Reviewed by Marissa
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

As I read this book, I had a hard time relating to the characters. Rose is a widow who had been married for just a few short years but she had been abused - mostly sexually but also emotionally. On her wedding night, she was put on sexual display for her husband’s lover and, later, his friends. Her husband ridiculed for being aroused and constantly informed her of how stupid she was. Even with all this, I just couldn’t feel for her. One minute she is cowering and hanging her head in shame yet the next she is strong and opinionated.

I had a little bit of an easier time with Rand, though not much. Rand feels that anyone he loves will die, that he will lead them to their deaths. He tries to stay away from Rose but ends up “saving” her from a second heartless bastard of a husband by marrying her. Still, while he’s loved her from afar for years, he stays away, convinced he is keeping her safe and alive.

This is one of those stories where the two heroes love each other but will never admit it to each other, much less to themselves. They stubbornly adhere to their preconceived notions that they are doing what is best even though they end up putting each other in danger. However, as lovers, I buy in to them completely. And by “lovers” I don’t mean sex, I mean forever-after-made-for-each-other kind of lovers. Here’s why: They began as friends. Yes, even when they were younger they were attracted to each other, but the friendship developed – as did the respect and admiration for each other.

The writing is good – very good. The author is able to pull off the time-period easily and (seemingly) flawlessly. If you like medieval fanfare, including jousting tournaments, feasts, and the rescuing of damsels in distress, you will enjoy this novel.