Tag Archives: Historical

SHADOW MAGIC (Sisters of Magic 1) by Donna Grant -review tour

Posted on by
14

SHADOW MAGIC (Sisters of Magic 1) by Donna Grant -review tour

ebook FREE for a limited time Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: re-release October 10, 2023

With a past soaked in sin and darkness slowly closing in around him to claim his soul, Drogan only wants to live his life in solitude. Years in the king’s service and his numerous deeds directed by the crown have left Drogan with horrendous nightmares and immeasurable guilt?

Serena is a witch, cursed and forever alone. She accepts her future. Until she meets Drogan. With Drogan a passion deep and unyielding awakens inside her. She is willing to sacrifice herself for his love, but can he put his past to rest and embrace the future?

••••••

REVIEW: SHADOW MAGIC is the first instalment in Donna Grant’s adult SISTERS OF MAGIC historical, paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is Serena of Hawthorne, and Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Serena and Drogan) SHADOW MAGIC follows Serena of Hawthorne, a witch with the ability to ‘see’ the future but a witch whose entire lineage has been cursed, a curse that is threatening the continuation of the line. A vision of approaching evil has Serena desperately trying to convince her friend Maris, and her husband Gerard to run, run in an effort to protect their family the darkness demanding revenge. Enter Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn, best friends with Gerard, and a man who has also been targeted by sins of the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Drogan and Serena, and the potential fall-out as Serena believes her time with Drogan is fast approach an end, as the evil takes aim at our story line hero.

The world building reveals the curse that has destroy a long line of witches, and the evil that is determined to take down King Henry’s former knights. Drogan, Gerard and their compatriot Cade has been tasked with protecting King Henry and his men but someone else was determined to take down everyone else.

The relationship between Drogan and Serena is one of mutual attraction but Serena believes she is cursed to lose the man that she loves, and Drogan is forced to face the darkness alone. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Drogan’s friends and fellow knights Cade, Gerard and his wife Maris; commander Grayson; witch Francesca and her mate Phinneas, as well as several people who work at Wolfglynn castle.

SHADOW MAGIC is a slow building story of betrayal and vengeance, madness and retribution; magic and secrets, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is fated; the characters are determined and dynamic. SHADOW MAGIC ends on a happily ever after -for now.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

Share

Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith – a Review

Posted on by
14

Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / Bookbub

 

Description:
She becomes a wicked pirate lord’s stolen treasure…
On the eve of her wedding, Josephine Greyville is kidnapped by a true devil of the high seas – a pirate! Gavin Castleton isn’t just any pirate. He’s the twin brother of the man she’s supposed to marry. Tempted by Gavin’s kisses and the first taste of freedom she’s ever had in her life, Josephine discovers she could lose all that she’s come to hold dear. She must choose between her family and a storm of passion filling her heart.
He’s a pirate out for revenge and can’t resist the lure of fiery hearted woman…
Gavin Castleton nearly dies after losing his ship to a mutiny and is forced to return to his beloved family estate in Cornwall to heal and make a plan for revenge. Stumbling through a secret entrance, of his home where he hopes to find his twin brother, he collapses at the beside of the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. After she tends to his wounds, he learns she’s to marry his brother. Unable to repay her kindness with anything other than desire, he kidnaps her to keep her from marrying his brother. Wicked through and through, Gavin can’t resist taking the treasure of Josephine’s heart, even if it means losing all he holds dear.

 

Review:

Devil of the High Seas by Lauren Smith, is the third book in her Pirates of King’s Landing Series. It’s not necessary to read the other books as they all stand alone on their own, there are characters from previous books (but you’ll only know that if you’ve read them.)Twists and turns will keep you on the edge, the battles and fight scenes are great, the sad parts will make you reach for tissues, and the chemistry between Gavin and Josie will have you wishing it was longer…..

Gavin left his home seven years ago when the love of his life chose his twin Griffin!! But now he’s back, for revenge!! Returning home after losing his ship (to a mutiny) he’s home to lick his wounds and salvage his pride….

Josephine is due to marry the upstanding Earl of Castleton, it’s not the life she’s dreamed of, but she’s not about to disappoint her family…..Being abducted by a pirate sweeps Josie into a world that’s beyond her wildest imagination. That’s the thanks she gets for helping a stranger who’s wounded!

