Book review : The Hussar's Duty by Griffin Brady | An Epic tale of Heart and Blades 💖⚔️

The Hussar's Duty
The Winged Warrior #3
by Griffin Brady

GENRE: #HistoricalAdventureRomance #EpicHistory #WingedHussars
📍 Setting: Kingdom of Poland | ⏳ Era: 1620 (17th Century)

My rating: ★★★★★

This is a captivating and wonderfully immersive continuation of the splendid historical duo, which has now become a trilogy with the addition of this third book, The Winged Warrior. Returning to this world of Winged Hussars, fierce battles, complicated loyalties, and deeply emotional family bonds was an absolute pleasure.

Although it is technically marketed as a standalone, my heartfelt advice is: please, START WITH BOOK #1!

👉Let’s be honest: very few series can be fully appreciated when you jump straight into the middle without knowing the characters, their history, and everything they have already experienced together.
My rating is a firm and sincere 5 stars, but I can confidently say it would probably have been a 4-star read if I hadn't already known and loved these characters so deeply.
Compared to the first two books, where the plot twists were sharper and the romance was incredibly warm, sexy, and emotional, this third installment feels a little slower, with a much softer and more leisurely pace. If this had been my very first introduction to the trilogy, I probably would not have felt quite as eager to continue with the sequels.

👉The first book earned a "six golden stars" rating in my heart! But as the final chapter of a saga I already adored, being able to follow Jacek and Oliwia's family history and discover more about their lives made this book completely worth reading.

| ⚔️ TWO WORLDS COLLIDING:

Homeland and family, duty and affection... these are the great themes to which people have devoted themselves throughout the centuries. Too often, these powerful forces find themselves on opposite sides, and that is exactly where the deepest inner turmoil begins.

The Hussar’s Duty is a razor's-edge clash between War, defending one's country, and Love, protecting one's wife and children. It explores the agonizing question of where a person should place their complete loyalty and dedication. Set in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth of 1620, the story asks: is it really possible to separate the two? Perhaps not, at least not for a warrior, and certainly not for the Winged Hussar Jacek Dąbrowski.

Before I explain my thoughts, let's take a look at the synopsis:

📜 THE PLOT IN SHORT:

1620, Kingdom of Poland.
When an insult hurled by Sultan Osman II sets the stage for a devastating Ottoman invasion, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth turns to its finest warrior: Jacek, a legendary winged hussar. Longing for the thrill of battle, Jacek is desperate to answer the summons. Yet answering that call means abandoning the peaceful life and loving family, his wife, Oliwia, and their children, that he has fought so hard to build.

Oliwia, keenly aware of the restless spirit simmering beneath her husband's quiet exterior, has spent years trying to distract him from the battlefield. At last, she recognizes that her husband's warrior heart cannot be chained. She decides to let him go, but not alone. In a bold and unexpected move, she devises a plan to ride into the fray beside him.

As the drums of war beat louder and louder, Jacek finds himself trapped in a violent crosscurrent of honor, duty, and love. Whichever path he chooses, disaster is waiting in the shadows, threatening to take away his family, his life, or both. With a colossal Ottoman army closing in, Jacek must discover whether the price of glory is simply too high to pay.

😊 MY HONEST THOUGHTS

| ⏳ A TALE OF TWO PACES:

We can essentially divide the book into two very different parts. In the first part, readers who are new to the trilogy are given the chance to become acquainted with the characters.
We meet Jacek and Oliwia as mature young people, he is 32 and she is 26, who have been married for years and have children, yet are still deeply in love. They are dealing with all the everyday responsibilities of family life, managing a castle and a village, with countless people depending on the decisions they make.

The central theme of this first section is the warmth and comfort of family life, beautifully set against the restless longing for movement, danger, action, and exciting adventure that a soldier naturally develops after spending too long away from the battlefield.

Compared to the previous two books, the pace here is noticeably slower. Even so, the author skillfully introduces several elements designed to disturb this peaceful balance, keeping the reader interested and creating a growing sense of suspense and tension as the events begin to unfold.

In the second part, the fiction connects directly to a dramatic historical event, regaining its strength and suddenly moving forward at a much faster pace, filled with internal political tensions and the looming Tatar threats.

| 📜 THE HISTORICAL CONNECTION & REAL FIGURES:

The year 1620 is incredibly important. Poland is preparing to face a massive and terrifying invasion by the Ottoman Empire.
The prelude to the infamous Battle of Cecora, today named Țuțora, in Romania, near the Prut River, forms the historical heart of the story. The call to arms, military strategy meetings, disagreements, rebellions, and the battle itself, together with its tragic outcome, are the main historical events on which the plot focuses.

This gripping historical backdrop transports us directly into the military camps, allowing us to feel the heavy tension, the uncertainty hanging over everyone, and the horrors perpetrated by the enemy as the situation becomes increasingly dangerous. Thankfully, there are no traumatic descriptions. The scenes are sharp and effective, but the author avoids excessive and unnecessarily gory detail, making this a dramatic yet perfectly manageable historical journey.

| 🔍 BRUTAL ACCURACY & VIVID CHARACTERS:

Griffin Brady writes with brutal historical accuracy. I can say this with confidence because, while reading, I carried out my own research online to understand which events really happened and which elements came from the author's imagination.

The story's suspense comes not only from the battle itself, but also from all the briefings and planning sessions that should have made everything run smoothly, yet instead only served to make the situation more complicated. The entire campaign leads them directly toward the ill-fated Battle of Cecora, in September 1620.

One of the most powerful aspects of the entire middle section of the book is the striking contradiction between the whispers circulating in the background and the official information provided by the Hetman's intelligence. There is a deeply dramatic irony in knowing that some characters are unknowingly heading toward disaster, while others know exactly what is happening but refuse to admit it.

Brady's writing and characters are so vivid and convincing that I felt as though I were standing beside Jacek at every stage of the journey, listening to every military order and experiencing every thought he sent back home. It felt like witnessing one of the most dramatic, heartbreaking, and epic chapters in Polish military history.
Truly, the author handles the pacing masterfully, and the frantic, claustrophobic feeling of a doomed retreat perfectly captures what real soldiers must have endured.

