Defender of Hearts

Kingdom of Walls #2

by Tanya Bird

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B091NG9VH3

Half merchant. Half noble. Wholly aggrieved.

Lyndal Suttone is done watching the merchants suffer. So when an opportunity to help them presents itself, she grabs hold of it with both hands. Now she must leave her family behind and step into a world she has no idea how to navigate. With her eyes fixed firmly on the prize, she is going to need someone to watch her back.

Astin Fletcher has resigned himself to a life he was never supposed to live. His only purpose is to keep the king alive, a job that is becoming increasingly hard. The merchants are rising, and so is Astin’s pulse whenever Lyndal walks in the room. The middle Suttone sister has entered his territory, turning his purpose on its head. She has no idea what she is stepping into, and now it falls on him to safeguard her.

This is book two in the medieval dystopian series Kingdom of Walls. If you love angst, action, and sharp dialogue, then this high-emotion romance is for you.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Dystopia, Romance, Historical Romance, Audiobook, Medieval Romance

348 pages, ebook

First published August 9, 2021

About the author

Tanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.

You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.

Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com

Reviews

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I see you, defender. Do you see me?’
‘I can’t see anything but you.’

Another superb addition to the series. I don't know how Ms Bird did it but she created such an amazing world and spectacular characters. I don't even care for the fade to black scenes. It didn't bother me at all.

Oh and the apt amount of angst thrown into this.

Perfection.

[Macie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I'm giving the same rating to both this second book and the first one in the series, but the cons are different in each of the stories. In this one, we learn more about the time period and location that we are in (before I didn't have a clue). Lyndal is a truly admirable character, wanting to help everyone who is in need. She even goes against what she wants to help her people. What impressed me less was Astin. I'm not sure that I remember a single thing about him besides that he was a farmer before becoming a defender. Their romance seemed to come together near the end and it would have been nice to see more of why they had feelings for each other.

[Anila · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this series continues to be so addicting, I think I preferred the first book. The plot in this one was just a little annoying and I didn’t really feel the romance between Astin and Lyndal. There was a lot of bickering and fighting between the two. At the beginning, I get it was because they had a love-hate relationship going on, but even after they got together, they were always arguing. I understand it was because of the situation they were in with the king, but it ruined the romance a bit for me. I also missed seeing the sisters. They were still in the book, but not as much compared to the previous book. They were instead replaced with the king who I detest and honestly wished we got less of him. The queen was a nice addition, but it didn’t make up for a lot of the frustration I felt reading this book.

[Stephanie Arenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Do you see me, defender?" "I see you."

Lyndal and Astin's story was definitely worth the wait. I got so riled up throughout several parts of the story but the interactions between Astin and Lyndal were so wonderful to read, to witness even. There was humor, there was love, passion, longing, sadness and anger. It was very dark at times but the hope you feel for them really moves you. Tanya Bird does no wrong! She had me yelling, crying, laughing, just all the feels! Read this story, get lost in it then SEE!

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful continuation of this series! Astin and Lyndal are just amazing together. Tanya Bird has become an expert on breaking my heart and putting it back together again. There were definitely a few scenes in this book that had me bawling my eyes out. The thing I love most about these books is Tanya knows how to create a couple of surprises in each one. They aren't so predictable. I find myself saying: WHOA! What just happened?? I was so happy to get a little more of Blake, Harlan and Garlic too. Queen Fayre was in this one a lot as well which I was so happy about because even though she had a very small part in the first one I knew I would like her! Borin is just a despicable baddie, he couldn't have been written any better! I thoroughly hated him and Cooper. I really love how not only do we get amazing character development in this series but we are also seeing Chadora grow and develop into something better. I SO look forward to the next book!

Thank you so much Tanya Bird for this advanced readers copy!

[Maya Salo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good continuation of book 1 with some clever twists. While I empathized with the characters, I did not love them as much as the mcs in book 1. They were a little too naive and in their feelings.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Tanya Bird for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love Tanya Birds novels and this one (of course) did not disappoint. This follows middle Suttone sister, Lyndal Suttone, as she is selected by the King to accompany her cousin to court. At court, we meet the queen mother who secretly plans to put Lyndal, not her cousin, at the king’s side. Caught in the mix is Astin Fletcher, the kings personal guard, and longtime admirer of Lyndal, who must fight his longtime time feelings for her as she is groomed to become the next Queen.

