Sandy M’s review of Her Majesty, My Love by Maya Banks
Historical Romance published by Maya Banks 15 Jul 19
I was happy to see this new collection Maya Banks is self-publishing – older works that have never been released before. The first book, Duchess of My Heart, reminded me of the Maya of years gone by as compared with her latest releases that have not worked for me at all. This story is along the same lines – while the writing is much better than lately, the storyline itself is lacking, however. At least for me,
Simon, Earl of Merrick, is a spy for the Crown. His latest case involves the assassination of the royal family of Leaudor and discovering the whereabouts of the surviving prince and princess. They have been on the run since the death of their parents, and the Regent wants them found to stave off any trouble for England as Leaudor tries to gain stability.
Princess Isabella is now on her own, betrayal keeping her on the move to hopefully make her way back to Leaudor to ascend the throne and keep peace across the land. It’s Merrick who saves her from the latest attempt at capturing her, and at first she’s just as determined to escape him as she has every other attempt. His determination to take her to the Crown equals hers, but when he sees things from her point of view, he agrees it’s best to take her home. Thus begins the dangerous journey to make that happen.
And that’s pretty much where I lost interest, mostly because there just isn’t chemistry between these two like there is for most of Ms. Banks’ lead characters. Their last-minute trip is fraught with men after Isabella, but there’s nothing new or different about it – something we read in romance all the time. I’m only a tad bit curious about the coming “treasure hunt” Isabella will need to do to become the Leaudorian leader, but right now other books are calling. I may eventually continue reading, but for now it will sit idle on my iPhone.
Grade: DNF
Summary:
A princess on the run must complete a mystical quest in order to take her rightful place on her country’s throne.
Princess Isabella Chastaine holds the fate of her tiny island nation in her hands. Literally. Escaping the men who murdered her parents, she flees to England with a sacred map outlining the location of ancient relics—items necessary for a new ruler to ascend the throne, items buried deep within the granite caves of her homeland.
Simon Rothmore, Earl of Merrick, has faithfully served the English crown since his recruitment into an elite secret agency. His newest task, deciphering the puzzling assassinations of the royal family of Leaudor, leads him to the only remaining member…Princess Isabella.
Betrayed by those closest to her and deeply suspicious of possible English involvement, Isabella vows to return to her country and seek justice for her family. She will allow no one, especially not an arrogant English earl, to interfere in her quest.
But love has a way of uniting even the most unlikely souls. Together, they travel across two countries, encounter painful betrayals, complete a mystical quest, and forge a new destiny neither had dreamed possible.
Read an excerpt.
