Let me start by saying that I love the authors writing. I have kept myself up to date with all her series and eagerly wait for new work by her to released. I am very happy that she has started a new series, though I must admit I would have rather had another installment to one of her already ongoing other series.

I very much enjoyed this. As with all her books the ladies in this are kick ass and take charge. They never rely on a man to come and save them.

In this the main character sets out to protect her sister, and unexpectedly gets a target painted on her own back. She learns she must fight for her future.

Laurenston/Aiken always adds A LOT of humor to her novels. This one made laugh a lot, out loud and embarrassingly, might I add.

I was a bit nervous when I discovered the male love interest was a centaur. My mind immediately went to thinking about how the hell were the sex scenes going to be? What am I about to read? I shouldn't have worried, the centaur can change to full human in appearance.

I will definitely continue this series.

Netgalley provided arc copy. I did not promise a favorable review and formed my opinion on this book of my own reading experience.

With the demise of the Old King, there’s a prophesy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s sons, who are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers. But for blacksmith Keeley Smythe, war is great for business. Until it looks like the chosen queen will be Beatrix, her younger sister. Now it’s all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals. Luckily, Keeley doesn’t have to fight alone. Because thundering to her aid comes a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amichai. Not the most socially adept group, but soldiers have never bothered Keeley, and rough, gruff Caid, actually seems to respect her. A good thing because the fierce warrior will be by her side for a much longer ride than any prophesy ever envisioned.

There’s something about the way this author makes her characters that I absolutely love. She writes differently than most authors and I never know what to expect!! I really loved this book and devoured it as quickly as I could. Keeley is definitely one of my new favorite characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This story snuck up on me. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to love it. I don't want to say it felt simple, because that isn't quite right, but maybe as if it was kind of immature. In a sense some of it is a bit immature, with the constantly bickering sisters especially, but honestly it ended up just being so much fun! The plot was interesting, the action was an ever flowing gift from the gods, and the characters and their banter were wildly entertaining.

Can we also just talk about how freaking awesome it is to have kickass heroines that aren't stunningly beautiful without knowing it?! A big-burly-hammer-toting-foul-mouthed-warrior-blacksmith-queen....YAAASSSS.

That alone really sets this one apart from many others in this genre and I'm so here for it. I mean how could you not love Keely extra hard? That girl has a heart of gold and a fierce unrelenting spirit. The whole Smythe clan was a riot, not to mention the myriad of magical/mmythical beings they befriend along the way. Even the animals were captivating! Long live the demon dogs!

* "THEY ARE WOLVES" Caid adamantly reminds *

This book was full of little surprises like that. I also wasn't expecting it to be as brutal as it was in the fighting scenes either, but it was, in the best possible way. I love that this author doesn't shy away from things, she goes for it...with gusto. Whether it be bloodshed, swearing, or even just traversing a giant willful family dynamic. It also managed to feel very light to me even though there was so much destruction and danger. The banter and camaraderie kind of helped give it this awesome balance. I really appreciated that.

This was a bolder book in a lot of little ways like that and it made the journey incredibly entertaining and just so darn fun! I see this author has other books out and I can't wait to read more by her.