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In Shining Armor
Krish Nayar is damp. He's cold. He's an American lost in the foggy woods of Wales and sporting a sprained ankle. When a handsome renaissance faire player in shining armor, Bleddyn ap Rhys, rescues Krish from stumbling around and getting even more lost, Krish thinks his prayers are answered. At least until Bleddyn brings him to Castle Gwydir, where everyone lives like it really "is" Medieval Wales, no one knows what an iPhone or indoor plumbing is, and where, by all accounts, the year is 1626. Traveling four hundred years into the past is improbable, but apparently not impossible. Learning to fit in with medieval Welshmen is difficult, but not impossible. What's impossible is Krish not losing his heart to gallant Bleddyn in a time when, if acted on, their love means a death sentence.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 15, 2016
I debated giving this book two stars, but I struggled so much to find something positive to say about this book that I just couldn't justify the extra star.
I like to think that while I'm a pretty critical reviewer who stands true to the actual Goodreads rating scale, I'm not a mean or unfair reviewer. I really stick to my true feelings and try to explain them well, and I never make personal attacks on authors. That being said, sometimes the truth... hurts.
This book was painful for me to get through. I'm a HUGE fan of time-travel books, and I'd even go so far as saying that it's in my top list of favorite romance tropes. I just love it when worlds collide and people find love across different periods of time. However, time-travel books also have to make sense for them to work for me.
In Shining Armor started off okay, but after the first few pages I had a sinking feelings in my gut. This book makes some VERY big missteps that I just couldn't tolerate. For one, the insta-love was too ridiculous for me to handle. After just a day or so together, Bleddyn and Krish are talking about love and how they've never ever felt this way before. I was really put off and baffled by their level of devotion to one another. It made no sense.
Speaking of making no sense, the way that they handled Krish and him being Indian was really... bizarre. When Krish told a bunch of 17th century men that he was from American and then clarified that his family was from India, some place EXTREMELY far away from Wales, that would have brought up MANY questions. In fact, just his appearance as a dark-skinned man alone would have put him under intense scrutiny. The fact that most seemed just to accept what he said and put him up in their castle or whatever was outrageous.
And the cavalier way that Bleddyn and Krish hooked up or touched where they could get caught was... no. When having just the suspicion that you were being intimate with a man was enough that you could be put to death, kissing near where other people were walking or having sex in the trees when you wandered off from your party was just dangerous. The open way that they were with each other was alarming and totally unrealistic. You have to at least be somewhat historically accurate!
The world building was also practically non-existent. When I read a historical romance, I really like to get a sense of the world in which the characters are living. Here, the author barely skimmed over those details and focused more on the dialogue between Bleddyn and Krish, which left me feeling like I had no idea about the historical setting. I don't like that.
Finally, I have to talk about the sex. I'm a person who really likes sex, especially kinky sex, in my romance books. However, the sheer number of times that Bleddyn and Krish had sex was too much, even for me. I'm talking four or five times in just the first few chapters. There was so much sex, and so little substance that I just checked out. I ended up skimming the story and then DNFing.
There are a lot of excellent time-travel romances out there, but I'm sorry to say that this isn't one of them.
I like to think that while I'm a pretty critical reviewer who stands true to the actual Goodreads rating scale, I'm not a mean or unfair reviewer. I really stick to my true feelings and try to explain them well, and I never make personal attacks on authors. That being said, sometimes the truth... hurts.
This book was painful for me to get through. I'm a HUGE fan of time-travel books, and I'd even go so far as saying that it's in my top list of favorite romance tropes. I just love it when worlds collide and people find love across different periods of time. However, time-travel books also have to make sense for them to work for me.
In Shining Armor started off okay, but after the first few pages I had a sinking feelings in my gut. This book makes some VERY big missteps that I just couldn't tolerate. For one, the insta-love was too ridiculous for me to handle. After just a day or so together, Bleddyn and Krish are talking about love and how they've never ever felt this way before. I was really put off and baffled by their level of devotion to one another. It made no sense.
Speaking of making no sense, the way that they handled Krish and him being Indian was really... bizarre. When Krish told a bunch of 17th century men that he was from American and then clarified that his family was from India, some place EXTREMELY far away from Wales, that would have brought up MANY questions. In fact, just his appearance as a dark-skinned man alone would have put him under intense scrutiny. The fact that most seemed just to accept what he said and put him up in their castle or whatever was outrageous.