This book has all the tropes I love in a novel; slow burn romance, forced proximity, and grey-area villains. The world building was perfect. The characters were four dimensional, so I was able to make an easy connection with them. The plot was well written and moved at a perfect pace. The writing was great as always. The setting was perfect for the story. I just have nothing negative to say about this story. I just loved everything about it.

Overall, this was an easy 5 star read for me. Read it, that's all I have to say.

[Chris Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Lyndal is my fav kind of heroine. Tough but sweet, cares about everyone around her, not TSTL nor a "I'm not like the other girls" kind. And her counterpart, Astin was the flirty, charming but very strong bodyguard of the King. Ever wanted the bodyguard to punch the king? Well, you get it in this one and damn was it satisfying 😌

Sharing one of my fav scenes from this book:

His Thoughts: Thank God she was talking, because Astin lost his ability to speak. A single glance had siphoned the air from his lungs. She was the ultimate offering to Belenus. If the sun did not break through the clouds the moment she stepped outside, then he would fall down from shock.

His words: ‘You look…’ He just had to pick a word. One more word. Any word would do at that point. ‘Ready.'

Lol he is a man of many words but when it comes to Lyndal, he sure gets tongue tied 🤣

I also loved the banter and the birthing scene! You'll need to read the book to know who was giving birth but it will surprise you 🤣

This is part of a series but cab be read as a standalone book. Do give it a try if you like Upper Ya, Clean but Swoony Dystopian Romance

4.5 stars 💕

[Jericho McKraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live for the smallest moments in time. The rising sun, a falling star, laughter, a kiss... how Bird manages to capture these moments and make them feel so bittersweet is what makes her books glow.

Defender of Hearts captures the helpless melancholy that is life, and dresses it up with a pretty cover and a happy ending.

I didn't think the characters would speak to me the way they did, I didn't think they would grip my heart and break it, I didn't know they'd leave me sobbing at work while I tried to keep my earbuds from popping out.

I don't want to give any of the story away, maybe I'll touch on the characters themselves when I give this a reread but for now let's just say if you're a fan of the Companion series by this same author, you'll adore these books too!

[AARR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think a map of Chadora should be added at beginning of this series, I had trouble picturing in my head where all the boroughs are. In the first book Blake was mainly in the Merchant borough so it didn't cross my mind. But part of the fun of the second book was getting to see Lyndal and Astin all over the place! This second book really solidified Tayna Bird as a favorite of mine and I can't wait to read her other series after I finish the third book. As for the romance, I loved every second of it! I appreciate the way Tanya Bird doesn't just rely on dialogue to show how devoted the men of these books are to the Suttone women... if that makes sense! Onto the third book!

[SheLove2Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book two in the series, and middle sister Lyndal's story with the Defender Astin. I wasn't crazy about Lyndal, but I really liked Astin. Lyndal's misguided sense of "duty before happiness" became tedious to me, even when Astin would show her in the most auspicious of ways that he would do whatever it took to free her from her bad decisions. I am very much looking forward to Eda's story which is next. 3 stars

[Mindy Kissinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my kind of an easy-read, enjoyable book. I laughed and loved, honestly, the whole thing. It wasn’t mind blowing or complex yet it was great! I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a low fantasy, romance (with minimal spice but great slow burn, occasional witty banter, etc).

[Chomba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the series! This is honestly one of my favorite series I have read this year and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lyndal and Astin in this book. Both characters grew on me so much by the end of the book. It was also interesting to read King Borin in a King Joffrey kind of role. He was a nightmare! But I'm a sucker for a high stakes, but HEA story. Loved it!

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing first, I have no words to express how easy and effortless Tanyas writing is. I would honestly have finished the book in one day if life didnt get in the way.

To the story now.

Got to love Astin -doesnt he look like Ryan Reynolds at the cover?- and trust me it happens from the first moment he appears in the book.

