollan to be the brains for both of them in their sordid schemes, which thankfully don’t entirely succeed.
Another Chance to Dream is a skillfully written story that never lets up on the conflict, keeping the reader wondering how an HEA will ever be possible. There’s the long-standing question of how the gallant knight will win the hand of his lady fair without land or title, but all throughout there are smaller conflicts that arise as well. Unlike a similar story I read recently, which also had a lot of conflict, this one was done better IMHO, because the conflicts are not of the hero’s and heroine’s own making (eg. stubborn misunderstandings). It always comes from an outside source, with each one being resolved within a reasonable time frame before the next one arises. Rhys and Gwen also never stop having faith in one another and their love endures despite the odds. Theirs is an epic love story that begins with them as children and finally culminates with their HEA some sixteen years later and what an HEA it is. In the end, Rhys’s determination pays off in ways he never could have imagined, giving him everything he’s always dreamed of and more. And that’s how I felt as a reader too. Another Chance to Dream was everything I could have wished for in a romance, and then some, and I can’t wait to continue with the De Piaget series to see what’s in store for Rhys and Gwen’s children.
Another Chance to Dream kicked off my 2017 reading with a bang. I’d never read anything by Lynn Kurland before, but I’d heard good things about her. Still, recommendations aren’t always a sure-fire indicator that I’ll like the author’s work, but in this case, everything I’d heard was definitely true. Without a doubt, this author knows how to write a truly romantic story that made my heart do flip-flops. Even though she keeps her narrative pretty PG-rated and I typically prefer my romances steamy, it wasn’t a detractor for me. Ms. Kurland is now one of only a handful of authors who write in this less-explicit style that I can genuinely say I thoroughly enjoy. I also haven’t been reading many medieval romances lately, so this was a very welcome reintroduction to the time period. I’m very excited to have found a new-to-me author who’s a skillful enough writer to keep me on the edge of my seat with some action and adventure, while also keeping me guessing as to how the hero and heroine will overcome the obstacles in their path to finally get together, and at the same time, gives me the strong emotional connection that I crave in romance.
Rhys is a prince among men, exactly the kind of hero who can make me swoon. He’s definitely more a beta where his lady and her children are concerned – sweet, gentle, kind, and basically wears his heart on his sleeve. But he’s no pushover. He’s a skillful swordsman, who won his knighthood at the tender age of fourteen and is known far and wide for his victories in battles and tournaments. He’s also earned the respect of the men under his command with his fierceness and fairness. Rhys takes his duty as a knight very seriously, deeply prizing the knightly virtues of honesty, gallantry, and most of all chivalry. Even though societal norms won’t allow a mere knight with no land or title to wed a titled lady, he’s determined to have Gwen no matter what he has to do or how long it takes. It was so sweet that he even saved himself for her, not wanting any other woman in his bed. Despite years apart and her forced marriage to another man, Rhys never stops loving her and won’t stop trying everything he can to win her hand for himself. Beyond loving Gwen, he also loves and accepts her children as his own, treating them the way a father should. How could a romance reader not fall in love with a hero like that?
Gwennelyn was a headstrong lass from a very young age. When she meets Rhys at the mere age of nine, she demands that the vaunted knight champion her against her enemy, another young man who locked her in the pigsty. When he did as she asked, she fell in love with him on the spot, giving him her favor like any good lady would. When she finally met up with him again five years later, she pursued him all over her father’s keep, trying to get him alone so she could declare her love, while he, of course, was trying to avoid her because he knew he couldn’t have her. But Gwen giving voice to her tender regard for him is what set Rhys on his determined path to earn enough gold to bribe the right people into giving him land and perhaps a title so he could marry her like they both wanted. Gwen’s courage never faltered through all the things she had to deal with during the years they were apart, nor did her love for Rhys either. She was a fierce protector of her children as well. Gwen was more than a worthy match for Rhys, strong without being annoying and loving and kind without being overly sentimental.
