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Friday, September 09, 2016

Release & Review - Destined for a King (The Bastard Brotherhood #1) by Ashlyn Macnamara

Title: Destined for a King
(The Bastard Brotherhood #1)
Author: Ashlyn Macnamara
Publication Date: September 6th, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept


Bestselling author Ashlyn Macnamara, hailed by Jennifer McQuiston as “a born storyteller,” introduces the strapping, audacious outlaws of the Bastard Brotherhood in this enchanting tale of forbidden love between supposedly sworn enemies.

Though she is intended for the king, Calista Thorne picks up a crossbow to defend her ancestral home, Blackbriar Keep, from a gang of landless knights. She even manages to sink a poison-tipped arrow into their commander, who survives long enough to conquer the Keep and claim Calista for his own. Now, with her father’s life at stake, Calista must nurse the brigand back to health, and the strangest thing happens: She finds herself fascinated by his tautly muscled body, and enthralled by his hotly whispered demands.

Ever since his father’s death, the fearsome warrior they call Torch has been consumed by his quest for revenge. Taking Blackbriar Keep is the first step in that plan, and—by the three gods—it won’t be the last. But after taking one look into Calista’s smoldering gray eyes, Torch discovers a passion nobler than retribution. He will fulfill his destiny and take her from the usurper king, even in his weakened state. For with Calista’s love, no man has ever felt more powerful.
Buy Links: Amazon


3 “I'm the King so marry me” Stars

ARC via NetGalley.

Thank you, Loveswept!

I expected to fall madly in love with this book. Look at this pretty, oh so pretty cover and read that blurb that teases at a hate-and-love relationship, probably my favorite romance trope of all times. So yeah… I was really anxious for this one.

Unfortunately, I didn’t fall madly in love. And I can’t even say why.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with the story of how Calista and Torch meet. In fact, the concept is pretty interesting, and the first few chapters show a strong main character with a lot to lose and a love interest with even bigger stakes and aspirations.

Calista is the daughter of the lord responsible for Blackbriar Keep, the place attacked by Torch and his man in his quest for revenge. When Torch invades her home, she fires a poisoned arrow that hits his leg and makes him fall sick. When Torch’s men threaten to kill her father if their leader doesn’t survive, Calista is forced to take care of him and heal the man who invaded her home. This gives Calista and (a very sick) Torch the chance to interact right from the start, which is always a positive in stories with a heavy focus on the romance.

Honestly, I wanted Calista to fight her attraction for Torch a little bit longer. I felt like she gave in a little too soon. I can understand why she chose to do what she did, but I still would’ve liked to see more sparkle between those two. Having said that, there were more than a few hot scenes between them as their romance progressed.

The plot involving Torch, the King and the revenge was good. There was a lot of information so at times I had to go back and reread to make sure I got it, but in the end I understand why he was going after the King and his motivation was more than plausible.

I have to say I wasn’t a fan of Calista’s mother. The woman was infuriating and caused more trouble than she had too.

Overall, this was an interesting book in a genre I’m not as well read, which might’ve influenced my lack of connection with the story. If you’re into fantasy romance, you’ll probably fall into the story and the language easily, which will definitely help form a connection with the characters and the romance.

*If you liked this review (or not), if you read the book (or not), come say hello and leave your comments bellow.

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