Another winner from Kinley MacGregor!

I don't give 5 stars lightly, but this one easily made it to my list. The story was brilliant and the romance between Emily and Draven was refreshing. The characters were likeable, even the secondary ones. Simon in particular was very amusing when he agreed to conspire with Emily and Cristina. There was humor and I hate to spoil but there's a particular scene where Draven caught Emily red-handed reading a book for intended for lovers.

It's very easy to love Emily with her charm, wit, and fastidiousness. Draven on the other hand was a hopeless case, he ceased to have a heart long ago since he was bred from childhood to be a killing machine. He witnessed several horrors unfit for an adolescent, and has known no love or friendship, just rage and sometimes indifference. He and Emily are two opposing poles and despite of that, perfect for each other.

It's usual to have sparks between the hero and heroine, especially when a formidable and menacing hero who's feared by most men, meets his match. It's obvious he would be intrigued and challenged, and this is one of those stories that has it. There were countless times Emily stood her ground and made valid arguments, she railed at him until he conceded defeat.

Unlike the usual romance formula of hero as pursuer, Kinley MacGregor twisted this one to meet her end. When Emily boldly declared to Draven that she wants him for husband, I knew she'd be in favorite characters list. It's obvious now that I love Emily because I'm always drawn to strong-willed, resilient women. It's admirable how she didn't give up, she exerted a lot of effort to finally claim Draven, without appearing inappropriate, because her dreams and future depended on it. She's one of those women whom once she sets her sights to something, she'll get it no matter what, and she got her man.

Draven with all his perpetual scowls, cared for Emily and lusted after her; he kept a clear head and honored his oath, he has this constant fear and sometimes unfounded anxiety of killing Emily because he's always likened himself to his father. After their table scene (Draven slashed a newly-made table in two with an axe), there was a moment of a great revelation, until he broke his oath to the king, and finally surrendered himself to his passion for Emily.

The love scenes were emotional, passionate, and expertly described. They were very erotic they burn the pages. There was just the right amount and given the pent-up sexual tension, it wasn't surprising that after the first taste, the frequency increased. Both of them were very tender and loving, and most of all vulnerable especially Draven. Not a man of many words, he proved his love for Emily in the best way - his actions, and they spoke volumes.

In the end, differences were settled and the culprits met their end. I was touched, moved, and delighted by this book. It was brilliantly written and I'll definitely read more of her works.