There are a number of strong and beautifully drawn secondary characters as well. Montgomery and the Viking twins, Connor and Jared, were instrumental in Rhys training as a young knight. They’re loyal to a fault and look out for Gwen while Rhys is away. They’re also good for some laughs. Gwen’s children, Robin and Amanda, as well as Nicholas, another little boy the same age as Robin, whom Gwen insists they take in, are cute as buttons. Their speech is perhaps a bit advanced for their ages, but undeniably adorable. The little boys are well on their way to becoming gallant knights themselves, while Amanda is a charmer who has no trouble wrapping Rhys around her little finger. The next three books in the De Piaget series are about these three all grown up. Rhys’s family, his grandfather and his mother, an Englishwoman who ended up in a convent in France, are full of surprises. Gwen’s mother is always the calm voice of reason. Geoffrey, Gwen’s childhood tormentor who’s now sweet on her, is also good for some laughs. Gwen’s brother-in-law, John, pledges his loyalty to her and Rhys, becoming Rhys’s squire. Last but certainly not least are the dastardly villains, Gwen’s husband, Alain, and his brother, Rollan. Alain can be deliberately cruel but isn’t very smart, relying on Rollan to be the brains for both of them in their sordid schemes, which thankfully don’t entirely succeed.
Another Chance to Dream is a skillfully written story that never lets up on the conflict, keeping the reader wondering how an HEA will ever be possible. There’s the long-standing question of how the gallant knight will win the hand of his lady fair without land or title, but all throughout there are smaller conflicts that arise as well. Unlike a similar story I read recently, which also had a lot of conflict, this one was done better IMHO, because the conflicts are not of the hero’s and heroine’s own making (eg. stubborn misunderstandings). It always comes from an outside source, with each one being resolved within a reasonable time frame before the next one arises. Rhys and Gwen also never stop having faith in one another and their love endures despite the odds. Theirs is an epic love story that begins with them as children and finally culminates with their HEA some sixteen years later and what an HEA it is. In the end, Rhys’s determination pays off in ways he never could have imagined, giving him everything he’s always dreamed of and more. And that’s how I felt as a reader too. Another Chance to Dream was everything I could have wished for in a romance, and then some, and I can’t wait to continue with the De Piaget series to see what’s in store for Rhys and Gwen’s children.
November 3, 2012
I loved this book, but it was damn angsty. Gwen and Rhys went through hell and back... I truly expected Robin to turn out to be Rhys's... I was waiting for the reveal, but it never came... And Nicholas, does she never intend on letting Rhys know he fathered him?
There journey was heartbreaking at times, Most of the time actually.... Rhys has the patience of a Saint.... I loved all the characters, The Viking Twins, Montgomery, Rhys grandfather, etc.. They all added so much to this story... I am sad I can't get more of them, but I am exciting to continue with the de Piaget's stories.......
There journey was heartbreaking at times, Most of the time actually.... Rhys has the patience of a Saint.... I loved all the characters, The Viking Twins, Montgomery, Rhys grandfather, etc.. They all added so much to this story... I am sad I can't get more of them, but I am exciting to continue with the de Piaget's stories.......
July 29, 2016
3.5 stars
Not a bad read. Rhys and Gwen had a million obstacles thrown in front of them and still managed to end up together. There were a few things I felt were left unfinished that should have been addressed, namely
Not a bad read. Rhys and Gwen had a million obstacles thrown in front of them and still managed to end up together. There were a few things I felt were left unfinished that should have been addressed, namely
January 19, 2021
H&h have one night together and then he has to watch her marry and have another man’s children? No thank you.
March 22, 2025
A rare miss for me.
The H and h meet when she was nine and he 14. They fall in love and years later when he comes back hoping to win her, she is to marry someone else ... and she does. So more years go by before they can be together. Sorry, but not my idea of a good romance, that trope is a no go with me, with h marrying someone else after she already loves the H. I stopped reading it once I realised she was going to marry someone else, and then researched to see that it is years and a few children with the villain before they come together, with the H there seeing it all, then going away and coming back. I would have liked seeing Robin as a child as he is totally annoying in a funny, good way as an adult, but I just didn't want to read the rest of the book. A dud for me.
