Tag Archives: Historical

Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross – a Review

 

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Description:
After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected, Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder.

Though Halcyon’s life is spared during her trial, the punishment is heavy. And when Eva volunteers to serve part of Halcyon’s sentence, she’s determined to find out exactly what happened. But as Eva begins her sentence, she quickly learns that there are fates much worse than death.

 

 

Review:

Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross is a fantastic YA fantasy.  Having read a previous duology by Ross, I looked forward to reading this book.  I loved it, and best of all, it is standalone novel, which means you don’t have to wait to see what happens in the next book. ?

Sisters of Sword and Song focuses on two sisters, Halcyon and Evadne, who were very close.  Halcyon is the older sister, who left home 8 years ago to join the Queen’s army, where she rose to become a powerful and loyal warrior in the Bronze Legion.  Evadne was excited, as she awaited Halcyon’s return home to visit after all these years, but to her surprise, she is awakened in the middle of the night by a desperate Halcyon.  Evadne will learn that Halcyon is now wanted for murder, though it was an accident; but she wanted to see her sister, and run before she is found, or they will kill her despite not being intentional.  Swearing Evadne to not revealing that she came to see her, Halcyon runs away; only to be found a short time later, and captured to and tried for murder. Evadne, and her family travel to support Halcyon, as they knew she would never murder anyone and she was also so loyal to the Queen and her commander. 

Evadne worshipped her sister, and when then the sentencing is harsh (15 years in three concurrent 5 year terms), it will be Evadne who will offer to share the penalty to help save her sister’s life.  The Lord Commander Straton, whose son, Xander was the one who was killed, will step in and accept those terms, with Evadne being the one who will spend 5 years working for the Straton family. 

What follows is a tense, exciting, action filled and intriguing story that is filled with many surprising twists. We follow as Halcyon is sent to prison, where she is quickly under duress, as those in charge are determined to get information from her about the mission she and Xander were on when the accident occurred. One of the villians, a mage, arranged to have her poisoned, in order to weaken her and break through her mind to find the information needed.  Will she survive?  During that same period, Evadne is put to work as a servant, until Damon ( Xander’s brother and Straton’s other son), who is a Mage, takes a liking to her, and eventually pulls her to work for him as a scribe. Together they will slowly find their attraction growing, as well as becoming a perfect team; using the mage’s ability to sing (with Evadne joining the song) to use magic that will help them defeat the enemy.  Both Damon and Evadne will be the ones who will step up to take over the dangerous mission to gain a relic that will help save the Queen, against a evil and strong mage, who happens to be Straton’s sister.  Too tell too much more would be spoilers, but this was an exciting, mind blowing adventure that held me on the edge of my seat, wondering who will die and who will survive. 

I loved both Halcyon and Evadne, as they not only made great heroines, but it was so great to see their sisterhood bond.  I also loved Damon and Evadne slow burn romance, as they made a great couple.  She willingly helping Damon, despite the dangers; and he turned into such a great hero, so sweet and charming.  I got a kick out of Evadne discovering her new wings, and her ability to fly both her and Damon to safety. 

Sisters of Sword and Song was a fantastic story, so very well written by Ross.  This was a fantasy that had a bit of everything, such as mythology, magic, mages, scribes, warriors, gods, magical relics and horrible villains.  This was a journey to save the Queen, against evil forces; especially against a terrifying evil and ultra-powerful villain.  If you enjoy fantasy, especially a rare standalone, then look no further than Sisters of Sword and Song. I have come to adore the writing of Rebecca Ross.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Never Tempt a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Never Tempt a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Scottish rogue Brodie Kincade has never met a woman he couldn’t seduce, but he’s about to meet his match in sweet-tempered but often overlooked Lydia Hunt, a young Englishwoman he mistakes for her scheming sister who hopes to snatch him up for a husband.

Quiet, sweet-tempered Lydia Hunt knows she’s not her father’s favorite daughter. That honor belongs to her prettier younger sister, Portia, who has a talent for getting into trouble. When Lydia discovers that her father and sister have had a very angry Scottish rogue kidnapped in order to convince him to marry Portia, Lydia knows she must help the man escape. Yet she never imagined that the devastatingly handsome Scotsman would mistake her for Portia and abduct her as revenge and flee to Scotland.