And the cavalier way that Bleddyn and Krish hooked up or touched where they could get caught was... no. When having just the suspicion that you were being intimate with a man was enough that you could be put to death, kissing near where other people were walking or having sex in the trees when you wandered off from your party was just dangerous. The open way that they were with each other was alarming and totally unrealistic. You have to at least be somewhat historically accurate!
The world building was also practically non-existent. When I read a historical romance, I really like to get a sense of the world in which the characters are living. Here, the author barely skimmed over those details and focused more on the dialogue between Bleddyn and Krish, which left me feeling like I had no idea about the historical setting. I don't like that.
Finally, I have to talk about the sex. I'm a person who really likes sex, especially kinky sex, in my romance books. However, the sheer number of times that Bleddyn and Krish had sex was too much, even for me. I'm talking four or five times in just the first few chapters. There was so much sex, and so little substance that I just checked out. I ended up skimming the story and then DNFing.
There are a lot of excellent time-travel romances out there, but I'm sorry to say that this isn't one of them.
September 26, 2016
A M/M romance set in Wales? A gorgeous wise-cracking American of Indian descent? A gorgeous Welshman riding to the rescue through the fog? Time travel to the Wales of 1626? Sign me up! I gave the book 3 stars, but oh how I wish that the book was as good as the blurb ....
Krishnan Nayar is lost in the Welsh countryside, separated from his friends by a mysterious fog, when he is rescued by Bleddyn ap Rhys, a Welsh knight on an honest-to-gawd horse. He brings him to Castle Gwdyir and very quickly Krish realizes he has time-traveled to the year 1626, and just as quickly he and Bleddyn fall into insta-lust / love, as in a matter of hours.
As the blurb says "their love means a death sentence." For real, as in castration, stoning, burning at the stake, flogging, mutilation .... you get the horrid, totally sickening idea. Which is why the idea of Krish and Bleddyn pretty much openly living together, the occasional kiss in the stables, a snog in the countryside, and a blowjob OUTSIDE the door of their bedroom in the castle is way too historically inaccurate to bear. Despite the plentitude of very steamy sex scenes (with most involving Krish "getting banged like a Salvation Army drum" - love that phrase), at the mid-point of the book it felt like the story was in a rut, a long drawn-out rut. In fact, there were almost too many similar sex scenes ..... wait, what? Yeah, I can't believe I actually wrote that either.
But the introduction of a paranormal element that explained Krish's excruciating nightmares and why Krish and Bleddyn were so drawn to one another salvaged the story toward the end of the book. E.L. Phillips did a very good job of showing just how much in love Krish and Bleddyn are, as well as their sizzling sexual chemistry, and I liked how the author threaded the story of Bleddyn's first love through the plot, and how that brought about a very satisfactory ending to the story.
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
Krishnan Nayar is lost in the Welsh countryside, separated from his friends by a mysterious fog, when he is rescued by Bleddyn ap Rhys, a Welsh knight on an honest-to-gawd horse. He brings him to Castle Gwdyir and very quickly Krish realizes he has time-traveled to the year 1626, and just as quickly he and Bleddyn fall into insta-lust / love, as in a matter of hours.
As the blurb says "their love means a death sentence." For real, as in castration, stoning, burning at the stake, flogging, mutilation .... you get the horrid, totally sickening idea. Which is why the idea of Krish and Bleddyn pretty much openly living together, the occasional kiss in the stables, a snog in the countryside, and a blowjob OUTSIDE the door of their bedroom in the castle is way too historically inaccurate to bear. Despite the plentitude of very steamy sex scenes (with most involving Krish "getting banged like a Salvation Army drum" - love that phrase), at the mid-point of the book it felt like the story was in a rut, a long drawn-out rut. In fact, there were almost too many similar sex scenes ..... wait, what? Yeah, I can't believe I actually wrote that either.
But the introduction of a paranormal element that explained Krish's excruciating nightmares and why Krish and Bleddyn were so drawn to one another salvaged the story toward the end of the book. E.L. Phillips did a very good job of showing just how much in love Krish and Bleddyn are, as well as their sizzling sexual chemistry, and I liked how the author threaded the story of Bleddyn's first love through the plot, and how that brought about a very satisfactory ending to the story.
I received an ARC of this book from Bold Strokes Books, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
do-not-finish
May 24, 2016DNF-ed at 40% - no rating.
Couldn't connect with the characters and the story. Too insta-love and too many sex scenes for me to take. Others who prefer those two aspects might find this story to their liking though.