Lyndal on the other hand.....i never wanted to reach into a books pages before and shake someone awake from being manipulated so much by the queen. I was angry at her but at the same time in awe at how selfless she was amd the sacrifices she was willing to make.

Harlan and Blake are just overall hearteyes.

Borin....i have no words to describe my hatred.

Eda I love you

Raoul.... I think i will love you.

Garlic and Pig you're stars. Cant wait for the next addition. Or is the bull the new addition?

Overall 5/5 because i can't give more stars. In reality 1000/5 because i love them almost all in there.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Chemistry and Humor!
I was so excited to enter the Kingdom of Walls world again to read Lyndal and Astin's story, and I was not disappointed either! Defender of Walls created a great opening for this couple, and Defender of Hearts jumped right in and ran away with their fantastic story.
Lyndal enters the world of nobility, but her heart is still with the merchants. Lyndal has thrown herself into the work of helping starving merchants, and the Queen Mother takes quite the interest in her. So much that she has decided that Lyndal needs to be the next queen! What to do though, when Astin is placed as her own personal bodyguard, and they are constantly with each other? It was fascinating watching these two maneuver the royal game, as well as their interest for each other. I especially loved the insults these two constantly threw at each other, as they battled the politics of the merchants verses nobles and royals, the royal games, and their own hearts. This book was not quite as dark as Defender of Walls, but it still touched upon the harsh realities of their world and the struggles the merchants, and even the kingdom as a whole, are suffering. As with many of Tanya Bird's writings, there were some very realistic and hard truths displayed, but that made this novel even more real and enjoyable. I am already counting down the days for the release of Book 3!

[Elissar اليسار · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sure, I found the characters annoying. Yes, I predicted most of the plot from the first two chapters. True, the romance was completely uninteresting to me. But I may still have landed on a 3 star review if not for the harmful portrayal of intimate partner violence. This book was written too recently for the author to repeatedly describe a mother who is abused by her partner as a 'bad mother' to her kids because she didn't leave or 'stop him'. I don't know why authors would write about a topic that is so heartbreaking and so real for the hunders of women who are subjected to violence and murder (one woman every three days) without any real expert consulations. The depictions in this book were textbook on how NOT to describe violence against women and repeatedly demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of the realities of abuse. At some points it almost seemed like she was put on par with the perpetrator, even implying that she didn't deserve 'forgiveness'. Please do better, I am so saddened to see this pervasive victim blaming and worry that it's reinforcing harmful narratives when it could have been an opportunity to open up real discussions.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars! (just came out on August 9th!!!)

Pros
+ I IMMEDIATELY read this one after finishing the first one in the series, which I gave 4.5 stars.
+ Australian author
+ Genre: Medieval dystopian (walled-off Wales, only clouds/rain for years) & m/f romance
+ Setting: A medieval city where each class borough (royalty, nobility, farming, merchants) is walled off within the bigger surrounding wall
+ Plot: Lyndal is invited to the Royal Court to assist her wealthy cousin, whose sights are set on the newly crowned king. And while Lyndal is used to the perils of poverty, different dangers lurk in court.
+ Lyndal (2nd Suttone sister of merchant family): The second oldest of three sisters in a textile merchant family. She is kind-hearted, resilient, and puts others before herself.
+ Astin (defender/royal bodyguard): The king's bodyguard who is reassigned to protect Lyndal and her cousin. He is sarcastic, stoic (until he isn't), and loyal.
+ Bird's writing style is 100% it for me. Witty, sharp banter. A bit (a lot) of dark humor. And lots of slow-burn buildups.
+ Bird's plotting and world-building are excellent too. Not too massive of a world/plot where the author can't contain or detail things well. Just the perfect amount for this story and no excess.
+ rep: selective mutism (the youngest sister)

Neutral
/ Had the perfect amount of worldbuilding for me, but perhaps not enough if you're the type of reader who loves sprawling worldbuilding with extensive kingdoms.

Cons
- Sex scenes are fade-to-black
- A lot of this book deals with court politics, which is not my favorite. Political machinations and court scheming are always a bit staid for my liking, which is why I didn't love this book quite as much as the first one.
- Also, there is a small miscommunication trope used, where Lyndal just does NOT understand Astin's sarcastic sense of humor, so she thinks he doesn't like her.

