
Title: The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom #2)
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Genre: (New) Adult Fantasy / Romance
Publication Date: September 1st, 2020
Publisher: Self-Published
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A queen now in exile as a traitor, Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father, helpless to do anything to stop the destruction. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows there is only one reason her father is keeping him alive: as bait for his traitorous daughter.
And it is bait she fully intends to take.
Risking her life to the Tempest Seas, Lara returns to Ithicana with a plan not only to free its king, but for liberating the Bridge Kingdom from her father’s clutches using his own weapons: the sisters whose lives she spared. But not only is the palace inescapable, there are more players in the game than Lara ever realized, enemies and allies switching sides in the fight for crowns, kingdoms, and bridges. But her greatest adversary of all might be the very man she’s trying to free – the husband she betrayed.
With everything she loves in jeopardy, Lara must decide who – and what – she is fighting for: her kingdom, her husband, or herself.” (Goodreads)

I’m disappointed in myself for waiting to long to pick this one up! How can I live with myself after not reading this incredible book right away?! Seriously, every book this author writes is golden and I’m so excited that this series isn’t over with.
The book is told from two point-of-views just like the first in the series. The chapters alternate between Lara and Aren which I really enjoyed. It’s nice being in both of their heads because each one is dealing with different emotions based on guilt, betrayal, and a whole bunch of other things! Their relationship is very much in turmoil and there is a lot of outside noise as to what they should do. I liked seeing them try to grasp on to one another even if they weren’t always sure about because of consequences. The author definitely knows how to pull at your heartstrings because the last half with them is INTENSE! I know I couldn’t help but shed a few tears. This couple is everything and I just wanted everything to be okay.
One thing I really enjoyed about the sequel was the side characters. There are so many good ones! Can I just say that Lara’s sisters are amazing? I love a good sibling relationship and even though the backstory between them is not rainbows and sunshine, they came out of hiding for her. It just warmed up my heart! A few new characters were introduced as well and they couldn’t help but steal the spotlight either. I know two of them will be getting their own book and I am so ready for it.
For me, there was never a dull moment when it came to the plot. From the beginning it was fast-paced and definitely a wild ride from start to finish. I didn’t predict any of the plot twists which is always a nice thing.
Overall, this was a great read! I’m so happy I finally sat down to read it. Although, now I have to wait until the third is published, haha.
