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Sons of Rhodri #1
Defiant Passion
Patriotic rebellion.Steamy historical fiction at its best."Lovers of medieval romance, and English and Welsh history will enjoy DEFIANT PASSION." ap Owain, the Prince of Powwydd, is a constant thorn in the side of the Norman Marcher lords. His sorties into the border counties of England from his stronghold in the Welsh mountains leave a trail of fear and destruction in their wake. He hates Saxon and Norman equally and burns with Celtic fervour for a Wales free of their domination.He embodies primitive masculinity and vitality, with the tanned, weathered skin of a man who lives his life in the open air. He is intimidating to behold, and the mention of his name strikes fear into the hearts of those living on the English side of the Welsh border. To them he is a feral force. To his own people he is a folk hero of mythical proportions. Though few have ever met him, all know of his deeds.Rhonwen Dda is a shy healer, a diminutive woman of peace renowned for her mystical aura. Though she is drawn to Rhodri, she can see no future for them. Rhodri believes she is his destiny. Will he convince her to share his lonely life as the champion of an oppressed people?Defiant Passion is a 28,000 word novella.More praise for Anna "Her books are page turning reads. I can't put them down. Ms. Markland has created true to life characters. They are real people struggling with real problems and dangerous challenges.""The book's scenes of intimacy are well written. Set in the tapestry of ongoing conflict and politics in the 11th century, this sensual, bittersweet love story is beautifully written.""The research in this book shone through every page. If you like history, you'll love Defiant Passion.""Anna Markland weaves a fantastic tale of love, passion, raw emotions and inner conflict. Ms. Markland has obviously studied the medieval period well. The characters become real people and I was transported back to 11th century Europe, with all their trials and tribulations. The historic detail wound into their love story is simply brilliant! A fantastic read!"If you enjoy the historical richness of Ken Follett, you'll love Anna Markland's books. Follett with a woman's touch!
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2012
21 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
239 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 26, 2012
3.5. This story took me to another time and place. This book is another one that was set in a time that I was unfamiliar with. The year is 1066. England and Wales are at deep odds with each other. Rhodri and Rhonwen come from very different sides of the issue. Rhodri is a Welsh prince who wants freedom for all of Wales. Rhonwen is a more subdued healer in the house of an English nobleman. Rhodri abducts Rhonwen and the nobleman's family in order to press his point of Welsh freedom.
This book is incredibly short (I read it on my Kindle so I'm actually not sure what the amount of pages actually is). It is the first book in a series. The story was very neat, perhaps a little too neat. Rhodri and Rhonwen seem to fall for each other quickly. There doesn't seem to be much of any push back from the noble family when Rhonwen confesses her love for Rhodri even after he abducted all of them. I would be a little mad. I would have liked to see more conflict.
That being said, you really do fall for the characters. I liked Rhonwen. I liked Rhodri. I really, really like Morwenna, another woman who uses her... uh... womanly wiles to get her way. She's a really interesting character to watch. She's kind of terrible to those around her unless they can offer her something and then she's as sweet as they come. Luckily for many of the characters in the book, they see right through her and know exactly what she is up to. Sometimes its fun to like the really, really bad characters. It's so much fun to pour a glass of haterade over a bad character.
The romance in the book was good. There are a lot of steamy scenes that definitely steal your attention away.
Bottom line: This is a light, fast read that would be a perfect vacation read!
This book is incredibly short (I read it on my Kindle so I'm actually not sure what the amount of pages actually is). It is the first book in a series. The story was very neat, perhaps a little too neat. Rhodri and Rhonwen seem to fall for each other quickly. There doesn't seem to be much of any push back from the noble family when Rhonwen confesses her love for Rhodri even after he abducted all of them. I would be a little mad. I would have liked to see more conflict.
That being said, you really do fall for the characters. I liked Rhonwen. I liked Rhodri. I really, really like Morwenna, another woman who uses her... uh... womanly wiles to get her way. She's a really interesting character to watch. She's kind of terrible to those around her unless they can offer her something and then she's as sweet as they come. Luckily for many of the characters in the book, they see right through her and know exactly what she is up to. Sometimes its fun to like the really, really bad characters. It's so much fun to pour a glass of haterade over a bad character.
