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The Lochlann Treaty #2
Spring's Rising
They say ignorance is bliss.
Charlie used to believe that was a lie, but now she’s not so sure.
As the truth comes to light, everything Charlie thought she knew, everything she thought she wanted is called into question.
Though she manages a daring escape from her captors, the black mark of the Aramach is spreading like wildfire, threatening the fragile peace between Luan and H’Ria. Through it all, Charlie tries to overcome the scars she’s brought back with her to be the leader her people need.
Will she and Oliver be able to unite the kingdoms before it’s too late? Or will she lose what matters most?
Charlie used to believe that was a lie, but now she’s not so sure.
As the truth comes to light, everything Charlie thought she knew, everything she thought she wanted is called into question.
Though she manages a daring escape from her captors, the black mark of the Aramach is spreading like wildfire, threatening the fragile peace between Luan and H’Ria. Through it all, Charlie tries to overcome the scars she’s brought back with her to be the leader her people need.
Will she and Oliver be able to unite the kingdoms before it’s too late? Or will she lose what matters most?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2021
219 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
Robin D. Mahle
39 books1,225 followersRobin D. Mahle started out as a pen name I shared with my husband for The World Apart Series, but since then, I've absconded with it to delve into the wonderful world of fairy tale retellings and fantasy romances with my partner in crime, Elle Madison.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
April 15, 2022
3 Stars
Way better than the last book, despite little happening. There was actually development and growth in the heroine once she opened up her eyes to everything. Hopefully things start moving along in the next book.
Way better than the last book, despite little happening. There was actually development and growth in the heroine once she opened up her eyes to everything. Hopefully things start moving along in the next book.
September 10, 2022
Girl, just fuck his brother!!
July 19, 2020
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/q8c_pLf-wBI
WOW! That was quite the adventure. I was slightly nervous starting Spring's Rising because I didn't love the previous book, but at the same time HAD to know what happened.
Well, find out what happened I did.
And man! Poor Charlie! That beginning was brutal and was totally concerned what was going to happen to these characters. All except one, that is. For possible spoilers, I won't say who, but I didn't like him at the end of Winter's Captive and definitely still don't like him now. However, kudos to the authors because I do have a *twinge* of sympathy for said character. Not much, though.
I've really come to admire our lead heroine and how much she's grown. She is indeed a Warrior Queen and excited to see how she'll grow. (Here's to hoping it will come as a result of good things and not incredibly hard, life-altering things.)
And because I could not fail to mention the amazing Logan, the #TeamLogan vibes in this story had me grinning so hard and just giggling. If I could have yelled out in my excitement, I totally would have. ;)
Excellent continuing novel in The Lochlann Treaty!
*(I received a complimentary ebook from the authors. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a review.)*
WOW! That was quite the adventure. I was slightly nervous starting Spring's Rising because I didn't love the previous book, but at the same time HAD to know what happened.
Well, find out what happened I did.
And man! Poor Charlie! That beginning was brutal and was totally concerned what was going to happen to these characters. All except one, that is. For possible spoilers, I won't say who, but I didn't like him at the end of Winter's Captive and definitely still don't like him now. However, kudos to the authors because I do have a *twinge* of sympathy for said character. Not much, though.
I've really come to admire our lead heroine and how much she's grown. She is indeed a Warrior Queen and excited to see how she'll grow. (Here's to hoping it will come as a result of good things and not incredibly hard, life-altering things.)
And because I could not fail to mention the amazing Logan, the #TeamLogan vibes in this story had me grinning so hard and just giggling. If I could have yelled out in my excitement, I totally would have. ;)
Excellent continuing novel in The Lochlann Treaty!
*(I received a complimentary ebook from the authors. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a review.)*
December 18, 2021
Book 2 in the series, and just as I predicted, I started to like Charlie a lot more in this one than in the first one. There is a lot more character development going in here, although less is happening in the storyline itself in comparison to book one (hence the ⭐⭐⭐, would have been ⭐⭐⭐⭐ if the storyline itself developed at the same pace as in the first book too). Logan’s language use during Spring’s Rising turned a bit more “normal”, which made it easier to read on the one hand but on the other hand made it lose some of its charm as well. Because I have the complete series combined in one physical copy, I went back and forth between the main story and the chapters from Logan’s POV while reading. You could say this caused for a spoiler, but not one I didn’t see coming 😉 It was really nice to be able to get a look from his perspective too (he’s one of my favourite characters of this series). I still enjoyed the read, curious about the next one and how everything will turn out.
