A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall

October 27th, 2016 Kimberly Review 38 Comments

27th Oct
A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall
A Sorceress of His Own
by Dianne Duvall
Series: The Gifted Ones #1
Narrator: Kirsten Potter
Length: 11 hours and 25 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameHalf a Flame
Narration: 4.5 cups

Since the day Lord Dillon earned his spurs, rumors of his savagery on the battlefield have preceded him into every room, stilling tongues and sparking fear. Weary of battle, he wishes only to find a woman he can wed who will approach him not with fear, but with the tenderness that has been absent from his life for so long. Yet only the wisewoman seems invariably at ease in his presence. For seven years, Alyssa has been by Lord Dillon's side-counseling him from the shadows, healing him, and staving off the worst of his loneliness. Blessed-or cursed-with gifts that label her a sorceress, she is forced to conceal her youth and the love she harbors for him, leading Dillon and his people to believe she is the same wisewoman who served his father. All is revealed, however, and passions flare when an enemy threatens Dillon's life and Alyssa sacrifices everything to save him. When Dillon discovers that the wisewoman is far from elderly, he is instantly entranced. And, as he and Alyssa work together to defeat an enemy bent on destroying them both, Dillon will risk anything-even the wrath of his king-to be with her.

historical 2016 Fave ROMANCE Fave Narrator paranormal

“A few hours in my arms and you believe yourself capable of sorcery. Mayhap wizardry does course through my veins.”

I absolutely love Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians series and when the chance to review her Gifted Ones series presented itself, I confess I was downright giddy. I devoured the first one, A Sorceress of His Own and fell in love with its characters from our couple to the lowliest of grooms.

Fans of the Immortal Guardians will love that we are getting a prequel of sorts with the Gifted Ones, but fear not, these work on their own, and although some characters like Seth, Marcus and Roland make appearances, there are no spoilers.

A Sorceress of His Own takes us to 1198 England and the keep of Lord Dillon, Earl of Wescott. Feared by many and respected by all, Dillon is a fierce warrior, defender of the crown, and a fair lord. His chief advisor and resident healer is the “Wisewoman.” Cloaked in dark robes, no one has seen her face. Others perceive her an old woman whom some believe is immortal. She served both his father and grandfather.

There is much Dillon does not know about his Wisewoman. At the age of sixteen, Alyssa took over the role of Wisewoman from her grandmother when Dillon came into power. Alyssa has had a crush on Dillon since she first laid eyes on him and witnesses a kindness. He knows her only as an old woman since she alters her voice and uses magic to conceal her youthful hands. She is both a healer and a seer.

I enjoyed the story that unfolded and the period is such a dangerous time for someone like Alyssa. Duvall creates characters that I instantly connect with and pulled me into their romance giving me all the feels, swoons, and giggles I could ask for.

I loved how fierce, stubborn and yet caring Alyssa was. She readily makes sacrifices for others and yet denies herself. I loved her transformation throughout the story and the way in which her relationship changed with Dillon’s men and with those in the keep.

Dillon is all warrior, and yet in his chambers, he reveals a gentler side. He cares for his people, wants someone strong by his side. He enjoys pillow talk and places value in others opinions. He is protective and dominant without being overly possessive.

The romance was completely swoon-worthy and unrushed. Duvall slowly allowed their relationship to develop, giving us tender moments, moments of discovery and yes-unbridled passion. I loved the teaser, banter, moments of misunderstandings and resolutions. There are SO MANY awesome quotes filled with snark and humor I wanted to share with you but think you should discover them on your own.

Politics, betrayals, battles, and mortal wounds surrounded the romance giving us a sense of this world, government, and climate. The story was addictive as Dillon and his soldiers faced nemesis. Alyssa had visions of danger to come. We faced twists, turns, and unknowns that placed our hero and heroine in peril.

Duvall is a masterful storyteller who fleshes out her worlds and gives depth to her characters. Even her secondary characters are memorable. I loved the thread about the gifted ones and loved that Seth (from Immortal Guardians) has been protecting gifted ones all of this time.

