Showing posts with label Highlanders. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready

I found this story fun, active and entertaining.

Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands)
by Gwyn Cready

File Size: 1119 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 3, 2015)
ASIN: B00NH1UK40

Genre: Time Travel, Highlander
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
From RITA winner Gwyn Cready comes a Scottish borderlands time travel romance perfect for fans of Outlander

For Duncan MacHarg, things just got real...
Battle reenactor and financier Duncan MacHarg thinks he has it made-until he lands in the middle of a real Clan Kerr battle and comes face to face with their beautiful, spirited leader. Out of time and out of place, Duncan must use every skill he can muster to earn his position among the clansmen and in the heart of the devastatingly intriguing woman to whom he must pledge his oath.

Abby needs a hero and she needs him now
When Abigail Ailich Kerr sees a handsome, mysterious stranger materialize in the midst of her clan's skirmish with the English, she's stunned to discover he's the strong arm she's been praying for. Instead of a tested fighter, the fierce young chieftess has been given a man with no measurable battle skills and a damnably distracting smile. And the only way to get rid of him is to turn him into a Scots warrior herself-one demanding and intimate lesson at a time.

Review:
Duncan is a handsome, modern day financier, He is accustomed to being successful in the boardroom and the bedroom. As he is participating in a SScottishbattle reenactment he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a real-life battle between Scottish Highlanders and the British. Duncan is trying to help a young boy under attack when he is hit by an arrow shot by a fierce young woman who is apparently the Scottish leader.

Abigail Kerr has her hands full as a reluctantly accepted chieftess of her clan. She has reached a rocky peace with the British and wants to get a loan to build a canal on the clan property, even while they struggle to pay the annual taxes. The favored solution is for her to marry her childhood friend, cousin and leader of a neighbor clan, Rosston Kerr. He is more than ready to bring his wealth and rule the clan as only a true Scotsman can. Abby is convinced that she doesn’t need to marry but she does need a strong arm to stand by her side as she leads. She is shocked to discover a strange foreigner who barely knows how to fight is to be that strong arm.

In only a matter of days (or was it more like hours) Abigail is kissing Duncan and tempting him. He’s not one to resist long and soon they are entangled in intimacies as well as the other material problems. He is convinced he can help her but he has a lot to learn of the times and ways. Undine, Abby’s potion brewing friend, is the one responsible for the magic that brought Duncan back in time. She explains that he must fulfill his purpose before he can return to his own time. He doesn’t have a choice even if he wanted to stay and even if the fulfillment of his mission results in Abby marrying his rival, Rosston.

I can appreciate the difficulties Abby faced as a female in a time when women were possessions, not leaders. She has to walk a fine line between independence and duty to her clan. I liked Duncan’s willingness to be what Abby needed and, even more, his willingness to accept her strengths. They both had flaws that contributed to conflicts. There was a goodly amount of sensual tension and involvement in a very short time.

I especially enjoyed the bit of mystery that simmered behind the clan difficulties. I also liked the interesting modern references and double entendres that were humorously blended with the past circumstances. I wanted to learn the solution to Serafina’s problem but that was a thread that was left loose for another story apparently. I definitely liked the time travel element which gave more interest beyond the highlander romance. All in all I found the story fun, active and entertaining.

I received this through Sourcebooks at NetGalley for an honest review.
I am counting it towards my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare, Winter COYER, and Alphabet Soup.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway: X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts

Enjoyable even though parts seemed familiar.
X Marks the Scot
by Victoria Roberts

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402270097
ISBN-13: 978-1402270093

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description:
Release date: February 5, 2013
"An exciting Highland adventure with sensual and compelling romance."—Amanda Forester, author of True Highland Spirit on Temptation in a Kilt

He was a Highland Rogue Wicked with a Bow and Just as Wicked with the Ladies.
Declan MacGregor hadn't a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and a willing woman...until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can't just abandon her to that vipers' nest without protection.
She Never Asked for a Bodyguard...
Liadain wasn't thrilled to be left in the care of her clan's archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows even sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust...

Review:
Liadain is the sister of a clan leader who was an enemy of the MacGregors and who has been killed for treason. She is at court waiting for the king to decide her fate. As a healer she is always quick to help others but whispers of witchcraft begin to place her life in danger.

Declan is a rascal and a lady’s man. He escorted Liadain to court and now feels responsible to remain and watch over her until a decision is made regarding her future. She is lovely but her independent nature and resistance to his obvious charms has him rankled.

