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dogswithnogs's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
geekxgirl's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars
This was an ok book. Maybe to a less seasoned reader this would have been a great read. It could have definitely been amazing but some bits just dragged everything down for me.
Usually I'm a huge fan of the book being centered on the main couple and the progression of their relationship, especially in historical reads where marriages are arranged and there's so much potential. However, this book suffered for it because it became repetitive. Particularly with the heroine Deirdre and her inner thoughts regarding her husband Pagan.
Deirdre tbh was trying. She was so very exhausting. Because while appearing intelligent and levelheaded at the beginning of the book she changed quickly once the marriage occurs. She liked to talk about how impulsive and hotheaded her younger sister Helena was (and how different she was in comparison) but once Deirdre was married there wasn't much difference between the two IMO. Which was only proven by the fact Helena was missing most of the book so seeing Deirdre act the way she did without a side by side comparison with her sister did her no favors.
While I understood Deirdre's situation and her aversion to change and losing control in any area of her life, I also resented it. It didn't present her in any sort of positive way. Everytime she complained about Pagan taking over stewardship of HER castle, taking over HER men, and making improvements to HER home...well I wanted to smack some sense into her. Everything, absolutely EVERYTHING was about Deirdre and her woe is me whining. She sounded incredibly selfish and shortsighted. Her reactiveness toward Pagan wasn't the least bit admiring or a show of her strength. It made her look childish, immature, selfish etc.
I didn't hate Deirdre but I also didn't particularly like her either. I so dearly wish the author chose a different path for her and how she handled the situation with her new husband.
As for Pagan, well honestly he was a bore. Average, forgettable and entirely focused on getting Deirdre to agree to let him have sex with her. Yet, while that seemed to be his entire personality the way it all goes down when they do finally consummate their marriage was a massive disappointment and tbh irritated me. You see, I thought Pagan had just decided to try a different angle with Deirdre. I thought he decided to not use aggression regarding his seduction of his wife and to treat her like an equal and carefully. Which we see for all of ONE night...where he then gets what he wants. You're kidding?
This was an ok book. Maybe to a less seasoned reader this would have been a great read. It could have definitely been amazing but some bits just dragged everything down for me.
Usually I'm a huge fan of the book being centered on the main couple and the progression of their relationship, especially in historical reads where marriages are arranged and there's so much potential. However, this book suffered for it because it became repetitive. Particularly with the heroine Deirdre and her inner thoughts regarding her husband Pagan.
Deirdre tbh was trying. She was so very exhausting. Because while appearing intelligent and levelheaded at the beginning of the book she changed quickly once the marriage occurs. She liked to talk about how impulsive and hotheaded her younger sister Helena was (and how different she was in comparison) but once Deirdre was married there wasn't much difference between the two IMO. Which was only proven by the fact Helena was missing most of the book so seeing Deirdre act the way she did without a side by side comparison with her sister did her no favors.
While I understood Deirdre's situation and her aversion to change and losing control in any area of her life, I also resented it. It didn't present her in any sort of positive way. Everytime she complained about Pagan taking over stewardship of HER castle, taking over HER men, and making improvements to HER home...well I wanted to smack some sense into her. Everything, absolutely EVERYTHING was about Deirdre and her woe is me whining. She sounded incredibly selfish and shortsighted. Her reactiveness toward Pagan wasn't the least bit admiring or a show of her strength. It made her look childish, immature, selfish etc.
I didn't hate Deirdre but I also didn't particularly like her either. I so dearly wish the author chose a different path for her and how she handled the situation with her new husband.
As for Pagan, well honestly he was a bore. Average, forgettable and entirely focused on getting Deirdre to agree to let him have sex with her. Yet, while that seemed to be his entire personality the way it all goes down when they do finally consummate their marriage was a massive disappointment and tbh irritated me. You see, I thought Pagan had just decided to try a different angle with Deirdre. I thought he decided to not use aggression regarding his seduction of his wife and to treat her like an equal and carefully. Which we see for all of ONE night...where he then gets what he wants. You're kidding?
mleckie's review
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
For a free book on the Apple Bookstore, I didn’t hate it. It had some problematic plot points and character behavior but you gotta let some stuff slide for the sake of the spice.
rayonx's review
2.0
This book in one sentence: Fierce scottish warrior Deirdre becomes engaged to Sir Pagan Cameliard, a norman knight who doesn't believe women should be allowed to fight; sparks ensue.
My rating: ⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Would I recommend: If you're really into historical romances, sure? It's not typically my favourite genre, but this one was available for free on Kobo. Be prepared for the overuse of the word "loins" and this kind of sex scene: "Like a pinecone exploding upon the fire, his body seemed to burst into a hundred bright sparks. The heat was excruciating, unbearable. Yet he craved its purifying fire.".
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, insta-lust, racist caricature of an asian elder who just spurts words of wisdom, somehow pregnant after a few days...
Content warnings: questionnable consent during sex scenes
My rating: ⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Would I recommend: If you're really into historical romances, sure? It's not typically my favourite genre, but this one was available for free on Kobo. Be prepared for the overuse of the word "loins" and this kind of sex scene: "Like a pinecone exploding upon the fire, his body seemed to burst into a hundred bright sparks. The heat was excruciating, unbearable. Yet he craved its purifying fire.".
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, insta-lust, racist caricature of an asian elder who just spurts words of wisdom, somehow pregnant after a few days...
Content warnings: questionnable consent during sex scenes
nelsonseye's review
2.0
I liked the training and the fighting, but I had issues with Pagan's narrow-mindedness. I understood it, but it still irked me. I also really dislike when a male character says that the heroine is more complex than other females.
sassysmutlover's review
4.0
I didn't think I would like this book, but I did! I liked that she was a very independent woman and could fight. I am not into all the battle scenes so I got a bit bored with them, but loved how the youngest sister was not as weak as she seemed.
ezlyangel's review
1.0
This book was hard to get through for me. It felt so slow and I couldn't get into the characters. But it was a free download. So it is what it is.