Scan barcode
fairytalearista's review
5.0
While I don't usually care much for the romance genre, I do find romances involving arranged marriages intriguing, so when the author, a fellow homeschooler, asked for reviewers for her newest release, I volunteered.
The story begins with Brielle’s discovery that her cousin has given her in marriage to the new lord of Irvaine. She isn’t too pleased with this, since she and her cousin have never gotten along. However, since the king is the one who gave the orders, she has no choice.
Tomas, her new husband, is a good man, though very rough around the edges. While he does insist that they show affection in public so that certain people don't get suspicious, he allows her her space when they're in private, allowing them to get to know each other.
Of course, once they are married, he must continue his journey to his new castle. That's when the plot starts thickening. A messenger follows them with the news that her village has been attacked and the women that had been in Brielle's charge are in danger - and Brielle's cousin is one of the attackers. When they reach Kyrenton, the capitol, more treachery awaits. The wife of the former Lord Irvaine is desperate to keep her position, and one of the lords had an old grudge against Tomas.
The book is fast paced, but there were only a few times that I became confused as to what was going on. I was impressed by how she handled delicate issues, and I was on the edge of my chair while Brielle was on trial because she was suspected to be in league with her cousin. The scene where Brielle is forced to take part in the big battle was well done and believable.
My only complaint is the fact that, while Brielle seems to have a strong faith in Kurios, which is what they call God in Rachel Rossano's world, I didn't feel that this faith was integral to the book. Yes she prayed to him often, but I felt that she relied more on duty and her own strength instead of that faith. However, that was just one drawback in an otherwise wonderful book.
The story begins with Brielle’s discovery that her cousin has given her in marriage to the new lord of Irvaine. She isn’t too pleased with this, since she and her cousin have never gotten along. However, since the king is the one who gave the orders, she has no choice.
Tomas, her new husband, is a good man, though very rough around the edges. While he does insist that they show affection in public so that certain people don't get suspicious, he allows her her space when they're in private, allowing them to get to know each other.
Of course, once they are married, he must continue his journey to his new castle. That's when the plot starts thickening. A messenger follows them with the news that her village has been attacked and the women that had been in Brielle's charge are in danger - and Brielle's cousin is one of the attackers. When they reach Kyrenton, the capitol, more treachery awaits. The wife of the former Lord Irvaine is desperate to keep her position, and one of the lords had an old grudge against Tomas.
The book is fast paced, but there were only a few times that I became confused as to what was going on. I was impressed by how she handled delicate issues, and I was on the edge of my chair while Brielle was on trial because she was suspected to be in league with her cousin. The scene where Brielle is forced to take part in the big battle was well done and believable.
My only complaint is the fact that, while Brielle seems to have a strong faith in Kurios, which is what they call God in Rachel Rossano's world, I didn't feel that this faith was integral to the book. Yes she prayed to him often, but I felt that she relied more on duty and her own strength instead of that faith. However, that was just one drawback in an otherwise wonderful book.
rgyger's review
4.0
This is story which seems like history, but really takes place in a world of the author's own imagination. As such, she was able to create her own history while still using the cultural mores of our own world. I really liked how Rossano brought her world to life with intrigue and infighting amongst noble Lords.
There were times when I thought the hero and heroine were a little too perfect. Tomas seemed to fall in love with Brielle before he even met her just because they were married and he wanted to be in love with his wife. While Brielle managed to trust him almost as soon as she met him, even through she had no proof he was telling her the truth.
Still, beyond their perfection, the romance between Brielle and Tomas was amazing. There was kissing, but it was clean, and Tomas was utterly devoted to her. I fully intend to read more by Rossano soon.
I received this book through I'm a Reader, Not a Writer's Books for Review in exchange for an honest review.
There were times when I thought the hero and heroine were a little too perfect. Tomas seemed to fall in love with Brielle before he even met her just because they were married and he wanted to be in love with his wife. While Brielle managed to trust him almost as soon as she met him, even through she had no proof he was telling her the truth.
Still, beyond their perfection, the romance between Brielle and Tomas was amazing. There was kissing, but it was clean, and Tomas was utterly devoted to her. I fully intend to read more by Rossano soon.
I received this book through I'm a Reader, Not a Writer's Books for Review in exchange for an honest review.
leahegood's review
I'll start by saying that this is probably the most romance heavy story I have ever read, and there is a little more kissing and reference to a couple's marriage bed than I am 100% comfortable with. That said, there is nothing explicit or inappropriate. The main character, Brielle, is a likable character, and I quickly came to respect the honor shown by her husband. I enjoyed the way the stakes were steadily raised throughout the story. I was also happy to find that this self-published book is polished, clean and well written.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
rachel_loves_2_read's review
4.0
There was a whole lot of action. Seemed like a lot of conflict points. But the romance was nice.
abigailkayharris's review
5.0
I've wanted to read this series for a good while now. And I came across them again, the author had said she'd be willing to send me an ecopy of her books, making my day since I was on a long drive and I had lots of time to read. Reading while wrapped in a cozy blanket, my brother and sister closest in age to me each asleep on my shoulders, and sucked into the story of Duty.
