Title: Rolf’s Quest (A Medieval Encounter Book 1)
Author: Aubrey Wynne
Genre: Historical Romance, Romantic Fantasy
Book Blurb:
A wizard, a curse, a fated love…
When Rolf finally discovers the woman who can end the curse that has plagued his family for centuries, she is already betrothed. Time is running out for the royal wizard of King Henry II. If he cannot find true love without the use of sorcery, the magic will die for future generations.
Melissa is intrigued by the mystical, handsome man that haunts her by night and tempts her by day. His bizarre tale of Merlin, enchantments, and finding genuine love has her questioning his sanity and her heart.
From the moment Melissa stepped from his dreams and into his arms, Rolf knew she was his destiny. Now, he will battle against time, a powerful duke, and call on the gods to save her.
My Review:
True love, without the use of magic, will free the great Merlin from his own mystical prison but can it be done?
Back in the day, the great wizard Merlin fell in love with a woman who loved another. Merlin cast a love spell on her and in retaliation, she cursed him and all his future generations. The first-born son of each generation will have the opportunity to choose fated love without the use of magic.
Rolf was brought to Merlin when he was only ten years old and the fate of Merlin and future generations is in Rolf’s hands. Rolf thinks he’s learned from his ancestors’ mistakes but destiny is a funny mistress because when he meets his beloved, the woman who can break his family’s curse, she’s already engaged to another.
Melissa has been engaged to Charles Roker, a duke, from the time she was small. A partnership between two families to strengthen alliances, not for love. Melissa starts having intoxicating dreams about a mysterious man with dark hair and when he appears at King Henry II’s coronation, she’s left to wonder if his story of fated love and Merlin is true. Desire wars with allegiance to her father but she has one ally: the Queen. She must choose between love and loyalty. Can she marry a man she barely knows yet his kisses make her dizzy as if she’s drunk too much spiced wine? And what about this curse? Will true love conquer all or will magic cease to be?
I was captivated by this historical romance from the first page and honestly, didn’t want it to end. Wynne is historically accurate throughout the book, from the clothing to historical people/events to how society behaves and even cultural traditions (such as weddings and coronations). I was immersed in the 12th century and it was glorious.
I love Roker, Melissa’s fiancé, and it was quite enjoyable seeing his evil mind process events out of his control. He fights for Melissa’s hand and when fate intervenes, his world is turned upside down. His actions, as well as his frame of mind, amp up the suspense and intrigue.
Rolf’s Quest is a testament to love and lovers. It reminds me of The Princess Bride as well as Ladyhawk. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author (via Netgalley) in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it now:
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rolfs-quest-aubrey-wynne/1125362109?ean=2940154235898
Author Biography:
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.
Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards. Dante's Gift and Paper Love received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.
In addition to her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will release two more Regency romances in 2019. Once Upon A Widow series will officially launch in March 2019, the Wicked Earls’ Club will release again just in time for the holidays.
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Reviewed by: Mrs. N