Tag Archives: The Shields

A Warrior’s Heart (The Shields #5) by Donna Grant-a review

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A WARRIOR’S HEART (The Shields #5) by Donna Grant-a review

A Warrior's Heart

Order Links:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Released January 2013

There are those who would love to rid themselves of painful memories, to forget nasty pasts and mistakes. They say its hell to live with those memories. I say its hell to live without them. I have no memories of my past, my friends or family.

I owe my life to the Fae who discovered me bleeding and nearly dead at their doorway. They saved me and offered me a new life, regardless of my past. So I’ve served the Fae and the Shields since that day. My special knowledge of herbs and healing has been needed to save the Shields countless times. They are my brethren, my family, yet I am alone.

No matter where I search or what questions I ask, I discover nothing to open a doorway in my mind of locked memories. Until I catch a glimpse of a woman who seems as familiar to me as breathing.

Gabriel the Hollow

**************

REVIEW: A WARRIOR’S HEART is the fifth and final instalment in Donna Grant’s The Shield series. The Shield series focuses on a group of ancient warriors, all from different realms and times, hoping to rid the world of The Great Evil. With the help of the Fae, the Shields must locate and gather the Chosen. It is said the Chosen were sent as infants to other realms, to protect them from the evil. And along the way, the five Chosen will meet up with the Shields and their power will bring an end to The Great Evil’s reign. Each warrior had hidden a painful and terrible past only to be confronted with the reality that some things are not as they appear.

Gabriel is the last of the Shields to find his mate, but Gabriel’s past is a mystery. Found near death years before, Gabriel is nursed back to health by the Fae, only to discover his memories are gone and the little that he does remember, are of blood, death and betrayal. But a stranger will arrive at the Castle that tugs at Gabriel’s heart and for some reason she is eerily familiar to the warrior. When his memories finally return, Gabriel knows that his past has finally caught up with him, and retribution and revenge are only a few of the things on her mind.

A WARRIOR’S HEART is a well written, fast paced conclusion to The Shields by Donna Grant. Donna brings together a world of warriors and fae, shapeshifters and demons, omnipotent powers and immortal beings. She mixes a little of the Scottish Highlander with the fantasy of otherworldly beings and pulls the reader into a maelstrom of the power of love. If you like a little bit of fantasy with your Highland warrior The Shield series by Donna Grant is the perfect read.

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Forbidden Temptation (The Shields #4) by Donna Grant-a review

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A FORBIDDEN TEMPTATION (The Shields #4) by Donna Grant-a review

A Forbidden Temptation

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Released December 2012

As one of the youngest men ever to have the title of general in ancient Rome’s great army, fame and fortune were my bedmates. I was chosen by the Fae for my mastery of any weapon.

Though the Shields like to claim they are stronger because of my skills, I know I am only alive today because the Fae found me before my demons could put an end to my life. Adventure and danger have always ruled my life, and I thrive on the thrill of the hunt. I am loyal to the Shields, willing to give my life to follow Hugh and the others to fulfill their oaths to save the world.

Who would have known following such great men would lead me to Nicole.

She is everything I have ever wanted in a woman and more. She is innocent and pure and beautiful of face and spirit. And she deserves better than me. Yet, every time I think of her in the arms of another man I find that I cannot let her go. For better or worse, Nicole has bound herself to me. I just pray that the demons loosen their hold before the past catches up with me and repeats itself.

Valentinus Romulus

***********

REVIEW: I had not read any of the previous storylines in Donna Grant’s Shields series and yet I did not feel that I was lost. Although there was mention of and, appearances by the characters from the first three stories, the storyline could have been read as a stand-alone. I did go back to read the synopsis for each of the previous storylines.

The premise that surrounds the series follows a group of ancient warriors, who with the help of the Fae, are tracking down and reuniting the remaining Chosen females that have been sent from another time and place. With each encounter and time travel, the Shields, as the group of men call themselves, must fight the Great Evil in various forms including gargoyles, harpies, and a Gryphon who is reluctant to end the life of the woman he has been commanded to destroy.

Valentinus (Val) is our hero in A Forbidden Temptation (The Shields #4) who discovers that the woman they have rescued is one of the Chosen and his attraction to the female is immediate. But Val hides a painful past and he hopes to never re-experience the loss of loved ones due to his own demonic passions and lustful ways. To keep Nicole safe, Val vows to keep his distance. But when left alone Val will discover that his feelings for Nicole go beyond guardian and charge. And once again, the past will catch up with him when magic is used to tempt Val to his previous ways.

