The Champion

by Heather Grothaus

Nicholas FitzTodd, Baron of Crane, has little interest in marriage - the privileges of rank are too many and too pleasurable. But when the bride he finally chooses refuses him, he takes out his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0821780077
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Zebra
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.0" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

Exceptional Plot--too Many Annoying Characters

This is a very clever, well plotted novel set in the perfect time period of medieval England. At this time, belief in the supernatural is a deadly risk, women are bought and sold in the marriage trade for flat-out amounts of gold and family ties--as well as careful and politically cultivated ties to the royal court--matters of life and death. SO with such a lot of great writing going on--what's the problem? For my taste, there are at least two characters, who while absolutely needing to make their presence a key plot point, are just annoying as heck. Basically, these necessary characters ruined this story for me, although the author has earned an auto-buy on her next work.

Very entertaining, fast moving!

Before I was midway into The Champion, I went online and ordered The Warrior. Delighted to find a new author!!!

The Champion

Nicholas FitzTodd has no desire to marry. He enjoys spending his days drinking and availing himself of any willing women so when he is forced to marry Simone DuRoche he is less than pleased. Nick resents Simone for trapping him in to the marriage. Rumors of Simone's sanity surround her. She's not insane, but who would believe that she is visited by the ghost of her dead brother? While Simone uncovers the secrets her mother left behind, she and Nick have to face magic, ghosts, and the demons of their pasts. The Champion has a clever plot and many engaging characters, especially the brooding and handsome Nick, courageous and beautiful Simone and sweet and adorable Didier. The pages are full of mystery, romance and magical scenes. The Champion's dramatic and emotional ending held me riveted. It's an enchanting story. Nannette Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

An Amazing Second Effort!

Nicholas FitzTodd is Baron of Crane and a past hurt has colored his feelings about marriage and besides he enjoys the pleasures of court too much to consider changing his life. Then at a social gathering he meets Simone DuRoche and his life changes whether he wishes it or not. Their moment of impropriety results in a marriage he feels trapped into. If that's not enough, he's forced to admit that perhaps the whispers of Simone's sanity may be true, after all what sort of person talks to themselves? This all falls to the wayside when he is forced to realize that Simone means more to him then he's comfortable with and that she could be in danger. Nicholas protects what is his and Simone...is his. Marriage to the guarded Nicholas is not easy for Simone who is torn by the passion she feels for him and the secrets that seem to keep them apart. When she learns the truth about her brother's death and the secrets her family has kept buried finally see the light of day, she knows whatever progress she has made in securing the marriage neither of them wanted from the beginning but one that has become very important to her is in jeopardy. Nicholas makes her want things she never thought possible and she will do what she must to make sure he never suffers from being forced to marry her. Will these two people find the love and happiness they both so richly deserve or will evil take it away from them? This was an amazing follow up to "The Warrior!" Ms. Grothaus has crafted another set of characters the reader will instantly fall in love with. Secondary characters are a fine addition and the reader will love the fact they get to reacquaint themselves with Tristan and Haith. This is a stand alone read so fear not if you have not picked up her previous title although you will find yourself looking for her backlist. The setting, time period, and characters all blend together into a seamless tapestry of romance and magic. Ms. Grothaus is a very talented writer and I can hardly wait for her next effort. I highly recommend you add this to your summer reading list...you won't be sorry.