Advanced copy of this book received via NetGalley.
Couldn't connect with the characters and the story. Too insta-love and too many sex scenes for me to take. Others who prefer those two aspects might find this story to their liking though.
Advanced copy of this book received via NetGalley.
July 24, 2016
I have no idea what to write. I was skimming almost 40% of the book. Too many sex scenes, even for me, who usually 'appreciated' sex scenes fondly. You know what I mean?
In three days , they're already declared the forever love .
In a year 1626, where homosexual will sentenced to death, they're doing too many PDA outside, not to mention sex in public area, where anybody can appear any time. So...
Time travel theme captivated me when I requested this book, but I can say, I'm so disappointed for this one.
Two stars is me being generous.
*I was given the ARC by Netgalley, no high rating required*
June 14, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
When I first read the blurb for In Shining Armor, I assumed it would be something along the lines of Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. And it was…for about ten pages. Then the story went off in a widely divergent direction that caught me off guard. While not all aspects of this book paid off, the author did a nice job of providing an unusual resolution to a classic time traveling twist. Krish and Bleddyn are both fairly well rounded characters whose love is sweet and affirming, though utterly unbelievable. In Shining Armor has more of a historical flavoring rather than a genuine appreciation for historical truth. Still, there is enough sense of time and place to make the basic story work. The Welsh language is an integral part in the plot and the author makes sure to provide frequent translations, which is especially helpful given that wonderful country’s love of the confounding double consonant.
My biggest issue with In Shining Armor is the absolutely bonkers evolution of the romance between Krish and Bleddyn. From the time Krish travels back to the 17th century to the moment he and Bleddyn pledge their complete and undying love for one another, about three days pass. Three days. Krish experiences almost no period of adjustment to his surroundings and Bleddyn hardly bats an eye when Krish reveals his origins. The author puts this sudden and easy acceptance down to Fate but that doesn’t make any more believable. While these two characters do work on some level, their romance always felt uneven, slightly obnoxious in its extremes, and ultimately unfulfilling. Which is a shame because I really wanted to like this aspect of the story more than I did.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
When I first read the blurb for In Shining Armor, I assumed it would be something along the lines of Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. And it was…for about ten pages. Then the story went off in a widely divergent direction that caught me off guard. While not all aspects of this book paid off, the author did a nice job of providing an unusual resolution to a classic time traveling twist. Krish and Bleddyn are both fairly well rounded characters whose love is sweet and affirming, though utterly unbelievable. In Shining Armor has more of a historical flavoring rather than a genuine appreciation for historical truth. Still, there is enough sense of time and place to make the basic story work. The Welsh language is an integral part in the plot and the author makes sure to provide frequent translations, which is especially helpful given that wonderful country’s love of the confounding double consonant.
My biggest issue with In Shining Armor is the absolutely bonkers evolution of the romance between Krish and Bleddyn. From the time Krish travels back to the 17th century to the moment he and Bleddyn pledge their complete and undying love for one another, about three days pass. Three days. Krish experiences almost no period of adjustment to his surroundings and Bleddyn hardly bats an eye when Krish reveals his origins. The author puts this sudden and easy acceptance down to Fate but that doesn’t make any more believable. While these two characters do work on some level, their romance always felt uneven, slightly obnoxious in its extremes, and ultimately unfulfilling. Which is a shame because I really wanted to like this aspect of the story more than I did.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
May 16, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. A historical/time travel story about love that overcomes heavy odds against it? Definitely a powerful theme and I am a sucker for good time travel/historical stuff. Well, there wasn't much actual history involved.
There was insta-lust which became insta-love (the former doesn't bother me, the latter needs a highly skilled writer to make me buy-in) that only later in the book becomes, kind of, acceptable depending on what the reader's metaphysical/spiritual frame of reference might be. All his life Bleddyn has felt that he was destined for hell because of his preferences - but Krish doesn't even take a full day to get him to throw his values aside and climb into bed (and on forest floors, and up against the OUTSIDE of his guest room door, and...) Later they come to live together, sharing a room, publicly displaying affection, etc. like any modern gay couple would. The entire demense knows what they are up to and, with only two dissenting voices raised, most everyone turns a blind eye. Just, because, y'know. I couldn't buy that. Maybe if they had been discreet, but they most definitely weren't.
