#HistoricalRomance #Scotland
Blurb
A warrior with cursed royal blood. A princess who will never submit to the enemy. A forbidden love that could cost them everything…
Tough Scots warrior Finn Braeson dreams of finding a gentle lass to love and share his life with. But when he is commanded by his king to marry the princess of Pictland he has no choice. It’s the only way to protect his mother and younger stepsisters from the king’s wrath. But before he can wed the elusive princess, he must first go undercover and find her.
Bound by a deathbed promise to her husband to never reveal her true identity as the princess of Pictland, Mairi is a fugitive in her own land. Following her beloved goddess and the omen of the Blood Moon, she’s determined to avenge her people against the upstart king, and has no intention of falling for the silken charm of any Scots warrior. Except Finn is like no other man she has ever known, and despite the danger of discovery, and the secrets she must keep, she cannot resist his allure.
Captivated by the wit of the beautiful Pictish lady who has ensnared his heart, Finn craves for a future with her. But when betrayal rocks their fragile alliance, they must fight the political intrigues that surround them and put their trust in each other – or risk being torn apart forever.
My Review
Romance, Secrets and Intrigue – 5 stars
Romance, secret identities and royal intrigue abound in the latest instalment in Christina Phillip’s Highland Warrior Chronicles. Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favourite tropes when it comes to romance so I just loved the pairing of a Scottish warrior with a Pictish princess and the push/pull of their relationship. There is also a supernatural element to the story which adds depth and interest.
King McAlpin (a man who should not be trifled with), is intent on subsuming Pictland into that of Dal Riada, instructing Finn Braeson to search for a widowed princess and make her his bride. Finn is wary of the King and is shocked by recent revelations concerning himself, but he is not in a position to refuse his bidding if he wants to keep his family safe.
During his search for the princess he meets a mysterious noble woman Mae, who steals his heart. Finn does not realise the woman he admires and is growing to love is none other than the woman the King has instructed him to marry. Likewise, Mae does not realise Finn’s true identity. I loved how the author sets up their relationship and how it develops. I particularly liked the banter between them and the lovemaking scenes which were both tender and passionate, It is clear that the couple are perfect for each other, despite their reservations – Finn as he is bound to do his King’s bidding and Mae because she needs to keep her true identity secret and also avenge her people. I enjoyed the tension within Finn and Mae and how the author portrayed their inner struggles.
When circumstances force Mae to reveal her true identity and Finn reveals his hand their budding relationship is jeopardised. Not only has trust been lost but the couple are drawn further into royal intrigue, putting their future at risk. I was on pins as Finn seeks to keep his new bride safe and earn back her trust and Mae tries to thwart the plots that are afoot. Can she trust her new husband? Can Finn protect her? Do they have a future together when their respective kingdoms are at war? What are the meaning of the visions Mae’s goddess sends her?
The read is perfect for lovers of Historical Romance, particularly those containing alpha warriors and strong and feisty women destined for each other,
Reviewed by Tina Williams
Please note a copy of the book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
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