The romance in the book was good. There are a lot of steamy scenes that definitely steal your attention away.
Bottom line: This is a light, fast read that would be a perfect vacation read!
May 9, 2015
Defiant Passion needs some work. The story has a good foundation, but it is underdeveloped. I found that I didn't get to know any of the characters well enough to care much what happened to them. The story would have been much better if it had been longer or if more time had been taken to develop the characters. The two mains have one of those love at first sight moments and that's that. I prefer a book where the characters get to know each other and their attraction turns to love over time instead of one where they know they are meant to be as soon as they lay eyes upon each other and that's all they need to know. Apparently, I have gotten less romantic in my old age.
September 28, 2018
I really enjoyed Defiant Passion: Sons of Rhodri I by Anna Markland! It is a novella about Rhodri ap Owain, the Prince of Powwydd. He is the leader of the Welsh rebels and is determined to see his people free from the Normans. Convinced by some untrustworthy spies, he decides to kidnap a Norman lords wife and children in exchange for a ransom to feed his people. When he kidnaps the lady and their children, they are accompanied by a healer. Rhodri is taken by her. He feels that she is his destiny. However, even though she feels the same, she is torn. Will they find a way to be together?
This is such a tender novella. I know novellas are short but I felt that it was way too short. I wanted more description and to see their love deepen. Their love seemed to grow out of nowhere and too quickly. However, there is no doubting the chemistry that came between Rhodri and Rhonwen. I loved the history that is displayed about Wales and the description of the weather and countryside. It made me feel as if I was there. I love Welsh history and I find that it often gets overlooked.
I loved that the author used many phrases and terms in Cymraeg, the Welsh language. It is a complicated language but it added a nice authenticity to the story. The novella comes with a glossary in the back to help with many of the terms.
Overall, I rate this book 4 out 5 stars! I definitely want to read more about this family as this book reads like a prequel. I can’t wait to read more by this author! Check it out! Historical romance lovers will adore this story!
This is such a tender novella. I know novellas are short but I felt that it was way too short. I wanted more description and to see their love deepen. Their love seemed to grow out of nowhere and too quickly. However, there is no doubting the chemistry that came between Rhodri and Rhonwen. I loved the history that is displayed about Wales and the description of the weather and countryside. It made me feel as if I was there. I love Welsh history and I find that it often gets overlooked.
I loved that the author used many phrases and terms in Cymraeg, the Welsh language. It is a complicated language but it added a nice authenticity to the story. The novella comes with a glossary in the back to help with many of the terms.
Overall, I rate this book 4 out 5 stars! I definitely want to read more about this family as this book reads like a prequel. I can’t wait to read more by this author! Check it out! Historical romance lovers will adore this story!
December 20, 2024
One of the best books I've ever read. Quick to the point. No long narratives. Lots of inner dialogs between characters and what an original story without bloodshed and gore. I love the characters and was so happy that I didn't have to get emotionally invested in characters getting killed off for no reason like some authors do in their books (Kathyrn Le Veque) so happy Anna Markland is the so different. I've read this book so many times and can happily say it's one of my most favourites. Highly recommended.
January 9, 2018
I absolutely loved this book that’s why I read it in 1 day. I was up until early in the morning finishing it but I had to I just couldn’t put it down it was so well written characters were great and I just loved the main character the hero it was a good story it was so well written that was excitement mystery it was wonderful if you really want to good read by the book I really really enjoyed it
June 8, 2018
Very in-depth, detailed and passionate historical romance. There is lots of action and entertaining aspects in their story which is an adventurous one shadowed by insecurities & filled with so many challenges during a time of war, spies and jealousy. Their struggle to live, trust and love is well written and heartwarming.
I read Conquest which combines Conquering Passion & Defiant Passion
I read Conquest which combines Conquering Passion & Defiant Passion
September 5, 2018
This entire story was in the book Conquest.
May 19, 2019
I liked this book. I like a couple of her series better but still a good read.
November 11, 2019
such a great read
July 15, 2013
Sons of Rhodri #1
Defiant Passion by Anna Markland is the first book of the series, but is also a sort of prequel, as it deals with how Rhoodri came to meet and marry his intended.
