When the novel first begins, Hollis’ connection with Jameson seems legitimate enough, and if she’s somewhat overwhelmed by the idea of becoming his wife and Coroa’s queen, that’s understandable. Why are they so obsessed with one another, considering all the risks involved? Who can say? Their chemistry is nonexistent, their every meeting contrived. Instead, Hollis and Silas’ relationship more often than not seems forced and bland. This isn’t a new story, but it’s one that initially feels as though it should be more compelling than it is. She can’t stop starting at him, thinking about him, kissing him – even though she knows that she’s betraying her relationship with Jameson and potentially throwing away her chance at a crown. But when a refugee family from a neighboring kingdom arrives at court things begin to change.Īs Hollis begins to settle into her duties as the King’s (future) intended, she finds herself repeatedly drawn to Silas Easthoffe, the son of that same refugee lord. At first, she’s excited about the prospect of being a queen, both in terms of Jameson’s affections and the chance to do good for her people. The Betrothed follows Lady Hollis Brite, a young noblewoman in the kingdom of Coroa who has caught the eye of its handsome young King Jameson.

It’s unfortunate, because there’s actually an exciting story at the heart of The Betrothed. It’s just…not its romance. Original love interest becomes more jerkish to justify the heroine’s torn feelings? Check and check. Rapid-fire falling in love with someone after roughly two conversations? Check. Sudden inability to stay away from an unsuitable foreigner? Check. This is a YA romance so asking for it to not have a love triangle is kind of like asking the sky to suddenly turn green, but there’s so much to like about this book, and it unfortunately gets dragged down by the unimaginative love story at its center. That said, this is a story that might have fared better without the romantic triangle at its center. If you enjoyed Cass’ The Selection series, you’ll find a lot to like here – the plot is fast-paced and suitably twisty, and the heroine at its center is charming and easy to root for. Popular YA author Kiera Cass returns with The Betrothed,the first novel in a new duology that features romance, palace intrigue and great female characters. By Lacy Baugher 2 years ago Popular YA author Kiera Cass returns with a new novel in The Betrothed, a story of a young girl who becomes engaged to a king, only to discover royalty may not be the life she wants.

King jameson the betrothed