The H and h meet when she was nine and he 14. They fall in love and years later when he comes back hoping to win her, she is to marry someone else ... and she does. So more years go by before they can be together. Sorry, but not my idea of a good romance, that trope is a no go with me, with h marrying someone else after she already loves the H. I stopped reading it once I realised she was going to marry someone else, and then researched to see that it is years and a few children with the villain before they come together, with the H there seeing it all, then going away and coming back. I would have liked seeing Robin as a child as he is totally annoying in a funny, good way as an adult, but I just didn't want to read the rest of the book. A dud for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2014
It all began many years ago when a young knight saved a damsel in distress from a terrible plight, for young Lady Gwendolyn was not happy about being trapped in a pigsty. Not at all. So when young Rhys de Piaget noticed something vaguely resembling a girl(who he later learned was the future lady of the manor) amidst the pigs he felt it was his duty as a knight to become her champion and avenge her. Especially since the said lady was quite adamant in her wish for revenge, and was ready to avenge herself, if necessary. So a 14-year-old Rhys became Gwen’s champion…and a boy she was determined to marry. And, against his better judgment, Rhys started falling for an adventurous lady, who was always getting into trouble.
Unfortunately, what you wish from life and what you get from it can be two very different things. Because there were many things in the way of their happiness. Rhys’ lack of lands and a title was one obstacle, the fact that Gwen was baron’s daughter promised to another was the 2nd one. And they tried to overcome both. Rhys by winning gold in tournaments, and Gwen with her rather disastrous attempt to run away and become a mercenary “in order to watch her love’s back” which ended in her losing her horse, trying to rob Rhys, and managing (barely!)to lift her sword. This was one of my favorite scenes in the book. It was so freaking hilarious. Then again, all of Gwen’s escapades are. I won’t say exactly how and when they resolved all of the issues, just that their road was sometimes hard and often painful, but that they had always stood for each other and believed in their love and their future, which is so rare.
I adored both Gwen and Rhys. Gwen, for her overactive imagination, upbeat personality and her insistence she learn how to fight, so she could protect Rhys, which more often than not ended up a complete disaster. Rhys, because once he understood what he felt and who he wanted, he never tried to escape his feelings, or the situation, although another road would have been infinitely easier. For his strength, his insecurities, his patience with Gwen’s botched rescues and hasty actions. For staying true to her and the way he treats the children. That’s another thing I loved here. The kids, all of the kids are so cute. Amanda, Nick and Robin, for me, completed the story.
Actually, all the side characters were very well made, and all the characters were consistent throughout the book. I liked the story, the romance, the humor. Heck, I liked it all, so this book is now one of my favorites. Which explains all of the raving about it*grin*.
5+++ stars
I know, what a shocker : )
Unfortunately, what you wish from life and what you get from it can be two very different things. Because there were many things in the way of their happiness. Rhys’ lack of lands and a title was one obstacle, the fact that Gwen was baron’s daughter promised to another was the 2nd one. And they tried to overcome both. Rhys by winning gold in tournaments, and Gwen with her rather disastrous attempt to run away and become a mercenary “in order to watch her love’s back” which ended in her losing her horse, trying to rob Rhys, and managing (barely!)to lift her sword. This was one of my favorite scenes in the book. It was so freaking hilarious. Then again, all of Gwen’s escapades are. I won’t say exactly how and when they resolved all of the issues, just that their road was sometimes hard and often painful, but that they had always stood for each other and believed in their love and their future, which is so rare.
I adored both Gwen and Rhys. Gwen, for her overactive imagination, upbeat personality and her insistence she learn how to fight, so she could protect Rhys, which more often than not ended up a complete disaster. Rhys, because once he understood what he felt and who he wanted, he never tried to escape his feelings, or the situation, although another road would have been infinitely easier. For his strength, his insecurities, his patience with Gwen’s botched rescues and hasty actions. For staying true to her and the way he treats the children. That’s another thing I loved here. The kids, all of the kids are so cute. Amanda, Nick and Robin, for me, completed the story.
