The Shortcoming by Shay Savage: Review


Posted July 12, 2016 in review Tags:

The Shortcoming by Shay Savage: ReviewThe Shortcoming by Shay Savage
Pages: 138
three-flames

Series: Unexpected Circumstances
Genres: Historical Romance
Also in this series: The Handmaid, The Seduction, The Consummation, The Concubine
Also by this author: Caged: Takedown Teague, Trapped, Released, The Handmaid, The Seduction, The Consummation, The Concubine
Amazon iBooks

As the bond between Alexandra and Branford deepens, they each have their hopes for the future. Branford aspires to lead his kingdom with both wisdom and a firm hand while Alexandra fervently wishes to give her husband an heir. As Alexandra learns to embrace her noble role, she finds friendship with the girl she rescued from an abusive owner. It seems as though their lives have finally rewarded them with the happiness they have sought.
But happiness comes at a price, for war is on the horizon.
The neighboring kingdom of Hadebrand has amassed an army, and against insurmountable odds, Branford must lead the fight for his people. Alexandra is terrified but cannot let her fear show for she must serve as an example to their kingdom.
The war must eventually end, but there is only one thing on Branford’s mind—to continue the royal lineage. But how will Alexandra overcome her heartache when she can’t give her husband the one thing he must have?

The Shortcoming: Unexpected Circumstances
Shay Savage

It has been no secret that I am in love with this series. Today, as I finished this book, my love came to a SCREECHING halt. Branford is getting a concubine.

If you know me at all, you know the one thing I don’t handle in books is cheating of any kind. Not even the Ross Gellar “We were on a break” shit. It is the reason I have always struggled with Historical Romance and why I avoided it for years. It was much more common in HR for a man to be less than faithful; yes, I understand that it was customary of the times, blah blah blah. I don’t read for historical accuracy. Just like I don’t read contemporary romance and expect it to be 100% realistic! I read to escape; I can’t escape if the hero, no matter what the circumstances, is having sex with someone other than the heroine.

But, let me back up, because the concubine is quite literally the last line in the book. Up to that point you see the relationship with Alexandra and Branford grow into love. He goes to war and things change for his kingdom. I enjoyed the story overall, but it wasn’t my favorite of the series. And then the concubine bombshell (concu-shell?) was dropped and I almost threw my kindle. My husband convinced me to see reason and reminded me that I can’t afford another kindle right now. Stupid logic…

Now what do I do? I really am torn and super stressed about this!! Do I read the next book and risk getting my heart shattered and not being able to finish? Honestly, I don’t know that I would ever be able to read another book without knowing the ending if it turns out badly. Do I stop reading at this point? I am seriously so frustrated! If he cheats, even to produce an heir, I will never be able to enjoy the story. Never. No matter what happens after that point, I will hate him. But, I hate him now because I am just assuming that he will cheat. See? I’m angry already!

Is it wrong to hunt an author down and demand a rewrite? Can someone please recommend a book to me that is light, fluffy, fun, and won’t make me want to commit kindle-cide? Please! I am drowning in angst right now and I can’t take it!

I am giving this book 3 stars because if I just hadn’t read that last chapter, or discovered that the title of the the next book is “The Concubine”, I was enjoying the story.

 

  • POV: 1st (Alexandra)
  • Tears: Yes but I am highly emotional about this…
  • Trope: Royalty
  • Triggers: no (except the possibility of cheating which is obviously a trigger for me!)
  • Series/Standalone: series (must be read in order)
  • Cliffhanger: Sweet baby Jesus yes.
  • HEA: No!!!!!!
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…I got nothing…I am too distraught….

 

 

About Shay Savage

Writing has always been a love of mine, and I wrote my first full-length novel in the eighth grade. Like most fiction written by fourteen year olds, it was nothing I would ever want anyone to read now. However, since no one ever said “hey – you should be a writer!” I went into the technology field, where I spent many years practicing the art of poking the blinking buttons.

With the success of my first couple of eBooks, I quit the day job and now write full time. I love doing it, and I love the reactions people have shared with me about the stories I have written. I like the raw, the gritty, and the dirty side of people’s emotions, psyches, and relationships. I also believe it is a writer’s duty to provide the reader with a strong emotional experience – whether the emotion is considered “good” or “bad” isn’t necessarily of consequence. My intent is to make you feel.

I don’t make any guarantees about what’s going to happen in a story. If you have made it this far, I have probably at some point made you feel something. I may not have made you happy – you might be angry, or disappointed, and you might even be a little sad, but at least I made you feel. That’s my goal. I strive for unpredictable characters, and hope I achieve that as well, which leads me outside most conventional lines of fiction.

Remember all you brave, trusting souls – keep your seat backs and trays in the upright and locked positions. There will be turbulence on this ride.

Samantha
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