Trust In Love

Love Mark #2

by Linda Kage

The kingdom of Far Shore still resents Donnelly, its neighboring land, for forming an alliance with those filthy High Clifters and then defeating them in war. Twice! They really must pay for such an insult. And what better way to prick their pride than to steal their lovely, revered princess, mutilate her a little, and then ransom her back to them for a hefty sum.

So, the king blackmails stable hand, Farrow, into accepting the mission of kidnapping Princess Nicolette and bringing her back to Far Shore to meet her gruesome fate.

With his sister’s life on the line, Farrow reluctantly accepts the quest and travels through desert and forest, only to find Nicolette eagerly awaiting his arrival with her bags already packed and good to go, spouting off insane nonsense about being his destiny and one true love.

What follows is a crazy, eclectic adventure that brings two lost souls together and helps them learn who they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do in this ever-changing journey called life.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

430 pages, ebook

First published May 4, 2020

About the author

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy.

Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.

She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Reviews

[~Calliope~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Trust In Love is a story that I have been on the long wait for, I can tell you this author isn't writing these books fast enough LOL But then I am so impatient and I will gobble anything up in the "epic fantasy" genre. Literally. There just aren't enough authors writing this genre and it has so much potential for them. Trust In Love is a great story and the second in the series. I will be honest in that I really struggled with this one, I think either I wasn't in the right mood or I just didn't feel connected to the story in the first half of the book but was enjoying their adventure ....although I think a lot of it had to do with the betrayal that I knew would happen and just wanted it done and over with. But I will say that there came a point in the story that I couldn't PUT IT DOWN and I was literally captivated by it even if my own reservations kept me from enjoying it at first (I HATE SECRETS haha)



Our story features two people that are love marked, that are fated lovers. Both are of royal blood. Nicolette has always known that she and Farrow were meant to be and she is waiting for him when he comes for her...but Farrow is not on a mission of devotion and love. Farrow hasn't had it easy like Nicolette. Farrow's mother was a prostitute of the king, and the king is a cruel man and has tortured and abused his son at every opportunity. But he wants to bring his enemy kingdom to their knees, so he puts the one person Farrow holds most dear, his own daughter into the dungeon and threatens to kill her if Farrow doesn't bring back Nicolette who will be in turn tortured and killed. But Farrow doesn't feel like he has much choice here. But what happens is along the way, Farrow falls in love with Nicolette but before he can, she finds out the truth ...and only their strong connection will save them from their enemies....



Trust In Love is such a unique story and I really fell in love with it so quickly. I was so drawn to its world, Linda Kage, has definitely created a fantasy desert world that you can be captivated by. You have some fun tropes that come into play but I really love seeing these two find their way together despite the opposition that they face but then Linda Kage is brilliant when it comes to forbidden love and she really works the story just right. I was SO not a fan of some things that happen in the end to be honest. Now the pair does have their HEA, I just didn't like the turnout of some other elements. I did find the story to have such adventure filled moments. I really enjoyed seeing this pair face their obstacles and rise above the challenges that they are met up with. With each book this author is getting me even more intrigued by the day of the setting and seeing her build this magic filled world.



Overall I found Trust In Love to be a in depth story of danger, intrigue, stimulating passion and love, a tale of magic and beating the odds and good conquering evil in the end....truly a magical story to dive into!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Trust in Love” is a delightful romance full of adventure, mayhem, and magic. Readers will enjoy the journey of two lovers learning to believe in their pre-ordained destiny as they overcome their own personal insecurities.

Read full review in the 2020 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Linda Kage]

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review, release day Blitz and giveaway can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*

It has been a while since I had enjoyed a good reading by Linda Kage! I loved how she dove back into this parallel world of magic, soul mates, and political intrigue. Nicolette and Farrow were two characters I really wanted to read about even after the first book and this sequel took me to a trip across the map with mysteries, misspelling scorpions, and cute moments.

There are prophecies to sort out too which also paved the road for the next sequel. And I am sure it will not disappoint especially after learning who Indy is and the mysterious Mater! If you want a light read with fantasy adventure and quite the swoon then I totally recommend it!

