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itsjadenbaby's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Had me giggling and kicking my feet at times! But the he takes care of her while sick/wounded trope isn’t my favorite, so it wasn’t mind blowing for me.
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism
allingoodtime's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Sometimes when a series contains a large family, I find the story I’m most looking forward to is the one that disappoints me. Maybe because I come to love a particular character so much I have high expectations. Rory is such a wonderful character. Not only is he a healer, learning the trade after the Buchanans lost their mom to a mysterious illness, but he’s often the voice of reason. This is an enjoyable story, but it was missing the oomph I’ve come to expect with these highlanders.
Elysande is a great match for Rory. She is brave, strong, smart, and caring. I loved the way her soldiers loved her and how Rory’s men came to love and respect her so quickly. Therein may lie the trouble I had with this story. While some of the other stories have the MMC and MFC in their own bubble for a while, their family and friends always come back around to help at some point. This story does involve Rory’s youngest brother, but that is the only family seen until the last chapter.
I know some people have issues with how this humongous group of people always end up in each other’s business. Yet here, it’s all up to Rory, Alick, and a few of their men. They are traveling to Sinclair where their close family friend Joan lives so I was looking forward to that reunion. Not to be spoiler-ish, but they never got there. I missed the smart tongues on all the ladies and the ribbing amongst all the lords. There weren’t even any arrows shot or fires to be had!
Rory and Elysande are great together. I enjoyed the way they are thrown together and the easy way in which they admit their love to each other. I still missed the bonkers happenings that are the hallmark of this series.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence, and Murder
yuna's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Was not expecting this to open so dark. That said, it's overall light and sweet (not in the tradpub 'sweet & clean' way which ugh I hate how those descriptors are used) with a nice feminist lean. Really liked how 'soft' skills like cleverness and networking and loyalty were key to survival rather than combat/fighting ability.
I liked Elysande/Rory and how their relationship developed, though it did feel like once they acknowledged their mutual attraction it went right into 'btw I love you'. The plot was a bit uneven, where it started strong but once they were on the road the plot decision for the new antagonist felt more contrived than anything. I did appreciate that Elysande was so cool-headed and logical during the big confrontation.
For being the 9th book in a series, it was a perfect standalone and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Am definitely interested in digging into Sands' backlist though.
I liked Elysande/Rory and how their relationship developed, though it did feel like once they acknowledged their mutual attraction it went right into 'btw I love you'. The plot was a bit uneven, where it started strong but once they were on the road the plot decision for the new antagonist felt more contrived than anything. I did appreciate that Elysande was so cool-headed and logical during the big confrontation.
For being the 9th book in a series, it was a perfect standalone and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Am definitely interested in digging into Sands' backlist though.
Graphic: Torture and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder
nicolewhopickedthisbook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Rory finally gets his HEA!!
This one had a little bit darker themes with such violence and abuse heaped on the female MC, please check triggers!
This one had a little bit darker themes with such violence and abuse heaped on the female MC, please check triggers!
Graphic: Confinement, Gore, Violence, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
threeundertwopnw's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Vomit, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
jujubeees's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Minor: Torture, Violence, and Murder