Bride by Command

Emperor's Brides #3

by Linda Winstead Jones

There can be but one empress...

Finally willing to choose a bride, Emperor Jahn of Columbyana has decided to have a last bit of fun by going undercover as a sentinel to collect his next candidate. Unfortunately, the young and beautiful Lady Morgana Ramsden has no interest in becoming an empress. Infuriated by her refusal—and determined to teach the haughty woman a lesson—the disguised emperor strikes a bargain with her stepfather and claims her as his bride.

Determined to avoid a loveless marriage, Morgana is mortified by her predicament. But as she crosses the unfamiliar landscape toward the palace, a virtual prisoner to her prospective groom, she slowly finds herself succumbing to the handsome sentinel and his sublime seductive pleasures.

It is not long, however, before duty calls the emperor, and Jahn must find a way to reveal the truth without losing the woman he has come to love. He never expected that he would not want the charade to end—or that the woman he has fallen for has a secret so devastating that it will likely destroy them both.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal, Historical, Royalty

309 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 3, 2009

About the author

Linda Winstead Jones is the bestselling author of more than eighty romance novels and novellas across several sub-genres. She’s easily distracted (Look! A squirrel!) and writes the stories that speak to her in the moment. Paranormal. Romantic Suspense. Twisted Fairy Tales. Cowboys. Her books are for readers who want to escape from reality for a while, who don’t mind the occasional trip into another world for a laugh, a chill, the occasional heartwarming tear. Where will we go next?

More information can be found at lindawinsteadjones.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and at www.facebook.com/LindaWinsteadJones or www.facebook.com/LindaHowardLindaJones.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emperor Jahn was tired of being pressured into marriage in order to produce an heir to throne so he decided if he was going to have to get married might as well make it fun so he set up a contest for six Women to be collected and brought to him then he would choose one who he would make his empress.

Sounded like a good idea at the time but then he decided to discuss himself as a soldier to collect one of the brides but only this bride refuses says she has no wish to become empress or to meet this so-called emperor lady morgana refuses to go and Jahn thinking that she's nothing but a spoiled pamper lady decides to teach her a lesson after he overhears her and her stepfather argue and her stepfather swear that he'll marry her to the very next man that walks through the door he then pretends to take up on that offer but only in front of her because he reveals himself to her stepfather that he is truly the emperor and tells him that he'll send her back after he has taught her lesson.

But lady morgana holds the secret she promised her mother on her dying bed that she would only marry for love and just recently she is discovered that she has a dark power whenever she is afraid or loses her temper this uncontrollable power she cannot control it everything it feels her with such coldness that everything she touches turns to ice to Crystal she fears she is cursed.

And now the so-called soldier who calls himself your husband even though she knows her stepfather was angry she sure that he'll come for her but how long will she have to wait will she hurt anyone because that's the last thing she wants but instead of cold she feels warmth from this man who claims to be her husband.

The closer they get to the palace the more Jahn see's that morgana it's not the pampered selfish woman I thought her to be he finds himself falling for her but he's lied so much will there love be enough to overcome all the lies that he's told could he have her forgiveness what started out as a lesson has turned into so much more.

One of my favorite parts is when he tells her that his place is above a tavern and he actually has one of his soldiers fix up this cheap room that he pretends is his just to see what she'll do but again she surprises him. Because she has learned that this man is a good man he didn't take advantage of her he said that he would give her time before they had their wedding night and so far she has not felt that cold feeling he brings her warmth maybe her mother was wrong maybe not everyone finds true love maybe friendship would be enough she could see this turning into something more he may be just a soldier but so far she likes what she sees.

