Review of Bourne (River of Time #3.1) by Lisa T. Bergren

Bourne is book 3.1 in the River of Time series.

This novella picks up right after Torrent ends with the aftermath of the battle that killed Paratore and took his castello for the Forellis.

Lord Greco has been villanized by his home city of Firenzie, and Marcello has gifted him Castello Paratore. But Greco cannot safely inhabit his new home because he is an enemy of not only Firenzie but also Siena. He has a death wish that puts him at odds with the other knights in Marcello's troops.

Luca is at constant odds with Greco because he doesn't trust him as far as he can throw him despite the two of them belonging to the brotherhood that united lords from around Toscana to the battle that just ended. Luca sees him as a threat to not only Marcello's marriage but his budding romance with Lia.

Meanwhile, the Bertarrini women try to manage the care of injured soldiers until a new threat looms, and the She-Wolves once again take on danger for their family and the men they love.

I have this novella as part of a book that contains both it and Tributary. The stories are different, so while they are in the same volume, I am reviewing them separately.

My favorite part of this novella was the introduction of Lia's point of view. She reveals her struggles with her romance with Luca and why she hesitates. Her difficulty adjusting to life in the past and letting go of the modern world throws new light upon her reactions in previous books. She's the only Bertarrini to not fully embrace medieval Toscana, and it affects her relationship with Luca.

Luca from Lia's perspective is funnier, sweeter, and more gentlemanly. He is chivalrous but supportive of her. He defends her honor and makes her laugh. My frustration at the distance she keeps between them persisted with this book, but I saw hope for them in her thoughts and it made me like her more.

Bourne felt like more of a character study than an action story like the first three books. Mostly a study of Lia. I almost wish the entire novella had been from her perspective instead of bouncing between Lia and Gabi. I did enjoy the light focus on Lord Greco's struggles with his new status and found Luca's distrust of him interesting.

This was a lovely addition to the series, and I enjoyed the continued tale of the Bertarrinis.

Photo Credit Katherine Elizabeth

Stars Image Credit lovethenerddesigns