The Duke and The Baron : Absolute Surrender

Lords of Time #2

by Jenn LeBlanc

My name is Amelia and I’m in love with two men. The first is my best friend, has been forever, as unconventional as that may be. The second is the man I’m contracted to marry, have been forever, or so it seems. The problem is I can’t live without Ender. He grounds me, understands me, he helps me when nobody else can. But Charles—Jacks… he has no intention of sharing me with another, friendship or otherwise. And Charles… he makes my head spin. I can’t seem to control myself around him and since I have such a hard time staying grounded to begin with… Well… that’s my dilemma. ... Amelia is to be my wife. I don't like that there's a discussion about this, but here we are. I also don't like that the discussion includes another man and yet... here we are. I want her. I've always wanted her. She will be my wife, no matter what I have to do... or who I have to deal with. I will deal with it. ... Jacks doesn't understand her, he doesn't, He doesn't know why she acts the way she does or how to help her when she falls into a place that seems so terrifying from the outside that I can't imagine what it's like for her on the inside. I love Amelia. I always have, and I always thought we would end up together, I thought— wrongly, apparently—that Jacks would give up. But he didn't. He's here in London to claim his rights under the years-old contract their father's bartered for her hand. And it doesn't look like he'll relent. So I'll have to walk away and lose her forever, unless we can find another way, the three of us, to make this work.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Menage, Erotica, Fiction, Historical Fiction

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2014

About the author

Jenn LeBlanc is a Colorado girl living in a Hollywood world. She writes “wildly original” illustrated Victorian erotic romance.
She wrote, photographed, and published the first ever Illustrated Romance and is Queen Of StudioSmexy.
She loves getting new research books and chatting with readers.
The Rake and The Recluse is the first book in the illustrated Lords of Time erotic romance series.



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Reviews

[Mary - Buried Under Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Jenn LeBlanc, and I was taken as much by the interesting characterizations as the beautifully illustrated images. This is a longer historical romance than most, and with good reason.

Lady Amelia is very unconventional, not in the sense of reckless behavior per se, but in that she has a certain problem (the nature of which soon becomes apparent) which forms the basis of her relationship with Hugh (Baron Endsleigh) and Charles. One is her light, and one is her darkness, yet they are both needed to Amelia as plants do water. So, what you have is a rather unique relationship amongst the trio in what is not normally accepted in Regency times, and dare I say it, modern times.

This is not a spoiler, but it is rather apparent judging from the cover itself. How the characters deal with the dynamics of their shifting relationship is the essence that flows through this story, prompting Amelia to sacrifice one for her future happiness. Yet, what is to say that Hugh and Charles won't sacrifice themselves for her, or that ultimately, they realize there is no need for sacrifice?

I'll leave you to find out how this interesting story ends. And bear in mind, it is an erotica, though it has good depths as well.

Mini Review.

[Yeri (wildflowerreader) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I downloaded this book because it was free & hey, who doesn't like a freebie? but to get to the point,
Amelia is a young woman with an unexplained mental illness & she "loves" two men from different standings in society (hence the title), one of the men, Charles, is her intended, a duke, she's been promised to him since they were children, the other, Hugh, a baron, is her "friend" who "helps" her with her (unexplained) affliction.
Whatever mental illness this woman suffers from is never truly explained, & the men who seem to be "in love" with her think the best solution for this unnamed illness is... SEX, a threesome to be exact.

This wasn't a historical romance it was more of a poorly done erotica. The story and plot fall short, and like many other reviewers I found myself bored and skipping pages (which I rarely ever do) just so I can reach the end of this book. If you are into bizarre "romances" and weird love triangles, this is the book for you.

