“Tell me about yourself,” Aryk ordered. “Why did your king insist on you?”
“Were your parents great warriors?” Valkyn prodded. “You once save the king’s life?”
Verdeen shook her head. “Nay. I was the queen’s lady’s maid afore she became queen. My parents are perfumers, the finest in the kingdom. There were no female warriors afore me, not for generations.”
“We look like we need help with hair and gowns, wench? What does your king play at?”
Verdeen watched the tic in Aryk’s clenched jaw at Valkyn’s pointed question. His hazel eyes spoke volumes. “They must have been surprised at your change of duties.”
That was an understatement. They hadn’t seen her, nor spoken to her, in five long, cold years. Rage burned. How dare these men belittle her dream? What did they know? They couldn’t even begin to guess at the trials she’d faced to get here.
“And did you never wish to be more than you are?” Her voice was low, icy, brittle. “Did you break body and soul to reach for something others declared beyond your reach? Did you stand alone against all to see a dream become real?”
“Hai, lass.” Aryk’s voice was quiet; the look in his eyes thoughtful, almost…respectful. “That we share.”
The word “lass” set her teeth on edge. But she reined her temper in and considered his words. Aye, he might at that, if what Loren had told her was true. Odd, that the one person to mayhaps truly understand her was a near-stranger from a distant land...
After a bloody battle with his fellow Isadorikjans, Daq Aryk decides to travel to the south to get help in uniting the tribes of the frozen north. Aid comes in the form of Verdeen, a feisty Elven champion who is struggling with balancing the warrior of her personality with the awakening woman. As they journey toward Aryk's home, they must contend with Verdeen's skepticism, the elements, and enemies, to say nothing of the growing heat between them. This historical fantasy romance steams its way through a traditional hero's journey home. Readers will enjoy the layers of lovemaking that are balanced with an exciting story line. Between the bloodsport and the intense relationships, there is really something for every romance or fantasy enthusiast here.
Verdict If you like your icy landscapes with some hot love scenes, this is the book for you! Well-drawn characters with lots of facets placed in exciting situations; a fun page-turner.
Reviewed by Emily Thompson, MSI, Ann Arbor, MI
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