Unbeknownst to me I was subscribed to Jody Hedlund‘s newsletter. When the email popped up asking for early readers to her newest book “A Loyal Heart”, a YA medieval book, I was intrigued and quickly filled out the application.
Do I read medieval? Nope.
But I was drawn in because of the YA (young adult) genre.
To make a long story short, this book was fantastic! And I loved the medieval aspect. Jody writes such a structurally strong book (writer speak) that I was hooked from page one. Now that I’m learning how to write, it’s so hard for me to finish a bad book.
This was not a bad book in the slightest. I loved it!
Here’s the description:
He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?
When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.
As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.
Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.
I knew about three chapters in that this would be a 5 star review and it didn’t disappoint as I kept reading. From the first chapter in to the witty dialogue I was hooked. You will love the strong characters. My favorite quote from the book was Sir Aldric’s line regarding Olivia. He said, “Lady Olivia would be the death of me.” From page one she challenged him and forced him to change how he approached her. The tension and chemistry pulled me in with these two and kept me turning the pages. And now I’m a Jody Hedlund medieval fan! Can’t wait to read the next book.
