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.
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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!
