The Concubine by Shay Savage Release Reviews

Posted July 26, 2016 by Stephanie in Promotional, Reviews / 0 Comments

by Shay Savage
Published by Self-published Genres: Historical, Romance

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UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES by Shay Savage

Book 5: The Concubine

 

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SYNOPSIS:
Royalty requires sacrifice.

As King Camden’s health declines, the need for an heir becomes crucial, impossible to ignore. With no other viable choice, Alexandra must stand stoically by when Hadley comes to the court of Silverhelm as Branford’s concubine. The queen’s edict of duty echoes through Alexandra’s mind as she accepts the loathsome conditions for the sake of the kingdom. The only person more devastated by the circumstances is Branford himself.

As Branford spurns Alexandra’s affections and King Edgar continues to press his post-war advantage, all seems lost to the young couple. Treachery still lies deep within the castle of Silverhelm, and the revelation of the traitor will come from the least likely of sources.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.

**Carla’s Five Star Review**

As this book begins, we learn that King Camden’s health has greatly deteriorated. With the King dying, it won’t be long until Branford is crowned the new King. To prove himself to his kingdom, Branford realizes that he must provide a heir. However, neither Alexandra nor Hadley have been able to provide a child. If that wasn’t upsetting enough, King Edgar won’t stop demanding that King Branford denounce his wife and his concubine. King Edgar is dead set on Princess Whitney becoming the queen and producing an heir of royal blood. While they are in session, Parnell shows up with some news that has the power to change everything.

I know a lot of readers will become angry with Branford when he is forced to do something that we in today’s time find unforgivable. Please remember that this story is set in Medieval times, and this was quite accepted back then. Once again, Shay has left us with a huge cliffhanger, but the next book, The Apprehension, is set to release August 9th.

This is a great historical romance. Even if you are not a fan of historical reads, I am sure you will absolutely love this series.

Renee’s 5 Star Review:

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.

This is the fifth book in Shay Savage’s Unexpected Circumstances Series. You must read the first four books to not be lost.

King Camden’s health is declining and the need for Branford to have an heir is of the utmost importance. As Alexandra has not been able to produce one she had to stand by and watch her best friend Hadley come to the court of Silverhelm as Branford’s concubine. Alexandra is determined to do this for the kingdom but both she and Branford are equally devastated. With King Edward pressing his post war advantages and Branford ignoring Alexandra will they be able to survive? Will the knowledge from a most unlikely source of a traitor send the whole court into a tailspin?

I knew going into this book what was coming and I wasn’t thrilled to say the least. I’m so in love with Branford and Alexandra that I knew this might crush my heart. However once I started reading I realized I was reading about Medieval times and thing were way different then than they are now. I was just as invested in this book as I had been In the others and I closed the book feeling no less than I had before the book for Branford. In fact he may be on a even higher pedestal than I already had him on. The Concubine is emotional, breathtaking and at times heartbreaking. The ending is a huge cliffhanger and I can not wait to get my hands on the sixth book.

I’m so addicted to this series. It’s absolutely a must read even if you are not a historical romance reader. It will grab you by the heart and not let go. Shay Savage has written five amazing books and I can not wait to see what happens next.

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Excerpt:

“I am a coward,” he whispered.

“Branford…no.” I took a step toward him.

“I am,” he said. “I’m a coward and an idiot. Alexandra, please…hear me out.”

I closed my eyes for a moment and nodded.

“I have hurt you,” he stated. “It was not my intent, yet it happened anyway.

“You barely spoke to me,” I replied as I turned my head and closed my eyes tightly.

“You would not have wanted me here,” he said quietly. “I have been…”

He stopped and sighed heavily, approached me, and dropped back to his knees. I looked down to see him once again and reached out to touch his rough cheek.

“I wanted you here,” I said. He shook his head.

“I am…” Branford paused, and when my fingers brushed his face, I could feel his jaw clenched tightly. “I am afraid. Afraid for you. I brought you into my world to insult King Edgar, and insult him I have, but he does not intend to take the insult out on me and my army. He plans to take it out on you. I have put you in terrible danger out of arrogance and lust for revenge.”

He grasped his thighs as he looked up into my eyes.

“I never should have brought you here,” he whispered vehemently. “You are in peril, and it is my fault! I am to blame! How can you look at me, knowing I did this to you? Now that you know what he will do if I do not have an heir soon or if I refuse Whitney next month—he will not just…just kill you.”

He stopped speaking abruptly, and I could sense the pounding of his heart in his chest and see the panic in his eyes.

“I did not want you to hear him speak such things,” he said.

“He has said worse,” I said, presuming.

“He has.” I saw and felt his anger blaze in his eyes. “I will not allow you to be touched, my wife. I would…I would sacrifice my kingdom before I would allow that to happen.”

“Branford, you cannot—”

“I can!” His eyes blazed. “I would sacrifice all of them before I would let him touch you!”

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PURCHASE LINKS:
Book #3:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/29YRuMh

UK: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01G8X5T3K

Canada: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01G8X5T3K

Australia: www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01G8X5T3K

ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1118452818

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-consummation-shay-savage/1123854152

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-consummation-1/

Book #4:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H3W9AVM
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01H3W9AVM
Canada: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01H3W9AVM
Australia: www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01H3W9AVM

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-shortcoming?sp_AC=1

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-shortcoming/id1124859282?mt=11

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shortcoming-shay-savage/1123920320?ean=2940158224034

 

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shay savage
Shay Savage lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker, and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. When not writing, she enjoys science fiction movies, masquerading as a zombie, is a HUGE Star Wars fan, and member of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers. When the geek fun runs out, she also loves soccer in any and all forms – especially the Columbus Crew, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

Stalk Shay Here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About Stephanie

I'm a wife, mom of two, volunteer, reader, blogger, and author pimp. Welcome to my website!

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