From that point onward, putting the book down was absolutely impossible!
The tragic collapse of their world kept me turning the pages late into the night. I couldn't help but worry about the fate of Jacek and all the other characters, people to whom I now feel connected as though I had met them personally. I was terrified for Oliwia, and believe it or not, even the fate of the villain on duty, Wronsky, filled me with curiosity and anxiety!

| 👤 THE CHATRACTERS: OLD FRIENDS AND NEW FRICTION:

As often happens in book sequels, the author spends less time reintroducing characters we already know. However, even readers who are new to the series will quickly form a clear picture of the main players:

• JACEK — The Positive Anchor:
  He is the perfect hero, or almost, and exactly the kind of man most women would love to have by their side.
  Not only is he handsome and courageous, but he’s also a loyal friend, a loving husband who is deeply attentive to his wife's needs, and a playful, proud father to his children.
  
  Despite everything he has endured, he has never allowed the dramatic events of his past to make him bitter. Instead, he continually finds his inner balance through the deep love that unites him with Oliwia. Although he has spent so much of his life surrounded by the violence of battle, it has not destroyed his sensitivity or his integrity. His decisions are thoughtful and carefully reasoned, and he always tries to understand the motivations of others. He does not even lose patience with his wife's rebellious, and frequently ungrateful, younger brother!
  His brothers-in-arms see him as a true friend, a playful companion, and a leader who guides them wisely and will never abandon them to their fate.
  It's impossible not to fall in love with him. Jacek is the positive and reassuring constant throughout the entire trilogy.


• OLIWIA — Flawed but Understandable:
  In the previous books, Oliwia sometimes made me so nervous that I would gladly have slapped her three, four, or, let's say, five times! However, she earned my almost complete sympathy and understanding in this third adventure.
  What loving wife would not try every possible way to persuade her husband not to leave for a dangerous mission? What woman would willingly watch her husband go off to war without hating the word "duty"? Who would not cry and sulk when every argument proves useless against the call to arms?
  I understood every word she said and every thought she had, and it was lovely to finally feel completely emotionally connected to Oliwia, too. The only moment when she genuinely caught me off guard was a particular decision of hers, which I found selfish. This is why my sympathy was "almost" complete, as she seemed not to consider her children's feelings at all. But I won't reveal anything more, because I want to avoid spoilers!


• THE BROTHERS-IN-ARMS — Enryk, Marcin, Dawid, and Leslaw:
  One of the things I have loved most about this trilogy, and something that continues beautifully in this book, is the cheerful camaraderie between Jacek and his men. They have shared incredibly difficult and dangerous experiences, as well as wonderful moments of joy, both inside and outside the Winged Hussars Battalion, the elite heavy shock cavalry formation of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.
  Among them, Jacek's second-in-command, Enryk, remains the charming, good-hearted, and playful womanizer we know and enjoy.
  Marcin is the loyal former squire, now a Hussar, who will never stop caring for his knight.
  Dawid and Leslaw are equally capable and always ready to place themselves on the front lines when duty calls.
  The only unpleasant surprise in this circle of characters was young Filip.


• FILIPP — The Teenage Nightmare:
  We first met him as a child, Oliwia's brave little brother, eager to become a Winged Hussar like Jacek. Now, we see him as a recalcitrant, ungrateful, rebellious, and presumptuous seventeen-year-old, sometimes cruel, and always foolish and reckless in his behavior.
  He was truly unbearable, and I must admit I didn't like him at all!
  Of course, he perfectly represents that painful stage of discontent, frustration, and perceived injustice that many of us experience during adolescence. Perhaps not being a mother myself made it harder for me to be forgiving, but if I were Jacek, I would have kicked him out!
  In any case, his behavior adds a wonderfully realistic touch to the family dynamics and certainly livens up the narrative.


• THE VILLAIN: Gabriel Wroński Although Wroński himself is a fictional villain created by Griffin Brady to give Jacek a personal enemy, his role as the commander of the "Lost Men" is based entirely on a terrifying reality.
  The elite Winged Hussars, like Jacek, were wealthy nobles who fought for honor, prestige, and strict military chivalry. They despised lawless and greedy mercenary types like Wroński. Therefore, Wroński’s obsession with destroying Jacek grows from pure envy, greed, and a bitter clash between social classes. He desperately desires the wealth, respect, and noble status that Jacek possesses. His final fate is not entirely clear by the end, which makes me wonder whether we might meet him again in a hypothetical fourth book!

| ⏳ A HEARTFELT AND SATISFYING ENDING:

Once again, I must compliment the author. She succeeded in giving readers a deeply satisfying ending for our heroes, while still leaving a small door open. I truly hope there will be an installment #4! At the same time, she beautifully captures the dramatic and heartbreaking fate of the real historical figures.
Brady explains exactly what happened to the Grand Hetman, his son, and his son-in-law. The fates of the other historical figures are woven naturally into the story, preserving a powerful sense of drama without allowing the narrative to descend into pure horror.
Ultimately, the author gives most of her attention to the emotional heart of the story: the deep bonds that connect Jacek with the Grand Hetman, his beloved friends, and, of course, Oliwia and their children.

| 📖 GLOSSARY AND HISTORICAL NOTES:

Griffin Brady’s Winged Warrior series offers remarkable historical accuracy when it comes to the Polish Winged Hussars. However, 17th-century Poland had one of the most confusing and uniquely decentralized political and military structures in European history, with names and language that can be quite difficult to remember.
👉For this reason, I am deeply grateful to the author for including historical notes, a glossary, and a name pronunciation guide at the end of the book. They were an invaluable help! 😃🫶🏻

| ⚖️ FINAL VERDICT:

So, even though this third adventure begins in a much quieter way than the previous two books, with fewer sharp plot twists and love scenes that mostly take place behind closed doors, whereas the first two volumes gave us open doors, very hot and sensual scenes, and passionate kisses, I still gave it a wholehearted 5 stars.
In the end, this story is a beautiful celebration of feelings in all their many facets. It is written in a captivating and fluid style and supported by masterful historical research!

It may not have the same relentless pace or the same fiery intensity as the first two books, but it offers something equally meaningful: the chance to witness the characters we have grown to love facing the most difficult choices of their lives. Their fear, devotion, loyalty, love, and sacrifice make this a deeply emotional conclusion to the trilogy.

** ⚔️🛡️💖 ____________________ 💖🛡️⚔️ **
BACK TO THE BEGINNING | READ THE PREQUEL:

👉 BOOK #1

"THE HEART OF A HUSSAR" — Click here to read my full review!

👉 BOOK #2

"A HUSSAR'S PROMISE" by Griffin Brady — Click here to read my full review!

