Natasha Wild's book "The Dark Knight's Captive Bride" felt very familiar as I read it. In fact, I even wondered if I had read it some years previously - but it was published in 2016, so that couldn't be it. However, the story itself and the period of history it covered was very recognizable to this reader. Protagonist Gwen was quite one dimensional in many respects, although her character did grow and change somewhat during the tale which helped her flesh out; husband Richard was presented as a fairly stereotypical warrior lord, and yet his changes by the end of the book were the most profound as he allowed himself to feel the love of his woman over his loyalty to his king and understand how important, necessary, Gwen was in his life. In staying true to history, Wild included details and skirmishes that may very well be historically accurate, but really didn't add to or help move Gwen and Richards story forward, so left this reader feeling like the tale had a textbook quality at times. It was simply too (historical facts) wordy periodically. Protagonist Gwen was presented as quite naive and sheltered, which would be expected from a young female living in a secluded keep during the medieval era. Her suspician and hatred of all things English was presented well, as a girl from Wales that was influenced by the talk of the men around her and one that had witnessed the horrors of war from a distance. Her gullability felt like too much, at times, especially when she so willingly believed in and trusted her uncle - a known traitor of Wales, over the man she had been living with and able to see what type of man he actually was - her husband, a warrior of the English king. Add to that gullibility was the fact Gwen wanted to distrust and hate her husband, to honor her father... a man that had been emotionally distant with her, her entire life. Where were the small scenes of her upbringing to present reasons why Gwen felt this desperate need to honor and please her father above all others? This reader fully understands why so many other readers were displeased and gave a low rating. As readers, we want to escape realities and visit a happy place; yet, Gwen truly came across as a medieval female for the majority of this tale. Because Gwen was wishy-washy with her trust and tried to be loyal to all things Wales versus anything English, really is accurate for the era.... This reader found it quite harsh for some reviewers to rate Wild very low due to the history she presented. Her low ratings were concerning the behavior of male lead Richard, and King Edward, as womanizers... yet, that was the way things were; this was historically accurate on life in the medieval period. Recall, many leaders throughout history have had recognized bastards. Men were not faulted for sleeping around or for keeping mistresses. However, today's reviewers found fault in the retelling of history and not in the way Wild told the tale - they disliked the past, not her ability to tell a tale. A few spelling, grammar and punctuation errors were found, although not enough to toss this reader from the tale. There was a lot of history told, much of it unnecessary to move Richard and Gwen's love story forward. The lack of communication which fostered the distrust between Richard and Gwen was tiresome, yet completely believable and likely historically accurate for the times. Women were chattel; men ruled supreme and did what they wanted. Although it felt like a long read, this reader did enjoy the book for the most part and will recommend Wild. However, Wild did remind this reader why she stopped reading historical romances and now prefers paranormal romances above others! ** Review originally posted to Amazon reviews on October 20, 2017 and Goodreads on the same date. **
