Series: Scots & Swords, #2
Traits & Tropes: instalove; damaged hero; separation
Genre/Setting: Historical; Medieval; Scotland, 1486
Publication Date: 01.26.21
Heat Level: 3/5
Rating: 4/5
Since a grave error in judgment led to the deaths of many of his men in battle, Bane Morgan has run from his old life. Hiding in Edinburgh, Bane grows more and more depressed and despondent, longing for his home in the Highlands but afraid and ashamed to return.
Lucia Symington lives a life of drudgery working off her father’s debt to a mistress with no morals. It is a hostile environment fueled by jealousy and where another servant nurses a special hatred for her, leaving Lucia’s outlook bleaker by the day. When Lucia runs into Bane on a grimy Edinburgh street, they both begin to entertain dreams of a brighter future together. Needing money to pay off Lucia’s debt and longing to rediscover the warrior he once was, Bane seeks out the Ludus Caledonia. Bane begins to return to who he was before, but with so many obstacles to overcome, his quest to free Lucia may cost him even more than he already lost.
This was such a unique premise and a very different romance. It was definitely instalove for Bane and Lucia but given how much they both needed positive human contact and affection, it made sense for their story. I loved Bane as a hero and his battle with depression, his entire background and storyline in fact, was heart-wrenching but definitely something that I think needs to be explored more in romance and was handled well here. I adored Bane’s unwavering loyalty to Lucia as well. The most frustrating aspect of this book for me was the tight situation in which Bane and Lucia found themselves and my annoyance with Lucia for putting honor above her own safety. Nonetheless, these trials made their relationship stronger and had me cheering for Bane and Lucia. I was satisfied by the ending overall and loved getting to see Lor and Isabail again. I’m now looking forward to Magnus’ book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3008728369
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3399300994
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