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The Companion #2
The Common Girl
Love has never been more dangerous.
Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. But the longstanding tradition is about to change.
Prince Tyron never wanted a Companion. Now he cannot fathom a life without her. But when a rebellious act brings brutal consequences, the prince realises that what he feels might be her biggest threat. As his Companion’s future grows uncertain, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Aldara never wanted to be a Companion. The choice was made for her. She certainly never imagined she would grow to love the prince more than her own freedom. Now their life together is falling apart. Tyron wants her safe, and she must find a way to exist without him. But as Zoelin tightens its grip on Syrasan, the pair soon discovers there are no safe havens.
Tender and heart-stopping, The Common Girl is a story about love, sacrifice and the roles that bind us.
PLEASE NOTE: This is book two in The Companion series and is best read after book one, The Royal Companion.
Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. But the longstanding tradition is about to change.
Prince Tyron never wanted a Companion. Now he cannot fathom a life without her. But when a rebellious act brings brutal consequences, the prince realises that what he feels might be her biggest threat. As his Companion’s future grows uncertain, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Aldara never wanted to be a Companion. The choice was made for her. She certainly never imagined she would grow to love the prince more than her own freedom. Now their life together is falling apart. Tyron wants her safe, and she must find a way to exist without him. But as Zoelin tightens its grip on Syrasan, the pair soon discovers there are no safe havens.
Tender and heart-stopping, The Common Girl is a story about love, sacrifice and the roles that bind us.
PLEASE NOTE: This is book two in The Companion series and is best read after book one, The Royal Companion.
308 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2017
417 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Bird
24 books490 followersTanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 11, 2020
Honestly I love this series so much
September 6, 2023
Not gonna lie I separated this trilogy out just so it looked like I read more books so I don’t really have much to say here.
April 18, 2021
Ahh!! That ending!!
Again, like the first, I really liked this book. I’m honestly surprised I liked this as much as I did. I didn’t love the political elements of the first (outside of the palace politics) but I didn’t mind them here. Our couple was also separated in some form or fashion for most of this book and yet I still liked it. There are so many elements I shouldn’t like, yet here we are! *shrugs*
Again, like the first, I really liked this book. I’m honestly surprised I liked this as much as I did. I didn’t love the political elements of the first (outside of the palace politics) but I didn’t mind them here. Our couple was also separated in some form or fashion for most of this book and yet I still liked it. There are so many elements I shouldn’t like, yet here we are! *shrugs*
November 4, 2017
Yet another woman left suffering over a man
I give the Common Girl 5 Stars because it was a good read. I was in a reading drought when this book appeared in my "books you may like " section. Why is that the woman (Aldara) has to be the one suffering physically and mentally , while the man moves on and does what he wants or needs to do (Tyron)? It seems to be a common thread in romantic novels now. How can a man just move on and not check on the woman an he loves in almost a year? I hope Altars becomes the woman Idalia says that she will become with age. I did not like how the characters were not fully flushed out with physical descriptions. I don't think that Aldara was describe at except for golden hair and petiteness. Stamito was the hero of the story. He has courage to declare his love for Sapphire. I hope to find out in book 3 why this is an epic love story? Is it due to the long suffering of the lead character for her prince ( more her than him)? We will see.
I give the Common Girl 5 Stars because it was a good read. I was in a reading drought when this book appeared in my "books you may like " section. Why is that the woman (Aldara) has to be the one suffering physically and mentally , while the man moves on and does what he wants or needs to do (Tyron)? It seems to be a common thread in romantic novels now. How can a man just move on and not check on the woman an he loves in almost a year? I hope Altars becomes the woman Idalia says that she will become with age. I did not like how the characters were not fully flushed out with physical descriptions. I don't think that Aldara was describe at except for golden hair and petiteness. Stamito was the hero of the story. He has courage to declare his love for Sapphire. I hope to find out in book 3 why this is an epic love story? Is it due to the long suffering of the lead character for her prince ( more her than him)? We will see.
September 20, 2017
I received an ARC of this novel for an honest review, so here it goes.
I LOVE this new series! OMG, so much emotion, so much heartbreak, so much love! Just like the first novel, this book had me from the first page. When I finished The Royal Companion I immediately went to the author's website and signed up to be part of her launch team, then read The Royal Companion two more times while waiting for The Common Girl to come out and then read The Common Girl in one sitting.
