neolx's review against another edition
Apart from the somewhat engaging romance and a few entertaining plot twists, this "book" was a crime against the English language. Most of the word count is unedited, repetitive, random nonsense used to pad out what should have been a short story. I know this is a category romance with a set word count, et cetera, but this should truly have never gone to print. It is riddled with spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors on every page. Every single chapter is filled with characters thinking things and then saying the same things out loud and then thinking those same things again! On top of that, characters will randomly pivot to talking or thinking about other characters that were mentioned in passing maybe once chapters ago that have no bearing on the current situation or overall plot. This is complete and utter garbage and is a great example of why people think category romance is trash!
sambooka23's review against another edition
4.0
Her Honourable Mercenary - Nicole Locke
4*
I do love a good Historical Fiction Romance book. Sometimes it just hits the feels right on the head. This was such a good book to read, it had me hooked from the start and routing for Margery and Evrart.
They definitely didn’t have the easiest of starts to their lives as a couple, they had a lot of secrecy and watching no one sees them to do. Evrart didn’t allow himself to fall easily and especially given the circumstances for Margery. Their lives were both on the line if they were to be found out.
There was a lot of drama in the book alongside the budding, blossoming romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend if you are looking for something a little light and romantic to read - the historical fiction side of it isn’t my normal go-to genre but I did love it!
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for allowing me on this tour and to Nicole Locke for allowing me this ARC - you’ve done a wonderful job and I love being apart of this tour.
4*
I do love a good Historical Fiction Romance book. Sometimes it just hits the feels right on the head. This was such a good book to read, it had me hooked from the start and routing for Margery and Evrart.
They definitely didn’t have the easiest of starts to their lives as a couple, they had a lot of secrecy and watching no one sees them to do. Evrart didn’t allow himself to fall easily and especially given the circumstances for Margery. Their lives were both on the line if they were to be found out.
There was a lot of drama in the book alongside the budding, blossoming romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend if you are looking for something a little light and romantic to read - the historical fiction side of it isn’t my normal go-to genre but I did love it!
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for allowing me on this tour and to Nicole Locke for allowing me this ARC - you’ve done a wonderful job and I love being apart of this tour.
onebookmore's review against another edition
5.0
Her Honorable Mercenary is a wonderful addition to the Lovers and Legends historical romance series. The story follows Margery after being captured by Ian of Waterstone. Confined to Ian’s quarters, Margery is guarded by the silent and brooding mercenary Evrart. Evrart is trapped in his own right, and though it is forbidden, he can’t help the growing feelings he has for the brave and determined Margery. However, many obstacles stand in their way. Can this pair find a way to be together even though their love is forbidden and they put their lives at risk?
Margery and Evrart are well-developed, dynamic characters, and I enjoyed their stories. They are so layered, and I like how we learn so much about their respective pasts and what led them to be under Warstones rule. I thought the author did an excellent job of creating really compelling characters, each with strengths and flaws, difficult paths, and complicated situations. Both battle inner demons, and their growth throughout the story is fantastic.
Evrart and Margery have a wonderful and steamy romance. Both have many insecurities and struggle with feelings of not being good enough. Both have also done things in the past that they are not proud of, and both are stuck in precarious and dangerous positions under the thumb of a violent and unpredictable man. Miscommunication and lack of communication often prove problematic for this couple. They both struggle to express their feelings and live much of their lives in fear and trying to protect others. Evrart in particular is a very quiet man. Of course, I would be too if my every word were scrutinized and used against me, which is often the case. Margery’s life is not her own, which makes freedom of expression quite difficult. It’s wonderful to see them slowly grow closer and find a safe place in each other.
Evrart is a very big man – tall and broad, he stands heads above others. He often has a fierce and menacing look about him, which, in addition to his imposing size, frightens many. In contrast, Margery is diminutive in stature and very beautiful – so much so that she is often stared at and ogled. What I love about this couple is that they really see each other. They see past the physical appearance, the superficial, and the facades and really see the person underneath. This is a rare thing for both Margery and Evrart, who are often judged solely by their appearance. Plus, their chemistry is amazing!
Because of the manipulations of Ian, Margery and Evrart’s lives are at constant risk, as are their families. This creates so many obstacles for this forbidden romance! There is also an ongoing story with the Warstone family and their pursuit of unfathomable treasure. Power-hungry, this family is manipulative, deceptive, and disloyal, which adds to the suspense of the story. Where are the clues that they are looking for? Will they find it, or is it all a myth?
