Of Love and Betrayal by Louise Lyndon

Wow, wow, WOW! I was shocked at how quickly this book sucked me in. Right from the get go! And I didn’t want to put it down!

What’s it About? 

Aveline de Bondeville is on the run. Determined to keep out of the hands of the cruel Raimbaut de Blois she will do whatever it takes to stay alive. And so when she finds herself in the company of Troy de Gysborne she must quickly decide if she can trust him. But can she confess to murder knowing it would mean her certain death?

Troy de Gysborne did the unthinkable; he tore the bonds of brotherhood and left a path of destruction in his wake. And now Troy must face those he betrayed, including the father who long ago renounced him. But to confess to the crime he committed will cost him everything. Including Aveline. But can he remain silent if it means losing the woman he loves?

First Impressions

I really had no idea going into this book how much I would absolutely love it. It’s the perfect mix of intrigue, suspense, lust and romance. Not to mention two lead characters you can’t help but adore. Aveline has been through hell. She’s been tortured, beaten and flogged to within an inch of her life. She’s also killed to escape this nightmare, but is still being pursued by Raimbaut, the son of the monster she killed, who is intent on revenge. It seems like fate that Troy finds her on the side of the road, and vows to protect her by any means necessary. Even if he has to marry her. Even if Aveline’s already married.

Turmoil

The brilliance of this novel comes from the inner turmoil which both of our characters face. Technically, Aveline is already married to another, though the marriage was never consummated. She can’t help but be drawn to her savior, Troy, yet she also feels ashamed and confused that she desires him. The fact that her first husband never came to her rescue while being tortured also adds to her confusion. As Raimbaut surrounds the castle where Aveline and Troy have taken refuge, she feels responsible for all those trapped within its walls.

Then we have Troy, who is shocked to find that he desires his new bride. He feels protective of her, and wants to be with her. However, he acknowledges that she has already declared her love for her first husband. Troy has a secret past of his own which caused his father to disown him, and fears that Aveline will run from him if she discovers the truth. There’s such a fantabulous building of drama throughout this entire novel you feel like you’re gonna explode from all the tension! It’s glorious!! You never quite know what’s going to happen, and even I gasped a few times in surprise.

*A copy of this book was provided for an honest review*

Series: The perfect stand-alone.

Should you read it? Throughout the whole book you wonder what’s going to happen as Raimbaut encroaches ever closer on our newlyweds, and how our characters will react once the details of their pasts are fully revealed. The blend of romance and suspense was done to absolute perfection from start to finish. Our characters are also outstandingly dynamic, from Troy and Aveline, to his relatives, and even our villain Raimbaut.

Smut Level: Troy is more than willing to show Aveline just how pleasurable it can be to consummate a marriage.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $0.99 Kindle Price. The Wild Rose Press, Inc. 231 Pages.