While passing time, Declan is approached by several other men to participate in friendly games, particularly archery where his skills lie. The men talk and pose questions that could raise issues of treason. Declan dances a fine line away from the political and religious pitfalls that surround the court.

Liadain’s first love, who abandoned her without a word, suddenly appears at court with a very pregnant wife. Liadain is stricken to see Robert but can’t turn away when his lady wife needs assistance. The King throws a celebration to honor Robert and an archery contest, with a fine purse prize, is part of the festivities. But Robert whispers to the King who adds a greater prize for the winner – the forfeited lands of Liadain’s brother.

A twist of fate, through whispered hints, result in forcing Declan and Liadain to wed. Neither is pleased to be hastily pushed into marriage and anger, resentment, frustration and misunderstandings mar their mutual attraction. Liadain particular despairs of winning Declan’s heart.

When the King is nearly assassinated by a long distance arrow, Declan is the prime suspect. With the traitors using Declan as a pawn how can Liadain save the man she has come to love?

There is fun banter between Liadain and Declan but I had some difficulty with Declan’s character which is mercurial as he runs from playful and tender to angry and outright cruel. There are, somewhat usual, conflicts associated with insecure emotions from a forced marriage. The romance is written nicely with good tension. I enjoyed the intrigue in the traitors’ plots that adds some substance beyond the romance.

I think I am losing taste for highland stories. The story is enjoyable but I just didn’t find it special. Still, if you enjoy Highlander stories I think you would enjoy this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I felt Liadain’s frustration:

Living most of her existence with Archie, unnoticed and alone, had been difficult, but how cruel it was to have the second part of her life beginning very much the same. She and MacGregor had to find a way to reach a compromise. Page 116.

I received this title from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 8, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 9, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Book Review: Embrace the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney

If you like action packed paranormal and sexy Highlander warriors this book is one you should read!

Embrace the Highland Warrior
by Anita Clenney

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402251262
ISBN-13: 978-1402251269

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2011
When the powerful demon that left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes seeking retribution, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. Knowing she can't fight the demon alone, Shay returns to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her...the only man she's ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn't always what it seems. Sometimes it's far worse.

Review: This is full of action with estranged sweethearts and a dedicated hero.
Shay and Cody had been childhood best friends who grew closer as they matured. But when a teenage Shay learned that her past had been a lie she ran off feeling angry and betrayed. Cody didn’t reply to her efforts to contact him a few months later so she tried to move on with her life - alone.

Cody loved Shay first as a friend and later as something more. All his young life he and his family took steps to protect her while keeping secret that they were demon fighting warriors. It has been nine years since Shay ran away but now she is back. Cody knows that he will never get Shay out of his system and he doesn’t want to. He has to find a way to protect her and win her back.

Cody is joined by his brothers and other warriors as they gather to protect Shay from the demons who are chasing her. They think she has a special Book of Battles that has been found and stolen. As dark shadows and attacks mount up they discover there is another enemy. Apparently vampires are real and they are after Shay and the Book too. Electric locks and sophisticated technology should keep demons out but locks won’t keep out vampires and the warriors aren’t trained to kill them. As if these enemies weren’t enough there is a stalker and someone killing women who look like Shay.

This book jumps into action and doesn’t slow down till the last pages. There is hurt and angst as Shay and Cody try to work through their painful past and the misunderstandings that separated them. There is more betrayal and jealousy as the boyfriend Shay just broke up with shows up and turns out to be another warrior assigned to protect her. And there are more secrets to be revealed.

The story is a bit busy with action, emotion and love that finally gets to be expressed. I loved all the action and mystery and I liked that the romance was a primary part of the story but the lovemaking scenes were few and, although intense, they were not overly graphic. There is also humor with some uniquely wacky ‘relatives.’

There are a “clan” of other characters who took a bit of sorting out. As other warriors began appearing in the book I realized this is the second book in a series. These are warrior men and women who are there for each other. I really liked Bree and Faelen and will have to go back and read their story in Awaken the Highland Warrior. I hope there will be more stories to come soon!

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this fun read to review. Sourcebooks is giving away TWO books - see the Author Guest Post to comment for entry.
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Book Review: Highland Hero by Amanda Scott

This has sweet romance in a story rich with history and intrigue.
Highland Hero
By Amanda Scott

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446574309
ISBN-13: 978-0446574303

Genre: Historical Romance (heavy on historical)
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Series: Scottish Knights | Publication Date: October 1, 2011
LADY IN DISGUISE
Lady Marsi Cargill refuses to marry a man who wants her land rather than her love. To escape her arranged betrothal, she disguises her noble lineage and accompanies her young cousin--the future King of Scots--on a secret journey across the Highlands. Their guide is a mysterious knight known only as Hawk. Heat flares between the beautiful maid and the brooding warrior, but when Marsi's true identity is revealed, Hawk's desire gives way to fury...

