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*ARC REVIEW – Her Outcast Scot (The Highland Warrior Chronicles Book 5), by Christina Phillips

#historicalromance #romance #scotland

Book Blurb

A warrior haunted by his cursed past. A healer princess forbidden to love by her goddess. A political marriage that could shatter everything they cherish…

Pledged to protect dark secrets that could destroy his family’s honor, Ross MacIntosh cannot afford to lose his heart. Sent by his king into Pictland, he knows his duty. To report back on any signs of treachery. He might not trust his king but as a warrior his fealty is absolute, and his path is clear. But when he’s attacked and left for dead, he awakes to discover his healer is the intriguing Pictish princess, Orabel, and his carefully planned future unravels.

After enduring an arranged marriage to a brutal Northumbrian warlord, Orabel wants nothing more to do with politics. Now, she will follow her true destiny and pledge her life to her beloved goddess. But when fate thrusts Scots warrior Ross MacIntosh into her life, her conviction falters. How can she feel anything but contempt for a man whose king is responsible for the death of her royal father?

Compelled to wed to prevent bloodshed blighting their land, trust is a fragile illusion. But with a vengeful goddess demanding restitution, Ross will need more than Orabel’s healing skills to mend the rift that threatens to tear her from his arms forever.

My Review – 5 stars

Forbidden romance, secrets, political intrigue and magic!

Her Outcast Scot is Christina Phillips’ latest instalment in the Highland Warrior Chronicles, featuring Ross McIntosh, a warrior Scot and Orabel, a Pictish princess and healer. The read is a captivating one, expertly weaving together a tale of forbidden romance, secrets, politics, and the magic of the old religion.

I was intrigued by both romantic leads, both of whom have their own inner demons to contend with. I particularly applauded Orabel’s compassion and inner strength and Ross’ sense of honour and duty. Although neither have any desire to marry, circumstances and politics conspire to bind them together. The arranged marriage trope, especially between individuals from warring factions, is one of my favourite and this book executes it so well. I enjoyed how despite viewing each other as enemies Ross and Orabel were attracted to each other from the off, an attraction which soon develops into many a passionate scene….

Ross has secrets he wishes to protect, secrets which have clearly scarred him deeply. I enjoyed how these secrets and their impact on his relationship with Orabel and others close to him were revealed as the plot progresses.

As for Orabel, having escaped an arranged marriage, she has no desire to tie herself to another man. Instead, she wishes to devote herself to her goddess and to help others through her healing. I loved how she embraces her healing craft and how her skills are augmented by the powers bestowed on her by her goddess Bride. The scenes where Orabel carries out her healing and others where she communes with her goddess are particularly memorable.

As the wife of a Scot, whose people have rejected the old religion, will Orabel be permitted to practise her skills of healing bestowed upon her by Bride? When secrets are revealed and trust is shattered, what future does their relationship have? Not only that but what exactly is the message Bride is impressing upon Orabel? Will she succeed in understanding this and thwarting the teachery that threatens peace and security of those she loves before it is too late?

Although the book can be read as a standalone, to fully immerse yourself in the world and the characters I recommend reading the earlier books in the series, starting with Her Savage Scot (click on the title for my review}.

Recommended for lovers of passionate and compelling historical romance!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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ARC REVIEW – The Strongest Heart (The Clan Donald Saga #3), by Regan Walker

#historicalfiction #saga #Scotland #ScottishHistory

Book Blurb

Set in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, this is the story of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, the grandson of both Angus Og Macdonald, whose story is told in book 2, and King Robert II. Donald was a man strong of faith, character and heart who would lead the clan into battle before seeing the Kingdom of the Isles destroyed by an ambitious man who would be king.

In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.

A man of keen intelligence, strategy and faith, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow a traitorous royal thug to rob him of his legacy. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota Leslie, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.

What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to become the Hero of Harlow.