September 12, 2022
***3.75 stars***
August 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
April 25, 2024
Can’t stop won’t stop
January 9, 2022
Oh boy is this series getting good! If you thought the first book was good, just wait till this one! Charlie, who has been out trying to rescue her fiancé, has found herself in a world of trouble after getting captured by the rebels. However, she also ends up finding Oliver so there’s that.
Honestly, if I had to go through what Charlie did, I don’t know that I’d be able to bounce back from it the way she did. Guess that’s the difference between being a future queen and just a normal person.
Anyways, Charlie goes through some things, finds Oliver and learns some things there too, like the fact that Oliver wasn’t stolen but ran away instead. Talk about crushing feelings. So now Charlie has to make a decision on if she wants to follow through with the marriage treaty and unite the kingdoms in peace, or potentially cause a war.
She also has to figure out what’s going between her and Logan, who I personally think is the wayyyy better option. I mean Oliver ran away on their wedding day, was unfaithful to Charlie, got captured by rebels and didn’t even try and fight or protect Charlie, whereas you know Logan would’ve. Just saying.
I think it’s also cool to see Finn and Isla’s story firsthand, especially after hearing about Isla’s arranged marriage to Soclair in the Scarlet princess and seeing the effects of that!
Anyways, this series is getting real good and I’m even more excited to see what happens between Charlie, Oliver and Logan!
Honestly, if I had to go through what Charlie did, I don’t know that I’d be able to bounce back from it the way she did. Guess that’s the difference between being a future queen and just a normal person.
Anyways, Charlie goes through some things, finds Oliver and learns some things there too, like the fact that Oliver wasn’t stolen but ran away instead. Talk about crushing feelings. So now Charlie has to make a decision on if she wants to follow through with the marriage treaty and unite the kingdoms in peace, or potentially cause a war.
She also has to figure out what’s going between her and Logan, who I personally think is the wayyyy better option. I mean Oliver ran away on their wedding day, was unfaithful to Charlie, got captured by rebels and didn’t even try and fight or protect Charlie, whereas you know Logan would’ve. Just saying.
I think it’s also cool to see Finn and Isla’s story firsthand, especially after hearing about Isla’s arranged marriage to Soclair in the Scarlet princess and seeing the effects of that!
Anyways, this series is getting real good and I’m even more excited to see what happens between Charlie, Oliver and Logan!
August 15, 2022
Intrigue, heartbreak, betrayal, jealously and one nail-biting cliffhanger await you in this beautifully covered jewel! Here is where you'll fall in love with the characters who are all so realistically fleshed out. How do I keep falling in love with these author's glorious tales of compelling characters that gift me with such angst?! Oh my poor fangirly heart. And can someone please tell me where I too may aquire my own booby dagger?! *Insert hysterical laughter *
This second book blows up with character development! We get to experience those hidden depths and the motivation behind each player of the plot. Now, there are still plenty of theories afoot, leading in different directions. And I'm still trying to pick my jaw up from that stellar conclusion. The secret wedding filled me with unending delight! Happiest of sighs happening.
I'm wholly team broody and forbidden and I'm dying to see when my favorite couple finally makes their own destiny and comes together. That breathtaking tree scene broke me a bit... I'm not crying, you are!
Book three has a lot to deliver and I've not a doubt that I'll be perched upon the edge of my seat once I begin it. Thank you to these lovely ladies who have given me a series that has whisked me away and wholeheartedly entertained me.
This second book blows up with character development! We get to experience those hidden depths and the motivation behind each player of the plot. Now, there are still plenty of theories afoot, leading in different directions. And I'm still trying to pick my jaw up from that stellar conclusion. The secret wedding filled me with unending delight! Happiest of sighs happening.
