by Kiera Cass
Book: Stand Alone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub Date: November 29, 2022
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Historical
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Book Links: Goodreads Amazon
“Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand
heartbeats happening at the same time.”
Princess Annika has lived a life of comfort—but
no amount of luxuries can change the fact that her life isn’t her own to
control. The king, once her loving father, has gone cold, and Annika will soon
be forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.
Miles away, small comforts are few and far
between for Lennox. He has devoted his life to the Dahrainian army, hoping to
one day help them reclaim the throne that was stolen from them. For Lennox, the
idea of love is merely a distraction—nothing will stand in the way of fighting
for his people.
But when love, against all odds, finds them
both, they are bound by its call. They can’t possibly be together—but the
irresistible thrum of a thousand heartbeats won’t let them stay apart.
Kiera Cass brings her signature sparkling
romance to this beautiful story of star-crossed lovers and long-held secrets.
My Review: I have to say, I wasn't sure where this book was going to go. The beginning was a little slow for me and it's also told by two POV.
But stick it out! Once you get halfway through it's full speed ahead and you'll want to be sitting down for those twists and turns.
Annika is your lovely Princess. She goes around the castle, spends time with her brother and is very kind to her maid who is more like a dear friend to her. Oh and she loves to read HEA books and practices how to use a sword.
Lennox is next, but for a solider, he isn't as bad as you may think. Yes, he has done bad things and killed people. Yes, his family life is basically non existent and yet, it hasn't made him that cruel. There are moments where he will surprise you with kindness and is truly a man of his word.
When Annika is taken by Lennox, that is when things pick up pace. If you didn't like her fiancé by now, you will not like what he did in that moment. Now in a cell, Annika could have had a number of things happen to her. But Lennox wasn't that bad, minus the hair cut moment. He gives her some truth about her family and hold up his word. She exchanges some information and then lets her be. What wasn't in the plan was Annika escaping. Whoops!
After that moment, everything picks up and the surprises will keep coming.
I loved this book and the characters, especially Annika. It's yet another masterpiece by Kiera. I can't wait to get my hand on her next book.