My Review

A powerful tale of honour, loyalty and fortitude, penned by a gifted storyteller – 5 stars

The Strongest Heart is the third book in the Clan Donald Saga by Regan Walker. Spanning the late 14^th and early 15^th centuries, it chronicles key events in the life of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles. I found the book to be another character-driven and insightful foray into the history of the dynasty. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend the previous novels in the series, Summer Warrior and Bound by Honor, to gain more understanding of the period.

I was entertained throughout by this powerful read – Regan Walker is a talented storyteller, whose words conjure up a vivid sense of place and time. The domestic scenes and the dialogue between Donald, his wife and those closest to him give the reader an insight into his character and motivations, as do his interactions with his contemporaries. It is evident that the author has paid great attention to the historical sources available. Donald’s relationship with the Kings of England and his allies in Ireland illustrate the strength of the MacDonald clan at that point in history.

The book contains a substantial amount of personal and political intrigue as Donald deals with rebellion from within his own ranks and the ever-present threat in the guise of the Albany Stewarts. Throughout Donald is portrayed as a man who is just, loyal, and fair, not to mention well educated and skilled at diplomacy. He is also a man who does not shy away from making difficult decisions. I enjoyed learning how these traits permit him to both conserve and strengthen the MacDonald legacy and protect the lives of his kin.

The book is populated by a number of engaging characters, not least that of Mariota, his wife, who is portrayed as wise and devoted. I found her to be a worthy companion for Donald and enjoyed reading about their courtship and their life together.

Recommended for readers of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in the history of Scotland, Ireland and England.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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ARC REVIEW – Her Wicked Scot (The Highland Warrior Chronicles Book 4), Christina Phillips

#HistoricalRomance #EnemiestoLovers #HighlandRomance #MarriageofConvenience

Blurb

A warrior rumored to have no heart. An ice princess, who has vowed never to love again. A forced marriage that could break them both…

Sent into Pictland to discover the identity of a desperate assassin, Ewan MacKinnon fights his fascination with the aloof princess, Briana. Although he wants nothing more than to take her into his arms, he won’t taint her with the curse that has blighted him all his life.

After her first disastrous marriage, Briana is determined to dedicate her life in service to Pictland and her beloved goddess. But her goddess is elusive, sending only visions of a splintered future–a future that is tied irrevocably to the one man she fears could shatter her heart forever. The enemy of her people, Scots warrior Ewan MacKinnon.

Coerced into a marriage of convenience, Briana and Ewan battle both duty and desire as political intrigue tightens its noose around them. But with the assassin edging ever closer they must forsake the shackles of their past and risk their fragile love for a chance of surviving an ultimate betrayal.

My Review

Delicious Enemies to Lovers Historical Romance with a hint of magic! 5 stars

Christina Phillips weaves a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance full of passion, political powerplay and danger in Her Wicked Scot, number 4 in her Highland Warrior Chronicles.

Highland warrior Ewan MacKinnon and Pictish princess Brianna are unexpectedly thrown together by the political machinations of their time. Scarred by past events in their lives they both have their own internal battles to overcome before they have any chance of their union leading to a HEA. I loved how their relationship unfolds and also how the author portrays the danger swirling around them, a danger that Brianna, touched by the goddess, perceives in visions, visions which she struggles to comprehend but which tie her to Ewan, the enemy of her people. The path to their future is not an easy one.

I enjoyed the undeniable attraction the couple have for each other, illustrated in their words and actions, not to mention the passionate scenes they enjoy together. I particularly loved how protective Ewan is of Brianna and how she, although mistrustful, slowly places her faith in him. The way the author portrays their growing feelings for each other is both realistic and moving. Yet trust is fragile as events and the actions of others test them at critical moments in the story.

Just who is the real Ewan MacKinnon? Can Brianna trust him or will he betray her and her heart? As for Ewan, can he protect Brianna from danger, even if he feels the greatest danger is himself? Just what is the meaning of the goddess’ visions?

I was glued to my Kindle throughout as the story unfolded, enjoying reading about how Brianna and Ewan grew both as individuals and as a couple, against the wider political issues at play. The book can certainly be read as a standalone, as each book in the series feature a different couple, but I feel the reader will gain more from reading the series in order. I am very much looking forward to future books in the series.

