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.
About the Author
Now she writes humorous and adventurous historical romances set mainly in the
medieval Highlands and England. She is a member of Romance Writers of
America; Founding President of Hearts Through History Romance Writers;
member of Celtic Hearts Romance Writers; member of The Golden Network;
member of River City Romance Writer; member of Faith, Hope & Love, Inc.;
and member of Savvy Authors and member of Fiction Christian Writers Association.
She loves history, has a particular fondness for the Greek through Medieval periods,
and is glad research for her books has finally utilized her ability to speak Latin.
Weaving Celtic lore with Arthurian legend, Greco-Roman myths and fun characters
makes her current project fun and exciting. She resides in Memphis, Tennessee with her
Maltese, Regina Catriona, who runs the apartment.
Excerpt
and seeks help from a Highlander passing through her brother’s land. Laird Brendan Sutherland realizes she’s disguised
but wants a good look at her, realizing Faith is the woman he promised his best friend’s wife he would marry if he could
find her. After a court scandal, King Henry orders them wed, and Faith fears Brendan will never trust her when he learns
of her deception; but they have bigger problems with a killer following them home to the Highlands.
Bob's 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!
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?
About the Author
Dreams in Green is my first published novel. I’ve always loved
the written word, stories and history. I live in Missouri with
my soulmate, two overgrown puppies, two insane cats,
and a small herd of guinea pigs. My writing has only just
begun; the adventure of stories is my never ending addiction.
Excerpt
She shook her head. “After. Please. The water.”
He secured the basin in her unsteady hands. She poured slowly over the wound. Old blood washed away
and new came in its place. She set the water aside then bent her knee. A sharp cry escaped. He pressed the
fresh bandages into her hand, and with eyes tightly shut, she began to wrap. Around and around
she wrapped until no new blood showed through. Finally, she tied it off and collapsed back down
on the bed. Eventually, a relieved smile blessed her pale, tense features. Streaks from tears ran down her cheeks.
When had they fallen? Alax hadn’t seen her shed a one. She looked like an exhausted angel, one who’d taken
a long tumble. He picked up the basin and knife, setting them aside. He reached to get a spare scrap she’d not used.
Her soft hand stopped atop his. “Thank you.”
He froze, not daring to move. “For what?”
She slowly scooted down more until her head touched the pillow. “For helping me.”
He covered her hand with his other. “Lass, an errand boy could have done what I did. "
She carefully shook her head. “No, only you.”
He watched her eyes begin to close. Her breathing slowed. A worry suddenly shivered through him. He caressed her
knuckles then laid that hand on her chest. “Lenna?” Her name rolled off his tongue like song.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Aye?”
Her silky voice was just above a whisper.
Alax cleared his throat. “No matter what you’re running from, you’re safe with me.”
That soft smile started then she gave a slight nod, her eyelids lowering again. Her mouth began moving and
he leaned closer to hear her whispered words.
“…live to see the day, a Gunn could be so kind.”
He felt the corners of his mouth turn up. Cheeky lass, even bone weary and half asleep, she sassed.
His lips flattened and he sat back straight. Could that saucy tongue be why she’d been beaten? He knew
women could be killed for less. The thought of how she’d gotten her bruises, the marks on her arm
ran his blood cold. He was drawn to wipe loose strands of hair from her face.
“You’re safe here, Hellenna inghean William, but who are you hiding from?”
Bob's 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!
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…
About the Author
As a child award winning author Angela Ashton pulled anyone
that would listen into her world of fantasy. Her love of the
written language led to the desire to write her own novel.
Her first labor of love, Amulet of Fate, combined her love of Scottish
historical, time travel, and paranormal romances. Angela continues to
write in an array of genres and has received rave reviews for her works.
Happy to teeter between two worlds, she lives in the Midwest with her
family and personal petting zoo by day…slipping into the enchanted land
of tall, dark and handsome by night!
Excerpt
turn rock to ash. What the hell was he about? Alick's laugh lacked any signs of humor. His eyes never left
Darius as he addressed her, "Forgive my brother, m'lady. Dari has been far too long painting the bonny moors of
Scotland with enemy blood and forgets his manners in the presence of a lady."
There was no dismissing the subtle warning underlying his tone, though the smirk that flashed across Darius' face
told her he planned to do just that.
Tegan dare not look directly at Alick for fear he'd read the horrid fascination in her eyes. Surely he couldn't detest
it any more than she. As if she could stop gaping starry-eyed at his wayward brother. If such extraordinary power
were within her grasp, it lay dormant beneath a heavy cloak of fear-laced awe.
She did, however, make the mistake of looking at the human magnet and flinched at the violent collision. The
knowing leer on his face spoke enough volume to stuff a library from floor to rafters with cynical tomes. He'd seen
the lust in her eyes as surely as she'd felt the seed take root and fester in her treacherous bosom.
He was T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
Bob's 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!