Gentle Warrior

By: Julie Garwood

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

In feudal England, Elizabeth Montwright barely escaped the massacre that destroyed her family and exiled her from her ancestral castle. Bent on revenge, she rode again through the fortress gates, disguised as a healer...to seek aid from Geoffrey Berkley, the powerful baron who had routed the murderers.

He heard her pleas, resisted her demands, and vowed to seduce his beautiful subject. Yet as Elizabeth fought the warrior's caresses, love flamed for this gallant man who must soon champion her cause...and capture her spirited heart!

©1990 Julie Garwood (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Sweet…with some problems.

Julie Garwood is an excellent writer. And Anne Flosnik is, in my opinion, one of the best narrators in the historical romance genre. In general, the characters in this story are interesting. The love story has it’s ups and downs, keeping the reader interested. Yet, in the blinding light of the 21st-century, the hero of the story, Geoffrey, comes across more as an abusive gaslighter than a “gentle warrior.” Obviously, this isn’t what the author intended. But there are some scenes when he pulls her hair (to the point of bringing her to tears), grabs her (and leaves bruises), or shakes her (until her teeth chatter). I suppose within the context of medieval times this may not have been seen as terrible behavior. But, I found it both disturbing & distracting. How am I supposed to pay attention to this great love story when all I notice is how bad the hero treats the heroine?

Still, if you can get past all that, there are some really good elements to the story. This just wasn’t my favorite Julie Garwood novel.

Good story bad narration

The story wasn't bad but the narration for the male voices was not good and it was very distracting

Love this story

Most of her books are set in Scotland and England a very long time ago. They are always a sweet love story with a lot of fighting of the knights or lords. They are very romantic. She knows how to write sex scenes without being crude. I hope she continues to write for a long time.

Annoying narration couldn't finish!

Narration drove me crazy didn't get past 3 rd chapter. Ruined this Garwood novel for me. Spent all my time rolling my eyes!

loved this one

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

he is so ordered and she is so opposite and full of fire.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Gentle Warrior?

the conversations between them

What does Anne Flosnik bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Anne Flosnik brings life to Jeffrey and Elizabeth.

Enjoyable

Interesting, well read entertaining. Could not stop listening and had to listen again. I highly recommend you listen to this book.

Good story, voices not so much

Julie Garwood doesn’t disappoint with her stories. The voice for the main male character isn’t right. He sounds like an old man. That is unfortunate, but you’ll enjoy Ms Garwood’s novel. She has the ability to to make her characters alive.

Lovely

A wonderful look at the period in English history, and the relationships between Saxon and Normans.

Not a great narrator

Story was absolutely excellent and I just love Julie Garwood. The narrator was too much. The voices she made did not match the characters. 

Love Julie Garwood historicals

I've been reading historical romances for over 40 years and Julie Garwood has always been a favorite. Yes, they are somewhat predictable but that goes along with historical romances. I always enjoy Anne Flosnik's performances of romances set in feudal and victorian England. Even though it's slow in a few places, when placed in context, the slowing is appropriate. I don't expect a female narrator to portray a solid male voice as long as I can tell the difference, and in that respect, she does well. Her British accent adds authenticity to the read.