For Castle and Crown by Sian Ann Bessey (Review & #Giveaway)


For Castle and Crown
by Sian Ann Bessey
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 289 Pages
November 1st 2017 by Covenant Communications

Summary

After years spent fighting alongside King Richard in the crusades, Lord Edmund of Hawksford is finally returning to his ancestral home. But far from a joyful reunion, what awaits him is devastation. His elder brother is dead, killed in a tragic fire at Hawksford Castle—and the title of duke now falls to Edmund.

When he strives to rebuild the fire-scarred castle, Edmund learns that his was not the only life the fire shattered: his childhood friend Lady Phillipa survived the flames that took Edmund’s brother, but badly burned, she has hidden herself away from those she loves. Yet as the pair renews their acquaintance, they find that their affection runs deep—perhaps even deeper than they’d ever realized.

As Edmund and Pippa begin to question whether the fire was truly an accident, they must discover the truth of the past before they can plan for their future. While coming perilously close to the answers they seek, Edmund and Pippa find themselves at the mercy of a dangerous foe who will stop at nothing to lay claim on Hawksford—and he will destroy any who stand in his way.

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My Review

FOR CASTLE AND CROWN is a tale of two scarred best friends who find there is more to life than just surviving and that they will do all to protect what they have found against a foe who wishes to take it all away. A sweet romance story, fraught with danger, that Medieval romance fans will enjoy.

I really liked these characters. Edmund was so sweet towards Pippa. I loved that not once was he repulsed by her scars, but always treated her with caring or teasing, as in their childhood days. Pippa is just adorably sweet and so easy to fall in love with. I would have loved more of their teasing banter and dialogue in the story. I did love seeing their relationship bloom. It's unexpected for them and so new a feeling from one of the friendship that they already have. Against them is a villain who played his role well. There is an undercurrent of danger throughout the story. I did feel that the villain got his way too easily in parts and that Edmond should have seen some moves coming a mile away as an experienced knight to have fought along King Richard. I wanted a more cunningly treacherous plot. However, I liked how the story was resolved, with its very sweet ending. I also enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed this story. The main characters were likable with an equally dis-likable foe. I would have liked more development in parts, but the friendship and romance was perfectly told.

Content: Some violence but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books by the Author

To Win a Lady's Heart
(Linked to my reviews.)

About the Author

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books.

Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.


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