Such a good book!

This series had me hooked from the start.
Each book is written by a different author with their own writing styles but it flows seamlessly.

This author kept it interesting by mixing serious subject matter with a little humor and made me fall in love with Danr and Sissa.

I wasn't sure about Sissa at first because she seemed a little primitive and simple-minded but she was much more and I warmed to her quickly.

It is going to be hard to wait for the fifth and final book. ( )

Terrific continuation of the series. It can be read alone, but it is better if you know the full background. In the previous book, the brothers discovered something that leads them to believe that their father's wife may be responsible for his death. Danr volunteers to find Hilda and confront her. Not known for his patience, Danr's initial attempt at interrogation ends with him wounded and on the run. He is found, near death, by a mysterious woman who heals him.

I was pulled into this story from the very first pages. Danr is the brother known for his ability and willingness to charm the ladies. On the day of the massacre, he was lured away from the wedding by a woman and knew nothing of the attack until it was too late. Distraught and guilt-ridden over his failure to protect the family, Danr swore that he would not touch another woman until he found who was responsible and earned his brothers' forgiveness.

Sissa's village was destroyed five years earlier in a raid. She barely escaped with her life and was taken in by a reclusive healer. The woman trained Sissa before her own death, and for the past three years, she has been on her own. Wary of people, Sissa developed her mysterious persona as a way to protect herself. She is especially wary of the injured warrior she finds in the forest.

I loved the description of the first encounters between Danr and Sissa. He fears at first that she's an apparition, while she isn't sure it's safe to go near him. Sissa can't leave him hurting and sets about healing him. Even in his weakened state, Danr can't help being drawn to her despite his vow of celibacy. As soon as he is on the road to recovery, Sissa disappears. She is dismayed by her reaction to him and wants him gone. Fate does not cooperate, however, as Danr finds his way to her home, determined to repay her for his care. This scene is hilarious as the silent Sissa faces a Danr who talks and talks and talks until he talks his way into staying.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Danr and Sissa. Both start with suppressed feelings - Danr because of his vow, and Sissa because of her fear of loss. Sissa's walls are so thick, and she is so stubborn that it is hard to believe she will let him in. Danr is unexpectedly domesticated, and it is his kindness, cooking ability, and way with a good story that begin to break down those walls. I loved watching them grow closer as each reveals more of their history. Simmering under the blooming friendship is attraction. Danr does his best to bury his, determined to stick to his oath, but he can't help thinking what it would be like to have Sissa in his life. Sissa feels the sparks also, but in her innocence, it takes a while for her to recognize the feelings he stirs in her. I ached for them both as Sissa's fears push Danr away. A bit of unexpected danger brings them back together, and advice from an unlikely source helps them through the last obstacles. There is still a bit of excitement due to misunderstandings, but the ending is terrific.

The overarching series story of the search for those responsible for the massacre moves ahead in this book. Danr's first confrontation with Hilda doesn't go as planned, and he is left stewing while he heals. Eventually, he shares the story with Sissa, who has some theories of her own. Sissa's acting on those theories created some personal drama for them that led to some unexpected danger. I loved the scene in the village as Sissa and Hilda joined forces and the further revelations that ensued. It was a great lead-in to Brandt's story, and I can't wait to see how it ends. ( )