Little does she know he is the emperor and he intends that she will be his empress no matter what he just prays he has her forgiveness when he has to tell her the truth I won't tell anymore you'll have to read it but believe me this is a good book it brings together the other two books on touchable and 22 nights it answers lots of questions

💕Jahn And Morgana💕
💘

[Rhianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Jones' Fyne Witches trilogy a pair of twin sons are born to Emperor Sebestyen of Columbyana. Now adults, Emperor Jahn and his moments-younger twin, Prince Alixandyr have begun an adventure to find a bride for the Emperor. There is to be a contest, six women of worth from varying lands are to be brought to the palace to be offered the chance to be Empress. Messengers are sent to the far places at the height of the Spring Festival to return with the ladies in time for the Summer Festival where Jahn will choose his bride. The majority of Bride by Command coincides with the stories from Untouchable and 22 Nights, as Jahn himself sets out to bring one of the bridal candidates back by himself. A little adventure before becoming a married man seems like a good decision so he travels to fetch one of the nearest ladies, one Lady Morgana Ramsden.

Before her mother died Morgana promised to marry only for love. Since then she has refused plenty of offers of marriage much to the annoyance of her adoptive father. Naturally, when the emperor's sentinels arrive to escort her to the palace as a potential future empress she refuses once again. Not only will she only marry for love but she has a secret she must hide. When one of the emperor's sentinels—the Emperor himself—catching her stepfather in a moment of temper claims Morgana as his bride she has no choice but to be lead to the palace. But as the journey comes to an end a fondness grows between them.

Jahn cannot keep up the charade of sentinel and emperor forever and with his bridal cadidates being picked off Morgana is in grave danger. As the secrets begin to unravel the secrets they've been keeping from one another could bring them together... or tear them apart.

If you've been following this trilogy from the beginning chances are you've been waiting for this one with baited breath. Fortunately, Jahn and his heroine do not disappoint! Sure, the story is a little cookie-cutter formulaic but who doesn't love a good 'secret identity' romance? As a couple Morgana and Jahn's chemistry begins with a slow bubble which eventually comes to a passionate boil. During the time she doesn't know who he really is the way she falls for him was very endearing. Just the sort of realistic falling in love tale a real woman can relate to.

As the final book in the trilogy the conclusion of the overall story including the evil former empress Rikka and her scheming comes together a little unexpectedly but with lots of fireworks. As with the other books in the trilogy a secondary romance between one of the bridal candidates Danya and another secondary character (sorry not spoiling it for you!) provides another entertaining sidestory. Overall this closed out the trilogy very nicely and the trilogy as a whole was a lot of fun. Romantic, adventuresome and great paranormal fantasy romance!

[Lani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book. I think besides the Sun Witches series, this one was one of the best. I didn't want to put it down. I am so sad that there is no other book coming out anytime soon. This one is the third series out of the 3 set's she's written. I love to come back into a world that you've been following for a few generations of characters.

The bad guy in this book is truly evil. I would say the only complaint I'd have with this book is that it's told too many times from his POV. But it's still okay.

There are always more than one set of characters in the book, and it was nice to see a return of Alix....made me want to pick up the first book again (which I still might) since their time lines coincide with each other.

Overall a very good read with the perfect amount of romance and fantasy. Also had a very good point about forgiveness which I really enjoyed. Would definitely read this series again. Think I'm going to start at the beginning with Sun Witch.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

While im a big fan of the whole series I was a little down about how much gaps were left. I just hope she goes with another series with these people. The story with Jahn was my favorite out this set. The most character I disliked was Prince Alix. I find it hard to believe they will just let him go on with a constant battle in his mind. No peace, just a battle. And the end of the book just left it that way for me. No patching up with Jahn, they just let him leave with the blue lady. I thought the blue was neat at first. Once they cleaned her up, why go back with the blue dye, ugg. And then Alix likes it, blah! So Morgana was nice enough. I disliked how mean she became once she found out Jahn's lies. And even when she knew she wanted to forgive him, she refused to let herself, I hate that in a heroine. Like get over it already since deep down you already have. Im glad that Rikka met her end, sad that we didn't hear any last words between her and Trinity. Him I am glad they let wander off with his insane ghosts. He deserved it, but did make up for it by killing Rikka. Kristo was a good evil guy! And im glad that Morgana's dad and Rainer came to the rescue in the end. Danya was never well liked and even though she turned for good in the end, I still didn't like her. All in all this was a good book and im glad all ended up with who they needed to. Bela was a bit rude when Jahn was inspecting them, like she didn't know it was all part of the plan. Did she really need to be rude? And Merin too.