** ⚔️🛡️💖 ____________________ 💖🛡️⚔️ **

😊A FEW MORE DETAILS FOR HISTORY ENTHUSIASTS

| 🏛️ REAL HISTORICAL FIGURES AND POLITICAL PARADOXES:

Among the protagonists who truly existed, we encounter two hugely important political figures, together with secondary politicians, military commanders, and future narrators whose lives would become intertwined with these epic historical events:

• Stanisław Żółkiewski: The Grand Hetman of the Crown, the supreme commander.
  He is an aging and legendary veteran who had won the famous Battle of Klushino and captured Moscow a decade earlier. By 1620, however, he is old, exhausted, and deeply troubled by the looming Ottoman invasion. At the same time, he is desperate to redeem himself after a recent failure. Unfortunately, his longing to restore his personal prestige begins to cloud his judgment, making him overlook the harsh reality of the situation and their very limited chances of victory.
  
  
• Stanisław Koniecpolski: The Field Hetman of the Crown, the energetic second-in-command.
  He is much younger, exceptionally brilliant, and, in a fascinating historical twist, also Żółkiewski's son-in-law! In reality, he was even more fiercely aggressive than the Grand Hetman. However, because of his loyalty to his superior, he followed Żółkiewski's plans anyway. In the book, he has a more marginal and submissive role, but his presence is essential for understanding how the country's political and military structure was organized.
  
  
• The Lisowczycy, also known as Elears, Lost Men, or the Forlorn Hope: An infamous mercenary cavalry unit.
  By 1620, they had become both a vital military asset and a terrifying domestic nightmare, an aid and a plague to their own country.
  
  Because they received no regular salary, the Commonwealth explicitly granted them the right to plunder and loot in lieu of pay! They raped, tortured, and murdered civilians indiscriminately while searching for hidden valuables. Unbelievable, isn't it? I still find it difficult to accept that such behavior was legally permitted, even if these men were widely despised. By modern standards, and even according to many contemporary witnesses from the 17th century, the King was absolutely complicit in these war crimes.
  
  The historical explanation is fascinating: the Polish nobles were deeply afraid that a king with a large, well-paid royal army could eventually become a tyrant and strip them of their cherished freedoms. As a result, parliament repeatedly refused to approve taxes for a regular army, leaving the treasury empty. Whenever the country was invaded, all noblemen were legally required to mount their horses and defend the realm without pay. Unfortunately, they were not enough. The tragic solution was to rely on mercenary bands such as the Lost Men.
  
  
• Gaspar Graziani: The Hospodar, or ruler, of Moldavia.
  He played a pivotal role in triggering the Battle of Cecora. In the book, we come to know him only indirectly, but he is the central figure around whom the campaign's objective revolves, and the person because of whom everything eventually falls apart. He was an ambiguous and petty figure, and I am almost ashamed to admit that he had Italian origins!

| 🌍 DISCOVERING NEW HISTORICAL HORIZONS:

As I mentioned, several other historical figures make brief appearances or are mentioned throughout the story. I have to admit that it was incredibly enjoyable to explore historical subjects I had never encountered before. As an Italian, I am quite familiar with Central European history, but I knew very little about the history of Eastern Europe. This book therefore opened the door to a fascinating and completely new historical world for me.

|🛡️ THE TABOR: A TRAGIC TACTICAL WONDER:

The Tabor, or the Rolling Fortress, also known as the Rolling Wagon, was something truly remarkable: a mobile field fortress that ultimately failed because of a catastrophic human miscalculation.
Historically, it consisted of a moving defensive perimeter made from heavy wagons, chained and fastened tightly together in a square or rectangular formation to protect the army. Inside this fortified ring, the troops kept their supplies and camp, while the cavalry remained safely protected at the center. In theory, it should have been almost impossible to penetrate. However, as so often happens in war, human emotions led to reckless decisions, and one single fatal mistake cost many characters dearly.

| 🏰 ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS: ZHOVKVA CASTLE

- Zhovkva Castle and the star-shaped fortified town: Grand Hetman Stanisław Żółkiewski commissioned the construction of this fortress in 1594, creating his ideal Renaissance-style fortified residence. The structure was largely completed by 1606. Through the eyes of Oliwia and Jacek, we are given the opportunity to admire not only the unique fortifications formed by the star-shaped walls, but also the sumptuous interiors of the palace.

The castle was later inherited by Żółkiewski's great-grandson, King Jan III Sobieski, who transformed it from a frontier fortress into a magnificent and luxurious royal palace. Today, after surviving heavy damage during the First World War, the building remains an important historical monument and museum under the Lviv National Art Gallery.

| 🏛️ A FINAL HISTORICAL IMPRESSION:

For me, one of the greatest pleasures of this book was discovering how vividly fiction can bring forgotten historical events back to life. Behind every battle, political decision, and military strategy, there were real people, personal ambitions, terrible mistakes, and impossible choices.

Griffin Brady made me curious enough to continue researching long after I had finished reading, and that is always a sign of a truly successful historical novel. This story is not only an emotional adventure filled with danger, loyalty, and sacrifice, but also a fascinating doorway into a complex and remarkable period of European history.

Thank you all for stopping by and reading my opinion !!😽

---

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Book review : The Venetian Heretic by Christian Cameron | A High-Stakes Historical Mystery

The Venetian Heretic
by Christian Cameron

GENRE : #Historical-action-mystery #Swashbuckling #RapierandDagger

My rating: ★★★★★+ 1⭐ Special Golden Star

Beyond the 5 Stars: A Special Golden Star added!

😃Wow, what a fantastic read from beginning to end!
Can’t wait to dive into book two!

This novel is a thrilling ride full of action, mystery, intrigue, and just the right touch of romance.
The main character is smart and relatable, surrounded by a clever and likable crew of friends. It’s a brilliant debut that promises a series packed with excitement and curiosity.

Christian Cameron, who was new to me until now, paints a Venice that goes way beyond the usual gondolas, canals, masquerades, and grand palaces.
Instead, it’s a tangled web of spies and secrets where actors, opera singers, nuns and monks, swordsmen and dance instructors, noble politicians, underworld thugs (the “Bravi”), and foreign Venetians all play their part in a dangerous, never-ending game.


______ THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL: Venice, 1651.
Richard Hughes, an Englishman once a soldier for King Charles and later enslaved as a rower on Spanish galleys, is now a free man thanks to a Venetian general who saved him.

In Venice, he works as a fencing master, living a modest but peaceful life, at least until a woman pulls him into a dangerous investigation.
The Red Mask is targeting the city’s Libertines, and Richard, along with a mix of old and new allies, must unravel a conspiracy stretching all the way to the Vatican and beyond...


