Pages: 138
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
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!!!!!!
…I got nothing…I am too distraught….
Let the claws fly! lol. I say keep reading and see it through. Maybe it’ll be a not-is-all-as-it-seems type thing.
Dear God I hope its a ‘not-is-all-as-it-seems’ thing. Please let it be that!