Release: November 1st, 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Source: Rachel’s Random Resources
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US.
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Keep your friends close…
But your enemies closer?
To find a legendary treasure map, mercenary Louve of Mei Solis must infiltrate his enemy’s fortress under the guise of a servant. There, Louve meets beautiful maiden Biedeluue, a fellow servant with her own hidden agenda…to save her sister from the malevolent Lord’s clutches! Their high-stakes missions may be at odds with one other, but their attraction cannot be denied even in this most dangerous of situations…
About the Author:
Nicole discovered her first romance novel in a closet, where her grandmother, the godmother in the romance black market, was hiding hundreds. Knowing her grandmother would disapprove, Nicole hid in the closet to read them. It was only a matter of time before she was found out and given an offer she couldn’t refuse: enjoy them, but out in the living room, please. Oh, and if she could go to the store and get a few more… A few more? Nicole got two jobs.
Inexplicably, Nicole stopped reading romances (she blames her handsome university English professor, who she was trying and failing to impress). So she didn’t discover them again until, at work, where another black market book swap occurred. Instead of swapping for another forgettable book, Nicole chose a romance (which she still reads).
Needless to say, she didn’t return to work (good thing it was after 5:00 pm), and she didn’t immediately return home either. At that moment, she insists Etta James was singing “At Last.” It was only natural she’d start writing romances as well.
Currently, she lives in Seattle with her two opposite children, who if not for their birth certificates and their red hair, she’d argue they weren’t related, and her husband, who if not for his red hair, would have returned them.
The Maiden and the Mercenary Review:
“The Maiden and the Mercenary” is a well-written, Harlequin Historical with intrigue and action.
Initially, it took me a while to immerse myself in the story. As this is the 10th book in the series (and I have not read the previous books), it wasn’t easy to comprehend what was happening. Moreover, the author introduces us to many characters like Bied, Tess, Henry, Louve, Balthus, Reynold, Margery, and Ian in one go. Some of the characters have history, connections, and agendas that took time to grasp.
However, once I fell into the storyline, it became an exciting book. The author does a lovely job of pacing the plot and maintaining the intrigue. Also, there are some hilarious moments in the story. For instance, when Louve and Bied interact with the goblets or their conversations as they get closer to one another.
Speaking of which, Louve and Bied share sizzling chemistry, even if they don’t fully trust each other and hold secrets from one another. I also liked the main plot around Ian, Balthus, and the Warstone family. The author keeps you guessing who you can trust, and it was interesting to see how Louve handled it. Additionally, I liked Ian as he came across as mysterious and complex. The scenes where Louve interacts with Ian for the parchment intrigued me. The climax is also shocking, where you find out who is trustworthy and who isn’t.
Overall, I have to say there was never a dull moment, and I enjoyed reading it. It also sparked my interest to pick up the previous books to see how it started. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Giveaway:
Giveaway to Win a £20 / $20 Amazon Gift Card (Open Internationally)
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Maiden and the Mercenary by Nicole Locke Blog Tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources. Check out my post, and make sure to enter the giveaway!