Actually, all the side characters were very well made, and all the characters were consistent throughout the book. I liked the story, the romance, the humor. Heck, I liked it all, so this book is now one of my favorites. Which explains all of the raving about it*grin*.
5+++ stars
I know, what a shocker : )
June 22, 2020
This was the 18th tale I've read in Lynn Kurland's MacLeod & de Piaget series. I've read them in the convoluted order that I've been able to get my hands on them--which hasn't seemed to matter in the least. The story lines all seem to weave through one another so we have either a taste of things to come or a continuation of a story once enjoyed. The stories are fast-paced, engaging, and funny. All the guys are hunky and all the girls are more gorgeous than the last, but they do tend to enchant.
With Another Chance to Dream it was exciting to read where the de Piaget line initiated. The relentless serpentine trail Rhys and Gwen must follow to reach their dream is fitting as a prelude to everything that will conspire with their progeny. Those tales can be found in the twelve stories (and counting) that document the events that set the course of each of their lives. As Rhys and Gwen traipse about the English countryside and pass sundry castles, abbies, and priories it is rather fun to know who those various structures will belong to in the future. More than tangible foundations are layed as intricate brush strokes clearly delineate the structure of the de Piaget line for hundreds of years.
Just read it again--an exciting tale all over again!
With Another Chance to Dream it was exciting to read where the de Piaget line initiated. The relentless serpentine trail Rhys and Gwen must follow to reach their dream is fitting as a prelude to everything that will conspire with their progeny. Those tales can be found in the twelve stories (and counting) that document the events that set the course of each of their lives. As Rhys and Gwen traipse about the English countryside and pass sundry castles, abbies, and priories it is rather fun to know who those various structures will belong to in the future. More than tangible foundations are layed as intricate brush strokes clearly delineate the structure of the de Piaget line for hundreds of years.
Just read it again--an exciting tale all over again!
March 21, 2010
Rhys saves Gwennelyn of Segrave from a pigsty. And, since that time she has been in love with him. She is bound and determined her father will give her to him to marry even if he is just a knight.
Several years later when she has to marry Alain of Ayre she decides to give herself to the one she loves first. This is the most romantic love story I have read in a very long time.
Gwen and Alain have a very troubled marriage. Rhys is appointed captain of Gwen's guard. Gwen stays true to her marriage after the marriage takes place.
But when Rhys finds out years later after his land is brutly burnt and he finds out that maybe his life and maybe even Gwens life could be in danger that it is time to go to the king and let him know what he knows.
This is a great book and the beginning of a series....
Several years later when she has to marry Alain of Ayre she decides to give herself to the one she loves first. This is the most romantic love story I have read in a very long time.
Gwen and Alain have a very troubled marriage. Rhys is appointed captain of Gwen's guard. Gwen stays true to her marriage after the marriage takes place.
But when Rhys finds out years later after his land is brutly burnt and he finds out that maybe his life and maybe even Gwens life could be in danger that it is time to go to the king and let him know what he knows.
This is a great book and the beginning of a series....
February 2, 2014
Spoilers ahead. Read on if you don't mind a few revelations.
I got this book because it was recommended when I did a search for novel's like "A Knight in Shining Armor" by Jude Deveraux. It was on the Time Travel Romance list and someone had made the comment that if you really want to read a good time travel romance this one is it. That was a lie.
There is no time traveling in this novel. However I could've been ok with that if the book was actually good. It was not. This seemed very much like a parody of the genre. The story had potential but fell flat. Gwen was unbearable, Alain was a ditz and Rollan was a poorly established villain. Rhys was the only one that was likeable at first and even he was an idiot at times.
