Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 354 pages
Author: Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 23rd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads
BOOK SUMMARY:
Rowan was finally going to do something right.
Marry for love and for her kingdom. Keep her people safe. Until an archaic law enslaved her to the most feared man in all of Socair, a man who treats her like a pawn and calls her his pet.
But when enemies emerge from unexpected places, she’s forced to realize that being Evander’s property might just be the only thing keeping her alive.
Can she fulfill her blood debt to Bear, even if it means losing Theo forever?
Even if it means sacrificing her heart?
A SEQUEL.
That’s mostly how I feel about this. A good, but meh, second book.
One of my bigger issues was how much more prevalent the love triangle turned out to be. I’m rarely a fan of those and this one was no different, especially because there’s only ONE CHOICE. It’s too obvious and it better be the case or I have wasted my time on this series.
I loved the general continuation of the story. Getting a little bit of a thicker plot with some villains starting to show themselves and more action to the clans. The fantasy world building side of this is still weak, yet it maintains an enjoyable fast paced style that it’s easy read through.
I’m so glad we got to see more Evander (he’s obviously my choice). I love seeing deeper layers to the complex and morally grey characters and this was no different. Engaging (and occasionally enraging), Evander and Rowan found some ground to stand on together.
Things were a bit silly at times (like the snow ball fights??). Personally I’m not a major fan of things like that in my reads unless it truly connects to the story and not as a filler scene to get to the next bigger moment. It is what it is and I do plan to continue with the third book!
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: little light
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: mild
- Trigger/Content Warnings: whipping (on page), kidnapping, attempted murder, near death experiences, loss of life, small battle scenes
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