TW: death, attempted murder, murder, starvation, physical assault, rape (off-page), abuse by stepfather (off-page), a child born from rape

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read two books so far from Tanya Bird and compared to other medieval romance series I've read by other authors, this storyline is uniquely more intense and real. Ms. Bird doesn't sanitize these stories to pander to her readers. She's built a very well defined dystopian world that is harsh and cruel and totally believable. I'm 100% sure these kinds of things happened in reality in the medieval world. There are egotistic and diabolical leaders in every time and culture, and often there is a woman behind the scenes trying their best to 'handle' them and steer them onto the right path.

In contrast to book one's action, this book is mostly from that 'behind the scenes' perspective of Queen Fayre teaching Lyndal how to maneuver the prideful king into meeting the needs of his people. So just like the game of chess that Queen Fayre uses to teach Lyndal about strategy, their plan for managing the cruel king's behavior is to play the long game. But playing her part requires Lyndal to marry the king, something abhorrent to her, and not for nothin', but it would prevent her from being with the man she loves—Astin Fletcher.

For the most part, this second book of The Kingdom Of Walls series is a mystery thriller. It's mind games, manipulation and intrigue, with less action and romance than in book one. There are some minor inconsistencies between book one and book two and a questionable plot twist, but I could overlook those for the sake of continuing to enjoy the story. IMO it would be a mistake to read this one as a standalone. Understanding this world is highly dependent on the extensive depictions in book one. Ms. Bird is really good at plotting out and pacing her stories and story arcs, and I look forward to rounding out the series with book three.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t want to go back. I want to stay at the edge of the world with you.”⁠
⁠
The only reason I didn’t give this one 5 stars is because there wasn’t as much romance & feels as there read in Defender of Walls. Don’t get me wrong there was a lot but it was mostly all bout them finding out they actually had feelings for one another. I have to say as much as I liked Astin, I LOVED Harlan. I did thoroughly enjoy it. Once I started reading I couldn’t quit. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time trying to figure out how Lyndal was going to get out of the queen & King’s clutches so she could be with the one she truly loved. It was definitely a lot of drama & action. Definitely recommend. Honestly with any of Tanya’s books you can NOT go wrong. She’s amazing at all the feels and angst but still clean in the sense no graphic details! ⁠
⁠
•Friends to lovers⁠
•Forbidden love⁠
•Medieval dystopian⁠
•Sarcastic & strong heroines⁠
⁠

[Shebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in a day because it's an AWESOME series! 😍

Oh my goodness, I'm not exactly sure how to say what I'm currently feeling about this 'Kingdom of Walls' series. It's been absolutely fabulous to immerse myself in this medieval world and its vibrant characters.

After I read Book 1, I didn't think I could love any characters more than I loved Blake and Harlan, but I was wrong. Lyndal and Astin somehow dug a deeper tunnel and breached the walls of my heart.

Ms Bird is a remarkable author, weaving a magnificent romantic tale. I love how unpredictable her stories are, how I'm left breathless throughout the journey. I tip my hat to you, author extraordinaire.

Note to readers: there are a few swears, but few and far between. The intimacy side of things between the main characters is closed door.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Tanya Bird's Kingdom of Walls series. Like her Companion series, this series is a well written and full of romance.

Defender of Hearts is a slow burn that will leave you satisfied and wanting more. There is no insta-love between Astin and Lyndal and their road to finding love is long and hard. Lyndal and Astin are well developed characters and their chemistry jumps from the page.

Like with all Ms. Bird's books, we get to check in with our favorite couple from the last book and the side characters add more depth to story (looking at you Pig and Garlic).

Defender of Hearts is not a stand alone and is much more enjoyable if you have read the first book, which I recommend you do!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Bird is phenomenal
I haven’t read a single thing by Tanya that I’ve not throughly enjoyed and this book is no different. Well I take that back, it is different in the sense that you’ve not read stories like it before. Tanya has a gift for writing ugly situations beautifully. If you want all sunshine and rainbows skip book. If you want a book that sucks you in to the pain, joy, heart ache, angst, fear, grit, and passion then dive in but make sure to read The Defender of Walls (1st in series) first or you will be lost. If you’re new to this author please know reading series order is very important. Great action, thrilling romance (but not word smut so I LOVE that), snarky and sassy comments, hilarious dialogue, what’s not to love?