_________ ********* _________ 😊👌 Here’s what hooked me on this book:

1_ First off, the MAIN CHARACTER’s charm, wit, and self-deprecating humor. ---> RICHARD HUGHES, or “Riccardo Huze” to Venetians, also known as “The Blade,” is an unforgettable hero.
He’s a former soldier of King Charles during the English Civil War, who survived brutal slavery as a galley rower and now earns his keep as a master swordsman.
He’s smart, seasoned by war and life, but never arrogant and always joking at his own expense and deeply human. He’s not your typical flawless detective; instead, he’s persistent, learns from mistakes, and approaches the shadowy world of secrets with the honesty of someone who’s seen the worst.
---> Told in first person, the story really let me connect with Richard’s feelings, struggles, dreams, and triumphs.


2_ The BREAKNECK PACE and vivid descriptions of 17th-century sword and dagger combat.
---> HISTORY and THRILLS
The story moves fast:
What starts as a simple kidnapping of an innkeeper named Maria quickly spirals into a vast conspiracy involving the highest powers in Venice and the church.
The ties between the “Libertines,” Jesuits, and the Venetian Inquisition create a complex and gripping plot.

---> Venice in 1651 isn’t painted with the usual grand images of architecture, foggy canals, or mysterious masks. Instead, we see secret meetings, banned books, harsh crackdowns, and a constant fear of being discovered.
---> Even though the mystery itself wasn’t the author’s strongest point, the tense atmosphere, the chase for the truth that always feels just out of reach, and the nonstop action kept me hooked until the last page.


3_ The sense of BOND and TEAM SPIRIT that grows between Richard and his friends and new acquaintances, forming an awesome group ready to catch the villain.
--> I’ve always loved stories about friendship, trust, and teamwork whether in movies, shows, or books and this one has it in spades.
I’m really hoping to see all these characters again in the next book as part of the “Huze team” !!
--> At first, the huge cast of characters was a bit overwhelming: so many names, some fictional, others real historical figures, had me confused at times.
Luckily, the author included a handy character list at the start, which helped me keep track. After about a fifth of the book, I didn’t need it anymore.


The SIDE CHARACTERS fall into 3 groups:

- Richard’s close friends
- Powerful figures pulling strings in Venice
- The villains

Despite the large number of characters, the author gave each one enough depth for me to feel connected. Not only descriptions of their looks, but sharpe description of mannerisms and dialogue brought them to life.


Some HISTORICAL FIGURES I especially enjoyed researching further:

_ Bondì di Mazo, a Jewish fencing master, fascinated me the most.
Deeply rooted in Venetian fencing history, he published a famous 1696 treatise, "The Master Sword," detailing the art of sword (and dagger) fighting—the foundation of modern sport fencing. The story doesn’t mention this treatise but instead focuses on a book by Maestro Cavalli (who also really existed). Richard learns a new defensive and offensive move from this book, which he then demonstrates in a duel and my excitement was off the charts!!!
Cameron opened a door to a world I hadn’t explored before, even as a great fan of The Musketeers ( by Alexandre Dumas ).

_ Francesco Morosini, Richard’s protector and a real Venetian general who later became Doge, is another fascinating figure.
Fun fact: I found out he hated women but adored his cat so much he took her to battle and had her stuffed after she died to keep her close.

_ Among the Libertines (free thinkers opposing dogmatic religion and supporting natural morality), we meet Francesco Loredan and the cloistered nun Arcangela (Elena Tarabotti), a writer defending women’s rights and librettist of an opera satirizing male abuses.

-----> The historical details are never dull. Christian Cameron could easily be a top-notch adventure TV writer. That’s my taste, but every reader has their own, so judge for yourself if this novel’s for you.

😒 My only slight disappointment was the main villain, who felt underdeveloped. The author hints at his past, but I couldn’t tell if his actions stemmed from revenge or madness.
His downfall happened too quickly compared to the chaos he caused. Still, this story gripped me so much I’d recommend it a thousand times over.


IN SHORT:
WHY PICK IT UP? Cameron blends real historical figures like Francesco Morosini and Bondì di Mazo with fictional characters so seamlessly that 17th-century Venice truly comes alive.
---> The tone is light and humorous, perfect for anyone wanting a thrilling mystery without too much gore, but packed with action and a hint of romance.

It’s the FIRST book in a series but you can easily read it as a STANDALONE, in fact it stands well on its own, giving a satisfying ending for the characters and plot.
Cameron teases Richard Hughes’s next adventure and a new character debut, and I’m already eager to see what’s next!

Thanks for reading my thoughts! I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here before this gets too long. 😊!

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🏰 THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The setting is the English Civil War, but other than that, there is no real historical information in the book, except perhaps the fact that the author was inspired by real women who endured a siege of their castle when their husbands were engaged in wars.

📜 THE PLOT IN SHORT

The story takes place in England at the times of the Civil War.
Sir John Felton's two daughters are left completely alone with the garrison in their manor, Kinton Lacy Castle.
Deliverance is a classic tomboy who studies all the books in the library on war tactics to defend her home. On the other hand, Penitence, a true beauty, is more feminine and is pining over her broken engagement to her neighbor and lover Jack Farrington, who now fights for the opposing faction, the Royalists.

Captain Luke Collyer and his men are sent from Gloucester to Kinton Lacy by the girls' stern father to help them resist the siege and save the castle and all the people living within the walls. Luke has a certain reputation with women, and the disheveled woman dressed in breeches, who does not want to give up the command, is certainly not his ideal type of woman... and yet, between one skirmish and another, the two begin to collaborate and respect each other. The attraction and a strong feeling are a natural consequence... but the situation is critical and dangerous, someone is betraying from within, and perhaps giving in to feelings is not the wisest thing to do...

🤗 MY UNVARNISHED THOUGHTS

🎭 THE CHARACTERS

As soon as I read the names of the two sisters (Deliverance and Penitence ??? Seriously ? ... Awful !!!) and that Luke was considered a womanizer and she was rebellious and stubborn, I wanted to abandon the book... but since it was already the fourth that I started without then going on, I decided to continue. Horrendous names and two clichés that I hate... But fortunately, the characters turned out to be more pleasant than what was my first impression, and it was easy to grow fond of them.

I admit that all, but especially the two main characters, could have been explored a little more; however, when I finished my reading, I realized that I missed them, and that is exactly what makes me understand the grade. I liked them and their story.

💞 THE LOVE STORY: SLOW-BURN AND ADVENTURE

Hmm... Actually, I would not recommend this book to those who read mainly romances because the whole story is a mix of various elements, and the author does not focus mainly on kisses and meetings.
To be honest, I liked this fiction precisely for that reason. Indeed, I enjoyed the adventure and the twists (which however were resolved quite quickly) and the love story developed slowly without being too sappy (which I hate and really didn't want).

