Master of Surrender 

                          Karin Tabke

                          Pocket Books, 2008

Here at Heroes, I have started something new. A Featured Read of a new release. Right now I don’t have a schedule, it depends on how fast I can read them! But look for it on a regular bases. For my first selection, I’m happy to present the first featured book, Master of Surrender, by Karin Tabke.  I’m a lover of anything that involves Medieval history, although, admittedly, I sometimes have difficulty with historical romance. What bothers me, as a student of medieval studies, is the often shabby research. Not so with Karin  Tabke’s  most recent release, Master of Surrender, which is her first historical.An author, who loves the early medieval period, expertly and lovingly researched this book. Karin brought to life on every page the main hero, Norman Black Knight, Rohan de Luc. Who often appears like a giant of a brute with a deeply damaged, but gentle heart, especially when it comes to heroine and Saxon beauty, Lady Isabel. Whose spunk and intelligence is apparent in every page she occupies. And she does occupy the page.This is a lusty fun read. Rohan, jumps off the pages with his band of heroes, including a giant of a Moor, Manhku.  I was struck by the compassion Karin had for her characters, when one of Rohan’s men asked him to spare the Lady Isabel her dignity, by not taking her to his bed. It was a heartfelt plea from a warrior who knew his captain well, and also knew what such an action would mean for the young woman, proclaimed to have the best bloodline in Britain. As I read the scene that included the group of Black Knights, I had my favorites and developed a few crushes, one especially on Thorin. They had their dark side along with being veracious.Sparks fly off the pages in the form of the passion that grows between Rohan and Isabel. This was a great read, and one I highly recommend. If you want to chase a great hero, than pick up Master of Surrender, by Karin Tabke, you won’t be disappointed.Personally I can’t wait for the next installment to this trilogy, Master of Torment, where the story continues.Question of the Day:Have you read this book? And what do you love about the romantic historical?