Author: Angela Ashton
Published: November 3rd, 2013
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 119,000
Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 17+
Synopsis:
Darius MacDuff was at his zenith in the midst of a raging battle. He never expected his home would one day
become his most treacherous battlefield…nor would his most lethal opponent come in the form of a shapely siren.
Delicious deception, her weapon of choice.
Rival Scottish Clans. An ancient relic. One has possession. The other will stop at nothing to obtain it…
The honorable Clan MacDuff has protected the coveted relic for centuries. When rival Clan MacAlpin discovers
the eldest brother of the MacDuff is to take a wife, their scheming materializes in the form of deceit as they kidnap
Alick MacDuff’s betrothed and send their sister in her place.
Tegan MacAlpin has no choice but to pretend to want to be bride to her blood enemy. But once inside Castle
MacDuff she fears her ability to procure the relic before Darius, Alick’s dangerously handsome and highly suspicious
younger brother, discovers her treachery. When all is said and done, will she remain loyal to her clan in hopes of
claiming her long-sought freedom, or bend to the bidding of a forbidden nemesis? In the end, it all comes down to a
question of honor…
My Review
The search for a special, ancient relic made for an interesting story, especially with the time and place, and I found it to be unique and enjoyable.
Bob says: 5 Platypires!
Author: K. D. Fisk
Published: March 2012
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 54,000
Genre: Historical Romance
Content Warning: PG-13
Synopsis:
With the death of her father, Lenna Keith is trapped between a king’s command and a land hungry guardian.
Her luck improves none as she flees and winds up at the mercy of the Gunns, the very clan seeking to destroy her
family, but, looking into the eyes of their Laird, her heart rebels at the thought that this man is her adversary.
Alax Gunn is intrigued by this spirited woman but mostly by the fact that she mirrors someone who has haunted
him since youth. Curiosity and mistrust turn to attraction and desire, but swiftly she becomes so much more to him.
What all will he sacrifice to keep Lenna safe and in his arms? Will a love between two destined enemies bring an end
to a feud or to two ancient clans of Scotland?
My Review
I know the story was primarily about Lenna and Alax, but while I was entranced by them, I was more concerned with Ian once he made his appearance. Poor man! He needs a wife, and I heartily volunteer.
As with before, I was guessing the identity of the traitor, and had no inkling as to who it was until the author revealed it. Wonderful story-telling, and well written.
Bob says: 5 Platypires!
Series: Sisters by Choice #2
Author: Mary McCall
Published: January 2012
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 107,000
Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 16+
Synopsis:
Ordered by King Alexander to wed an Englishwoman, Laird Brendan Sutherland heads to England to find
and wed the sister of his best friend’s wife to settle a debt. He intends to beget a few heirs and forget the lass.
He has no use for love, and among his clanswomen, he is known as Stoneheart.
After being falsely accused of the Sin of Eve when she was twelve, Lady Faith of Hawkhurst hides her beauty
beneath a hideous disguise. Due to a despicable penance given by a zealot priest, she believes she must enter a
convent and live a life of penance or suffer perpetual damnation.
Learning her brother intends to ambush an approaching Highland party, Faith intercepts Brendan and his
men and asks their aid in reaching the convent at Saint Bride. Brendan quickly sees through her disguise.
Realizing she’s the woman he promised to wed, he agrees to take her with him when he goes home. After a
court scandal, King Henry orders them to wed. Faith fears Brendan will never trust her when he learns of her
deception. As they return to the Highlands with a killer on their trail, Brendan discovers he can’t remain aloof
from the woman destined to restore his faith in love.
My Review
The characters were endearing, and I could really feel for Faith, her struggles, triumphs, sadness, and joy. The story flowed well and was easy to get lost in.
I see that this is book two, and fully intend to devour book one as soon as possible.
Bob says: 4 Platypires!