The Common Girl picks up where The Royal Companion ends. Tyron is still battling his PTSD from the last battle he fought at the end of the first book and Aldara is there to help him pick up the pieces of his broken soul. They love each other but because Tyron is a prince and Aldara is basically his concubine they can't truly be free to openly love each other. Tyron and Aldara both deserve each other and deserve each other's love. Everything they go through in this book is heartbreaking. The both have to make very hard choices and sacrifices in order to keep each other safe and especially for Aldara, alive. Aldara is such a strong character. Even though she is only 18 in this novel, she has such an old soul, she knows too much and has been through too much for being so young. I'm usually not into brooding male leads, they can be so tedious to stomach but Tyron is the perfect broken hero.
This book is a heartbreaking read, but beautifully written. The story flows nicely, it's not choppy and trying to fit in too much that you get whiplash between each page. The political intrigue is right up there with GoT. I'm eagerly waiting for the third book because this book does end on a cliffhanger, not an upsetting cliffhanger but one that wants you to want the author to continue Aldara and Tyron's story because damn it, I need them to have their HEA!!
I LOVE this new series! OMG, so much emotion, so much heartbreak, so much love! Just like the first novel, this book had me from the first page. When I finished The Royal Companion I immediately went to the author's website and signed up to be part of her launch team, then read The Royal Companion two more times while waiting for The Common Girl to come out and then read The Common Girl in one sitting.
The Common Girl picks up where The Royal Companion ends. Tyron is still battling his PTSD from the last battle he fought at the end of the first book and Aldara is there to help him pick up the pieces of his broken soul. They love each other but because Tyron is a prince and Aldara is basically his concubine they can't truly be free to openly love each other. Tyron and Aldara both deserve each other and deserve each other's love. Everything they go through in this book is heartbreaking. The both have to make very hard choices and sacrifices in order to keep each other safe and especially for Aldara, alive. Aldara is such a strong character. Even though she is only 18 in this novel, she has such an old soul, she knows too much and has been through too much for being so young. I'm usually not into brooding male leads, they can be so tedious to stomach but Tyron is the perfect broken hero.
This book is a heartbreaking read, but beautifully written. The story flows nicely, it's not choppy and trying to fit in too much that you get whiplash between each page. The political intrigue is right up there with GoT. I'm eagerly waiting for the third book because this book does end on a cliffhanger, not an upsetting cliffhanger but one that wants you to want the author to continue Aldara and Tyron's story because damn it, I need them to have their HEA!!
October 11, 2017
Did not like how this book ended. I’ll read the third book just because I need a better outcome. I mean can Aldara and Tyron get any kind of happiness together? I won’t be able to finish the third book if he marries someone else.
October 12, 2017
Found book 1 as a freebie and was so hooked that I immediately bought and devoured book 2 in this series. I love this series! The only downside is that book 3 isn't out yet :(
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October 23, 2018
I'm obsessed with this book series
This book in a GIF:
Another favorite from author Tanya Bird. The Common Girl is intense, passionate, heartbreaking and beautiful. I enjoyed reading every single word in it, including those scenes that made my heart ache. Unlike its predecessor (The Royal Companion), where most of the plot is focused on Tyron and Aldara's romance, there was so much happening in this book! With new high stakes, even more dangerous political scheming and the King of Zoelin threatening to destroy the love between Tyron and Aldara, I found it impossible to put it down.
If you loved The Royal Companion you're going to obsess over The Common Girl.
This book in a GIF:
Another favorite from author Tanya Bird. The Common Girl is intense, passionate, heartbreaking and beautiful. I enjoyed reading every single word in it, including those scenes that made my heart ache. Unlike its predecessor (The Royal Companion), where most of the plot is focused on Tyron and Aldara's romance, there was so much happening in this book! With new high stakes, even more dangerous political scheming and the King of Zoelin threatening to destroy the love between Tyron and Aldara, I found it impossible to put it down.
If you loved The Royal Companion you're going to obsess over The Common Girl.
July 30, 2018
I like the story a lot and I love the characters. However, I feel there is too much going on and everything goes against Aldara and Tyron. I have never seen such an unlucky pair.
I hope the next book ends well for them or I don't think I will ever touch one of Tanya's book ever again.
I hope the next book ends well for them or I don't think I will ever touch one of Tanya's book ever again.
April 17, 2018
These books are so not what I was expecting. I cannot believe how enthralling they are. This has got to join the short list of favorites they are that good.
