I really enjoy reading Shannon Drake novels. They always seem to combine and interesting plot with complex and likeable characters. Ms. Drake's new novel is no exception. Brenden and Eleanor, Lady of Clarin, create enough spark and sizzle throughout the book to keep one reading long into the night. There was also enough historical detail and intrique to keep the story moving from the very first page. I kept from rating this book a 5 star for the same reason that a previous reviewer sited. The first third of the book pitted Eleanor and Brenden in numerous conflicting situations which left both hero and heroine angry and frustrated. Brenden carries vivid memories of a battle injury incurred from the lovely Lady of Clarin that left continuing thoughts of vengence, against her, in his mind. Eleanor, despises all Scotts due to previous violence ,from the highlanders ,against her family. The two rant and rave at each other-almost at nauseum- for much of the book. THAT becomes tiring. The romance that erupts from the two is sudden and catches the reader by surprise. There is no real hint of attraction before Eleanor " throws" herself on Brenden and consummates the relationship. I certainly am not conservative enough to expect flowery words and gifts before a relationship starts. However, there is a bit of a gap between hate and love that could have been more succesfully and SMOOTHLY explored, from this author, given the quality of her latest book. With all that said it is still a wonderful read. Well worth the time. I understand this book is the beginning of The Graham family saga. I look forward to the next installment- as should you!!! P.S **Sometimes I wish the Amazon ratings had another half level to them***** I really would have given this book 4.5 stars. Just under that magical 5!! Enjoy!

My first Shannon Drake book and it is a great story! Rich in historical background (but not so much that you will feel bogged down), great characters - a hero to die for and a heroine to match. The love scenes sizzle. This is a keeper and I will definitely order more of SD's books. If you like this book (or even if you don't like this book), order Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series (5+ stars). Forget that it is a time travel book (which I usually hate). This is another book which takes place in Scotland and is one of the most beautiful love stories you will ever read.

I have read ALL of Shannon Drake's Graham series and I love them all. Seize the Dawn unweaves a story of two people whose lives will forever be bound together, despite the raging war between their homelands. The thing I loved most about the book is that neither character denied their feelings for each other, as you find in numerous other romance novels. I love history and Shannon Drake does an excellent job weaving in historical facts with romantic fiction. Job well done!!

This is a ... book. Unbelieveably, it's a true account of a woman who was used and abused by her husband and best friend, and was too stupid to realize it. I feel sorry for Brenda Gunn, and even sorrier for myself for having read this sad tale.

Brenda Gunn thought she'd met the man of her dreams when Glen entered her life. Romantic, sexy, and charming, Glen proposed after a two-month courtship. Brenda wore her grandmother's wedding dress when she became Glen's wife in a ceremony that included her family and friends.

For only a short time, her marriage was all that she'd dreamed it'd be. Then things started going terribly wrong. She barely survived when the house she'd worked so hard for burned. A man in a purple Jaguar began stalking her. One rainy night, someone ran her car off the road into a ravine. She ate poisoned food. Brenda provided a home for abused animals, and they began dying mysteriously. Worst of all, her handsome husband turned to alcohol and wife-beating.

Brenda struggled to return normalcy to her life, first asking her family and friends for help, then finally taking her suspicions to the authorities. Without proof, official help wasn't available. Knowing that her life was in danger, she bought a gun and learned how to use it. When the moment came that she had to shoot or die, she fired the gun, with devastating results.

What went wrong for Brenda Gunn? What happened to the loving husband she married? Why did the one person she trusted most betray her? Whose grave does she visit regularly to ask forgiveness?

With the help of Shannon Richardson, Brenda tells her story in Deadly Deception, an account that's all the more compelling because it really happened. "Brenda Gunn's horrifying, yet courageous story will speak to anyone who has witnessed the passions and deceits of a marriage and life gyrating out of control-and vowed to do something about it."

With Deadly Deception, Brenda Gunn and Shannon Richardson collaborate to present a true life story of duplicity, greed, dangerous passions, and one woman's courage. This is the story of an ideal courtship that concluded with animal activist Brenda Gunn marrying a handsome, charming man. Their life was lovely until an eccentric, wealthy client began to stalk and threaten her. Brenda's husband begins to change into a violent stranger, her house is burned down under suspicious circumstances; her care is run off the road and sent spinning onto the edge of a ravine; one by one her animals begin to disappear or are poisoned. Without any proof the police are unable to help her and the killer is growing bolder. Finally, Brenda takes maters into her own hands just to live through the night. Highly recommended reading for those interested in true crime stories, Deadly Deception is the substance of horror movie thrillers -- and yet it really happened to a most remarkable woman.

