This was a cute story driven by higher stakes events and an interesting leading couple that kept me turning the pages on my cross-country flight. The ending is stronger than the beginning, in my opinion, and the ending is fulfilling, which is what makes this a successful romance in my book.

The novel starts out with Taryn and Killian both creating elaborate plans to get what they want. Inevitably, these plans fall apart. Thank goodness. I didn't think they'd work anyway. While this was annoying, it kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Once all of their plans stopped failing, and the couple had a single-minded goal, I got into the book more.

In this book, fans of Willingham will see some old favorites from the MacEgan series, but the author also spends some time on a few, new minor characters that makes the book stand out. Taryn's backstory hooked me from the beginning, which is good because Taryn's a dunderhead. How a woman raised to be queen doesn't understand diplomacy and balancing egos is beyond me. She doesn't think anything through, but it's okay because being a queen just means helping people. (That's sarcasm, if you can't tell.)

The story is light on description, but I find myself filling in the blanks on my own without any trouble. I'm also just used to Willingham's style by this point, so I kind of like it. This is a quick read with a sweet story, and it was perfectly relaxing for me. I recommend this book if you want something that'll keep you reading without being too much work while still being steamy fun. ( )

Very good book and twist on the Beauty and the Beast story. Killian is a very handsome man who has scars on the inside from the way he has been treated all his life. Born a bastard to a woman who took refuge with the tribe, Killian has been treated as the lowest type of servant. He is determined to set out on his own and win a place for himself. The only person who has every treated him well is the girl he thinks of as his sister. Carice has been promised to the High King as his bride, but will do anything she can to get out of it. Killian has promised her he'll do whatever he can to help her.

Taryn is the daughter of the King of Ossoria. She was badly scarred as a child and has been rejected by many people because of it. The only person who has treated her well has been her father. Now he has been imprisoned by the High King and Taryn is determined to free him by whatever means necessary. Her mother has forbidden her to get involved, so Taryn sets off on her own.

When they meet, Taryn and Killian agree to a bargain. She will help Killian find a way to free his sister if he will go to Tara with her to free her father. Killian is a cynical realist and holds out little hope for Taryn's mission to be a success. However, he has his own reasons for wanting to go to Tara, so he agrees. Taryn has great sympathy for Carise and her predicament. She is also a person who believes in the good in people, so she believes that they will succeed. Things don't go quite as planned and early in the journey Killian and Taryn are separated from the group.

I loved the development of the relationship between Killian and Taryn. There is a physical attraction between them but each believes themselves to be unlovable. Taryn believes that no man will want her because of her scars, a feeling reinforced by her rejection at the hands of the man she was supposed to marry. Killian has been treated so badly for so long that he can't see any woman wanting him for himself, certainly not one who his so far above him. What I liked about the two of them was that they saw past the surfaces. Killian was aware of Taryn's scars, but they made no difference to him. He thought she was beautiful as she was and treated her that way. At the same time, Taryn never saw Killian as a servant, only as a warrior. It was interesting to see that neither truly believed that the other was honest in their treatment because of what they believed about themselves.

I loved Killian's protectiveness toward Taryn. Though he believed that her mission would end in heartache for her, he was going to make sure she got there. There were bumps along the way. Because of how she got her scars, Taryn is afraid of animals. Killian ends up being very patient with her and helps her overcome those fears. And despite knowing that she can never truly be his, he can't help but look at her that way. There is a possessive streak that shows up when they are at the MacEgan's that gets him in some trouble with her. I also loved Taryn's confidence in Killian and what he can do. She never shows any doubt that he can do what was promised. She finds herself falling in love with him, even though she knows it can't be.

Killian devised a way to protect Taryn that would also get him what he wanted. Of course, he doesn't take into account her feelings. Taryn resists his idea because she wants to be wanted for herself, not her lands. Then necessity forces them into a deception that throws them more closely together and their feelings become too much to resist. I loved the ending as they both realized what was more important, and through that got everything they could have wished for.

The story of why they are going to Tara, and the connections of the various characters to the High King was very interesting. Taryn's father has been accused of treason and is due to be executed. She doesn't believe her father is guilty and is determined to appeal to the King. Taryn's mother is equally determined that she not do so, and takes her own steps to stop her. Carise is supposed to marry him, but is terrified of his reputation as a cruel man. Killian is a bastard son to him, and has been ignored his entire life. When everyone converges on Tara, things get really interesting. There are several twists and turns that happen before everything is all over. I really didn't see the one involving Killian coming.

I loved the setting of this story and the chance to learn more about Irish history. The details of conflicts among the Irish tribes, the High King, and the Normans was really interesting. I was also intrigued by Killian's background and what his life had been like. This book also takes place during the same time period as the MacEgan Brothers series, and includes some of them. ( )

Beautifully expressed, a pleasing read!

Wonderfully written! Ireland in 1172.
I was held spellbound by the developing relationship between landless Killian McDubhand, illegitimate son of the Rory O'Connor, the Irish High King and Taryn Connelly, a King's daughter, who has terrible facial scars. She has no memory of how she came to have the scars. The memories she does have centre around her brother being killed when thrown from his horse. Her father King Devlin has been imprisoned by the High King for treason and will be put to death. Taryn will risk all to rescue him.
When Killian looks at Taryn he sees a courageous striking woman, not a disfigured one, blemished beyond redemption. Taryn sees in Killian a fierce warrior with a tender heart, not a slave that sleeps amongst the dogs and horses.
Killian is part of an escort conveying his beloved adopted sister, Carice Faoilin to marriage with the High King. Something Carice is determined to avoid. Killian is part of a plot to assist with her escape. Taryn wants to confront the High King and have her father released. She is steps ahead of her mother, Queen Mauve and her knights, who are trying to detain her.
A plot twist that has the potential to play out for both women. Of course the path is never smooth.
Killian and Taryn's story is one of two strong willed people whose paths cross and with that crossing they are enjoined. Nothing will be the same. Hidden truths and unasked for realities create unlooked for twists that enhances the plots tension.
Willingham explains in her forward that this novel was influenced by Beauty and the Beast, with a hint of Jon Snow. In Warrior of Ice she has created a 'hero with a handsome face but the tormented soul of a beast and [a] heroine with a scarred face but the heart of a beauty.'
Walsingham's writing shows a maturity and a rich depth of understanding of people's experiences as it influences their relationships. There's action and romance to please.
A well balanced and a smooth read. Historical romance at its best.

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4.25 Stars
A historical romance set in early Ireland with two captivating MCs. Both the female and male MCs are scarred (internally as well as externally) and even though both are strong in their own way, they may learn new strength through the eyes of love. There are some subplots throughout the book, but the all-encompassing romance is the story. It's about love seeing below the surface to the heart of a person. This novel is a Beauty and the Beast adaptation, with the roles slightly reversed. This is the first book in a series and I look forward to the next one. For historical romance fans.

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