Julie Daines
224 pages
Kindle edition
From the Publisher:
Eleanor de Lacy has been bartered: her hand in marriage in exchange for a truce with her father’s sworn enemy. Now the headstrong beauty must leave her ancestral home and the man she secretly loves to become the wife of the infamous Welsh king Brach Goch. Tales of this cruel leader paint a chilling picture of a ruthless warrior, and all Eleanor knows for certain is that he is the villain responsible for the vicious attacks on her people and the death of her beloved brother. Though she must marry against her will, she vows Brach Goch will never possess her heart. Her arrival at the inhospitable castle Bryn Du confirms her worst fears—a ghost walks the halls of the castle, and Eleanor receives an ominous warning from the uneasy spirit: Brach is not to be trusted. Though resigned to a life of misery, Eleanor soon realizes all is not as it seems, for Brach is not the monster she dreaded but is a handsome and charming man whose gentle ways soon undermine her resolve to lock her heart. Clinging desperately to her pride, Eleanor finds herself trapped in a web of murder and deceit. And as the lines between good and evil become blurred, Eleanor must decide for herself who is to be trusted—and loved.
Review:
This was my first book I’ve read by Julie Daines. So I had no expectations going into this book, aII knew was that I did really love the cover of this book, and it sounded exactly like my favorite kind of book, so I thought I would give it a try. (I know I shouldn’t just a book by it’s cover, but I do!)
From the first chapter of this book I was hooked. What a story! I am so glad I don’t live in a time and place that arranges marriages! Eleanor is married off to one of her families worst enemies, or at least that is what she has been raised to believe. Should she trust him? He seems nice, but then strange things happen at the castle too. I won’t write any spoilers, but the book is full of twists and turns!
There is a touch of ghosts and witchcraft, and a little suspenseful at times, but nothing too dark. Just enough of a touch to make this such a fun book to read during the month of October! (Although – it really would be a fun book to read anytime of the year too.) I really loved these little touches of mystery to the book, because I was really just expecting the book to be more of a fun historical romance novel. It added a fun dynamic.
I wouldn’t mind reading more of the story – maybe an additional story with some of the characters that we are surprised with towards the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to adding Julie Daines to one of my favorite authors list and reading more of her work.
Read-a-likes for this book would include any of the Proper Romance books, but I also think if you loved this book you would really enjoy Sarah M. Eden’s book, An Unlikely Match.
Great book – perfect for this time of year.
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Final Score:
