Of Love and Betrayal by Louise Lyndon ♥ Review Tour & GIVEAWAY ♥ (Historical Romance)

Aveline de Bondeville is on the run. Determined to keep out of the hands of the cruel Raimbaut de Blois she will do whatever it takes to stay alive. And so when she finds herself in the company of Troy de Gysborne she must quickly decide if she can trust him. But can she confess to murder knowing it would mean her certain death?

Troy de Gysborne did the unthinkable; he tore the bonds of brotherhood and left a path of destruction in his wake. And now Troy must face those he betrayed, including the father who long ago renounced him. But to confess to the crime he committed will cost him everything. Including Aveline. But can he remain silent if it means losing the woman he loves?

Another fantastic book in this series!

The story pulled me in from the beginning and I was definitely hooked. Louise has a real talent for storytelling and the book flowed smoothly from beginning to end.

Louise included one of my favorite romance-novel-scenarios; when the hero and heroine are forced to get married and then develop feelings for each other.

I really liked Troy and his moral compass. Once he decided what his duty was, he stuck to it no matter the consequences.

Availine was progressive, given the time period, and that made for some interesting interactions with the other characters.

Throughout the book, I was teased with the secret Troy was keeping. Bits and pieces were revealed along the way, but it was NOTHING like what I thought it would be. Add in a jealous pseudo-husband from Aveline's past and that completes the formula that makes this incredible story!

I truly hope Louise writes more books in this series, because I want to read every single one!!!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

“What have they done to you?” Troy’s deep, baritone voice rumbled through her. She could not look him in the eye. “You needn’t be scared of me, wee fille. You have my word I will honor and protect you. I am not like those other men. I will do you no harm.”

Before she could say she truly wanted to believe him, Troy pulled her gently toward him and positioned her so she sat between his thighs. She did not lean back against him, her distrust like a solid piece of ice wedged between them. She gripped the edges of her blanket tightly and held it against her like a shield.

“You have only my word I will not hurt you.” The fine hairs on her arms stood on end as his warm breath danced across her neck. She closed her eyes and kept her back ramrod straight. Heat burned her cheeks as he nuzzled her neck. “And I pray in time you will accept my word as being truthful.”

She leaned ever so slightly against him. And when he wrapped his strong arms around her, she released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

“It’s late. We should go back to bed.” Yet, she made no move to leave his embrace. Instead, she placed her hands on his thighs. The heat of him seeped into her palms, up her arms, and straight in to her heart. While she believed Troy when he said he would do her no harm, physically, Aveline knew there was more than one way to hurt someone.

Louise grew up in country Victoria, Australia, before moving to England, where for sixteen years she soaked up the vibrancy of London and the medieval history of England. She has since returned to Australia and now lives in Melbourne.

In 2013, Louise won first prize in the historical romance category of the Crested Butte Sandy Writing Contest for her story, The Promise, which has since been retitled and is now known as, Of Love & Vengeance.

When not writing, Louise can be found covered in mud, crawling under barbed wire and hoisting herself over twelve foot walls!