By: CAROLEE CROFT
*Fiction – Adventure – Adult * Pages – 180 – Release – 2017
From the very beginning I was captivated by Ariella, Baroness of Leduryon.
Strong women are very much touted in today’s world, and this capable heroine of an imagined yesterday is a fierce warrior on the field, and a fierce lover in bed.
Sent on a diplomatic mission to Chaldea by Queen Esclairmonde of Dezearre, Ariella is a classy ambassador with a mighty sword. Upon her arrival, Ariella is greeted with a gift from King Acheron. His name is Demetrius. His handsome face, and fantastic body are outshone only by his pulsating and loving desire for Ariella. He is hers for the three nights of her visit.
Unfortunately, tragedy strikes after the first evening’s delicious encounter. After Ariella and Demetrius’ first passionate tryst together, diplomacy comes to an abrupt halt. Ariella and Demetrius are forced to flee the vindictive, treacherous pretty boy Prince Theodos. Prince Theodos and his men persue the two into an enchanted forest. Although the Prince is staved off by the elf King Larkos and his band of elves, the flight and fight are far from over.
Set in an historical semi-invented world, much like the successful and popular TV series, “Game of Thrones” or “Vikings” an exhilarating adventure awaits the pair of escapees.
Theirs is a trek that takes them though dangerous terrain, but the magic forest kingdom of King Larkos could be the biggest peril of all. In this place we are treated to a mystic strategy that only elves and assorted denizens of a spellbound world could conjure up. Of course, it’s all a challenge that Ariella and Demetrius need to survive successfully in order to continue on.
It’s not all fleeing and fighting, though. There are momentary hours of safe haven. During these night time pauses, within the adrenaline pumped escape, Ariella and Demetrius take their promised nights unto themselves. They are more than enamored by each other. I say they are in love with each other. Their love making scenes, passionate and deliciously lusty, are gracefully, albeit graphically written. Yet, no matter how intense the sexual encounters are, the story itself remains undaunted.
Freedom is finally theirs, and each returns to their home land. Ariella to Dezearre, Demetrius to Sylcadia.
At this point, it’s not over, not by a long shot! As a dutiful subject of Queen Esclairmonde and devoted to the kingdom of Dezearre, Ariella takes to the battlefield once again. Her challenge: The Baroness of Ancarette.
Risking a spoiler, I’ll stop here. The ending is satisfying, yet a cliff hanger at the same time. Read this tale, and you, like I, will want to read the second book in the series, Ariella’s Rebellion.
Star Rating? Well, I’m more creative than that rigid expression of grading. I’m going with swords, broad ones, the kind Ariella uses. Also, having just finished the book, I am still in the enchanted forest of King Larkos. So, I say 6 out of 5 Swords.
I’m looking forward to Ariella’s Rebellion, which will be released February 14, 2018. It is available for pre-order on all Amazon stores including:

Ariella’s Escape is available on Amazon US, & Amazon UK, & Amazon Australia For Amazon Canada click on the book cover.
Carolee Croft
is a Canadian writer who has just moved back to Canada from São Paulo, Brazil.
Carolee enjoys traveling around the world, trying chocolate in all its various forms, and relaxing with a good book. She is obsessed with Italian greyhounds.
She has written 6 novels that are in her own words “I hope not too naughty for your audience”. I find that a tad endearing coming from an admitted fan of Spongebob. You can find her books on Carolee’s Books on Amazon
OR visit her on Carolee’s Face Book page or Carolee’s WordPress blog
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