This is my favorite in the series. You see I live with quite a bit of chronic pain from various conditions. The idea of a heroine that has health issues definitely speaks to me! I escape into books to take my mind off my reality. Aribella is treated with kid gloves by her parents because they don't want her to have fainting episodes. She was born with a birth defect. Her parents kept this secret because she was their only successor. The leadership of their court would go to her. Aribella also has another secret what her power is. You see if people knew they wouldn't like what she can do. Unfortunately, since Dawn didn't come back from Faerie Aribella must train to go. This poor girl has only climbed trees. She can swim incredibly well only if she goes slow. Her mom stopped her sportsmanship classes because there had never been a need a fall champion. When the queen pushes her too hard she discovers her powers. This excites the queen. She immediately stops training her with the sword & focuses on her magic.
Stryker is the lord that is Aribella's mate. Since he was attacked by a woman he loved he trusts no one. Well that and he's filthy rich. People are constantly stealing from him & trying to kill him. Aribella keeps him from killing her by saying she can use her power over emotions to find out if someone is lying. Truth was at that moment she wasn't sure if she was lying. Ironic. Stryker wastes no time finding out by testing his guards loyalties. The second day he pushes her to hard & she faints. Stryker has closed himself off from his brothers because they never came to his aide when he asked. Slowly but surely Aribella softens his hard heart. Who in the end saves his life. And she proves herself by helping lead his army. She's so cool! There is a HEA. I am very worried about Adrien though. He's engaged to be married. The woman is sending off red flags everywhere. She has to be giving him a love potion in his tea that she is insistent he take daily. She claims it's for something else. Can't wait for the next one to find out what happens!