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though the book was obviously not YA, it defo felt YA. At the end when Urban walked up to Farrow it was like a man walking up to a dorky teen. Farrow and Nic can kill as many people as they want but they are still going to stay that childish immature couple. So obviously I preferred Urban and Vienne...the couple that acted older than 12. I will still be reading Indigo's book when it comes. Look forward to it too.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is a wonderful fairy tale of a story with a good mix of Fantasy and romance.
A really easy read with great characters and a flowing writing style.
Would certainly make a good holiday read and I was sorry to finish it so quickly.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review posted at Reader's Edyn on 05/09/20

Nicolette believes in love, but more than that, she trusts in it. Marked by the love tattoo in a fit of rebellion, she has seen the joy and happiness that comes from finding your one true love. Love that deep holds great power and maybe a bit of magic, but she never could have imagined she would find her mate in the face of an enemy. Captured by her family when their fight against her people failed, she set him free. It’s been five long years, but she trusts that she will see him again soon. When she realizes that Farrow is near once again, she finds him and sets out with him to return to his home. She believes he has come for her and isn’t aware of his evil intent. Through their journey, they overcome several obstacles, but each time she makes a slight knick in Farrow’s denial, he fights even harder to push against their connection. Nicolette would do anything for her true love and even if he is unwilling to believe in their love, she determines to trust in their love enough for both of them. But even that might not be enough.

Farrow has been brought up completely opposite from Nicolette. He’s only ever wanted to belong somewhere and be claimed by his father, despite the horrific monster that he is. So when he is forced to kidnap Nicolette under duress and the beauty literally walks right into his arms, he is convinced it is a trick. But as her claims of love and happily ever after continue relentlessly, he starts to wonder if what she is saying could be true. Except this is what he has wanted his whole life and the chance of this woman bringing it straight to him is unbelievable. Rather than capitulate, he rebels in an effort to protect himself. He’s also got to figure out how to keep Nicolette from his father's clutches and still be able to save his sister from harm. He knows he would have never been able to turn Nicolette in – he remembers their odd encounter when she saved his life five years ago – but he still would not have been able to go along with his father’s horrific plans to cripple their enemy through Nicolette. With the odds continually mounting against them and the corruption that runs so deep, there doesn’t seem to be a path of escape, the punches keep coming. But Farrow never allows himself to admit his love to Nicolette and certainly doesn’t realize how much stronger they could be united rather than separated. As the danger increases, it begins to look like Farrow has pushed Nicolette away for the last time and that her trust in their love has finally reached a breaking point. Because who could love someone like him after all he has done to break her trust – even if she has become his greatest desire.

I don’t even know where to begin with this book. In one way I am glad I did not read the first book because it’s dreadfully clear that much occurred. Nothing different here either. I’m not sure I would have kept everything straight. On the other hand, there were a few small spoilers and enough provided about the precious book to keep the reader from feeling completely lost. I was left sitting in the middle of wondering if I could handle another book with such complexity and near-desperation to catch myself up by jumping right into the precious book as soon as I finished the second. You guys – I didn’t sleep. Each time I told myself I would stop at the next chapter, something else happened and I found myself continually promising to go to bed after the next chapter. And I had to work the next day. At 5am. Ugh. I mean you have true love, magic, the possibility of other realms, actual people from those other realms, traitorous political agendas, scorpions that wouldn’t survive a spelling bee, a gun in a land where they simply do not exist, nearly everyone is a murderer in one way or another - it’s just a crazy mess of a plot. But damn if I wasn’t completely caught up in every moment of it.

One tool that definitely benefitted this book was the POV switches. Things were told from Nicolette’s view as well as Farrow’s. You know that Farrow never forgot her and is immediately drawn to her all over again and that Nicolette never had the option of forgetting him. While Farrow might continually disclaim Nic’s clues of their connection, we also see as he gradually makes that switch to acceptance and then selfishness to longing even as he continues to fervently deny reciprocated feelings of love. He may have been rejected by the King, but was also trained and educated well, so for him, it is his job alone to protect Nic. He got her in the situation, so he has to figure out a solution that will keep them all safe. But Nic is not one to stand idly by and when action is needed, she never once hesitates to do so. She also knows her own mind and her trust in her mark makes her a worthy adversary to Farrow’s repudiation. Having seen the connection between mates, she knows what they stand to lose if he doesn’t eventually come around to her. Before too long these two are set on a course neither of them could have predicted or expected. I hope to be able to check in with them later as the series progresses.