Please note, a copy of the book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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August 4, 2022 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW – Bound by Honor (The Clan Donald Saga Book 2), by Regan Walker

#histfic #scotland

Blurb

The friendship that changed the destiny of a nation…

In the waning years of the thirteenth century, two young noblemen form a bond that forever changes their destiny and that of Scotland’s. Their shared pledge of honor would endure for a lifetime to secure power in the Isles for Angus Og Macdonald and a crown for Robert Bruce. This is the story of their friendship, their times and the battle that secured their future.

Standing beside them would be two women from Ireland, Áine O’Cahan, the dark-haired beauty from Ulster, who captured the heart of the Lord of the Isles, and Elizabeth de Burgh, the fair Norman heiress who stood by her man, King Robert Bruce, though it would cost her dearly.

Enter the world of medieval Scotland and live the adventure!

My Review

An epic and character-driven tale of love, loyalty and destiny

– 5 stars

In Bound by Honor Regan Walker crafts an epic tale of love, loyalty and destiny set during one of the most turbulent times in the history of Scotland, a time when the English crown is intent on gaining control over the land and its people. The book is the second in the Clan Donald Saga, packing a punch both in terms of its historical authenticity and its emotional impact and can be read as a standalone. Click here to read my review of Summer Warrior, the first book in the series.

I was thoroughly intrigued reading about the life of the central character Angus Og Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, and how as a youth he forged a firm friendship with his contemporary Robert Bruce, a man destined to take up Scotland’s crown. Their bond plays a pivotal role in both their lives and that of their fellow countrymen and women.

I loved Angus’ relationship his wife Áine O’Cahan. Their mutual love and devotion is a constant in the novel and contrasts with the ever present danger and intrigue which is afoot as the English and their compatriots vie for control of the Scottish crown. I enjoyed how Áine supports and inspires not only Angus, but others, including Robert Bruce himself.

Regan Walker succeeds in bringing the history of Scotland, its land and people vividly to life. The sense of time and place conveyed to the reader throughout the novel indicates that she has carried out a significant amount of detailed research prior to putting pen to page. I found it to be an engrossing read on many levels; from its intimate and touching moments, its descriptions of everyday life and local customs, to the fateful events of the time, not least the bloody sacrifices made by some.

Recommended to lovers of historical fiction who enjoy a well researched, intriguing and character-driven read.

Please note, a copy of the book was given to me by the author and I am leaving a fair and honest review.

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January 6, 2022 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – Her Rebel Scot (The Highland Warrior Chronicles), by Christina Phillips

#Prequel #HistoricalRomance #HighlandRomance

Blurb

Even the threat of the Vikings won’t keep him from her side…

Tavish O’Eochaid, favored son of the King of Dal Riada, has no plans to settle down until forced to by duty. But when he enters Pictland on a diplomatic mission, he’s captivated by an enigmatic noblewoman, who hides secrets in her eyes.

Bound by blood to the shadow of the royal court, Catriona cannot afford to fall for the charms of a visiting Scots warrior. As a chosen one of her goddess, she knows where her duty lies. Yet as her visions of a splintered future grow ever darker, she risks everything for a few stolen hours in his arms.

But when betrayal rocks the foundations of Pictland herself, Tavish must choose between sacrificing his honor – or surrendering to his enemy, for the woman he has grown to love.

My Review

Romantic and Spellbinding – 5 stars

Her Rebel Scot, set in 795, is a romantic and spellbinding prequel to the author’s Highland Warrior Chronicles. It focuses on the romance between the Scot warrior Tavish O’Eochaid and the Lady Catriona Magaidh, a member of the Pictish royal court and can be read as a standalone. It also provides the backstory to Kenneth MacAlpin before he became king of the Scots, a man who plays a pivotal role in the series.

Now what did I think of the read? I LOVED Catriona, sidelined by the Pictish court, due to the circumstances of her birth, but who nevertheless remains such a strong and determined character. She is dedicated to her half sister the princess Clodrah and also to serving the will of the goddess who bestows visions upon her.

