Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman

Merry Ellison once was a baron's daughter, esteemed a lady, and betrothed to her childhood friend. Following her father's assassination attempt on the king, she becomes an enemy of the throne with a death sentence should she ever be found. Her place in life is now to lead “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest,” who happened to be the orphaned children of the city her family was affiliated with. Stealing necessities becomes part of the way they survive. However, when a chest of gold is taken, their notoriety requires them to move their camp elsewhere. Merry is unaware that her former intended, Timothy Grey, serves as assistant to the local earl of Wyndeshire and that he's out to prove himself capable. Capturing a band of notorious thieves would certainly advance his goal of earning a title of his own. But when he finds Merry to be the leader of the thieves, his plans and beliefs are suddenly challenged. Read more in Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman.

Dauntless is the first novel in Dina L. Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series as well as the first novel I've read by her. The novel's eye-catching cover portrays Merry's intensity and convinced me to give the story a try. I read this book in two sittings. The medieval setting intrigued me, the story held my interest, the clean, sweet romance between Merry and Timothy flowed beautifully, and the final twist provided for a lovely ending. It's a keeper for my bookshelf and I plan to read it again in the future. I'm already looking forward to the sequel.

Read an excerpt from Dauntless on the publisher's website!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."