Title: The King’s Heart
Series: Timeless Dreams
Author: Rowena Sudbury
Genre: Historical (1240 +) England (Cornwall)
Length: Novel (220pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11th June 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: In thirteenth century Cornwall, a fierce king must have a strong partner, and that is what King Christopher of Lysnowydh has in his handfasted mate. Or had before rival King Warin kidnapped and tortured Dafydd to the point that, months later, he is still afraid to leave the castle. Christopher longs for Dafydd to accompany him to the other strongholds in his kingdom and to London to pay tribute to Henry III, but Dafydd is not ready. Christopher begins to wonder if Dafydd will ever recover.
Dafydd hates to disappoint his lover, but he is not sure what to do. Since he will not leave the keep, he renounces his position as king’s marshal, vowing to focus on the healing arts instead. Though Christopher continues to pressure him to travel, Dafydd staunchly stays at home—until his second sight shows him he could lose Christopher if he cannot face his fears. Determinedly, Dafydd sets out to prove he can master them.
When Christopher returns home to find Dafydd gone, he knows exactly what Dafydd must have seen. As he once promised he would, he follows his heart across his kingdom—but even if he finds Dafydd, he may not be able to heal the rift between them.
A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3042
Review: This book is best read after The King’s Tale, as it continues the story of Dafydd and Christopher. Dafydd is still struggling somewhat with the after effects of his imprisonment. he just wants peace and quiet, but Christopher is pushing him to leave the Keep. But, it is just too soon to leave the place he feels safe. Christopher feels disappointed that Dafydd won’t accompany him away from the Keep. he feels that Dafydd should be able to put his past behind him and carry on with his life. As Christopher has to travel and Dafydd stays behind, both learn that sometimes it is better to learn apart, as it is to learn together.
This story continues on not long after The King’s Tale ended and shows us the struggle that both Dafydd and Christopher go through; as Dafydd begins to get a handle on what happened to him and the lingering fear he struggles with. Christopher wants nothing more than to declare to the world that Dafydd is his and wishes for Dafydd to accompany him on his travels, but Dafydd feels that it is too soon. Dafydd still needs time to get over his lingering fear, but he can feel that he has disappointed Christopher. and when he has a ‘vision’, he faces his fear in the hope that Christopher will come for him. But, Christopher learns a harsh truth while on his travels and Dafydd begins to realise that he can’t let his fear rule him.
Well, I thought this book was wonderful for giving us Dafydd and Christopher and the continuation of their story. this story is spread over a few weeks unlike the previous book which was over a few years. Now we see the true aftermath of Warin’s (who took Dafydd captive) actions and how Dafydd is still finding his way back to be the man he once was. Dafydd’s truly still suffering and Christopher, although supportive, doesn’t understand. But, with the help of others, Christopher begins to see how things truly are for Dafydd. Christopher’s impatience hurts Dafydd, but when faced with the possibility that he might lose Christopher, he faces his fear in the only way he knows how.
This is a truly lovely story of enduring love that might stretch and be bent out of shape, but was forged in fire. and although there is give, it will always stand against anything thrown at it. Both the characters are as we remember them, but Dafydd is now quieter, preferring his solitude and his stillroom. Both men realize that they have things to face and it hits Christopher hard as he faces facts and his own words haunt him.
So, if you love historicals, passionate love, facing truths, finding peace in your soul, accepting limitations and a happy ending, then this is the book for you.