This is a fantasy with some romance, but if you are looking for your typical "follow the rules, guaranteed HEA" well, that's not what you'll get here. To be honest, I don't read Saintcrow's books for a guaranteed anything other than I know she is going to throw a ton at her characters, and I will most likely enjoy it (even though the characters probably won't). 
 Vianne is very different from Dante or Dru, but that doesn't mean she is "weak." She has survived at court from a very young age. She is the trusted confidante of the Princess, and does her best to keep her Lady out of the fire of court intrigues. She is often overlooked, and is happier in the garden among the herbs than indulging in courtly dalliances. She has some power as a hedgewitch (healing, sensing poison or other spells from sorcerers). Then there is an assassination of the royal family and Vianne is entrusted with a royal artifact. Racing through the countryside with Tristan, the Captain of the Guard, and his men. She learns more about her own family's heritage and her own power. 
 But of course, I also spent the whole time waiting for the other shoe to drop and it all to come crashing down. The shoe has kind of dropped, but there is more to come in book 2. 
 THe book was fast-paced and held my attention and I want more.