I'm wholly team broody and forbidden and I'm dying to see when my favorite couple finally makes their own destiny and comes together. That breathtaking tree scene broke me a bit... I'm not crying, you are!
Book three has a lot to deliver and I've not a doubt that I'll be perched upon the edge of my seat once I begin it. Thank you to these lovely ladies who have given me a series that has whisked me away and wholeheartedly entertained me.
October 11, 2022
At the end of the first book, I wasn’t much of a fan of Charlie. Unfortunately, Oliver was only in the beginning and during flashbacks so I didn’t have a good sense of how I felt about him. I sort of had a love/hate relationship with Logan.
With this book, I liked Charlie. She gained a backbone and not everything was about Oliver. Oliver is a coward. I now have a strictly love relationship with Logan. Unless the next book changes that.
Charlie grew in this book. I am glad that she did. I am hoping her character arc continues going up. I don’t know how it will be in the next book due to what happened at the end. I am a bit worried she might backslide into being who she was in the first book. I truly hope not.
With this book, I liked Charlie. She gained a backbone and not everything was about Oliver. Oliver is a coward. I now have a strictly love relationship with Logan. Unless the next book changes that.
Charlie grew in this book. I am glad that she did. I am hoping her character arc continues going up. I don’t know how it will be in the next book due to what happened at the end. I am a bit worried she might backslide into being who she was in the first book. I truly hope not.
September 5, 2023
3.7/5
Again, a mid storyline/ plot, but kept me entertained. I would call this an okay read, but an EXCELLENT listen.
I loved that there was a lot more character development and growth this book. Excellent twists and turns as well.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from romantasy- never get attached to the first love interest.
Excited to see how the rest of the series wraps up.
Again, a mid storyline/ plot, but kept me entertained. I would call this an okay read, but an EXCELLENT listen.
I loved that there was a lot more character development and growth this book. Excellent twists and turns as well.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from romantasy- never get attached to the first love interest.
Excited to see how the rest of the series wraps up.
January 7, 2025
Just go ahead and insert my internal screaming here.
The slow burn. The politics. The intricate relationships. The duty and sacrifice of being queen. The uncovering of the person she once was.
I cannot. This book was packed with twists and turns and delicious tension.
*immediately starts book three*
The slow burn. The politics. The intricate relationships. The duty and sacrifice of being queen. The uncovering of the person she once was.
I cannot. This book was packed with twists and turns and delicious tension.
*immediately starts book three*
April 26, 2019
I am addicted to these characters. I did not want real life to interfere with my reading.
This book was a bit darker than book one. Or rather it lacked some of the levity that a more naive Charlie provided. But she has grown so much as a character, I already want to read the next book to see how her arc continues.
Definitely recommended (but read book 1 first).
This book was a bit darker than book one. Or rather it lacked some of the levity that a more naive Charlie provided. But she has grown so much as a character, I already want to read the next book to see how her arc continues.
Definitely recommended (but read book 1 first).
January 14, 2024
Es una historia dinámica que corre a lo largo de la serie de libros, el problema es que está fuertemente basada en el carácter de la protagonista y es realmente molesta. Por esto es que no logro ver estos libros más allá de una calificación promedio.
Lo bueno es que terminan en un evento de impacto que motiva a leer el siguiente.
Una vez más lo mejor de aquí ha sido Logan y por su lado Fia.
Lo bueno es que terminan en un evento de impacto que motiva a leer el siguiente.
Una vez más lo mejor de aquí ha sido Logan y por su lado Fia.
April 27, 2024
4.5 I loved this one so much more than the first. I felt so horrible for the decisions Charlotte had to make for herself and her kingdom. It's well written, and the story, along with the romance, is continuing to play out very nicely.
August 21, 2023
This was so much better than the first! Not as much action happened in this one but it explained so much more of the back story. 4.5 stars. Can’t wait to read the next one!
January 27, 2025
nearly choked from laugh twice
they are so damned, very mindful, very demure
they are so damned, very mindful, very demure
December 1, 2024
Slow burn romance, friendship, and family. Nothing better.
October 25, 2024
Even better than the 1st book! I'm officially binging the last two. I have to know what happens! Onto book 3...