[Solace Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in her third trilogy set in the same universe. Because it would take me a few pages just to explain what has happened this far I’m going to skip right over that. If you haven’t read her first trilogy and enjoy romantic fantasy, read it, if just for the sub-story of the emperor and his assassin that spans all three books. Unfortunately, Jones does not carry over that complicated storytelling into trilogy two. Trilogy three is better than the predecessor but is lacking in imagination after six novels about women finding the loves of their lives.

The other problem Jones falls into is that her main characters are out and out boring at times. The women are perfect, the man have “flaws” that most women would forgive because, Hell, they are nearly perfect themselves. But women in romance novels never forgive their men for lying to them that easily and must hold unnecessarily long grudges that make storytelling repetitive. How many times can she claim to not hate him but be so angry with him she wants to leave?

As usual, her side characters are more interesting. You have the story of a bridal candidate who is being forced to lie to those around her and treat them poorly because she’s afraid of having people close and you get to see more insight into the “bad guys” of the novel. Unfortunately the side characters of Danya and Rainer are not as interesting as the ones from the two books before, and it falls flat.

Jones has a large, well thought out setting, but unfortunately she doesn’t do enough with it and 309 pages of a romance novel where the plot itself is a bit thin doesn’t work. Not to mention a gaping hole that was not addressed in the novel until towards the end to, more or less, deus ex machina a reason to not kill off a character. And after reminders of how everyone is doing or where everyone is at the end of the novel seems to be nothing more than a reminder of incompetence and what might never have been a truly terrifying threat.

Reasons to Read:

- Conclusion to this trilogy

- Interesting premise

Reasons Not to Read:

- If you read one in this trilogy, you read them all

- Makes women seem weak

- Makes the bad guy seem weak

- Too much worrying about love, not enough worrying about an empire

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

สำหรับหนังสือเล่มที่สาม และเป็นเล่มสุดท้ายในชุด The Emporor's Bride (แต่เป็นเล่มที่เก้าของเรื่องราวที่เกิดขึ้นในอาณาจักรโคลัมไบแนน) เรื่องราวที่เริ่มต้นขึ้นเมื่อจักรพรรดิ์ยาห์นแห่งโคลัมไบแนนออกคำสั่งให้นำ ตัวหญิงสาวหกคนที่กระจัดกระจายอยู่ทั่วอาณาจักรของเขามายังพระราชวังเพื่อ ที่เขาจะได้ทำการเลือกเจ้าสาว และแต่งตั้งให้เธอเป็นราชินีเพื่อมีรัชทายาทสืบทอดบัลลังค์

แม็กซ์ไม่อ่านหนังสือเรื่องนี้เรียงลำดับตั้งแต่เล่มแรกหรอกนะคะ เราเริ่มต้นอ่านที่เล่มที่สองในชุด (เรื่อง 22 nights ซึ่งบอกตามตรงว่าไม่ได้ประทับใจอะไรมากมายเลย) ดังนั้นจึงคงไม่แปลกอะไรถ้าแม็กซ์จะไม่คาดหวังมากมายนักกับเล่มนี้ แม้ว่ายาห์นจะเป็นลูกชายของตัวละครที่อยู่ในความคิดคำนึงของแม็กซ์มานานหลาย ปี

