Blog Tour Review: Her Honorable Mercenary by Nicole Locke

About the Book:

An innocent maiden

And a legendary warrior

When captured and held prisoner in an enemy castle, Margery of Lyon is guarded by brooding mercenary Evrart, who’s been commanded to watch her—day and night. Margery’s determination to escape brings her closer to Evrart and the kind heart hidden beneath his granite-hard body. Now Margery is torn… Fleeing under the portcullis will mean leaving behind the man she’s falling for…

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Honourable-Mercenary-dramatic-Historical-ebook/dp/B08WK4CJ85US – https://www.amazon.com/Her-Honourable-Mercenary-dramatic-Historical-ebook/dp/B08WK4CJ85

About the Author:

Nicole is the author of Harlequin/Mills and Boon Lovers and Legends Historical series. If she isn’t working on the next book, she can be reached at NicoleLocke.com, Facebook, and Twitter!

Social Media Links:

My Review:

Her Honorable Mercenary is a wonderful addition to the Lovers and Legends historical romance series. The story follows Margery after being captured by Ian of Waterstone. Confined to Ian’s quarters, Margery is guarded by the silent and brooding mercenary Evrart. Evrart is trapped in his own right, and though it is forbidden, he can’t help the growing feelings he has for the brave and determined Margery. However, many obstacles stand in their way. Can this pair find a way to be together even though their love is forbidden and they put their lives at risk?

Margery and Evrart are well-developed, dynamic characters, and I enjoyed their stories. They are so layered, and I like how we learn so much about their respective pasts and what led them to be under Warstones rule. I thought the author did an excellent job of creating really compelling characters, each with strengths and flaws, difficult paths, and complicated situations. Both battle inner demons, and their growth throughout the story is fantastic.

Evrart and Margery have a wonderful and steamy romance. Both have many insecurities and struggle with feelings of not being good enough. Both have also done things in the past that they are not proud of, and both are stuck in precarious and dangerous positions under the thumb of a violent and unpredictable man. Miscommunication and lack of communication often prove problematic for this couple. They both struggle to express their feelings and live much of their lives in fear and trying to protect others. Evrart in particular is a very quiet man. Of course, I would be too if my every word were scrutinized and used against me, which is often the case. Margery’s life is not her own, which makes freedom of expression quite difficult. It’s wonderful to see them slowly grow closer and find a safe place in each other.

Evrart is a very big man – tall and broad, he stands heads above others. He often has a fierce and menacing look about him, which, in addition to his imposing size, frightens many. In contrast, Margery is diminutive in stature and very beautiful – so much so that she is often stared at and ogled. What I love about this couple is that they really see each other. They see past the physical appearance, the superficial, and the facades and really see the person underneath. This is a rare thing for both Margery and Evrart, who are often judged solely by their appearance. Plus, their chemistry is amazing!

Because of the manipulations of Ian, Margery and Evrart’s lives are at constant risk, as are their families. This creates so many obstacles for this forbidden romance! There is also an ongoing story with the Warstone family and their pursuit of unfathomable treasure. Power-hungry, this family is manipulative, deceptive, and disloyal, which adds to the suspense of the story. Where are the clues that they are looking for? Will they find it, or is it all a myth?

Though this is the twelfth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I’ve read several books in the series out of order and had no problem following the story. (However, if you have read the other stories, this one takes place before Balthus and Severine’s.) That being said, I’m eager to read all of the books in the series, as Nicole Locke is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. I’m so thankful to Rachel’s Random Resources and Nicole Locke for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.