Nicole wants Val and it is Gabriel who sees that Val is making a mistake with his refusal to admit his attraction to Nicole. But with Gabriel’s help, both Nicole and Val will finally succumb to their desires leaving Val with feelings shame and guilt.

Gabriel is another one of the Shields and there are plenty of hints about Gabriel’s true identity. Gabriel does not know anything about his past including his heritage and family history, but there are several references to a connection that involves Gabriel and the Dark Evil. Gabriel was found by the Fae; he had no identity and could not remember what had happened. Gabriel’s story is next in the series- A WARRIOR’S HEART-to be released in January 2013.

A FORBIDDEN TEMPTATION is an historical fantasy romance. Donna brings together the heroes from the previous storylines to give a cohesive feel to the series, but again, this particular storyline can be read as a stand-alone without any feelings of a disjointed plotline. A Forbidden Temptation is a welcome addition to the Shields series by Donna Grant. Donna has an amazing gift for telling a story.

Copy supplied by publicist.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Donna Grant-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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Donna Grant-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

donna_grant_new
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels and novellas spanning multiple genres of romance.

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.

Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.

Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as Druids Glen, The Shields, Royal Chronicles, Sisters of Magic, Dark Sword, Dark Warriors, and her new series, Dark Kings.

Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, four cats, three fish, and one long haired Chihuahua. She’s blessed with a proud, supportive husband who loves to read and travel as much as she does.

FOLLOW Donna Grant: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Interview-Purple

TRC: Hi Donna and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of your new ROYAL CHRONICLES series-four books releasing over a four-week
period. It is a busy time for you.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Donna: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Warriors, features a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.

TRC: Your bio states that you love to travel-where has been you favorite place to travel? If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Donna: My favorite places have been Scotland and Maui. I’m heading back to Scotland this summer, but I’d also love to see England, Ireland, France, Greece and sail the Mediterranean sea. Then there’s the Bahamas, Bora Bora, the Virgin Islands (all of them!), and so many more places!

TRC: Many authors face challenges in writing or getting their books to publication. What are some of the difficulties your have faced in your writing career?

Donna: When I first began submitting to agents, they liked my writing, just not *what* I was writing – historical paranormal. They kept saying it was a tough sale. But I didn’t give up and found an agent who loved my writing (which was the difference) and who eagerly submitted my work.

TRC: The ROYAL CHRONICLES is your new series with the first storyline released February 18, 2013. What is the premise behind the series?

Donna: My very first publisher was an ebook publisher and they asked me if I’d be interested in submitting something for an anthology. I’d never written a novella before, but I gave it a shot. Half way through PRINCE OF DESIRE and I knew I wanted to turn this one little novella into a four novella series.

Since I love Scotland and I love fantasy, I combined both. There are many legends and myths in Scotland, so it was easy to image the Fae could magically hide a kingdom where four brothers must leave to find their mates and return with them before an allotted time or the kingdom would vanish forever.

One of my favorite movies is Brigadoon, which is part of the inspiration for the series.

TRC: Would you please give us a little background information of each of THE ROYAL CHRONICLES storylines set to release in the next few weeks?

The Royal Chronicles

Donna:

PRINCE OF DESIRE (Feb 18, 2013) Lucian’s story. He’s the second oldest, and lets desire rule his choices
.99 cents each at :  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Click HERE for our review of Prince of Desire and Prince of Seduction

PRINCE OF SEDUCTION (Feb 25, 2013) Elric’s book where he must not only use his skills of seduction, but follow his heart as well.
.99 cents at : Amazon

PRINCE OF LOVE (Mar 4, 2013) Sorin, the youngest prince, defies everything in order to win his mate

PRINCE OF PASSION (Mar 11, 2013) Keiran, the heir to the throne, discovers his fate and what sacrifice means when he follows passion.

 

Dragonfyre

 

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the Royal Chronicles series?

 

Donna: Just the four, however, you’ll see a certain Fae named Aimery in the books who also shows up in the Druids Glen and Shield series. Aimery also has his own book – DRAGONFYRE

 

 **************

THE SHIELDS
Our Fate is in their hands. Earth is about to be annihilated by creatures spoken of only in myths and legends. The fabled race of the Fae have gathered together a group of warriors highly skilled and trained to defeat these creatures. These men come from different times and realms, giving their lives if necessary, to end the destruction of our world.

