She’s captured the king’s heart. But who’s captured hers? #1 New York Times bestselling author Kiera Cass is ready to retake her crown as the queen of YA romance with this sparkling new duology.
The young king of Coroa has never been the type to settle down—that is, until he meets Hollis Brite.
Hollis has grown up at the castle, among the other daughters of nobility who hoped beyond hope that they’d catch the king’s eye. So when King Jameson declares his love for her, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled.
But she soon realizes that along with the extravagant presents and fawning attention, this new life brings outsized expectations—expectations that make her wonder if she’s really cut out for life as a royal.
And when she meets an Isolten stranger with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she starts to wonder: Is there more to life outside the palace walls?
“I’d said he couldn’t burn me. I still believed that. If I was going to go up in flames, it would be my own doing.”
You may find this hard to believe but this was my first ever Kiera Cass adventure. I was expecting something so magical that I would be floating in the air on a mystical high but after reading this, I’m kind of confused as to why readers put this author on a pedestal.
I was drawn in with the promise of a royal/commoner love triangle. I’m such a sucker for a great, heart-wrenching love triangle. As I was waiting to be swept off my feet by the razzle-dazzle, I was a tad bit bored by the in-between. It started off slow because of the immaturity but it slowly picked up. It just didn’t skyrocket enough for me to fall in love.
The drama was what I lived and breathed but the triangle was mediocre. I have no words but I offer a shrug. We all can be swoony over a blonde-haired and crystal blue-eyed newcomer but would we cause an uproar in our lives for someone we don’t even know? Sigh!
The Betrothed was a complicated royal love story with murder, backstabbing, and a little sparkle to make mama shine but I wasn’t left heart-poundingly breathless like I was promised. I am intrigued to continue this series because of how this ended though. Maybe this will get better as time goes on.
acourtofcoffeeandbooks.com 
Great review! This is the first review I’ve read for this book and I’m glad that you were honest and mentioned that it wasn’t absolutely breathtaking. Kiera Cass has large reputation and I enjoyed The Selection series so I was worried that I would go in with high expectations and then be disappointed. At least I’ve been warned now. XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I think readers become biased when a popular author or even a favorite author releases a new series/book. But I couldn’t lie in my review just because people adore her.
I hope you enjoy her new book! ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can get biased. Especially certain fandoms. But some can’t see thru and say any book they write no matter what it’s good ect. You just hope others can look past ~~JT
LikeLike
I’m a die hard selection fan read it multi times of the year. But like stacy I thought the book is ok. Not the best or worst. But I’m looking forward to book 2 as well. ~~~Justin
LikeLike
I’ve heard a lot of people who loved the selection who didnt really like this book. It seems like it just wound up being am ok read. Is it at least fluffy entertainment? Is there a decent amount of drama or is it slow and dull?
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s some drama and loads of immaturity. Not as much drama as I hoped for though.
I was expecting like reality tv, spill the tea drama.
LikeLike
Lol yeah I’m trash for drama filled fluff reads. I’ll give it a shot I guess but idk if it will be what I want it to be
LikeLiked by 1 person
The second book could come along and blow us away. I’m trying to be hopeful lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well sometimes when going in with lower expectations a book will blow you away so that’s what I’m hoping fir
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so very true. One of the reasons why I try not to listen to hype but it’s hard not to do so sometimes
LikeLike
I get so excited about certain books for my own reasons too though. I’ve been let down by books and then books have come out of the woodwork that I’ve never heard of and surprise me
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m the most surprised by books with very low ratings that I wind up loving. I love those type of books ☺️
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love when I find a book that is a hidden gem and it winds up being amazing. But I do love when the ratings are low and you think it’ll probably be mediocre and then it winds up being a great book for you. That’s a great feeling. I mean a 5 star read is a great feeling no matter what.
LikeLiked by 1 person