Her family chase the pair across the seas, there is danger lurking in every corner! But that doesn’t stop this couple from falling in love ?

But how can they possibly be together when Gavin is a pirate and she’s already betrothed?

It was great to see previous characters from the other books (I personally love to catch up with couples from previous books.) I loved Jodie’s father (there is a scene in the book which I loved ?)

Yes, it’s a little cheesy in places. Yes it’s also predictable in its ending. But I love this authors style of writing, and I love this series, so I’m going to continue to read and recommend these books.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

Share

The Strongest Heart (Clan Donald Saga 3) by Regan Walker-a review

Posted on by
14

The Strongest Heart (Clan Donald Saga 3) by Regan Walker-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2023

In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their own power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.

A man of keen intelligence and strategy, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow his legacy to be taken from him by traitorous royal thugs. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota Leslie, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.

What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to be named the Hero of Harlaw

•••••

REVIEW: The Strongest Heart begins with Donald of Islay becoming the new Lord of the Isles following his father’s death. Donald has prepared for this role his entire life and steps into his father’s shoes, determined to keep all that is theirs. Though not yet married, his father had long ago arranged a marriage between Donald and Mariota, daughter of the Earl of Ross.

As Donald begins to navigate the political landscape of not only his isles but all of Scotland, he gathers those he trusts the most in order to address changes that appear to be coming. Once he has a plan laid out, he then sails to Ross to meet his intended. They are both smitten with each other, and it doesn’t take Donald long to know what an amazing wife and partner Mariota will be.

Donald is a man of strong faith and uses that to guide him in all his decisions. His masterful understanding of the current political landscape makes him a clever and powerful leader. When the Albany Stewarts decide they want all that Donald holds dear, he devises strategies and battle plans that he prays will lead them to victory. He also has a loyal relationship with the King of England which he nurtures throughout the story. As Donald navigates the many facets of his beloved lands along with those he holds close, he will prove that he indeed does have the strongest heart.

The Strongest Heart is a powerfully written story that, once again, pulls you in at the very beginning. Regan Walker’s ability to weave actual history into her sweeping tales is second to none. Ultimately, The Strongest Heart is a story of faith and honor, betrayal and redemption that spans from the Scottish Highlands to the Courts in England. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll never go wrong with one of Walker’s tales. Well done, Regan Walker!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Summer Warrior
Bound by Honor

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Share

The Princess by Wendy Holden – a Review

Posted on by
12

The Princess by Wendy Holden – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Britain, 1961: A bouncing blond baby is born to Viscount Althorp, heir to the Spencer earldom, and his wife Frances. Diana grows up amid the fallout of her parents’ messy divorce. She struggles at school. Moving to London, she takes menial jobs as a cleaner and nanny. Her refuge throughout is romantic novels. She dreams of falling in love and being rescued by a handsome prince.

In royal circles, there is concern about the Prince of Wales. Nearly 30, Charles remains unmarried; the right girl needs to be found, and fast. She must be young, aristocratic and come to the royal family without any past liaisons.

The eighteen-year-old Diana Spencer is just about the only candidate. Her desperation to be loved dovetails perfectly with royal desperation for a bride. But as the ruthless Palace machine starts up, there are challenges for Diana to face plus mysteries she can’t fathom, from the strangeness of life within the palace walls to a certain Mrs. Parker Bowles. Can her romantic dream survive the forces that shape her into a global icon?

 

 

Review:

The Princess by Wendy Holden is the 3rd book in her Royal Outsiders series.  I have not read the previous two books, but wanted to read about Princess Diana during her early years until she married Prince Charles. This was a very good historical fiction of Diana Spencer’s life at a private school, being lonely, and a lover of romance novels; which will eventually lead as she gets older, to being recruited to become the wife of Prince Charles.

We meet Diana who attends a boarding school, and connects with Sandy, a quiet and underprivileged girl, who has no friends. In a short time, Diana and Sandy will become best friends, and Diana brings Sandy (who is an orphan) to her home during the holidays.  With her parents being divorced, Diana is lonely, and it is Sandy (early on), as well as other friends at a private school, who she makes feel important. Her older friends tease her, as she is totally a romantic, always dreaming of falling in love with a handsome prince.