The time travel aspect followed a tried and true meme - get lost in the wilds of a forest (particularly in Wales) and you may very well end up elsewhere. Very traditional and much used in folklore. Best of all, doesn't require much explaining. Forests are odd, wild and full of magic, so that I did like.
On the whole, though, the lack of actual history, the poorly handled social and cultural atmosphere, the insta-love all made this a lackluster read for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a copy in return for an honest review.
There was insta-lust which became insta-love (the former doesn't bother me, the latter needs a highly skilled writer to make me buy-in) that only later in the book becomes, kind of, acceptable depending on what the reader's metaphysical/spiritual frame of reference might be. All his life Bleddyn has felt that he was destined for hell because of his preferences - but Krish doesn't even take a full day to get him to throw his values aside and climb into bed (and on forest floors, and up against the OUTSIDE of his guest room door, and...) Later they come to live together, sharing a room, publicly displaying affection, etc. like any modern gay couple would. The entire demense knows what they are up to and, with only two dissenting voices raised, most everyone turns a blind eye. Just, because, y'know. I couldn't buy that. Maybe if they had been discreet, but they most definitely weren't.
The time travel aspect followed a tried and true meme - get lost in the wilds of a forest (particularly in Wales) and you may very well end up elsewhere. Very traditional and much used in folklore. Best of all, doesn't require much explaining. Forests are odd, wild and full of magic, so that I did like.
On the whole, though, the lack of actual history, the poorly handled social and cultural atmosphere, the insta-love all made this a lackluster read for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a copy in return for an honest review.
Read
May 26, 2016I don't know if this is "allowed" when reading an ARC for review, but I simply could not finish this one. I am not rating it since I didn't finish it.
I can appreciate and accept when there is a possible/believable explanation for exceptions within a historical setting in romance, especially when we are talking about m/m romance since it was illegal, punishable by death/castration/prison, etc. However, when it is still viewed as immoral, illegal, etc. but is blatantly going on with a complete disregard to consequences? I don't think I can't buy into that. Outlander, this is not. (And I'm not saying every time travel romance has to be as well researched and believable as Outlander, but still. And I'm talking about the book series, not TV show that I haven't watched..OK, getting off track here...) Also? I feel like they would have been WAAAAAYYY more suspicious of Krishnan based on his ethnicity, not just accepting he came from an unknown United States and inviting him in.
Add on top of all of that, a big case of insta-love in this (which can't be explained as easily as when they're shifters or mates, etc) didn't work for me either. I got to the middle, - and I can't believe I'm saying this - but there was too much sex, and it felt repetitive and unnecessary. I think that with some editing to make this a tighter, more concise story (with less sex), it would have made the relationship more meaningful and effective. Krishnan was beginning to have nightmares, and I would have much rather read about conflict and plot, rather than the sex.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can appreciate and accept when there is a possible/believable explanation for exceptions within a historical setting in romance, especially when we are talking about m/m romance since it was illegal, punishable by death/castration/prison, etc. However, when it is still viewed as immoral, illegal, etc. but is blatantly going on with a complete disregard to consequences? I don't think I can't buy into that. Outlander, this is not. (And I'm not saying every time travel romance has to be as well researched and believable as Outlander, but still. And I'm talking about the book series, not TV show that I haven't watched..OK, getting off track here...) Also? I feel like they would have been WAAAAAYYY more suspicious of Krishnan based on his ethnicity, not just accepting he came from an unknown United States and inviting him in.
Add on top of all of that, a big case of insta-love in this (which can't be explained as easily as when they're shifters or mates, etc) didn't work for me either. I got to the middle, - and I can't believe I'm saying this - but there was too much sex, and it felt repetitive and unnecessary. I think that with some editing to make this a tighter, more concise story (with less sex), it would have made the relationship more meaningful and effective. Krishnan was beginning to have nightmares, and I would have much rather read about conflict and plot, rather than the sex.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2016
The romance is sweet, swift, and intense. Bleddyn and time-traveler Krishnan make a fine couple: one uses sarcastic, witty humor to shield himself; the other, chainmail. When they shed these defenses, each grows as a person and finds happiness.