*Language: minimal
*Spice: closed door
*Language: minimal
*Spice: closed door
March 27, 2020
I couldn't put this book down. There is just something about the characters that kept me wanting to read late into the night, even when there wasn't much going on. I mean that there wasn't a ton of intense action involved in this story, but there actually was a lot going on with the development of the characters and the world they live in.
The beginning of this book picks up exactly where the last one ended. And thank goodness I was reading the Complete Series version because that cliff hanger would have been a doozy. Charlie has been searching for her kidnapped fiance after he is taken on the day of their wedding. Charlie and Oliver have been betrothed since birth, and their marriage is supposed to be the only thing that can create peace between their kingdoms.
Anyway, I'm not even sure where to start with why I gave it 5 stars -- I just liked it! Charlie feels like a completely different character, in a good way. She spends a large portion of this book healing and trying to figure out who she is, but I enjoyed being there along the way.
Oh, and surprise! I just found out that this is going to have a fantasy element. That may turn some people off to this series, but I'm here for it. Book one kind of hinted at it, but I think I was too distracted by other shiny things to really understand what the authors were building to. Oops. The interesting thing is the MC is NOT the one who suddenly has fantastical powers and uses them to save her world or something along those lines. Read it, you'll see what I mean.
I adore Logan more and more each chapter. The banter between him and Charlie is frustrating, heartwarming, and hilarious at the same time. I know this book is pitched as having an enemies-to-lovers trope, and that isn't always people's cup of tea, but I enjoy how it has been handled in this story. It hasn't been forced and instead feels very natural. I also appreciate the complicated nature of her relationship with Oliver.
It makes me happy that I get to bring attention to lesser-known authors who have really wonderful stories to tell. They deserve major props for this one. Thanks for the ARC! On to book number 3! As I finally write this review, I'm actually almost done with book 3 already.... :)
The beginning of this book picks up exactly where the last one ended. And thank goodness I was reading the Complete Series version because that cliff hanger would have been a doozy. Charlie has been searching for her kidnapped fiance after he is taken on the day of their wedding. Charlie and Oliver have been betrothed since birth, and their marriage is supposed to be the only thing that can create peace between their kingdoms.
Anyway, I'm not even sure where to start with why I gave it 5 stars -- I just liked it! Charlie feels like a completely different character, in a good way. She spends a large portion of this book healing and trying to figure out who she is, but I enjoyed being there along the way.
Oh, and surprise! I just found out that this is going to have a fantasy element. That may turn some people off to this series, but I'm here for it. Book one kind of hinted at it, but I think I was too distracted by other shiny things to really understand what the authors were building to. Oops. The interesting thing is the MC is NOT the one who suddenly has fantastical powers and uses them to save her world or something along those lines. Read it, you'll see what I mean.
I adore Logan more and more each chapter. The banter between him and Charlie is frustrating, heartwarming, and hilarious at the same time. I know this book is pitched as having an enemies-to-lovers trope, and that isn't always people's cup of tea, but I enjoy how it has been handled in this story. It hasn't been forced and instead feels very natural. I also appreciate the complicated nature of her relationship with Oliver.
It makes me happy that I get to bring attention to lesser-known authors who have really wonderful stories to tell. They deserve major props for this one. Thanks for the ARC! On to book number 3! As I finally write this review, I'm actually almost done with book 3 already.... :)
December 20, 2021
Great sequel! There's some mystery revolving Oli. Fia is a fun character amd has some secrets of her own. You love to hate her.
I absolutely love Jimmy and Bridget 🥺🥰
Charlie's got a little PTSD. She's struggling with being bound by her duty to her kindgom
She is learning about herself and starting to fight for what she wants.
There's lots of romantic tension. 😏
And some revelations 😱 Never a dull moment! Every page keeps you hooked.
.
👉🏼 Some Quotes:
“We all have demons, Princess. Even after we kill them, they can haunt us."
.
“It’s a battle scar, woman.” His breath was warm against my ear, his voice low. “And you survived it. Be proud of that. Open yer eyes.”
.
“At least your calves are safe tonight, Logan.” He chuckled. “Thank the lord, woman. I think they got frostbite that first time.” He paused. “So are ye actually going to go to sleep, then, or were ye planning to thrash around like a wee banshee for a while?”