[Jess Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God this book! It's amazing. I loved pretty much every moment of it. Amelia's "issues" feel very real and the love both men have for her and ultimately for each other is super powerful. LOVED LOVED LOVED

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical romance with several twists. First this is an “Illustrated Romance” meaning there are pictures. I can’t remember the last time I read anything with pictures. These pictures were tastefully done and spot on the characters. I liked it in this instance probably because the author took the photos and knew what her characters would look like and do. Second this historical is light ménage. Accidental touching between the men but that is all. Mostly it is about the love of a woman. Amelia has issues. In today’s culture we would probably say she has panic attacks or something but in her period she was one step out of the looney bin. Between the two men vying for her love she is whole but take one out of the equation and she is shaky. Normal isn’t always the answer. This was an intriguing tale that I heartily recommend.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting two freaking years for this book and when I finally got my hands on it, I did several arm flails, Tom Cruise-style jumping up and down on a couch, maybe some short bursts of screaming, and a couple OMGOMGOMG,.

I absolutely loved the angle relationship (no triangle here, I'll let you figure that out) between Amelia, Hugh and Charles. And the ending? I totally didn't see that one coming.

If you're looking for a book that will make you think, make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you giggly in your silly bits, pick up a copy of Absolute Surrender today.

There is a scene with a character in the previous book (The Rake and the Recluse) but you don't have to read the previous book to figure out what's going on. This book can be read as a total stand alone. It's always nice to see a familiar face from a different book.


A note: There are illustrations in this book—hence the Illustrated Romance part—and it is tastefully done. Implied nudity but no giggly bits shown.


*a review copy was provided by the author but I will be buying my very own copy when the book releases*

[Msshel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest review.

Beautiful Illustrations

Things are not always what they seem to be. It sometimes takes a little darkness to find the light at the end of the journey.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An illustrated romance? What? A historical ménage? What had a chosen to read? What I found was one of the best written tales of love, need and desire I’ve ever read!
Amelia, Hugh and Charles have known each other since childhood, but it is Hugh that knows Amelia. The boy who has become a man that knows her secrets, her “Twitchy Episodes” and can help her through those dark moments where she loses herself within her mind.
However, Charles is a Duke and the man she is to marry even is Hugh has been her love, an essential part of her life for as long as she can remember. Hugh has always loves and protected Amelia, his desire for her and her happiness is so strong he’s willing to try to teach Charles how to handle her “episodes” so that he may walk away. But can he?
Amelia loves and treasures Hugh, for Charles there’s an undeniable almost animalistic attraction that she can’t control. Amelia needs Hugh, he is her rock, her support. Without him she is lost when she is with Charles.
“Charles’s liquid brown eyes, Hugh’s bright as the sea. Charles’s deep, thick hair, and Hugh’s longer sun-kissed blonde. It was nearly humorous. The differences between the two.”
Charles, a distinguished man, with duties to the crown; a man who is used to getting everything he wants on command. Can he allow himself to feel, to love enough to understand Amelia needs them both?
“Love requires bravery, my friend.”
“I’ve waited the whole of my life to feel this and not be terrified. The absolute surrender.”
Absolute Surrender—an amazing, timeless tale of love and honor. Can two men trust each other to love, to share the same woman? Can they protect her and themselves from a disapproving society that could never understand the depths of their feelings and relationship?
“I do believe I’m quite desperately in love with you…”
That quote is the best description I could ever give for this story, but then it is even better. Perfectly placed within the words of the story are beautiful portraits. Photos, that don’t distract, but add even more beauty and sensuality to exquisite tale.
This is more than I love it, read it book. This is a must have, must tell everyone and read over and over keeper!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Jenn’s work. Her The Rake and the Recluse is one of my favorite historical romances, and I was so excited to get an ARC of Absolute Surrender. The story revolves around three childhood friends—Amelia, Charles, and Hugh—who’ve come of age and are ready to do their duty to the Crown. Charles, the Duke of Castleberry, is hoping to wed Amelia, but there’s an issue.

Amelia has an undisclosed mental illness, possibly an extreme anxiety disorder, and only Hugh can stave off her episodes. And so begins one of the most interesting triangles I’ve read about in a while.

Absolute Surrender doesn’t boast a true love triangle, because the men involved aren’t fighting over Amelia’s heart; they both have a piece of it. They’re working to secure her future, hoping to keep Amelia out of Bedlam and also focusing on providing a way to care for Amelia’s mother.

