Review: Great Fantasy Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 22, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.Many thanks to the author for giving me a copy of this book to read and review.  I absolutely loved it!  The second book in the series is much darker than the first.  I finished it in one reading.  It was that good.Favorite quote from the book:  Prince Caedmon says this to Rowena when she tells him to speak plainly to her.  It shows the depth of his love for her.  "In the nearly two years since our last kiss, I have thought about you every moment of every hour of every day, and betimes found the strength to endeavor only with the knowledge that I would one day soon look upon your lovely face."Story: At the end of book 1, Rowena had crossed through the veil and the consequences of that act was the loss of her memory.  Caedmon leaves immediately to deliver the key so that peace can continue.  So, she is left in a strange land with no one to look out for her.In the prologue of this book, Rowena has become so distraught over her situation that she attempts suicide. She feels controlled by everyone and in the back of her mind knows she does not belong here.  Rowena also has had to contend with unwanted sexual advances from Prince Braedric.Now, we fast forward two years later and everyone is awaiting the return of Prince Caedmon.  He has just escaped from being held captive.  He knows that someone betrayed him and is determined to find out whom.  Everyone from the King on down is gathered awaiting his ship.  Price Caedmon is so excited to be home he jumps into the water and swims to shore.  Rowena is not thrilled that he is home.  She has made great strives to earn her freedom.  She has but one hurdle to pass to achieve that.  Tomorrow at the Apex, she will face five warriors on the Gantlet.  If she succeeds, she will be awarded the title of Militissae.  She can then go anywhere and reinvent herself.  Rowena wanted to be gone before he ever returned.  Prince Caedmon reaches everyone gathered to greet him, but he ignores everyone and heads straight to Rowena.  Rowena tries to back up, but there is no retreat.  This is my favorite scene in the book.  When Prince Caedmon gets to her he drops to his knees and buries his head in her skirts.  I felt so much anguish for him.  Rowena feels sorry for him, but she will not be fooled by his kindnesses.  Price Caedmon definitely senses that something is not right.  He knew she lost her memory, but had hoped she had gained her memory of him.After their first meeting, Caedmon realizes he came on too strong and needs to take a more measured approach toward Rowena.  Prince Caedmon goes to escort her to dinner and this is where their battle begins.  Prince Caedmon insists their engagement still stands, but Rowena just wants her freedom.The rest of the book deals with Prince Caedmon and Rowena's relationship and the ultimate question: Will Prince Caedmon regain her love?I can't wait to read the next book in the series.  This book ends on a major cliffhanger like book 1.Overall, an excellent fantasy romance with great characters.