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New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Lowell has written over 70 novels exploring science and historical fiction, romance, mystery and suspense.
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(Medieval #2)
FOREWARNED
Throughout the Disputed Lands she is called Amber the Untouched --- a chaste, golden-haired beauty fleeing the remarkable love that was prophesied at her birth ... and the death that must inevitably follow.
FORESEEN
He comes to her in darkness, as had been foretold --- a wounded warrior with no memory ... a promised lover seared by passion's fire, irresistibly draw...more
Throughout the Disputed Lands she is called Amber the Untouched --- a chaste, golden-haired beauty fleeing the remarkable love that was prophesied at her birth ... and the death that must inevitably follow.
FORESEEN
He comes to her in darkness, as had been foretold --- a wounded warrior with no memory ... a promised lover seared by passion's fire, irresistibly draw...more
Published October 1st 1993 by Avon (first published 1993)
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Best Medieval Romance Novels 503 books — 987 voters
Favorite Historical Romance Novels 2,863 books — 5,743 voters
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Aug 07, 2012Val ⚓️ Shameless, Skanky & Bitchy ⚓️ rated it it was amazing Shelves: amnesia, historical, top-reads-of-all-time, in-my-library, paranormal
11/16/15: Continuing my Medieval re-read extravaganza...
5 Old School Favorite Stars
This is one of those books you read when you were younger and love to read and re-read over and over.
Now, due to this, I'm not sure if it really is as good as I think it is...or if the series just has a special place in my heart. So keep that in mind...
FORBIDDEN
5 Old School Favorite Stars
This is one of those books you read when you were younger and love to read and re-read over and over.
Now, due to this, I'm not sure if it really is as good as I think it is...or if the series just has a special place in my heart. So keep that in mind...
FORBIDDEN
“In shades of darkness he will come to you. If you touch him, you will know life that might or death that will...Be therefore as sunlight, hidden in...more
Jan 18, 2012Meredith rated it did not like it
Oh, man. This one was rough. I'm pretty sure I have read and liked her stuff in the past but after this one it's hard to see why.
Admittedly, I don’t like medieval romances as a rule—I didn’t even like “For My Lady’s Heart” by Laura Kinsale, and people have puppies over that one. Everyone has the things they like in books and this time period isn't one of my favorites. So I was a bit disposed to dislike this from page 1.
Basic Premise: Amber the Untouched is cursed. When she touches people, she...more
Admittedly, I don’t like medieval romances as a rule—I didn’t even like “For My Lady’s Heart” by Laura Kinsale, and people have puppies over that one. Everyone has the things they like in books and this time period isn't one of my favorites. So I was a bit disposed to dislike this from page 1.
Basic Premise: Amber the Untouched is cursed. When she touches people, she...more
Apr 25, 2011Kathie (katmom) rated it it was amazing
I LOVED this! THIS is what love scenes should be...wowza...
And there's ROMANCE and MYSTERY and just a touch of HEART FAIL.
I totally wanted to smack 'Duncan'...the boy was just too honorable for his own amnesiac self...GROWL!
The only 'hole' in the story was how to deal with the unwanted bride...I had THAT figured out long before THEY did...lol
The UST here was amazing and then it was RESOLVED...and again I say: WHOA...seriously.
Yes, I'd read this again...and again!
Edited: I did just read it again....more
And there's ROMANCE and MYSTERY and just a touch of HEART FAIL.
I totally wanted to smack 'Duncan'...the boy was just too honorable for his own amnesiac self...GROWL!
The only 'hole' in the story was how to deal with the unwanted bride...I had THAT figured out long before THEY did...lol
The UST here was amazing and then it was RESOLVED...and again I say: WHOA...seriously.
Yes, I'd read this again...and again!
Edited: I did just read it again....more
Nov 17, 2011Leah rated it it was amazing
Another reread. Still wonderfully in love with this series that I first read in the 90's. I love the druid aspects of the story and the notion of mist being a wavering, thin link to another time and place. Duncan and Amber take you on a trip of tender love that turns to hate because of deceptions, then onto a rough road of understanding and acceptance that takes you back to the purest love. Elizabeth Lowell says it best in the epilogue:
'It was a story of loss and daring, of an unLearned warrior...more
'It was a story of loss and daring, of an unLearned warrior...more
May 21, 2014Ivie Isler rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Definitely not one of my favorite books. I don't know if it as the audiobook narrator, the plotline, or the genre, but I didn't care for it too much.