สำหรับคนที่อ่านหนังสือชุด Sisters of the sun ซึ่งเป็นหนังสือชุดสามเล่มแรกของเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นในอาณาจักรโคลัมไบแนน (ลินดาเขียนหนังสือที่มีเหตุการณ์เกิดขึ้นในอาณาจักรแห่งนี้ทั้งหมดสามชุด ค่ะ ชุดละสามเล่ม) ก็คงจะพอจำเซบาสเตียนซึ่งเป็นจักรพรรดิ์ผู้ชั่วร้าย และเป็นตัวร้ายของหนังสือชุดนั้นได้ แม็กซ์ไม่รู้ว่าคนอื่นคิดกันยังไงนะคะ แต่เซบาสเตียนเป็นตัวละครที่น่าจดจำ เป็นคนที่เลวอย่างแท้จริง ��ต่ภายใต้ความเลวนั้น เซบาสเตียนมีความลึกซ่อนเอาไว้ เขาไม่ได้เลวเพราะเกิดมาพร้อมดีเอ็นเอที่กำหนดให้เขาเลว แต่เขาเป็นผลิตผลจากการเลี้ยงดู เขาเป็นจักรพรรดิ์ที่ได้ทุกอย่างตามใจ และนั่นเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของการทำให้เขาเดินเข้าสู่เส้นทางแห่งความชั่ว

ยาห์นเป็นลูกชายของเซบาสเตียน แต่เขาไม่ควรจะได้เป็นจักรพรรดิ์ด้วยซ้ำ บัลลังค์ที่เป็นของพ่อเขาถูกแย่งชิงไป แต่ด้วยเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นในหนังสือชุดที่สอง (เล่มที่สี่ - หกในชุดนี้) ทำให้สุดท้ายแล้วยาห์นก็ไม่อาจหนีพรหมลิขิตชีวิตของเขาได้ ในที่สุดเขาก็เป็นจักรพรรดิ์ และถ้าเขาไม่เข้าข้างตัวเองมากนัก เขาก็เป็นจักรพรรดิ์ที่ดี เขาปกครองบ้านเมืองให้อยู่ในความสงบเรียบร้อย หน้าที่เพียงอย่างเดียวที่เขายังไม่ได้ทำ ก็คือการให้กำเนิดรัชทายาท

ถึงกระนั้นยาห์นก็ยังถวิลหาชีวิตที่เขายังเป็นคนเีพียงคนธรรมดาสามัญ ชายที่สามารถแต่งงานเพราะความรักได้ ไม่ใช่ความเหมาะสมเหมือนอย่างที่จักรพรรดิ์ทำ ดังนั้นเมื่อมีโอกาส หญิงสาวคนนึงที่ถูกเลือกให้เป็นหนึ่งในตัวเลือกของจักรพรรดิ์อาศัยอยู่ไม่ ห่างจะเขตพระราชวังนัก ยาห์นจึงปลอมตัวเป็นทหารราชองค์รักษ์ของตัวเองเดินทางไปเพื่อรับเธอเข้าวัง

แต่เมื่อไปถึงเขาก็พบว่า เลดี้มอร์แกนน่าไม่ต้องการเป็นจักรพรรดินี เธอไม่ต้องการแต่งงานเลยด้วยซ้ำ นั่นเพราะมอร์แกนน่ามีพลังอันน่ากลัว ในยามใดก็ตามที่เธอไม่อาจควบคุมอารมณ์ตัวเองได้ มอร์แกนน่าจะปลดปล่อยพลังอันแสนเยือกเย็นที่มากพอจะเปลี่ยนมนุษย์จนกลายเป็น ผลึกคริสตัลที่พร้อมจะแตกสลายไปตลอดกาล

ดังนั้นเมื่อได้รับคำเชิญจากจักรพรรดิ์ มอร์แกนน่าปฏิเสธ และนั่นนำไปสู่การโต้เถียงกันระหว่างเธอและพ่อเลี้ยง และนั่นก็เปิดโอกาสที่ยาห์นไม่อาจห้ามตัวเองได้ เมื่อพ่อเลี้ยงของเธอพูดว่าจะยกให้เธอกับชายคนแรกที่เดินผ่านหน้าประตูห้อง ที่พวกเขาอยู่ และยาห์นก็คือชายคนนั้น

