Book Review: Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne

Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks, July 30, 2019

Time and setting:  Mediaeval, Scotland Highlands

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 448 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She'd saved his son.
Could she save him as well?

Laird Gavin MacKinnon is a changed man—and not for the better. Ever since his young son, Ewan, disappeared two years ago, Gavin has grown callous and bitter. Scouring the countryside, his search leads him to a mysterious woman who maintains the boy is hers. He decides to take them both and ask questions later. 

Deirdre MacIntyre will go with the brooding laird if it will keep her son safe. Gavin has to admit that the beautiful lass has a bond with Ewan, and things aren't adding up. When Deirdre's clan comes to claim her under threat of war, Gavin has a choice to make: fight for her or let her go. 

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Highland-Captive-Sons-Gregor-MacLeod-ebook/dp/B07MZH8553

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42366191-highland-captive

Vikki’s Musings

Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne is book 4 in the Sons of Macleod series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review this book, the premise sounded intriguing, so I accepted the offer. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I quickly became enmeshed in the story from the first page and remained thoroughly entranced until the last. The writing is emotional, and the characters are enthralling. I did have an issue with the storyline, but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment.

I enjoyed Deirdre MacIntyre’s character a great deal, but she does have flaws which makes her human. She is a nurturing mother who will do whatever is needed to protect her son. That’s clear, when she gathers their belongings and flees a gathering. I admired her determination to protect her son since her encounter with Laird Gavin McKinnon leads her to believe he’s violent and could possibly be the father of the child she’s raising as her own.

Laird Gavin McKinnon is a hero to be reckoned with, a brave, menacing warrior at first glance. However, once he has his son, his softer side comes out. He remains the fierce Laird throughout the story as he seeks vengeance against the individuals who kept his son from him for over two years. While he has reason to distrust the woman who’s been raising his son, he recognizes her deep love for Ewan. His desire for her is overwhelming, but his honor keeps him from acting on that desire.

The romance between Deidre and Gavin is complicated. I struggled with the moral dilemma of their attraction. I will refrain from stating what the moral issue is as I don’t want to give anything away, but it is the reason I can’t give a full 5 gold crowns for this remarkable story. However, the chemistry is so strong it’s palpable, and I could understand why they did come close to giving in to it. And of course, the sexual tension is amazing.

If you enjoy a highland romance with plenty of action, a fierce Scottish warrior and a compelling plot, then you will enjoy Highland Captive. While this is the first book I’ve read by Ms. McLayne, it will not be my last. Happy reading!

Book Review: Sins of the Sire by Emily Royal

Sins of the Sire by Emily Royal

Publisher & Release: Tirgearr Publishing, March 13, 2019

Time and setting:  Medieval Scotland

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:  283 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Two years ago, English noblewoman, Elyssia De Montford, risked her life to free the Highlander held prisoner by her sadistic fiancé. She cannot forget the man who first stirred her heart–a memory that burns anew when she finds herself once more on the road to Scotland.

Tavish MacLean has sworn vengeance. It’s been six years since his beloved sister was raped and murdered by an English lord, a tragedy which almost destroyed his family. On his deathbed, his father demanded retribution and Tavish pledged before his clan to enslave the lord’s daughter then send her back to her father, pregnant with a Scottish bastard. When he learns that she is travelling north, he seizes his opportunity and orders her abduction.

But when his men fling the prisoner before him, Tavish recognises Elyssia, the woman who once saved his life. Loyalty to his clan trumps the debt he owes her and he claims Elyssia as his captive. Though she’s one of the hated English, her willing body ignites passion in him at night, though she fights him at every turn during the day. As time passes, he questions his loyalty, finding himself increasingly enthralled by his fiery captive.

Treachery surrounds Clan MacLean. When long-buried secrets come to light, Tavish must risk his life and his clan, or all that he holds dear will be destroyed.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sins-Sire-Dark-Highland-Passions-ebook/dp/B07N974NW5

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43803946-the-sins-of-the-sire

Vikki’s Musings

This is the debut novel by Emily Royal. I received an invitation from the author to read and review Sins of the Sire, and since the book description intrigued me, I accepted. My opinions are my own are not influenced in any way.

Whew, what an emotional rollercoaster. Sins of the Sire is a dark, twisted story, reminiscent of the bodice rippers from the seventies and eighties. It stays true to the brutality of this period of history, making it difficult to read at times. There is rape, and a great deal of violence throughout the entire book, making it a page turner.

I have mixed feelings regarding Elyssia De Montford’s character. While I liked her, she went from being a strong woman, to being too accepting of her fate. She’s fiercely determined to save her slow-witted sister from her own ordeal, and an ordeal it is! I could understand why she wanted to protect Grace, but the manner she used did not sit well with me. While I admired her for her loyalty, I wanted her to fight her situation with greater determination.

Tavish MacLean is not a hero to admire. He’s brutal and treats Elyssia with great cruelty throughout most of the book. Even when he learns she’s the woman who saved his life, he’s hell-bent on exacting revenge for what Elyssia’s father did to his sister. He is determined to plant his seed, then return her to her father carrying his bastard. I tried to take into account, the historical times this novel is set in, but I believe the author could have given the hero more integrity.