I'd like to know why nobody questioned whether or not Robin belonged to him? It seems rather obvious to me. All this talk about "grey eyes". Rhys had them, his father had them, Nicholas had them (although Rhys was what? Too blind to notice? ) Also O. M. G!! *gasp! So did Robin...dundundun! Yet nobody questioned who his father was? Okay. Now lets talk about Nicholas. They randomly found him, the mother confessed to Gwen who his father was on her death bed and she chooses not to tell Rhys? Seriously? That's his kid. He has taken in all of yours and you take his in with the hope that someday he'll notice the resemblance? Ummm if he didn't notice that Robin has his eyes after staring into them then I find the likely hood he'll notice Nicholas highly unlikely. Especially since the only time he seems to take notice of him is when Gwen elbows him to do so.
I don't usually rant about books this much but I feel like people built this one up and it really let me down.
I got this book because it was recommended when I did a search for novel's like "A Knight in Shining Armor" by Jude Deveraux. It was on the Time Travel Romance list and someone had made the comment that if you really want to read a good time travel romance this one is it. That was a lie.
There is no time traveling in this novel. However I could've been ok with that if the book was actually good. It was not. This seemed very much like a parody of the genre. The story had potential but fell flat. Gwen was unbearable, Alain was a ditz and Rollan was a poorly established villain. Rhys was the only one that was likeable at first and even he was an idiot at times.
I'd like to know why nobody questioned whether or not Robin belonged to him? It seems rather obvious to me. All this talk about "grey eyes". Rhys had them, his father had them, Nicholas had them (although Rhys was what? Too blind to notice? ) Also O. M. G!! *gasp! So did Robin...dundundun! Yet nobody questioned who his father was? Okay. Now lets talk about Nicholas. They randomly found him, the mother confessed to Gwen who his father was on her death bed and she chooses not to tell Rhys? Seriously? That's his kid. He has taken in all of yours and you take his in with the hope that someday he'll notice the resemblance? Ummm if he didn't notice that Robin has his eyes after staring into them then I find the likely hood he'll notice Nicholas highly unlikely. Especially since the only time he seems to take notice of him is when Gwen elbows him to do so.
I don't usually rant about books this much but I feel like people built this one up and it really let me down.
January 18, 2014
1st book in the de Piaget series and it sets the tone for the whole series. So romantic with a sly humorous tone. The lady Gwen is spunky and fierce and Rhys is everything you would ever want in a chivalrous knight. But they have to work hard for their happiness. The book meanders a little bit but mostly it is a very engaging and lovely read.
July 7, 2011
"Chivalry is such a nasty business"!!! Loved this book - I was expecting the time travel aspect, but I have already read one of the later novels, and this one was about the previous generation. Time travel yet to come. They probably hadn't found the gate or portal at Artane yet. Rhys and Gwen's personality were very interesting. Kurland does well in establishing her characters.
Read
August 24, 2009So I decided not to finish this one, and my good friend Natalie is going to spoil the end for me. There is just too many books that I want to read to continue to read one I am annoyed about. I did however LOVE the beginning!
July 5, 2010
I have to admit though I did like this book it is one of my least favorite lynn kurland books I have read so far. I don't know why I didn't like it as much as the others but it seemed to drag for me and it was hard to get into.
August 29, 2008
Okay story line until you get to a breaking point in the middle where the main characters give into their passions. I put the book down.
June 24, 2011
I could not put this book down, I read it in less than one day! So exciting, I loved it!
April 18, 2017
4.5
meeting Rhys and Gwen and seeing how the DePiaget family began is amazing. But this is also a super long story and difficult to follow in a handful of places
meeting Rhys and Gwen and seeing how the DePiaget family began is amazing. But this is also a super long story and difficult to follow in a handful of places
January 18, 2023
The first real romance novel I read in my life. Perfectly sweet, romantic, and just the right amount of plot and suspense. Some of the scenes still make me swoon.
July 31, 2023
4 Estrellitas. Es lo primero que leo de Lynn Kurland y estoy segurísima de que volveré a leerla. Aunque esta es una serie que ya tiene unos añitos, ha sido de los clásicos que me gustan, pese a lo que hace sufrir la escritora a los protagonistas y al lector.