Catriona is blindsided when the handsome and charming Scot’s warrior Tavish enters the royal court and I ADORED that he only had eyes for her, becoming drawn to her unlike he had to any woman before. The couple’s first meeting and their subsequent clandestine relationship against the machinations and secrets of the court and others makes for a delightfully romantic read, culminating in a number of exquisite love-making scenes.

Catriona is assaulted by a number of visions from her goddess and wonders where her future lies – just what is her destiny and does it involve Tavish? I was glued to the pages to find out whether they would end up together, or if the goddess had other ideas…

Recommended for lovers of Historical Romance who like determined heroines and strong alpha heroes with a heart.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, an ARC pf this book was given to me by the author and I am leaving a honest review.

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October 26, 2021 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW – Her Baseborn Scot (The Highland Warrior Chronicles #3), by Christina Phillips

#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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January 3, 2021 by Tina Williams

~MY TOP READS OF 2020~

A Happy New Year wish!

It has certainly been a challenging year for us all across the globe and I do not think I just speak for myself when I say that the I am eternally grateful to the authors who create the wonderful stories and worlds I can escape into. In this post I thought I would highlight my favourite book of the year and then list what I consider my other top reads (in no particular order). As I read a number of different genres I have found it impossible to create a shorter list! 🙂

~My Top Read of 2020~

Steel Rose (The Cardinal Winds #1), by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

The romance is a slow burn, but when it does ignite it does so in stellar fashion and continues to deliver in terms of hotness! I absolutely adored Viktor the anti-hero/villain – at first he comes over as an unlikeable, albeit fascinating figure – cold, manipulative and controlling, but slowly we learn, as Rose does, that there is a lot more to him… Rose’s character is a delightful contrast to Viktor – freedom loving and chaotic, wearing her heart very much on her sleeve. Viktor is determined to solve the mystery of this captive rebel pilot. #enemiestolovers #scifi #steampunk #dystopian #villainromance My Review

I literally inhaled this fantasy debut from author Meredith Wild – I was riveted from beginning to end. It contains adventure, romance, a quest (what fantasy novel would be complete without one?), magic and monsters . Once more the world building is just sublime.

Not only that but the main couple rock! – Lyria is a woman who knows how to look after herself and wield a sword, and Vethe has abilities far and above your average spoiled aristocrat, which Lyria initially thinks he is. Although the couple are just made for each other it is not immediately obvious to them. Indeed, their romance is a slow burn and so much the better for it. There are plenty of scenes of danger and suspense which afford the couple numerous opportunites to get to know each other better and also some humorous moments – the repartee between the couple and their inner dialogues are superb. #Fantasy #Adventure #Romance My Review

A Wanton Indiscretion (Wild, Wicked and Wanton Book #5), by Natasha Blackthorne

Moving, sensual & erotic – beautifully done

A Wanton Indiscretion, by Natasha Blackthorne, is a thoroughly emotional, sensual and erotic read. It is the 5th instalment in the author’s Wild, Wicked and Wanton series, but can be read as a standalone.

I adored that Isaac and Abigail are such opposites when it comes to their characters: Isaac is a handsome philanderer, notorious for his affairs and reviled by many in society despite his wealth. Abigail is a respectable governess who has eschewed marriage and her own children, to instead support her brothers through her job as a governess, their own parents long gone. The scene where Isaac and Abigail first met is pure perfection. I enjoyed reading how single minded Isaac was in his pursuit of Abigail as he slowly breaks down her defences. Will he win this game of seduction and if he does what next for them both? Society’s expectations weigh heavily on them and I was eager for them to find a satisfactory resolution. Abigail is unlike any other woman Isaac has met and his obsession grows to an extent that he must have her, whatever the repercussions… #HistoricalRomance #EroticRomance #AmericanHistoricalRomance My Review

Salvation: Paranormal Angel Romance (Realm of Flame and Shadow, book 3), Christina Phillips