Kristen Potter narrated, and she was perfect for this tale. This was my first experience with Potter, but I must confess it will not be my last. Her voices, tones, and accents were spot on creating another layer to an already brilliant tale.

Aside from having a new book boyfriend, (that is right ladies Dillon is mine), A Sorceress of His Own earned a place on my favorite romance and audio shelves. I would venture to say that even those who shy away from historical would love this tale. Fans of the Immortal Guardians are in for a treat, and for those new to Duvall I imagine you will be lining your bookshelves with her books/audios.

A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall earned a place on my favorite romance and audio shelves Click To Tweet

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

38 Responses to “A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall”

  1. Lorna

    I actually bought this book earlier today when I saw it on special for Amazon today. I had no idea that characters from The Immortal Guardian books were in this book as well. If I had known that, I would have bought this way before now as that is a favorite series of mine. Glad you loved this, and I hope to as well! Great review!

  2. A Voracious Reader

    I’ve been wanting to read this since I saw it was coming out. But I have yet to make time for it. I thought as the kids got older I’d have more time to read. Instead, my life is taking a different turn and I have less time! Gah! But I WILL get to it. Soonish. 😀

    • Dianne Duvall

      *big wave* Hi, Carol! Kids tend to do that, don’t they? 🙂 The past year has been so hectic that I can’t remember if I told you how happy I was to see you liked Yuri’s story. Thanks so much for the great review! I hope you’ll like the new series, too!

  3. Debbie Haupt

    Can you see me now LOL 😉 one more try
    I love the premise and your review and I have to agree with your romance statement above to Danielle. I want to try this one Kim. Thanks for pointing the way

  4. Danielle Nolan

    Did this feel well balanced with romance and the historical/paranormal elements, or would you lean more towards romance? I am getting the well balanced vibe from your fantastic review

      • Danielle Nolan

        I haven’t really given romance a fair go.. I feel like a balance title like this or a great paranormal romance might be a great starting point. Thanks

        • kimbacaffeinate

          I think romance set against the paranormal elements works well. I do love contemporary romances but tend to go small-town types where there are side stories involved. Otherwise, I need another element like suspense, mystery, paranormal or an urban fantasy world with a bigger overall arc.

  5. Ailyn Koay

    so she’s part of a plot where wisewoman conceals their face and appears immortal? can’t the men tell the voices apart? hmmm

  6. Dianne Duvall

    Thank you, Kimberly, for the wonderful review!! I”m so glad you liked Dillon and Alyssa’s story! I was hoping you would. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Gads thank you. I did love it. Yesterday the publisher sent me book two on audio for review 🙂 I so want to jump ahead and listen 🙂 It will be up on the blog in November.

      • Dianne Duvall

        I was just about to email you and ask if they sent you Rendezvous With Yesterday when I saw this. 😀 So glad they sent you a copy!

  7. Maureen Beatrice

    This one sounds amazing and I really love that cover. I love books that take place in the time of lords.. They almost always have this amazing romantic feel about them. I will definitely add this one to my TBR asap!!
    Great review Kimberly!

  8. ShootingStarsMag

    When it comes to historical reads, I tend to like the more realistic titles. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one though. I hope it’s a wonderful start to a new series!

  9. Sophia Rose

    Yep, need this one. Medieval romance and fantasy was where I got started years ago and I still have a soft spot. And that’s interesting that it’s tied to her modern setting PNR series. I still need to read that one.

    • Dianne Duvall

      *big wave* Hi, Liz! I haven’t touched base in quite a while. (I went indie last year, so things have been more hectic than usual. LOL) I hope you’ve been doing well and reading lots of good books! 🙂

  10. Lily B

    I heard that this series is so good, I seen a lot of review of book 2 and been playing with the notion of picking up this series. I have not read her other books. Maybe when the fog clears and I get through the must reads first then I will ^^

  11. Silvia

    My curiosity was piqued the moment I read the quote you put at the beginning . . . Well done, you! 😉