For me, this is not a romance. It’s historical fiction, masterfully written. If I had understood that, I could have been more accepting of the content. Unfortunately, it is categorized as a romance. There is nothing remotely romantic about the relationship between the hero and heroine. The sexual scenes show no tenderness or care. Even at the end, when he is supposed to love her, he takes her too forcefully. If the author had given him even a little remorse for what he’d put her through, I would have felt differently.

As a romance, it deserves 1 star, but as historical fiction, I would give it five. The author is true to the historical times, which were indeed brutal and dark. The suspenseful scenes are brilliantly written, and while difficult to read, are spellbinding, so much so, that I gave it an overall 3.5 stars. The publisher should consider revising the category for this novel.

If you enjoy dark, gritty novels of great historical accuracy, then you will love Sins of the Sire. If you’re looking for a romance, I would not suggest reading this book. Now that I understand Ms. Royal’s writing style, I will read the next book, knowing in advance, it will be a tale of the brutality of medieval times. Her writing is exciting and compelling. I will not expect romance. Happy reading!

Book Review: The Warrior of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwood

The Warrior of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwell

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, July 31, 2018

Time and setting:  Medieval, Scotland

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:   320 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Derryth MacClaren is on the run—having been sent from her castle home to avoid capture by the vicious nobleman known as the Wolf, who has vowed revenge against the Clan Kincaid. When a surprise attack leaves her vulnerable, Derryth ends up in the hands of an enemy warrior who claims her, with the Wolf’s blessing, as his prize. But her captor’s gentle words and touch seduce her heart—and body—completely. . . and when she discovers the tattoo on his arm that proves him to be the legendary, long-believed dead son of the murdered Laird of Kincaid, Derryth knows she must find a way to alter his fate—and her own. . .

Cull has no memory of his family or past—all he knows is the life of a warrior, trained to fight on behalf of the Scottish king. But now that Derryth has informed him of who he really is—Cullen Braewick, the youngest son of the slain laird—he is torn. If Cull exacts revenge against the Wolf, who executed his father, he stands to lose the precious lass who he has come to love. What is he willing to sacrifice for Derryth to keep her safe. . .and in his arms?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Warrior-Clan-Kincaid-Highland-ebook/dp/B01N3TNA99

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33235386-the-warrior-of-clan-kincaid

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Lily Blackwood, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My thanks go to the publisher for inviting me to read and review prior to publication. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

The story is fast paced with a good bit of action and suspense. It pulled me in from the beginning and kept me engaged to the ending. The writing flows beautifully with just the right amount of description to give me a true sense of the time period.

The heroine is engaging and has all the characteristics that a medieval lady should have. While a woman of her times, she is loyal to her family and those in her care. She is willing to put their needs before her own. I truly wanted her to find her happy ending.

I loved the hero immediately. He is honorable, and while he desperately wants to achieve the lands promised to him, he will not hurt others to accomplish it. He clearly cares deeply for the heroine and is willing to give up his dreams for her.

The romance between the hero and heroine starts as a slow burn and becomes combustible. The sexual tension between the pair is excellent. They are well suited for each other, and I am thrilled they found their happily ever after.

If you enjoy a great medieval romance with wonderful characters and an exciting plot then you will love The Warrior of a clan Kincaid. I look forward to reading other books by this talented author. Happy reading! 

Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London

Publisher & Release: HQN Romance, February 28, 2017

Time and setting:  1742, Scottish Highlands

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length: 384 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A young widow puts her sexy suitors to the test in New York Times bestselling author Julia London's scintillating return to the idyllic Scottish Highlands. 

Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand…and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly—though unwillingly—bewitched.  

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy's brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sinful-Scottish-Laird-Historical-Highland-ebook/dp/B01JBQLJYE

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30687852-sinful-scottish-laird

Vikki’s Musings

I have liked books by Julia London in the past, so when I found this on Net-Galley, I eagerly requested it. Sinful Scottish Laird is an interesting read, although it is slow in the beginning. In fact, the pacing is a bit slow for me throughout the book, and the romance lacked luster. I did enjoy the secondary characters, especially her son Ellis and her cousin, Belinda. The servants lightened the overall mood of this novel and help move the story along.

Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick packs up her young son and flees the unwanted advances of her many suitors while she awaits the return of her lost love. Although she must remarry or lose her son’s fortune, she wants love if possible. What she does not count on is the overwhelming attraction for Cailean MacKenzie, the laid of Arrandale, her closest neighbor.

Cailean is determined to remain a bachelor, and while the lassie on his neighboring estate is bonny, he has no use for her–after all, she’s English–but the attraction is too strong to ignore. Her suitor turns out to be a captain in the Royal Navy bent on bringing his smuggling days to an end. He cannot stand the thought of the man touching Daisy, or any man for that matter, but he could never consider marrying a Sassenach.

Can she convince him to change his mind, or will he staunchly remain a stubborn Scot to the end and deny them the chance of everlasting happiness?

I struggled with Daisy’s character for much of the book. I just never connected to her, except when she was involved with her son. Her love for him comes through loud and clear. She came across as somewhat of a flake in her dealings with others, and she seemed indecisive as well, vacillating between her feelings for Cailean and Robert, the man she thinks she wants to marry.

Cailean is a hero I could love. His tender care for Ellis won me over big time. His relationship with his family speaks well of his character. However, I did not feel the chemistry between him and Daisy, nor could I understand why he wanted her.

I guess my main problem with this story is the chemistry between Daisy and Cailean. For me, it just wasn’t strong enough. One thing I love about historical romance is the slow build of sexual tension between the hero and the heroine, and it was missing, for the most part, in Sinful Scottish Laird.

Nonetheless, I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It did have an excellent ending. I also quite enjoyed Ellis, her son. He had surprisingly good character development. This book has several great secondary characters, so future books in this series should be entertaining. Happy reading!

Promo Blitz: Edge of Yesterday

Time Travel Romance

Date Published:  12/27/2016

Two of Scottish romance’s most loved authors have joined pens to write a thrilling new time travel series filled with passion, danger, and intrigue. These never-before-published novels will sweep you to Scotland’s Highland Heatheredge, where magic is real, time is relevant, and there is no escape from desire…

Men are disappearing in the Highland crofting village of Heatheredge. The authorities suspect foul play, but without signs of violence—or bodies—they can’t prove a thing.

World champion swordsman Cailean Ross is living the fantasy of a lifetime as the victor of Heatheredge’s medieval reenactment Gathering. But when the fantasy turns into reality, swordplay becomes a fight to the death and he finds himself among the ‘missing’ statistics.

Julianna Mackay flees a man she fears is an evil wizard and literally runs into handsome Cailean Ross. Cailean defends Lady Julianna from her attackers. Together, they set out in search of the key to a six-hundred-year-old curse that can only be broken in medieval Scotland.

When the veil of time is lifted, Cailean and Julianna find that love may not be enough to save them or those they hold dear.

About the Authors

USA Today and Internationally bestselling authors Sue-Ellen Welfonder and Tarah Scott have more in common than friendship. For many years, they’ve both enjoyed spending their working hours in a world of romance and adventure, bringing handsome Highlanders and their ladies to life. Now they’ve joined pens, deciding that when it comes to happily-ever-afters, two writers can stir up even more danger and desire for the characters they love. The EDGE series, Scottish time travel romances, is their first co-authored project, and launches Dec. 27th with EDGE OF YESTERDAY.     

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Book Review: Conquered Heart by Kara Griffin

Conquered Heart Legend of the King’s Guard by Kara Griffin

Publisher & Release: Self-published, August 5, 2016

Time and setting:  1306, Scotland

Genre: Historical Romance/Medieval

Length:  305 pages

Heat Level: 1.5 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In protecting the King of Scotland, Graeme Cameron will do whatever it takes to ensure Robert the Bruce’s safety. He and his comrades become the victim of circumstance and are now exiled. As they hide, they realize others are worse off than they and hire themselves out as mercenaries.

Kerrigan Campbell is desperate to find her laird and protector’s son. Then she hears of the legendary king’s guard and seeks them out. She runs across their leader in the midst of a battle, but he’s not what she expects. When she and Graeme find an abandoned bairn, he bids her to help him locate its mother and in return he’ll recapture her laird’s son.

Graeme has many a challenge before him – how to keep he and his friends from being executed for doing their duty, aiding the sweet lass in recovering her charge, finding the bairn’s mother, helping their king defeat England’s army, and gaining a pardon for their involvement in the king’s misdoings. There’s one challenge that thwarts him and that’s Kerrigan. She’s conquered his heart and more …

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Conquered-Heart-Legend-Kings-Guard-ebook/dp/B01JUXNSKQ

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31362188-conquered-heart

Vikki’s Musings

First, I want to apologize to Ms. Griffin for taking longer to read Conquered Heart, but my own writing career has kept me extremely busy over the last four months. I thank her for the honor to read her suspenseful Medieval romance. I’m not going to include a short synopsis since the book description gives one quite nicely.

Conquered Heart is a fast-paced, well-written historical romance. Ms. Griffin gave me the opportunity to have a glimpse into the Scottish fight for independence and the life of Robert the Bruce. She definitely did her research.

Kerrigan Campbell is an engaging character, and I became enmeshed in the heroine’s story from her introduction. She is a caring, loving woman with plenty of courage and daring. Her determination to fulfill her late laird’s dying request–at great cost, I might add–is truly remarkable and that alone made her a worthy heroine.

Graeme Cameron’s character is my kind of hero. He is, of course, a brave, fierce warrior. That is what I expect from a Scottish highlander, yet underneath his exterior, he has a kind, caring heart. Even though he has had his share of struggles, he is still willing to open his heart to Kerrigan. I loved his protectiveness toward her and felt his anguish when he thought he had lost her.

If you enjoy Medieval romances set in the highlands of Scotland with brave, loyal heroes and heroines, then you will enjoy Conquered Heart as much as I did. This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to reading Liam’s story in Unbreakable Heart. Happy reading!