Namoriee knew the only way to protect herself against the blond-haired gentle giant was to stay away. The way her heart pounded and her insides fluttered when he was near could only lead to disaster.

Two years ago he made a promise to her that she never thought he intended to keep.

She was wrong.

SHE was the handmaiden ...

Tyronian wanted Namoriee even when he knew he couldn't have her. The need to possess her was so deep, it took every ounce of mental and physical strength he had to keep the promise he made to her that stormy night.

He promised he would wait until she was older.

He promised her two years.

But now ... time's up.

Namoriee wants nothing to do with him but he has no plans on stopping until she's in his bed, and he's in her heart.

She will be his. Forever.

Whether she likes it or not.

BOOK REVIEW

Take one brutal warrior who is totally devoted to one shy insecure girl, add years of him waiting to claim her and you know that when he finally does, it will be one fierce claiming.

From the moment Tyronian sees Namoriee, she claims his heart and he knows that one day she will become his in every sense of the word.
Namoriee on the other hand doesn't believe she is good enough for Tyronian and fights the attraction she feel for him. While Tyronian waits for Namoriee to mature, he watches over her possessively.

Of course when they are finally wed, Namoriee is still not ready but Tyronian will have her whether she wants him or not.

There were moments in this book when I was shaking my head, thinking 'he didn't just do that' especially the scene after Namoriee gets sexually assaulted and Tyronian's response the next morning when he sees her bartered body is to feel her up like a Neanderthal.
But I had to remind myself that this is a dark romance and as such his behaviour can be 'looked over' within that parameter. Plus the story is set in the dark ages, so brutish warriors are the order of the day.

There were moments when Tyronian displayed tenderness towards Namoriee which balanced out some of his brutishness. And his total devotion to her was as sweet as it was sexy, albeit obsessive.

The story arc is developed with other characters featuring strongly. The pacing is well done and it is easy to immerse yourself in the settings.

Overall, a great read. If you're looking for cultured gentlemen, you won't find them here. But be prepared to be ravished by savage men who take no prisoners in love or war.