"Espérame en primavera" es el primer título de la serie De Piaget. Lynn Kurland nos traslada a principios del siglo XIII en Inglaterra. Gwennelyn es la hija de un barón que lo tiene todo, excepto al hombre al que ama. Su padre la prometió con Alain de Ayre, un barón vecino con muy poco seso e interés en Gwen. Mientras que Rhys es un caballero sin tierras ni título, Rhys proviene de una familia de espías medio ingleses, medio franceses, pero cuando quedó huérfano fue criado por Bertram de Ayre, el padre del prometido de Gwen.
Gwen y Rhys se han conocido desde niños, y a medida que fueron creciendo, se fueron enamorando. Rhys partió al Continente para hacer dinero en justas, y así poder comprar unas tierras para ofrecerle a Gwen. El problema es que Rhys llega casi tarde, y Gwen ya está prometida con otro.
Durante el libro pasarán algunos años, y aunque la escritora narra de una manera un tanto cómica algunos de sus acontecimientos o peripecias de los protagonistas, es cierto que también los hace sufrir mucho. No sólo estará Alain de Ayre para interponerse entre Rhys y Gwen, también lo estará su maquiavélico y malvado hermano Rollan, que no durará en hacer desgraciados a todos con los que se rodea, y los protagonistas no serán menos.
Me ha parecido una buena historia como inicio de saga, pues los pocos niños que aparecen ya dan pistas de que la serie continuará con los pequeños De Piaget. El punto fuerte del libro han sido sus personajes, no solo Rhys y Gwen, si no también sus niños, o toda la familia de Rhys, o los soldados mercenarios de Rhys y hasta los gemelos vikingos. Todos, todos, han sido personajes muy buenos que han enriquecido la historia.
El romance me ha gustado bastante, sobre todo porque debido a lo complicado que lo han tenido los personajes, lo suyo ha ido cociéndose muy poquito a poco; además, el giro final que ha dado la autora a los pocos capítulos de acabar el libro ha sido muy bueno.
Sin más, me ha dejado con muy buena sensación y estoy deseando leer más libros de esta serie.
"Espérame en primavera" es el primer título de la serie De Piaget. Lynn Kurland nos traslada a principios del siglo XIII en Inglaterra. Gwennelyn es la hija de un barón que lo tiene todo, excepto al hombre al que ama. Su padre la prometió con Alain de Ayre, un barón vecino con muy poco seso e interés en Gwen. Mientras que Rhys es un caballero sin tierras ni título, Rhys proviene de una familia de espías medio ingleses, medio franceses, pero cuando quedó huérfano fue criado por Bertram de Ayre, el padre del prometido de Gwen.
Gwen y Rhys se han conocido desde niños, y a medida que fueron creciendo, se fueron enamorando. Rhys partió al Continente para hacer dinero en justas, y así poder comprar unas tierras para ofrecerle a Gwen. El problema es que Rhys llega casi tarde, y Gwen ya está prometida con otro.
Durante el libro pasarán algunos años, y aunque la escritora narra de una manera un tanto cómica algunos de sus acontecimientos o peripecias de los protagonistas, es cierto que también los hace sufrir mucho. No sólo estará Alain de Ayre para interponerse entre Rhys y Gwen, también lo estará su maquiavélico y malvado hermano Rollan, que no durará en hacer desgraciados a todos con los que se rodea, y los protagonistas no serán menos.
Me ha parecido una buena historia como inicio de saga, pues los pocos niños que aparecen ya dan pistas de que la serie continuará con los pequeños De Piaget. El punto fuerte del libro han sido sus personajes, no solo Rhys y Gwen, si no también sus niños, o toda la familia de Rhys, o los soldados mercenarios de Rhys y hasta los gemelos vikingos. Todos, todos, han sido personajes muy buenos que han enriquecido la historia.