KNIGHT AT THE READY
Summoned by the King to guard his son, Sir Ivor "Hawk" Mackintosh now has two royals to protect. This daring, willful woman has invaded Hawk's every thought, and laid siege to his heart. Soon the solitary soldier is yearning for a life with Marsi at his side and in his bed. But as their passion grows, so too does the danger surrounding them. Powerful enemies watch their every move, and to survive, Hawk and Marsi must fight for Scotland's future-as well as their own new-found love.

Review: Hawk is a surprising hero to a child and a damsel in distress.

Marsi is a character who grew on me. She is a Royal ward so it is not so surprising that she is rather spoiled and accustomed to her own way. The Queen has died leaving her week husband in command. The youngest son, eight year old James, will be sent away to keep him from the hands of Albany who seeks to control the Kingdom, through manipulation if not through murder. Marsi is James cousin and, to avoid an unwanted betrothal, she disguises herself as a nursery maid to hide with James and their nursery mistress.

The King is afraid of Albany’s influence and has called upon Ivor, “Hawk”, to escort the young heir to safety. Hawk is attracted to the bright young woman and, considering her manners and saucy tongue, soon suspects that she is more than a maid. Marsi is cautious with Hawk but slowly finds herself trusting him and feeling safe - and other things - when near him.

Hawk is a stern character but kind, smart, trustworthy and a handsome Highlander to boot. Marsi is young, impulsive and spoiled but her strengths - smart, warm hearted, brave and beautiful - win out. I liked how young James’ character is portrayed as arrogant but kind hearted. There is danger as the group travels through a countryside covered with enemies, spies and gossips. I learned some interesting details about marital contracts in Scotland; also a sweet tidbit about the ring on the third finger.

I really enjoyed how the romance developed slowly, sweetly and with some irony but definite integrity. The romantic scenes are sensual and a smaller feature within a story full of history and intrigue. It read a little slower as I was keeping track of the noble politics. I like this more than I expected (I’m not sure what my reluctance was). Now I want to go back and read the first in the series and look forward to the next one.

A Fav Quote:
"You will find me," she murmured, feeling warmth at the very thought of him.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing this book for review and giveaway. Please see the review of The Sinner right before this one and look at the next post for the Giveaway post.

Book Review: The Sinner by Margaret Mallory

This is a Scottish Highlander romance with strong, sexy characters.

The Sinner (Return of the Highlanders 2)

by Margaret Mallory

Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446583103
ISBN-13: 978-0446583107

Genre: Historical Romance (heavy on the romance)
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Series: Return of the Highlanders 2 | Publication Date: November 1, 2011

THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS: BOOK 2
Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

IRRESISTIBLE DESIRE

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty-and defiant ways.

Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex's past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

Review: There minds said they didn’t want to marry but their passion said something else.

Glynis was married to a Scottish oaf against her will. Within a few months she was disgusted by his open philandering and she left him after pointing a knife at his sensitive parts. Now she is set on avoiding another marriage. To escape her father’s efforts to find a new husband she decides to go to her mother’s family. Glynis blackmails Alex to take her to Edinburgh since he is headed that way.

Alex has a reputation with the ladies and has no intention of settling down even when his clan leader is implying that an alliance would be helpful. Before leaving home the local prophetess advises Alex that he will be called upon to help three women: one will bring danger, one will give him a surprising gift and the third will fulfill his deepest desires. Alex agrees to go to another clan to negotiate support but not a marriage alliance. When he first meets Glynis she is disguised as a lumpish figure with red face marks that are slipping. He finds her attempts to avoid attention very humorous. The second time he sees her he is awed by the beautiful nymph on the beach. Against his better judgment he agrees to escort her to Edinburgh.

As they travel together Alex is tortured by her temptations. Finally Glynis decides that before she becomes a celibate old maid she wants to have a quick affair with Alex. The couple proceeds to have a passionate affair while each continues to claim they do not want to marry. Then they are put in a situation where they must marry. Glynis agrees that marrying Alex is better than alternatives but she she doesn’t trust him to be faithful.

I enjoyed the underlying story and I did like Glynis and Alex as strong, fun characters. However much of the book is steamy love scenes. I understand that the intimacy helps give depth to their relationship and creates conflict for the distrust issues, but it was too much sex action for me. Fortunately there was some intrigue and action and the whole story moved pretty quickly. I still like the author’s writing and I like the series enough that I will try the next one in hopes that the plot substance out weighs the sexual scenes.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing this book for review and giveaway. Please see the Giveaway post for two books - the next post after the second review of The Highlander Hero.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Blog Tour: The Great Scots & Highland Heat Nov 18-22

Do you love the Scots and Highlander stories? Here is your chance to learn about two new releases and maybe win both books! The tour schedule is below - check back 11/19 for my reviews and giveaway.

The

Great Scots & Highland Heat

Blog Tour with

Amanda Scott

and

Margaret Mallory

When Scotland’s Queen Annabella dies, her devastated niece, Lady Marsaili Cargill, takes charge of the seven-year-old prince James, who is second in line to the throne. But rumors abound that the King’s brother—the Duke of Albany—will stop at nothing to fulfill his ambition to govern Scotland. But before Marsi can help the young prince escape to the safety of St. Andrews Academy, she will need to confront the men seeking to use her—and accept the help of the King’s devoted master archer, Sir Ivor Mackintosh. With traitors and assassins all around, Marsi and Ivor must risk all for the little prince James, while hoping for a future that will allow their love to flourish.

HIGHLAND HERO
By Amanda Scott
ISBN: 978-0-446-57430-3
Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING
Genre: FICTION, ROMANCE
Available now in mass market

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty—and defiant ways. Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex’s past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

THE SINNER
By Margaret Mallory
ISBN: 978-0-446-58310-7
Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING
Genre: FICTION, ROMANCE
Available November 1 in mass market

The Tour is November 18-22

Posting Date    Tour Participation    Blog URL
11/18/11    Review & Giveaway    http://blog.readaholic.info
11/18/11    Feature and Giveaway    http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/
11/18/11    Feature    http://www.dgr8mom.com/
11/18/11    Giveaway    http://www.justanothernewblog.com
11/18/11    Giveaway, Q&A    http://www.sosaloha.blogspot.com/
11/18/11    Interview     http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com
11/18/11    Giveaway    http://asthepagesturn.blogspot.com
11/18/11    Giveaway    http://takingtimeformommy.com
11/18/11    Review, Interview, and Giveaway    mybookaddictionandmore.com
11/18/11    Giveaway    http://maryinhb.blogspot.com
11/18/11    Giveaway    http://bodicerippernovels.wordpress.com
11/18/11    Giveaway    http://hangingwithbells.blogspot.com/
11/18/11    Giveaway    www.lovetoreadforfun.com
11/19/11    Interview & Giveaway    http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
11/20/11    Giveaway    http://brokenteepee.com
11/20/11    Giveaway    http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com
11/20/11    Review    http://saveyspender.com
11/20/11    Review    http://onebookshy.blogspot.com
11/21/11    Review, Interview, and Giveaway    http://www.seducedbyabook.com/
11/21/11    Giveaway    http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com
11/21/11    Other    marygramlich.blogspot.com
11/22/11    Giveaway    http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com
11/22/11    Review    www.BoekiesBookReviews.com
11/22/11    Review    http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com
11/22/11    Giveaway    http://www.startingfreshnyc.com/2011/07/historical-romance-group-blog-tour.html

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Forever's Hot Historical Romance Blog Tour July 18 to July 24!

Do you love Highlanders, Scots and Irish? This is a tour for you! Join me this coming Saturday for three reviews, a chance at a triple Giveaway - all three books to three winners! Meanwhile you can check out the books, some author fun facts and the other tour participants below.

Lady of Seduction: By Laurel McKee; ISBN: 9780446544771; Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING; Genre: FICTION , ROMANCE; Published on: 6/01/2011; Format: MASS MARKET; Laurel McKee - Five fun facts.

Tamed by a Highlander: By Paula Quinn; ISBN: 9780446552363; Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING; Genre: FICTION , ROMANCE; Published on: 7/01/2011; Format: MASS MARKET; Paula Quinn - Five fun facts.

Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel: By Sue-Ellen Welfonder; ISBN: 9780446561778; Published by: GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING; Genre: FICTION , ROMANCE; Published on: 8/01/2011; Format: MASS MARKET; Sue-Ellen Welfonder - Five fun facts