#BookReview: The Queen's Dance (The Aurelian Guard #2) by Nicole Elizabeth Kelleher

  Cathmara, at the northern tip of the Aurelian Territory, produces strong men who make for great warriors. Trian is one such man. But he is helpless against the customs that pressure him to wed, and even more helpless against the natural charms of Claire, a proud daughter from the destroyed house of Chevring. Claire has no interest in exercising her feminine wiles on Trian, or any man for that matter. She focuses on restoring the good standing of her homeland, through its proud tradition of breeding warhorses. 
The two fall into easy attraction, as Trian teaches Claire the techniques he has learned as a soldier, and she teaches him ways of communing with nature and horses. They are ambushed, though, and in fighting for her safety, Trian is beaten nearly to death, and Claire is kidnapped. 
To return home, Claire will need to cross the most treacherous parts of the kingdom, from the merciless desert to cities where spies listen to every whisper. She must ally herself with the women from the Temple of the Fenrhi, a society at war with itself, but possessing powers beyond what Claire comprehends, until she too realizes that her powers reach much further, making her a valuable, and dangerous, weapon. 
Battles do not stop for lovers, and war is brewing in Aurelia. If she will ever see Trian again, Claire will have to overcome the most dangerous challenge of her life. To save a kingdom, though, Claire may have to sacrifice her heart.

A graduate of the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and Arts, Nicole Elizabeth Kelleher studied French Literature and Language, Spanish and Mandarin while concurrently attending UofM’s Art School. She moved to France and attended the Université Catholique de l’Œest before relocating to Belgium to complete an internship at a fine arts and antiques auction house. During this time, she traveled throughout the countryside of Europe, immersing herself in its history, architecture, and art. Nicole lives in Northern Virginia with her two children, husband and Tully the Dog.

This was another one that was great.  I really loved the romance between Claire and Trian. I wish that they would have had more time together before Claire was kidnapped.  Although them getting back to each other was a great adventure.  I really loved Claire she was very strong and knew what she had to do.  She reminds me of Claire from Outlander.  I haven't read the first book in this series but I will be getting it soon. I can't wait to see how all this started.  I don't believe I lost anything in the story from reading it out of order. But I guess ill see once I pick up book one.  I really loved the introduction of magic in this one it was done very well.  And I love the quote on the back of the book where it states: 

"Battles do not stop for lovers" 

This really sums up a lot of the plot of the story and it really drew me in. 

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Posted in: 4 Stars, Adult, Review