Brodie Kincade is a heartbreaker who has vowed never to marry after a traumatic childhood that left him afraid of becoming like his father. When he’s kidnapped by a pretty young Englishwoman with marriage on her mind, he turns the tables on his captor and absconds with her to Scotland, planning to ruin her reputation as revenge. But the beautiful, thoughtful, and irresistible lass he finds in his company seems very different from the brassy girl who kidnapped him. Soon, he’s risking his heart as he begins to wonder if he’s kidnapped the wrong woman . . .

 

 

 

Review:

Never Tempt a Scot is the latest in the series The League of Rogues by author extraordinaire, Lauren Smith. This is the story of highlander Brodie Kincade and Ms. Lydia Hunt. It’s a well-paced adventurous story involving kidnapping, elopements, double romance, and much more.

I count Lauren Smith among my favorite authors. Her series The League of Rogues is also a favorite on my reading lists. Her ability to spin a wonderful story with twists and turns is second to none. This lovely healing story is not an exception to that ability.

Brodie Kincade is one of the Kincade brothers from a previous episode. Their father was a brutal man who beat his children and said awful things to his wife. The wife died and the children were left to be raised by their brutal father. Most of the children have scars both physical and mental. He has three brothers I believe, and a sister. His oldest brother inherited the family title when their father passed away. However, all but Brodie and Aiden have married successfully and have loving relationships. Brodie fears he’s more like his father than the others and that he can never marry and subject a woman to that life. He just doesn’t trust himself.

Lydia Hunt is the older sister of Portia Hunt. Lydia notices Brodie at a ball, as well as her sister, and thinks he’s wildly handsome. Portia is young, totally reckless, and impatient. She incredibly spoiled by their widower father. Portia connives to have her father kidnap Brodie Kincade by telling him she’s with child (a lie) and that she’s in love with Brodie. In truth, she’s only briefly spoken to him, but being the spoiled child, she thinks every man is in love with her. The father and Portia hire men to drug and abduct Brodie and store him in a bedroom of their house. When Portia and the father are out at dinner, Lydia finds out what they’ve done and goes up to cut Brodie loose. He, mistakes her for Portia and kidnaps her at knifepoint and takes her away for revenge. She tries to tell him she’s not Portia, but he was too drunk and then drugged to remember clearly.

Okay, that’s the basic setup. I won’t do any further spoilers. This is just too wonderful of an adventure and romance. You really must read this for yourself. The conversations are wonderful, the suspense and surprises are aplenty. There’s so much more to this story, but it’s something you will enjoy reading more than being told about it. There are more tales in this one than the two people falling in love….just read it.

Author Lauren Smith is a master at weaving wonderful stories and this one full of twists and turns. Grab a copy, but don’t forget the tissues!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for Review

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The Seduction of Laird Sinclair by Kara Griffin – a Review

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The Seduction of Laird Sinclair by Kara Griffin – a Review

 

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Description:
In order to love, she must first seduce…

Callum Sinclair should have known the night the great fireball lit the sky would change everything. He returns from battle wounded of body and heart to find his clan in disarray. Someone within his clan wants him dead and tried to assassinate him, his brother/laird murdered, his wife died in childbirth. Family dysfunction forces him to accept a destiny he never expected.

Violet Danvers’s life takes a complete turn when the king executes her husband for treason. Now he vows she will either wed his favored knight or suffer his punishment. With help from her husband’s ally, the king’s cousin, he sends her to his comrade in Scotland. He gains one promise from her, never to return to England, even if she must seduce the Highlander to gain his aid.

Even with the five rules of enticement, Violet’s seduction doesn’t come easy. Callum is broken of spirit, but she is not one to easily surrender to defeat. With laughter and grace, The Seduction of Laird Sinclair might lead them both to lose their hearts.

 

 

Review:

The Seduction of Laird Sinclair by Kara Griffin is a historical romance set in the time of 1388 in northern Scotland.