.
She met my eyes, the truth of my statement shining through hers, and I reflected for a moment on the nature of friendship. Sometimes it’s in secrets whispered in the dark, the things you can say to one another that you’d never tell another soul. And sometimes, it’s in the things you don’t say while you take comfort in each other’s presence.
I absolutely love Jimmy and Bridget 🥺🥰
Charlie's got a little PTSD. She's struggling with being bound by her duty to her kindgom
She is learning about herself and starting to fight for what she wants.
There's lots of romantic tension. 😏
And some revelations 😱 Never a dull moment! Every page keeps you hooked.
.
👉🏼 Some Quotes:
“We all have demons, Princess. Even after we kill them, they can haunt us."
.
“It’s a battle scar, woman.” His breath was warm against my ear, his voice low. “And you survived it. Be proud of that. Open yer eyes.”
.
“At least your calves are safe tonight, Logan.” He chuckled. “Thank the lord, woman. I think they got frostbite that first time.” He paused. “So are ye actually going to go to sleep, then, or were ye planning to thrash around like a wee banshee for a while?”
.
She met my eyes, the truth of my statement shining through hers, and I reflected for a moment on the nature of friendship. Sometimes it’s in secrets whispered in the dark, the things you can say to one another that you’d never tell another soul. And sometimes, it’s in the things you don’t say while you take comfort in each other’s presence.
August 17, 2021
This book picks up right after at the end of book one. Its quick-paced, intense beginning sucks the reader right back into the story. There were so many emotions going on in this part, but let’s be honest, throughout the whole book.
I loved seeing Charlie’s real response to all she’d gone through, even though it was heartbreaking. It made her that much more relatable. She’s depressed and struggling, but she pushes past that like the fierce ruler she’s growing to be. She’s no longer the naïve princess she was at the start, and watching her make bold choices both for her friends and kingdom was fantastic.
This series is so well written and easy to get lost in. I actually listened to the audiobook this time around, and the narrator did such an incredible job bringing the story and characters to life!
Full review for book three, Summer’s Rebellion, is coming super soon because I finished both within 24 hours. I couldn’t stop. The only reason I didn’t continue with the fourth book was because it was four in the morning and I had to get up somewhat early. However, by the time this review goes up, I probably will have it read too.
Highly recommend this series!
I loved seeing Charlie’s real response to all she’d gone through, even though it was heartbreaking. It made her that much more relatable. She’s depressed and struggling, but she pushes past that like the fierce ruler she’s growing to be. She’s no longer the naïve princess she was at the start, and watching her make bold choices both for her friends and kingdom was fantastic.
This series is so well written and easy to get lost in. I actually listened to the audiobook this time around, and the narrator did such an incredible job bringing the story and characters to life!
Full review for book three, Summer’s Rebellion, is coming super soon because I finished both within 24 hours. I couldn’t stop. The only reason I didn’t continue with the fourth book was because it was four in the morning and I had to get up somewhat early. However, by the time this review goes up, I probably will have it read too.
Highly recommend this series!
October 18, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a big step up from Winter's Captive. While this was definitely not as action-packed as the first book, I think the storyline held a lot of important information, and it was really needed to set the scene for the rest of the series.
I loved the character development of Charlie. I felt after everything she had been through, throughout the first book and into the beginning of this book, helped her grow. I loved seeing her independence grow, and her naive nature slowly fading away. She became a more likable character.
I loved the developing relationship between Charlie and Logan. My heart goes out the them both, and cannot wait to see how it develops throughout the rest of the series.
I was disappointed that this book was so much shorter than I expected, and I just didn't want it to end! Bring on Summer's Rebellion, I can't wait for the story to continue!
This book was a big step up from Winter's Captive. While this was definitely not as action-packed as the first book, I think the storyline held a lot of important information, and it was really needed to set the scene for the rest of the series.
I loved the character development of Charlie. I felt after everything she had been through, throughout the first book and into the beginning of this book, helped her grow. I loved seeing her independence grow, and her naive nature slowly fading away. She became a more likable character.
