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Medieval Series #3
Enchanted
Simon the loyal has vowed never to love, for love makes a warrior weak. His arranged marriage to a beautiful Norman heiress would be duty and no more. But more than duty stirs his blood when he first sees Ariane. She has known only coldness from men and a betrayal so deep it all but killed her soul. Wanting no man, trusting no man, speaking only through the sad songs she draws from her harp, Ariane comes to Simon an unwilling bride. They wed to bring peace to the disputed lands, but marriage alone is not enough. Simon must teach Ariane passion, she must teach him trust. And both must surrender to the sweet violence of love′s enchantment. . .or die.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
155 people are currently reading
2208 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
208 books1,921 followersIndividually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
December 1, 2025
11/28/25: Re-read
11/22/15: Continuing my medieval re-read extravaganza...
ENCHANTED
SIMON
ARIANE
11/22/15: Continuing my medieval re-read extravaganza...
ENCHANTED
“You saw too late. Now you are as she is, between two worlds, warmth bleeding into cold.”
SIMON
ARIANE
“A woman of intense feeling, head thrown back, hair wild, lips open upon a cry of unbelievable pleasure...The enchanted..."
"...A warrior both disciplined and passionate, his whole being focused in the moment...The enchanter."
"...Now he is bending down to her, drinking her cries...”
“You may hold my tears and live as you did before, trusting your soul to no one. Or you may release my tears and accept what comes.”
January 19, 2018
I am in a reading funk. I hate that! First, I finished the trio of Elizabeth Lowell beardy hero books. I loved the first two, Untamed and Forbidden. But the last one, Enchanted, was a super big bummer.
Reading books about raped heroines is not my favorite, but sometimes it's okay if.....(a) the rape is not described in gory detail, and (b) the "healing" part is appropriate for a "rape" book (in other words, don't have a rape victim get it on with a BDSM master, etc.) and (c) the HEA is really satisfying. My major problem with this book is that the Big Misunderstanding went on WAY too long...practically until the bitter end of the book. First, the hero thinks his intended bride is a frigid virgin (Misunderstanding). Then, he thinks she's a slut who had an affair with a knight (Misunderstanding). And after she tells him the truth....that she was drugged, brutally raped by the knight, and then humiliated by her father and priest, who did not believe her, her husband still refuses to believe her. Talk about adding insult to injury. This poor woman has been crushed by betrayal, and her stupid freakin' husband won't believe her. (This is after the heroine has risked her own life to save her husband!). I seriously wanted to kick his ass. She doesn't earn his trust until almost the end of the book, and by then, I already hated him.
Grade: C
Reading books about raped heroines is not my favorite, but sometimes it's okay if.....(a) the rape is not described in gory detail, and (b) the "healing" part is appropriate for a "rape" book (in other words, don't have a rape victim get it on with a BDSM master, etc.) and (c) the HEA is really satisfying. My major problem with this book is that the Big Misunderstanding went on WAY too long...practically until the bitter end of the book. First, the hero thinks his intended bride is a frigid virgin (Misunderstanding). Then, he thinks she's a slut who had an affair with a knight (Misunderstanding). And after she tells him the truth....that she was drugged, brutally raped by the knight, and then humiliated by her father and priest, who did not believe her, her husband still refuses to believe her. Talk about adding insult to injury. This poor woman has been crushed by betrayal, and her stupid freakin' husband won't believe her. (This is after the heroine has risked her own life to save her husband!). I seriously wanted to kick his ass. She doesn't earn his trust until almost the end of the book, and by then, I already hated him.
Grade: C
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
April 24, 2022DNF 32%
Too too for me
Too too for me
November 28, 2013
Simon is devoted and his only loyalty is to his friend and Lord, Dominic. He is asked to marry a heiress Ariane, who even though she is beautiful but is known as the "betrayed". Ariane has a past, and she has been betrayed by those she trusted the most. Now the only thing that brings her peace is her harp and the music she plays. She is then informed that she will marry Simon, whom she knows will kill her the moment he learns of a deep secret she keeps hidden. She doesn't need or want a man, she knows the moment she marries Simon, her life will change. She knows that her life will only be pain and suffering. Simon, has only one loyalty, but when he marries Ariane, his loyalty starts to shift to his wife. Ariane seems cold and unfeeling and passionless, but soon he begins to realize that she suffers from hurt and betrayal just as he does, and only when a flaming passion flares between them will Simon and Arian be able to get beyond the betrayals of their past and focus on their future and each other.
Enchanted is the third in the medieval series, and when I saw this one on the shelf, I knew I needed to try it out. I did wanted to try to read this series in order, however the first two books weren't available, and since I have heard so many amazing things about this series, and having a weakness for medieval romances, I knew I needed to try Enchanted out. This is also the first time that I have been able to read this author, and I have to say after reading Enchanted I am very impressed. Enchanted is set in a time where honor and loyalty is everything. I do love the arranged marriage themes that are usually in the plots of medieval romances, and Lowell does a outstanding job with Enchanted. From the beginning of the story I was enthralled by the way this author magically weaves a beautiful story of two stranger that end up married, and have both protected their hearts and both need a lesson in the healing power of love and the passion they can find in each other.
The characters were captivating and from the first few chapters, I fell in love with Simon and Arianne. For the beginning half of the books you see the mistrusts and misunderstandings. Simon is a warrior, and has faced many battles and he suffers from past mistakes that almost cost his closest friends their lives. He is a bit of a wounded animal until Ariane comes into his life and he starts to realize that he isn't the only one hurting from the past. The relationship between Simon and Ariane is heartbreaking at times, but you see the desire that rises up is one step toward them learning to trust in each other. I found myself having a difficult time putting this one down. The style of this authors writing is absolutely enticing and exactly the way I like a romance to be written. Overall a emotionally driven tale of history, adventure, intrigue and passion. A POWERFUL ROMANCE THAT WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART!!