January 13, 2019
I have the say this story gets better and better. Can’t wait to see what else happens.
February 18, 2019
The Unthinkable has Happened.
I flatter myself to think that I have read a variety of books over the course of the years. While reading these books, I have experienced many emotions but none have managed to do what Tanya Bird has done. This one has brought me to tears (both good and bad). The raw emotion that this story has evoked in me is a little unsettling to say the least but I would not have it any other way. Of course I am hoping that our young lovers find a way to be together despite the odds stacked against them but even I, a hopeless romantic was forced to consider the other side. When someone is in a position of great service, is that person always required to make their choices based on the greater good? This is the struggle that I believe Tyron has been battling this entire time and I can't help but feel sorry for him. Even Aldara who lives him unconditionally, understands the role the Prince was destined to fill. My heart aches for them because I want them to get their miracle. I want to believe that it is possible to do the right thing as well as being true to one's own heart. I can only imagine where the story goes from here. I was thrown quite an unexpected curveball at the very end so of course my emotions are all over the place. I guess there is only one way to find out what happens next.
I flatter myself to think that I have read a variety of books over the course of the years. While reading these books, I have experienced many emotions but none have managed to do what Tanya Bird has done. This one has brought me to tears (both good and bad). The raw emotion that this story has evoked in me is a little unsettling to say the least but I would not have it any other way. Of course I am hoping that our young lovers find a way to be together despite the odds stacked against them but even I, a hopeless romantic was forced to consider the other side. When someone is in a position of great service, is that person always required to make their choices based on the greater good? This is the struggle that I believe Tyron has been battling this entire time and I can't help but feel sorry for him. Even Aldara who lives him unconditionally, understands the role the Prince was destined to fill. My heart aches for them because I want them to get their miracle. I want to believe that it is possible to do the right thing as well as being true to one's own heart. I can only imagine where the story goes from here. I was thrown quite an unexpected curveball at the very end so of course my emotions are all over the place. I guess there is only one way to find out what happens next.
October 23, 2020
Loss.
This book is a study on the many facets of loss. We lose time, innocence, ignorance, friends, loved ones, we lose pieces of ourselves and fragments of who we wish we could be.
We gain wounds and scars, wrinkles and gray hairs and the knowledge that time is never truly on our side.
Aldara and Tyron lose everything and gain little along the way. They have a love that cannot be defeated but in this book, they learn time and again that love does not conquer everything.
Book one was dark, book two was melancholy, book three better dig hope out of the grave the first two installments buried it in.
Despite the depressing nature of The Common Girl, I still loved it. I loved it because it made me feel everything the characters were going through and that is a sign of exquisite writing.
Triggers are high in this entire series, because no matter how strong the good guys are, they are in a dark world with bad guys who are even stronger... (for now.)
This book is a study on the many facets of loss. We lose time, innocence, ignorance, friends, loved ones, we lose pieces of ourselves and fragments of who we wish we could be.
We gain wounds and scars, wrinkles and gray hairs and the knowledge that time is never truly on our side.
Aldara and Tyron lose everything and gain little along the way. They have a love that cannot be defeated but in this book, they learn time and again that love does not conquer everything.
Book one was dark, book two was melancholy, book three better dig hope out of the grave the first two installments buried it in.
Despite the depressing nature of The Common Girl, I still loved it. I loved it because it made me feel everything the characters were going through and that is a sign of exquisite writing.
Triggers are high in this entire series, because no matter how strong the good guys are, they are in a dark world with bad guys who are even stronger... (for now.)
September 22, 2021
Holy freaking shit! Why can't I stop reading!! This series is giving me a heartache and a headache in a good way. I am BEYOND obsessed!! Tyron and Aldara are like star-crossed lovers...I want them to get together soon!! I also want to relish this heartache and obsession as long as possible (it's been a really long time since I've been this smitten with a book), so there's that. I want to skip meals and just read ( FYI, I would have done exactly that if my mom wasn't such a hardass)(Lol.. kidding I don't know what I would do without her). I stayed awake till 1:00 a.m. reading and I usually sleep at 10 or 11 so that's pretty big for me. Anyway, since I don't wanna give away spoilers I just wanna say to readers stay on this wagon and Do. Not. for any reason get off!! If you're still not sold after book 1, trust me, keep reading it's gonna get better ( worse for our protagonists but hey, more for us to read! )
November 8, 2019
Wow - loving this series
What a breath of fresh air to read this medieval gem? This is the second book in the series of The Royal Companion. I was hooked with the first book because the love story is beautiful. We see a lot happening for our 'common girl' Aldara. Released back home for her own safety, attempt to save Hali's grieving father, kidnapped, imprisoned, escaped them rescued by her Prince, one last night with her beloved only to end up back home once more. However our girl loves her guy and was given a special gift from him. Three miracles: The Companion Trade agreement abolished. The mentors and women released and Prince Stamitos married to his one true love, Sapphira. Love this - talking about it has not relieved all the overabundance of emotion this series has caused. 'Outlander' meet 'The Game of Thrones' because the love story is what sells this tale.
