I've been wanting to read this story for quite awhile, finally I did and I must say I was a bit disappointed. The story itself was not bad, the writing likewise but it was far from original. Just a carbon copy of of a carbon copy. ( )

Do you know the meaning of Savage Romance? I always identify this type of romance with a story which tells about a fiery and witty heroine, usually of noble birth, and an rough but handsome warrior, usually a bastard but who holds honor above all the virtue. Usually they are forced to an arranged marriage by the father of her, who is aging and who wants for her daughter a fitting groom. Doesn't matter if the groom is wealthy, what it is important is that he is an able warrior. Usually they cordially hate each other at first glance but there is a burning passion between them that can't be denied. Usually too stubborns to admit it, they vow to not consumate the marriage, but the noble warrior is soon consumate himself by desire. Usually the witty bride threatens to annul the marriage and so the warrior sets himself to make the threat null in the only way possible...

Well all this is respected in this novel by Sara Bell, but this is only half the romance. On the other half there are other "classical" situations which make this a very fastpacing, very romantic and very classical romance. With only a twist: the witty heroine is a handsome prince, Alric, and the stubborn warrior is a prince himself, Gareth. But in the fantasy medieval world of Orielle, same sex marriage are considered at the same level of eterosexual ones, so this novel lacks at all of the denial and hidden aspect of forbidden love among men.

The plot is very well planned and touches all the "essential" points to be a "classical" medieval romance. Plus there are some touches of magic, not to overwhelming, just a taste that is not bitter in a fantasy environment like this. Sex is present, but not too present, which is another classical point in this type of romance: the main story is the fight between good and evil, and sometime, it amuses the readers with a bit of sexual interaction between the goods.

The main characters are soo nice and handsome guys that they could give you a nervous fit if you are one who loves the bad boy type. But well, they are right for the role they play.

I have the clear feeling that Sara Bell is very familiar with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss or Johanna Lindsey's books (The Wolf and The Dove or Defy Not the Heart...) and if not, and the reader loves this type of romance, he should read this one, cause I think he will be very satisfy.