Enchanted is the third in the medieval series, and when I saw this one on the shelf, I knew I needed to try it out. I did wanted to try to read this series in order, however the first two books weren't available, and since I have heard so many amazing things about this series, and having a weakness for medieval romances, I knew I needed to try Enchanted out. This is also the first time that I have been able to read this author, and I have to say after reading Enchanted I am very impressed. Enchanted is set in a time where honor and loyalty is everything. I do love the arranged marriage themes that are usually in the plots of medieval romances, and Lowell does a outstanding job with Enchanted. From the beginning of the story I was enthralled by the way this author magically weaves a beautiful story of two stranger that end up married, and have both protected their hearts and both need a lesson in the healing power of love and the passion they can find in each other.
The characters were captivating and from the first few chapters, I fell in love with Simon and Arianne. For the beginning half of the books you see the mistrusts and misunderstandings. Simon is a warrior, and has faced many battles and he suffers from past mistakes that almost cost his closest friends their lives. He is a bit of a wounded animal until Ariane comes into his life and he starts to realize that he isn't the only one hurting from the past. The relationship between Simon and Ariane is heartbreaking at times, but you see the desire that rises up is one step toward them learning to trust in each other. I found myself having a difficult time putting this one down. The style of this authors writing is absolutely enticing and exactly the way I like a romance to be written. Overall a emotionally driven tale of history, adventure, intrigue and passion. A POWERFUL ROMANCE THAT WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART!!
December 13, 2025
Not that great...
Sadly, unlike the last two books, this one wasn't saved by a good delicious punch of angst at the end. In book 1 and 2, the stories were able to save themselves with a very emotional last 30%.
This book couldn't because
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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Sadly, unlike the last two books, this one wasn't saved by a good delicious punch of angst at the end. In book 1 and 2, the stories were able to save themselves with a very emotional last 30%.
This book couldn't because
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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August 16, 2012
There are so many things I want to say about this whole series, but I seriously doubt I could communicate them here. Too many thoughts to sort out.
I'll try.
I absolutely love this series. I love Lowell's writing. She creates awesome characters. Her story line is ethereal.
The only disappointment I have is that Erik of Sea Home does not get his own book. According to HeroesAndHeartbreakers.com...
Also, at the end of this book, Lowell put in a blurb about why she writes Medieval stories. That blurb was just as awesome as the book.
I'll try.
I absolutely love this series. I love Lowell's writing. She creates awesome characters. Her story line is ethereal.
The only disappointment I have is that Erik of Sea Home does not get his own book. According to HeroesAndHeartbreakers.com...
Also, at the end of this book, Lowell put in a blurb about why she writes Medieval stories. That blurb was just as awesome as the book.
July 28, 2020
It’s gonna be a big nope from me. This story was so slow and depressing.
The heroine (I can’t even remember her name and I read this book yesterday) has suffered a trauma and refuses to tell anyone about it until it serves the plot to create more conflict. She’s so obviously been ill-used that I was flabbergasted that nobody, not even the women, clued in on why she loathed the thought of the marriage bed. Everyone is like, it will be fine! The hero is always butt-hurt that she doesn't trust him and cringes away from any sudden movements.
Misunderstandings and weird magic elements littered the entire book. Every single character in this book seemed to be in some way magical? I expected to have a little bit of that from the title, but the rules governing who had what abilities were all over the place.
It was like the author pointed to every character and said "You are a seer! And you are a seer! And you too have the sight! Magic dress. Yes let's do that! Healing lust-inducing ointment? Sure, why not!" Don't get me started on that cringey scene. Oof.
The heroine (I can’t even remember her name and I read this book yesterday) has suffered a trauma and refuses to tell anyone about it until it serves the plot to create more conflict. She’s so obviously been ill-used that I was flabbergasted that nobody, not even the women, clued in on why she loathed the thought of the marriage bed. Everyone is like, it will be fine! The hero is always butt-hurt that she doesn't trust him and cringes away from any sudden movements.
Misunderstandings and weird magic elements littered the entire book. Every single character in this book seemed to be in some way magical? I expected to have a little bit of that from the title, but the rules governing who had what abilities were all over the place.
It was like the author pointed to every character and said "You are a seer! And you are a seer! And you too have the sight! Magic dress. Yes let's do that! Healing lust-inducing ointment? Sure, why not!" Don't get me started on that cringey scene. Oof.
August 4, 2013
Meh... it wasn't horrible, but I ended up scanning quite a bit. I think the last two novels in the medieval series had too many similarities to the first one (Untamed). How many friggin' stone circle scenes do we need?
January 9, 2016
Hermosa historia la que cuenta la autora en la nota del autor, me pareció una maravillosa coincidencia.
Aunque lo terminé, no sentí mucho con este libro, Dominic lo dice en algún momento "Con una mujer tan fría como Ariane ¿cómo podría llegar la calidez al corazón de Simon?" Sucede que Ariane está demasiado traumatizada y rechaza a Simón y él lo siente como desprecio y repugnancia, por ende pasan de un mes que han estado casados, 28 días ignorándose. Y en esos dos días, con una diferencia de semanas entre un encuentro y otro, pasa algo maravilloso que le da esperanza al matrimonio y de vuelta un desprecio que nos deja en donde comenzamos.
Simón no es tan cruel en el trato como lo fueron algunas actitudes de Dominic y Duncan con sus respectivas esposas, pero tampoco se involucra de un modo diferente. Solo la ignora cuando se siente despreciado. Ni le va ni le viene.
Con Ariane esperaba que al ser una "hechicera" con un vestido "mágico" fuera más como Meg, pero Ariane lo ignora todo. Pone en peligro a la familia de Simon porque le cuesta decir cosas importantes y hasta el final se pone ella misma en peligro sabiendo la amenaza que eso representa para Blackthorne.
Me dejó con un sabor amargo en la boca, no entiendo cómo puede tener tanta mala suerte en lo que hace. Una que te salga bien, flaca, una.
Es una pena que Erik no tenga libro, mi niño es terriblemente enigmático. Este libro a diferencia de los anteriores, tienes más presencia de los secundarios, tanto de Dominic-Meg, Amber-Duncan, Erik-Cassandra... se agradece entre tanta aridez entre el matrimonio Ariane-Simon.
