Review: Mark of Royalty by Jennifer K. Clark and Stephonie K. Williams

Mark of Royalty
by Jennifer K. Clark, Stephonie K. Williams
YA/Adult Historical Romance
Paperback225 Pages
January 1st 2011 by Covenant Communications

Summary

At a time when royal infants are marked at birth, a royal advisor makes a terrible misstep — and an infant princess must be secreted away to save her life. Named Sarah by Miranda, the woman who agrees to raise the child as her own, the girl is unaware of her royal heritage — even though Miranda has done all she can to pair Sarah with the king's nephew, Lord Chad. But unexpected events prevent the expected betrothal.

Determined to fulfill her devoted mother's wishes, Sarah reserves her heart for Chad despite her growing affections for another man. But as plots against the crown unfold, someone accidentally discovers Sarah's mark of royalty — setting the stage for discoveries that will shake the kingdom to its core.

You can find a music video for Mark of Royalty here and a book trailer here.
   

My Review

Mark of Royalty started off really well in the first few pages. I was pulled in by the intrigue of what was going on and why this baby was being taken away. The next several chapters of the story were a little slow for me. I liked getting to know the family and I could see that the authors were trying to pass on some information, but I thought it could have been handled a little differently. Then about a third of the way through the story began picking up for me and continued to engage me the rest of the way.

There were a few things that did bother me a little. There were a few places in the dialogue or with the characters where there were inconsistencies (such as when Chad explained the celebration to Sarah like she hadn't been living in his country since practically birth) and where things were too unrealistic. These would be my only gripes.

I really liked Sarah, even though I did feel she was pretty head strong. I liked her sister as well in the beginning, but then began to not like her as she seeks more prestige and power and betrays her sister. I continually hoped that these sisters would mend their relationship and that Felicia would support her sister more fully again. I won't say what ends up happening.

Then you have Lord Chad and Alex. Chad was the usual spoiled royalty in many ways, but was also a friend to both girls at one point or another. I liked Alex immediately and also figured out who he was right away. It was interesting seeing how his relationship with Sarah grows. I did feel they feel in love rather quickly.

There was plenty of intrigue, some political maneuvering, some suspense as to what was going to happen - who would be in danger, and when Sarah would realize who she was. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Alex and Sarah and the intrigue. They made this story for me.

Overall Mark of Royalty was an enjoyable read. It's one I can recommend to my nieces and friends and anyone who enjoys sweet, but intriguing, historical romance. I'm excited to pick up the next book, Bonds of Loyalty!

Content: Clean

Source: Purchased

You can check out my tour stop review today for the second book in this series, Bonds of Loyaltyhere and enter the giveaway while you're there.

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