จากจุดเริ่มต้นเพียงเพราะต้องการสั่งสอนมอร์แกนน่า หญิงสาวที่ยาห์นคิดว่าถูกเลี้ยงตามใจจนเสียคน (เขาไม่รู้ว่าเธอไม่ต้องการแต่งงานเพราะอะไร) แต่ระหว่างที่ทั้งสองร่วมทางกันเพื่อไปยังเมืองหลวง ยาห์นซึ่งไม่เคยคิดว่า จะเลือกเธอ ก็พบว่าตัวเองไม่อาจตัดใจไปจากหญิงสาวคนนี้ได้

และเช่นเดียวกัน แม้จะมีความตั้งใจจะไม่แต่งงาน แต่การที่เธอได้ใกล้ชิดกับทหารราชองครักษ์ผู้ต้อยต่ำ มอร์แกนน่ากลับค้นพบชีวิตที่เธอใฝ่ฝัน มันอาจจะไม่ใช่ปราสาทราชวังหรูหรา เป็นเพียงห้องเช่าเหนือโรงเตี้ยม (ที่ซึ่งยาห์นพอเธอมาอยู่หลังจากมาถึงเมืองหลวง) มอร์แกนน่ากลับค้นพบสิ่งที่หัวใจของเธอต้องการอย่างแท้จริง

แต่คำหลอกลวงยังคงอยู่ และยาห์นรู้ว่า ถ้ามันเปิดเผย เขาอาจจะสูญเสียหญิงสาวคนเดียวที่เขารักไปตลอดกาล

อย่างที่บอกนะคะ แม็กซ์ไม่คิดว่าตัวเองจะชอบเรื่องนี้มากขนาดนี้ มันไม่ได้ถึงกับเริ่มต้นพร้อมกับเสียงรัวกลองนะคะ แต่ยิ่งอ่านก็ยิ่งหลงเข้าไปกับเนื้อเรื่อง กับความรักที่ค่อยก่อตัวขึ้น ถึงความถวิลหาที่ทั้งยาห์นและมอร์แกนน่ามีต่อกัน ยิ่งซึมซับและเชื่อมั่นว่า เพราะความรักทำให้มอร์แกนน่าเลือกที่จะอยู่กับทหารจน ๆ แทนที่จะเป็นปราสาทราชวัง เชื่อว่ายาห์นที่แม้หลอกลวง แต่ก็เขาก็พอใจตัวตนที่เขาเป็นกับมอร์แกนน่ามากกว่าต่อหน้าขุนนาง

ฉากหนึ่งที่มอร์แกนน่ากล่าวหาว่าเขาหลอกลวงเธอมาตลอด ว่าเขาไม่เคยบอกเธอเลยว่า ตัวตนที่แท้จริงของเขาเป็นใคร ดังนั้นความรักที่เกิดขึ้นจึงมีพื้นฐานมาจากคำโกหก และยาห์นตอบเธอว่า ตัวตนของเขาที่อยู่กับเธอคือความเป็นจริง ในขณะที่จักรพรรดิ์ต่างหากคือความหลอกลวง

นั่นมันอธิบายได้ทุกอย่าง

ส่วนน่าขัดใจเดียวที่แม็กซ์รู้สึกในเรื่องนี้คือ ประเด็นเรื่องเอริค น้องชายฝาแฝดของยาห์น (ซึ่งเป็นพระเอกเล่มแรกในชุดเรื่อง Untouchable ซึ่งแม็กซ์ยังไม่ได้อ่าน) แม็กซ์อาจจะคาดหวังตอนจบที่ซุปเปอร์แฮ็ปปี้เอ็นดิ้งค์มากเกินไปมั้งคะ เราเลยรู้สึกว่า อยากเห็นความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างเอริค และยาห์นคลี่คลายไปมากกว่านี้ เรารู้สึกเหมือนมันยังขาดส่วนนี้ซึ่งเป็นส่วนสำคัญที่สุดไป (เพราะยาห์นและเอริคไม่ใช่พี่น้องธรรมดา แต่เป็นฝาแฝดนะคะ)

