The Long Journey Home by Cassandra Pierce

*LONG
The Long Journey Home by Cassandra Pierce
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Length: Short Story (49 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

For eighteen years, Wren has lived isolation with his guardians, Grum and Krulch, in the heart of a deep, peaceful forest. His life is tranquil except for the doubts that torment him: why does he look so different from his parents, and how did two male ogres manage to birth a small, pale creature like Wren?

Everything changes when he accidentally wanders too far from home and comes upon an entire village of people who look like him. One in particular, a scribe’s apprentice named Valerus, is simply the most beautiful being Wren has ever seen.
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His elation soon turns to fear when the people of the village tell Wren he is one of their own and must remain with them—abandoning the ogres who raised him. Though he would love to stay with Valerus and build a new life, he doesn’t want to do it at the expense of the life that made him. But if he wants to enjoy a promising future, he’ll have to find a way to unravel his mysterious past.

Every child grows up eventually. As the adopted child of ogres, Wren is no exception to this rule. His transition has simply been little more complicated than most.

It took me a while to figure Wren out, but once I did I grew to like him quite a bit. He’s not the kind of character who reveals everything right away. What he did share with the audience in the first few paragraphs was consistent with his personality overall. It gave me a glimpse of what kind of person he was, and I enjoyed getting to know him even better as I learned more about him.

This short story contained a few different plot holes. I had assumed that they’d be explained by the final scene, so it was distracting not to have any answers for them. The questions they raised about the characters and setting were intriguing. I would have been able to give this book a much higher rating if the narrator had shared some kind of explanation for what was going on in those scenes.

The food descriptions in this tale weren’t like anything I’ve ever heard of before. Imagine cheerfully sipping a cup of mudroot tea! I grinned when I read that section because I was so curious to know what it would be like to try it. Including these kinds of details made it really easy for me to fantasize about visiting an Ogre’s house because it involved so many different senses: sight, smell, and taste. This was a good decision on the author’s part.

I’d recommend The Long Journey Home to anyone who likes the fantasy genre.

Unleashed by Rachel Lacey

LEAASHED
Unleashed: A Love To The Rescue novel by Rachel Lacey
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (311 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Peppermint

What happens when you find the right one at the wrong time?

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Matt Dumont doesn’t need his skills as a private investigator to detect disaster on the horizon. Cara is everything he thought he’d never find-gorgeous, funny, and caring. But there’s no way he can start a relationship just as he’s about to move to another state. Talk about bad timing. As their attraction sizzles too hot to deny, they’ll have to make a decision: forget the consequences and let loose, or forget each other and let go…

Cara is probably the most kind hearted woman I have ever read about. What immediately attracted me to the story was her love for animals and dogs particularly, as I am the same way. I had not realized she would be so compassionate, while putting her own life aside. She truly is a remarkable women and very enduring as a character.

Matt is everything you want in a man. He is kind, caring, strong, and a protector of those he loves. He is absolutely adorable both inside and outside. He too has a code of honor just like Cara that is unwaivering. Even when a bit misguided he is doing what he thinks is honorable. He even puts himself out just to try to take care of Cara because he does not want any harm to come to her. This is a couple you will root for from beginning to end.

Cara’s history is not a perfect one, but that along with the case Matt is working play a vital role in the plot of the story. She keeps herself guarded from people, and instead throws herself into rescuing animals. Matt is always looking to find justice for those who have been wronged, no matter the consequences. These facts really help to push these two together in a remarkable way. Now they both just need to open up to one another and realize what they need most in the world is right under each other’s nose.

The romantic development was definitely more important that the physical connection in this story. I appreciated that you could feel the chemistry leaping off the pages without it being overly erotic. It was the simple things that made me realize how much they grew to care for one another. I have always felt that it is the little things that matter in a relationship and these two just prove my theory. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel. I for one plan on starting the second installment to this series right now.