What I loved most about this book is the fact that both Hugh and Charles want Amelia’s happiness above all else, leaving them to make often uncomfortable sacrifices to obtain this goal. Jenn has written a deep, complex love story that differs so much from the norm, and it fits the characters perfectly. And she’s included photographs, so there’s that bit of awesome for you as well.

Fans of historical romance should definitely invest in a copy of Absolute Surrender.

[at Romance Authors at Large Hot Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fresh take on erotic historical romance, your search ends here.

Let me start by saying that even if you don’t dig graphic, Ms. LeBlanc does an incredible job of capturing the troubled and misunderstood mind of Amelia. You must give this book a chance, if not for our heroine, for Hugh…my heart goes out to the lad. The poor man doesn’t compare to Charles, but boy does he understand our Amelia so much better. His touch, whisper, and…well…you get the point.
What begins as the classic friends to lover’s trope, Absolute Surrender adds a dash of mental instability, the clash of the titles (The Baron v.s. The Duke), and one seriously complicated threesome. There were scenes that were definitely “lick” worthy, and I’ll be surprised if those scenes don’t play in my head over and over-all week long.

The one thing that resonated with me the most is Amelia’s condition. I am thrilled to see a book that doesn’t shy away from demonstrating not only the inner turmoil of a troubled mind, but how do the characters witnessing this sort of behavior respond to the incidences that occur. They were there for her—for the most part—at least, until Hugh decided to be an idiot. However, the lad certainly redeemed himself in the end.

Overall, this book was a great read. I’d definitely read another Illustrated Romance, and I’d certainly recommend this title.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book since I read the first book, The Rake and the Recluse, and I fell in love with both Ms. LeBlanc’s writing skills and her beautiful illustrations. I absolutely adore the illustrated romance, because it’s clear that a lot of care, talent and artistry goes into both the pictures and the story.

This is a great book, it made me smile, sigh, and even turned me on at times. So I can definitely say that I was fully engaged with the book, even to the state of being a bit ornery when I was interrupted as I read.

Amelia, Hugh and Charles are all beautifully three dimensional, and are easily characters I can love. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them, it’s like together they form a perfect trio. I really felt like these two men together completed and grounded Amelia like no others could.

I highly recommend this story for the beautiful and tastefully done pictures that enhance a well written and wonderfully executed love story, which has its own flair and uniqueness.


I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review. I also purchased my own copy!

[Cheesecake]

DNF
Just couldn't get into the writing style. I thought it was excessively convoluted and hard to follow. Who was speaking when, who was thinking when. Is it a thought or did the person speak out loud? Four sentences to express what could easily have been said in one...
It was a chore. Like the author was trying to be impressive with her prose at the expense of the story.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/10 of a star. This has got to have the worst heroine in history. I felt 0 pity for her. I skimmed the last 1/4 of the book. Let me first say I give it a low rating not because of the sex, in fact I was excited at first and hoping it would be sizzling. Ha!

I would not even call this erotica since there is nothing sexually enjoyable to me about two idiots who are obsessed with a mentally ill woman who doesn't deserve either of them.


A quick synopsis:

Woman has debilitating mental illness. Her two childhood friends both love her and want her. God knows why because she is nothing more than a walking mental illness.. not even human in my opinion, in fact I am insulted that the author portrays mentally ill people so shallowly. Hugh calms her and Charles incites her passion. She cannot function without either of them supposedly. The entire book is squabbling about who loves who who she should marry why she can't marry this one, who she really loves, or she loves them both.. blah blah blah.. all in all the two men come together to do everything in their power to make Amelia happy regardless to the their feelings and their position in the Ton and potential ruin of any of the three.

Ok so let me start by listing the things that truly make this the worst book I have ever read in my life:

1. The h has a mental illness.. it was never clear what it was. At first I thought it was turret's, but then maybe it was not. It was loosly explained that her mind just never stops rambling. She apparently goes into an "episode" from time to time and only Hugh can soothe her. All in all the woman can barely function.