Aunque lo terminé, no sentí mucho con este libro, Dominic lo dice en algún momento "Con una mujer tan fría como Ariane ¿cómo podría llegar la calidez al corazón de Simon?" Sucede que Ariane está demasiado traumatizada y rechaza a Simón y él lo siente como desprecio y repugnancia, por ende pasan de un mes que han estado casados, 28 días ignorándose. Y en esos dos días, con una diferencia de semanas entre un encuentro y otro, pasa algo maravilloso que le da esperanza al matrimonio y de vuelta un desprecio que nos deja en donde comenzamos.
Simón no es tan cruel en el trato como lo fueron algunas actitudes de Dominic y Duncan con sus respectivas esposas, pero tampoco se involucra de un modo diferente. Solo la ignora cuando se siente despreciado. Ni le va ni le viene.
Con Ariane esperaba que al ser una "hechicera" con un vestido "mágico" fuera más como Meg, pero Ariane lo ignora todo. Pone en peligro a la familia de Simon porque le cuesta decir cosas importantes y hasta el final se pone ella misma en peligro sabiendo la amenaza que eso representa para Blackthorne.
Me dejó con un sabor amargo en la boca, no entiendo cómo puede tener tanta mala suerte en lo que hace. Una que te salga bien, flaca, una.
Es una pena que Erik no tenga libro, mi niño es terriblemente enigmático. Este libro a diferencia de los anteriores, tienes más presencia de los secundarios, tanto de Dominic-Meg, Amber-Duncan, Erik-Cassandra... se agradece entre tanta aridez entre el matrimonio Ariane-Simon.
December 13, 2009
I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire medieval trilogy by Elizabeth Lowell, which started with Untamed, followed by Forbidden, and ending with this book, Enchanted. Though they were, in some ways, a bit predictable, they were also quite satisfying in their conclusions.
I'm very sad that she has no plans for more medieval stories, but I do plan on reading more of her works.
Though each of her books can be read alone, I do highly suggest reading the entire trilogy in order.
I'm very sad that she has no plans for more medieval stories, but I do plan on reading more of her works.
Though each of her books can be read alone, I do highly suggest reading the entire trilogy in order.
February 25, 2016
As enjoyable as the previous two books in the trilogy. Enjoyable fluff with better than usual characters and story. But I wonder if there was meant to be a fourth book.
Dominic, Duncan and Simon are the obvious heroes for the books, but Erik seems like he should have been the hero in a book of his own. I would have liked to read it. Oh well.
Dominic, Duncan and Simon are the obvious heroes for the books, but Erik seems like he should have been the hero in a book of his own. I would have liked to read it. Oh well.
February 26, 2008
Tear jerker. Story that stays with you even after you've finished reading. Makes you wish it didn't end :(
May 7, 2013
i think the writer got confused if she should target middle school romantics or erotica adults and ended up making a bad messy novel with too many sword seath references and couples cooing at each other every time they saw or talked to each other. Other 2 book are bad but this is worst of the lot. I am not even sure why i kept reading after guys calling their wives names like "little falcon" in first book, "amber witch" in second and to top it all "little nightingale" in the third one. I am a hopeless optimist really.
August 7, 2019
This book retained the atmosphere and vibe of the previous book. But I liked it less because the romance and plot wasn't as engaging. The romantic conflict relied on the heroine keeping her trap shut when it would have taken her ten minutes to explain what was going on with her. But she had a magical dress that was pretty darned cool.
August 18, 2020
Its been strange to me not able to give appropriate rating for this book. This has angst fest which i love read with the slow burn romance vibe. i prefer medieval book when reading HR because the Balls and end number of frocks and curling hair, rake and maiden will give me heart burn. I like the book but felt the major issue didn't discussed at all..
November 2, 2016
I read this book a long time ago, and I remember it being a far better book than it actually was.
Ariane and Simon are forced into a marriage of convenience when Duncan, her intended fiancé, marries Amber in Forbidden. Simon offers himself because he wants to avoid a war with Ariane's father, and also because he doesn't think it much of a sacrifice.
Ariane agrees, but she doesnt want to marry anyone. As it turns out, she was raped several months earlier by her former fiancé, and he told her father that she had seduced him. Since her father believed her rapist and not her, he sent her to marry Duncan, knowing that her groom will probably start a war when he discovers his wife isn't a virgin, because dishonour blah blah.
Despite the medical and anatomical inaccuracy inherent in the idea of physical virginity, and the fact that many women tear or break their hymen during activities other than sex, and the fact that zero men EVER have been able to tell whether a woman is a virgin by putting their penis in her-- Well, nobody reads romance novels for scientific accuracy. Moving on.
Ariane is, like many rape survivors, going through many of the symptoms of PTSD. She has nightmares and is hypervigilant, is afraid of men, and is sex-repulsed. She does have some affection for Simon, who has always treated her kindly, but she is mostly waiting for him to turn out to be a violent rapist. After all, that is her lived experience with men-- they turn on you, are violent and awful, and don't believe you are innocent. So obviously she doesn't trust the random guy assigned to marry her so her father can't be mad she was jilted.
The first part of this book is just as good as I remember it being.
I didn't, however, remember reading the super creepy disgusting three chapters near the middle.
The worst part is that Simon was my favourite character of the series, but I couldn't like him as a lead because the entire resolution of the novel was tainted by the creepy scene that came before. Plus, he learns about Ariane's rape, and his response is... "Whatever, I guess."
Ariane puts herself out to prove that she was sexually assaulted,
Ugh.
I really enjoyed this book the first time I read it, but I'm not fifteen anymore, so I can't in good conscience give it more than two stars.
Ariane and Simon are forced into a marriage of convenience when Duncan, her intended fiancé, marries Amber in Forbidden. Simon offers himself because he wants to avoid a war with Ariane's father, and also because he doesn't think it much of a sacrifice.