I think I didn't like where multiple times throughout the book, characters were told what the consequences would be if they did a certain action. Then the characters would do that action and be stunned when the consequences caught up with them. Seriously?!?!
For example, Duncan was told Amber was a virgin, but he 'knew' that she wasn't. (She was know...more
I think I didn't like where multiple times throughout the book, characters were told what the consequences would be if they did a certain action. Then the characters would do that action and be stunned when the consequences caught up with them. Seriously?!?!
For example, Duncan was told Amber was a virgin, but he 'knew' that she wasn't. (She was know...more
Aug 07, 2010Sara rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I'm thinking if I had read this instead of listening to it I would have enjoyed it even more. I found it a BIT repetitive only in it's phrasings and sayings, and that got a bit annoying. I was going to give this one a 3 star rating about half way through, but I found myself sucked into the story 3/4 of the way, and my ipod hooked to my arm while I did chores so I could finish it. :-)
Oct 20, 2015Hasnamezied rated it really liked it
Ok I admit that the first part of the book was boring but with the entering of Simon, Dominic ,Meg and Ariane, it started to get really interesting . I can say that it was a nice book. no more no less
Because magic and mysticism are not my reading, I didn't like the story itself as the first one in this series.
Sep 28, 2010Jane Stewart rated it did not like it
The story drags too much. Several times I found myself speed reading to get through it faster.
I did not care for the plot which was about a man with amnesia, who falls in love, hates her after he regains his memory, but returns to her in the end. Maybe this plot would be ok if done by another author, but it was not enjoyable the way it was done here. I also found the ending too abrupt. I would have preferred knowing what their life was like after they got together and how the alliances among Dom...more
I did not care for the plot which was about a man with amnesia, who falls in love, hates her after he regains his memory, but returns to her in the end. Maybe this plot would be ok if done by another author, but it was not enjoyable the way it was done here. I also found the ending too abrupt. I would have preferred knowing what their life was like after they got together and how the alliances among Dom...more
May 09, 2009Mary, Mary, Just a bit contrary rated it liked it
I liked this. I didn't realize it was a sequel to Untamed until I was half-way through the book. I read Untamed years ago and then remembered the bells on Meg and Dominic training her like a falcon. This was a good book. I don't know how factual it was. But hey it's a medieval romance not a historical epic intended to educate.
I did kind of feel like the hero needed to redeem himself a bit more. I would not have been so forgiving. He was all too willing to give her up for the other woman's dowry...more
I did kind of feel like the hero needed to redeem himself a bit more. I would not have been so forgiving. He was all too willing to give her up for the other woman's dowry...more
One of the worst books I've ever read. I understand that many romance novels will be trite and full of all the countless genre cliches, but this one was extremely ridiculous. The ending also left me angry and not at all filled with lovely thoughts of a a great, true love story. It was just poo poo all around.
Sep 08, 2016Jingle rated it did not like it
I hate everything about it. The purple prose has finally taken a toll on my brain. Ugh
I am in L ♥ O ♥ V♥ E in every way, shape and form of the word. With this book.
It has been waaay too long since I've read a book that has made me stay up with the stars to finish it. I was thinking about it during the day, dreaming of it during the night. It was incredible. I forgot the sheer joy of reading a book, not for the outcome but the journey.
Call me cheesy or old-fashioned, but I live and breathe for romance novels that are fairytale-esque.
Honour, integrity, courage. All virtues that...more
It has been waaay too long since I've read a book that has made me stay up with the stars to finish it. I was thinking about it during the day, dreaming of it during the night. It was incredible. I forgot the sheer joy of reading a book, not for the outcome but the journey.
Call me cheesy or old-fashioned, but I live and breathe for romance novels that are fairytale-esque.
Honour, integrity, courage. All virtues that...more
Oct 27, 2016Claudine rated it it was ok
Shelves: amnesia, paranormal-supernatural-strange, gross-heroes-abuse-a-lovely-lady, eye-roll-inducing, abusive-relationship-sold-as-romanc
This book started out strong... but by the end, I found myself frustrated with the ham-handed handling of romance and the heroine's mystical powers.