แต่โดยรวมถือว่าเป็นเรื่องที่น่าพอใจ และสนุกถูกใจมากค่ะ

คะแนนที่ 80

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I wish I could rate this higher, but sadly, it just wasn't as fun as the previous two with too much drama and none of it satisfying. The plot twists kept me guessing, but only mostly, with the overarching story being paint by numbers. The climax was very late and also, incredibly obvious. I would have liked more resolution, along with knowing more about the antagonist.

[Rose Stubblefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite author and book series

[Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved this book in high school and it still stands the test of time as a pretty good fantasy romance. There’s magic and plotting and twists galore.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obliged to find a bride before the summer, the Emperor sent out offers of marriage to 4 women who come recommended by his most trusted advisors. 3 of which agreed to come to the palace to await his decision...1 declined the offer. Driven by pride, he travels to this woman's house in the disguise of a soldier to see the type of woman who refused an Emperor. As predicted he finds her stubborn, shallow and spoiled. When she insults him, not knowing he's the man she speaks of, he decides to teach her a lesson.

He offers for her hand under the disguise of a soldier and forces her stepfathers hand. He'll travel with her back to the palace, living as peasants and experiencing none of the riches and decadence she's accustomed to, knowing that she'll soon be begging him to return her to Emperor. The thought of showing this proud woman humility, he thinks his plan a lark and fool proof. Until he starts to develop feelings for his' bride'. The heroine is not proud and nor is she snobbish.

She lives in constant fear that her curse will kill again. This terror has forced her to push everyone away, knowing she can never marry else she put her husbands life in danger. And she is furious with the hero. He is far too arrogant and puts a lot of energy into frustrating her, doing it on purpose to see her agitated. But when she kisses him, and her curse lays silent, for the first time in memory she has hope. Obviously she is cured! She can love and find happiness, she can have a family!

The hero is confused and a bit alarmed by his wife's 180 switch. How can she go from wanting nothing to do with him to accepting and never enjoying him as her husband? No, this is not at all how it's supposed to plan out. How can he possibly tell her his true identity now? It will surely cost him everything as she'll be furious with him for his lies. So, because he's afraid, he delays the reveal. He takes her to a small tavern room and together they play house. She awaits his return every night and he finds peace and happiness in her arms. Those few weeks in their one room apartment are by far the most happiest weeks of their lives. Life is perfect. But it's soon to change. He can no longer keep her in the tavern and instead moves her into the castle under the rouse of getting a promotion. The heroine may not like the idea of living in the castle but she'll follow her husband anywhere.

It's only when she's speaking to 2 young woman that used to be a favourite of the Emperor that she realizes her husband and this man are one in the same. Horrified and beyond angry she comes to find out her curse isn't dead but icy cold and destructive. Hurt and depressed by the lies he has fed her, the heroine shelters herself away in the home they once shared. She should have seen the signs, they were plain as day but she was blinded by love and trust for a man she never really knew. The hero knew when she found out his secret that she would be made but he never imagined she would turn their room to ash. And he never thought it would be this painful to lose the woman he loves. He tries to make amends. He sends trinkets. He sends gowns. But nothing is accepted, nothing is forgiven. She won't even speak to him. It's only when a few weeks pass, that things cool down. He comes to her as himself. Nothing bought or worth a small fortune....just himself and his heart on his sleeve. Its then that she's able to forgive him. And just in time as she's in danger of losing the man she loves due to assassination.