Ariane agrees, but she doesnt want to marry anyone. As it turns out, she was raped several months earlier by her former fiancé, and he told her father that she had seduced him. Since her father believed her rapist and not her, he sent her to marry Duncan, knowing that her groom will probably start a war when he discovers his wife isn't a virgin, because dishonour blah blah.
Despite the medical and anatomical inaccuracy inherent in the idea of physical virginity, and the fact that many women tear or break their hymen during activities other than sex, and the fact that zero men EVER have been able to tell whether a woman is a virgin by putting their penis in her-- Well, nobody reads romance novels for scientific accuracy. Moving on.
Ariane is, like many rape survivors, going through many of the symptoms of PTSD. She has nightmares and is hypervigilant, is afraid of men, and is sex-repulsed. She does have some affection for Simon, who has always treated her kindly, but she is mostly waiting for him to turn out to be a violent rapist. After all, that is her lived experience with men-- they turn on you, are violent and awful, and don't believe you are innocent. So obviously she doesn't trust the random guy assigned to marry her so her father can't be mad she was jilted.
The first part of this book is just as good as I remember it being.
I didn't, however, remember reading the super creepy disgusting three chapters near the middle.
The worst part is that Simon was my favourite character of the series, but I couldn't like him as a lead because the entire resolution of the novel was tainted by the creepy scene that came before. Plus, he learns about Ariane's rape, and his response is... "Whatever, I guess."
Ariane puts herself out to prove that she was sexually assaulted,
Ugh.
I really enjoyed this book the first time I read it, but I'm not fifteen anymore, so I can't in good conscience give it more than two stars.
August 2, 2016
I see that I really loved the first book in the series, but this one I so did not! I've read other nice stories of frightened maidens falling in love with their captors/husbands and they had much less loopholes.
August 16, 2017
Wow Great read . Simon The loyal unconditionally loves his brother Dominic and he would do anything to ensure the peace in the area even to marry a woman (Ariane The betrayed ) he doesnt love at all. But it wasnt the case, in the previouse book it was clear that he adores Ariane by taking care of her. In this book , it showed the development of their relationship. I loved Ariane's character alot,she was betrayed by many men in her life but at the end she was able to love Simon like no one else.Also, Simon who swear that he will never love a woman ,deeply fell in love with Araine.
This book was a page turner. Love it .
This book was a page turner. Love it .
April 6, 2013
I made the mistake of skipping book 2 in the series but I still found this book to be very enjoyable. The vulnerabilities of both the main characters made the story complex and interesting. I also loved the magical aspects of the storyline. It's been a while since I've read multiple chapters of any book in one sitting but that was the case this time.
As a quick side note, the author's note at the end of the book explaining why she is now writing medieval romances was really amazing and I was in awe. It is really cool!
As a quick side note, the author's note at the end of the book explaining why she is now writing medieval romances was really amazing and I was in awe. It is really cool!
March 28, 2019
An otherwise clever and intriguing storyline is botched and ruined by annoying and repetitive dialogue.
Play a drinking game while reading this book:
"God's Teeth" - take a shot.
"Sardonic(ally)" -drink a beer.
"Amethyst" -hard cider.
"God's (any other body part) -bourbon.
At the end of "Enchanted" you'll either be dead, or 12 steps away from recovery.
Play a drinking game while reading this book:
"God's Teeth" - take a shot.
"Sardonic(ally)" -drink a beer.
"Amethyst" -hard cider.
"God's (any other body part) -bourbon.
At the end of "Enchanted" you'll either be dead, or 12 steps away from recovery.
dnf
May 27, 2020Too confusing for someone who has not read the previous books. Terminology and the understanding of magic in this world was confusing and not properly explained. Also, the beginning repetitive and boring so far. The plot is obvious and the misunderstandings piling up. Dont care for the characters to invest in this.
May 30, 2012
I am so glad that I picked up this series to re-read after all these years. Perfect ending to the series with this one! I hope someday she goes back and picks up again with some of the other characters. I sure would buy them!
May 31, 2025
I also love when a woman is SCARRED and the guy has to navigate her MANY BOUNDARIES to get close to her.... I'm a simple reader. Some completely crazy stuff in here re: appropriate boundaries while one is comatose, but you know what, while I was reading I was ready to accept it. This was a very very fun trilogy
August 30, 2023
this book actually really upset me. the way the mmc didn’t believe the fmc when she told him she was raped. WHAT?????????? Ariane was a VICTIM. home girl deserved better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
I'm so sad this trilogy is over
Read
July 24, 2018Arrangements had been made for Ariane the Betrayed to marry Simon the Loyal. Seeing him made her feel strange inside but she was also frightened of what would happen once he found out that she wasn't a virgin. Geoffrey the Fair had drugged and raped her months before this her wedding day. She wanted no man and her emotions were displayed through the sad songs she played on her harp. She was called the Betrayed because others had seen the result of her behavior. They didn't know what had happened to her but they sensed the tenseness in her behavior. Simon had been warned that she would not be a willing participant in the marriage bed. Ariane had tried to tell her father what Geoffrey had done but he had not believed her. He blamed her for what had taken place and so did the priest who she had confessed to.
Duncan was her first fiancee but he had fallen in love with Amber and they were married. Simon had stepped up and agreed to marry Ariane. Simon was a warrior who was called Loyal for his fidelity toward his brother. Simon thought that love made a man weak and he was determined that he would never fall in love with a woman. He was doing his duty by marrying to bring peace to the Disputed Lands in which they lived. Ariane was a beautiful woman and he was a good looking man. He didn't understand why she seemed to fear his touch. She told him that she would do her duty as his wife but she wasn't looking forward to the act of coupling with him.
During their first night as husband and wife, Ariane slowly learned to accept his kiss but when he started to remove her clothes, she became wild and tried to stab him. She cut his arm and he dropped some of the blood onto the sheets so that others wouldn't know they hadn't consummated their marriage vows. Simon was disappointed and not hesitant to share his disappointment in her. She overheard him telling his brother, Dominic and his pregnant wife, Meg, how icy she was. She was hurt but didn't let it show. She was surprised when she was watching to see that Meg seemed to enjoy the aspect of loving her husband. Ariane was holding her harp in front of her and felt it's security. She continued to use the harp to express her emotions. She was surprised to hear music coming from Simon by him whistling.