While Duncan is technically the antagonist of the previous book, he barely ducks out of Untamed in time to avoid being an outright villain. In this book, he appears with amnesia, unable to remember who he is or what he is meant to be doing. For once, I actually really enjoyed amnesia as a plot device, because it forced Duncan to think about who he wa...more
While Duncan is technically the antagonist of the previous book, he barely ducks out of Untamed in time to avoid being an outright villain. In this book, he appears with amnesia, unable to remember who he is or what he is meant to be doing. For once, I actually really enjoyed amnesia as a plot device, because it forced Duncan to think about who he wa...more
Jun 03, 2018Elaine rated it did not like it
DNF at 50%
This book has been draging right from the start and at 50% I admit defeat. It was so slow going that I had to push myself to keep reading it and that's never a good sign. I also didn't care one bit about Amber or Duncan. Maybe I started reading it at the wrong time but I really didn't like it. Maybe I'll give it another try some other time and hopefully I'll like it better then. But for now, 1 star it is.
This book has been draging right from the start and at 50% I admit defeat. It was so slow going that I had to push myself to keep reading it and that's never a good sign. I also didn't care one bit about Amber or Duncan. Maybe I started reading it at the wrong time but I really didn't like it. Maybe I'll give it another try some other time and hopefully I'll like it better then. But for now, 1 star it is.
First read in the early 90s. Re-read now.
I much prefer Untamed book 1 but this is suitably angsty. I skimmed through pretty much the politics and tactical portions...so much back and forth.
The trilogy is best read in order because each story is a lead in to the next.
PS. Duncan and Simon were @$$holes in this book!
I much prefer Untamed book 1 but this is suitably angsty. I skimmed through pretty much the politics and tactical portions...so much back and forth.
The trilogy is best read in order because each story is a lead in to the next.
PS. Duncan and Simon were @$$holes in this book!
Dec 16, 2013Lover of Romance rated it it was amazing
Amber is known as the 'Forbidden'. Amber is one of the 'Learned', and there is a prophecy that if Amber ever gives the three parts of her self; Body, Heart and soul, then death will be in her future. Amber has always been well protected, and if she ever touches another, it gives her pain, as she can sense emotions by touch. Then one day, a man who has lost all of his memory, a wounded warrior, enters her life, and as she brings him back to health, an unbreakable bond forms between Duncan and Amb...more
Jun 04, 2016Thenia rated it liked it Shelves: 2017, romance, historical-romance, r-ab, series, reviewed
The story of Amber the Untouched, a learned woman, (aka some kind of witch with the ability to feel what whoever she touches feels along with pain), who meets the one man who was prophesied at her birth, whose touch gives her pleasure instead.
He has no name, so she names him Duncan, dark warrior, (view spoiler)[unwittingly naming him after one of her lord's enemies, Duncan the Scots' hammer, that's his actual identity (hide spoiler)] and against all caution against what the prophecy decreed, fal...more
He has no name, so she names him Duncan, dark warrior, (view spoiler)[unwittingly naming him after one of her lord's enemies, Duncan the Scots' hammer, that's his actual identity (hide spoiler)] and against all caution against what the prophecy decreed, fal...more
Jan 28, 2014Dawn Livingston rated it it was amazing
I read this many years ago and decided I wanted to read it again because I remember liking it.
Well, I still like it but it does come across a bit corny, like romance novels often do I suppose., but I like the story, the characters (more or less). It's a great book for an interesting story that is completely fluffly i.e. it is not hard to read, you don't have to remember stuff, it's completely not taxing, something to read when you want to read and relax but you want something you don't have to...more
Well, I still like it but it does come across a bit corny, like romance novels often do I suppose., but I like the story, the characters (more or less). It's a great book for an interesting story that is completely fluffly i.e. it is not hard to read, you don't have to remember stuff, it's completely not taxing, something to read when you want to read and relax but you want something you don't have to...more
Jun 15, 2011~Leslie~ rated it really liked it
2nd time reading this book and I liked it all over again. It's been awhile since I read the first book however, so it took me awhile to remember what was going on. I love the flow of the story and the language EL uses. I also love the supernatural theme to the story and especially the characters she creates. Amber is such a sad character - never being able to be touched. And the passion she feels for Duncan is overwhelming and beautiful. Now I'm excited to re-read the third in the trilogy.
Took me a a while based on reading previous reviews to suddenly realize I've read this before.An odd coincidence since I was tracking down memory lane and thinking about the story. But I couldn't for the life of me remember the title. It was years ago when I was a historical romance virgin and was in college. I rememberd enjoying it. Felt the hero was a bit of a douche canoe towards the heroine towards the end.