I heard Dr. Shannon speak at Wayzata Community Church on Nov. 3, and found that when I asked him questions about how the medical facts of the pill work, he was unable to discuss the matter, apparaently from a lack of knowledge. He supports birth control, but has no idea how the primary effect of the pill is to keep the fertilized egg from implanting on the uterus, which is an abortion that is usually unknown to the woman as it will not cause a disruption in her cycle.

Very confusing timeline. It is difficult to understand exactly what transpired in his mind, and how the whole story fits together.

I found this autobiography among the best 5% of books that I have ever read. The author has spent his life as a highly motivated, dedicated idealist. His insights are valuable to me in my own development. His unusual abilities and remarkable personal humility are an unusual combination. As a Roman Catholic, I found that he dealt with some of the Roman Catholics' most difficult problems with the church hierarchy in a charitable and inspiring fashion. His enthusiasm, courage, and optimism in the face of unexpected attacks on his work from his own church should lead us all to an enthusiasm and vision of the church which is positive for the world, the church, and ourselves.

In a nutshell, the hero, Tristan, invades the heroine's home, rapes her, and tells her she doesn't know the meaning of true rape? Okay so he didn't brutalize her but that's supposed to make it okay? And when she finds out she is pregnant and wants to rid herself of the baby, he slaps her. He forces her to marry him when the king threatens to take the home away that Tristan invaded. Later on in the story, he threatens to take away the child when he is mad at her. This guy is the hero? Fifty pages after meeting him, I wanted to jump into the story and kill him. This is not a contemporary novel, but that does not mean that all men in this time period were brutalizing rapists. This is the last time I ever buy anything by this author.

This isn't your usual romance. But it shows the true side of what whould have happened. Yes there's rape, and a treat of abortion. But welcome to the real life. I recommned this book to all who want a little more reality in their romance novels.

i have enjoyed all of this author's medieval books.i would also recomend reading "kinight of fire" another great book

I'm not really sure what to make of Shannon Drake. After reading "Beneath a Blood Red Moon" I thought she was fabulous. After reading "Blue Heaven, Black Knight" I thought she was awful. After reading "The King's Pleasure" I'm sort of leaning toward the fact that she's a good writer, but she won't ever be one of my favorite authors.

"The King's Pleasure" was well written. If you're a history buff, you will no doubt love this book. I am not a history buff. I think fans of historical romance fall into two different categories: those who love rich, detailed accounts of history woven all throughout the novel, and those of us who enjoy the setting but don't wish to read a dissertation on medieval life. I am definitely of the latter group. I love the settings provided by historical authors, but I don't care to read blow by blow accounts of a particular battle any more than I would want a blow by blow account of a modern battle while reading a contemporary novel. So I found myself glossing over the majority of this book.

The next problem I had with this novel was that the heroine was stubborn to the point of ridiculousness (a common attribute of all Drake's heroines). Because of some vague, obscure vow she made to her mother on her deathbed, she chose to betray her husband and father repeatedly to keep it. Who would do this in real life? It was too far-fetched and aggravating.

The last reason I found this novel less than compelling was because I simply don't enjoy her style of writing. Drake uses exclamation points after every other sentence which, after awhile, has the same effect as writing all in caps throughout the entire book. Exclamation points were used to the point of ridiculousness. Even if the heroine was whispering, whatever she said seemed to warrant an exclamation point to Drake's way of thinking. It got to be too much.

If you enjoy Drake in general, you will probably love this book. If you enjoy a lot of conflict between the hero and heroine and tons and tons of "rich, historical detail" (a phrase used by critics I've since come to steer clear of), you will like this book. If you don't fall into the above categories, save your money.

If you are a true historical romance reader, then you will definitely enjoy the compelling history, however, the love story in itself is somewhat annoying and confusing. Adrienne is a hero that every woman will love. Strong, masculine, confident, yet gentle when necessary, and devoted to both his king and adversary of a wife. Danielle, I found to be 'stupid'. She was raised by an English king, yet she would betray her loving huband and her king in order to keep a vow she made to her mother, a vow she did not fully understand. However, since I'm a fan of the typical genre of 'relunctant brides and grooms', I enjoyed the bantering between the two. The 'King's Pleasure' is not one of the best, however, few historical romances are written involving this particular Platagenet and that in itself is refreshing. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this book a low 4 or a high 3 1/2 stars

This was the very first romance novel I had ever read and the only Shannon Drake book I have ever read. But I'm not saying there is something wrong with her writing...because I thought this book was great!

I have probably read this book about 5 times; that's how much I like it. I love the way they speak. Like using words such as 'alas' and..okay, for some reason I can't think of another example. It's just that they talk so different.

The fighting scenes between Danielle and Adrien are great. Especially the archery and sword fight! I also liked how the book began before Danielle was born. It helps you to understand why the characters turn out the way they do later in the book.