Captivating Enemies to Lovers Romance

I make no secret that the enemies to lovers trope is one of my favourites when it comes to romance and Christina Phillips delivers in spades with Salvation, book 3 in the Realm of Flame and Shadow series. This super read has a plot containing secrets, danger and deception and a hero and heroine who kept me entertained throughout with their lively banter and sizzling lovemaking scenes. Although the book includes characters who feature in the earlier books (whom I loved meeting again), it works perfectly well as a standalone, Nate and Isabella’s relationship being at its core. #ParanormalRomance #Angels #Demons #SciFi My Review

Bright Lies, by AA Abbott

Gritty and realistic

Well done AA Abbott for penning this thoroughly engaging read. It is both gritty and realistic, not only in how it portrays the sensitive issues of abuse, but also the difficulties faced by those who are compelled through one reason or another to live on the streets.

Emily’s relationship with her step-father David is toxic almost from the off, and finally his inappropriate actions cause her to flee from her wealthy home, finding herself on the streets in the heart of Birmingham. It is here she meets Jack, who has his own difficult past to cope with. #pstchologicalthriller My Review

Moth (Dragon Triad Duet #1), Lana Sky

Twisty and Suspenseful Perfection

Lana Sky has penned yet another addictive read in Moth, the first of her Dragon Triad duet. This Romantic Suspense has a deliciously dark and sexy as f*** anti-hero in the form of Rafe, a Triad enforcer and broken bookish Hannah, the heroine, who hides from the world. When their paths cross, something starts to give in both of them, their lives becoming ever more entwined despite their differences: Rafe seeks to torment Hannah and Hannah finds herself drawn to him despite the danger he represents. I found the title of the book perfect, conjuring up the image of the proverbial moth circling the flame, knowing that it may get hurt but powerless to resist the attraction. #RomanticSuspense #New Adult #Interracial My Review

Search and Rescue, A Contemporary Reverse Harem Romance (The Dreadnoughts #1), by Lucy Felthouse

Fabulous start to series

This action packed Reverse Harem by Lucy Felthouse is a fab start to her new series The Dreadnoughts. It contains Kim, a confident and feisty heroine, four gorgeous ex Special Ops –Jason, Aiden, Taylor and Joshua and an astonishing discovery that took me, the reader, completely by surprise!

The read kicks off when the four guys embark on a retrieval mission to a remote Scottish island. They soon encounter a lot more than they bargained for after being engulfed by a very special energy, and find it difficult to walk away from their mission once it is accomplished. Kim is a woman who is not used to relying on others and I loved how she slowly grows to trust her rescuers as the plot unravels. #reverseharem #adventure #romance #superpowers My Review

A Governess should never…. Tempt a Prizefighter (The Governess Chronicles #1), by Emily Windsor

A beautifully crafted and uplifting romance

I loved this uplifting Regency Romance, the first book in Emily Windsor’s new series, The Governess Chronicles. It’s warm, witty and sensual and the hero and heroine, are just so perfect for each other, despite initially appearing to have so very little in common.

The ex-prizefighter Seth, a single parent, is finding it extraordinarily difficult to find a suitable governess for his daughter. In steps Matilda, a member of the ton who is masquerading as a governess to escape the nefarious plans of her guardian. Despite appearing to be his opposite in every way and having no experience for the post, he employs her nonetheless. I was smitten with him from this moment on! #Sensual #Regency #Romance My Review

Sin of Silence (Sinner’s Empire #1), Nikita Slater

Amazing mafia romance

Sin of Silence, the new Romantic Suspense from Nikita Slater is a super start to a new series. I was hooked on the premise of the book as soon as I had read the blurb and glued to my Kindle throughout. Mafia romances are amongst my favourite reads and this is a powerful read, containing a strong, principled heroine and a brute of an anti-hero.

