Wanton Troopers by Lindsey Erith (Book Review #1982)

*Wanton Troopers* by Lindsey Erith is a captivating historical romance that blends danger, intrigue, and passion in a tumultuous time of political division. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, the story follows Hugh Malahide, a disillusioned Royalist, as he navigates a world filled with betrayal, loyalty, and forbidden love.

Hugh, having fallen out of favor with his own cause, is unexpectedly drawn into the plight of Tom Fentiman, a fellow Royalist soldier whose family has disowned him. As Hugh attempts to help Tom reconcile with his estranged father, he becomes entangled in a web of political machinations and personal desires. Tom’s sister, Isabella, has been raised as her father’s property, destined to marry a man she does not love in order to secure her inheritance. However, her heart yearns for Tom, whom she believes is dead, and she soon finds herself falling for Hugh, a man who represents everything she is supposed to resist.

The dynamics between the characters are rich and layered. Hugh is a conflicted hero, struggling between his loyalty to the defeated Royalist cause and his growing love for Isabella. Isabella, on the other hand, is a young woman caught between family duty and personal passion, forced to choose between loyalty to her brother and her heart’s desire. Their journey is filled with daring rescues, heart-stopping chases, and a deepening emotional connection that drives the story forward.

Erith’s writing shines with vivid descriptions of the period, capturing the tension and turbulence of a nation on the brink of collapse. The novel’s pace is brisk, keeping readers hooked with each new twist, while the character development is compelling, especially Hugh’s internal struggle with love and duty. The secondary characters, from the loyal tutor John Block to the scheming Fentiman, add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

*Wanton Troopers* is a thrilling historical romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy tales of star-crossed love, political intrigue, and rich historical settings. Erith has crafted a story that is both passionate and poignant, where the stakes are high, and the heart’s desires are at odds with duty and fate.

Written by Jeyran Main

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