El romance me ha gustado bastante, sobre todo porque debido a lo complicado que lo han tenido los personajes, lo suyo ha ido cociéndose muy poquito a poco; además, el giro final que ha dado la autora a los pocos capítulos de acabar el libro ha sido muy bueno.
Sin más, me ha dejado con muy buena sensación y estoy deseando leer más libros de esta serie.
February 16, 2025
First off, this is my first review on Goodreads and I know some people take reviews of their favorite book to heart so please take what I say with a grain of salt.
Now, for the review.
I was in the mood for the classic 80-90’s romance with cheese and drama but not a lot of intercourse described in detail 🙃 I heard that Lynn Kurland was the author to go to! So I chose Another Chance to Dream to start it out.
The first couple chapters were amazing, Rhys seemed like a cool guy and Gwen like a normal Lady. However, I began to get SO TIRED of all the obstacles in the their way that prevented them for seeing each other. ESPECIALLY those that could’ve been solved if they both had brains!
First! She’s getting married, oh no what should I do? Maybe go to the magical potion man that is IN THE SAME CASTLE AS YOU and ask for poison/sleeping aid to knock out the guy Gwen is marrying.
Second! Aw man I’m so bored because Rhys is gone (yet again) to get gold since he lost the first batch by bribing someone who isn’t trustworthy 😒 MAYBE LEARN HOW TO FIGHT AND RIDE A HORSE PROPERLY
Third! We want to send letters to each other but we don’t trust our messengers! They might get intercepted! (They do surprise surprise) maybe 🤔 they write in code? Send letters by pigeon???
Fourth! Rhys’s land gets burned up 😒 then after 5-6 years gwen goes “oh hey, I actually have land myself. Maybe we can use that?” ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW. This book could’ve been three pages with pictures by now.
Fifth! Rhys is at a camp while Gwen’s five year old son rode by himself- sorry I have to laugh. A FIVE YEAR OLD IS ABLE TO RIDE WITH RHYS BUT GWEN THE WOMAN CANT SEEM TO RIDE BY HERSELF TO AYRE?????? - then the knight who beats people up and has fifteen men is suddenly knocked out of the blue??
These characters are so dumb. They belong together. At this point I like Rollan. He’s smart, a good villain and has motive. I would be a villain too if my castle was in the hands of dumb and dumber.
UGH. Hey I got what I wanted. I got a cheesy drama from the 2000’s that makes you go “why would they do that? That’s stupid”! So I guess this was just what I wanted
Now, for the review.
I was in the mood for the classic 80-90’s romance with cheese and drama but not a lot of intercourse described in detail 🙃 I heard that Lynn Kurland was the author to go to! So I chose Another Chance to Dream to start it out.
The first couple chapters were amazing, Rhys seemed like a cool guy and Gwen like a normal Lady. However, I began to get SO TIRED of all the obstacles in the their way that prevented them for seeing each other. ESPECIALLY those that could’ve been solved if they both had brains!
First! She’s getting married, oh no what should I do? Maybe go to the magical potion man that is IN THE SAME CASTLE AS YOU and ask for poison/sleeping aid to knock out the guy Gwen is marrying.
Second! Aw man I’m so bored because Rhys is gone (yet again) to get gold since he lost the first batch by bribing someone who isn’t trustworthy 😒 MAYBE LEARN HOW TO FIGHT AND RIDE A HORSE PROPERLY
Third! We want to send letters to each other but we don’t trust our messengers! They might get intercepted! (They do surprise surprise) maybe 🤔 they write in code? Send letters by pigeon???
Fourth! Rhys’s land gets burned up 😒 then after 5-6 years gwen goes “oh hey, I actually have land myself. Maybe we can use that?” ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW. This book could’ve been three pages with pictures by now.
Fifth! Rhys is at a camp while Gwen’s five year old son rode by himself- sorry I have to laugh. A FIVE YEAR OLD IS ABLE TO RIDE WITH RHYS BUT GWEN THE WOMAN CANT SEEM TO RIDE BY HERSELF TO AYRE?????? - then the knight who beats people up and has fifteen men is suddenly knocked out of the blue??