2. The h has 0 personality. Her entire character is only of her disorder. She is weak, selfish, needy, caring for no one except herself. She doesn't care which if the two men is emotionally hurt or socially devastated, as long as she can have them both. I cannot understand why either of these men love her.. she has no likable qualities. I feel no pity, nothing for her. Her character is flat and 1 dimensional.

3. The story is painfully filled with useless repetittive babble. It could have been 1/2 the length.

++Spoilers+++

In case you are considering this book here is some information which may or may not deter you:

1. Yes there is a menage.. and it is pitiful at best.
2. The homosexuality issue seems to either have been revised or softened because I don't see what other reviewers were complaining about.
3. Louisa is a lesbian - although I skimmed much of the book, I didn't see much in the way of it being sexualy described, this doesn't bother me, in fact I wish there was more of Louisa in the book then there was.
4. If you are looking for Amelia (I hate this name, too overused in HR) to make a decision between Charles and Hugh.. She doesn't. She marries Charles - IMHO a mistake, and Hugh marries someone else (Hugh should have been the one to marry Amelia, or she should have chose him IMHO) and they all live together in one place.

Happily ever after.. yeah right. I'm not one for historical accuracy, but this is the most ridiculous resolution I have ever seen.

I will not likely read anything from this author again. I will however make sure I carefully read reviews more carefully in the future.

[Jane Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book, though it wasn't perfect. Most notably, it's a true MFM (a subgenre I generally avoid), which means in this novel the men aren't sexually attracted to each other and have only minor physical contact. What this author did very well was to explore the relationship between the two Heroes, not just each one's relationship with Amelia. The begin as rivals, even enemies; become reluctant allies; and finally grow close:

Charles felt an incomparable care for this man, something he'd never felt for another man -- another person, even. It was different from his care for Amelia, but that of a brother, perhaps, or stronger even, as the regard wasn't a requirement of blood. Charles wanted to ensure his future with them, that Hugh and Amelia would be safe to be friends...or more, as it seemed to him they were definitely more than friends now.

A few things kept it from being a five-star read:

1. Amelia's condition is never really explained. Now, it was never diagnosed and understandably they did not use the same words for mental illnesses as we do today. But presumably the author had something specific in mind which she never lets the readers in on. And, to start out a book from the POV of a character whose sense of reality is altered is a bit confusing.

2. This is Book 2 in the Lords of Time series, but there is absolutely no time travel in the story. Just a minor character who, it is hinted, seems out-of-place.

3. The ending, when the trio finds a solution to their societal problems, seems rushed and mostly summarized. There is an important conversation or set of conversations which occur off-page which, to me, would be one of the most interesting parts of the book. Perhaps they will be included in Louisa, the 8th book in the series due out later this year.

Overall, a really nice Victorian menage romance.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute Surrender is the newest release of author Jenn LeBlanc. Her previous book the The Rake and Recluse was a illustrated romance as is this new book. In other words there are pictures to go with the story. I don't know about anyone else but the pictures add more depth to the book by helping to create a visual of the story as we go along. Ms. LeBlanc takes us into a historical romance but with a twist. Well more than one twist actually. First this is an erotic historical romance with 3 people involved. The heroine who has a disability of sorts that her best friend from childhood can only help her manage. Then there is the tag along friend from childhood who is grown up and now wants to marry the heroine. So we have Amelia, the heroine and Ender her best friend and Charles the man she is supposed to marry. Problem is they both want her and she wants them both. Not acceptable in society at the time. Ender is not allowed to marry Amelia but as he is the only one who can help her with her issues he promises Charles to help him with her. The goal at first is to teach Charles to help Amelia the way Ender does but it doesn't go according to plan. Amelia might the obvious person you see with problems to deal with but you find the Charles and Ender both have their own glaring problems and insecurities. It's heartbreaking to watch it unfold with the right amount of humor to offset the serious parts. The characters are well written and fleshed out and you can almost feel like you are there. The sex scenes are to die for good and so HOT! If you add in the photos as you are reading it brings everything together for a interesting reading experience.

