I received a copy of this book via Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book. I really, really did. But there were just too much for me to not ignore, and that explains why this has such a low score. When I first read this, it showed me this great message of girls fighting against typical stereotypes and against overbearing leaders in a male-dominated patriarchy. I loved how Lady Gwendolyn was head-strong and truly believed in herself and in her friends. What I didn't love however, was the religious themes. Yes, I get that this is a Christian romance set in medieval times. Yes, everything sort of makes sense as to how everyone acts the way that they act.
But, I cannot condone Rosalind in being guilty over her own choices and decisions. It just doesn't make sense. She is done with men and ‘had her fill' but yet, she is guilty of her decision? This book is like shoving down the author's own ideals and beliefs into the readers. Kinda preachy.
Also, the book kind of just brushes away Rosalind's and Hugh's backstory like it's nothing and just something to teach to the moral compasses of the young females reading this book. (Rosalind just goes and becomes a nun I guess. Nothing is said about Hugh. He turned from adorable and cute to mean and judgmental.)
Lady Gwendolyn's and Allen's romance is kind of cheesy and cliche, but enjoyable nonetheless. I can't quite say much about the overarching plot since I never touched the first one, but it seems to be interesting and quite intriguing.
I hope some of these characters gets better character development. I will not be reading the next one.
