Book Reviews

Book Blurb

When a would-be assassin sneaks into the citadel disguised as a servant, the king requires that all servants who work in the castle be branded with the royal crest for easy identification. Prince Coren is powerless to fight the edict, but he refuses to allow his personal advisor and secret lover Brannir to suffer alone. Coren shows his devotion by wielding the brand to mark Brannir himself, even though he fears it will change their relationship. He's prepared for resentment, hurt, and anger--every outcome but the one he receives: unconditional love.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".

Book Review

It's hard to imagine that someone will still love you, even after doing something that will hurt them. Coren, from 'Branded' by Bru Baker, is faced with an unimaginable situation. In order to keep their clandestine love affair a secret, his beloved, Bran, must be branded, just as all the servants in the castle have been, for security reasons. Coren is anguishing over the situation, while Bran is trying to be as calm as possible. It must be done or Bran will not be permitted to stay at the castle. Coren suggests it might be better if Bran take this opportunity to leave in order to avoid the disfigurement, but Bran won't hear of it. After much procrastinating and an uncomfortable discussion as to where to apply it, Coren finally marks Bran.

After the deed is done, Coren hoovers over Bran, feeling insecure and remorseful, trying to make up for the awful thing he's done to his lover and best friend. Even though Bran tries to reassure him, Coren believes that Bran will stop loving him. Bran even tries to comfort Coren which he finds unfathomable; Bran is the injured party not himself. Coren knows how smart and caring Bran is, but he gains even more respect for him than he already has, as the man demonstrates courage and compassion which would be difficult to equal. Coren spends the rest of the night trying to take care of him as Bran demonstrates why Coren loves him so very much.

This is a brief, but efficiently written, love story which is told in the lyrical language of the days of old, making the setting even more credible. The conflict between Coren and Bran is complex and potentially dangerous, but, along with the help of Coren's personal guard, Finnik, and a whole lot of love, they find a way to make it work. I recommend this story to those who like knights, castles, kings, and unconditional love. Thanks, Bru, for an endearing story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 36 pages/9005 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-June-2014
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/branded-by-bru-baker-4116-b