Castles

Princess Alesandra of Vasya seeks refuge in England to escape assassins targeting her family. The Earl of St. James becomes her protector and reluctant guardian at his mother's request. Their forced proximity leads to attraction, yet both resist due to their responsibilities and stations. Alesandra must navigate London society while managing her own fortune and evading those who wish her harm. Romance intertwines with mystery as threats escalate and secrets surface in London's aristocratic circles. The characters confront questions of duty, independence, and trust. The novel explores themes of how protected childhoods clash with harsh realities, and whether security must come at the cost of freedom. Through its medieval English setting, it examines the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.

Readers describe this as a light, fun historical romance with humor and witty dialogue. Many note it works well as a standalone despite being part of a series. Readers highlighted: - The banter between leads Colin and Alesandra - Balance of romance and action/adventure elements - Strong female protagonist who uses intelligence to solve problems - Entertaining secondary characters - Fast-paced plot Common criticisms: - Historical inaccuracies and modern speech patterns - Predictable storyline following romance genre conventions - Some found the ending rushed - Several readers noted plot similarities to other Garwood books Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (47,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (800+ ratings) Reader Quote: "The chemistry between Colin and Alesandra makes this book shine. Their interactions range from laugh-out-loud funny to tender." - Goodreads reviewer The book ranks in the middle range of popularity among Garwood's historical romances based on total review counts.

The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood A headstrong woman in Regency England matches wits with a skeptical nobleman while concealing her secret upbringing among Native Americans.

The Prize by Julie Garwood A Saxon lady and a Norman warrior navigate political intrigue and cultural differences in medieval England while uncovering a plot against the crown.

The Secret by Julie Garwood A Scottish laird protects an English lady with healing abilities during a time of border conflicts between their two countries.

The Bride by Mary Jo Putney Two strangers in a marriage of convenience discover mutual respect and understanding against the backdrop of Scottish Highland politics.

The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss A Saxon noblewoman and a Norman conqueror forge an alliance during William the Conqueror's invasion of England.

🏰 Though set in medieval England, "Castles" weaves in Scottish elements through the hero's half-Scottish heritage, a hallmark of Julie Garwood's popular Highland-themed romances. 📚 Published in 1993, "Castles" became a #1 New York Times bestseller, helping establish Julie Garwood as one of the leading voices in historical romance fiction. 👑 The novel's heroine, Princess Alesandra, was inspired by historical accounts of royal wards in medieval England who were placed under the protection of noble families. ✍️ Julie Garwood wrote "Castles" without using a computer - she composed the entire manuscript in longhand before having it typed, a practice she maintained for many years. 🗡️ The book's plot incorporates authentic historical details about medieval banking practices and early investment strategies, particularly through the hero Colin's merchant business ventures.