I feel like I have a reading slump coming on because I just could not connect to this story - I felt annoyed most of the time I was reading it. I can't even explain why, other than I am not big on books where the heroine is deceiving the hero. It just doesn't sit right with me. So why did I read this one after reading the blurb? Well, I want to read the second book in he series and I am a little OCD about reading a series in order. Don't get me wrong - there was nothing wrong with the writing and the plot was decent - I just think I was reading it at the wrong time and in the wrong mood.

Sir Nicholas was a compassionate, patient and honorable hero. He believes Elizabet to be a poor lad, forced to steal by the circumstances of the time, and decides to take him under wing as his squire. His reaction to the many misconceptions that he had about Elizabet (posing as Thomas) over the course of the story underlined his compassionate nature, but also served to make me feel really bad that he was being deceived. He was just an all-around good guy hero that dealt with all he encountered in a fair and understanding manner.

Elizabet certainly had courage and determination, which I admired. However, other than that, she drove me a bit batty. Her behavior was somewhat erratic and didn't make a lot of sense or seem to further her goals. Of course there was also the fact of her deception, even after she realizes that Nicholas is a fair man. She had so many opportunities to reveal the truth to him, and I would have respected her more if she had. Not to mention that due to her actions, Nicholas believes he is starting to have romantic feelings for his squire, which is troubling to his conscience unnecessarily.

It wasn't bad for a quick read - I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was in a better mood. But based on the other reviews, I am attributing the fault to me instead of the writing. 3 stars / 2 flames.

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