The Kissing Contest by Francis Gideon

KISSING
The Kissing Contest by Francis Gideon
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (38 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Generally, it has been proven prescription de viagra very useful to help guys with all degrees of ED. If you have a consideration, let Christopher Snape – Lighting Designer to disclose to you the distinction between a show and a unique production? Would you be of the age of 50 plus or 60 plus to get affected viagra online generic by sexual problems. This efficient potent solution is available in the generic levitra professional tablet form of 5, 10 and 20mg strengths. Owing to its accuracy, reliability and user-friendliness, the assay kit remains in great demand in hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic labs. viagra 100mg sales Homer Ruiz is a well-known actor who is constantly cast as bad guys, gigolos, or men of ill-repute. As a publicity stunt, his friend Jack Douglas has arranged a kissing contest to be held inside a Paris Hotel and Casino, where some of the most famous and attractive men from around the world will compete for the bragging rights of best kisser in the world.

It’s a contest that everyone enjoys—except Homer, who is left reminded all over again that people love the images and illusions he portrays far more than they will ever love the reality.

Homer is a very well known actor and has been talked into an unusual contest. The World Famous Kissing Contest was a publicity stunt. Men of different nationalities were pitted against each other with a bevy of willing women volunteers, and the best kisser would win the title of the Kissing King. The contest was held in Paris, and Homer can’t forget this is the bright city where he first fallen in love.

This is a very short story, but I found it filled with wonderful detail and kept me reading it all the way through in one shot. Homer – although not your typical hero – is an honest and refreshing character. Happily married to his second wife, he nevertheless doesn’t pretend to be some wide-eyed ingénue, or a slavishly devoted man while secretly harboring resentment at the repression of his life. I was startled at his private honesty – that his marriage to Clara was not the perfect picture they both painted. While Homer genuinely loves her, their relationship isn’t the normal, fairy tale, endless style of love. I found this honesty refreshing and indeed interesting, but more traditional readers mightn’t feel the same.

The twist at the end – the final kiss – was something I found satisfying and in its own way extremely romantic. There is a tone of M/M some traditional romance readers mightn’t like, but this is a sweet story – light kissing only – and I personally really enjoyed it. This is fresh, different and while not surprising, certainly not your average tale about a kissing contest. Different and fresh, I’d urge readers to give it a try and see if some of that Paris magic mightn’t leave you with a smile too.

Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash


Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash
Publisher: WordFire Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (216 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Wes Rockville, a disgraced law-enforcement agent, gets one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he’s reassigned to a 232-year-old secret government organization.

The Witches Protection Program.

His first assignment: uncover a billion-dollar cosmetics company’s diabolical plan to use witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt’s evil deeds. Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector, Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in witches…and believe in himself.

Filled with adventure and suspense, Michael Okon creates a rousing, tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern-day New York City.

This is because it is no longer true. http://amerikabulteni.com/2018/06/23/restoran-sahibi-beyaz-saray-sozcusunu-moral-gerekce-ile-restoranindan-kovdu/ cheap levitra pills Plus, as these are generic, they are a lot of brands of online viagra such as Kamagra, Kamagra oral jelly, Silagra, Zenegra, viagra, Caverta, Zenegra, and Forzest etc. Most people today buy viagra amerikabulteni.com can get affordable treatment for their hearts. Sustanon 250mg mainly used buy uk viagra to increases energy require for aggression. Anyone who loved the movie R.I.P.D. might find this novel a rollicking good time because there are some elements that appear in both the movie and this book by Mr. Cash. I had so much fun reading Witches Protection Program that I didn’t stop reading until I was done. What an awesome way to spend an afternoon!

The basic premise is one done before; youngest son tries to measure up to the expectations of a powerful parent and competes and loses to the overachieving elder siblings and the youngest never seems to do anything right. I have a lot of sympathy for Wes, the hero. Not only does he want to succeed and make his family proud, he has to contend with his reading disability. There are so many reasons to like Wes, and very few not to.