Callum Sinclair is the next in line for the title of Laird in the Sinclair clan. His brother, Gavin, now holds the title. There is quite a bit of family and clan dysfunction that Gavin does not wish to deal with. Haley’s comet is passing by, and the clan is frightened and needs leadership that Callum tries to provide because his brother doesn’t care. Callum also has a wife that doesn’t care for him, he feels like it’s his fault. Callum is sent by his brother to join James Douglas in a battle to stop English raids on Scotland’s towns. Callum is badly hurt, betrayed by his own soldiers. His life is saved after the battle by Henry Bolingbrook, the enemy. They become friends and Henry allows him to return home. However, everything at home has changed.

Violet Danvers is a lovely woman, married to Lord Charles Danvers. She’s been summoned to London to the court of King Richard. As she arrives, Sir Nicholas Colfax tells her of her husbands execution and that the king is going to give her to him. They have a long history of him tormenting her. She abhors this man and would rather die than marry him. Hers was a marriage of content convenience, but she was always faithful to her husband. Violet has a three-year old daughter who she learns the king has custody of and will not return her to Violet since she refused to marry Colfax. Henry Bolingbrook was a friend of Violet’s husband and is cousin to King Richard. However, he’s about to be exiled for a time. Her life is in great danger, but Henry convinced her that King Richard would not harm Cora if she left. Henry would try to find Cora and send her back to Violet. He made arrangements for Violet to escape to Scotland and stay with his friend Callum Sinclair. He told her she should do anything to stay with Sinclair, even seduction. She absolutely had to  stay away from England.

Okay, that’s the basic setup and I’ve left out quite a bit of detail. I don’t like to spoil stories for those who might want to read them. There’s a lot more intrigue, and danger. The trip North to Scotland is interesting and the meeting of Callum and Violet is wonderful. There is much fun and beauty and a boatload of adventure and danger, not to mention steamy love scenes. Will Callum be able to take the betrayals and find peace for his clan? Will Violet stay and help him heal or perhaps become the queen of England? Awww…see what waits for you to discover!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for Review

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A Scot to Wed by Callie Hutton – a Review

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A Scot to Wed by Callie Hutton – a Review

 

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Description:
Highlander Laird Evan MacNeil cannot believe Mistress Katie Sterling just shows up at the MacDuff castle with this faded piece of parchment laying claim to the lands he just legally inherited. Not that he really wants to be here in the lowlands, but he has responsibilities to his clan and the exasperating Katie has uprooted the remnants of her father’s clan and moved them across the country to live here. There’s no way he can leave to go back home now.

Katie has nowhere else to go and she refuses to bow down to the arrogant yet undeniably handsome Highlander. She’s had enough with men trying to control her and she is quite capable of handling herself.

Now that Evan must spar with a beautiful lass for the rights to the lands, he will fight to the end. This battle is nothing like the ones his ancestors fought with crossbows and boiling oil. They never wanted to bed the enemy.

 

 

Review:

A Scot to Wed, book 2 of Callie Hutton‘s Scottish Hearts series, was a battle of wills over the true owner of an inherited castle. Too bad squatter rights don’t apply here, but then again, Evan and Katie would still be at a dead heat.  Both have nebulous petitions, his by “some intricate web of family ties”, a stretch to be sure, while she clings to “proof of ownership”, and discretely escaping from the clutches of a vile man claiming her as his betrothed.  If only these two could compromise ?, surely there’s a mutually beneficial arrangement? 

A laird in his own right, Evan tours the castle grounds with Katie to inspect its maintenance, sans land steward.  While engaging the tenants, Evan is in effect vetting Katie, observing her approach, how she resolved matters and assisted with local concerns/issues.  Truth is, Katie is running circles around Evan, she’s so capable.  Before long, Katie is the logical choice, amenable, considerate, and a healer to boot!  Now if there was only something Evan could do about his sudden fierce attraction to the lass, he could be on his way back home.  Katie’s matched interest had “verra” good potential to explore.

This was hardly a cat and mouse pursuit, lol.  Evan gave in to desire and a protest from Katie “didna” part her lips.  Sure, a few misunderstandings and heavy-handedness stymied their connection, but I was surprised by how straightforward and sweet this was.  Tenant squabbles and personality clashes, indeed, but I always found their mindset of an even keel.  A Scot to Wed?  Yes, as a matter of fact, it happens.