Though this is the twelfth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I’ve read several books in the series out of order and had no problem following the story. (However, if you have read the other stories, this one takes place before Balthus and Severine’s.) That being said, I’m eager to read all of the books in the series, as Nicole Locke is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. I’m so thankful to Rachel’s Random Resources and Nicole Locke for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Margery and Evrart are well-developed, dynamic characters, and I enjoyed their stories. They are so layered, and I like how we learn so much about their respective pasts and what led them to be under Warstones rule. I thought the author did an excellent job of creating really compelling characters, each with strengths and flaws, difficult paths, and complicated situations. Both battle inner demons, and their growth throughout the story is fantastic.
Evrart and Margery have a wonderful and steamy romance. Both have many insecurities and struggle with feelings of not being good enough. Both have also done things in the past that they are not proud of, and both are stuck in precarious and dangerous positions under the thumb of a violent and unpredictable man. Miscommunication and lack of communication often prove problematic for this couple. They both struggle to express their feelings and live much of their lives in fear and trying to protect others. Evrart in particular is a very quiet man. Of course, I would be too if my every word were scrutinized and used against me, which is often the case. Margery’s life is not her own, which makes freedom of expression quite difficult. It’s wonderful to see them slowly grow closer and find a safe place in each other.
Evrart is a very big man – tall and broad, he stands heads above others. He often has a fierce and menacing look about him, which, in addition to his imposing size, frightens many. In contrast, Margery is diminutive in stature and very beautiful – so much so that she is often stared at and ogled. What I love about this couple is that they really see each other. They see past the physical appearance, the superficial, and the facades and really see the person underneath. This is a rare thing for both Margery and Evrart, who are often judged solely by their appearance. Plus, their chemistry is amazing!
Because of the manipulations of Ian, Margery and Evrart’s lives are at constant risk, as are their families. This creates so many obstacles for this forbidden romance! There is also an ongoing story with the Warstone family and their pursuit of unfathomable treasure. Power-hungry, this family is manipulative, deceptive, and disloyal, which adds to the suspense of the story. Where are the clues that they are looking for? Will they find it, or is it all a myth?
Though this is the twelfth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I’ve read several books in the series out of order and had no problem following the story. (However, if you have read the other stories, this one takes place before Balthus and Severine’s.) That being said, I’m eager to read all of the books in the series, as Nicole Locke is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. I’m so thankful to Rachel’s Random Resources and Nicole Locke for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
jessbookishlife's review against another edition
5.0
I have been reading Nicole Locke's books for a while, and although I haven't read the entire series, but I have read part of it. With each book, she takes us on amazing stories with characters that blow my mind. She is one of the authors that write my kind of comfort books.
In this book we follow Margery of Lyon and Evrart, two characters trapped in their current situation for different reasons. With compelling personalities and amazing background, these two well-developed main characters just got me to connect with them from moment I meat them. They weren't perfect and that's what I love, because no one really is and we can all relate in some sort of way.
In terms of plot, this is a Historical romance story. It has drama, love, obstacles, family, friends, manipulation, a historical setting... All of which grabbed my attention and got me excited for each chapter and ready to turn page after page, uncovering all the information hidden and falling in love with the characters.
Overall, it was yet another amazing book by Nicole Locke. Although it's part of a series an it may have some connections between them, this book can definitely be read as a standalone.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Nicole Locke for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
In this book we follow Margery of Lyon and Evrart, two characters trapped in their current situation for different reasons. With compelling personalities and amazing background, these two well-developed main characters just got me to connect with them from moment I meat them. They weren't perfect and that's what I love, because no one really is and we can all relate in some sort of way.
In terms of plot, this is a Historical romance story. It has drama, love, obstacles, family, friends, manipulation, a historical setting... All of which grabbed my attention and got me excited for each chapter and ready to turn page after page, uncovering all the information hidden and falling in love with the characters.
Overall, it was yet another amazing book by Nicole Locke. Although it's part of a series an it may have some connections between them, this book can definitely be read as a standalone.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Nicole Locke for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
mickysbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Very well written and sympathetic to the era it was set in.
I loved how the relationship between Margery and Evrart was slow burning and tense.
It was slightly annoying how no one ever seemed to speak there mind throughout the book. And everyone got confused or misunderstood people’s intentions.
Loved the ending. Always love a romantic book with a good ending.
I loved how the relationship between Margery and Evrart was slow burning and tense.
It was slightly annoying how no one ever seemed to speak there mind throughout the book. And everyone got confused or misunderstood people’s intentions.
Loved the ending. Always love a romantic book with a good ending.
teapartyprincess's review
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
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