This is still one of my most favorite books in the entire world and I wish she would finish this series! I obviously re read it about every year or so just so I can go through this journey with Amber and Duncan! If you like medieval romance that Elizabeth lowell has struck a home run out of the park with this book, you have loss of memory, with determined love, with pain, betrayal, more pain, love, and additional characters to suck you into the next in the series. MUST READ
Sep 03, 2007Kimchi rated it it was amazing Shelves: myalltimefavorites, greatseries, historicalromance
Never to love or be touched without knowing the persons evrey thought. Never embracing anyone without their touch harming you. Until a strager comes from out of nowhere. His thoughts do not hinder you. His love embraces you comforts you.. to the point where you would give your soul to keep that one moment. To surrender all, at the cost of losing your life. That is what this book is about. I must admit that i cried during this book, and reread it often.
Apr 22, 2011Maddux rated it really liked it Shelves: medieval-romance, stories-that-stay-with-me, authors-with-balls, she-writes-the-bold-words, 1000-to-1100-historical-romance
This is the second time I've read this book. I really enjoy this author's descriptive, seductive narrative. It is prettily done.
And don't you just love when hard-headed warriors come to life for their women?
And don't you just love when hard-headed warriors come to life for their women?
Feb 01, 2010Maureen Feeney rated it really liked it
This is the second book of EL Medeivel Triology,the first being 'Untamed' and the third 'Enchanted'.I wont go into plotdetails s it has already been done brilliantly.
Although I didnt like it as much as Untamed , it is still outstanding.
Although I didnt like it as much as Untamed , it is still outstanding.
Aug 27, 2012Sarah rated it it was ok
Amber meets a mysterious stranger who may fulfill her prophesy, blah blah. This one is my fault. I hate medieval romance. I was on a plane! (For real, Carrie! Still not an excuse.)
Oct 24, 2012Julia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Wow, the twists and turns of all things in this book was amazing. The moments that touched me were the moments that touched the characters...
Rating: Buy it...necessary addition to personal library.
First Line: He will come to you in shades of darkness.
Based on my first couple book selections it may seem as if all I read is fluff fiction, but I swear that is not the case. The deal is that when my life is particularly stressful, I turn to easy fiction as an escape. Considering I am attempting to pay off a little under $150,000 in law school loans through my job as a bartender while volunteering at the Public Defender's office and taking...more
First Line: He will come to you in shades of darkness.
Based on my first couple book selections it may seem as if all I read is fluff fiction, but I swear that is not the case. The deal is that when my life is particularly stressful, I turn to easy fiction as an escape. Considering I am attempting to pay off a little under $150,000 in law school loans through my job as a bartender while volunteering at the Public Defender's office and taking...more
Apr 08, 2018Judy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I am entranced and enthralled by this series. Forbidden is the 2nd of the Medieval series and I was very taken with the mystery, the magic, the lure of this story. Duncan is found at the base of a tree that stands within a stone circle by Amber, the Untouched. Their story contains characters from the first book along with new characters particular to this story. I read straight through, using every available moment I had to finish this book. There is one more to go in the series and I eagerly an...more
Jul 25, 2017Divania Timmal-Jones rated it did not like it Shelves: romance, books-i-didn-t-enjoy
I usually enjoy romance novels. Yes, the plots are often a bit weak. And yes, the love, passion and lust are also unrealistic. But they are usually lots of fun, and a nice escape.
But this was just ridiculous. The love scenes were cringe-worthy, with lots of talking about 'hot, sleek petals' and 'hard swords'.
The story might have been interesting, had the main characters not been so incredibly annoying. Duncan was, to put it plainly, stupid. Definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed. Things...more
But this was just ridiculous. The love scenes were cringe-worthy, with lots of talking about 'hot, sleek petals' and 'hard swords'.
The story might have been interesting, had the main characters not been so incredibly annoying. Duncan was, to put it plainly, stupid. Definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed. Things...more
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Individually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic...more
Medieval(3 books)
“A man with no name may you claim, heart and body and soul. Then rich life might grow, but death will surely flow. “’In shades of darkness he will come to you. If you touch him, you will know life that might or death that will. “’Be therefore as sunlight, hidden in amber, untouched by man, not touching. “‘Forbidden.” — 1 likes
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