The Bandit King

While many others were disappointed with this sequel I loved it! I was wary though in reading other reviews as I too wanted the second book to draw the Queen and her Captain closer but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved reading the book from Tristan's point of view. He had so much to reveal to us and it was very intriguing. I do admit my heart was torn a few times with his treatment by Vianne (but seriously what woman wouldnt treat a man like that who had lied viciously to her even if it was for love) but there was solid writing behind it backing up the reason for it and it made the book just that much harder to put down! Any author that can write a story that even when it hurts to read what is happening and you know may not lead to HEA and the characters and setting feel so real but you still read on breathlessly is a master at their craft. Spellbinding with enough romance and intrigue to make you turn page after page until the only disappointment that you feel is that the book is over. And a plus for me is that there was no use of gratitous language or sex yet still exuded romance and mystery with every page, better than the books that do!

I was looking forward to this sequel, but was disappointed with its story line. I loved the character development in the first book and thought we would get to know Tristan more in this book, but did not expect to leave Vivianne out all together! I hate that they only got together in brief tense moments and that the do not reconcile till the last two pages. It felt as though the author got so caught up in the techniques of war she forgot about the story....

A perfect follow-on with a pleasantly unanticipated ending. Excellent writing that has made this author a favorite!