What a breath of fresh air to read this medieval gem? This is the second book in the series of The Royal Companion. I was hooked with the first book because the love story is beautiful. We see a lot happening for our 'common girl' Aldara. Released back home for her own safety, attempt to save Hali's grieving father, kidnapped, imprisoned, escaped them rescued by her Prince, one last night with her beloved only to end up back home once more. However our girl loves her guy and was given a special gift from him. Three miracles: The Companion Trade agreement abolished. The mentors and women released and Prince Stamitos married to his one true love, Sapphira. Love this - talking about it has not relieved all the overabundance of emotion this series has caused. 'Outlander' meet 'The Game of Thrones' because the love story is what sells this tale.
January 12, 2023
Well I hate her..... This Aldara is getting on my nerves. She shoves her nose in dangerous things, and she knows, but still after the act she is like " what do I do now, hoelw to save everyone I love" or " where is Tyrone to save me".
And finally finally she does what Tyron her told her to do ' wait for him with Alexis' . As Lexis is shot with an arrow and been hit at the head she stays and waits for her prince , time again, to come and rescue her. And bang she captured.....
She puts everyone around her in danger and doesn't acknowledge it. Acting like she is always in the right and waiting for Tyron to save her time and time again.
Well I know she is a fictional character, but for God's sake I wanna strangle her myself.....
At least by the end it wa smore readable, much better...
And finally finally she does what Tyron her told her to do ' wait for him with Alexis' . As Lexis is shot with an arrow and been hit at the head she stays and waits for her prince , time again, to come and rescue her. And bang she captured.....
She puts everyone around her in danger and doesn't acknowledge it. Acting like she is always in the right and waiting for Tyron to save her time and time again.
Well I know she is a fictional character, but for God's sake I wanna strangle her myself.....
At least by the end it wa smore readable, much better...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2020
I enjoyed the first book enough (despite a few major dislikes) to look forward to The Common Girl, but was incredibly disappointed by this book. The hero and heroine are separated for the vast majority of the story, while we are treated to watch example after example of the terrible, unjust things that happen in countries with incompetent rulers. The bad guys get all the wins while the few characters you like simply suffer and find ways to survive. The female companion characters we got to know in The Royal Companion are not present. It's misery and boredom, with zero romance. I don't think I will be reading anymore books in this series.
March 15, 2024
*Spoilers for Book One*
I thought I was mad at Tyron in book one when his pussyfooting around about sending Aldara back to her parents and brother resulted in her being violently raped by two men (and having her virginity stolen on top of it all), but hearing Aldara
Content notes: intermittent profanity, sexual situations (not detailed), sexual and physical violence
I thought I was mad at Tyron in book one when his pussyfooting around about sending Aldara back to her parents and brother resulted in her being violently raped by two men (and having her virginity stolen on top of it all), but hearing Aldara
Content notes: intermittent profanity, sexual situations (not detailed), sexual and physical violence
March 19, 2018
Enjoyed moving on with Aldara and Tyron's relationship in the second book of the Companions series. The author keeps in place the fact they are still bound by tradition, and very cleverly develops their love for each other around that fact. The reader grows with the character while forming a strong picture through her words. I really enjoyed sharing their lives as they moved around with with own stories to tell. I was right behind them on every page. Well written. Will be keeping this author on my watch list for sure!
September 18, 2017
The second book in The Companion series is as good, if not better than the first! Aldara and Tyron's story becomes more complex as their love grows and the impossibility of their positions as royal and "companion" becomes ever more difficult. Trying to help and protect each other just leads to more heartache and painful obstacles. Wonderful writing and great depth in each character. I read this in one sitting, utterly drawn in to their story. I can not wait for the third book!
