Destined for a King: The Bastard Brotherhood

Destined for a King: The Bastard Brotherhood by Ashley Macnamara. What a great beginning to what promises to be an intriguing and utterly fascinating series, "The Bastard Brotherhood". A Fantasy Historical Romance. Doesn't really seem like a fantasy to me, more of a great, epic Historical Romance. I was simply amazed by this fast paced, heart-pounding, emotionally charged Medieval Historical Romance. Ms. Macnamara "Introduces the strapping, audacious outlaws of the Bastard Brotherhood in this enchanting tale of forbidden love between supposedly sworn enemies", in this new series, "The Bastard Brotherhood". Calista Thorne, is a fierce heroine, who faces challenges head on and with pride. Torch, is bastard outlaw, and landkess knight, whose family has been wronged. He is fighting to regain his throne, seek justice and vengeance. Torch and Calista should be are sworn enemies, or so it seems. But Calista finds Torch strong, and honor bound. Torch, his younger twin brother and sister, seek their families justice and vengeance for their father's death, have suffered hardship and challenges. They have powerful enemies, the King. Especially if Tirch's true identity is bought to light. They intend to gain support, and place Torch in his rightful place, on the throne that was calliously taken from his family. Well written with well-developed, captivating and powerful characters. The storyline is unique, intriguing, captivating, emotionally charged, and mesmerizing. What an impressive cast of characters. Yes, I see a most definite, epic tale! A multifaceted, and complex, tale! I was blown away by the intensity, and the complexity of "Destined For a King". A sweeping tale infused with destiny, danger, passion, sacrifice, pain, a forbidden love, Celtic magic, intrigue, non-stop action and romance. Highly recommended! Fans of Fantasy Romance with a twist of fate, Historical Romance, the promise of true love and the making of a King, will enjoy "Destined for a King". *This is a hot and steamy story. Not for the faint of heart.* My only complaint, is the many unanswered questions. While, Calista, Torch, and Blackbriar Keep, comes to a bit of an end, the story is not finished. Sorta of a cliffhanger ending. Such as... What happened to Torch and Griffin's sister, who was kidnapped by their enemy? The threat to her was extreme unless Torch complyed with his nemesis demands, which he did not. Does Torch's man get to his sister in time to save her or will she be lost to them all? What happens to the many other cast of characters? I would love to learn more of them. I anxiously await the next installment of this complex but impressive story... Awesome! ! Received for an honest review from Net Galley. However, all opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions. Rating: 4.5 Heat rating: Hot/steamy Reviewed by: AprilR

Calista seeks to help protect her home from an attack by the Bastard Brotherhood. Unfortunately, the Brotherhood do take Blackbriar Keep. The leader, Torch, also demands the hand of Calista in marriage... A powerful & adventurous start to a good historical fantasy. Filled with interesting, strong characters, good and bad. More in depth character and background info would make a stronger book. Still good. Book free for honest review from Netgalley & publisher.

Oh my, did I ever love this medieval romance! It is the story of Calista, the daughter of a lord with a small holding who is loyal to the king because he can offer protection, and Torch, a landless knight with an unearned reputation as a cruel marauder but who holds a secret that makes him desperately seek to dethrone the current king. Calista has parents determined to wed her to the king without her approval and Torch finds himself enthralled with Calista despite his distrust of her parentage. This has all the makings of a love hard won and an exciting tale to reach a happy ever after. I look forward to the next book in this author’s Bastard Brotherhood series. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.