👉 It's a clean romance up to 80% of the book, then there's one sex scene (which seems a little out of line with the rest of the writing style of the book), but even if it's explicit it's not vulgar and it's described briefly, so nothing particularly steamy.

👉 The language is clean and that's something I always appreciate.

👉 It's a fast paced adventure, I never found a moment of lull and this helped raise my rating.

✨ THE COZY VERDICT

This is not a particularly exciting novel that will remain engraved in your memory, but it's a pleasant read, highly recommended to those looking for an undemanding content and an entertaining read.

Thank you all for stopping by and reading my opinion! :-)

With love,
Tizi 🐾😽

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Book review : A Hussar's Promise by Griffin Brady | Epic Polish Hussar Romance! ⚔️💖

A Hussar's Promise
The Winged Warrior #2
by Griffin Brady

GENRE: #HistoricalAdventureRomance #EpicHistory #WingedHussars
📍 Setting: Kingdom of Poland | ⏳ Era: 1614 (17th Century)

My rating: ★★★★★

💖🏰⚔️😃 A wonderful read: 5 full stars so well deserved!

This is book 2 in The Winged Warrior series and just like the masterpiece first installment, it has been an absolutely wonderful, gripping, and breathless reading!

📜 THE PLOT IN SHORT | THE FORTRESS ON THE BORDER

Kingdom of Poland, circa 1614. The story of this second book opens with Jacek Dąbrowski, now a hardened captain of the legendary Winged Hussars, who is currently guarding a remote fortress on the very edge of the Kingdom of Poland—a bleak place that seems entirely forgotten by God.

The bitter truth is that Lord Eryk, once his respected commander, mentor, and trusted friend, deeply betrayed him by forcibly marrying Oliwia—the woman of Jacek's heart—under heavy coercion, exiling Jacek to keep him as far away as possible.

Lady Oliwia is now the official lady of the castle and lives surrounded by luxury and high privileges. Yet, being separated from the only man she has ever truly loved, she feels profoundly unhappy and broken inside. However, fate—combined with the wicked machinations of some very evil people—suddenly shuffles the cards once again. Jacek and Oliwia seem to be granted a miraculous second chance... but mocking destiny and the deadly cruelty of their enemies are quick to strike back!


⚔️🏰 ** ______________________ ** 🏰⚔️

While sequels can sometimes prove deeply disappointing, I had absolute, unshakeable faith in the author's narrative abilities. I was already completely and emotionally invested in the tragic story of these two main characters (after reading "THE HEART OF A HUSSAR" — Read my full REVIEW HERE), and I honestly couldn't wait to see how it unfolded, especially since the first volume left us hanging on a massive cliffhanger!

This book could perhaps be read as a standalone novel since it is highly enjoyable on its own. BUT I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU—OR BETTER, I BEG YOU TO READ BOOK 1 FIRST! Not only will this grant you a much broader, richer vision of the whole sweeping lore and a deeper understanding of every ongoing conflict, but because you will be able to enjoy a thousand times more all the beautiful, stolen moments and the wonderful, passionate love scenes that this sequel offers.

|💘 THE ROMANTIC BLOSSOMING AND INTENSE PASSION

The first part of the book is largely and beautifully dedicated to the powerful feelings of love, raw passion, total devotion, and intimate lovemaking. The descriptions are extensive and detailed, yet they are executed with immense elegance, never falling into vulgarity, giving the reader all the deep intensity that these two soulmates experience in their privacy.

Everything is written so masterfully that we can almost feel the racing heartbeats of Jacek and Oliwia, the physical thrill of their passion, and the pure happiness exploding inside their souls. I freely admit that I never wanted to leave those beautiful chapters, and I placed many physical bookmarks in my copy just to reread those specific pages in the coming days!

Reading book 1 will also allow you to fully comprehend how unbreakable Jacek's willpower is to overcome the thousand thrilling vicissitudes and dangerous adventures that will violently involve him during the second half of this book.

When I say that the story is deeply "compelling," I am not exaggerating at all! The overall pace of the book is incredibly fast, at times almost frenetic, and it will drag you into a vortex of shattering twists and turns that will keep you in pure suspense: bloody battles, ravenous political plots on the part of greedy enemies, traitors, cold-blooded murderers, a literal psychopathic killer, daring nighttime escapes, and a long journey worthy of Ulysses' epic Odyssey!

With each passing chapter, I desperately longed for the solution to all their problems. I turned the pages, reading avidly and hungrily, and just when I finally glimpsed the warm light at the end of the tunnel, the author managed to make me jump all over again!

|🛡️ ACTION, ADVENTURE, AND VIVID CINEMATIC REALISM

I honestly don't know how, living in our modern era and without looking at film scenes, an author manages to describe complex combat scenes in such a vivid, detailed, and tactical way, complete with every single inner thought and raw emotion that the characters are enduring at that precise second!

I truly believe that in addition to an in-depth, rigorous historical knowledge, it takes an extraordinary natural talent to convey to the reader not just the visual scene, but all the sensory vibrations, positive and negative, that derive from it.
I can state with absolute certainty that the author, Mrs. Griffin Brady, possesses both qualities in abundance. Now, I don't feel as if I merely watched a historical movie at the cinema, but something much deeper: as if I myself had personally experienced every single trial alongside Jacek, savoring the crushing fatigue, the blinding fear, the anguish, the resilience, the raw strength, the anger, the hope, the burning jealousy, the agonizing uncertainty, and finally, pure happiness.

Oliwia is no exception to this rule!
She, too, will have to face and overcome unexpected, brutal tests that will bring out the fiercely strong woman hidden within her soul. Instead of sinking her, these trials will leave her increasingly combative, resolute, and unbreakable.

Even the historical backgrounds where the scenes take place are depicted in an excellent, atmospheric manner, with rich details that not only help us reconstruct the scenery in our mind's eye, but allow us to perceive the heavy smells, the metallic sounds, the direct contact with the body, the flashing lights, the deep shadows, and all the organic sensations that come from them.

I have sometimes read historical books where the overly long and detailed descriptions bored or exasperated me—well, this is most definitely not the case here!
The writer's style is fluent, gripping, and deeply engaging, to the point that now that I have closed the book, I already feel an intense, sweet nostalgia for these characters and their epic adventures.

👥 THE CHARACTERS | MATURITY, LOYALTY, AND BROTHERHOOD

Book #1 beautifully began with a 22-year-old Jacek and a 15-year-old Oliwia. This sweeping narrative takes place over a span of 4 tumultuous years, during which the main protagonists grow significantly—not only in age but through intensely difficult experiences and grand sacrifices.

