I loved the way the author opened the book with Chauvere getting attacked. I was immediately drawn into the story, and itching to learn more. Alyss’s character intrigued me from the beginning. She has a strong mind, and even when everything is falling apart around her, literally, she remains strong and takes charge.
The interactions between Sir Roark and Alyss were entertaining, especially in the beginning when they first met. The book was well-written with beautiful and descriptive imagery. I recommend this read!
My rating: 4 stars
Favorite Quote
Her head tilted back and she glared into his eyes. “Were you, perhaps, wounded in the head during a fight? Have you lost your senses as well as your hearing? How do you propose to force me to the altar? With your army?”
With an exaggerated look around, she nodded toward Alain. “Ah, yes. There it is. Impressive to be sure.”
Book Blurb
Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that, although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin.
Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises for her new all-too-tempting lord.
But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation: Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.
Sydney Winward 