This book is a bit lengthy at around 450 pages, so be ready to settle in. That said, I wouldn’t say there was too much or too little. It ended in an appropriate place and even had an epilogue. When that was over and I was wondering about Indigo’s mark, there was a second epilogue generously included. Because yes, there is yet another character – Indigo, her bodyguard – and he has yet to meet his mate. I look forward to that little bit of drama meeting exposure. If I had any complaint, it would be that the language doesn’t always seem appropriate. One chapter might include a bunch of “aye” to the point I am starting to imagine a Scottish brogue and the next has exclamations such as “sweet!”. I felt like the language caused a bit of distortion simply because at times it didn’t make sense. Those are just a couple of examples of the oddity in language choice. Other than that, I found nothing to grumble about. There was another character introduced toward the end of the book named Mater (I think) and I wonder what his significance is. I feel like there is something more given his network of connections. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe not. I have labeled a book a wild ride before, but this one truly embodies that description. And did I mention the scorching passion? Good grief! The connection Farrow and Nicolette share is unreal. His denial is nearly the more unbelievable characteristic of this story even in the face of the fantasy element. I’m not generally a huge fan of fantasy romance, but I’ve been known to dabble. If Ms. Kage sucks readers into this type of vortex with each book, then she is definitely one to continue visiting. At this point, I plan to visit again and again.

Kindle version received by Xpresso Book Tours/NetGalley/Author in exchange for an honest review.

[Chrissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5*
I liked the overall story, but there were quite a few points I didn't like... (their first time having sex, the missing communication, the somehow feeling rushed end and till the end I skipped pages....)

[April · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a suspicion this one might be as fun as the first one but the narrator was unbearable…I couldn’t hear the actual story sadly…

[Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 -Destinadas -estrellas

*SPOILER ALERT*

El reino de Far Shore sigue odiando al reino de Donnelly por elegir a la gente de High Clift, y además por haberlos derrotado en la guerra ¡dos veces!. Así que cuando la oportunidad se presenta, el rey de Far Shore le exige a Farrow que secuestre a la princesa de Donnelly para que así pueda verngarse.

La princesa Nicolette nunca pensó que la marca de amor le traería tantos problemas, pero cuando el amor de su vida no ha regresado luego de cinco años, su espíritu normalmente alegre y romántica se está volviendo alguien que no reconoce, alguien que reciente a las personas a su alrededor que están felices con sus parejas destinadas, y odia cada segundo de ello.

Cuando Farrow aparece a la itad de la noche, sus sueños y esperanzas se elevan, queriendo creer que la marca por fin ha hecho su magia, lo sigue sin hacer demasiadas preguntas, lista para su final feliz.

Pero la marca de amor no funciona de esa manera, al final, el amor se construye, entonces, comenzar una relación con mentiras sólo dañará todo lo demás y Farrow ha estado mintiendo desde el principio, lo que significa que podría destruir los sueños y esperanzas de Nicolette.

He estado queriendo leer este libro desde que terminé el primero, sin embargo, cuando me di cuenta de que tendría que esperar un tiempo para el tercero y todavía más para el cuarto, pensé que lo mejor sería dejarlo para después. Y bueno, terminé esperando tal vez demasiado porque me costó un poco recordar todos los detalles del mundo creado por Linda Kage.

Un vez más, la autora maneja a la perfección la interacción entre todos los personajes, me encantó la relacion entre la familia de Nicolette y se sintió bien saber qué estaba pasando en sus vidas. Y mientras que el desarrollo del mundo no es el mejor, lo disfruté bastante.

Farrow en definitiva es un personaje diferente a los que he leído de la autora, tiene bastantes cosas sucediendo en su vida y auqneu entiendo por qué le miente a Nicolette, seguí gritándole en cada oportunidad que desperdiciaba para decirle la verdad.

Nicolette fue mi personaje favorito en definitiva. Amé leer su crecimiento, y que, mientras es cierto que sigue siendo una romántica apasionada, en definitiva se puede ver que los cinco años la han hecho madurar y es algo muy bueno.

Me gustó mucho la relación que ambos tienen, iniciando por confusión y culpa por parte de Farrow, pasando por la alegría y entusiasmo de Nicolette. Todo evoluciona y las cosas caen poco a poco en su lugar, algo que me gustó bastante, la progresión se siente correcta.

Algo que no fue correcto para mí fue que muriera la hermana de Farrow, todo el tiempo que Nicolette tarda en perdonarlo por completo mientras que comprensible, duele cuando tienes escenas como la de Farrow siguiéndola por todas partes mientras le jura estar a su lado ya que ella es todo lo que tiene. Eso dolió.

Terminé el libro feliz y con ganas de seguir con el siguiente.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
I did like the book and looking back there isn’t much I didn’t like that would merit a lower rating, certainly aspects were humorous such as the scorpions or the conversations between Indy and Nicolette, and I was glad to see more in this novel about the world development with Indy’s stories about the alternate dimension, however In a way I couldn’t connect with it. I don’t know if it was the characters (mainly Nicolette’s naivety) or the plot, Farrow’s motivation in the beginning to get Nicolette seems a little pointless as we know that he won’t let anything bad happen to her given its a true love novel. There was almost a lack of depth to this, for instance the threats seem to be resolved quickly, the scene with Sable and Farrow happened so quick it didn’t seem to impact me as much as it possibly may have done. I do applaud Linda Kage though for highlighting Farrow’s emotions his distrust and fear are key in the book and do provide this character most of all with depth.