Having one of my favorite tropes (unwilling/grudged/and marriages of convenience) in it, I was thrilled as I followed along with the characters. A novel of bravery, love, war, and overcoming betrayal, Duty is a medieval story not to be missed by lovers of pure, caring couples, knights and ladies, and most of all sweet true romance.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Having one of my favorite tropes (unwilling/grudged/and marriages of convenience) in it, I was thrilled as I followed along with the characters. A novel of bravery, love, war, and overcoming betrayal, Duty is a medieval story not to be missed by lovers of pure, caring couples, knights and ladies, and most of all sweet true romance.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
beckiebookworm1974's review
3.0
I received a e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Can I just start by saying I absolutely loved this book one of my favourite reads in a while and reminds me of the books I avidly devoured when first dipping my toe into the romance genre.Duty is a lovely medieval read where we become attached to the to main characters from the start Brielle and Tomas , they were both such strong characters with amazing positive attributes, I loved travelling the journey of there love story and was sad to finish a thoroughly engaging tail that kept me captivated from start to finish.on a final note I absolutely hated the king he was vile and I felt like giving the little brat a kick up the derrière while reading.but even with that little gripe this is a fab read.
Can I just start by saying I absolutely loved this book one of my favourite reads in a while and reminds me of the books I avidly devoured when first dipping my toe into the romance genre.Duty is a lovely medieval read where we become attached to the to main characters from the start Brielle and Tomas , they were both such strong characters with amazing positive attributes, I loved travelling the journey of there love story and was sad to finish a thoroughly engaging tail that kept me captivated from start to finish.on a final note I absolutely hated the king he was vile and I felt like giving the little brat a kick up the derrière while reading.but even with that little gripe this is a fab read.
bookstuff's review
4.0
Arranged Marriage in the Time of Civil War
I received a free review copy of Duty from the author.
This a fantasy in a medieval-like world. Brielle is the lady left in charge of a village, unfortunately her ne'er do well cousin, the lord, has been forced to surrender to the King. As a sign of fealty, she has to marry a stranger who will be the new local lord. The women of her village, mostly war widows now, are likewise married off to soldiers of the winning side.
It's not as bad as it sounds - women in this fantasy world seem to have slightly higher status than in our medieval history.
But that's just the start of Brielle's troubles, as she has to face treasonous plots, battles, and summary judgements. In the midst of all this, can she and her new husband also manage to fall in love?
This started out unevenly for me, but got to be fun as the story picked up. It's an enjoyable clean romance. I look forward to the sequel, Honor, which tells the story of one of the supporting characters in this one.
A good weekend read.
I have a full review at
http://www.bookhorde.org/2016/02/duty-by-rachel-rossano.html
I received a free review copy of Duty from the author.
This a fantasy in a medieval-like world. Brielle is the lady left in charge of a village, unfortunately her ne'er do well cousin, the lord, has been forced to surrender to the King. As a sign of fealty, she has to marry a stranger who will be the new local lord. The women of her village, mostly war widows now, are likewise married off to soldiers of the winning side.
It's not as bad as it sounds - women in this fantasy world seem to have slightly higher status than in our medieval history.
But that's just the start of Brielle's troubles, as she has to face treasonous plots, battles, and summary judgements. In the midst of all this, can she and her new husband also manage to fall in love?
This started out unevenly for me, but got to be fun as the story picked up. It's an enjoyable clean romance. I look forward to the sequel, Honor, which tells the story of one of the supporting characters in this one.
A good weekend read.
I have a full review at
http://www.bookhorde.org/2016/02/duty-by-rachel-rossano.html
ivorypalaceprincess's review
5.0
So. Amazing.
For all my thoughts on this book, check out my review here:
http://ivorypalace.blogspot.com/2015/12/greetings-faithful-readers-to-ease-back.html
For all my thoughts on this book, check out my review here:
http://ivorypalace.blogspot.com/2015/12/greetings-faithful-readers-to-ease-back.html
magickislife's review
4.0
I received a copy of this book for review and just feel in love with Brielle. I was sad when the book ended. It was like losing a friend. She's such a strong, fiery character that one can't help but love her.
This story was a one night read, it was like being transported to another land and being able to experience things like they did. I highly recommend it for those who like historical romance.
This story was a one night read, it was like being transported to another land and being able to experience things like they did. I highly recommend it for those who like historical romance.
More...