Category: Standalone Title

An Alliance with His Enemy Princess by Lissa Morgan

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

An Alliance with His Enemy PrincessAn Alliance with His Enemy Princess by Lissa Morgan

Tracy’s rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: N/A

Release Date: December 27, 2022

It has been a year since the tragic events at the hands of the Norman Earl, Robert of Rhuddlan, stole everything from her, Princess Gwennan ferch Cynddylan Fawr refused to surrender. She put away her kirtles and embroidery and picked up her dead husband’s sword and along with the few men left on her father’s lands and fought against the Normans invading Wales. A personal war that has been going mostly in her favor until tonight when her small band of men were ambushed, she called the retreat but was struck down herself and taken captive.

Even though she is dressed as a man, Sir Rolant Guyarde knows that the fallen soldier is a woman and protects her identity from his men by taking her prisoner and claiming her as his new page. Gwennan regains consciousness and learns the troop is on their way to her home – Carn Egryn – and bides her time. Soon enough, her men attack and she escapes – but has to leave her sword and horse behind, for now. Later she turns the tables on Rolant and not only retakes her castle but takes him hostage. She makes her demands to Earl Robert, her parents in exchange for Rolant. But Rolant has a better idea, he suggests she petition the King – but the price the King demands may be more than either of them wants to pay!

I thought this was a well-written, interesting read, and though it used the common enemies-to-lovers trope, it still managed to feel fresh and original. I really loved Rolant and I felt his pain keenly, he harbored so much guilt and wanted love so badly, that I wished I could comfort him – I certainly would have been nicer than Gwennan. She too harbored a lot of pain, but unlike Rolant, I couldn’t sympathize with her – she was hard for me to like, and she spewed a lot of venom at Rolant – many times unjustly and was so wishy-washy regarding her feelings. I understand that she loved her husband, but this went beyond that – one minute she is thinking she loves Rolant and the next she is verbally flaying him – I felt confused and annoyed. I could tell you why he loved her – but I still don’t have the foggiest as to why she loves him or when she fell in love. This book has fighting, lies, secrets, loss, heartache, surprises, wonderful secondary characters, heart-retching confessions, more than one romance, very mild love scenes, a sweet declaration scene, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I did enjoy this book, but I don’t think I would read it again, as the romance just moved too slowly for my taste. I did however love the setting in Wales and adored Rolant – he makes the book worth recommending!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson

On By BarbaraIn Audiobook, Barb's Reviews, Gothic Historical, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone TitleLeave a comment

Midnight on the River GreyBarbara’s rating: 3.6 of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 7/1/19
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: Audiobook (10 Hours) – Narrator Laura Kirman

Rebecca Hunter and her brother Jacob became wards of Mr. Lewis Browning upon their father’s death. For me, the time between the death of their father and the start of this book is ambiguous and I’m left with questions. For instance – was Browning just an unconcerned, uninvolved guardian? I wonder because Rebecca was living with an aunt in their old townhome, which seems a good choice, but – it seems her brother was running wild. While I wondered about that first period, things went well once the actual story starts.

Jacob got himself ‘into a spot of bother’ and left London to live at their guardian’s estate, Greybourne Hall. When, after several months, Jacob dies, rumors of murder abound among the villagers. Who do they blame? Lewis Browning was on the bridge that night, and his memory of the events is foggy. As the closest male relative, Lewis inherits all the entailed properties and quickly summons Rebecca from London to Greybourne Hall saying he’s selling their townhouse. Unhappily, Rebecca and her aunt arrive at the Hall – with Rebecca determined to discover Lewis’s guilt and see him brought to justice.

Strange things are happening at Greybourne Hall. There are strange, mysterious people who seem to wander into the Hall – and then, there is the strange, lone, masked rider that can be seen in the late, misty, hours of the night. You’ll wonder who is good and who is not. You’ll wonder what is going on with all of the strange and mysterious people and night rides. If you read a lot of mysteries, you’ll soon realize the answer to one of your questions. That isn’t a problem because then you’ll be reading to find out if you are right – and to find the rest of the answers.

I enjoyed the read, but I have to tell you, I found Rebecca almost TSTL. She did the riskiest things – things that would not only cause harm to herself but would/could put others at risk as well. Her reasons for doing the things she does are some of the most convoluted I’ve seen. To this reader, being strong and independent also includes being savvy and making intelligent, well-thought-out decisions. Rebecca fell far short in that department. She didn’t seem to have any impulse control at all.

I listened to the audio version and generally enjoyed the narrator. Her voice is mellow and well-modulated, and her delivery of most of the female voices is good. Her male voices leave something to be desired. The way she makes male voices is to make them more guttural and to slow them so they seem to be the English version of a Southern drawl.

I enjoyed the read and can recommend it. If you choose to read it, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

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