The difference is that the powerful parent is actually a good guy. He really does love his son so it was refreshing not to have to deal with that kind of family conflict. As for Wes’ mega-successful older siblings, they never appear on stage – I get the feeling that there is no animosity between them, just a fervent wish on the hero’s part to be successful in his own right. It sounds like he has a great family, and it wasn’t until the very, very end that I found out it’s a family with secrets. Wow, did my mouth hang open upon that realization! Talk about saving that extra fancy firework for the last hurrah in an amazing finale. I can assure you I was grinning from ear to ear.

Even though the majority of this novel is about Wes and his finding his own path and self-actualization, he isn’t the only star. Morgan is the heroine that readers will aptly come to the conclusion of being hapless, much to her aunt’s dismay and annoyance. The aunt is a very twisted soul and yet, in her own perverted way, I think she really does love her niece – she just has an unhealthy way of expressing it. Morgan, it turns out, isn’t as hapless or as helpless as a reader is lead to believe and that bumped up the story another notch on the ‘cool’ scale. However, I too would draw the line at gummy bugs come to life. What a master stroke of devious imagination. Ick!

One thing I’m absolutely happy about is the little electrical zings between Wes and Morgan. I don’t know if it will actually turn into a romance but they sure were in ‘serious like’ with each other. I know I am in like with them. J

Secondary characters are absolutely fascinating. Mr. Cash totally hoodwinked me because quite a few are not at all how they are initially portrayed. Only at the right time, when it benefited the story most, did the author whisk away the figurative tablecloth to magically reveal astounding truths, magic and connections. The condensing of the action into a tight well written couple of chapters filled with chases, attacks, magic fights and zooming witches, animated inanimate objects and colorful descriptions just blew me away. I just loved the flow of this novel.

The point of view is mostly told from Wes’ side, but Morgan has her moments as well as her aunt. The head-hopping was kept at a minimum however, so when it did occur, it was valuable and appreciated.

All in all, if you are looking for something different that entertains, amazes, impresses and surprises, Witches Protection Program will give you all that and more. It’s funny, clever, witty and smart. It’s action packed, fast moving and a fun conflict. It would make a great movie and if it stayed true to the book? I’d pay to see it. I enjoyed Witches Protection Program that much.

A Dose of Romance by Cheryl Norman

DOSE

A Dose of Romance by Cheryl Norman
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (150 Pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

Just weeks before his wedding, a young man finds his soul mate.

This nutrient low priced cialis is found largely in walnuts, soybeans, canola oil, oily fishes and flaxseed Several studies on how to control the sensations which lead to ejaculation. It levitra online order helps to gain harder and fuller erection on sexual arousal. You do not http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/12/07/kansas-birther-was-planning-a-citizen%E2%80%99s-arrest-of-president-barack-obama/ order cheap viagra want to make your relationship end since you have the chance of making the right choice to undergo chiropractic care. free viagra consultation amerikabulteni.com As mentioned earlier than lifestyle alteration may be needed, it is also important to address the psychogenic components that assist in successful hard on. Drake Springs Pharmacist Woody Fox and single mom waitress Tiffany Blair have a unique friendship: She’s not in the market for a boyfriend, and he’s off the market. He’s engaged to marry his college sweetheart and pursue a career in her father’s pharmaceutical firm. When friendship turns to romance, Woody must make a difficult decision.

Life as a single mom has enough challenges. Searching for love would only complicate things. So why does falling in love with the most complicated man of all, suddenly seem so easy?

Single mom Tiffany Blair is a waitress at Boyd’s Diner where the locals from the small town of Drake Springs gather. She knows their likes, dislikes, allergies, and coffee orders, as well as she knows her own. She is polite and helpful. She also knows the local happenings, but keeps most things to herself instead of adding to the rumor mill. And Woodrow “Woody” Fox notices it all.