[Teressa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am going to have to be honest about this book and why I rated it so low.First of all,I do not feel that the description of the book tells you enough to determine if you really want to read it.The description does not tell you that most of the entire book is very sexually expletive and I including homosexual acts as well.That would be fine for those interested in reading that,but I am a much lighter romance reader.This book was basically quite pornographic,again if a person wants to read that,it would be a good book for them,but there was no warning about all of that and I would recommend more warning given in the description.
Also even though,I know that it was set in a much older time frame,it made out about a woman,who even though because of an issue of maybe panic attacks,or elipesy or something of that nature was a very weak woman who could not have a normal marriage with one man and had to have two men to take care of her in all ways,including sexually?
I honestly just felt that this book needed to be advertised as a very sexual at times pornographic or highly of a very sexual story for those who are into that nature of book.
I hope not to upset anyone with this review,but I just wanted to be truthful.

[Jujubee · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times the heroine Amelia's overwhelming inner dialog moved the story along with just the right amount of tension. Sometimes.
I usually don't care to be too much in a character's head, because when overdone it takes too much away from the storyline...often not moving a story forward. At all.
The repetitiveness can simply be boring.
For this story is was needed as the heroine had "issues" deemed by her family as inappropriate and embarrassing. So she was in her head, a lot. For most of the book I got that. The author really did a good job of reasoning out all the issues three people drawn together in their repressed time with care and insight.
Toward the end of the story arc, well that same inner dialog did become tedious because I felt that their relationship had grown.
It seemed like too much over analyzing and word fill.
I didn't get the whole conversation btwn Hugh and Perry, either.
But that's on me. By the way, as for our two heroes Charles and Hugh? Almost too good to be true...which is why I read romances!
Did the photos help move the story along? For me, meh...they are a handsome lot and that was nice...but no real passion in those pics lots of tense hands and muscles didn't scream "take me!" LOL

[Vickie Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story given the wide variety of reviews. It's a unique storyline. That's for darn sure. I found myself turning the pages and really wanting to know what happened next.

This story is, without a doubt, an erotic romance with a ménage, and a quite plausible one. These three characters really worked well together and I loved all of them for different reasons. However, the illness that the heroine suffers is exhausting, and I felt it myself when reading the passages from her perspective. Unfortunately that slows the pace of the story a bit. How the two men interacted and worked together was really my favorite part of this book. Hugh and Charles were fantastic.

I thought the author showed a believable range of emotions in these characters given the circumstances and the story progressed at a realistic pace.

That being said, I have to agree with some other reviewers that there were some parts (no a ton) where the blow by blow of what was happening (mundane daily tasks) was annoying.

Overall, though, I truly enjoyed the journey with Hugh, Charles and Amelia and I found the conclusion to be highly satisfying.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Romance, as it is, is a give or take for me. I don't have to read it, but when I do I am almost always blown away by what the author has done with the story. I have drowned in her words and will have a hard time coming up from underneath them to read another story directly after. But that's me. And the author has fulfilled my want in a historical.

Jenn LeBlanc draws us so far into our leading lady, Amelia, that at times we will feel her darkness creeping around the edges of our mind. We feel her absolute confusion in the feelings she has for both of her childhood friends. Her absolute resolution to be married and move forward in her life. Her absolute fright at having her "illness" found out by the ton, and her soon-to-be husband. What she doesn't understand is that she will have to absolutely surrender to everything she's ever wanted in life.

[Kayse Fabans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. It was not your normal historical romance or your normal romance at all for that matter. These were real people who weren't "perfect" trying to make it work in a world where you were expected to be "perfect" and I loved that. This book was a true menage in a way that very few authors can write. It was realistic in that not everyone felt sexual attraction to everyone else, specifically the two men felt attraction to the woman but not each other, but everyone had a love for each other. This to me is much more realistic than most that I have read. I loved the fact that they, Hugh and Charles, Loved Amelia despite her imperfections and worked together to help her. The struggle and love in this story was so real you could almost feel it. I loved this book I don't even know how to explain how much I did.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all.