The Royal family is determined for Prince Charles to marry soon, as he as now 30 years old, and they need to find the right girl for him; the girl has to be young, aristocratic, with no previous liaisons. Charles is not interested in anyone, other than Camilla Parker Bowles (his mistress), but the royal family wants a sweet innocent young lady.  The Queen Mother and Prince Phillip, with help from Stephen Barry (Charles Valet) to work together to arrange Diana Spencer (18 years old), who comes across as a perfect candidate.

Once Diana met Charles, she immediately fell in love with him, since she always believed in love.  But, on occasion, she will be invited to events and fall all over Charles, who was really not interested; especially since he was 30, and Diana was only 18. Though Diana spends time with the royal family, especially the Queen Mother, she still felt her love for Charles; ignoring his constant travelling and being away a lot, not to mention his indifference, and eventually his relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles.

In 1992, years after her marriage to Prince Charles, Diana sees her old friend Sandy, and together she discusses her life as the Princess of Wales; and how the royal family was truly behind pushing Charles to marry Diana, and how her life was not what she thought it would be.

The Princess was very well written by Wendy Holden, giving us historical look at how Diana came to be The Princess of Wales.  This was destined to be an ill-fated marriage, filled with our knowledge, sadness and sympathy for Diana.  Early on, Diana was very naïve, as she always dreamed of a fairy tale with a Prince.  Holden gave us a beautiful and sympathetic portrait of everyone’s memory of the People’s Princess. I really enjoyed this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec – Review

Posted on by
12

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec – Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
The lives of two women—one desperate only to save her missing sister, the other a witch destined to become queen of Norway—intertwine in this spellbinding, powerful novel of Viking Age history and myth from the acclaimed author of The Witch’s Heart.

Oddny and Gunnhild meet as children in tenth century Norway, and they could not be more different: Oddny hopes for a quiet life, while Gunnhild burns for power and longs to escape her cruel mother. But after a visiting wisewoman makes an ominous prophecy that involves Oddny, her sister Signy, and Gunnhild, the three girls take a blood oath to help one another always.

When Oddny’s farm is destroyed and Signy is kidnapped by Viking raiders, Oddny is set adrift from the life she imagined—but she’s determined to save her sister no matter the cost, even as she finds herself irresistibly drawn to one of the raiders who participated in the attack. And in the far north, Gunnhild, who fled her home years ago to learn the ways of a witch, is surprised to find her destiny seems to be linked with that of the formidable King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway.

But the bonds—both enchanted and emotional—that hold the two women together are strong, and when they find their way back to each other, these bonds will be tested in ways they never could have foreseen in this deeply moving novel of magic, history, and sworn sisterhood.

 

 

 

Review:

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec is standalone historical fantasy that takes place in the Viking age.  We meet three young girls, two sisters (Signy and Oddny) and a best friend (Gunnhild), who are at the start 12 years old.  At their young age, the girls have no control over their fate as women, and though the three of them swear an oath to each other, and in a short time, a seer will change their lives. Gunnhild has a terrible relationship with her mean mother, and when she is offered to go with the seer, and learn magic, she leaves her home, not to been again for 12 years.

12 Years later, Oddny and Signy’s family is attacked by Viking Raiders, killing most of the residents of their villiage.  Oddny manages to escape, and Signy is captured by the Vikings. With her family dead, Oddny is determined to do anything to find her sister.  Gunnhild over these many years, has learned from her seer, how to use her witch magic and powers.  She and her mentor seer, try to fight off three other witches; knowing how powerful these others are.  Gunnhild and Oddny eventually find each other, and together they are committed to find out why this attack happened, and to rescue Signy. 

Gunnhild makes arrangements to go home, offering her services as a witch, protecting King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway. At first Eirik is not enamored with Gunnhild, until he sees she maybe able to help to him. I did enjoy the snarky relationship between Gunnhild and Eirik; as neither one of them liked each other. Time will change things for both Gunnhild and Eirik, as well as Oddny and Halldor. What I loved the most was the wonderful powers that proved women are capable of fighting this war; especially with their magic, powers, and strong bond between them.

What follows is an exciting, intense, emotional, non-stop action in the last half of the book, which had me unable to put the book down. The Weaver and the Witch Queen was a gripping, intensive, adventurous and fascinating mythology; so very well written by Genevieve Gornichec.  This was a fantastic read, and I loved the epilogue.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to wholly read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

Share

Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
18

Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? 
 
Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton . She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.

The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.

Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.

 

 

 

Review:

Remember Me by Mary Balogh is the 2nd book in her Ravenswood series. I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Remember Me focuses on Lady Philippa Ware, sister to Devlin (previous book hero), now the Earl of Stratton; and Lucas Arden, the Marquess of Roath and heir to the Duke of Wilby. 

Philippa, being the eldest daughter, looked forward to her debut, but after her father’s scandal, as well as hearing a nasty insult from the handsome Marquess of Roath (Lucas), she decided she would not go to London.  A few years later, she finds the courage to attend the ball and meet the ton; and becomes an instant success, with many suitors enamored by her.  Philippa also develops a close friendship with Jenny, the granddaughter of the Duke of Wilby; determined to avoid the Marquess, as she has never forgotten his insult.  At dinner, with members of the Wilby and Dare family, she ends up sitting next to Lucas, and decides to whisper ‘Remember me’. Looking at Philippa, Lucas tries to remember her; but then realizes a terrible comment he made a few years ago to a friend, and did not know she overheard the insult. Lucas apologizes to Philippa, realizing those hurtful words he uttered then, was not the man he is today; however, she goes out of her way to not spend any time with him.  Lucas will visit Philippa at her home, to make amends, and he explains where that nasty comment came from; she learns the truths about the scandal.

Pippa and Luc found it hard to stay away from one another, especially with his grandfather pressuring him that Philippa was the right woman for him; with his grandfather helping him find a way to woo her.  Luc finds himself fully attracted to Pippa, and they end up attending many events, with both families and friends. Pippa finds herself becoming very close to Jenny, and the entire Wilby family; especially the autocratic duke and duchess; who are determined that she is the perfect wife for Lucas.

It was wonderful to see them find their way to a possible love; when the Duke falls sick, Philippa agrees to accept the marriage proposal to Lucas. I really loved them together, especially after Lucas explained what happened four years ago.   

Remember Me was another great addition to this new series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Philippa and Lucas, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together.  I loved the both the Ware family members, especially Stephanie, Pippa, Ben, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many members of the Wilby family. Remember Me was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of REMEMBER ME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Mary Balogh on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from June 20th to June 24th, 2023

 

 

 

 

Share

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

 

Description:
New York City, 1956: Nineteen-year-old Marion is over the moon to have been selected to be one of the Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall’s glamorous precision-dancing troupe. It’s an honor to perform in the world’s most spectacular theater, an art deco masterpiece. But with four shows a day as well as grueling rehearsals, not to mention exacting standards of perfection to live up to, Marion quickly realizes that the life of a Rockette has both extraordinary highs and devastating lows.

Then one night a bomb explodes in the theater. It’s only the latest in a string of explosions around the city orchestrated by a person the press has nicknamed the “Big Apple Bomber.” They have been terrorizing the citizens of New York for sixteen years by planting bombs in popular, crowded spaces. With the public in an uproar over the lack of any real leads after a yearslong manhunt, the police, at Marion’s urging, turn in desperation to a radical new technique: psychological profiling.

As Marion finds herself pulled deeper into the investigation, she realizes that as much as she’s been training herself to blend in—performing in perfect unison with all the other identical Rockettes—if she hopes to catch the bomber, she’ll need to stand out and take a terrifying risk. But she may be forced to sacrifice everything she’s worked for, as well as the people she loves the most.

 

 

Review:

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis is a wonderful standalone novel, which centers on Radio City Music Hall and the 1950’s Rocketts. In 1956, Marion (our heroine), lives with her father and sister in Westchester, and has just been fired from her job as a dance teacher.  She finds an advertisement to audition for the Rocketts, and is offered a job; but her father disapproves, as well as her fiancée, but Marion is determined to live her own life, and defies her father’s wishes.

Marion meets Bunny, who is a regular member of the Rocketts, and quickly they become friends.  Bunny brings her to a boarding house for Rocketts and Actresses, where she can get a room, allowing her to be able to support herself working at Radio City Music Hall. Marion is happy meeting new people, living an exciting life, and learning to be wonderful dancer, knowing this is where she belongs. Though the work is grueling, with four shows a day and one week off a month, Marion is enjoying her life. She is sad that her father continues to ignore her and Nathaniel tries to convince her to quit, but she manages to convince her sister to see her perform. Bunny drags Marion to a local restaurant to meet her boyfriend, and his friend, Peter; who Marion finds very shy; later in the story, Peter will play a large part of the story with Marion.

One night, a bomb explodes in the theater, which is said to be the Big Apple Bomber (actually true story, with villain called in real life, Mad Bomber), who has terrorized New York for 16 years, with no clue who he is.   The bomb hit close to home, and Marion tells the police what he looked like, and she becomes very invested to find the bomber.  She enlists her friend Peter, who is a psychiatric doctor at Creedmore Psychiatric Institute to help; with little support from the police; though Peter tries to explain the type of murderer who kills for revenge, using psychological profiling.  Marion will find herself to be the target of the bomber, who reflects back to her father’s company.  To say too much more will be spoilers, and this is a fantastic story line that should be read from start to finish.

The Spectacular was a fascinating read, with so much going on, such as history, mystery, family drama, Rocketts dancing and danger. I loved all the dancers, the performances, and the friends in Marion’s life; very enjoyable.  Fiona Davis excels in her research, always giving us plenty of history.  The Spectacular was so very well written by Fiona Davis.  I wholly recommend that you read this book, as it is a do not miss.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

Share

Ruin (Kindred: The Fated 2) by Donna Grant-a review

Posted on by
13

RUIN (Kindred: The Fated 2) by Donna Grant -a review

 

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2, 2023

Love…against all odds.

Banished by his father and laird, Rory Sutherland does what he swore he’d never do—return to Scotland. But a dangerous threat has risen, and it’s turned its gaze to his beloved home. He risks everything to find the witch who can stop the growing menace. Asa’s power and beauty excites him. Her allure seduces him. She’s his match in every way. And nothing will ever be the same after being touched by her magic.

For Asa, being a witch has been a blessing and a curse. For every good thing in her life, the tragedy that follows has been crushing. She’s rudderless, adrift without a plan. Until a dark, sexy Highlander crosses her path with a dire warning. She’s being hunted by a dark force that intends to use her powerful bloodline. Bound to Rory by their quest and Fate, a passion ignites that consumes them. Against all odds they found each other, but they need to survive the coming war…or be ruined.

••••••••

REVIEW: RUIN is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult KINDRED: THE FATED erotic, historical, paranormal / fantasy romance series set in the author’s World of the Kindred. This is Norse witch Asa, and Highlander Rory Sutherland. RUIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Rory and Asa) RUIN follows the building romance and relationship between Norse witch Asa, and Highlander Rory Sutherland. Norse witch Asa left her homeland of Norway seven years earlier in the search for something more, a search that took her to Scotland where she would find a family, a family that The Coven would destroy. Hoping someday to return to Norway to find her younger sister Lissa, Asa would come upon an injured Highlander, sent to warn Asa about an impending war. Viking Hosvir Ivarsson, and a powerful witch hunt for the bones of the first witch, and Asa is a direct descendant of the witch in question. With Rory by her side, and the help of another powerful witch and warlock, Asa would face down the danger, a danger too familiar to our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship and quick proclamation of love between Asa and Rory, and the potential fall-out as Rory is severely injured trying to protect the woman he loves.

The relationship between Rory and Asa is predicated on a warning. Asa’s sister Lissa has sent Rory to warn our heroine about the witch and men coming to claim our story line heroine. Rory is determined to protect Asa with his life, a life he is willing to sacrifice for the woman he loves. Asa is a powerful healer, and is gifted with the ability to speak to animals but never expected to fall for the injured Highlander.Something about Rory drew Asa like a moth to a flame, a flame that could easily be doused with the swing of a sword. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited. We are introduced to Armir, Jarin and Helena, Elin (Rage 1), as well as Hosvir Ivarsson, and his witch Dagny. The requisite evil has many faces.

RUIN is a quick read; a fast paced story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and greed, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is swift and seductive; the characters are powerful and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RAGE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

Share