Lisa Tawn Bergren

This book was ROUGH. Right from the beginning, the MC had no respect for a different culture from a different time. She went in with the 'they must bend to my ideas' type of attitude and it was extremely jarring. Does she not realize how dangerous that was at the time?
After that, she kissed a man who was already betrothed to another and dared to suggest that the man's betrothed was crazy for acting jealous. No. The poor girl did nothing to deserve what the MC and Marcello put her through.
A note on the narration: The narrator is super dramatic, making the MC's attitude seem even worse.… (mer)

This second installment of the series doesn't miss a beat as it plunges the reader into a world of loyalty, bravery, faith and betrayal in 1372 medieval Siena and Firenze of Italy. There is plenty of action in battle and plenty of spot on faith lessons. Told in Tiliani and Luciana's first person voices in 1372, we get a good look at the political climate of medieval Toscana and the life of a titled family defending their castle and people they love. Romance between Tiliani and Valentino is exquisitely tender yet heart-breaking as these star-crossed lovers try to find their way. Luciana and Giulio are sweet and so perfectly matched but struggle with being from two very different time periods with incongruent expectations. We didn't see much of Nico and Ilaria here as main characters but I hope to see more of them soon. This book is the right blend of action, intrigue, faith, and romance. I can't wait to see what the next book holds; it promises to be another epic read considering how this book ended!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.… (mer)