It was novella length and very well written. I enjoyed it immensely, and will definitely be reading the rest of the series, as well as the series dealing with the Montbryce family who are introduced in this book as Rhoderi's enemies, because the two series seem to run concurrently with this series and it's kind of cool to see both sides of a problem and how neither one really is a bad guy, rather two sides of the same coin.
Since I discovered that all of Anna's books are interconnected, I decided to read them in chronological order from here on out. Here is the list in case you were wondering:
Year - Title - Series
1066 — Conquering Passion - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — If Love Dares Enough - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — Defiant Passion - Sons of Rhodri (prequel)
1087 — A Man of Value - The Montbryce Legacy
1097 — Dark Irish Knight - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1100 — Passion In the Blood - The Montbryce Legacy
1103 — Haunted Knights - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1106 — Dark and Bright - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — The Winds of the Heavens - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — Dance of Love - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1113 — Carried Away - The FitzRam Family
1120 — Sweet Taste Of Love - The FitzRam Family
1124 — Wild Viking Princess - The FitzRam Family
Defiant Passion by Anna Markland is the first book of the series, but is also a sort of prequel, as it deals with how Rhoodri came to meet and marry his intended.It was novella length and very well written. I enjoyed it immensely, and will definitely be reading the rest of the series, as well as the series dealing with the Montbryce family who are introduced in this book as Rhoderi's enemies, because the two series seem to run concurrently with this series and it's kind of cool to see both sides of a problem and how neither one really is a bad guy, rather two sides of the same coin.
Since I discovered that all of Anna's books are interconnected, I decided to read them in chronological order from here on out. Here is the list in case you were wondering:
Year - Title - Series
1066 — Conquering Passion - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — If Love Dares Enough - The Montbryce Legacy
1066 — Defiant Passion - Sons of Rhodri (prequel)
1087 — A Man of Value - The Montbryce Legacy
1097 — Dark Irish Knight - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1100 — Passion In the Blood - The Montbryce Legacy
1103 — Haunted Knights - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1106 — Dark and Bright - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — The Winds of the Heavens - Sons of Rhodri
1107 — Dance of Love - Montbryce: The Next Generation
1113 — Carried Away - The FitzRam Family
1120 — Sweet Taste Of Love - The FitzRam Family
1124 — Wild Viking Princess - The FitzRam Family
May 23, 2013
Stars: 4.5
Overall: What a wild and exciting romance "adventure" in the mountains. I really LOVED this book and all of the characters in it. The one main thing that i really enjoyed about this story was that you got the past, present & future of the book, which i always crave because i feel a book always needs some kind of completion. The one and only negative about the book is that i wish we got more time to spend discovering and exploring Rhodri and Rhonwen's relationship. I clearly saw the love between them, but i think it would've been fun to see them in more situations together. The action also was so much fun and i was sitting on the edge of my seat to see what was going to have to Morrowena and her lover. Ms. Markland has a way of making you feel like your right there with the characters, kind of like a fly on the wall. I really enjoyed her writing and i recommend her books to everyone.
Characters: Rhodri & Rhonwen
Page Turner: Yes; I stayed up all night reading it
Series Cont: Yes! And there are other books before it.
Recommend: Yes!
Overall: What a wild and exciting romance "adventure" in the mountains. I really LOVED this book and all of the characters in it. The one main thing that i really enjoyed about this story was that you got the past, present & future of the book, which i always crave because i feel a book always needs some kind of completion. The one and only negative about the book is that i wish we got more time to spend discovering and exploring Rhodri and Rhonwen's relationship. I clearly saw the love between them, but i think it would've been fun to see them in more situations together. The action also was so much fun and i was sitting on the edge of my seat to see what was going to have to Morrowena and her lover. Ms. Markland has a way of making you feel like your right there with the characters, kind of like a fly on the wall. I really enjoyed her writing and i recommend her books to everyone.
Characters: Rhodri & Rhonwen
Page Turner: Yes; I stayed up all night reading it
Series Cont: Yes! And there are other books before it.
Recommend: Yes!
