Enshrine - Kay Bennson

Date of Reading: 28/11/2019

Author: Kay Bennson

Publisher: Solstice Publishing

Publication Date: June 4, 2017

Source: YA Bound Book Tours

Rating: 3.5/5

About the book:

When Sage Wolfe is accidentally mistaken for a peace offering, her world turns upside down. Dayton, the young, handsome, and insane King of Rosementh whisks her away to his castle to be his bride with the promise that he can give her the world and anything she desires. These offers becoming tainted as Dayton’s true colours show themselves; he is cruel and violent and Sage vows to run away or die trying.

Just when Sage thinks she is hitting rock bottom, a hooded stranger named Jonathan Kreider comes to the castle. He doesn’t say much but his actions speak for themselves. Not only can he wield a sword or shoot an arrow better than most of Dayton’s men, but he always seems to be a step behind Sage, and though it should terrify her, for the first time Sage finds herself filling with hope.

Sage is faced with a choice. Should she run away from the wicked king who took her away from her family? Or should she stay to learn more about the man who lurks in the shadows, the man that makes her heart race and almost makes suffering Dayton’s wrath worthwhile? Sage is about to discover that nothing is as it seems and everyone has secrets; Dayton, the man that calls himself Jonathan Kreider, and even herself.

Review:

       If you think for a moment that I picked this book because of the stunning cover, then you are ABSOLUTELY . . . right! Yes, yes, I know; you should not judge the book by its cover. Since my judgment is not made poorly, I think the problem resolves itself. Trust me, the story inside is as intriguing as the cover itself.
       Kay Bennson was an unfamiliar name, but one couldn't help but be drawn to this storyline. From the very beginning, the beautiful landscape and the small community piques our interest and the author cleverly maintains this throughout the novel. One part of my brain had hoped for a Beauty and the Beast storyline, but that is not to be so. This is all about Sage and Jonty, aka Jonathan and what a delightful love story it is! But be warned, this is a sweet, slow-burning romance which makes the last scenes all the better.
        Still, I maintained a soft spot for Dayton till the very end. An orphaned Prince burdened with leading a kingdom on its decline will always touch a chord. However cruel he is, I did wish for his redemption. But the most touching scene involves Martin and Nev. They might be part of an irrelevant side story, but they surely have stolen the show. I don't want to give out any spoilers, but suffice to say that their eternal love brings back memories of 'Titanic'.
        On the whole, a beautiful book inside and out that won't fail to leave some traces in your bookish world.

Meet the author:

Kay Bennson is from Northwestern Connecticut where she lives with her husband. She doesn't remember a time where she wasn't writing stories (in fact, some of her best ideas were forged in high school classes and at part-time jobs). When she isn't writing, she is a competitive Irish Dancer. Enshrine is her first novel.