Publisher: sjacquebooks
Date of publication: December 30th, 2021
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling, Romance
Series: High Tower Fairy Tales
Winter Falls: A Tale of the Snow Queen (review here)
Cry Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast
Lone Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast
Between Dog and Wolf: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast
Wolves at Bay: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast
Graves: A Tale of the Little Mermaid
Robin’s Hood: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (review here)
Marian’s Man: A Tale of Sherwood Forest (review here)
Lion’s Heart: A Tale of Sherwood Forest
Letters by Cinderlight: A Tale of Cinderella (review here)
Wishes by Starlight: A Tale of Cinderella (review here)
Purchase Links: Amazon
Goodreads Synopsis:
Who is the power behind the throne?
Marian has risked everything to bring King Richard the Lionheart to England.
But as the king’s heart turns toward vengeance who will be left to stand in his wake?
If you like inspirational heroines, unique love stories, and non-stop twists and turns, this action-packed fantasy retelling is for you!
There are so many stories I could tell of Robin Hood.
Lion’s Heart by jacque Stevens
I was very excited when I got Lion’s Heart’s mobi in my inbox. I enjoyed the other books in the series and couldn’t wait to see how Marian and Robin’s romance ended. Plus, I wanted to know how the author handled King Richard coming back. I wasn’t disappointed.
Lion’s Heart is the 3rd and final book in the Robin Hood part of the High Tower Fairy Tales series. This book picks up almost immediately after the events of book 2. Marian is traveling to Germany with Queen Eleanor to free King Richard. While in Queen Eleanor’s company, Marian learns to hone her power and spirit. She also realizes that the King Rob idolizes is impulsive and reckless but cares for his people.
Meanwhile, back in England, Rob is furious over Marian leaving him. But bigger things are happening. Gisbourne is laying siege to Rob’s castle. Rallying his friends and allies, Rob prepares to war to protect his people and home. Can Marian come home in time?
I liked Marian in Lion’s Heart, but I wouldn’t say I liked how she confirmed when she was with Queen Eleanor. Marian was a folk hero and used to running wild. I loved that part of her, and honestly, it made the previous books. To read and see her transformation didn’t jive with me. I understood why the author had her do it. She needed to fit in during the journey to Germany, and she needed not to draw attention to herself. But still, I wouldn’t say I liked it. It didn’t fit with the character presented during the first two books.
I loved Rob in Lion’s Heart. I felt that I got to know him better in this book than in books 1 and 2. I loved how the author had him actively dealing with his PTSD while trying to defend his people against Gisbourne’s forces. That scene where he told Will to take the bottles away (so he wouldn’t drink) stuck with me. What also stuck with me was that he was afraid he would hurt Marian, so he didn’t sleep (like sleep-sleep, not having sex) with her. It broke my heart and made me want to hug him.
The author didn’t discuss the plotline with Gisbourne until about the middle of the book. I had wondered what had happened to him after the events of book two, and the author answered my questions. I felt a little bad for Gisbourne initially, but that faded around the middle of the book. Then I started rooting for Marian and Rob.
The plotline with Marian going with Queen Eleanor to rescue King Richard was exciting. I enjoyed reading about medieval England court life, putting aside Marian’s change. I also thought that Queen Eleanor was a badass. She handled everything like a boss!!
The romance angle of Lion’s Heart was sweet. I loved the chemistry that Rob and Marian had.
The end of Lion’s Heart was a little bitter-sweet. The author was able to wrap up all of the storylines across the three books in a way that satisfied me. I also liked the epilogue!!
I would recommend Lion’s Heart to anyone over 16. There is light sexual content, mild language, and mild violence.