I’m a fan of Ms. Hutton, already eager for her next offering, but this story just wasn’t the exciting, give-me-more-details-now storytelling of its predecessor.  A bump on the road to HEA will rear its ugly head with insidious motives, but is Evan invested enough to intervene or too willing to return to his own clan?  Will Katie face the challenge unaided, to finally prove herself?  The answers are all in here to discover!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Duke Will Never Do by Darcy Burke-a review

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A Duke Will Never Do (The Spitfire Society #3) by Darcy Burke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 19, 2020

The Spitfire Society… Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one.

After failing on the Marriage Mart, Jane Pemberton has two choices: submit to her parents’ edict to marry their boring neighbor or become a self-declared spinster and take up residence in the official headquarters of the Spitfire Society. It’s really no choice at all, and Jane is eager to embrace her newfound independence. She soon finds an unconscious viscount on her doorstep and nurses him back to health. When he offers to compensate her, she requests payment in the form of private instruction of a scandalous and intimate kind.

Having spiraled into a self-destructive abyss following the murder of his parents, Anthony, Viscount Colton, physically recovers under the care of an alluring spitfire. But it is her charm and flirtatiousness that soothes his soul and arouses his desire—until an extortion scheme forces him to face the sins of his past. Now, to save the woman who’s given him everything he lost and more, he’ll have to pay the ultimate price: his heart.

••••••

REVIEW: Author Darcy Burke has blessed us with another lovely Spitfire Society story. A Duke Will Never Do, is the story of Jane Pemberton and Lord Anthony Colton. It is book three of the series.

If you have never picked up a “Spitfire Society Novel”, and have a love of historical romance, I urge you to do so. Each is written as a standalone, however, it makes sense to begin with novel one. This is a three-book series. If you search Spitfire Society in Amazon, you will easily get the reading order. These are stories of good friends whose lives intersect each other. You learn about each character in previous novels but get the in-depth focus of their lives and problems in their own story. It makes each novel like going home to a group of close friends.

I don’t do spoilers but let me give you the beginning gist of the story and what I like so much about it.

Anthony’s back story is that he was a reckless youth. He had many gambling debts that his father refused to pay off. So, he was led to a crime boss, the Vicar, by a supposed friend. That led to not being able to pay the Vicar. He was supposed to be going to their country property, but he didn’t go. His father and mother made the trip instead and were killed by a highway man. Then he learns that it was the Vicar’s man…he was to have been the target. His guilt eats away at him, he believes he’s responsible for his parent’s death. Drinking is his way of numbing the guilt, causing his reputation to suffer.

Jane’s parents are extremely disappointed in her failing to secure a marriage. They are pushing her beyond reason to marry a neighbor she finds boring and unacceptable. Her friend Phoebe has married a duke and has moved out of her house. When Jane let her know she is declaring her spinsterhood and needs to move out of her parent’s home, Phoebe lends Jane her house. She gives Jane a stipend to care for the staff and keep the house repaired, even a small stipend for Jane’s own income. A very generous gift for the times, but she knows Jane will take good care of her staff and home. However, Jane’s parents will no longer see her, nor will they let her come to her sister’s wedding. One morning, Jane finds a man on her doorstep, beaten and injured. It turns out to be Lord Anthony Colton. She has the butler take him to an upstairs room and decides to care for him there, discretely.

That’s pretty much the setup. How they care for each other, how they heal each other and hurt each other simultaneously is the very heart and soul of this intriguing story. What I love is the way they interact for the period. It’s very eye-opening about the brutality of the times and yet heartwarming in how love can overcome so much. I love the idea of spirited and independent women forming a group, even those who are not in Jane’s circumstances. The writing is professionally done, and the conversations and characters are remarkable. I’m a huge fan of Darcy Burke’s work and this is the last of the series. I personally cannot wait to see where she goes next.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Never Have I Ever
A Duke is Never Enough

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

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In the Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

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In the Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

 

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Description:
James Lionel Falconer has risen quickly from a mere shop worker to being the right-hand man of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. With Malvern’s daughter Alexis running away to the country after a terrible tragedy and refusing to return, James’ ascent to head of the company seems inevitable. But even a charmed life like James’ is not without its setbacks.