[Reign Galovin]

When I found out that Tanya Bird had another book out, I had to read it. You should too. This is book 2 in the Kingdom of Walls series but they can be read independently. Try any of her books out, you will fall in love too. Tanya has a way with writing that isn't raunchy, has a lot of action, romance, twists, and turns, and you won't want to put the book down. She is also great at finishing these books with you wanting more but giving you enough closure to look forward to the next adventure by her. I really can't say enough how impressed I have been from the beginning and continue to be pleasantly surprised by her. I read this book in 2 days and I wanted to go back and reread the first book and the second book once I was done. Well done Tanya, I can't wait for the next one.

[Denise Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astin and Lyndal are a very likeable couple who found themselves faced with making difficult decisions in what was an untenable situation. Tanya has a way of creating characters who I either find myself wishing for the nastiest and quickest demise or the very happiest ending. Both Astin and Lyndal were not perfect by any means and they were written in a relatable way as they felt their way into a relationship. Tanya has a way of writing enough tension into a story without it becoming frustrating. It was no different in this book which I found difficult to put down. Revisiting family and friends from the first in the series was a highlight and I am looking forward to that in the next of the series. An enjoyable read with humour, tension, and a very satisfying ending all round.

[Jess Lammers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve read everything Tanya Bird has written so far and I’ve enjoyed all of it, but I’ve enjoyed this book most of all so far. She is exceptionally talented at writing witty and authentic banter between characters and that really makes this book. If you’ve read her other books, you probably won’t be shocked by the major events in this book or the ending, but she does such a wonderful job with character development and imagery that I’m still thoroughly entertained, even if I can guess how things will turn out. Really my only complaint is that there aren’t more Tanya Bird books for me to binge read. I would highly recommend any of her books to anyone who enjoys dystopian stories, romance or historical fiction.

[Cameo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific continuation of the first installment in the series. The author knows how to weave a riveting story. Just like the last book, I loved the hero and heroine and their love story. It's increasingly difficult to find a good love story these days. The supporting characters are interesting, as well, and the addition of cute animals and light moments nicely offsets the dire setting. I'd say the only issue I have is that the dialogue is too anachronistic sometimes and pulls me out of the medieval setting. I've enjoyed this series so much, though, that I've been willing to overlook it. Looking forward to the next book.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Lyndal and Astin's story. It is a thrilling and beautiful adventure. A beautiful continuation of the series which focuses on the middle Suttone sister. I really loved the character development seen throughout the story. I love the relationships that Tanya is able to create, not just between the main couple, but between the three sisters as well. This entire book kept me captivated and unable to put it down. There are so many exciting surprises littered throughout the book that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Defender and personal bodyguard Astin Fletcher & Lyndal Suttone, Blake’s middle sister. This is a sweet story of love slowly awakening. A noble sister who would become Queen to save her people, the merchants. Only the King isn’t the one courting her, it is his personal guard Astin. A lot of action, drama, tender moments, and emotion as a country is falling apart and fighting within. I received an advanced copy from the author for an honest review however I have already preordered because I know her storytelling is superb.

[fish003 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving it 2.5 stars, it was okay but I definitely enjoyed the first one more. I wasn't all that interested in the two main characters in this book and the romance felt kind of lacking. It didn't seem like there was all that much chemistry between them and even though they had that whole bickering thing going on it didn't feel like it was really adding anything to the relationship, normally that type of thing helps build tension but I just wasn't feeling any. I only really read this book so I wasn't lost with where the story was when I read the 3rd book for Eda and Roul.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of Tanya Birds pageturners! Once again I was totally emerged in the wonderful world of familiar characters. The story is heartwarming, funny, tense and gripping all at once and makes you want to finish the book as fast as possible while not wanting to finish it because you don't want to leave the story either. I feel like every new book, Tanya Bird improves herself and creates even more characters that will stay forever in your heart.