They had been married a week and Simon had ignored Ariane but was polite when they ran into each other. Simon noticed Ariane watching his falcon and asked her if she would like to take the falcon out. She seemed excited to get out and go riding and accepted his invitation.
Erik came into the Stone Ring Keep after Simon and Ariane went riding and told Duncan that there were renegades in the area. They had been spotted in the area where Simon had taken Ariane riding. Duncan, Dominic and Erik all rode out in the same direction Simon had gone. They arrived at the end of a fight that had taken place where Simon stood up to 5 men and fought. Simon's intent was to give Ariane time to run away but she chose to stay and help. He killed two of the men and Ariana had ridden her horse into one of the renegade's horses and this prevented Simon from being killed. Ariane was wounded and taken back to the Keep still unconscious. She was wearing the dress that had been made for her wedding and the material seemed to envelope her and protect her. Simon tore a strip off the dress and used it to wrap her wounded left side. Simon had to be called in to remove the material because it was difficult for anyone else to handle. Simon was told that the material was enchanted.
Duncan spoke with Dominic and told him that he knew that he needed to go home. They prepared to leave and Simon was going to go back to Blackthorne Keep with Dominic and Meg. Cassandra was a healer and showed Dominic that the only way that Ariane would heal was to have Simon remain with Ariane. She wouldn't be ready to travel for at least two weeks. If they delay caused them to be have to remain due to winter weather, Duncan and Amber were willing to let them remain until it was safe for them to travel.
Ariane slept for nine days. It was torture for Simon to tend her as a healer. He gave her medicine and water through his own mouth and rubbed her body with ointment three times a day. He wanted badly to make love to her and her body responded to his touch the closer she came to waking up. She withdrew from him again once she was fully awake. She told Simon that she shied away from him because someone she was close to had been drug and raped. She told of her father giving her to another to wed and the man thought that if he deflowered her, he would be allowed to wed her. The girl was blamed for tempting the man and called a whore. She didn't tell Simon that she was talking about herself.
Simon watched over her for the next 7 days until they prepared to leave the Keep for home. Erik headed for Sea Home, his keep, while Simon and Ariane went to Blackthorne Keep where Dominic and Meg were waiting for them. Ariane was still wearing the cloth of her wedding garment to protect her. Erik showed Simon how the cloth didn't cling to him as it clung to Simon whenever he was near Ariane. They parted ways at Stone Ring where Ariane was wounded.
They stopped during their travel and Simon convinced Ariane to use the balm that was used on her on himself. She was allowed to touch him wherever she pleased. She was allowed to set the pace and learn his body. She undressed him and thought that she had caused him to bleed when his sperm was released. He attempted to convince her to allow him the same freedom but she shied away once again. He told her that he would never try to touch her again, every.
The distance between Simon and Ariane was obvious to others around them. Meg told Ariane that she needed to talk with Simon and air their differences. Dominic arrived shortly after their conversation and told Simon that with Ariane's dowry, he was nearly as wealthy as he was and that they needed to go through the trunks delivered by her father and separate what belonged to them. Dominic was giving Simon his own keep where now was Carlysle Manor. They went to the armory and discovered that the trunks were all filled with rotten grain, dirt and sand. Ariane listened while they discussed what her father had done. She broke down and told them that she had come into the marriage not a virgin and her father was expecting her to either kill herself or to be killed. He was coming to start a war on the pretext that he was defending her honor and her having been killed.
Simon told Dominic that his being married to Ariane was no more than what he deserved for the things he had done in his past. He told Dominic that he had been seen leaving a married woman's tent while they were in the Holy Land and that man had attacked them. Dominic had nearly died and it was Simon who nursed him back to health so they could return home. Simon made the comment of Ariane being his hell on earth.
Ariane then ran off into the woods surrounding the keep. She was playing her harp and thinking that she was finally healing from her rape when Geoffrey appeared. He began taunting her and she knew that he would try and hurt her once again. She got away when he tried to grab her and the garment she was once again wearing burned and scratched Geoffrey's hands. He went to get his horse while she ran into the brambles and hid. She heard when he had been discovered and came out hiding. She knew he would never attack her in public so she headed back to the safety of the keep.
She arrived at the keep and heard Geoffrey telling everyone that he had been Ariane's first lover and that she still yearned for him. His statements were insulting to Simon and Ariane was upset. She hated Geoffrey but Simon hadn't let her say anything so she went to her room. Her handmaid, Blanche, had come to see to her bath but was dismissed. She hadn't let anyone tend to her since she had been raped. She was waiting on Simon to come to her room and he didn't. Ariane went to see if he was with Marie who had once been Simon's lover. Marie told her that Simon hadn't touched her in years since Dominic had been beaten. Simon blamed himself and Ariane then realized that Simon was as damaged as she was. He wouldn't let himself believe in love due to Marie's betrayal and the torturing of his brother. Marie told her to go find Simon and make love to him. That's exactly what Ariane did. They finally made love that night. It was a long time before Ariane fell asleep though because she knew that Simon believed that she had been raped by Geoffrey.
Duncan and Amber came to the keep as well as Erik. Ariane asked Amber to use her skills to test Geoffrey regarding what he had done to her. He was forced to admit that he had raped Ariane and Simon killed him as he was trying to get away. Ariane knew that Simon felt bad about what had transpired.
Ariane's father showed up and asked about Geoffrey. He was told that Simon killed him and he made threats against the brothers. The brothers told him they knew that the dowry had been hidden and that Geoffrey had been sent with orders to kill all of them so that Ariane's father could claim their land.
