Reviewed by Nikyta
Title: Branded
Author: Bru Baker
Series: 2014 Daily Dose – Mended
Heroes: Coren & Bran
Genre: M/M Historical
Length: 36 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Available at: Dreamspinner Press, Amazon & All Romance eBooks
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: When a would-be assassin sneaks into the citadel disguised as a servant, the king requires that all servants who work in the castle be branded with the royal crest for easy identification. Prince Coren is powerless to fight the edict, but he refuses to allow his personal advisor and secret lover Brannir to suffer alone. Coren shows his devotion by wielding the brand to mark Brannir himself, even though he fears it will change their relationship. He’s prepared for resentment, hurt, and anger–every outcome but the one he receives: unconditional love.
Review:
After the king survives an attempt on his life from an assassin disguised as a servant, he orders all servants to be marked with the royal crest. Unfortunately, Prince Coren’s servant, Bran, is not exempt from the branding. Horrified of what his father is doing, he’s unwilling to let Bran be branded like everyone else. Instead, Coren takes it upon himself to give Bran the mark. Though Coren struggles with the guilt and self-hatred of what he must do, he’s willing to do anything to keep Bran with him. But while Bran may understand and accept what Coren has to do, how will Coren ever be able to forgive himself for permanently marking the very person he loves more than anything?
This story is so sad but so sweet. I think the underlying message is that love can conquer all and that while some things are unavoidable, unconditional love is just that: unconditional. I felt so much for Coren and what he must do. To be honest, he was more broken up about the branding than Bran was himself and while Bran was willing to go on about his day, Coren couldn’t get over marking Bran in such a way. The beginning of the book is somewhat dark but as the story progresses, it gets lighter and you see the love between Bran and Coren, as well as, their friendship with Finnick, which gives the ending a light hearted but hopeful feel to it that everything will be alright.
I think the biggest issue with this story is it’s length. While the concept is intriguing and interesting to a point, it’s also hindered by the fact that it lacks the necessary depth and length to truly be amazing. I loved the story but I will admit that while the characters and their relationship caught my interest, I also felt like I didn’t really know Bran, so it was hard to really connect with him as a character. Beyond that, the beginning was a little confusing because you’re kinda thrust into the situation with no idea what’s going on, although the author does a decent job of informing the reader of the situation.
Overall, this is a nice little story filled with a bit of angst and devotion. I adored Coren and his guilt over what he had to do and I really enjoyed the interactions between Coren and Bran. I wished it had been longer so that there could have been more depth to the story but, as a short read, it was a lovely story about how love can stand the test of a branding. If you’re looking for something that’s simultaneously sweet and sad but also short, give this one a try.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
The Blogger Girls 