As I say, I did enjoy this novel and I can’t quite place my finger on why I can’t rate it higher (I read it in a day after all!) but I don’t see anything that really shined in this to draw me back to reading it again, it was a light quick read and worth the money as it was cheap but not one that really connected with me.

[Ana C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le hubiera dado cuatro estrellas por que me gusto más que el primero, pero tuvo algunos puntos no favorables desde mi opinión.

Empezando por lo bueno me gusto mucho Farrow y su lealtad, el romance lento también me gusto o sea que Nicolette ya sabe que son echos el uno para el otro pero aun así lo seduce y hace que se enamore de ella de poco a poco. La trama se me hizo un poco meh pero funcionó.

Ahora con lo malo o lo que no me gustó.
1.El querer implementar o meter el mundo moderno, o sea por que no puede ser un mundo de fantasía X, no sabes donde está pero no está de ninguna manera ligado a la tierra que conocemos. No hay nada moderno ni nada que sea de la Tierra.
2.Como dije en el primer libro las menciones de abuso sexual, la trama está basada en el secuestro de Nic para llevarla ante un rey que planea como el lo dijo desde el trono "destrozarla" "quebrarla" "violarla" es asqueroso y el uso de esa amenaza aventada tan a la ligera me da escalofríos. Se entiende que es una guerra pero la facilidad con que está palabra es mencionada me hace sentir la piel de gallina.
3. La muerte del final y el viaje que dura un buen.

[Readernerd57_book_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best fantasy romance book I've read so far this year! I loved Nicolette in the first Love Mark book but you will absolutely adore her in this book. She is such a genuine person full of joy and love for others. She is no damsel she can definitely kick some ass! Farrow is completely human, a tortured soul looking for acceptance and love. I definitely shed more then a few tears when reading his story. The two of them are definitely a true love match, and have some serious heat between them. If you enjoy Syfy fantasy or romance novels this is definitely for you. Also if you enjoy any of Linda Kage's books you will love it, because as always, she never disappoints with her books. Definite HEA and lots of adventure.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely Entertaining Fantasy Adventure

How’s this for the start of a book to pull you right into the story?... the Hero is sent to kidnap the heroine because his father plans to beat & rape her to get revenge for the defeat he suffered from her brother. The only reason the Hero agrees to this terrible errand and kidnapping is because they have his sister chained in a dungeon until he returns with the girl.
To add the first twist, when our Hero arrives at the Princess’s castle, he finds that she has packed a bag and is waiting to go willingly with him because she thinks he is planning to elope with her...

This book was awesome and entertaining, lots of action adventure and romance. The perfect story to escape into during these crazy times.
-5 Stars-

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Kage has done once again she totally blew my mind with such a wonderful story with characters that made me want more . Trust in love is book two in the Love mark series and can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend that you read the first book first because of some minor spoilers that are mentioned . I loved Nicolette in One True Love I liked how she is still the same as she was in that book even though you could feel that pain that she's feels because of her love mark. It did take me some time to fall for the hero some of the things he does and says just frustrated me with how he handle certain things . Over all this was such a good read that I can't wait to read more of this series and more from the author .

[Sara Wenzel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. I truly enjoyed the first book of the series. It was quirky and intense and the narrator's were PERFECT and did their characters justice. This one. . . .not not much. The voice for the female part had almost zero inflection and didn't change tone or rate or anything to distinguish who was talking. And underneath all that, Nicolette was an absolute air-head and WAY too "beautiful, trusting girl looks for a big strong man to whisk her away" for me. Annndddddd on top of all that the evil characters were discussing the rape and torture they would.inflict on Nicolette once they kidnapped her and it was just. . . Uncouth and gross. Not to mention triggering for people with histories of abuse. . . Just very disappointed and sad this is not worth my time to finish.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I did not expect to love this book that much. Sure, I liked Urban and Vienne, but then Linda wrote with book full with more silly jokes, amazing relationships, two freaking adorable main characters and even more fantasy with some reality!

I think it was so perfect I kind of think it wasn’t real.

Sure, I hate secrets –I really do–, but then Farrow is like this character I want to protect forever I couldn’t get mad and I definitely couldn’t get enough of!!

