Judith‘s review of Warlord’s Destiny by Delilah Devlin
Mora has no illusions that she is anything other than the sacrificial lamb to insure peace between her peace-loving planet and the warlike world that demands a royal union with one of their own. However, when she meets the rugged warlord who will be her husband, Mora decides in that moment to win his heart–nothing else will do.
When Lord Tetrik suspects that his wife harbors tender feelings, he wonders if he can be the husband she desires. After all, love for a woman is a frivolous thing–not a warlord’s destiny.
Once again Delilah Devlin has pulled out the stops and given us a story that is well-written, easy to read, interesting through and through, and oh so romantic.
Princess Mora was the sister that was considered plain, way too chunky, and probably destined to be a royal spinster. Her sister was the belle of every ball, slender, graceful, and had every male in sight chomping at the bit to be her spouse. But the royal family of Mora’s country had an agreement–a royal promise–that their daughter would be given in marriage to Lord Tetrik’s country for the period of one year, unless she conceived. If she remained barren she could either decide to remain with her husband or return to her family. Everyone expected Mora’s sister to be the princess sent to Lord Tetrik. Mora was convinced that her parents thought little of her as a royal alliance builder-she was way too plain. But since they had made this alliance under duress, it was decided that Mora would be the sister to travel through time and space and fulfill this promise.
Lord Tetrik was truly a warlord in the ancient style of the Vikings. He was the man, the one who determined the life or death of all his vassals, chief of whom was his wife. He claimed Mora because he was obligated to do so. Wedding and bedding her was one of those things that was expected. He would retain her in his bed until she was with child. Even if he and she formed a bond, he would never love her–love was not a familiar emotion for a warrior. He would give her children to love and a home to run and thus fill her life. Beyond that he had no obligation other than to insure her safety.
But something strange happens between these two. First, Mora simply accepts her fate and seeks to cooperate as much as she can. Tetrik also decides that he has gotten the right sister–one look at Mora’s sister and he knows that she would be HIGH MAINTENANCE. Second, Mora seems to genuinely like him. That actually throws Tetrik off balance and was seriously unexpected. The discussions and negotiations over the wedding night are rather humorous. Third, his second in command and his warriors seem to really like her. Rather than thinking her plain and fat, he sees that she is beautiful in her own way and her lush curves are far more prized in Tetrik’s land than in Mora’s.
This is one of those stories that keeps the reader spell bound because of the way their relationship develops. Tetrik and Mora are discovering things about themselves as well about the other. Each finds a connection with the other that brings them closer than expected. Each becomes reluctant to think about the other not being a part of their life long-term. It is a story about the ancient tradition of political alliances and arranged marriages which actually works out right. It is charming to watch Tetrik’s tentative attempts to please Mora and let her know of his growing regard. It is a love story that is filled with colorful characters, humor, and warm fuzzies.
So I recommend this novella as a read that will satisfy the pulls and tugs of the romantic’s heart. It will be a fun read because it is so well done. But more than that, it will be a way of entering into an ancient time when the loving was hot and the hugs were warm, and when two people were surprised by the love that they discovered together.
I give this story a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can read more from Judith at Dr. J’s Book Place.
This book is available from Ellora’s Cave. You can buy it here in e-format.
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