In this direct sequel, we find them decidedly matured, far more aware of their deep feelings, and laser-focused on their long-term goals. Now, both finally possess the crucial chance to take full control of their destiny. However, nothing will be easy or smoothly within reach; in fact, calculated, evil people and dangerous traps continually hinder their path to happiness. Only their immense willpower and the profound love that unites them will guide them toward a hard-earned happy ending.

Of course, there are also plenty of lighthearted, cozy moments, during which I absolutely loved their witty exchanges, balancing halfway between playful jealousy and intense flirtation!

I utterly adore the two main characters, and I must confess I deeply love their circle of friends too:

• Henryk | Jacek's best friend: Charming, dashing, and a notorious lover of all women, yet possessing a genuine heart of gold.
I laughed out loud every single time he gets just a little bit too close to Oliwia and Jacek silently wants to strangle him—and yes, a couple of times I wanted to strangle him too! But in the end, Henryk always proves to be a deeply devoted, fierce, and sincere brother-in-arms.

• Jacek's Soldier-Brothers: Their intense bond allows the reader to truly breathe in the raw feelings of unwavering brotherhood, battlefield loyalty, and military camaraderie, packed with funny teasing and roaring laughter, while also beautifully sharing the deepest communal pain and mutual help during their darkest, hardest hours.

• A Wonderful Supporting Cast: I also really liked the other supporting figures, such as Oliwia's younger brother, who honestly cannot wait to grow up and become a fiero hussar soldier himself.
The fiercely faithful castle cook with her clear soft spot for Jacek, the kind-hearted priest, and Oliwia's loyal personal maid... each of them masterfully contributes to creating a warm, welcoming family atmosphere that stands in stark, dramatic contrast to the villains always lurking in the shadows, ready to strike treacherously.

🛑 AGES 16+ | A GRIPPING FICTION FOR SENSITIVE SOULS

Connecting directly to the villains I just mentioned, it must be stated that in this sequel, we are dealing with a disgusting, slimy traitor and a literal, psychopathic serial killer!

There are not only heroic deaths in battle here, but a real, cruel, premeditated murder and other perverse, dark attitudes. Although these scenes are written without ever going into exaggeratedly gruesome or bloody details, they could perhaps deeply trouble the most sensitive of readers. Therefore, I would say this novel is ideal and highly readable for ages 16 and up.

The language remains exceptionally clean throughout. The author brilliantly manages to convey the rough, contemptuous, and nasty attitudes of brutal, lawless men without ever resorting to modern, vulgar swear words. I truly, deeply appreciated this stylistic choice! It keeps the epic patina intact.

🏰 THE WINGED HUSSARS | WHERE FICTION MEETS REAL HISTORY

While the main characters and their personal love story are naturally the brilliant fruit of the author's rich imagination, the wonderful, terrifying heavy cavalry of the Winged Hussars really existed in our history!
They were all proud nobles, rigorously trained in the deadly use of multiple weapons ever since they were children.
Many historical battles mentioned by the author and several character names are entirely real.

Image found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Furthermore, the structural layout of Biaska Castle is directly inspired by real, majestic Polish fortresses (of which beautiful ruins still remain today), all of them structurally set along the famous, breathtaking path known as the "Trail of the Eagles' Nests" (Szlak Orlich Gniazd), including the gorgeous Bobolice Castle (take a look at the stunning historical pictures below!).

At the very end of the book, you will find a small, incredibly helpful guide dedicated to the real events, genuine historical figures, castles, and locations that breathed life into the plot.

Ogrodzieniec Castle on the fabled Eagles’ Nests Trail.
Image source from www.polandtraveltours.com. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Bobolice Castle. Image found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

As an extra treat, the author also includes a small, detailed dictionary explaining the specific weapons and type of traditional clothing of the time, along with a quick pronunciation guide to master the names and words in their original Polish language.

👉 BONUS TRIVIA: On the AUTHOR'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE (www.griffin-brady.com), you will discover a fascinating blog packed with many deeply interesting articles regarding the glorious history of the Kingdom of Poland in the 17th century, the geopolitical events that made it immense, and the true lore of the Hussars! It is a goldmine for history buffs.

🏺⚔️📜 ** ______________________ ** 📜⚔️🏺

Thank you all so much for stopping by and reading my passionate opinion! I sincerely hope I have still managed to express my deep thoughts effectively and have done true justice to both this beautiful novel and its immense, talented writer.

I will most definitely be reading book #3 of the series! However, I will take a strategic, short reading break of about ten days just to savor and enjoy this beautiful happy ending a little longer, before diving back into the obstacle-filled, chaotic adventures of our two favorites!

BACK TO THE BEGINNING | READ THE PREQUEL:

👉 BOOK #1

"THE HEART OF A HUSSAR" — Click here to read my full review!

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES | READ THE SEQUEL:

👉 BOOK #3

"THE HUSSAR'S DUTY" by Griffin Brady — Click here to read my full review!

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And here is the beautiful Jacek of my mind! The true magic of books is being able to vividly imagine the faces of our favorite characters 😉. For me, he is none other than the handsome Henry Cavill, pictured here when he was very young on the set of The Tudors television series.

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

🏺⚔️📜 ** ______________________ ** 📜⚔️🏺

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Book review : The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady | A Gripping Tale of Honor and Passion ⚔️💖

The Heart of a Hussar
The Winged Warrior #1
by Griffin Brady

GENRE: #HistoricalAdventureRomance #EpicHistory #WingedHussars
📍 Setting: Kingdom of Poland | ⏳ Era: 1610 (17th Century)

My rating: ★★★★★ + 1⭐ Special Golden Star
😃A wonderful read: 5 full stars so well deserved !

I am proudly adding one Special Golden Star ⭐ to my maximum rating because this novel is an absolutely amazing masterpiece of historical fiction.

The raw adventure and the slow-burn romance are incredibly compelling, and I truly believe it’s the best historical novel I have read so far this year.

I would like to start by saying that I usually prefer to choose shorter novels (around 300 pages or a little more). However, the unique historical setting, so different from the usual ones, immediately attracted my curiosity.
Even though I started reading the first sentences with the secret fear that I would get bored because the book was too long and too distant from my usual cozy comfort zones (historical mysteries and clean romances), I have to tell you that I was completely, utterly involved in the story from the very first page to the very last one!