They went to bed that night and Ariane realized that she had figured out where her dowry had been hidden. She got up and left the keep before Simon woke up. Simon, Dominic and Erik all went out in search of Ariane and didn't have any luck. Simon had a dream that she was within the stones and cold enough to where she lay freezing. He knew he had to reach her before she froze. He fell asleep and dreamed until he found her. He thought he was still asleep but he found Ariane and saw a vision. He brought her back and she was revived. She had tucked a good portion of her dowry into her clothes and they were brought back with her. She had enough to assure that both Dominic's and Simon's keep would survive.
Ariane recovered and realized that she had given Simon a gift. She had taught him to love. He was in love with Ariane. They were going to be fine.
Duncan was her first fiancee but he had fallen in love with Amber and they were married. Simon had stepped up and agreed to marry Ariane. Simon was a warrior who was called Loyal for his fidelity toward his brother. Simon thought that love made a man weak and he was determined that he would never fall in love with a woman. He was doing his duty by marrying to bring peace to the Disputed Lands in which they lived. Ariane was a beautiful woman and he was a good looking man. He didn't understand why she seemed to fear his touch. She told him that she would do her duty as his wife but she wasn't looking forward to the act of coupling with him.
During their first night as husband and wife, Ariane slowly learned to accept his kiss but when he started to remove her clothes, she became wild and tried to stab him. She cut his arm and he dropped some of the blood onto the sheets so that others wouldn't know they hadn't consummated their marriage vows. Simon was disappointed and not hesitant to share his disappointment in her. She overheard him telling his brother, Dominic and his pregnant wife, Meg, how icy she was. She was hurt but didn't let it show. She was surprised when she was watching to see that Meg seemed to enjoy the aspect of loving her husband. Ariane was holding her harp in front of her and felt it's security. She continued to use the harp to express her emotions. She was surprised to hear music coming from Simon by him whistling.
They had been married a week and Simon had ignored Ariane but was polite when they ran into each other. Simon noticed Ariane watching his falcon and asked her if she would like to take the falcon out. She seemed excited to get out and go riding and accepted his invitation.
Erik came into the Stone Ring Keep after Simon and Ariane went riding and told Duncan that there were renegades in the area. They had been spotted in the area where Simon had taken Ariane riding. Duncan, Dominic and Erik all rode out in the same direction Simon had gone. They arrived at the end of a fight that had taken place where Simon stood up to 5 men and fought. Simon's intent was to give Ariane time to run away but she chose to stay and help. He killed two of the men and Ariana had ridden her horse into one of the renegade's horses and this prevented Simon from being killed. Ariane was wounded and taken back to the Keep still unconscious. She was wearing the dress that had been made for her wedding and the material seemed to envelope her and protect her. Simon tore a strip off the dress and used it to wrap her wounded left side. Simon had to be called in to remove the material because it was difficult for anyone else to handle. Simon was told that the material was enchanted.
Duncan spoke with Dominic and told him that he knew that he needed to go home. They prepared to leave and Simon was going to go back to Blackthorne Keep with Dominic and Meg. Cassandra was a healer and showed Dominic that the only way that Ariane would heal was to have Simon remain with Ariane. She wouldn't be ready to travel for at least two weeks. If they delay caused them to be have to remain due to winter weather, Duncan and Amber were willing to let them remain until it was safe for them to travel.
Ariane slept for nine days. It was torture for Simon to tend her as a healer. He gave her medicine and water through his own mouth and rubbed her body with ointment three times a day. He wanted badly to make love to her and her body responded to his touch the closer she came to waking up. She withdrew from him again once she was fully awake. She told Simon that she shied away from him because someone she was close to had been drug and raped. She told of her father giving her to another to wed and the man thought that if he deflowered her, he would be allowed to wed her. The girl was blamed for tempting the man and called a whore. She didn't tell Simon that she was talking about herself.
Simon watched over her for the next 7 days until they prepared to leave the Keep for home. Erik headed for Sea Home, his keep, while Simon and Ariane went to Blackthorne Keep where Dominic and Meg were waiting for them. Ariane was still wearing the cloth of her wedding garment to protect her. Erik showed Simon how the cloth didn't cling to him as it clung to Simon whenever he was near Ariane. They parted ways at Stone Ring where Ariane was wounded.
They stopped during their travel and Simon convinced Ariane to use the balm that was used on her on himself. She was allowed to touch him wherever she pleased. She was allowed to set the pace and learn his body. She undressed him and thought that she had caused him to bleed when his sperm was released. He attempted to convince her to allow him the same freedom but she shied away once again. He told her that he would never try to touch her again, every.
The distance between Simon and Ariane was obvious to others around them. Meg told Ariane that she needed to talk with Simon and air their differences. Dominic arrived shortly after their conversation and told Simon that with Ariane's dowry, he was nearly as wealthy as he was and that they needed to go through the trunks delivered by her father and separate what belonged to them. Dominic was giving Simon his own keep where now was Carlysle Manor. They went to the armory and discovered that the trunks were all filled with rotten grain, dirt and sand. Ariane listened while they discussed what her father had done. She broke down and told them that she had come into the marriage not a virgin and her father was expecting her to either kill herself or to be killed. He was coming to start a war on the pretext that he was defending her honor and her having been killed.
Simon told Dominic that his being married to Ariane was no more than what he deserved for the things he had done in his past. He told Dominic that he had been seen leaving a married woman's tent while they were in the Holy Land and that man had attacked them. Dominic had nearly died and it was Simon who nursed him back to health so they could return home. Simon made the comment of Ariane being his hell on earth.
Ariane then ran off into the woods surrounding the keep. She was playing her harp and thinking that she was finally healing from her rape when Geoffrey appeared. He began taunting her and she knew that he would try and hurt her once again. She got away when he tried to grab her and the garment she was once again wearing burned and scratched Geoffrey's hands. He went to get his horse while she ran into the brambles and hid. She heard when he had been discovered and came out hiding. She knew he would never attack her in public so she headed back to the safety of the keep.