A terrible fire threatens to end his merchant career before it’s had a chance to truly begin. Mrs. Ward, James’ former paramour, has a secret that could change his life forever. And his distaste for Alexis Malvern is slowly growing into feelings of quite a different sort. Can James continue to be the master of his own fate, or will all of his charm, intelligence, and wit finally fail him when he has to enter the lion’s den?

 

 

 

Review:

In the Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the 2nd book in her House of Falconer series, and even if you have not read the first book, this reads very well as a standalone. In the Lion’s Den is set in Victorian times in England 1889-1892. James Falconer, our hero, has worked hard working for Henry Malvern’s shipping company, and has successfully risen up to be his right-hand man.  James enjoys his job, has a great relationship with Malvern and other staff members, but he continues to dream about opening his own business in time. 

Alexis Malvern, is Henry’s daughter and heir apparent to the company, who after the death of her significant other, runs away to the country side, avoiding anything to do with the company.  Alexis has friends where she is staying, as she slowly grieves, and she ignores her father’s constant attempt for her to return home.  

When some things go wrong, such as a fire, and embezzlement, James is promoted by Henry Malvern to become managing director of the compnay.  He travels to Kent to meet with Alexis, to show her the changes being made, and she is very rude to James.  In a short time, Alexis will realize that she cannot continue to stay away, and it was time for her to go home to her father and the company.   James agrees to stay another year and train Alexis on taking control of the company and becoming the managing director, as well as the charity she runs.

What follows is watching Alexis work with James, and a slow built romance starts, as both have strong attractions to each other.  Alexis realizes how mean she has been to James, and knows this was due to her feeling an attraction to him early on, making her run away.  I really loved James and Alexis together, and was happy to see that Alexis was able to rise above her tragic loss and open her heart up again. I also loved many of the secondary characters who played a major role in this story. 

In the Lion’s Den was well written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, with a wonderful Victorian background, a bit of history, wonderful characters and romance.  This is a difficult review to write, as you really need to become immersed into the story line, enjoying Bradford’s ability to narratively tie all the pieces together.  In the Lion’s Den is another winner for Barbara Taylor Bradford, and I suggest to read this story. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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A Royal Kiss & Tell by Julia London – a Review

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A Royal Kiss & Tell by Julia London – a Review

 

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Description:
Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his…

Every dashing young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome, delectable roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember who Caroline is, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So, Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure a prince remembers her: sees that amusingly risqué morsels about Leo’s reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all the while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.

Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it could ruin him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of government in London. Now, Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…

 

 

Review:

A Royal Kiss & Tell by Julia London is the 2nd book in her Royal Wedding series.  I enjoyed the first book of this series, The Princess Plan and looked forward to reading the next book.  A Royal Kiss & Tell revolves around Prince Leopold (Sebastian’s brother), and Caroline (Eliza’s best friend).   With his brother marrying Eliza, Leopold is quite the ladies’ man, but when it comes to Caroline, he finds her very annoying.  Caroline tries very hard to get the prince’s attention, and she can’t understand why he ignores her.  Frankly, I found Caroline annoying also, as everything and everyone was expected to look at her being the most beautiful, the best dressed, and all should bow down to her.  At least that was how I felt throughout the first half of the book.  But Caroline does get much better later on.

After the wedding, Caroline and her brother, Beck, as well as Hollis (Eliza’s sister) all return to London; and Leopold also decides to go to London.  With his father forcing him to marry someone he hardly knows, Leo plans to have his last hurrah as a playboy, drinking and having fun every night with friends.   He becomes even better friends with Beck, and runs into Carolyn again.   She is as vain as ever, and the sarcasm between them was very noticeable to all.

Slowly things will begin to change, as Leo finds himself looking forward to the banter between him and Caroline and a slow build romance will begin to build. Attending the many banquets she attends, Carolyn will see Leo secretly talking to maids, and starts rumors to her friends that he is a rake, and making moves on the women; causing Leo’s reputation to suffer, and invitations to events are revoked.  When Leo finally explains to Caroline that nothing is going on with the maids, except he is trying to help them escape their lives as sexual slavery.  She then insists she will help him save the women, as well as get him invites again to the places he needs to be to get to the women. 