📜 THE PLOT IN SHORT | MUSCOVY, 1610

Jacek Dąbrowski is a twenty-two-year-old Polish nobleman and a proud cavalry officer of the legendary Winged Hussars. He dreams of gaining rich land possessions and glory thanks to his pure valor and military merits.

One day, during a brutal military campaign on Muscovite soil—at the time a fierce enemy of Poland—he heroically saves fifteen-year-old Oliwia and her little brother from the cruel clutches of enemy soldiers who were looting and razing a local village to the ground.

Since the two young people are left completely without parents or relatives, Lord Eryk, Jacek's wise commander, decides to take them back to his majestic castle, where he makes them his personal proteges.

The return journey is long and grueling. Jacek and Oliwia, traveling together on the same horse, slowly begin to get to know each other. Without even knowing it, they beautifully lay the solid foundations of what will become an unbreakable lifelong bond.

Between sweeping military campaigns, luxurious life at the castle, obvious rivalries, and dangerous enemies hidden in the shadows, courtly parties, passionate stolen kisses, grand dreams, and bitter disappointments, this gripping story takes place over a span of 4 years. It builds up to the exact moment Jacek realizes that his dream has fundamentally changed—but just at that precise moment, fate decides to play a very cruel joke...

⚔️🏰 ** MY HONEST THOUGHTS ** 🏰⚔️

⚠️ WARNING | FINAL CLIFFHANGER & SEQUEL INBOUND

Before starting to read the novel, I scrolled through some online reviews. They were all incredibly enthusiastic, but as we bookworms know, this can sometimes turn out to be a dangerous trap because it creates sky-high expectations!

However, thanks to those reviews, I understood in advance that the book would end with a FINAL CLIFFHANGER—something that I usually don't like at all!
But here, I willingly wanted to take a leap into the dark, simply because the setting and the unique subjects of the story—the legendary Winged Hussars of Poland in the 17th century—intrigued me far too much!

If we add the fact that there was the tag #romance attached, my heart was already completely kidnapped.

In the author's defense, I must admit that she honestly warns the reader about this in the very first pages of the book. Furthermore, the official sequel was published only a single month after the release of the first volume, because it was originally supposed to be a tight duology. In my specific case, I consider myself incredibly lucky to have also found a third volume, which the author decided to write in 2023 to expand the universe!

🦅 THE WINGED HUSSARS | THE ELITE OF SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY CAVALRY

They were a legendary heavy cavalry formation highly active in Poland and throughout the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1503 to 1702.

The absolute distinctive feature of the Husaria were their iconic "wings"—wooden supports beautifully decorated with real eagle or goose feathers, secured directly to their saddles or to the rear plates of their heavy armour. These wings were intentionally designed to produce a loud, terrifying rustling sound during a charge to demoralize and terrify the enemy forces.

The hussars ranked as the undisputed elite of the Polish cavalry. In fact, they all came strictly from noble families and were fiercely raised since early childhood to master horse riding and the deadly use of many different weapons.

It has been incredibly interesting for me to learn all these historical facts about this elite military body, and about a European territory of which I honestly knew little to nothing, except for its 20th-century post-war history. I really had no idea that the Kingdom of Poland was so immense and powerful at that time! It was a wonderful historical revelation.

Image found on the web.
All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners: @Byron Hamilton 2012.

⚔️ BATTLES, MILITARY STRATEGIES, AND AUTHENTIC WEAPONRY

What I honestly didn't expect from this novel were the incredibly vivid descriptions of roaring battles, military actions, and complex strategies, alongside detailed layouts of weapons and traditional outfits of the era (both for soldiers and civilians).
I certainly didn't expect that they would fascinate me so deeply—I found the historical accuracy stimulating and truly impressive!

Image found on the blog: oldeuropeanculture.blogspot.com.
All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

I have read several other books featuring war scenes, and previously, only the brilliant author Stella Riley managed to truly fascinate me, while other writers usually bored me to tears.
If I had known beforehand that there were so many intense military clashes described, I probably would have skipped this book entirely... But I am so glad I didn't know, BECAUSE THE AUTHOR DID AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB! Griffin Brady managed to flawlessly combine all her deep historical and technical knowledge with the pure magic of fiction.
She built up incredible suspense, raw emotions, and a sense of full participation within me, as if a time machine had teleported me exactly there, in that place, at that time, standing right beside those people!

Every weapon, specific outfit, noble rank, and military hierarchy is written with its original term and seamlessly explained within the story. BUT PLEASE, DON'T BE AFRAID OF GETTING CONFUSED! For the reader's convenience, the author has thoughtfully included a small dictionary for each Polish word cited.

You will even find a quick guide chapter that helps you pronounce the names correctly (trust me, after the first ten pages, everything becomes natural and very easy).

Image found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

👥 THE CHARACTERS | INTENSE, REAL, AND MULTI-FACETED

Both the two main protagonists and the side characters are developed excellently. We are able to vividly visualize not only the physical appearance of each individual, but also their distinct character traits, their raw emotions, their hidden thoughts, their burning aspirations, and their silent fears, alongside their fierce will to resist adversity and conquer their dreams. The author managed to make them so intense and profound that they feel absolutely real.

The dialogues are brilliant, often interspersed with short, private thoughts written in italics, which have the beautiful advantage of completing the conversations and making the exact scene that the characters are experiencing incredibly vivid.

Furthermore, the ironic, playful banter between Jacek and his best friend Henryk, among the soldiers, or between Jacek and Oliwia... provides a lovely, light touch from time to time that thoroughly entertains the reader.

💘 THE LOVE STORY | A REWARDING, SLOW-BURN PASSION

As regards the romantic part of the plot, it officially blooms just after the 50% mark of the book, while the first half beautifully builds some romantic tension and subtle premises, even if the main characters are not exactly aware of it yet.

I freely admit that during the first half of the book, I was constantly wondering when the protagonists would finally fall in love, and at one point, I even thought that the tag #romance was not entirely appropriate for this fiction. But that doubt lasted only for 5 seconds! As soon as the two protagonists began to realize that they were deeply attracted to each other, I was heavily rewarded for all my waiting. The second half of the book is beautifully and largely dedicated to the deep love feelings of these two young souls.

BUT EXPECT NO BOREDOM! You will find funny scenes, exciting moments, you will suffer right along with them, and even more, you will fiercely hope together with them.

👑 JEALOUSY, INTENSE INTRIGUES, AND CONSPIRACIES

In addition to facing ruthless enemies in battle, the protagonists find themselves heavily involved in difficult, dramatic events due to the petty jealousy, presumption, envy, desire for power, revenge, arrogance, and selfishness of certain characters.