September 19, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! After having to wait a while on this book after having finished 'A Royal Companion' I had my expectations high, and it didnt dissapoint! I loved getting back to the characters whom you grow attached to! In this book there is more attention for the world around Archdale, while the romance and strong characters are still held in place! I read this book in one go, and am already looking forward to the next book in this series!
December 11, 2018
Wow!!
Book two is better than book one if that is possible. I inhaled this book like a child inhales candy. From being taken at 16 and returned at 18, the heroine of this book takes us through the struggles of returning to her home as an outcast. But the journey doesn’t end there! Read this book after the first and let the journey continue, just as I plan to read the next in this series. Worth all five stars.
Book two is better than book one if that is possible. I inhaled this book like a child inhales candy. From being taken at 16 and returned at 18, the heroine of this book takes us through the struggles of returning to her home as an outcast. But the journey doesn’t end there! Read this book after the first and let the journey continue, just as I plan to read the next in this series. Worth all five stars.
February 2, 2021
I got the first book when it was free. I was shocked how good it was. I was expecting a short enjoyable read that is forgettable. But these books have been great with more depth than I expected. This book leaves off right after the first. While the lead romantic characters spend much of the book apart, their story continues to move forward in a way that gives the reader hope. I’m moving onto the third and hope to continue with her series.
October 5, 2017
So wonderfully written
This is the second book I the series and I enjoyed it even more than the first book. It is so well written and is filled with emotions that I wish it would be made into a movie. The characters are so real and believable. I am looking forward to the next book of this series in January 2018.
This is the second book I the series and I enjoyed it even more than the first book. It is so well written and is filled with emotions that I wish it would be made into a movie. The characters are so real and believable. I am looking forward to the next book of this series in January 2018.
November 20, 2017
Forbidden love
Aldera and Tyron break all the many rules that their complex society places upon them as their love story continues. Both grow in strength and spirit as they struggle to love and protect one another during turbulent times. I am really looking forward to reading more of their story when the third book in this series comes out next year.
Aldera and Tyron break all the many rules that their complex society places upon them as their love story continues. Both grow in strength and spirit as they struggle to love and protect one another during turbulent times. I am really looking forward to reading more of their story when the third book in this series comes out next year.
December 10, 2017
An interesting story
A different kind of spin on the royals and their mistresses of mid evil times. In a made up world these women are bought like you'd buy flour and treated however the royals and nobles want to. Until the prince of mercy meets the companion that just won't conform.
A different kind of spin on the royals and their mistresses of mid evil times. In a made up world these women are bought like you'd buy flour and treated however the royals and nobles want to. Until the prince of mercy meets the companion that just won't conform.
August 16, 2020
Loved this book
I’m really loving Tanya Birds styles of writing! I love that it feels more YA but the characters are older! It’s so hard finding good fantasy books in adult that aren’t JUST sex so I enjoy that there is sex and there is harder topics as well while still having that good YA feel that the others don’t have!
I’m really loving Tanya Birds styles of writing! I love that it feels more YA but the characters are older! It’s so hard finding good fantasy books in adult that aren’t JUST sex so I enjoy that there is sex and there is harder topics as well while still having that good YA feel that the others don’t have!
June 27, 2021
Epic
We continue following their love story in this second book. This is a worthy followup and if you liked the first Book you will surely like this one. The writing is Good bit easy and there are just enough twists in the story to keep it moving forward but without it beeing too much.
We continue following their love story in this second book. This is a worthy followup and if you liked the first Book you will surely like this one. The writing is Good bit easy and there are just enough twists in the story to keep it moving forward but without it beeing too much.
dnf
June 16, 2022Yeah I was doing good in the first book. I listen to audios while I work. Started this one yesterday. So I should have picked back up with it this morning. Just not interested. It just feels bogged down and trugdy. I would think that it picks up and I might come back to this series later. I'm 1/4 way in and nope!
July 1, 2023
A great series to read.
I enjoyed the first book,but the second one I could hardly put down. I totally enjoy reading this series and cannot wait to start the 3rd.If it is a good as the last one l will be glued to every page..This is a great set of stories and l look forward to reading more like them.
I enjoyed the first book,but the second one I could hardly put down. I totally enjoy reading this series and cannot wait to start the 3rd.If it is a good as the last one l will be glued to every page..This is a great set of stories and l look forward to reading more like them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews