Entrusted by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: 

A captivating read and satisfying conclusion to the Knights of Brethren Series. 

A fast paced read, with an engaging plot, strong themes of loyalty and admirable characters. 

I loved Brigitta from the beginning and I enjoyed the twist of seeing the building conflict from the other side for the first time. I liked that Brigitta and Kristoffer are both fiercely loyal people, yet they don't let it cloud their knowledge of what is right. And I loved seeing Espen and Kristoffer's friendship again in this book. 

I thought that this book did a great job of expanding the world of the series with a glimpse into Swaine, Canute, and the dark warriors. Though the final installment in what has been a fantastic series, it did leave the door open for future books connected to the series, which I definitely hope is picked up on. You won't want to miss the thrilling and romantic conclusion to the Knights of  Brethren.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ensnared by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: A knight more noble than he appears must fight to win the woman he loves.

Mikaela has plans to marry to get out from under the dangerous gaze of the Earl. But when his younger brother, Gunnar, returns in search of the Chalice to save the Queen's life she wonders if she can deny her already Ensnared heart?

An engaging and enchanting romance of forbidden love and daring.  Mikaela works hard alongside Nanna to provide for her family, I liked that she is responsible and does a great job with her two young charges. I loved getting to know Gunnar better, and get good glimpse past the façade he shows the world, he is daring and loyal despite his reputation.

One of my favorite characters had to be Nanna, and her ever watchful ways, she is a wise woman, and a daring heroine when called upon. I will also be interested to see what role their new friend Sven takes in future books. 

Overall, a enjoyable and entertaining read, filled with risk, romance, noble knights and fair maidens, as well as faith. A wonderful addition to the series, I can't wait to read Torvald's story next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Entwined by Jody Hedlund // Review

Review:

 A new spin on the legend of Excalibur, filled with adventure and romance. 

Lis grew up believing herself to the be the daughter of a farmer and his wife, but now with the kingdom in turmoil she must reclaim her birthright. Ansgar is uneasy with the changes he sees in King Ulrik's health and cannot abide standing by watching him waste away, Rasmus's scheming turns Ansgar's men against him. A thrilling adventure of daring and romance. 

I was thrilled to be able to pick this book up so soon after reading Enamored, and I enjoyed getting to know a little more about the knights. Lis is natural leader, humble yet she has a strong sense of compassion and justice. Ansgar is a knight of noble character, he takes his vows seriously. He and Lis make a great team. 

I liked how this story showed a different side of what was going on than the previous book, and I hope to see more of the sisters together in the future. I'm excited to see where the series will go and get to know the other knights better. A wonderful complement to Enamored, with excellent characters, romantic tension and strong plot connecting the stories!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Entwined-Knights-Brethren-Book-2-ebook/dp/B09B31H3H2 

Enamored by Jody Hedlund // Review

Review:

A thrilling new Medieval series from Jody Hedlund. 

Princess Elinor must choose a noble husband to rule alongside her, but the weeklong courtships have left her even more unsure of the choice she must make. When a friend from the past returns to the palace, she finds her heart torn between what it wants and her kingdom. 

Inspired by the legends of Excalibur, this adventurous romance is hard to put down. I liked that both Maxim and Elinor are reasonable and logical, challenging each other, and bringing out the best in each other. Maxim is analytical and in a constant game of wits with his scheming father, I liked that he thinks for himself and finds ways to rebel. 

A fast paced read, with admirable characters that you can cheer for all the way through, who have a strong sense of right and wrong.  I also liked that it sets up the second book well, leaving questions unanswered and introducing Lis and Ansgar. I especially loved Halvard! An adventurous romance set in a fantastical land loosely based on Arthurian legend, this series promises to be one of my favorite young adult series by Jody Hedlund yet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Besotted by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

A satisfying conclusion to this beautiful trilogy of fairy-tale re-tellings.

Kreston doesn't consider himself a serious contender to the throne, as his two elder brothers are the heavy favorites. While serving out his testing in the Inglewood forest he comes across an enchanting beauty, who is captivating in a way unlike every young woman he has ever met before. 

Aurora has lived a sheltered life, hidden away in the Inglewood forest until the moment when she can claim her throne. Kreston is charming, and forbidden, making her long for both more than her quiet life in the forest, and less than the heavy mantle of royalty.

As their time in the forest draws to an end, their bond is tested as they fight for their countries, freedom, and love. 

Recognizably based loosely on Sleeping Beauty, this third and final book in the Fairest Maidens is my favorite of the series. I loved how it creatively re-invents the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty in a way that is fresh, but honors the original story. One of the main reasons I loved this book was because of Kreston's character arc, and how he grows from a young man not taking his Testing very seriously to a man willing to risk his life for what he loves and believes in. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, with its strong, protagonists, the return of familiar faces, fantastic plot and climactic conclusion. Aurora is curious about the outside world, she is kind, and a problem solver. I loved her aunts doting and Chester's gruff protectiveness. A worthy conclusion to this wonderful series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beguiled by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

A fresh new Snow White re-telling from the pen of Jody Hedlund.

Mikkel has been sent to the Isle of Outcasts to serve out his Testing in order to prove his worthiness for the throne of Scania. There he is greeted by two warring gangs of outcasts, men and women different or disfigured in a way that they were rejected from common society.

Princess has been hiding among the Outcasts for years from her murderous mother Queen Margery, her flawless features hidden beneath a veil. When Irontooth captures a young nobleman who has been living among their foes, Pearl is tasked with learning his secret. Can Pearl and Mikkel be better together against the forces of an evil Queen?

Engaging from the start, I was drawn into the plights of Mikkel and Pearl. Mikkel is an honorable young man bent on proving himself to his kingdom and father as a worthy king, I liked how he is determined, and can sometimes overthink things. He has a great character arc over the course of the book, and it is well done in its subtlety.

I loved this engaging and action filled twist on Snow White, Pearl and Mikkel are amazing protagonists, who are willing to have their ideas challenged. Pearl loves her sister, and will do whatever she can to get her sister out of their mother's clutches.  I admired her commitment to her mission and her respect for those around her. 

Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the series, my favorite so far, engaging adventure, romantic and grounded with faith. This fantasy fairy tale re-telling does a great job of keeping elements that make the inspiration apparent, while also completely shaking it up in a fresh new way. I have no idea how Scania will pick its king, because I'm positive that Kreston will be just as amazing as Vilmar and Mikkel...I need the next book ASAP! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review: 

Juliana Wessex, though born of noble blood, has lived her last few years in the forest among her people, gaining infamy as the Cloaked Bandit. One day she raids an old acquaintance, Collin Goodrich, who sees through her disguise and challenges her to live among the nobles for a week and in turn he will live in the forest among the peasants.

But when Collin's sister invites Juliana's despicable Uncle and cousin to the Goodrich estate, Juliana's cover is in danger of discovery, she must fight to defend her people, but will it mean denying her heart?

Collin Goodrich is back in this companion novel to An Uncertain Choice, and in many ways this is as much his story as Juliana's. Told through alternating first-person point-of-view, the alternating narrative kept the pages turning, in this fast paced read.

 I really liked how Collin was always respectful of Juliana, he knew that there were times to leave her alone, and let her go. I really liked how he was open to being challenged to think about his life and the blessings that he'd been given.

I admired Juliana for her compassionate heart. I liked that she found herself equally challenged by Collin to think differently as well about her choices in life, and I think that might be what I liked most about their relationship--that they challenged each other to be better people.

Overall, a well told story, quick moving, and enjoyable to the very last. A captivating story, with strong characters, a dashing knight in shining, and a damsel-not-in-distress, with a tension filled, heart pounding plot line. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of An Uncertain Choice, and Melanie Dickerson's books!





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

I need the next book right now!

Lady Rosemarie has a daunting task ahead of her, due to her late parent's vow, she must either join the convent or find a worthy husband before her 18th birthday, which is only a month away. The Duke bring 3 dashing knights to compete for her hand, the charming Collin, the confident Bennet, and the mysterious Derrick.

When a mysterious illness plagues her kingdom, and the knights become the targets in a cruel scheme, Rosemarie is more conflicted than ever about who to turn to. Will Rosemarie find the right knight to protect her heart?

I loved this book from the first, and the handsome hero that wins her heart. From what I've read online, this book is the first of what is sure to be a thrilling series, and I just can't wait, because I loved this one so much!

It wasn't just Rosemarie and the knights that captured my devotion, but also the Duke and the jailer, Bartholomew, he was such a good man.

This was a tale full of action, adventure, good old fashioned chivalry, and also a strong heroine. It just had the perfect balance of everything, and I loved how Rosemarie had such a tender heart, yet also was strong when she needed to sand up for herself.

Overall, definitely a book I'll be recommending! The action was nonstop once it started in the last quarter of the book, it left me with a satisfying ending that had me wanting so much more! A well written tale sure to capture the hearts of old and young alike.



Thank you Ms. Hedlund for letting me read your fantastic book!