After her abduction by mafia enforcer Josef, the heroine Shaun is catapulted into a world of wealth and excess funded by organised crime. The author does an excellent job of describing the brutality of the kidnap and how Shaun and Josef respond to the evolving attraction between them. There is plenty of tension between Shaun and Josef, as well as other members of the Koba family and the lovemaking scenes between the main couple sizzle. #MafiaRomance #EnemiestoLovers #RomanticSuspense My Review

Dream Reaper, Alistair Cross

A battle between good and evil in another modern Gothic masterpiece

Alistair Cross once again excels himself with another of his modern Gothic masterpieces, this time set in the seemingly sleepy town of Prominence in California. I am a real sucker for books pitting angels against demons, as I just love tales of good versus evil. I therefore jumped at the chance to review the author’s latest novel Dream Reaper, which blurs the lines between paranormal romance, urban fantasy and horror and is an absolute delight for fans of these genres.

When a handsome and mysterious stranger saves Madison O’Riley from a fatal fall, little does she realise that her life and that of the inhabitants of the town of Prominence will soon descend into the depths of the Twilight Zone. It is not long before Madison and others start to realise that the amnesiac who calls himself Alejandro, has powers which defy comprehension… Horror, Fantasy, Thriller, Romance My Review

Verik’s Price, Alpha Barbarians #3, Leann Ryans

Sinfully hot but sweet Omegaverse romance

Verik’s Price is a sinfully hot but sweet contribution to the author’s Alpha Barbarians series which is set in an Omegaverse world. It is essentially a captor-captive romance featuring Verik, a passionate and powerful Alpha and Iris, a strong-minded Omega who has been torn from her village and gifted to him.

I was entertained by the interplay between the two – sparks fly and although Verik, as Alpha and leader of the Andtay clan has all the power, I respected that although Iris he gives Iris no option but to submit, he chooses not to totally go overboard on how he goes about taming her. That is not to say he is not dominant – indeed there is no absence of extremely intimate moments, but Verik is tortuously devious when it comes to seducing Iris to admit she desires him too – after all he wants her willing. #fantasy #omegaverse #erotic #romance My Review

Summer Warrior The Clan Donald Saga, Book 1, Regan Walker

A Spellbinding Tale

In Summer Warrior, the first book in the Clan Donald Saga, Walker weaves a spellbinding tale of heroism and adventure coupled with a touching love story.

The backdrop to the tale, encompassing Scottish, Irish, Norse and English history, is an expansive one, worthy of the title saga. For me the writing conjured up vivid images of royal courts, battles and the ever present windswept coast and sea that surrounds the isles.

As with the author’s previous works, the novel is meticulously researched, breathing life into characters and events from history. In this instance it is the little known Somerled, the Summer Warrior of the title, who, through his valiant actions, comes to be crowned Lord of the Isles, a Kingdom independent of his Scottish allies and from the Norse he vanquishes. #HistoricalFiction #Histfic #ScottishFiction #NorseFiction My Review

Omega Awakening, The Controllers #0.5, by L V Lane

Loved this read so much!

A prequel to the author’s Controllers series, it is a twist on the Cinderella trope but set in a dystopian Omegaverse, where the anti-hero Woodrow bears little resemblance to a Disney Prince! This alpha male is one who is utterly single-handed in his pursuit of the heroine Verity – he will make her his whatever it takes and he does not play fair. Having served his time in the military, he is now a Special Ops Director, who wants an Omega of his own and Verity becomes his obsession. #Omegaverse #Dystopian #Fantasy #Romance My Review

Not Just My Heart, Em Taylor

Sexy and heartfelt romance

This second chance romance is a heartfelt read with oodles of heat. It Is a story about finding yourself and your soulmate but also a tale of the importance of friends and family. Lacey and Rory have a lot of baggage to sort out and I enjoyed how they resolved their personal challenges and those they had as a couple, before they could contemplate their HEA.