She arrived at the keep and heard Geoffrey telling everyone that he had been Ariane's first lover and that she still yearned for him. His statements were insulting to Simon and Ariane was upset. She hated Geoffrey but Simon hadn't let her say anything so she went to her room. Her handmaid, Blanche, had come to see to her bath but was dismissed. She hadn't let anyone tend to her since she had been raped. She was waiting on Simon to come to her room and he didn't. Ariane went to see if he was with Marie who had once been Simon's lover. Marie told her that Simon hadn't touched her in years since Dominic had been beaten. Simon blamed himself and Ariane then realized that Simon was as damaged as she was. He wouldn't let himself believe in love due to Marie's betrayal and the torturing of his brother. Marie told her to go find Simon and make love to him. That's exactly what Ariane did. They finally made love that night. It was a long time before Ariane fell asleep though because she knew that Simon believed that she had been raped by Geoffrey.
Duncan and Amber came to the keep as well as Erik. Ariane asked Amber to use her skills to test Geoffrey regarding what he had done to her. He was forced to admit that he had raped Ariane and Simon killed him as he was trying to get away. Ariane knew that Simon felt bad about what had transpired.
Ariane's father showed up and asked about Geoffrey. He was told that Simon killed him and he made threats against the brothers. The brothers told him they knew that the dowry had been hidden and that Geoffrey had been sent with orders to kill all of them so that Ariane's father could claim their land.
They went to bed that night and Ariane realized that she had figured out where her dowry had been hidden. She got up and left the keep before Simon woke up. Simon, Dominic and Erik all went out in search of Ariane and didn't have any luck. Simon had a dream that she was within the stones and cold enough to where she lay freezing. He knew he had to reach her before she froze. He fell asleep and dreamed until he found her. He thought he was still asleep but he found Ariane and saw a vision. He brought her back and she was revived. She had tucked a good portion of her dowry into her clothes and they were brought back with her. She had enough to assure that both Dominic's and Simon's keep would survive.
Ariane recovered and realized that she had given Simon a gift. She had taught him to love. He was in love with Ariane. They were going to be fine.
February 18, 2025
Саймън Верният и Ариана Предадената
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Саймън е брат на Доминик льо Сабр, Друидският вълк. Всички наричат Самън Верният, тъй като на длъж и шир се знае, че той е предан до гроб към брат си Доминик. Докато са били на кръстоносен поход в светите земи, Саймън става любовник на омъжена жена. Съпругът й обаче мисли, че не Саймън, а Доминик е този любовник и решава да предаде всички рицари на Доминик на жесток султан. За да спаси хората си, Доминик жертва себе си и се разменя, ставайки пленник и бъдейки измъчван жестоко преди мъжете му да разрушат палата и да го спасят. Но Саймън никога няма да забрави, че той е причина брат му едва да се спаси от зандана на султана. Саймън се заклева винаги да е верен на своя брат и когато се задава война, Саймън Верният ще направи всичко, за да я предотврати, дори това да значи да се ожени за жена, която е погребала чувствата си по-дълбоко и от него, жена, която никога няма да го допусне до себе си.
Ариана е наречена Предадената, защото след жестоко предателство, тя се затваря в себе си. Болката която носи е толкова силна, че единственото, което младата жена ще приветства е смъртта. Когато научават, че годеника й Дънкан се е оженил за друга, докато е бил с изгубена памет, всичко знаят, че баща й ще обяви война задето е изоставена пред олтара. Но Саймън предлага той да се ожени за нея. Ариана не се интересува кой ще е женихът, знаейки много добре, че който й да е ще я убие в първата брачна нощ, разбирайки, че Сега единственото, което може да очаква е бърза смърт. Тя обаче преживява брачната си нощ, защото Саймън не е от мъжете, които ще насилят една жена било тя и негова съпруга.
Саймън усеща страстта в Ариана, но начина по който тя се ужасява всеки път щом я доближи го кара да мисли, че тя се отвращава от него. И все пак, връзката помежду им става все по-силна. Когато Ариана е ранена, Саймън е този, който се грижи за нея, а когато миналото й се връща за да я измъчва, в лицето на Джефри, Саймън ще трябва да избира между жаждата да отмъсти за мъченията на които е била подложена съпругата му, или това да спаси брат си от потенциална нова война.
Книгата започва доста мудно. Ариана е наплашена, потънала в отчаяние, самота и нещастие. Саймън пък се лута между гнева и страстта, които изпитва към новата си съпруга. Щеше ми се тя да му разкаже за случилото се по-рано в книгата, но уви не се случи. Действието тук се развива директно след края на "Недокоснатата". Намираме се в Стоун Ринг и тук са всички, Мег и Доминик, Амбър и Дънкън, Ерик също. Продъшжавам да се надявам, че някъде там има книга за Ерик, но уви не я намирам. В книгата има заигравка с една магическа рокля, която на допир е приятна само за Ариана и Саймън, двамата виждат в нея бъдещето си, искрящо в уникалмата материя, а всеки друг който я докосне изпитва непроятно усещане, или дори болка. В края книгата стана супер динамична, страшно вълнуваща. Пътуването на Ариана и Саймън обратно в дома на Мег и Доминик, появата на Джефри Красивия, на Ерик, Дънкан и Амбър, появата на бащата на Ариана, разкриването на тайната й и откритоето, че зестрата й не е това, което са очаквали, както й фактът, че Ариана има дарба да открива изчезнали неща. Само заради последната част на книгата си заслужава да се изчете. Естествено, като при предишните две книги доста рев се изля и тук. Тази авторка умее да разчувства читателя.
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Саймън е брат на Доминик льо Сабр, Друидският вълк. Всички наричат Самън Верният, тъй като на длъж и шир се знае, че той е предан до гроб към брат си Доминик. Докато са били на кръстоносен поход в светите земи, Саймън става любовник на омъжена жена. Съпругът й обаче мисли, че не Саймън, а Доминик е този любовник и решава да предаде всички рицари на Доминик на жесток султан. За да спаси хората си, Доминик жертва себе си и се разменя, ставайки пленник и бъдейки измъчван жестоко преди мъжете му да разрушат палата и да го спасят. Но Саймън никога няма да забрави, че той е причина брат му едва да се спаси от зандана на султана. Саймън се заклева винаги да е верен на своя брат и когато се задава война, Саймън Верният ще направи всичко, за да я предотврати, дори това да значи да се ожени за жена, която е погребала чувствата си по-дълбоко и от него, жена, която никога няма да го допусне до себе си.