The only things I didn't like about this book were the long battle scenes. Those were sooo boring! I also didn't like how Danielle was so stubborn. The book could've ended about a hundred pages earlier if it wasn't for her. I don't think there's another person that's more stubborn than she is. If I was in the same situation, I would've said 'to heck with the vow.' I mean, she had a gorgeous, sexy husband. Why put more bridges between them by acting that way.

The ending could've been a little better I thought. It was kinda corny. And I didn't quite understand how 'the king's pleasure' fit into it all. But I thought the book was really great and I recommend it to everyone. Some parts might be on the boring side but the rest of the book makes up for that!

King David figures out a way to solve two problems: reward his champion and marry off the heiress of a seaside keep. The problem is neither one is excited about the idea. The champion, Lord Lion, has a mistress he wants to marry but the thought of the land that comes with the heiress helps sway him. The heiress (Mellyora) however, has always had her way, and wants no part of Lord Lion. Lion realizes early on that he REALLY likes Mellyora but it takes her most of the book to realize that she REALLY likes Lion too. I'd take Lion any time and I wanted to shake Mellyora to bring her to her senses. Maturity is not one of her virtures. You can always rely on Ms Drake's books being colorful, making you feel like you're right there in the middle of the story.

Pseudonymous Drake's first hardcover novel, a fictional account of the life of the first Graham, Waryk de Graham, Laird Lion, hits close to home, since Drake is actually Heather Graham/Heather Graham Pozzessere. It all begins when a dazed young Waryk is knighted for his courage on a blood-soaked battlefield in the Borderlands of Scotland while mourning the loss of all his kin. King David declares him his champion and eventually offers him prosperous Blue Isle. But there's a catch: David must marry heiress Mellyora MacAdin, a Viking's daughter. Mellyora is outraged that she will not have control of her own destiny, but Waryk is ruthlessly determined to have her home with or without her. Amid a tangle of lies, treachery, and obvious villainy, these two strong-willed people must come to terms so that there can be peace throughout the land. Fans of Johanna Lindsey's medieval and Viking novels will relish this tale, the first novel in a series about the Graham clan.

WISE Writers and Readers Book of the Month March 2000

Pseudonymous Drake's first hardcover novel, a fictional account of the life of the first Graham, Waryk de Graham, Laird Lion, hits close to home, since Drake is actually Heather Graham/Heather Graham Pozzessere. It all begins when a dazed young Waryk is knighted for his courage on a blood-soaked battlefield in the Borderlands of Scotland while mourning the loss of all his kin. King David declares him his champion and eventually offers him prosperous Blue Isle. But there's a catch: David must marry heiress Mellyora MacAdin, a Viking's daughter. Mellyora is outraged that she will not have control of her own destiny, but Waryk is ruthlessly determined to have her home with or without her. Amid a tangle of lies, treachery, and obvious villainy, these two strong-willed people must come to terms so that there can be peace throughout the land. Fans of Johanna Lindsey's medieval and Viking novels will relish this tale, the first novel in a series about the Graham clan.

WISE Writers and Readers Book of the Month March 2000

Having moderate experience with Java, but none with Visual J++, I needed a book which provided explanations of what Visual J++ offered and how to implement the knowledge I already had about Java. Mr. Dunn's book, slightly different from the standard fare of instructional computer books, went to great lengths to explain how to implement aspects of Java familiar to people with some experience as well as programming tools specific to Visual J++. His detailed descriptions of what was going on in the code examples and sample programs were a great aide. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a beginner or intermediate introduction to application development with Visual J++.

As a developer in Visual Basic I found this book an ideal way to bridge to Visual J++. The topics were intermediate but easy enough to work through. After completing it I got a solid understanding of many areas of developing for Windows using WFC and Visual J++. Part of the ease for me in bridging to VJ from VB was that the author explained all of the code that he presented in clear terms. This is refreshing! The book's code also uses 100% of WFC in its examples and they ALL work. This is something that I found not the case in other books on VJ 6. The only area that is lacking in the book is a chapter on DHTML. Currently the book states that it is geared towards intermediate readers geared towards people developing for Windows. After completing the book and its many examples, I felt the author met this goal. I look forward to future editions of this book with even more advanced material!

I had banged my head against my computer for 3 days. I was trying to create what should be a simple application in VJ++6 and was constantly running into little problems. I had several Java books - none helped. Then I found this book, whew! This book is the perfect companion to VJ++6 if you are transitioning from VB or if you just want to create a working WFC application right away. Shannon tells how to do all of the things you need for a working [database] application. He has very meaty chapters on important topics like creating controls, MDI and database access. He also clearly explains how to use interform communication. The examples, all practical application components, account for most of the book. My favorite way to learn is reading source and you get plenty here. In the end he provides a large project example with good information on how to plan development in Visual J++. If you are a Java head looking for highly technical information you may not want this book, but if you are like me and just want to start creating useful programs using WFC and J++6 right away - this is the VJ6 book to buy. It plugs the information hole in the VJ++6 Programmer's Guide and much more.

