The Bronze Warrior (Heroes of Melowynn #1)

I usually don’t read fantasy stories but this author writes the best of this kind .The story moves along and the characters are always wonderful. can’t wait to read the next in the series.

The Bronze Warrior of the book’s title, Pasil Greensleeves, is a highly respected Captain of the Royal Guard of Celear. Pasil’s devotion to his duty and his loyalty to his King have shaped him into a man of honor and integrity. When Pasil is put in charge of protecting Teryn Nouradi, who has arrived from the Black Sand Isles to strengthen peace between Celear and the Black Sand Isles, there is an undeniable attraction between these men from vastly different backgrounds. While Pasil’s attraction to Teryn is strong, he must consider his humble beginnings and his responsibilities to his King. But Teryn is too tempting. When Pasil accepts his invitation to explore the physical side of their attraction, both men find their connection is unlike anything they have felt before. But betrayal from within threatens to derail their relationship before it can even begin. When the King’s young children are abducted, Pasil and Teryn must work together to neutralize the threat and bring the children home safely. Can they negotiate with the kidnappers, for the good of all who are not being treated fairly? And can they find a way to stay together and begin their happily ever after? This book is the first of a trilogy and reading the prequel will help reader’s understand the author’s world building.

Pasil Greensleeves is the devoted Captain of the Royal Guard. He has dedicated his life to keeping his king safe. He avoids relationships but does find companionship when he can. He did not expect to have such a strong attraction to Taryn Nouradi, a diplomat from the Black Sand Isles. Assigned as his guard, Pasil is struggling to remember he is off limits. Taryn feels the same attraction and has no problem going after what he wants. Unfortunately, their relationship is almost derailed when danger comes calling. The two must unite for a quest that if it fails could lead to war. The action is non stop as these two fight so many obstacles. Their journey is fraught with many different entities that try to prevent their success. The conversations between the two really bring a smile to your face as you sort through innuendos and double entendres. The chemistry between Pasil and Taryn is off the charts and you can’t help but laugh after their first night together. With danger and action, love and heat, The Bronze Warrior rises to the top of my keeper pile. I cannot wait for the other stories to come out.

The world building in this Melowynn land is terrific with amazing details. The books have some meshing together with a few overlapping characters, but they have a love story with different sets of MCs. The Bronze Warrior, even though he doesn’t care for that title, is of a different class from the diplomat Teryn that gives an added layer to their relationship. But there was undeniable attraction from the start. I enjoyed Pasil’s guardian role because that is a trope that I like. Teryn had a complex background that was very new to Pasil, so there was also a discovery aspect that we could enjoy as well. The mystery and intrigue kept me turning the pages while keeping my interest to the end. I would recommend The Bronze Warrior to readers that have read the previous books to get the full experience of this world that is well built with interesting characters that have quests to travel …and love to find.

The Bronze Warrior is the first book in the new Heroes of Melowynn series, which is a companion series to the Crowns of Melowynn duology. Personally, I recommend reading the duology first, as it provides additional world-building and development of this universe, although it's not absolutely necessary. This book has different MCs, although some characters from the duology are present. I enjoyed the characters of Pasil Greenleaves, Captain of the Guard, and Teryn Nouradi, Diplomat and Mage. They are very different people, and they clash some initially, but there is an undeniable attraction underneath that draws them together. Pasil is very aware of the differences in their stations, and his responsibility to protect Teryn, but soon betrayal, political machinations, and the abduction of the King's young children require the two to work together to rescue the children and prevent war. The development of the characters and story are detailed and intricate, and I loved the touches of magic in the story. I am looking forward to future books in the series. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.