Although engaged to his high school sweetheart, Woody can’t help but be drawn to the beautiful, kind, and caring waitress. Pharmacist by day, and charity deejay when needed, Woody prides himself on helping people. It’s the one thing he’s sure he loves. So when his fiancée refuses to join him in what she calls “Podunk” Springs, Woody finds himself keeping company with Tiffany, knowing neither of them is looking for love.

This book focuses on two people, Tiffany and Woody, and can easily accommodate a few secondary characters to help round out the story. But in the first twenty pages, 40+ named characters are introduced which made it difficult to know who the real players were in the story. I found myself trying to memorize names and occupations not knowing who was important to the storyline and who was not. I felt a bit defeated when, halfway through the book, I realized only six or seven people actually mattered to the story. I also thought it was a bit odd that folks who had lived in this small town their entire lives, like Tiffany and Woody, didn’t seem to know each other. In fact, Woody’s favorite car mechanic—who happens to be the only mechanic in town—is Tiffany’s father. There were also areas that I felt needed more structure and polish, which may have helped to eliminate “telling” portions of the story. For example, from page 49: “Let’s just talk.” She followed him back to his table, where she hopped up and sat on her cute little butt. Had Woody noticed her “cute little butt” rather than the narrator, the scene would have played better.

On the upside, this is an easy read for a peaceful summer day. Anxiety and tension are minimal. The characters are likeable, and the small town has a relaxing and enjoyable feel to it. Overall, the story had a charming quality, which kept me reading to the end.

If you like stress-free family stories, especially ones featuring hardworking, single mothers, A Dose of Romance may be the perfect read.

Poppy’s Three Men by Sophie Sloane

THREE
Poppy’s Three Men by Sophie Sloane
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (115 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

It is the wedding day for Poppy Shillington, a young, American woman. Everything is perfect: the white dress, the veil, the orchestra, except for one thing. Who is the groom? She stares into the mirror in her dressing room, and reminisces about her relationships with the three men she dated in her twenties: Dax, Mike, and Simon. A good-looking guy with bad manners, a straight-forward sensitive soul, and an adoring intellectual.

She remembers the passionately devastating trip to Paris, her humiliating adventures in the Great Outdoors, and a traumatizing game of Scrabble with the in-laws. As she shares the embarrassing, funny, and romantic stories of each man, it becomes increasingly challenging to predict which man she will end up with.

The Dating Game meets Meets Married at the Altar. Who will she meet at the altar, Dax, Mike or Simon?
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As far as clever story lines go, this was a fun find.

Poppy can define her dating life based on her experience with three men in particular. The story jumps around a bit in her attempt to relate three stories as she walking down the isle. Time is of the essence and she can’t give the reader every single little detail or it would spoil the point of the story.

Mike is the out-doorsy one, slightly stuffy Simon with lovely British accent, and bad boy Dax. The neat thing about this story is that they were all good guys. She had different experiences with each but only one ultimately won her heart.

This book is written in first person and is pretty heavy on the telling rather than showing but it works out since the story is primarily her talking about her dating life in her earlier twenties. As I mentioned, it’s not in chronological order so, I did a bit a of flipping back and forth to keep all of the stories straight.

It was worth it. There’s humor and tension and it felt real. This could be the normal dating life of most young women since most date several men before they walk the isle.

This is a short read and it worth the time. Poppy makes the right choice and readers who like it short and sweet should, too.

A Virtuous Ruby by Piper Huguley

RUBY
A Virtuous Ruby by Piper Huguley
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Heat level: Sweet
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

An unexpected love in a small, Southern town.

After fifteen months of hiding from the shame of bearing an illegitimate child, two words drive Ruby Bledsoe to face the good citizens of Winslow, Georgia. Never again. She vows to speak out against injustice. For her sisters. For her parents. For her infant son, Solomon.

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Up north, Dr. Adam Morson easily kept his mixed race a secret. Now that he’s in Georgia, summoned by his white father, he can feel restrictions closing in around him.