I loved the developing relationship between Charlie and Logan. My heart goes out the them both, and cannot wait to see how it develops throughout the rest of the series.
I was disappointed that this book was so much shorter than I expected, and I just didn't want it to end! Bring on Summer's Rebellion, I can't wait for the story to continue!
October 29, 2019
I struggled a bit to stay intrigued at times, but the characters of Logan, Fia, and Charlie just keep drawing me in and captivating me. I love the chemistry between Charlie and Logan and how it’s offset by her relationship with Oliver. If the two that are meant to be together don’t end up together by the end of the series I am going to be totally unhappy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2021
Oh boy, this book just took everything up a notch in the best way!!!
The start: woah!
The repercussions of the reveal: 😯
The intensity: 🌋
The feels: so many!! 🥰
The character growth: huge! (Well, not for everyone, but some of them had gigantic growth in this book!)
Highly recommended.
I mentioned this in my review of Winter's Captive, but if you're ok with some spoilers, grab a copy of the full series omnibus because you get bonus chapters from another POV.
The start: woah!
The repercussions of the reveal: 😯
The intensity: 🌋
The feels: so many!! 🥰
The character growth: huge! (Well, not for everyone, but some of them had gigantic growth in this book!)
Highly recommended.
I mentioned this in my review of Winter's Captive, but if you're ok with some spoilers, grab a copy of the full series omnibus because you get bonus chapters from another POV.
December 29, 2021
"Because I know you. I see you."
Book 2 in the Lochlann Treaty series.
Oh, what a tangled web of lies and deceit. Elle & Robin have done it again. They've pulled me into the storyline from word one. Charlie finds herself caught between what is expected and what her heart wants. I was so caught up in reading that I forgot to take review notes. That's a good sign though! Highly worth the read! Can't wait to continue in book 3.
Book 2 in the Lochlann Treaty series.
Oh, what a tangled web of lies and deceit. Elle & Robin have done it again. They've pulled me into the storyline from word one. Charlie finds herself caught between what is expected and what her heart wants. I was so caught up in reading that I forgot to take review notes. That's a good sign though! Highly worth the read! Can't wait to continue in book 3.
November 5, 2020
This one was sooooo much better than the first book. Princess Charlotte (Charlie) proved that she was the "warrior queen" in this story and I was so happy not to be annoyed by her anymore. I had already suspected the big twist and was not surprised when it happened. I'm very interested to see what happens next.
June 24, 2025
3 ⭐️ // more exciting than the first book, but i didn’t love the pace of how some things were revealed
Picking up where Winter’s Captive left off, Princess Charlotte has risked her safety to find her fiancé and save the peace the treaty of their marriage promises for their two kingdoms…only to return home barely alive and wrecked by betrayal as secrets continue to be revealed each week the season turn closer to Spring. Though her journey wasn’t what she expected, it gave her a new passion for her people, and she’s determined to do everything in her power to make their lives better—even if it means sacrificing everything.
I give 3 ⭐️ to books I enjoyed but have critiques for. While enjoyed this book more than the first in the series, I was frustrated by the pace of how things were revealed. I think the development of characters and relationships was sacrificed for the sake of plot twists.
Don’t get me wrong—I understand (and even appreciate) how each twist in this story adds a layer to overarching plot of the series, but in between each event that heightens the suspense, there’s a subplot that is supposed to be showing us who these characters are, their relationships with each other, and how they’re developing in light of the overarching plot—but this subplot gets overshadowed by the reveals of the main conflict and by consequence, the characters development suffers.
For example: this book is where what’s merely hinted at through Logan and Charlie’s bantering and tension in book one has a spotlight shown on it. But Charlie has spent so much time telling readers how much she’s loved Ollie their whole lives because she’s known he’s always supposed to have been hers and how Logan was a third wheel of a friend until all of a sudden he wasn’t because he started avoiding her that when Charlie finally comes the realization she’s been lying to herself her whole life about who she’s actually in love with, it’s not that believable. It would have been more believable for her to, in her struggle as she comes to terms with the reality that she didn’t really love Oliver (and he certainly wasn’t in love with her), for her to first accept she had never allowed herself to consider loving anyone else because of her situation and then start to fall in love with Logan because she starts to recognize his actions towards her as love and attraction from him. The whole “I’ve been lying to myself about the brother I’m actually in love with” thing doesn’t work because the timing and pacing of the overarching plot didn’t give us enough time for it to work. If that’s the route the authors wanted to take, they either shouldn’t have started the first book just after Oliver’s kidnapping, and/or worked into the first and this book more reminiscing from Charlotte and her friends about their lives together up until this point with a focus on memories of Charlie and Logan’s friendship and natural chemistry.
