The House of Baric series is a dramatic tale told in three parts. The story is fictional but reflects the real world, then and now. Mature themes of violence, some cursing, misogyny, abuses against women, PTSD, and sexual situations are in these books. Still, there is humor, love, romance, drama, and a happily ever after!
The House of Baric Part One: Shields Down
The House of Baric is finally falling into a predictable routine after thirty years of war. Love, warring, hating, and mating were not so different back in the 17th century.
The Barics’ story ignites like kindling on smoldering coals with humor and romance, and you are a fly-on-the-wall in their intriguing aristocratic world. Mauro, Resi, and their friends only want to steer their destinies, and you will find yourself rooting for them to succeed.
The first book in the series focuses on Mauritius “Mauro” Baric. He would be quite a catch for any noble lady. He was heir to a Venetian barony in Croatia and had connections to powerful political allies that would please any future father-in-law. For a lady’s benefit, he was easy on the eyes.
Mauro did have some brooding tendencies, perhaps due to his crazy mother’s neglect, his poisoned father ruining Mauro’s wish to die a hero’s death on a battlefield, or his lingering guilt at witnessing his only brother perish in front of him. A potential bride could overlook these flaws in exchange for wealth and status. Unfortunately, Mauro’s father had already made a marriage arrangement for his only living son, and the young Baron Baric would have to honor it.
Mauro’s assigned bride was not a noble lady. She was the daughter of an Ottoman trader and had no desire to marry an arrogant Venetian baron far away from the Thessalonian home she loved. But her father owed the Barics a debt, and Resi Kokkinos was the payment.
In the summer of 1647, the Thirty Years’ War was winding down, and Mauro and his small army could finally spend their days at Baric Castle again. After a year of marriage, the newlyweds barely knew each other. Mauro would have to court his spirited wife to gain her love. Resi’s strong will and Mauro’s stoic nature paired awkwardly as the couple tried to fall in love. To Mauro’s surprise, his complicated and unpredictable wife might be his perfect match.
Love blooms in the July heat, and not just between the Barics. Soldiers guard Mauro’s castle, and servants keep it running. They will play a significant role in the House of Baric saga in the following books.
The baron’s life becomes ever more complicated when the Venetian Navy confiscates his ship and arrests his crew, while an elusive assassin continues to threaten his life. Unexpected visitors arrive at Baric Castle and offer a solution to solve one of Mauro’s biggest problems. At least for now.
The House of Baric Part Two: A Brother’s Defense
Set in the summer of 1649, this continuing drama of love, friendship, revenge, and redemption does not disappoint in Part Two: A Brother’s Defense.
New characters are introduced that will change the dynamics at the castle and make for an absorbing read. Baric secrets alluded to in Part One: Shields Down are revealed and your favorite characters are unmasked in this surprisingly fast-paced 500-page novel.
The first book in the series introduced you to the House of Baric and the many people living there. Their seemingly predictable life in Solgrad was pleasant after spending years at war. The story so far spotlighted their leisurely summer of 1649 when they were at the crossroads of adulthood and impending marriages.
Part Two: A Brother’s Defense picks right up where we left off: Patrik and his gang are waiting in the castle courtyard for Mauro and Resi to return. There will be budding courtships and ladies primping, but the women at Baric Castle are more than their pretty gowns and fancy hair, and the soldiers will prove they care about more than muskets and swords, although swords will be drawn, and Patrik and the mercenaries put to good use.
Mauro’s love for his wife deepens, but he can barely contain his hidden personal demons, and someone is still threatening his life. He manages to hold it together as master of the house. Still, he begins to unravel after he learns Jero’s true identity.
The House of Baric Part Three: Widows and Weddings
The trilogy’s final installment is here, and the House of Baric is celebrating a wonderful end to the summer.
17th-century Europe was a dangerous place for those without a means or a champion protecting them. Not all the Baric Castle residents understood how fortunate they were to live in their orderly, mannered community. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people through no fault. Sometimes people get lost, and no one knows where to start looking.
In Part Three: Widows and Weddings, our friends leave the House of Baric, some traveling to Venice to celebrate Stephan’s wedding and others to Ottoman lands. They were so looking forward to their exciting adventures ahead. But Resi, Ruby, and other favorites are in for an awakening and will long to be back at the House of Baric. Other friends might never return.
Fast-paced, gripping, dramatic, and romantic, this book begins where Part Two: A Brother’s Defense leaves off. Jero and Ruby are on their way to Thessaloniki, escorted by their mercenary friends. With good roads, good weather, and gold in their saddlebags, their spirits are high, and they are looking forward to a happy reunion there. What could go wrong?