Ариана е наречена Предадената, защото след жестоко предателство, тя се затваря в себе си. Болката която носи е толкова силна, че единственото, което младата жена ще приветства е смъртта. Когато научават, че годеника й Дънкан се е оженил за друга, докато е бил с изгубена памет, всичко знаят, че баща й ще обяви война задето е изоставена пред олтара. Но Саймън предлага той да се ожени за нея. Ариана не се интересува кой ще е женихът, знаейки много добре, че който й да е ще я убие в първата брачна нощ, разбирайки, че Сега единственото, което може да очаква е бърза смърт. Тя обаче преживява брачната си нощ, защото Саймън не е от мъжете, които ще насилят една жена било тя и негова съпруга.
Саймън усеща страстта в Ариана, но начина по който тя се ужасява всеки път щом я доближи го кара да мисли, че тя се отвращава от него. И все пак, връзката помежду им става все по-силна. Когато Ариана е ранена, Саймън е този, който се грижи за нея, а когато миналото й се връща за да я измъчва, в лицето на Джефри, Саймън ще трябва да избира между жаждата да отмъсти за мъченията на които е била подложена съпругата му, или това да спаси брат си от потенциална нова война.
Книгата започва доста мудно. Ариана е наплашена, потънала в отчаяние, самота и нещастие. Саймън пък се лута между гнева и страстта, които изпитва към новата си съпруга. Щеше ми се тя да му разкаже за случилото се по-рано в книгата, но уви не се случи. Действието тук се развива директно след края на "Недокоснатата". Намираме се в Стоун Ринг и тук са всички, Мег и Доминик, Амбър и Дънкън, Ерик също. Продъшжавам да се надявам, че някъде там има книга за Ерик, но уви не я намирам. В книгата има заигравка с една магическа рокля, която на допир е приятна само за Ариана и Саймън, двамата виждат в нея бъдещето си, искрящо в уникалмата материя, а всеки друг който я докосне изпитва непроятно усещане, или дори болка. В края книгата стана супер динамична, страшно вълнуваща. Пътуването на Ариана и Саймън обратно в дома на Мег и Доминик, появата на Джефри Красивия, на Ерик, Дънкан и Амбър, появата на бащата на Ариана, разкриването на тайната й и откритоето, че зестрата й не е това, което са очаквали, както й фактът, че Ариана има дарба да открива изчезнали неща. Само заради последната част на книгата си заслужава да се изчете. Естествено, като при предишните две книги доста рев се изля и тук. Тази авторка умее да разчувства читателя.
January 8, 2011
Be forewarned, this is NOT a book you can read as a stand-alone. I made the mistake of reading the first in this series and unknowingly skipping the second to read the third. Boy, what a difference one book makes. Where "Untamed" had an element of magic an mystery, I felt it was still somewhat grounded in reality. "Enchanted" seemed as if the author was trying too hard and she overtook the boundaries of that magical element so that the end result was a book that was completely unbelievable to me.
Also, a pet peeve of mine is when I buy a book based on a description or synopsis by the publisher, only to find that the description isn't completely accurate. When I read, Wanting no man, trusting no man, speaking only through the sad songs she draws from her harp, Ariane comes to Simon an unwilling bride..., I assumed that Ariane was unable to speak. When I got to the second page and I found that wasn't the case, it left a bad taste in my mouth throughout the entire book. I felt somehow mislead.
While this is in no way a poorly written novel, I must say it speaks to author's writing ability to have turned this plot into something at least partially palatable.
Also, a pet peeve of mine is when I buy a book based on a description or synopsis by the publisher, only to find that the description isn't completely accurate. When I read, Wanting no man, trusting no man, speaking only through the sad songs she draws from her harp, Ariane comes to Simon an unwilling bride..., I assumed that Ariane was unable to speak. When I got to the second page and I found that wasn't the case, it left a bad taste in my mouth throughout the entire book. I felt somehow mislead.
While this is in no way a poorly written novel, I must say it speaks to author's writing ability to have turned this plot into something at least partially palatable.
April 11, 2018
I have now finished this trilogy of books, set in Medieval times. Each book has held my attention like almost no other book has. I wish there were more set in this time. I understand all her other books are set in the now, but I need to look for something that tells me in what order her books were written and if there are any others written in this genre. I am entranced with the way of life and the nuances of the magic people believed in and practiced. I feel a kinship with this time, that place, that I can't describe other than to say I lived then. She writes with that kind of magic woven through the words of these books. I am there when I read them. This one tells of Simon and Ariane. The story is one of her betrayal and their redemption. I won't say more. Read this series. It will be a favorite of mine forever.
October 27, 2019
Confusing writing. Annoying characters. Triggery content. Story elements that make very little sense.
Featuring a woman who was raped and betrayed by everyone, than married and misunderstood by her new husband about her past in various ways for the duration of the whole book; super convenient magic dress; weird healing coma and weird woman who instructed the husband to rub medicine onto the whole body of an unconscious above-mentioned woman 3 times a day practically forcing him to rape her again; proud whores and assholes.
On top of it all, disturbingly weak writing (the first battle left me grimacing at the ways details were presented and skipping through the text to get it over with) with So. Much. Head-hopping.
Sometimes it felt like POV would change before 1 sentence even ended. How is this okay?
Featuring a woman who was raped and betrayed by everyone, than married and misunderstood by her new husband about her past in various ways for the duration of the whole book; super convenient magic dress; weird healing coma and weird woman who instructed the husband to rub medicine onto the whole body of an unconscious above-mentioned woman 3 times a day practically forcing him to rape her again; proud whores and assholes.
On top of it all, disturbingly weak writing (the first battle left me grimacing at the ways details were presented and skipping through the text to get it over with) with So. Much. Head-hopping.
Sometimes it felt like POV would change before 1 sentence even ended. How is this okay?
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