Shirewode Review

Shirewode Review
Three years ago, the events of the first book Greenwode drove Rob of Loxley into Sherwood Forest where he became the outlaw Robyn Hode. He is still good-hearted and passionate, but now he has been tempered by sorrow. He is not as carefree or impulsive as he used to be. He tries not to think of his sister Marion or his lover Gamelyn, both of whom he believes perished with his parents and their village. Now he has his hands full with his band of outlaws as they rob their Norman overlords and wealthy churchmen venturing through the forest, and they redistribute the wealth to the peasantry who suffer under the rule of the evil Prince John.

But Marion is still alive. Having lost her memory, she now lives in Nottingham as a novice nun and servant to the evil Abbess. And Gamelyn, who became a Templar Knight and went to the Third Crusade with King Richard, has now earned a new name, Guy de Gisbourne. Haunted by his combat experiences, and grieving for Rob and Marion whom he believes to be dead, Gisbourne returns to England to work for the Sheriff of Nottingham.

The first job the Sheriff has for Gisbourne to hunt down and kill the outlaws preying upon wealthy travelers through Sherwood Forest. Gisbourne and his faithful servant Much set out to track Robyn down and learn the secret of his identity. If the tragedies from the first book Greenwode have not altered the essential goodness at Rob’s core, then they have almost transformed young Gamelyn completely. As Guy de Gisbourne, Gamelyn has become a terrific anti-hero, projecting electrifying menace. Is he evil now, or does some sweetness remain? When the two men learn of Marion, it isn’t long before they piece together the truths about each other’s identities in this fast-paced epic adventure that includes daring escapes and rescues, an archery tournament, and the extended appearance of the evil Prince John.

Shirewode builds a breathtaking story with supernatural touches used sparing and strategically. It includes vivid supporting characters and strong female characters. And the sexual tension between the nihilistic Gisbourne and the wounded hero Robyn is unforgettable as they earn their happy ending. Do yourself a favor and clear your calendar for the weekend, pick up both Greenwode and Shirewode, and read them back to back. You’ll be glad you did.

Type of Romance: LGBT Gay Romance
Title: Shirewode
Author: J. Tullos Hennig
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Subgenre: Historical Romance, Robin Hood legend
Length: 168,288 words
Setting: 12th century England
Sex scenes: Level 3 – Subtle (See Levels of Explicitness in Related Links below)
Viewpoint: omniscient with third-person alternating viewpoints from major and minor characters
Note: I received this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for this review from author or publisher. Look on Amazon.com for Shirewode (The Wode Book 2)


Join the Discussion!
Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
I'll be posting all my reviews for LGBT romance books (that is, love stories with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered characters) to this thread.

Here is the first one:

Out in the Field by Kate McMurray gives us Matt and Iggy, major-league baseball players who start a secret relationship in this sexy and understatedly realistic gay romance. Out in the Field Review.

Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
No Angel by Clare London is a lively LGBT gay romance set in London UK where an overworked hospital orderly and his handsome new boyfriend try to find a missing person with the help of a mischievous ghost. No Angel Review.

Connie - ADD/Sandwiches:
I like the Alex Sanchez books for teens and young adults. While not strictly romance novels, they do have a lot about relationships.

Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
Thank you, Connie, for jogging my memory on this author! I'd heard his name but hadn't tried his books yet. I'm going to look into it. smile

Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
Pickup Men by L.C. Chase is an LGBT gay romance with very strong plotting and likable characters set in the dangerous world of rodeo. Pickup Men Review

Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
Greenwode by J. Tullos Hennig is an LGBT gay retelling of the Robin Hood legend and a must-read for fans of gay romance and young adult romance. Here, Robin and his nemesis Guy of Gisbourne are re-imagined as friends and lovers meeting early in life. This is book 1 of an amazing two-book series.

Greenwode Review

Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
Shirewode Review

LGBT gay romance Shirewode by J. Tullos Hennig is the absolutely terrific conclusion of the Robin Hood legend started in the first book Greenwode that reimagines Robin and Guy de Gisbourne as enemies-to-lovers. Shirewode Review

Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
Captive Review

LGBT gay romance Captive by Remy Jensen starts with a kidnapping in Belize in this engaging enemies-to-lovers romance: Captive Review

Val FictionWrit/RomanceBk:
The Untold Want Review

LGBT gay romance The Untold Want by Catt Ford features African American main characters and supporting characters, a coming-out theme, separated lovers meeting years later, fine arts, New York City, and an intensely emotional and erotic tone.

The Untold Want Review

Add Your Viewpoint: Post Your Thoughts

You Should Also Read:
Greenwode Review
LGBT Historical Romance
Levels of Explicitness

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