The Shields

A Dark Guardian: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO
A Kind of Magic: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO
A Dark Seduction: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO
A Forbidden Temptation: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO
A Warrior’s Heart:   Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

*************
DARK WARRIORS: MIDNIGHT’S KISS novellas
The Dark Warriors series is a continuation of the Dark Sword series and connected to the Dark Kings series.

Dark Warriors

Midnight’s Kiss #1: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Midnight’s Kiss #2: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Midnight’s Kiss #3: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Midnight’s Kiss #4: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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TRC: MIDNIGHT’S KISS is the fifth storyline (June 2013 release) in your Dark Warriors series. This is Veronica and Arran’s story. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Donna: I fought against Ronnie’s career because I’d just spent an untold amount of time researching and learning all there was about caving for NIGHT’S AWAKENING (Dark King series) and didn’t want to try and learn archeology, but Ronnie was adamant. She had to be an archeologist, so once more I was trying to learn all I could through the internet, books, calling universities and such. It turned out to be a lot of fun, especially since Ronnie’s career plays such a huge role in the book partly because she’s a Druid and uses her magic to find ancient relics. But she digs up more than broken pottery.

Arran wants to go on this mission alone, and its a good thing too since his attraction to Ronnie is instant and overwhelming, but while they fight the inevitable, an unseen foe is getting ready to make his move, threatening everything and everyone Arran holds dear.

TRC: What plans do you have for the DARK KINGS series? A few of your sexy dragons need a storyline!!

Dark Kings

Click HERE for our reviews of the DARK KINGS series by Donna Grant

Darks Kings ebook are available for .99cents each at these ebook retailers:
Dark Craving: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO
Night’s Awakening: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO
Dawn’s Desire:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Donna: Oh, there will definitely be more DK! The novellas will be combined into a print version, and then the first full-length DK books will release in 2014. But for all those Dragon King lovers out there, be advised that they play a “major” role in the last three DW books! Some morsels of information, clues, and hints will be sprinkled throughout Charon, Phelan, and Malcolm’s books.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with family and friends or, other authors. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

Donna: My husband, though my kids love to get in on the action. My editor is amazing when it comes to that as well. I also turn to my pal and fellow author Lisa Renee Jones who never fails to come up with something if I’m stuck.

TRC: What five things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Donna:
Mark off more places I’d like to visit on my travel list
Be #1 on the NY Times list
Move to Scotland or Maui
Learn to speak French and Italian fluently
Drive the Autobahn in Germany

TRC: You have nine books scheduled for release in 2013. How do you find the time to relax? Then again, what do you do to relax?

Donna: lol. Relax? What’s that? Seriously, my weekends are for my family, so I don’t work on the weekends. All the books releasing in 2013 were written the year before or even longer than that. This year, I’m writing books releasing in 2014 and promoting all the releases for 2013. It gets confusing. lol

I love to interact with my readers, and FaceBook is my place of choice. I also have an amazing group of over 300 members in my street team worldwide who I like to chat with.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Donna: I’m putting the finishing touches on a historical series that’s being pitched to editors while also writing the synopsis for the first fill length Dark King book to give to my editor. Then its back to finishing Malcolm’s story, the final Dark Warrior book, but don’t worry, the Warriors will play roles in the Dark Kings books.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Donna: Be sure to stop by FB and like my page. I’m always doing contests and posting excerpts for upcoming books!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Italian

Favorite Dessert: Cheescake (plain)

Favorite TV Show: Spartacus

Favorite Movie: Love Actually

Last Movie You Saw: The Hobbit

Dark or Milk Chocolate: neither – I’m allergic

Last Vacation Destination: Maui

Favorite Flower: Tulips

Do you have any pets? 4 cats and a long-haired Chihuahua

TRC: Thank you Donna for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release. We wish you all the best in your writing career.

Donna: Thanks so much!

Giveaway-Purple:Black

Donna is offering a SIGNED PRINT COPY of MIDNIGHT’S WARRIOR to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or one of the social log-ins.

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

3. Giveaway open Internationally.

4. Giveaway runs from February 25-28, 2013

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