Damsel NOT by Kristina Circelli got a smile from me with simply the title. One of the first things that I often dislike about romance novels is the whole "damsel-in-distress" with a "white knight saves the day" happy ending. The promises of a bit of fantasy and ancient prophecies--with more than a romance plot caught my interest for Circelli's first romance novel. What was my review of Damsel NOT?I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in my review. All opinions are my own.
Quick Summary of Damsel NOT by Kristina Circelli. In the days of old, one knight fought to save the maiden he loved – a battle that ended in a bloody promise for the future. In the days of the 21st Century, Izz doesn’t believe in prophecies. A recent widow, she struggles to find the passion that once fueled her life – a passion that is reignited the day a knight in disguise cuts into her life in a flash of swordplay and seductive grins. Izz doesn’t want to love him. The guilt of moving on nearly crushes her, yet she finds herself unable to resist the touch, the feel, the scent of the man who leaves her breathless with just one look. But each day Izz finds herself drawn to Cade, the more danger she finds herself in, for someone believes Izz to be at the center of an ages-old prophecy – and will do anything to stop it. When threatening messages turn even more dangerous, Izz must rediscover a part of herself she’s never known before and fight to save her knight in shining armor. With only a sword passed down throughout the generations to guide her, Izz must prove to her adversary that unlike maidens of old, she will never be a damsel in distress. Kristina Circelli's first contemporary romance with a slight touch of fantasy, for readers 18+
Damsel NOT offers much more than a love story. While the romance components are present in Damsel NOT with a handsome male leading character and a recently widowed woman trying to find herself--Circelli creates much more than a romance novel with her story. Damsel NOT has action, adventure, mystery, fantasy--and a lot of emotions and real life thrown in the mix. Izz is not a damsel in distress--but, receives the "saving" that she needs nonetheless.
Damsel NOT offers a well written story with twists, turns and a bit of the unexpected. Another of my chief complaints with romance novels is their usual predictability. Circelli breaks that mold a little with her storyline and plot twists. There are some surprises and unexpected happenings to keep readers engaged.
Would I recommend Damsel NOT by Kristina Circelli? This book is a nice blend of a little bit of everything--not just a steamy romance. I enjoyed the characters and found myself wishing that the story could continue--not because it was unfinished--but, because I enjoyed the world Circelli created in her book. I would certainly recommend Damsel NOT for romance/fantasy/drama fans--and I look forward to other books from Kristina Circelli.
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Meet the author:
Night owl, Dorito lover, and quiet eccentric - Kristina Circelli is the author of several fiction novels, including The Helping Hands series, The Whisper Legacy, The Never, and The Sour Orange Derby.
Her latest series, The Whisper Legacy, features Beyond the Western Sun. This book is what all fantasy adventures must strive to be: a complex, intricate examination of human emotion set within the context of worlds known only in our imagination. Melding fantasy and legend in an epic quest, this series signals the arrival of Kristina Circelli as a master storyteller and an important voice in Native American literature.A descendent of the Cherokee nation and niece of a Cherokee elder, Circelli holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from the University of North Florida, where she teaches creative writing. She also heads Red Road Editing, a full-service editing company for independent authors and commercial clients. She currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cats, Lord Finnegin the Fierce and Mr. Malachi the Mighty.
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