These situations create a huge amount of tension throughout the narrative, eventually reaching an explosive climax that determines definitive (or almost definitive) turning points not only for Jacek and Oliwia, but also for other major characters.

Therefore, this historical novel is deeply compelling not only regarding the fierce action and the romantic aspect, but also thanks to all these other rich elements cleverly inserted as a gripping subplot.

• 📜 Historical fiction SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE, including young adults.
• Despite the harsh time period and the war theme, the author masterfully managed to deliver a clean novel featuring:
• Clean, elegant language (with no modern swear words).
• Sweet, deeply romantic kisses.
• Epic battles and historical sacrifices detailed without gruesome or unnecessarily bloody descriptions.

🏁 FINAL VERDICT | DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

An absolute, resounding YES! I recommend it 100% if you love rich historical fiction.

Please, don't be scared by the fact that you will have to read the sequel to feel completely satisfied. You will turn the pages one after the other, completely fascinated by everything that is told by the author and experienced by these unforgettable characters!

I've already eagerly started reading book #2, and I honestly can't wait to dive into book #3 as well!

Thank you all so much for stopping by and reading my passionate opinion! I truly hope that my English has managed to properly convey what was intended to be a grand praise for this wonderful novel, and a sincere thank you to the writer.

⚔️🇵🇱🏰 ** ______________________ ** 🏰🇵🇱⚔️

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES | READ THE SEQUEL:

👉 BOOK #2

"A HUSSAR'S PROMISE" by Griffin Brady — Click here to read my full review!

👉 BOOK #3

"THE HUSSAR'S DUTY" by Griffin Brady — Click here to read my full review!

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---

🎭 A LITTLE OFF-TOPIC | MY VISUAL IMAGINATION

While I was reading this thrilling novel, my mind instantly gave Jacek the unmistakable, handsome features of a young Henry Cavill (specifically his look from The Tudors series)! The author's description corresponds perfectly: dark hair, sapphire blue eyes, and that captivating, slight frown in his intense gaze.

With the qualities of a fierce warrior and a man of incredibly sound principles that the writer beautifully gave him, combined with the striking appearance of Henry Cavill, tell me, friends... how could I possibly not fall completely in love with Jacek? 😉


Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.


Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

...But the two pictures below are my absolute favorites! This is exactly how I vividly imagine Jacek at the precise moment he falls hopelessly in love with Oliwia:

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

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Book review : The Marigold Chain by Stella Riley

The Marigold Chain by Stella Riley

My rating: ★★★★☆
Actually 3.5 rounded to 4 stars as historical fiction.
Only 3 stars ( or 2.5 rounded to 3 ) as romance.

__THE PLOT__ England 1666.
-->Chloe is a girl of about 20 who lives with her stepbrother, an aristocrat who spends all his money on gambling, alcohol and women.
One evening, having run out of money, he gambles his stepsister: if he loses, she will become the property of his opponent.
-->Alex, 30, was a Royalist soldier in the English Civil War.
He is very handsome and always ready with a joke and has friends who really care of him, but he has a bad temper and a disappointment in love leads him to alcohol and senseless actions.
--> One morning Alex wakes up after an incredible hangover and discovers that he is married to an innocent 20-year-old girl, Chloe.
They immediately decide to proceed with the request for annulment, meanwhile England goes to war with Holland...

***
The book is divided into 3 parts, of which I really liked the first part, cheerful and lively, it made imagine a romance full of funny scenes.


The second part, the central and broader one, was to me very disappointing.
Any romance there, no connection between Alex and Chloe, the 2 main characters of the story.
They are married but he continues his life as if she didn't exist and she goes about her life thinking about him from time to time.
When the author finally gives us a beautiful escape scene together, with a bit of action, a kiss happens.
It's half way through the book and it's easy to think that a little chills and emotion will finally arrive...Instead: nothing romantic again, at least until the 3rd phase (which begins more or less 75% of the way through the novel).
The historical part is well developed but didn't involve me.
There is a betrayal situation that the protagonists are supposed to discover, but I didn't find it so intriguing.
BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM TO ME WAS :

___THE HERO ___ So handsome, but an ass !
I only fell in love with the male protagonist at the end, in the last 25% of the book while in the entire previous 75% I couldn't stand him!
He was beautiful and charming in his laughter and ironic jokes, but very irascible and deeply selfish because he only thought about his disappointments and dissatisfaction and vented his bad mood in the bottle and on his friends, while they, his friends, always tried to get him out of trouble and acted always very careful to avoid to provoke him, so as not to make him angry.
HOW CAN YOU LIKE A MAN LIKE THAT?
...Of course we stupid women always love those wild and dangerous (and this makes me angry!) while the sensitive and polite men are trampled upon (but usually those ones are ugly... instead here in the fiction the good, sensitive man in love was also a beautiful one...but unfortunately the scoundrel always wins)

My dislike for this character, who should have been the hero of the story, not only didn't allow me to enjoy reading the book, but it ultimately left me with a sense of hunger for something that only began at the end of the book.
Yes, the real romance only started at the end of the book... and so I feel dissatisfied.
In the third part the character suddenly loses his bad ways and like a true hero works for the good of the city that is going up in flames.
We are in the middle of the second major fire in London (September 1666) and this time all the scenes described by the author fully involved me, making me feel as if I was really on the scene, there in that city, in that historical moment.
In the third part Alex feelings for Chloe change too...few chapters..the happy ending..but I feel dissatisfied..I want more!... but unfortunately I was at the END OF THE NOVEL!
I don't know if I explained myself well: imagine eating a cake and you feel that it's not as good as you would like, finally you start to like the last slice... but it's the last slice and you're left with that unsatisfied craving which is irritating!

_ CONCLUDING __ I've only read one other novel by Stella Riley ( A Splendid Defiance) and I was thrilled with it .
It doesn't matter if the love story burns slowly, that's fine too, but in this novel the hero was difficult to love from the beginning and above all there was too little of the two main characters together.
It would have been nice to have more emotions throughout the story: more intense looks, a shiver on the skin during a casual touch... more interest on Alex's part towards Chloe, not just at the end, instead the whole love story was flat and one-way for too long.

Even though it wasn't what I expected, this doesn't discourage me and I will definitely read more of Stella Riley's novels, because I think she's really good and I appreciate her writing style.
My review shouldn't discourage you either, because I gave my opinion based on my personal taste.
Remember though: very slow-burn romance and pages dedicated to history, therefore not suitable for those looking for hot scenes and only frivolous novels.

NOTE: I'm from Italy and so English is not my native language. Please, forgive any errors you may find in my text.




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