Kawehi's Book Blog.: Release Day Review!- The Concubine (Unexpected Circumstances #5) by Shay Savage

Title: The Concubine (Unexpected Circumstances #5)

Author: Shay Savage

Publication Date: July 26th 2016 by Shay Savage, LLC

Plot: Royalty requires sacrifice.

As King Camden’s health declines, the need for an heir becomes crucial, impossible to ignore. With no other viable choice, Alexandra must stand stoically by when Hadley comes to the court of Silverhelm as Branford’s concubine. The queen’s edict of duty echoes through Alexandra’s mind as she accepts the loathsome conditions for the sake of the kingdom. The only person more devastated by the circumstances is Branford himself.

As Branford spurs Alexandra’s affections, and King Edgar continues press his post-war advantage, all seems lost to the young couple. Treachery still lies deep within the castle of Silverhelm, and the revelation of the traitor will come from the least likely of sources.

☆✮ My Short Review ✮☆

☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

I know that each reader will have mixed feelings about this read, as I did myself--- but, honestly, it could have been worse. I normally HATTTTEEE other men/women interactions and dreaded this installment like crazy, and yet in the end I somehow liked it.

I know a lot of people might be hating on author Shay Savage right now but please don't. That's not cool.

With the so called "cheating" aspect aside, stakes have certainly risen in this novel with Branford desperately needing an heir and lies and treachery making itself a very pertinent factor in this series. While I cannot divulge anymore, as to would basically give out the entire plot and spoilers, I would advise readers who are sensitive to ow themes to have a breather as it does get better at the end. I mean, remember the saying "there is always a light at the end of th tunnel?". Well, I believe this pertains to The Concubine.

Can't wait for bk6!!! And then the final book in the series, bk7!! Woohoo!!

My Rating:

♥♥♥♥

☆✮ Excerpt ✮☆

“I am a coward,” he whispered.

“Branford…no.” I took a step toward him.

“I am,” he said. “I’m a coward and an idiot. Alexandra, please…hear me out.”

I closed my eyes for a moment and nodded.

“I have hurt you,” he stated. “It was not my intent, yet it happened anyway.

“You barely spoke to me,” I replied as I turned my head and closed my eyes tightly.

“You would not have wanted me here,” he said quietly. “I have been…”

He stopped and sighed heavily, approached me, and dropped back to his knees. I looked down to see him once again and reached out to touch his rough cheek.

“I wanted you here,” I said. He shook his head.

“I am…” Branford paused, and when my fingers brushed his face, I could feel his jaw clenched tightly. “I am afraid. Afraid for you. I brought you into my world to insult King Edgar, and insult him I have, but he does not intend to take the insult out on me and my army. He plans to take it out on you. I have put you in terrible danger out of arrogance and lust for revenge.”

He grasped his thighs as he looked up into my eyes.

“I never should have brought you here,” he whispered vehemently. “You are in peril, and it is my fault! I am to blame! How can you look at me, knowing I did this to you? Now that you know what he will do if I do not have an heir soon or if I refuse Whitney next month—he will not just…just kill you.”

He stopped speaking abruptly, and I could sense the pounding of his heart in his chest and see the panic in his eyes.

“I did not want you to hear him speak such things,” he said.

“He has said worse,” I said, presuming.

“He has.” I saw and felt his anger blaze in his eyes. “I will not allow you to be touched, my wife. I would…I would sacrifice my kingdom before I would allow that to happen.”

“Branford, you cannot—”

“I can!” His eyes blazed. “I would sacrifice all of them before I would let him touch you!”

☆✮ About the Author ✮☆

Shay Savage lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker, and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. When not writing, she enjoys science fiction movies, masquerading as a zombie, is a HUGE Star Wars fan, and member of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers. When the geek fun runs out, she also loves soccer in any and all forms - especially the Columbus Crew, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.