Now, I don’t think this ruined this book. It was very eventful and thrilling, and Logan and Charlie’s interactions were still engaging even if Charlie’s epiphany didn’t make sense. If you like jealousy and star-crossed lovers who have natural tension building chemistry between each other and love to banter, you’ll love Charlie and Logan together. And, we’re given a pretty good reason to no longer root for Oliver and Charlotte, so that wipes out the love triangle we were headed for in the first book (which is a plus for me cause I’m not a big fan of that microtrope).
We do get more scenes with the main side characters—especially the fun ones—in this book, which is entertaining.
I’m a little nervous that all must happen to lay the groundwork of what we know from the Lochlann Feud series is going to get rushed in the next two books, but I’m still intrigued to find out how it all comes together.
Picking up where Winter’s Captive left off, Princess Charlotte has risked her safety to find her fiancé and save the peace the treaty of their marriage promises for their two kingdoms…only to return home barely alive and wrecked by betrayal as secrets continue to be revealed each week the season turn closer to Spring. Though her journey wasn’t what she expected, it gave her a new passion for her people, and she’s determined to do everything in her power to make their lives better—even if it means sacrificing everything.
I give 3 ⭐️ to books I enjoyed but have critiques for. While enjoyed this book more than the first in the series, I was frustrated by the pace of how things were revealed. I think the development of characters and relationships was sacrificed for the sake of plot twists.
Don’t get me wrong—I understand (and even appreciate) how each twist in this story adds a layer to overarching plot of the series, but in between each event that heightens the suspense, there’s a subplot that is supposed to be showing us who these characters are, their relationships with each other, and how they’re developing in light of the overarching plot—but this subplot gets overshadowed by the reveals of the main conflict and by consequence, the characters development suffers.
For example: this book is where what’s merely hinted at through Logan and Charlie’s bantering and tension in book one has a spotlight shown on it. But Charlie has spent so much time telling readers how much she’s loved Ollie their whole lives because she’s known he’s always supposed to have been hers and how Logan was a third wheel of a friend until all of a sudden he wasn’t because he started avoiding her that when Charlie finally comes the realization she’s been lying to herself her whole life about who she’s actually in love with, it’s not that believable. It would have been more believable for her to, in her struggle as she comes to terms with the reality that she didn’t really love Oliver (and he certainly wasn’t in love with her), for her to first accept she had never allowed herself to consider loving anyone else because of her situation and then start to fall in love with Logan because she starts to recognize his actions towards her as love and attraction from him. The whole “I’ve been lying to myself about the brother I’m actually in love with” thing doesn’t work because the timing and pacing of the overarching plot didn’t give us enough time for it to work. If that’s the route the authors wanted to take, they either shouldn’t have started the first book just after Oliver’s kidnapping, and/or worked into the first and this book more reminiscing from Charlotte and her friends about their lives together up until this point with a focus on memories of Charlie and Logan’s friendship and natural chemistry.
Now, I don’t think this ruined this book. It was very eventful and thrilling, and Logan and Charlie’s interactions were still engaging even if Charlie’s epiphany didn’t make sense. If you like jealousy and star-crossed lovers who have natural tension building chemistry between each other and love to banter, you’ll love Charlie and Logan together. And, we’re given a pretty good reason to no longer root for Oliver and Charlotte, so that wipes out the love triangle we were headed for in the first book (which is a plus for me cause I’m not a big fan of that microtrope).
We do get more scenes with the main side characters—especially the fun ones—in this book, which is entertaining.
I’m a little nervous that all must happen to lay the groundwork of what we know from the Lochlann Feud series is going to get rushed in the next two books, but I’m still intrigued to find out how it all comes together.
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