Who Would Like This Book:
If you love your romance with a hearty dose of medieval drama, witty banter, and a strong, spunky heroine, "The Prize" should be on your TBR! Julie Garwood blends Normandy vs. Saxon conflicts with humor, intriguing palace intrigue, and a slow-burning love story that puts both of its leads through a delightful battle of wits. Readers who enjoy smart, headstrong heroines, honorable but stubborn heroes, and a blend of historical detail with playful romance will devour this one. Bonus points if you love a chess metaphor!
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the plot a little light on high-stakes conflict and felt the drama between the leads wasn’t quite as intense or angsty as other romances of the era. A few wished Nicholaa stood her ground a bit more - her willingness to please at times can frustrate fans of fiercer heroines. Also, if you like your historicals deadly serious or can’t get past head-hopping POV shifts, this one might not be your cup of tea.
About:
In "The Prize" by Julie Garwood, the story unfolds during William the Conqueror's reign, where the Saxon captive Nicholaa is forced to choose a husband from the Norman nobles, ultimately selecting the fierce yet chivalrous warrior, Royce. The book delves into their relationship as Nicholaa vows to bend Royce to her will, showcasing a mix of resourcefulness, rebellion, and naivety in her character. The plot is filled with humor, palace intrigue, and passionate love scenes, capturing the essence of medieval England amidst the clash between Saxons and Normans.
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Has Romance?
The romance in The Prize is a central plot element, characterized by a strong connection between the protagonists, showcasing love that develops through humorous and challenging situations.
From The Publisher:
A warrior and a Saxon woman find an unexpected love in this riveting historical romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.
In the resplendence of William the Conqueror's London court, the lovely Saxon captive, Nicholaa is forced to choose a husband from the assembled Norman nobles. She chooses Royce, a baron warrior whose fierce demeanor can not conceal his chivalrous and tender heart. Resourceful, rebellious and utterly naive, Nicholaa vows to bend Royce to her will, despite the whirlwind of feelings he arouses in her. Ferocious in battle, seasoned in passion, Royce is surprised by the depth of his emotions whenever he caresses his charming bride.
In a climate of utmost treachery, Royce and Nicholaa revel in their precious new love-a fervent bond soon to be disrupted by the call of blood, kin and country….
Ratings (22)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (14) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (36):
Read It (25) | |
Want To Read (8) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (2) |
3 comment(s)
While it wasn't groundbreaking or remarkably different from other books on this subject, The Prize was still a super fun read.
I didn't like this one as much as I usually like Garwood. I thought that the hero and heroine were both, honestly, stupid.
I get the overbearing alpha heroes, but this guy really was not just alpha, he was dumb as a post.
And for all the talk of how clever the legendary heroine is... I just didn't buy it. She was almost comically brainless, as she flitted around in airheaded fashion.
Meh.
***2.5***
I am not a fan of Julie Garwood books and I don't usually read medieval romances. However, I have decided to give a second chance to the books by Julie Garwood after reading [b:The Secret|107770|The Secret (Highlands' Lairds #1)|Julie Garwood|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1312123398s/107770.jpg|734169] and liking it a lot. But than I read few other of her books and didn't like them at all.
The Prize is another surprise. I haven't like it as much as [b:The Secret|107770|The Secret (Highlands' Lairds #1)|Julie Garwood|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1312123398s/107770.jpg|734169] but still found it very entertaining.
First, the characters are very likeable. Royce is definitely an alpha male but he is not overwhelming. He admits his attraction to Nicholaa at the very beginning (at least to himself) and tries to give her happiness even though he is not sure how to do that. Nicholaa is not as silly and annoying as some of the other heroines in Julie Garwood books. Despite her constantly changing her mind and some irrational decisions, I didn't found her irritating.
I also generally liked the story. Although, I wish the thing with Nicholaa's older brother was already solved somehow.
This is a surprisingly good story that gives me hope that I will still found some books by Julie Garwood I will enjoy.
What can you read after
The Prize?
About the Author:
Julie Garwood is among the most critically acclaimed-and popular-romance authors around, published in thirty-two languages worldwide with forty million copies of her books in print. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels including Wired, Fast Track,…
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