It was nice that the story included a sympathetic female supporting character, one that I’d enjoy reading about in another book. The author gives her nuance and complexity. In other historical romances that I’ve read, I’ve noticed that the wholesale rejection of Christianity, long speeches about the superiority of the old religions/magic/etc. feels anachronistic and jarring. What the author gives us here is a kind of syncretization between indigenous Welsh religion and spirituality and the Christianity of the time. This imparts a sense of historical realism and balance to character behavior, and the world building remains intact. There are a few instances of overly modern word use in the scene where Krishnan, the hero, goes into a trance -- words like ‘visualization’ used by a late 1600s Welsh character, not the time-traveling hero -- but I read an ARC and this may not be present in the final version. The confined spaces the characters move in for much of the story (castle, forest, cottage) prevent a sense of atmosphere from developing. The author weaves in Welsh language and endearments in charming ways, and has obviously given time and consideration to research. A few more cultural elements would have lent the story more atmosphere. Historical realism was lacking; the heroes were rather easily accepted despite the reality of torture, death, etc. for openly homosexual men in 1600s Wales.
More than one enemy threatens the couple’s happiness, but some of the middle chapters include too many tangents, with the unfortunate effect of making some of the many love scenes feel like padding when more plot is needed. Krishnan can be excused for not understanding how dangerous these intolerant times are, but Bleddyn seems unaware at times. The middle section of the novel contained multiple scenes that neither helped to move the plot forward nor to develop the relationship. This lessened the sense of menace and urgency.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read: passionate, funny, and engaging. Recommended for fans of M/M historical romance, fantasy romance, and time travel romance.
It was nice that the story included a sympathetic female supporting character, one that I’d enjoy reading about in another book. The author gives her nuance and complexity. In other historical romances that I’ve read, I’ve noticed that the wholesale rejection of Christianity, long speeches about the superiority of the old religions/magic/etc. feels anachronistic and jarring. What the author gives us here is a kind of syncretization between indigenous Welsh religion and spirituality and the Christianity of the time. This imparts a sense of historical realism and balance to character behavior, and the world building remains intact. There are a few instances of overly modern word use in the scene where Krishnan, the hero, goes into a trance -- words like ‘visualization’ used by a late 1600s Welsh character, not the time-traveling hero -- but I read an ARC and this may not be present in the final version. The confined spaces the characters move in for much of the story (castle, forest, cottage) prevent a sense of atmosphere from developing. The author weaves in Welsh language and endearments in charming ways, and has obviously given time and consideration to research. A few more cultural elements would have lent the story more atmosphere. Historical realism was lacking; the heroes were rather easily accepted despite the reality of torture, death, etc. for openly homosexual men in 1600s Wales.
More than one enemy threatens the couple’s happiness, but some of the middle chapters include too many tangents, with the unfortunate effect of making some of the many love scenes feel like padding when more plot is needed. Krishnan can be excused for not understanding how dangerous these intolerant times are, but Bleddyn seems unaware at times. The middle section of the novel contained multiple scenes that neither helped to move the plot forward nor to develop the relationship. This lessened the sense of menace and urgency.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read: passionate, funny, and engaging. Recommended for fans of M/M historical romance, fantasy romance, and time travel romance.
February 18, 2017
Amusing preposterous time travel tale of an East Indian-American guy who walks through a foggy bit of woods on a camping trip with friends, and a la 'Brigadoon' or 'Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court,' ends up in 17th-century Wales.
As critiqued in other reviews, the story has some problems; open PDA in a time where homosexuality is punishable by death?
I liked the pagan witch lady. The frequent sex scenes made it a sexy romp, but the repetitious nature was kinda meh. Hey, bottom Pride! But still, thank goodness for 'salve!'
I liked that the protagonist is East Indian, and it relates to the reincarnation themes. The Cymraeg language parts were fun to mutter aloud while reading.
But seriously, if you time-traveled, would you be able to deep-kiss a guy who'd never used a toothbrush? And with all that butt-fingering, I wonder how people trimmed their nails in those days. Lots of basic hygiene problems and solutions could have made this a comic romp.
As critiqued in other reviews, the story has some problems; open PDA in a time where homosexuality is punishable by death?
I liked the pagan witch lady. The frequent sex scenes made it a sexy romp, but the repetitious nature was kinda meh. Hey, bottom Pride! But still, thank goodness for 'salve!'
I liked that the protagonist is East Indian, and it relates to the reincarnation themes. The Cymraeg language parts were fun to mutter aloud while reading.
But seriously, if you time-traveled, would you be able to deep-kiss a guy who'd never used a toothbrush? And with all that butt-fingering, I wonder how people trimmed their nails in those days. Lots of basic hygiene problems and solutions could have made this a comic romp.