July 26, 2013
116 pages
When love of the people, the land and the upholding of a unique way of life is the central driving force against Goliath odds, it’s hard not to get sucked into the story.
Rhodri ap Owain, the Prince of Powwydd is a new leader, a Welsh rebel with a cause, he’s determined to fight until his last breath for a free Wales.
With his people destitute and starving he kidnaps an Englishman’s family and their healer Rhonwen Dda for ransom. Rhodri is immediately attracted to Rhonwen and she to him but they’re from different sides of the line and there seems no hope for them. There’s also the little problem of his betrothed with murderous plans of her own.
This was unlike some other captive stories I've read. Rhodri treated Rhonwen well, the alternative would have lost me.
First read by this author and can be read as a stand alone in my view and its short and sweet.
December 15, 2022
This is my second time reading this book. I totally enjoyed all the characters and the desire to live in peace in the end. I also love that Rhonwen was a healer. She fell in love with Prince Rhodri who just happened to kidnap her and many of the people she loved. Rhodri treated all with respect, other than kidnapping and won their hearts over. It was a tough time in history and it caused tough decisions in order to feed his people. I think most people would enjoy this read and I highly recommend this book by Anna Markland.
July 11, 2013
A good story that twisted the lives of the central characters, from childhood, through to adulthood. Unrequited love is always a good classic storyline & this has been modernised. Being honest I was just wanting a bit more & it ended quite abruptly.
kindle-i-own-to-read
January 9, 2013Amazon Freebie 01/09/2013
not-finished
December 9, 2013made it close to 1/2 way through. Cannot finish this one. while it started out nice enough, the scenes now seem rushed , the dialog a little too modern and too much foreshadowing.
June 29, 2015
This was a novella that was mostly a repeat of events and the romance that was in other Montbryce Legacy stories. I do not feel that anything new was brought to their story.
July 6, 2016
What a great story about 2 families on opposite sides. Rhonwen & Rhodri and a love that came about was the icing on the cake!! Great book Anna. I loved this book and will read more in the series!!
October 17, 2016
Good ,fast paced read.
December 10, 2016
I tried to like this book. But I couldn't. It was too much of a rehashing of Conquering Passion. I would have liked to have read more of the story of Rhodri and Rhonwen as it pertained to themselves.
April 16, 2017
Defiant Passion Anna Markland
I enjoyed this book and its varied characters. Rhodri was a renown Welsh rebel warrior and Rhonwen was a student healer being taught by her mother who was working for the Normans. Rhodri did not like to shed blood and avoided it when he could but he knew it was his job to feed his people and raiding the border Normans were the only way they would not starve. Rhodri's betrothed was an evil plotting woman who became a student healer within the Normans lands so she could spy for Rhodri. She tutored with Rhonwen under her mother's instruction, for the lady of the house. So, not to ruin the rest of the story... this book was full of twist of vengeance, compassion, admiration, and hope for the two worlds to live in peace.
The only thing that kept me from giving the book a glowing 5 stars is I felt the relationship between Rhodri and Rhonwen was too easily come by. They instantly fell in love and didn't really fight their feelings, or situation at all. They just became an item, then at the end the time came to parting and the reason I felt was very weak and didn't fit. All in all I loved the storyline.
I enjoyed this book and its varied characters. Rhodri was a renown Welsh rebel warrior and Rhonwen was a student healer being taught by her mother who was working for the Normans. Rhodri did not like to shed blood and avoided it when he could but he knew it was his job to feed his people and raiding the border Normans were the only way they would not starve. Rhodri's betrothed was an evil plotting woman who became a student healer within the Normans lands so she could spy for Rhodri. She tutored with Rhonwen under her mother's instruction, for the lady of the house. So, not to ruin the rest of the story... this book was full of twist of vengeance, compassion, admiration, and hope for the two worlds to live in peace.
The only thing that kept me from giving the book a glowing 5 stars is I felt the relationship between Rhodri and Rhonwen was too easily come by. They instantly fell in love and didn't really fight their feelings, or situation at all. They just became an item, then at the end the time came to parting and the reason I felt was very weak and didn't fit. All in all I loved the storyline.
April 20, 2017
Absolutely loved this book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews