Still of the Night (Skye Druids 5) by Donna Grant-review

💙Still of the Night (Skye Druids 5) by Donna Grant-review💙

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September

Forest child they call me. It is within the woods that I find solace and feel the magic of my ancestors. For I am a Druid. One who can trace her roots from the very first to call the Isle of Skye home.

The isle draws many to its magical shores. It drew him. Imposing, bold, and handsome. We fell hard and fast that summer. Then he left with the tide to the city.

I learned to live with the cracks and fissures on my pieced-together heart, the scars only I can feel.

Until the day he walks back into my life asking for a second chance. I yearn to give it to him. How can I not? He’s the only one I’ve ever loved.

The only one I will ever love.

But there is a darkness growing on the isle—a treacherous evil that has targeted him. I’ve lost him once.

I won’t lose him again.

A Druid with a secret past. A man looking for a second chance.

•••••

REVIEW:STILL OF THE NIGHT is the fifth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal, fantasy romance series -a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druid Ariah, and attorney Killian Flanaghan’s story line. STILL OF THE NIGHT should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading the series in order, as well as DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command)appear as secondary characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Ariah and Killian STILL OF THE NIGHT follows several paths including the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately ten years earlier, Ariah and Killian were sweethearts but Killian’s family had plans for his future, and Ariah refused to leave the Isle of Skye. Fast forward to present day, Killian returns to Skye in search of the woman he has always loved but someone is targeting our story line hero, and Ariah must come to terms what is happening and why. A bombing, a dark and evil entity, a car accident, and an abduction find Killian struggling to survive but Killian is human, and begins to question the happenings and the people on the Isle of Skye.

The world building is complex and intricate focusing on the shadow, an evil entity that is taking aim at the Druids of Skye. There is more than one person on the hunt for power, and some believe the ancients are directing the fight for control.

The relationship between Ariah and Killian is once of second chances; a rekindling romance in the face of Killian’s need to reconnect but Ariah is no longer the woman Killian once knew, and in this, Killian is about to come face to face with magic, mayhem, murder and mists. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Druids, Reapers, Esther The TruthSeeker and Henry the JusticeBringer, Elodie and Scott, Edie and Trevor; Rhona and Balladyn; Mason, Krisi, and Callum. The requisite evil has many faces.

STILL OF THE NIGHT is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and madness, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is detailed, intriguing and multi-layered; the romance is provocative; the characters are powerful, determined and dynamic.

 

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Iron Ember
Shoulder the Skye
Heart of Glass
Endless Skye

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 |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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ENDLESS SKYE (Skye Druids 4) by Donna Grant-review

💜ENDLESS SKYE (Skye Druids 4) by Donna Grant-review💜

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

Passion comes with a price…

For Willa Ryan, family is everything. So, when her brother asks her to locate a book of unparalleled power, she doesn’t hesitate. Except she does more than find it. She attempts to steal it, and in the process, ends up running for her life—straight into the arms of a man waiting to rescue her. Jasper is unlike anyone she’s ever met, and she’s helpless to resist the undeniable passion between them. But desire always comes at a cost.

Jasper McCabe is a master of disguise and deception, and he uses both ruthlessly. Yet nothing can prepare him when he comes face-to-face with the breathtaking women he’s supposed to use for his ruse. Every instinct screams for him to run as far from Willa as he can. But there’s no escape from the captivating Druid and the feelings she awakens. With his darkest enemies closing in, Jasper is forced to choose with his heart, or lose the woman who is his one chance at salvation.

••••••••

REVIEW: ENDLESS SKYE is the fourth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal / fantasy romance series -a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druids Willa Ryan, and Jasper McCabe’s story line. Willa Ryan is Scott’s sister (Iron Ember #1). ENDLESS SKYE should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading the series in order, as well as DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) and some of the original Dragon Kings (Nikolai) and Reaper characters appear as secondary and supporting characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Willa and Jasper ENDLESS SKYE follows Willa Ryan, on the run, from a powerful group taking aim at the Druids. Along with her father, Willa planned their escape but Willa was attacked, and barely made it to the Isle of Skye where she will meet fellow Druids Jasper McCabe, a man with a special ability that may save them all but Jasper has a secret that is about to be exposed, threatening the lives of the Druids on the Isle of Skye. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jasper and Willa, and the potential fall-out when the truth about Jasper is revealed, and our couple are targeted by someone determined to destroy them all.

The world building is complex and detailed as the killing mist is but the least of their worries. Unable to determined to origins of the mist, the Druids on the Isle of Skye are facing two more adversaries that have targeted anyone with magic and power, and there may be a traitor in the mix.

The relationship between Jasper and Willa begins as a lie. Jasper is not whom he proclaims himself to be, and his sudden appearance on the Isle of Skye is questioned, especially in the face of his quick seduction of our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Like the other instalments, there is large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters from Donna Grant’s numerous interconnected series including Druids, Reapers, Dragons and Fae: the TruthSeeker Esther and her mate Nikolai (Heat/Dark Kings 12); Elodie and Scott, Edie and Trevor; Rhona and Ballady; Mason, Krisi, and Callum. The requisite evil has many faces.

ENDLESS SKYE is a comprehensive and intricate story of madness and obsession, power and control, secrets and lies, forgiveness and love that follows several intersecting paths and developing stories. The premise is thrilling and suspenseful; the romance is seductive but predicated upon a lie; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Iron Ember
Shoulder the Skye
Heart of Glass

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 |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Heart of Glass (Skye Druids 3) by Donna Grant-review & excerpt

Heart of Glass (Skye Druids 3) by Donna Grant-review & excerpt

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023

A desire that won’t be denied.

Ferne Crawford is a Seer with unique abilities that set her apart from other Druids. She once ignored her magic with tragic results. So, when she’s bombarded with visions of a great evil that call her to a place she’s been warned never to go, she’s powerless to resist. Her life takes a drastic turn the moment she arrives on Skye and encounters a handsome, valiant stranger. Theo makes her ache for his touch. Their meeting stirs an explosive passion, awakening a yearning that only he can satisfy. However, there’s more than the malice which brought her to the isle that intends her harm.

Detective Inspector Theo Frasier carries the weight of the isle and his people on his shoulders. With more Druid murders and no leads on who’s controlling the killing mist, he’s beginning to feel the strain. The last thing he needs is anything—or anyone—distracting him. But once he meets Ferne, he can’t get her out of his head. Or his heart. She fills his every thought, day and night. His need for her consumes him, pushing everything else aside. But will his love be enough to save them from the growing threat?

••••••

REVIEW:HEART OF GLASS is the third instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal/fantasy romance series-a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druids Detective Inspector Theo Frasier, and Ferne Crawford’s story line. HEART OF GLASS should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading the series in order, as well as DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) and some of the original Dragon Kings (Nikolai) and Reaper characters appear as secondary and supporting characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.

Told from third person perspective HEART OF GLASS continues to focus on the mist that is slowly killing the Druids on the Isle of Skye. Ferne Crawford is a London Druid but something or someone is calling Ferne to Skye. Years earlier, the Druids separated, and those in opposition left for London, vowing never to return to the Isle of Skye. Ferne’s need to leave is met with resistance from her brother Mason, and in its’ wake, Ferne learns she is on her own. Meeting Detective Inspector Theo Frasier pulls Ferne into a world she knew nothing about, a world of dragons and Reapers, and a mist that is calling our heroine for help. As Ferne and the Skye Druids work together to stop the person in charge, someone else is controlling the mist behind the scenes. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Ferne and Theo, and the potential fall-out as Ferne is caught between realms in an effort to help the people with whom she is falling in love.

The world building continues to focus on stopping the mist that is threatening and killing the Druids on the Isle of Skye. Someone is seeking vengeance against the Druids, someone is controlling the mist, and someone else is about to pay the price.

The relationship between Theo and Ferne is one of immediate attraction. Ferne’s arrival on Skye piques Theo’s interest, strengthens his magic, and pulls our couple towards their destiny. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom cross over from the author’s numerous interconnected series including Druids, Reapers and Dragons. We are reintroduced to the TruthSeeker Esther and her mate Nikolai (Heat/Dark Kings 12); Elodie and Scott, Edie and Trevor; Rhona and Balladyn, as well as the Knights: Sabryn, Carlyle, and Finn, as well as the introduction of Ferne’s brother Mason, and well as Druids Kirsi, and Callum.

HEART OF GLASS is another multi-layered story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, following several plot lines, several building stories, and possible relationships deceptions. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is seductive yet subtle; the characters are energetic, captivating and powerful.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Iron Ember
Shoulder the Skye

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

After her parents and the London Druids told Ferne relentlessly never to set foot on the Isle of Skye, and that the Druids who called the isle home were not to be trusted, she ignored them all to follow an instinct she continued to question.
The closer she got to Skye, the more her stomach churned. She could turn back. She had yet to reach the isle. Sure, her brother knew where she was going, but Mason would accept if she returned before going farther. Yet she didn’t turn her car around. She kept driving.
The bridge that connected mainland Scotland to the Isle of Skye came into view. There was still time. All she had to do was pull over and turn around to head back to England and Mason. Generations of Druids knew never to come to Skye. It meant immediate banishment by family, though Mason would never do that to her. He supported her. Always. Still, she felt a gnawing uncertainty that made her want to retch.
“Last chance,” she whispered as she came upon the bridge.
Her foot lifted from the accelerator, but she kept driving. Her heart slammed erratically against her ribs when she reached the top of the structure, and then she was on the descent. Before she knew it, her tires rolled onto the Isle of Skye.
She shook so badly she thought she would have to pull off the road, but as quickly as the shaking had begun, it slowed and then stopped altogether when she was on Skye. Ferne’s gaze swept around her, taking in the shops, houses, cars, and people, not to mention the unimaginable beauty everywhere. The navigation system directed her toward the cottage she had rented, but she ignored it and just drove. She wasn’t supposed to be here. Not only because it had been ingrained in her from her earliest memories but because there was a really good chance the Skye Druids would force her out as soon as they learned who she was. Ferne would take whatever time she had to see Skye while she could.


 

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

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SHOULDER THE SKYE (Skye Druids 2) by Donna Grant-Review & Excerpt

SHOULDER THE SKYE (Skye Druids 2) by Donna Grant-Review and Excerpt

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2023

Passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

Bronwyn Stewart knows heartache. Death and danger have haunted her every step, but she’s prepared for what’s hunting her. Or as prepared as she can be. There’s only one outcome—and she’s ready for it. But a wickedly handsome Druid from her past returns and refuses to let her face the oncoming battle alone. He stirs something long buried within her. For the first time in years, a spark ignites within her that soon turns into a blaze that can’t be extinguished.

Forced to leave his beloved isle years ago to protect his family, Elias MacLean fears he’ll never see his home again. But Fate has other ideas. When a mission leads him back to Skye to investigate a rash of Druid murders, he finds another mystery to unravel—that of a gorgeous, reclusive drough. With foes lurking around every corner and an undeniable hunger that grows with every kiss, Elias risks it all for the woman he’s fallen for. Together they unleash an all-consuming passion that won’t be denied.

•••••••

REVIEW:SHOULDER THE SKYE is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal/fantasy romance series-a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druids Elias MacLean, and drough Bronwyn Stewart’s story line. SHOULDER THE SKYE should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) and some of the original Dragon Kings and Reaper characters appear as secondary and supporting characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.

Told from third person perspective SHOULDER THE SKYE follows numerous interconnected and soon to be connected pathways as the Druids on the Isle of Skye search for the truth behind a magical and powerful mist that is targeting and killing their own. Elias MacLean is a member of a group known as the Knights but Elias has been accused of several murders, murder he knowns nothing about but Elias’ return to the Isle of Skye comes with the darkened memories of the past including the memory of a young woman bullied by the others at school. Bronwyn Stewart is a drough, a Druid who has turned to the dark side, a Druid who has been targeted for who she is, and what she knows, but a Druid who has been forced into a position from which she cannot escape. Protecting Bronwyn has become paramount in the eyes of Elias MacLean such that Elias is pulled into the world that is threatening to take down our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship between Bronwyn and Elias, as the danger to everyone is expanding and growing throughout the world.

Meanwhile, the death and destruction of the Druids is mounting, and no one is safe from the impending wrath. Someone is controlling the mist, the Droughs, the Druids, and amassing another group of Druid Others, such that their power and magic is pulled towards the Isle of Skye.

The relationship between Elias and Bronwyn begins by accident as Elias has claimed himself guardian and protector of a woman who has been targeted by a number of people.Elias himself has been accused of several murders around the world, and for his own protection, he has taken up residence with our story line heroine but Bronwyn is much more than she appears to be-her power and abilities are unlike anything Elias and the Knights have ever seen. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom cross over from the author’s numerous interconnected series including Druids, Reapers and Dragons. We are reintroduced to the TruthSeeker Esther and her mate Nikolai (Heat/Dark Kings 12); Elias’ siblings Elodie and Scott, Edie and Trevor; Rhona and Balladyn, as well as the Knights: Sabryn, Carlyle, and Finn, as well as Bronwyn’s sister Beth. The requisite evil has many faces.

SHOULDER THE SKYE is another complex, detailed and multi-layered story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and murder, magic and the supernatural. The premise is intricate and intriguing; the romance is seductive; the diverse characters are magical, powerful and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one IRON EMBER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Bronwyn hated when she had to make a trip into town. She parked and shut off the engine to the old SUV, but she didn’t get out. She watched the rain pelt the windshield until it completely distorted the outside world.
She felt like the glass. Bombarded. Flooded. Engulfed. She stared at the building before her. The only place within miles to get grocery items. It also doubled as a post office. The co-op didn’t have much of a variety but made up for it by stocking a little of everything.
Bronwyn drew in a deep breath as she steeled herself. Maybe she’d get lucky and there wouldn’t be many inside. The longer she waited, the more she tried to talk herself into coming back another time.
“For fuck’s sake. I’m an adult,” she mumbled and shoved open the vehicle door.
It creaked loudly, metal rubbing against metal. As soon as she stepped out, the rain drenched her. Bronwyn pulled up the hood to her raincoat and slammed the door closed. She walked toward the door, her Wellies splashing in the puddles.
A small bell chimed when she walked into the co-op. Almost immediately, her gaze landed on four people toward the back. They didn’t look her way, but they didn’t need to in order for her to recognize them. The fight or flight response wavered as she contemplated leaving. It was the sound of the cash register drawer closing that drew her attention. Her gaze met the pale green eyes of the cashier, Kirsi.
They had never been enemies, but Bronwyn wouldn’t call her a friend either. Kirsi thanked the customers who had just paid, but her eyes never left Bronwyn. No way Bronwyn was going to leave now. She shoved back the hood of her coat. She lifted her chin and grabbed a basket as she started down the aisle.
She pulled out her mobile phone and opened it to the list. Coming into town for necessities was always the worst days for Bronwyn. She was determined to buy enough that she wouldn’t have to come for at least a month. It made her contemplate having deliveries again, but that meant spending extra, and she was stretching money as far as she could at the moment.
The only way to make things better would be if she could disappear altogether. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. Well, it was, but she couldn’t do that quite yet. So, that left her right back in her current predicament. The despised errand day.
It wasn’t as if she particularly liked food. She’d be fine not eating, if it was an option. Sadly, it wasn’t. Food was there to keep her alive. Nothing more. Nothing less. She didn’t understand people who called themselves foodies. What even was that? She certainly didn’t understand those who loved to cook.
Bronwyn gathered the items she needed and moved to the next aisle. She inwardly berated herself for not paying attention to others and ending up on the aisle with the group she’d seen when she first entered. There was no escape either, because Sarah, the leader of the pack had caught sight of her.
“Well, well, well,” Sarah said as she put back the can she’d been looking at. “What do we have here?”
“A drowned rat,” Lizzie said with a snooty laugh.
Sarah grinned, her malicious intent clear. “A drowned rat indeed. Bronwyn, you look worse for wear. I mean, that hair. Really.”
Bronwyn felt her wet hair sticking to the sides of her damp face. She fought the urge not to reach up and shove it away. Sarah was a bully. Had been since they were children. And she hadn’t grown out of it in the years since. Nor had the others who ran around with her.
Bronwyn usually ignored the snippy comments. Normally, people left her alone for the most part. They were afraid of her. But not Sarah and her crowd. Bronwyn hated that people crossed the street to get away from her. Though, she could do without Sarah. Maybe it was time to put a little fear in her old frenemy.
The bell over the door dinged as someone entered the building. Bronwyn kept her gaze on Sarah as she closed the distance between them. The fear that flashed on Sarah’s face almost made Bronwyn smile. That was always the case when someone stood up to a bully.
“You have something to say about my hair?” Bronwyn asked her in a soft voice.
Sarah swallowed nervously and tried to back up, but the shelves and her friends blocked her way. “It’s…it’s wet.”
“Very perceptive.” Bronwyn looked her over slowly. “Perhaps I should say something about you. I know just the words.”
“No need.”
The fear that rolled off Sarah was palpable. Bronwyn held Sarah’s gaze as she muttered something unintelligible and walked away. When Bronwyn blew out a breath only to discover other customers staring at her. As soon as she met their gazes, they hurriedly looked away partly in fear and partly in disgust.
All but one person, that is.
The man stood on the next aisle watching her over the short shelves. He shoved his wet, dark blond hair away from his face. A thick lock fell back over his forehead. But it was his bright blue eyes that held her entranced, utterly enthralled. It felt as if he saw through all her defense straight to her soul—all her secrets laid bare.
He didn’t stare at her with contempt or quickly lower his eyes, hoping that she didn’t notice him. No, he looked at her. Unable to help herself, she studied him, noting the handsome face and square jaw dusted with a shadow of a beard that made him even more appealing. His eyes crinkled in the corners, and she realized that his lips had curved up in a smile. That’s when she noticed his mouth. Surely a man shouldn’t have such full lips, lips that made her think of his mouth against hers. Slow, wet kisses.
And deep, scorching, hungry kisses.
Her heart pounded, her breaths came faster, harsher, and her blood heated. Desire. Sizzling, brazen, beautiful desire.
It had been so long since she had experienced it. The dull memories of the past couldn’t compare to the spine-tingling intensity that found her now. She pulled her eyes from his mouth and found herself caught in his gaze again. It was a mistake, but even as she realized it, she couldn’t stop herself from drowning in the incredible blue shade.
Time paused. The world ceased. It was only her.
And him.

 

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

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Iron Ember (Skye Druids 1) by Donna Grant-review tour

Iron Ember (Skye Druids 1) by Donna Grant-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2022

Skye isn’t just an island. It’s a home. A refuge. But not to Elodie MacLean. Not anymore. Tragedy tore her world apart and then took the one thing she felt made her whole. She vowed she’d never return, but that’s exactly where she ends up. Now, surrounded by the ghosts of her past, Elodie must navigate her version of Hell and try to make peace with herself and her family. But someone or something doesn’t want her on Skye, and she finds herself attacked—and this time not by her personal demons.

Scott Ryan has a mission: uncover who has been killing Druids and why. When his quest takes him to the beautiful Isle of Skye, he doesn’t think anything could captivate him more than the land itself—until he lays eyes on the breathtaking and confident beauty his leader sent him to find. However, it’s clear that she has trust issues, and he can’t reveal his plans—at least, not yet. But he’s always been sure of his ability to sway a person, and she’s a challenge he’s more than happy to accept, especially when he finds he will do anything to protect her.

With so much history and so many secrets, victory is anything but guaranteed for the couple and their allies. And the forces at work, those who wish to rule the Scottish isle and all those who reside there, have a plan that nobody will see coming.

•••••••

REVIEW:: IRON EMBER is the first instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal/fantasy romance series-a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druids Elodie MacLean and Druid Scott Ryan’s story line. IRON EMBER should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current story line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) and some of the original Dark Warriors / Dark Sword characters appear as secondary and supporting characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.

Told from third person perspective IRON EMBER follows Elodie MacLean’s return to the Isle of Skye. Fifteen years earlier Elodie’s life spiralled out of control, and our heroine found herself acting out and misbehaving in a manner that labelled her persona non grata on the Isle of Skye. Having lived in Edinburgh for a number of years, her return to the Isle of Skye to face the demons from her past finds Elodie coming face to face with her future in the guise of Druid Scott Ryan but Scott has a secret, a secret that may push Elodie out of his life, a life that may no longer be under his control. Estranged from her family, Elodie struggles in the wake the loss of her magic, and the memory of what may or may not have happened. As the attacks against Elodie, and the Druids on the Isle of Skye increase, the past resurfaces revealing the truth about what happened and why. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Scott and Elodie, and the potential fall-out as Scott’s lies of omission threaten our heroine, and a predator demanding revenge focuses their energy of the Isle of Skye.

The relationship between Scott and Elodie begins when Scott, and his best friend Filip offer to help with repairs on Elodie MacLean’s family cottage. Remaining empty for close to fifteen years, the cottage is in disarray, having fallen behind in upkeep and love. As Scott and Elodie’s attraction to one another turns into something more, Elodie finds herself facing secrets, lies and betrayal at the hands of the man with whom she is falling in love, and the family with whom she is no longer close. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom cross over from the author’s numerous interconnected series including warriors, Druids, Reapers and Dragons. We are introduced to Scott’s friend Filip, their ‘mentor and leader’ Georgiana, as well as Elodie’s siblings Edie and Elias.

IRON EMBER is a detailed and complex story that continues to build upon the events of Dark Alpha’s Command. Balladyn’s mate Rhona is the new leader of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, having won by default in the face of deception and betrayal by the former people in charge. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is passionate and captivating; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Chapter OneShe was back.
It was the last place she wanted to be but the only place she had to run to.
Elodie threw open the curtains. Dust danced in the air, the sunlight catching it. She stared out the dirty window to the sea beyond. Skye. The home she’d proclaimed she would never leave because she loved it so fiercely.
It was also the place she had sworn to never return to.
And yet, here she was.
“Bloody hell,” she murmured as she turned her back to the window and looked over what remained of the furniture from her parents’ cottage.
Her gaze slid to the hearth where echoes of children’s laughter clung to the stones. Her mother had made the best hot cocoa. After playing for hours outside in the winter, Elodie, her elder sister, Edie, and her brother, Elias, would sit before the fire with steaming cups of cocoa and her grandmother’s strawberry scones.
Elodie squeezed her eyes shut. She wanted to hold onto the lighthearted memories, but the other ones were always on their heels—the ones that had altered all their lives, throwing them into chaos.
She blew out a breath and focused on the clutter and mess before her. The dust was so thick that she knew she would end up with respiratory problems for days if she didn’t take precautions. And it wasn’t as if she could use magic to prevent it.
Returning to Skye was like walking through one of Dante’s nine circles of Hell. Elodie didn’t know how she would survive being back on the island. If only she’d had somewhere else to go. Anywhere else. If she still believed, she would think Skye had interfered and brought her back.
“If that’s the case, then my magic wouldn’t be gone, now would it?”
It was hard not to be bitter and angry about her life. She owned her decisions, but she had been on a different path. Then, everything had imploded with the force of a nuclear explosion.
When she looked around after, everyone just went about their lives as if her family hadn’t been rocked to its core. As if she and her siblings hadn’t had their blinders ripped off with such force that it’d changed all three of them in one heartbeat—their innocence gone in the blink of an eye.
Corann had tried to help, but the old Druid hadn’t been able to reach any of them. And Elias had left. Elodie still hadn’t forgiven him for leaving her and Edie to navigate the churning waters of their society. Elodie might have been the youngest, but she was the one who’d ended up taking care of Edie. Her sister had the kind, gentle spirit of their mother. Elodie had lashed out and turned to drinking and drugs, but Edie had gone into herself.
Elodie walked through the main area of the cottage and past the kitchen to the hallway. Pictures of their family still hung on the walls. Snapshots of a happy life that had hidden the rot beneath. She stopped at one where Edie smiled brightly with a cake and lit candles before her. Maybe Elodie hadn’t been the one to take care of Edie. They had leaned on each other, clinging to one another and struggling to keep their heads above water. It was only because of her sister that Elodie hadn’t sunk too deeply into the hard life. She’d known she had to be there for Edie. And in the end, they’d kept each other afloat.
Until Elodie hadn’t been able to stay another minute on Skye.
Fifteen years. It seemed like a lifetime, but it was much too soon to be back. Nothing would keep her on Skye longer than necessary this time. Not her sister. Nothing. Skye had annihilated her family. It had destroyed her. How Edie could remain on the isle was a mystery. And Elias? All Elodie could hope for was that her brother had found some semblance of happiness. They all deserved it.
Elodie forced herself to walk to each room, but she couldn’t manage to go inside her parents’. She stood before the closed door as screams and shouts from that horrible day filled her head. Elodie backed away and turned on her heel. How in the world would she stay in the cottage? Sleep just feet from where it’d all happened.
“I can’t,” she stated with a shake of her head.
Elodie grabbed her purse and the single bag that held her measly belongings and started for the door. Then she remembered why she was on Skye.
“Fuck!” she yelled and fought the sudden urge to release the scream of frustration that welled up.
She wasn’t a crier, but everyone had their breaking point. She forced the tears back and dropped her bags. The only way to get on with her life was to take her sister’s offer. All Elodie had to do was clean up the cottage so they could sell it. It was a good deal. Elodie had the place to herself instead of sleeping on the sofa at Edie’s crowded house with her sister’s kids and husband. And all without having to pay any sort of rent.
Since Elodie was homeless and jobless and had less than two hundred pounds to her name, it really was a blessing. At least she’d thought that until she arrived on Skye. Even driving around the island had made her chest constrict. Her anxiety rose with every mile. Then she’d arrived at the cottage. It had taken Elodie half an hour to work up the courage to actually walk inside.
“Maybe I deserve this torture,” she said aloud. “I didn’t exactly live a good life.”
This was supposed to be her chance to start over. To travel the path she’d been on before she got derailed.
“Fine. Let’s do this.”
She opened the door, then went to all the windows and opened them despite the frigid temperatures and the threat of rain. The dust had to go somewhere, and the sooner she got it out of the house, the better. Elodie started in the bedroom she had once shared with her sister. She carefully folded the bed linens from each twin bed and dumped them outside. Thankfully, Edie had given her fresh sheets, pillows, and blankets.
Next, she found an old towel and used some cleaner to wipe down the walls and window, sweeping the cobwebs from the corners before vacuuming the carpet. Only then did she bring in her bag and purse.
Elodie wiped her face with her arm and made her way to the main area. Someone had placed sheets over the furniture. She slowly and carefully folded them, but there was so much dust that some still escaped. The pile joined the bed linens outside. On her way back inside, she smiled as she saw the dust wafting out the windows. Hopefully, most of it would land outside instead of back in the house.
The smallish living area didn’t take long to wipe down. The windows would take more than one cleaning. She didn’t want to touch the outside yet. That was a whole other matter entirely. Her first priority was to get the inside clean enough that she could locate any repairs that needed to be addressed. Only after she did that would she tackle the outside.
The old cottage was too quiet. Elodie pulled out her phone and put on her favorite playlist as she went back to cleaning. She kept moving, which helped to keep her warm. There was a brief shower, but she didn’t bother closing the windows. The house needed to be aired out to get rid of the musty smell. She suddenly froze, the hairs on the back of her neck lifting. Slowly, she straightened from scrubbing the bathroom counter and looked at the doorway. No one was there. At least no one she could see.
A chill raced down her spine. With the sponge still in her gloved hands, she walked into the hallway. She glanced at her parents’ room, then looked the other way. Elodie slowly made her way to the kitchen. Her gaze landed on a tall, gorgeous man with black and silver hair, standing next to a pretty female with red hair.
The man was a Fae. It seemed there was no escaping them anywhere, but they hadn’t been allowed on Skye in decades. At least as far as she knew. What was he doing back?
“Hi,” the woman said.
Elodie swung her gaze to the female. She looked close to Elodie’s age, and something about her seemed familiar.
“You don’t remember me, do you?” the woman asked with a smile.
Elodie shook her head. It was unnerving that people already knew she was on the isle. Worse that they remembered her when she had done everything to forget Skye and everyone on it. “I don’t.”
“You’ve been gone awhile. I’m Rhona.”
In an instant, Elodie remembered Rhona and her cousin, Sorcha. They used to come over occasionally. She had always liked both girls. Elodie glanced at the floor, slightly embarrassed for the harsh welcome she had given them. “Of course.”
Rhona looked at the man beside her, love shining in her eyes. “This is Balladyn.”
“A Fae,” Elodie said before she could stop herself.
Balladyn inclined his head of long hair. His eyes were silver, but she saw a ring of red around them. “Reaper, actually.” His voice had an Irish lilt.
Reaper. Elodie wasn’t sure what that meant.
“We wanted to welcome you back and see if you needed anything,” Rhona said.
Elodie shifted her feet nervously. Did they know she’d lost her magic? “That wasn’t necessary.”
“You’re one of us,” Rhona said with a soft look. “We look after our own.”
Resentment threatened to choke Elodie, and she had to remind herself that she shouldn’t direct her anger at Rhona. She hadn’t been any older than Elodie back then. Corann was a different matter. “Corann sent you?”
A frown moved over Rhona’s face so quickly that Elodie almost missed it. “We lost Corann. I’ve taken his place.”
“Oh.” Damn. She should’ve had Edie bring her up to date on things. Then again, Elodie hadn’t wanted to talk to any Druids, so she had made sure not to take an interest in anything. “Honestly, I won’t be here long. As soon as I get the place fixed up and sold, I’m leaving.”
Rhona’s green eyes narrowed slightly. “That’s a pity. We could use you.”
No one ever had use for her. Elodie glanced at Balladyn to see that the Reaper’s gaze hadn’t moved from her. It was unnerving to have him watch her in such a way, and yet she didn’t feel threatened. “It’s for the best.”
“Why don’t you come for tea later this week? We can catch up,” Rhona said.
Elodie’s plan to keep to herself was rapidly disintegrating. She liked Rhona—or at least the person she had once been. It wasn’t in Elodie’s nature to be outright rude, but Rhona would likely ask questions that Elodie wasn’t prepared to answer. And she was tired of lying. “I’m no–”
“Please don’t decline. Think it over.” Rhona smiled. “Please.”
Well, bugger it. “I’ll consider it.”
Rhona’s smile was huge. “Great. And if you need any help, we can get this place together quickly.”
The offer was so tempting that Elodie nearly took it. If they did, she could leave Skye that much quicker. However, if she agreed to Rhona’s offer, it would inevitably lead to those pesky questions she was intent on dodging. “Thanks, but I’ve already made good headway today.”
“At the very least, let me fix the leaking roof,” Balladyn said.
Her gaze snapped to him. The roof was leaking? She glanced around but didn’t hear any dripping. Then a drop landed on top of her head. This might be a bigger project than she’d thought. She faced him and forced her tight lips into a smile as her stomach churned with anxiety. “I would appreciate that.”
“It’s done,” he said with a bow of his head.
“Thank you.”
Rhona flashed another smile. “It’s good to have you back. I hope you’ll consider the tea.”
Elodie held her smile until the two of them suddenly disappeared. She blinked and frowned. Balladyn must have teleported them out. At least the leak was fixed. She looked up at the ceiling and spotted the water damage.
“I’m going to be here forever,” she grumbled. 


 

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.

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