Whoa, I thought the second book was steamy, but this one takes the cake! Felt like I needed a cold shower after reading it, and it definitely has me feeling impatient for the next book. Everything gets better than I could've expected in this book from the sexy scenes to the romance to the plot. Again, I technically rated this 4.5/5 for minor things, but had to give it a rating of 4. Definitely pick it up after finishing book 2 though! I immediately did so myself.


--- In-depth Review: Note that I attempted to avoid spoilers as much as possible and that this contains reviews for the following two books as well; there may be some spoilers though no major ones. Also can be found on the To Tilt With Windmills Blog. ---


Rating: 4.5/5 Windmills

Remember that possibility of more? Oh my, is it delivered on! I needed a drink with the last book, but for this one I felt like I needed a dip in a lake — in winter. That bond between the three gets stronger, Olani being more willing than in the previous two books, and the three take their sexual relationship to the next level. There’s little doubt left after this book that while he may still be a little bit of a grump, and an adorable one at that, he cares about Astrid and has grown protective of her. Again the pacing changed to suit the feel of the piece: leisurely at first, fast-paced cause of the assassination attempt, and then slowed with a sense of increased tension once safely at their destination. Seeking asylum for Teuvo from Astrid’s Father, King Harald of Norway, is uncomfortable — since Harald hates Teuvo. Seeing the situation Astrid finds herself in, he does as is expected of a Father and asks who is going to marry her. This puts all three characters[Teuvo, Olani, and Astrid] on the spot. To appease her Father, and get asylum for Teuvo, Astrid says she’ll marry Teuvo. While she loves Teuvo, this is monumental as Astrid has been adamant about not wanting to marry. Naturally her Father’s pleased, Olani is upset yet understanding, and Teuvo is angry. Why do I mention this in detail?

Cause once more Astrid seems to cower beneath Teuvo’s anger though, again, there was wisdom in what she did — something Olani points out in a manner of speaking. You will see Teuvo get repeatedly upset, and almost have tantrums, cause decisions are being made for him, which is understandable given stuff we learn about him, but that Astrid doesn’t fully stand up to him when he’s acting like a child is aggravating. Another thing is that the focus is on Olani’s well-being, and that is sweet of Astrid as she’s not heartless, but then Teuvo makes a cruel accusation considering what was revealed in the previous book and then the talk is cut short without the matter being approached again. In this book that does leave me a little worried as far as dynamics — will Astrid always be second to Olani where Teuvo is concerned? I do hope not as she’s just as great a character as Olani, and I hope that Teuvo soon opens his eyes.

Obviously Astrid intends to go with Olani and Teuvo, refusing to stay behind, and she isn’t going to expect a change in relationship as she knows how Teuvo and Olani feel for each other. That’s smoothed, after a fashion, and the plot takes focus again as they go about getting what Samu needs — floor plans. We’re given a gorgeous party with beautiful outfits, and Astrid looking fabulously as befits a Princess, that introduces another side character of interest and then eventually we end on another to be continued. Am I eager for book 4? Oh yes, I am!