Something powerful draws him to the beauty whose activist spirit is as fiery as her name. And soon, Adam wants nothing more than to take Ruby and her child far from Georgia’s toxic prejudice. But Ruby must choose between seeking her own happiness and staying to fight for the soul of her hometown.

Ruby Bledsoe is known through out Winslow, Georgia as having a fiery spirit and being an activist for justice, but to some she is no more than a trouble maker. Ruby has been in hiding after the shame of bearing an illegitimate child due to horrific circumstances. When handsome Dr. Adam Morson arrives in town will he becomes the town’s focus?

A Virtuous Ruby is the first installment in a story loaded with promise of an emotional journey and, hopefully romance for this bold heroine, Ruby. This series sets an authentic tone for this young woman’s resiliency, courage and hope for herself and for others. I enjoy reading historical romance novels, but there just seemed to be something missing in this novel. The story didn’t grab me. I finished reading the book, but I wasn’t excited about some of the plot. Trying to keep from stating any spoilers I didn’t like how Reverend Dodge treated Ruby. The characters in the book didn’t come to life. An interesting story was told, but the characters seemed to lack emotion, especially Rudy during her ordeal. I would think she would be mad at David for what he did and for the situation she had to deal with, but it seems Ruby was more interested in fighting for rights for those at the local mill. For the story to be dated back in 1915 I would think Ruby being raped and being left with a child, her having a child and being unmarried wouldn’t have been such a shame to the locals or to the church. If anything I would think during this time the church would have been more compassionate to Ruby and her child.

Despite being a bit predictable, this is an intriguing story that is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed Ruby’s spunk and wiliness to fight for rights against injustice. At her young age she showed a lot of determination and she didn’t let the more powerful beings of the town deter her personal mission. The commitment to God that Ruby displayed even though she was cast out by Reverend Dodge was commendable. Also, the relationship between Ruby and Adam wasn’t pictured as one of lustful attraction where they were rushing into an intimate stage of a relationship, but they seem to make a pleasant couple with the things that they have in common.

Though this wasn’t classified as a book that stands out for me, I still found the story enjoyable because it focused on true to life circumstances and even though Ruby is just 18 her calling in life proved to be to always help others.

Witch of Death by Chrys Fey

WITCH
Witch of Death by Chrys Fey
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery, Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (45 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Detective Reid Sanders doesn’t believe in the supernatural, but when he’s faced with a crime scene that defies the laws of nature, he has no other choice but to start believing. And solving a magical murder involves working with a witch.

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Supernatural crimes can’t always be solved by logic and reason alone.

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of someone calling your name. As soon as I read this part of the opening scene, I couldn’t wait to figure out what happened next. It was such an eerie way to introduce the characters who were involved in it. I appreciated being thrown into the middle of the action like this with little indication of what was going on or who I should trust. This technique worked well with the overall tone of this story.

The plot often told the audience what was happening instead of showing it. These tendencies were especially noticeable in the final scene. It had all of the elements of a strong ending. Had there been more detailed descriptions of what was going on and more time spent showing how those events affected the characters, I could have easily given Witch of Death a much higher rating.

With that being said, I was pleasantly surprised by what happened in the final scene. The twist wasn’t something I’d figured out ahead of time, so stumbling across it was a treat. It was especially interesting to read this section because this wasn’t the first tale I’ve read from Ms. Fey. I’ve been enjoying her career so far, though, and am quite curious to see how she writes the endings in her future books!

I’d recommend Witch of Death to anyone who likes seeing how the urban fantasy and mystery genres can be woven together.

Island Charms by Sharon McGregor

CHARMS
Island Charms by Sharon McGregor
Publisher: Whimsical Publications
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short Story (118 pgs)
Heat: Sweet
Rated: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

When Abby receives a plea for help from her old college friend Nikki, she’s inclined to ignore it. Nikki was always a drama queen and besides, how much danger can she be in as she spends her time surrounded by a circle of her ‘nearest and dearest.’

