Oh wow, such a riveting story and I now know 3 things for sure....I want to join the mummers, I want to beat the heck out of Henri to see how he likes it and I'm in love with Garrett! lol Although the story contains severe wife abuse, it also contains a love and passion between two people who deserve to be loved and have a HEA.

My heart completely went out to Madeleine and what she suffers at the hands of her abusive husband, Henri, but I loved how she escapes and finds the freedom to do something she loves...playing her lute, singing and storytelling when she joins a troupe of traveling mummers. When she meets Garrett, the attraction is instant but her secret will certainly ruin whatever chance they have. As for Garrett, he has found no peace ever since his wife left him for another man and has become a brooding and angry man. Madeleine becomes his light in the darkness and no matter what secret she's hiding, he knows he can't live without her.

There are some twists and turns in the story that will make you gasp and I also have to mention how much I adored the children:)

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a different story than some of the other ones by this author. I found that the characters pulled at your heart and brought you into their pain Well worth the read

❤️❤️❤️❤️1/2
💋

Very enjoyable read.
Medieval Romance about a Runaway Wife and a deserted Earl who find each other, and the love they’ve always dreamed about.

The book ticks along at a steady pace , always something going on, with tense moments and passionate embraces.
Garrett wife ran away from him leaving their 1 year old daughter in his care. Now he’s hard to deal with, suffering mood swings.
The only one he can smile for is Lyssa his little one.

Madeline has been beaten for the 3 years of her marriage, now she’s had enough.
She runs to save her life and hopefully one day to return to her parents in France.

When the two meet the sparks begin, but both believing they are still married they back off.
Will they ever be free to love?

Excellent book. Alexa always writes a good book .
I loved her Honor Series, so can’t wait for more from this one .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review