This is the final installment in the Series, and I loved it. This is a unique Retelling of Sleeping Beauty. And this is Queen Aurora story, the hidden Queen of Mercia that has lived her whole life in the midst of the Inglewood forest, living with her two aunts, and Chester, hiding away from Queen Margery, her mothers sister, who wants to end her life so she can have the Kingdoms of Mercia and Warwick to herself. She has lived a simple and sheltered life, unknown to anyone else, waiting to be of age so she can rightfully claim the throne of Mercia, that her mother left. At the same time, this is Kresten story, the youngest Prince of Scania, who is doing his Testing as a woodcutter in the Inglewood forest. Kresten is the lighthearted and less serious of the brothers, which makes him think he is the least suited to be a King. But he is sent to do his six month testing. While in the forest he accidentally meets Queen Aurora. Hes immediately smitten with her beauty, innocence and sweet personality. Rory also falls in love with Kresten. Both thinking the other is anything but royal. What they do know is that their love cant be, yet they cant help themselves falling hard for each other. Youll have to read this book to live this journey with them and see how the story unfolds. Its a great adventure, a total page turner and intriguing, yet beautiful and inspiring all the time. For me, the best part of the story, aside from the captivating plot, was the characters. Kresten is a generous and compassionate man, capable of sacrifice, loyalty, and ultimately, denying himself and giving up what he loves more for others. And Aurora is a wonderful character too, sweet and kind to the core, yet strong and determined to fulfill her duty over what her heart yearns for. There is so much to learn from the characters. I loved that this story brings the brothers together and how they bond deeper in this mission than they ever had before. The ending was amazing. A beautiful and inspiring message about unconditional love and sacrifice.

Besotted is the third and final book in the Fairest Maidens trilogy and it did not disappoint! It is a fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty and Kresten and Aurora play their parts well.

Prince Kresten was sent to Inglewood Forest for his kingly testing and spends his days as a woodcutter. His purpose is to deny himself and living food to mouth, sleeping on the ground, avoiding basileks and boars and doing manual wood cutting day in and day out has certainly taught him this. Beyond that, the months of testing have largely been uneventful.

With only two months left in his testing, he discovers a hidden passage to an area of the forest that seems unlike other parts of the woods. Here he meets Rory who he believes is a peasant woman living with her 2 aunts and caretaker. She similarly believes he is the woodcutter he pretends to be. Rory is the most beautiful woman Kresten has ever met and the two meet daily to enjoy dancing lessons, weaving wreaths, and picking berries.

Unknown to Kresten, Rory is actually Queen Aurora- Mercia's Queen who is living in hiding from her Aunt, Queen Margery of Warwick, until she is 20 and can take her place as Queen of Mercia. Because of this secret, Rory cuts ties with Kresten. However a grave injury brings Kresten to Rory's cottage where her Aunt cares for him allowing them to continue exploring their budding relationship. Once healed, Kresten continues his testing while Aurora sets out for Mercia to claim her rightful place as Queen.

Adventure abounds and all the princes come together towards the end of the story. I enjoyed this since I had come to know them through their individual books. Aurora and Kresten both face the task of denying thyself head-on. A fantastic resolution to a great series. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Mideval adventures, historical romances and fairytale retellings!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. Thank you!

Besotted

The Fairest Maidens #3

By Jody Hedlund

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .

Queen Aurora of Mercia has lived in hiding for all of her life, hidden away from her aunt. Queen Margery of Warwick seeks her niece, needing to find her before her twentieth birthday and before she assumes the throne. But the deeply hidden isolation of Inglewood Forest has proven a safe place. At least until a young woodcutter stumbles upon it while escaping a wild boar.

Warned to flee all strangers, Aurora is unexpectedly drawn to this young man. But Kresten offers her a secret glimpse into a world she knows nothing of. And he makes her happy, but she knows if her guardians discover her secret not only will she be in trouble but Kresten will be in danger.

Kresten has two months remaining in his testing to determine his eligibility to be named king of Scania. Being named king is not his desire. And he is sure one of his two brothers is more than likely to be named king. But tradition demands this of him. But a living as a woodcutter is no easy task and the poverty he and his scribe Jorg live in is definitely in keeping with his task - deny self. A chance meeting with a beautiful young woman is about to test him in ways he never imagined. But Rory is unlike any young woman he has ever met, but a pauper would never be an acceptable match for a possible King of Scania. Denying self is much harder than he thought it would be.

Besotted is the third book in the Fairest Maidens series and it focuses on the youngest Scanian prince Kresten and Mercia's hidden Queen Aurora. One can connect with the characters and empathize with their plights. And then there is Queen Margery who is the ultimate villain, who has no redeeming qualities. Mother or Aunt of the Year she is not.

This is yet another delightful clean YA read from Jody Hedlund and a perfect series conclusion, though I have to admit I'm sorry that this series is ending. And the covers for this series are gorgeous making them a must for any bookcase. I like that there is a tie-in to Jody's previous series The Lost Princesses, which can be read before or after this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Besotted, the third book in the Fairest Maidens series, is a stellar retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty story. Beginning with the stunningly beautiful cover art of this young adult novel, author Jody Hedlund offers a truly compelling story that will certainly appeal to readers of all ages. Page after page, this engaging novel beckons the reader to become immersed in a riveting medieval fairytale that is full of romance, intrigue, and adventure.

With clever characters and creative settings, Besotted is richly detailed, entertaining, and memorable. In a land where hostile soldiers, deadly creatures, a magical stone, and a sinister queenthreaten their very existence, the main characters stay true to their purpose while displaying great courage, honor and selflessness. Throughout the novel, unexpected surprises and imaginative twists help to create a story that is genuinely fascinating and very satisfying.

With undeniable talent, Ms. Hedlund has succeeded in creating a fictional, fantasy world that is thoroughly enticing and uniquely special. Besotted is moving, enjoyable, and absolutely unforgettable. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers.

*I was given a copy of this book by the author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Jody Hedlund has given readers a fantastic book to conclude her Fairest Maidens series. Besotted is a re-telling of the beloved fairy tale Sleeping Beauty and Hedlund has been able to add some surprising twists while still remaining true to the original story. Soon-to-be Queen Aurora (Rory) and Prince Kresten are two young people who face evil and danger at the hands of the evil Queen Margery and their efforts to stay safe enable both of them to become stronger, better people. They also find a special connection that has nothing to do with their royal status. In fact, neither of them knows who the other truly is! Their initial attraction deepens into friendship and then love, and their romance will simply take your breath away! Besotted has intrigue, deception, and a touch of humor, but it also has wonderful supporting characters and, yes, the famous "true-love's kiss.

Besotted is the third book of this series and I highly recommend it. The romance is clean and the themes of kindness, loyalty, and self-sacrifice provide inspiration for all ages. Hedlund has once again proven her exceptional writing abilities!

I received a complimentary digital copy from the author. There was no obligation to write a positive review. These are absolutely my own thoughts.