June 17, 2016
Krish Nayar is not one who is into roughing it. Which is why he wasn't keen on the suggestion of camping near Cardiff to end out his vacation in the United Kingdom. But his friends thought it was a good idea, and he went along with it. Though it doesn't seem like a good idea after he trips in the woods, lost in fog, with no one around to help him.
Krish is surprised when a knight in shining armor--literally--rides up on a horse to come to his aid. Although he's in pain, Krish finds the man's commitment to being in character amusing. He assumes this knight, Bleddyn, is an actor in a local renaissance faire. But when Bleddyn brings Krish back to the castle where he lives for medical attention, Krish begins to wonder just how much of this is an act. He might have actually somehow stumbled into the seventeenth century.
Despite his surroundings, Krish can't deny his attraction to his savior. And he's more than a little surprised when he gets a hint that Bleddyn might feel the same way. But if Krish acts on it, it could spell trouble. His kind of love wasn't exactly accepted in the 1600s. And he'll only be there until he finds his way back home, right?
Faced with circumstances beyond his imagination, Krish must decide to follow his head or his heart.
--
This book has a few things going for it that always tend to interest me. I'm a sucker for some good historical romance. And when you throw in a time travel twist, you've certainly got me interested. When an author can put them together into a compelling story--then we're talking a must read. And this fits that bill.
There's a powerful magic influencing the events in this story. And it's a magic that comes off the page and into the reader's imagination. I recommend this for anyone who is a fan of any of this story's subgenres.
Krish is surprised when a knight in shining armor--literally--rides up on a horse to come to his aid. Although he's in pain, Krish finds the man's commitment to being in character amusing. He assumes this knight, Bleddyn, is an actor in a local renaissance faire. But when Bleddyn brings Krish back to the castle where he lives for medical attention, Krish begins to wonder just how much of this is an act. He might have actually somehow stumbled into the seventeenth century.
Despite his surroundings, Krish can't deny his attraction to his savior. And he's more than a little surprised when he gets a hint that Bleddyn might feel the same way. But if Krish acts on it, it could spell trouble. His kind of love wasn't exactly accepted in the 1600s. And he'll only be there until he finds his way back home, right?
Faced with circumstances beyond his imagination, Krish must decide to follow his head or his heart.
--
This book has a few things going for it that always tend to interest me. I'm a sucker for some good historical romance. And when you throw in a time travel twist, you've certainly got me interested. When an author can put them together into a compelling story--then we're talking a must read. And this fits that bill.
There's a powerful magic influencing the events in this story. And it's a magic that comes off the page and into the reader's imagination. I recommend this for anyone who is a fan of any of this story's subgenres.
July 22, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
3.5 Stars -
One of my favourite MF romance time periods was the middle ages. I loved knights, squires and damsels in distress. While this technically takes place in the early modern period, the feel of it was older and it reminded me of those stories I used to read only with two men. Adding to it time traveling and soul mates made for an enjoyable read.
Although Krish cried at everything, I did like him and his attempts to fit in to the time he found himself in. I also liked Bleddyn and felt for his loneliness. I really liked that we have cultural blending with Krish being of East Indian decent and the beliefs that brought to the table.
However, for a book set in a time period where sodomy is a sin punishable by death, they weren’t very careful at keeping their relationship secret or keeping the sex to safe spaces. It seemed odd that even a tolerant castle would turn a blind eye to their goings on.
As well the ending left too much uncertain in my mind. I knew where the author was going but it felt unfinished and rushed. I wanted to know more!
That aside, the rest was an interesting and engaging read. I would be interested in reading more of this author’s work.
3.5 Stars -
One of my favourite MF romance time periods was the middle ages. I loved knights, squires and damsels in distress. While this technically takes place in the early modern period, the feel of it was older and it reminded me of those stories I used to read only with two men. Adding to it time traveling and soul mates made for an enjoyable read.
Although Krish cried at everything, I did like him and his attempts to fit in to the time he found himself in. I also liked Bleddyn and felt for his loneliness. I really liked that we have cultural blending with Krish being of East Indian decent and the beliefs that brought to the table.
However, for a book set in a time period where sodomy is a sin punishable by death, they weren’t very careful at keeping their relationship secret or keeping the sex to safe spaces. It seemed odd that even a tolerant castle would turn a blind eye to their goings on.
As well the ending left too much uncertain in my mind. I knew where the author was going but it felt unfinished and rushed. I wanted to know more!
That aside, the rest was an interesting and engaging read. I would be interested in reading more of this author’s work.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews