Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride

By Lynna Banning

Book Overview

A hardened, battle-weary warrior, Reynaud has forgotten what it is to be in the company of a beautiful woman, to delight in her comfort and warmth. On his return to Granada, he is drawn to Leonor and senses that she could heal his hidden scars. She is set upon a dangerous path, a path that they travel together, becoming closer every day--every night. But such forbidden passion may be their undoing....

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373295146
• ISBN13: 9780373295142
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

4.5 Stars: Suspenseful, exotic, action-packed with moments of descriptive brilliance

As a Knight Templar, Reynaud has sworn a vow of chastity. He is devoted to God and yet, battle weary from the Crusades, he has seen enough of a senseless war that appears to be more a land grab pitting Christian against Christian. Now back in the Emir of Granada, he catches Leonor out at night. Clearly, she does not know her place as a woman! When he promises her father to protect her, Reynaud is torn between his attraction to her and his secret mission as a Templar, either one could throw him in peril of his life. Reynaud and Leonore have plans they do not share with the other --- but in one moment, she says words that will turn their lives upside down, increasing the danger several fold. Can these two escape with their lives and find love? Leonor is an intelligent romance heroine, a woman not afraid to take matters into her own hands in a culture that places restrictions on women. When challenged by a man as conservative as Reynaud, she does not cower but rather sees to the integrity of her business. Reynaud is a Knight Templar, sworn to absolute values whether it be his Templar vows or his view of women's place in the world. At heart, however, he has seen enough warfare, greed and corruption to question the absolutes. Leonor has a few surprises that might complicate his secret mission and open his heart. Lynna Banning creates several nice twists in this medieval romance as Reynaud's vow to protect her collides with his Templar mission. Lynna Banning gives readers a look into the Arabic culture during the Middle Ages from the view of a half-Arabic crusader, adding a more exotic yet moving portrait of the medieval world with its Moors and the Saracens and the different cultures. I have read countless saints' lives that are vehemently anti-Saracen but really give no feel for the Saracens themselves, so for me, I very much appreciated a modern author giving new insights through the inner conflicts of her characters. Within TEMPLAR KNIGHT, FORBIDDEN BRIDE, Lynna Banning descriptions and plot set a geography that readers can easily visualize alongside the influences between Spain and France on the landscapes during the characters' journey. TEMPLAR KNIGHT, FORBIDDEN BRIDE creates an atmosphere of of intrigue as spies and codes enter the picture. The action packed plot of TEMPLAR KNIGHT, FORBIDDEN BRIDE creates a fast read with more action than many medieval romances adding an exciting variety within the genre. Lynna Banning's TEMPLAR KNIGHT, FORBIDDEN BRIDE combines thrilling emotional drama with moments of brilliant descriptive detail. A highly recommended medieval romance read!

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride

I very much enjoyed this book! Once again, Banning has created a wonderful hero--stalwart and strong, world-weary and deeply committed to his cause--who struggles with his love for a woman he would marry--if he only could. The heroine here is particularly engaging. She is young, headstrong and clearly understands when she has gotten into a situation that was bigger and more dangerous than she thought. I liked her vulnerability and her strength. Templar Knight. Forbidden Bride is set against the backdrop of the Crusades and Banning's tale is rich with historical research that brings the period to life. I always worry about this setting, since I'm not a fan of violence, but Banning delivers--keeping the fight scenes true to the times without going over the top. It's a romance to the core. And when I finished the last page, the story left me wholly satisfied.

She captures the medieval time beautifully and builds a story in which you become invested in the ou

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride by Lynna Banning Mass Market Paperback release date September 1, 2008 4 stars Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride is an eloquently written story by Lynna Bening. In beautiful detail she tells the story of Reynaud, a Templar Knight has come back to his adopted home after a 20 year absence. His is returning only to carry-out a mission of the highest order. But his plan is complicated by Leonor, a childhood friend who, now as a grown woman, captures his imagination and incites an internal war between his oath to the Temple Order and giving in to the passion he feels for her. Renaud is a long suffering character who has always felt like an outsider, but desperately longing for a place where to "belong". Leonor battles to break the chains of what she deems as the typical, suffocating role of a woman of her time. When she becomes involved in Renaud's mission, both struggle towards their responsibility to the mission and their growing passion. Lynna Bening has a lyrical writing style. One of my favorite lines from the book is: "One should not leave this life without knowing, at least once, the peace of another's touch upon one's soul". She captures the medieval time beautifully and builds a story in which you become invested in the outcome. Reviewed by Cez at Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride -- Engaging, deep, heartfelt!

Reynaud and Leonor's love story is a triumph of love and dedication over the duties and challenges of 12th century war torn Granada. Lynna Banning seamlessly blends human emotion and historical conflict in ways that leave the reader craving more. This is a must read Historical Romance -- a true "keeper." Banning leaves the reader rejoicing in love and believing in hope for all times!

Rich in detail. A luscious read.

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride (Harlequin Historical Series) Having returned from Antioch, war-weary Templar knight Reynaud longs for the familiar Granada countryside and his family whom he hasn't seen for nearly twenty years, but he is on a mission and can only stay the night. A meeting with his uncle Hassam exacts a reluctant promise to look after Hassam's daughter Leonor who will be traveling to Moyanne where he is also going. Leonor has grown into a fascinating, intelligent young woman, a woman so desirable she strains Rey's Templar vows. But Rey must rein in his emotions; he's on a secret mission, one upon which the lives of many depend. Unbeknownst to him, Lea is also on a mission. Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride is rich in history and visual detail that will enchant and inform without being pedantic. Ms. Banning is a consummate storyteller who writes exquisitely. Her knowledge of both medieval history and early music is extensive. Readers will find themselves caught up in the wondrous journey traveled by Rey, Lea and a cast of characters so interesting they step off the pages and into your heart. Detailed, sensual and very entertaining. Highly recommended.