A Sorceress of His Own
Dianne Duvall
3/5
Alyssa has spent the last seven years serving her earl in any way that she can- via counsel or her special healing powers he knows he wouldn't be half the leader without her. He also thinks her to be a very old woman who served his father and grandfather, he truly knows nothing about her aside from her powers and wisdom. When she risks her life to save him and he discovers her true identity, he knows that there is finally someone who could understand him and save him from his loneliness.
It's not as bad or as cringy as you would expect it to be for a book set in this time period. I think that people writing in the Middle Ages try to use it as a way to excuse writing violent and controlling behaviorisms from their male protagonists. Despite his reputation as a conqueror and the necessity to be ruthless, Dylan is surprisingly respectful of Alyssa's wishes. Not to say he doesn't have his moments, but overall it was surprising how much cooperation there was. He respected her powers and helped her build herself up rather than tearing her down.
I had a problem really with the convenience of the conclusion. Aside from the mystery of her identity, the biggest real threat to their relationship was the difference in their stations. The ending was just too easy on that front, no real explanation and I'm not sure about its historical accuracy. I know that it's a fantasy novel so I shouldn't expect historical accuracy but I think it could have been done a bit better.
Aside from that, the plot was pretty good. I had some issues with how obsessed they were with each other but as long as it was mutual I guess that's their right. I wish we could have learned a little bit more about the magic users, that was kind of glossed over in favor of the romance but it also wasn't interesting enough to keep me up at night.
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