Wow, where to begin..this was an amazing story to read. The dynamics between the characters were awesome. The connection that was formed between them as children gave their adult life substance. Amelia had her episodes and Hugh learned how to take care of them and her. Charles loved her from the moment he met her, although at a young age he didn't know that's what he felt, he only knew he needed to be around her. Menage is such an inadequate word to describe what their relationship becomes. This was truly a heart touching love story that involved honesty, trust and complete surrender. I laughed, sighed and even shed a few tears as they all come to terms with what they needed to be complete and how best to love Amelia. I ENJOYED the little twist at the end...didn't see it coming.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will not write much in this review because I don't want to give anything away. I want to say that a few reviewers have called this a book a three-some and I completely disagree. This book is about three individuals finding love and doing what is best for each other. This book is out of the box and refreshing. What I really enjoyed about reading Absolute Surrender is the characters are characters that we have never seen before, in other historical romances. Ms. LeBlanc really opens your eyes to characteristics that were certainly not discussed in that time period and frankly still not talked about enough in todays world. She brings a unique voice to her characters and story.

Let's not forget the photos are beautiful and help tell the story.

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Our heroine may win the award for weakest heroine ever. I don't think I ever fully understood what in the world was wrong with her, except for the fact she's a total nut case. This is not really a ménage story - it's only ménage because she literally can't function without one of the characters there. Her "episodes" got really old and it seemed everything set her off. Our heroes were such great characters, I really wish the heroine had been stronger and given them a true run for the money.

One other thing - other reviews are mentioning this is an illustrated romance with pictures, but my Kindle version had no pictures, so I'm not sure if I missed something or what?

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really found myself completely sucked into this novel, and that is a rarity for me. Having Aspergers myself and three littles with ASD, it fascinated me to see a character with it, and have the author spend so much energy convincing the reader that she is beloved, captivating, and sensual. This is a vastly different than the misunderstood, barely tolerated, and outcast loneliness that many of us often truly feel.

My only complaint is the strange and irritating over use of the phrase sotto voce...oy.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I really liked all of the characters. I loved how the author made it very believable that this would be how things of this nature would have been dealt with in historical times. I felt that there were times that the book drug on, mostly in the beginning. other then that I loved it and will be reading more from this author. I must add that this book also has pictures through out the book and it was just so interesting to have that as part of the story.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

This story stems from three childhood friends, Amelia, Charles, and Hugh. Then they come of age and are ready to do their duty to the crown. The Duke of Casselberry,Charles, is ready to ask Amelia to wed but there is a problem.
Amelia has some sort of mental disorder,or episodes. This begins a love triangle. These two men try to fix her no matter what it takes. It is hard on all of them actually. It is something unacceptable back in that time and our time.

[Cathy Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTE SURRENDER has been one of the most intriguing books I've read this year. Jenn LeBlanc is a real find. This is her first book and it is an engrossing, intriguing read. For those who groan on about how all historical romances are alike, wake up! There are all sorts of off the beaten path stories about the mysteries of love and ABSOLUTE SURRENDER is one of them.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I was really concerned about Amelia and whether she could cope with these two men and if they could come up with a solution. I was riveted and just hated to put this book down. I needed to see what happened and I wasn't disappointed. This book does get steamy in places but it also has heart and some places where I laughed too.

[Holly Bargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual and very good

This isn't the usual menage a trois romance of all hot and heavy lust. This story is brought with deep emotion, uncertainty, and exploration of love beyond romance. Aside from a few anachronisms (e.g., the bale of hay and use of the word "okay") this is a wonderfully written story.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Instead of mystery and intrigue it is kind of confusing. Very confusing actually. The h has some problem. The problem is never fully described, explained or maid clear the what actual diagnosis is. The problem is greater than passion or attraction. So why would anyone especially a duke want a woman like her.
It really makes no sense. Giving it two stars is being kind.

[Linnea Bassin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story

This was the first book from this author that I have read. It is well written, in does drag a bit in a few places, but I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.