The read, which is set in Scotland, contains some extremely sexy adult themes plus emotional and sometimes humorous scenes and dialogue. The couple’s physical chemistry is assured but Rory soon realises just how hard he broke Lacey’s heart with his abrupt departure from her life six year’s previously. He knows he will have an uphill struggle to win over the girl he so carelessly discarded but what he doesn’t initially realise is that his actions had ramifications which went far beyond Lacey… Can he put things right and can he win the girl?#contemporary #secondchanceromance My Review

October 5, 2020 by Tina Williams

~* ARC REVIEW*~ Summer Warrior (The Clan Donald Saga Book 1), by Regan Walker

#HistoricalFiction #Histfic #ScottishFiction #NorseFiction

Blurb

Somerled’s parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. But when the Norse invaded Argyll and the Isles, his family’s fortunes fell with those of his people. When all hope seemed lost, he rose from the mists of Morvern to rally the Gaels, the Scots and the Irish.

Sweeping across Argyll and the Isles like a fast-moving storm, brilliant in strategy and fearless in battle, Somerled began retaking his ancestral lands, driving away the invaders and freeing the people from the Norse stranglehold. In doing so, he would win the title Somerle Mor, Somerled the Mighty, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne and, eventually, Lord of the Isles.

This is the unforgettable saga of his path to victory that birthed the Kingdom of the Isles and won him the heart of a Norse king’s daughter.

Goodreads

My Review

A Spellbinding Tale ~ 5 stars

In Summer Warrior, the first book in the Clan Donald Saga, Walker weaves a spellbinding tale of heroism and adventure coupled with a touching love story.

There is much in the hero’s character to admire. I enjoyed how Walker portrayed his singlemindedness and his determination to reclaim both his birth right and win the woman he loves. The story illustrates how adroit he was at playing the long game; outsmarting both his enemies and his allies through his skills on the battlefield and his diplomacy, which eventually rewards him with both his title and his heart’s desire. It is a hugely entertaining read that transported me from the present to the twelfth century.

The romance with Ragnhild, daughter of the Norse King of Man, is a sweet one and I enjoyed how Somerled managed to both vanquish his rivals in love and eventually gain her hand. Ragnhild is a strong character and the couple are well matched in outlook and intellect. There are a number of barriers to their courtship and I enjoyed how little by little the couple managed to overcome them, most especially the thrilling conclusion to their courtship.

Highly recommended to readers of historical fiction who enjoy tales redolent with the sagas of old.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that an ARC of this book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

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October 5, 2020 by Tina Williams

~BLOG TOUR PLUS ARC REVIEW & AUTHOR INTERVIEW ~ Not Just My Heart, by Em Taylor

#contemporary #secondchanceromance

Blurb

Six years ago, I’d made the stupidest mistake of my life.
I’d told Lacey Kendrick, I wanted to break up.
So she’d kicked me out her car, told me to move my stuff out her flat and blocked me on her phone.

And the stupid thing is. I hadn’t realised what a monumental idiot I’d been until I saw her, after all this time, in a pub in Glasgow.
The chemistry was still there. I could still make her laugh, blush, want me.
But boy, did she still hold a grudge. I was going to have to work to win her round. Lacey was worth it though. That smile. That body. The way she responded to my touch.
I was soon to find out, however, that winning her over again would be the easy part. I had a secret weapon when it came to her … in my boxers.
It was becoming patently obvious, however, that six years ago it was not just Lacey’s heart I had broken when I’d walked away from our relationship.

This is a second chance romance set in Glasgow, Scotland. It has adult themes and content.

My Review

Sexy and heartfelt romance ~ 5 stars

I loved this latest release by Em Taylor. This second chance romance is a heartfelt read with oodles of heat. It Is a story about finding yourself and your soulmate but also a tale of the importance of friends and family. Lacey and Rory have a lot of baggage to sort out and I enjoyed how they resolved their personal challenges and those they had as a couple, before they could contemplate their HEA.

Lacey and Rory are meant to be together and I was rooting for them throughout. Yes, Rory had been a jerk in the past and I loved that he admitted it and tried to make things right – I adored the scenes where he tried his utmost to do this! Lacey is no pushover though and I loved her sass and potty mouth. This fun and emotional read has some great secondary characters too, who all partake in the general mayhem of Lacey and Rory’s getting back together – Lacey’s brother was a particular favourite.

Recommended for lovers of contemporary romance who like sexy and emotional reads with a sprinkling of humour.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of the book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

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