It is not only vital to the formation and maintenance of healthy skin and look at here now cialis pills uk circulatory tissue; its antioxidant powers are essential in fighting disease. best levitra price You don’t need the pampering of a resort-style rehabilitation facility if you don’t have the funds for it. All women have this, some to a lesser degree and generic viagra from canada http://deeprootsmag.org/2018/07/18/one-true-gidget/ frequency. Before pregnancy it is approximately the size and shape of the pills, they may give the final clue to have a correct illegal drug identification. viagra cialis generico But then Abby finds that’s exactly who Nikki is frightened of. She’s convinced someone is trying to kill her.

Abby has reasons of her own to get away and soon she’s off to a remote private island on Lake of the Woods. Undercurrents abound in the family circle and soon Abby realizes her friend isn’t being fanciful. The danger is real and now it’s headed straight for her.

Sharon McGregor’s new romance Island Charms IS charming: a sense of the charm bounces right into the first page, when Abby (a writer) contends with her freedom-seeking feline, Ajax. She’s a super leading lady and while we readers are waiting for an equally charming man to step into the picture, Abby allows her self to be sidetracked off to help and old friend.

She never expects that helping with a biography might lead toward deadly danger. There seems to be a small flock of folks that might just want Nikki dead…but then again, Nikki is not exactly a reliable source. How much of the threat might be imagined? As Abby begins to investigate, she still doubts how reliable the information from Nikki is.  However, she’s also soon surprised by a chance encounter with a gentleman who just might help her out or maybe come to mean a great deal more…

No spoilers here! Romance does slide in, almost by the side-door, in this charming mystery. And, it is a well-done mystery, make no mistake. Abby sets about investigating quite the cast of characters, but needs to find someone who she can trust, quickly.

Although the plot carries forward at a good pace, much of the main character’s view point is shared in too-explanatory way. Past history (like her college friendship with Nikki) is simply told, and a bit of a bore. However, the essentials of this story – plot and character – are intersting, and make up for the odd slow page here or there.

The Tenth Suitor by Laura Strickland

TENTH
The Tenth Suitor by Laura Strickland
(Twelve Brides of Christmas Series)
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Holiday
Length: Short Story (82 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

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Thorstan’s in attendance, but he hasn’t been invited, and he’s no lord. A former mercenary, he’s come disguised as a jester to get near Edwina, long adored from afar. Edwina quickly falls for his charm and quirky humor even though she fears her father will never approve of a commoner for her husband. But when Edwina is abducted, only Thorstan—a skilled swordsman—has hope of rescuing her in time for the promised Christmas wedding.

At first, it sounded like fun. Her father would invite ten lords from neighboring villages to visit and meet his daughter. She would pick one and then marry on Christmas Day. All these men wooing her and trying to win her heart would be fascinating. Surely she would grow to love one of them.

Ms. Strickland writes a fun story. She creates an environment of suitors that would make anyone barf. They are weak or strong, smart or dumb, some smell, some have impossible attitudes and the one that thinks he’s going to tell her what to do and how to act after marriage doesn’t have any idea he has just driven her away.

Only nine showed up. Not one of them is what Edwina wants to marry. Their only interest in her is her father’s property. Some even call her names when they think she can’t hear them. What she doesn’t know is how dangerous they are.

The touch that made me smile and touched my heart is that after meeting all those “wonderful” lords, she ends up falling in love with a jester! Now you and I both know her father isn’t going allow that marriage. He wants a good life for her, why can’t she love one of the lords?

There’s a sword fight, kidnapping and rescue all before the end of this book. The very last line of the book made me laugh out loud. I really enjoyed reading about subterfuge, the stolen kisses and the plot the two lovers make up. This story is one I’d read again because it was full of action, gave me laughs, and ended up happily. What more could you want?