It was a charming book with a really strong chemistry and companionship. The time spent on the road, when they were at each others throats was funny. The hero doing everything he can to push her buttons and the heroine's angry retorts giving him amusement. Then came the lovely homey scenes where she waited at home for his soldier husband to return from the castle to spend the night in each others arms. This was a special relationship and it's roots in reality gave it a place in my heart. I quite loved the way they spoke to each other, the way they interacted with each other. It was just a man and a woman living their lives. Then came the big reveal which took the control out of the hero's hands and forced him to find some way to get the love back. Well, not that's not right. The love was always there, it was the trust that was damaged. I really loved the heroine who was painted as a snobbish woman to start with but refused an Emperor and a palace for a soldier and dirty room above a bar all in the pursuit of love and happiness. And I loved the hero who didn't mean to fall in love, didn't mean to hurt the heroine with his lies but did what he did out of fear for losing the woman he's come to care so much for. Lovely book and a genuine romance.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emperor Jahn goes to fetch Lady Morgana for his bride contest while disguised as a common sentinel in order to meet her. As they head back to the palace, he finds himself falling for her--but how will she react when she discovers his true identity? Also, the conspirators behind the attacks on Jahn's potential brides are ready for their final assault.

This story neatly wraps up the main arc, while managing to leave quite a few women pregnant! It actually did fit in quite nicely with the other stories, interlocking into on cohesive timeline. I really liked Jahn and Morgana, once we got past the bossy domineering start. A good ending, but the threads are danging for another trilogy dealing with the three of the prophecy to destroy the demon-born.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite books from this series. I loved how everything came together and we saw another side of the events from the previous books. I enjoyed the relationship between Jahn and Morgana even though I saw where his lies would lead him.

My only complaint is that the demon daughters were not even mentioned in this book. We got another bad guy and woman in this one but the demon daughters was played up to be a huge part of this world and what's to come in the first 2 books. I assume this will just be another trilogy like this book, since this is the 3rd trilogy in the whole series.

[Rosebud · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written sweet historical (?) romance read that includes magic and witches.
I liked it and enjoyed reading it. The premise has been written many times before, that being the desirable emperor is mandated to marry and commands that multiple candidates are brought to the palace for consideration. He disguises himself to find one that will love him for himself, not his title or what he can provide for his prospective bride.
This version brings in magical powers elements to it which made for a good read. I did wonder about parts of it but enjoyed it none the less.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting. Quick and easy read and sweet with Jhon and Ana, it was like the adult version of frozen but with sex!! i enjoyed this story, picked the book up at goodwill and for the price I paid it was great. It could have had more passion, or more of the conversations so you had more of an opportunity to get to know the characters but I prefer my books long so when I really love it I almost with the book was 1000 pages so it would never end, while I liked it I was fine that it was over. But I enjoy her as an author.

[Jenna Hackworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

True Rating: 2.5 stars

This book was OK. It wasn't anything great, but it wasn't bad.

I don't even really know what to say about it other than it was a fluffy read. It kept me entertained and that's all I wanted.

I can't say I would run around telling everyone about this book. It wasn't anything special.

It was a solid...."meh".

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a re-read for me. No reason just accidently loaded it back onto my kindle yesterday and decided why not. I really enjoy these by this author. She started with the Fyne sisters, than their children, & now the children of the crazy emperor and his former lover. Wish she would write more.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great last book in this series. It finally pulls all the strings together and I enjoyed how Jahn succumbed to his feelings. Amazing story arc. I can't wait to see what this author is going to release next.

[Ayana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

If a man lies to a woman (and they are big lies)and then hoping that the woman will forgive him easily, then seriously, the man is f****** stupid! But the groveling part is well done and quite entertaining. Overall, the book is okay though it could have been better.

[Grace]

Rats! I read this one FIRST!!!! Still a good story!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever hero, unknowing heroin, evil enemy, sweet plot, tender moments, uncertain futures...overall a very nice romantic fantasy that has a bit of everything.

[Ann Unger]

loved it

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting. each characters has a different problem to deal with.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book first without realizing that it was in a series. Even without reading the other books I really enjoyed this one.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story but the whole middle section could have been removed, or at least condensed. Other than that, it wasn't entirely predictable which was nice.