What follows is a sweet romance between an unlikely couple, and a mystery behind the attempt to discredit Leo, and saving the slaved women.  Though I was not a fan of Caroline, she did win me over in the second half, and I really did like her and Leopold together.  I loved some of the other secondary characters, and hope to see more of t hem in future books; such as Hollis, Beck, etc.

Julia London once again gives us a wonderful and fun story line, as well as making us fall hard for the couple we questioned early on. As I noted, the last half of the book was fun and exciting.  I look forward to the next book in this fun series, which you should be reading. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

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Scandalous Scot by Cecelia Mecca & Julie Johnstone-a review

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Scandalous Scot (Highlanders Through Time #4) by Cecelia Mecca & Julie Johnstone-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 19, 2020

Hᴇ sᴛᴏʟᴇ ᴀ ᴋɪss, ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴀ ᴡɪꜰᴇ.

Ian McCaim is used to following in his brother’s footsteps—even if it takes him to medieval Scotland. When he finally completes the time travel ritual, the magic lands him next to Hightower Castle and his big brother, Greyson, is there to greet him. As soon as the rest of the family returns to Hightower, the McCaims can finally go home, but in the meantime, Greyson has a task for Ian: charm the man whose son is fated to play a pivotal role in the Scottish War of Independence. An easy task—or at least it would be if Ian were capable of behaving himself.

After a lifetime of having endured stares, Màiri Kelbrue is used to being looked at—the strange mark on her cheek ensures it. So when the handsome man she encounters near her father’s loch gawks at her, she assumes the worst. Until he kisses her. The passion she feels for the stranger stuns her—she’d thought to marry her childhood friend, but never once did he make her feel like this. And then the unimaginable happens—when the stranger escorts her home, he tells her very religious father exactly what happened between them.

Within a sennight, Ian and Màiri are rushed to the altar. Ian plans to return to the future sooner rather than later, but the bride he didn’t ask for soon becomes the only thing he wants. What will he do when it’s time to go home?

•••••••

REVIEW: Scandalous Scot by Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone is the fourth and final novel in the Highlanders Through Time series. This is the story of Ian McCaim and Lady Mairi, daughter of Alexander Kelbrue, laird of Clan Kelbrue.

This is the fourth and final novel of this fabulous time traveling series, and it’s a very professionally written and plotted work. The characters are each different, even though brothers, each McCaim brother has their own personality and issues. The love interests have all been special and perfectly suited to each brother. This novel is as well.

Ian is the baby brother and has never felt he quite new his place. He works for his father and brother’s company as the head of PR. He’s well gifted with being able to deal with people to be sure, but it’s just not what he wants. However, he has been unable to express that to his family.

Ian does the chant, which works. The cross goes with him because he’s the only one left holding it. He wakes up in Scotland, laying in knee deep snow. As he feels better, he stands and walks up a hill to see a large three towered castle not far away. He tells the guards he’s lost. When two men come out toward him, he’s gobsmacked to see his brother Greyson in clothing of the period carrying a weapon. Surprises just kept coming as he learns that all his brothers have found wives.

A week later, after being introduced to the clan and informed of a few things, Ian was traveling with Grey and his Uncle Ross to a neighboring clan to help convince them to support Robert the Bruce, while they also waited for the rest of the family to come to Hightower. He got himself a little away from the others by wandering around. He came upon a young woman who he thought looked hurt. As he got closer, he saw past her hooded coat and thought she was perfection. He was immediately drawn to her. He introduced himself as Ian MacKinnish (the identity they are using) and asked if she was okay. Mairi was also drawn to the handsome man she’d never seen and fought herself not to reach out to touch him. She told him she was hurt but was now better. He reached out and touched her cheek and things progressed quickly from there.

Okay, that’s the setup. I won’t spoil this marvelous read for you. Just know that Ian is a bit impetuous and the story takes off from there. There are also a lot more details than I’ve given you, but you really need to read this for yourself to understand.

This series has been a delight to read. It’s so well done and has had so much danger, unusual things happening. It’s been a real treat to take the time traveling ride with these guys. Authors Julie Johnston and Cecelia Mecca have done a wonderous job writing these novels. If you haven’t started this series, don’t wait longer…it’s all ready for you!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sinful Scot
Sexy Scot
Seductive Scot

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

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