These characters are so dumb. They belong together. At this point I like Rollan. He’s smart, a good villain and has motive. I would be a villain too if my castle was in the hands of dumb and dumber.
UGH. Hey I got what I wanted. I got a cheesy drama from the 2000’s that makes you go “why would they do that? That’s stupid”! So I guess this was just what I wanted
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
I don’t often write reviews, if I am simply not impressed by a book. This one, however, stood out as particularly annoying to me. This book was a disappointment (to waste days reading the thing). I did not enjoy this book. Is this a bestseller? It wasn’t interesting. It wasn’t well written for the period (though I do give kudos to the author for trying, and it could have been worse). I feel that it was clearly written by a person of today, such that it got in the way of putting me to that time period as a reader. It was too self-conscious about trying to be historical, the constructions forced. And simply inserting as many big or old-time-y words doesn’t cut it. For reference, Phillipa Gregory does a better job of using language to animate the time period.
That said, I did manage to slog through the whole interminable thing. It wasn’t overwrought with romantic cliches, things did happen, though it was definitely not fast paced. Everything, especially the jokes, seemed to happen in slow motion. Extra words were inserted regularly, and served only to dull the action and progression of the story. Here are some examples of the poor writing:
he snarled audibly (Is there any other kind of snarl?)
"Then convince me," he asked. (That wasn't a question.)
...head resting atop his neck
From the start, I wasn’t drawn to the petulant, pushy heroine, or the unsure, dull hero. The characters were broad and no one especially likable.
There was too much internal dialogue, often as internal arguments (should I do this? Is this how I feel?, etc.). This was dull to me. Motivations were clear and straightforward. I didn’t need to hear the villain thinking to know he was a villain and what he wanted. If the author had written this as action instead of self-reflection, it would have made for a stronger story.
If I hear: “in the lists” or “whelp” again it will be too soon. They were repeated too many times in this book—like these were the author’s best referential sayings she could muster from that time period so she kept pulling them out to remind us where we were. And how was it that people were so thick that they didn’t recognize each other when they were in an unexpected outfit with some mud on their faces? Really? Unbelievable and weak plotting.
I really enjoy reading old English history. Reading the Thomas B. Contain series on the Plantagenets was much more interesting than this book (and educational). I can’t say this book had much more in the way of titillating romance either, though it was supposedly there: there was a couple, yada yada.
If you want a good read look elsewhere.
That said, I did manage to slog through the whole interminable thing. It wasn’t overwrought with romantic cliches, things did happen, though it was definitely not fast paced. Everything, especially the jokes, seemed to happen in slow motion. Extra words were inserted regularly, and served only to dull the action and progression of the story. Here are some examples of the poor writing:
he snarled audibly (Is there any other kind of snarl?)
"Then convince me," he asked. (That wasn't a question.)
...head resting atop his neck
From the start, I wasn’t drawn to the petulant, pushy heroine, or the unsure, dull hero. The characters were broad and no one especially likable.
There was too much internal dialogue, often as internal arguments (should I do this? Is this how I feel?, etc.). This was dull to me. Motivations were clear and straightforward. I didn’t need to hear the villain thinking to know he was a villain and what he wanted. If the author had written this as action instead of self-reflection, it would have made for a stronger story.
If I hear: “in the lists” or “whelp” again it will be too soon. They were repeated too many times in this book—like these were the author’s best referential sayings she could muster from that time period so she kept pulling them out to remind us where we were. And how was it that people were so thick that they didn’t recognize each other when they were in an unexpected outfit with some mud on their faces? Really? Unbelievable and weak plotting.
I really enjoy reading old English history. Reading the Thomas B. Contain series on the Plantagenets was much more interesting than this book (and educational). I can’t say this book had much more in the way of titillating romance either, though it was supposedly there: there was a couple, yada yada.
If you want a good read look elsewhere.
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