I enjoyed this book but it was not one of my favorites. The story kept you going but it was NOT something you just couldn't put down. I read it throughout the week and it was nice for hourly entertainment. I felt that Pierce was annoying at times especially dealing with his lack of faith. Rose Woodbine-way to go. You rock. She was an awesome heroine. Pierce did not deserve her. But then I guess most men don't deserve the strong faithful women in their lives either. No crack on men just the truth as I see it.

I actually enjoyed this Shannon Drake novel, and believe me, I've been disappointed in other Drake novels, but this one captured my attention. I fell in love with the hero of the novel. I relished his strength and his love for protection of his 'unwilling' colonial bride. The plot was quite far-fetched, but Shannon Drake managed to entwine the far-fetched plot with sinister murders, framed for murder, and of course, the ever present loyal friendship of King Charles II. I've rated 'Bride of the Wind' a 3 1/2, only because I've compared it to other novels written by another favorite author of mine whom sets many of her novels during this particular era. I am a loyal fan of Heather Graham, but as Drake, she has been disappointing at times, however, 'Bride of the Wind' and 'Princess of Fire' are now two of my favorite novels by 'Graham' as 'Drake'.

This was the first romance novel I read and as far as I am concerned the best book I've ever read. Shannon Drake puts everything you could ever ask for in a romance book; deceit, revenge, love, jealousy, steamy sex scenes, family, and a baby. What more could you ask for. The plot is very interesting and enjoyable to read. This book inspired me to read more romance novels and to start to write one of my own. Since I have read this book, I have bought all of her other novels and enjoyed them immensely. I would suggest to anyone to read this book, it really is a keepsake.

This book, guide, reference, ... or what ever you name it. is essential for all business, financial and investment guides.

I take issue with the reviewer who suggested that Tom Copeland/McKinsey's book "Valuation" is better than this one or is more directed at valuaing big businesses. ... On the other hand, it should be said that valuation techniques do not differ between big companies and small companies (especially if big/small companies are publically traded). Valuation techniques vary depending on (a) what sort of asset is being valued (public equity, vs. private equity, vs. business assets as a whole, etc) and (b) why valuation is being done (for M&A, litigation between business partners, divorce, ESOPs, for equity investment/divestment). If an investor is valuing a $50 Billion public company and a $50 million public company, the technique used for both is (probably) the same.

If anything, this book does an excellent job in reminding us of the diversity of valuation techniques in use, and the diversity of reasons for doing valuations. Given the frequency with which privately held companies are bought, one would think that knowing how to value companies whose stock is not publically traded is useful for general businesspeople, not just accountants and attorneys. But if you absolutely insist that you just want to know how to value publically traded companies and don't give a hoot for calculating "private equity discounts" or "minority shareholder discounts", then I would recommend Aswath Damodaran's books "Damodaran on Valuation", "The Dark Side of Valuation" or "Investment Valuation". Damodaran, professor of Finance at NYU, actually uses the same techniques taught here, but applied to public equity investing and with different names (for example, what is called the "Market approach" here is just what Damodaran calls "relative valuation" in a different context).

I have found Mr. Pratt's book to be an outstanding and practical general reference guide to valuing privately-held businesses. Due to the book's breadth of material and balanced focus on both the science and art of valuation, I have found "Valuing A Business" to be an excellent professional reference for anyone entering the field of business valuation. I highly recommend it.

In addition to the common "science side" valuation techniques, issues, and approaches that are found in many valuation textbooks, Pratt provides unique, valuable insight into the "art side" of valuation. The book also includes real life project execution considerations for litigation support, expert witness testimony, and taxation. "Valuing A Business" offers solid information to assist a practitioner in building a quality framework for conducting a comprehensive private company valuation.

this was a fast moving great book.the characters were interesting.the story was geat.a great book from a great author

"Knight of Fire" has all the elements for a great romance novel. The characters are well-developed and exciting. This was my first book by Shannon Drake and now i'm looking for more books by her that measure up to "Knight of Fire." P.S. READ IT!!

I DONT AGREE WITH THE PEVIOUS REVIEWS.I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.BRET AND ALLORA HAD DEFINATE CHEMISTRY.IT HAD THE LOVE/HATE ELEMENT WHICH I LIKE.THROW IN SOME SCOTTISH RELATIVES AND YO HAVE A GRET BOOK!!!!I READ THIS BOOK IN 1 SITTING AND ITS NOW IN MY KEEPER PILE.