I'm so ready to hear about Indy' story!!!!

[♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the only reason why this is marked fantasy is because there is a bit of magic involved. Again it follows the insta-love/insta-lust trope just as the first one, but that is what the series revolves around.

I just love Farrow's pov. The longing/possessive/jealousy trope for romance men is my guilty pleasure. What can I say. I love the men that only have eyes for their woman and aren't afraid to show it.

[AnnieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book much better than the first in the series. In this book, there was more adventure as Nicolette runs away with the one her mark had indicated at the end of the first book. They have adventures, they experience magic many times over, and you see their connection grow as they struggle to understand one another. I love the added idea of replacements. And the gypsy magician character was an interesting edition. I am intrigued by her and want to know more about her.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.

Nicolette was such a great character and I loved her. I loved her energy and her determination on convincing Farrow of her affections. The book was sweet, a lot of fun and sometimes emotional.

I enjoyed the journey Nicolette and Farrow take together.

Looking forward to Indy's story.

[tomshoney1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Linda, please, please, please don't take another 2 years before Indigo's book comes out! I looked, there's not even a book binder that i can shelf on GD in my "books I'm anxiously waiting for"! You're on to something with this fantasy genre, LK! Great job on Nicolette and Farrow's story. 5+++ stars! *****

[Amandine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5

J'ai adoré Nic et Farrow ! ❤

L'idée que certains terriens voyagent parfois dans ce monde fantastique me plait beaucoup ! ☺ J'espère qu'un tome y sera consacré...

Cependant, je n'ai pas du tout adhéré à leur première fois 🤦‍♀️ Utiliser un aphrodisiaque pour forcer Farrow... même si cela ne vient pas de Nic elle-même... j'étais trop mal à l'aise ! 🙈

Coup de ❤ pour les scorpions !

[Stephie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story a bit of a struggle to read. Nic sounded so naive and childish, and Farrow wasn't starting off on a good foot either. I know circumstances put them in that predicament, but it still made it uncomfortable knowing that one is going in with her heart on her sleeve, and the other with deceit and intent, but for reasons forced upon him.
The first book is still my favourite.

[Whitney Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Kage delivered a spectacular story with trust in love. Its only my second fantasy type novel I've ever read (Kages one true love was the first). The development of the characters and the twist and turns of the story meant it was hard to put down.

[Shahla's World · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was sweet, a lot of fun and sometimes emotional.

I enjoyed the journey Nicolette and Farrow take together

[Jen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Loving These

Ms. Kage has me absolutely enthralled with these stories. Trust in Love is well worth the read. I cannot wait to start book 3.

[Josefin Shi Arosenius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book and a liked the book but the female who narrated the book was not good at all. It ruined the book a bit.

[LaylaTaylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, 2.5 starts.

This book just disappointed.

Let me start off by saying I love Linda Kage books. I breathe them in. They are my oxegen when I need a reread. I love the banter between her characters in the FM series. It gives me life. I love that she gives us a peek into the lives of characters that we loved in previous books. And the beginning of this book had that. And then... poof... just Fallon and Nicolette and their company.

The book starts off so strong with Fallon. Let me start out by saying I loved Fallon in the earlier parts of the book but by the end he lack all personality. I mean how? He was such a strong character and that was just taken from him instead of him becoming stronger.

I HATED the ending. I mean I'm all for women in power but Nicolette becoming queen was not something we needed. Fallon deserved that throne. He would have thrived. But nope, prince consort he becomes. I wont stress enough that Fallon deserved that throne. And what did Nicolette actually do? Not much of anything important that comes to mind(I mean I did read this book months ago and I still remember all that Fallon did). Halfway through the book I knew his sister was going to die, and I thought 'yeah, that'll be his tipping point and then he'll rebel against his father and take the throne,' but nope, his sister dies and so does all personality that makes Fallon Fallon. He might not have wanted the throne, yes, but those who do not want power handle it the best. And I mean Nicolette would still be queen. Fallon would still have allowed her to reign with him, that's just the kind of guy he was. And we loved him for that. But nope. Just give Fallon the back end of the horse.

I read this book a while back, just after its release and debated the whole book with a friend when we finished. She had the exact same thoughts. Nicolette stole Fallon thunder. I still think back to what a complete disservice was done to Fallon and what a disappointment this book was after looking forward to it for years.

The third book in the series is due in a couple of days and I'm debating picking it up. I just cant handle this disservice being done to our male leads.

A female will look strong around weak men. But a strong female will truly stand out around strong men.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVE this book and this series! I did not want it to end!!!