J. R. Tomlin’s NOBLE TRAITOR – Vivid story of some of the First War for Scottish Independence

There were so many things I liked about this book, the depth of research, the medieval feel, the vivid descriptions of battles (some excruciatingly so) and the characters brought to life. But there were issues for me, too.

 

First, Thomas, the lead character, seemed very naïve for a knight. He is appalled at what he considers treachery and tricks on the part of his uncle, Robert the Bruce, to whom he is forsworn, yet he has no problem with King Edward’s utter cruelty. Thomas seemed unaware of the massacre of Berwick’s people just to prove a point or the brutal slayings of Robert the Bruce’s brothers and horrible treatment of his women by the English. So, for much of the book, Thomas was to me a weak and utterly ignorant man, seemingly unaware of what was at stake for the Scots and why they fought as they did.

 

Then there was this: the book ends abruptly, as if the author forgot to finish it. Loose ends are not tied up and relationships are left hanging. The end of the story is just the end of a battle. If the story continues in a subsequent book, then to my mind, this is not a “stand alone” novel. I got to the end and just stared at the page. So, what would have been a 5-star novel is not quite to that level. Still, it’s a good read.

 

Madeline Hunter’s LORD OF A THOUSAND NIGHTS – Love and Adventure in the 14th century on the Scottish Border

Set on the Scottish border in 1357, this is the story of an English knight, Ian of Guilford, dubbed “Lord of a Thousand Nights” for his prowess with women, and Lady Reyna Graham, a widow who is desperate to save her people and her home, Black Lyne Keep, from Ian’s assault. One night, she sneaks out and into his tent, posing as a prostitute. She thinks to kill him, however, Ian knows women and he knows this one is not an experienced woman.

 

Following her retreat back into the keep, he finds the passage that allows his men to take the keep without a siege. Once captured, she and her people are under his control. There is a fair amount of suspense, witty banter, and sex, as well as some good secondary characters to keep you entertained.

 

Ian turns out to be nobler that one might think initially. And Reyna is a well-loved noble heroine of good intentions gone awry. There’s mystery in their backgrounds and Hunter does a great job of revealing those at the end.

 

This is the last of Hunter’s 14^th Century London Medieval series and some of the couples in the other stories are characters in this one. All are highly recommended:

 

By Possession

By Design

Stealing Heaven

By Arrangement

The Protector

Lord of a Thousand Nights

 

Paula Quinn’s TEMPEST HEART – Good Story of a Highland Assassin and a Protected Lass!

May is Scottish month on Historical Romance Review and I’m starting with a great story by author Paula Quinn.
   

Set in 1349, this is the story of Tristan MacPherson, a Highlander who is skilled at killing for money. He never misses his target and is, thus, feared by all. With the plague that he does not fear comes a lass near death he saves. And Lady Rose Callanach will change his life.

When her mother died in an intentionally set fire, Rose’s father shuts her away where guards protect her. Until, years later, her father allows her to go with her uncle to spend the winter with her cousin. It is on that trip she contracts the plague.

Quinn adds humor to an otherwise somber story and the dialog between Rose and Tristan is endearing. For much of the book, it’s just those two traveling together but it’s a rich banquet of banter as they fall in love. How could you not love Tristan? A killer who is honorable and humble. And the scenes of Tristan’s doing his killing business are very well described. There’s a twist in the end you will not expect. Very well done!

Hearts of the Highlands Series:

Heart of Ashes
Heart of Shadows
Heart of Stone
Lion Heart
Tempest Heart

Glen Craney’s THE SPIDER AND THE STONE – Fiction and Fantasy Combine for an Intriguing Story of Scotland’s Independence

Set in the late 13^th and 14^th centuries, this is the story of Sir James Douglas (“the Black Douglas”) who aligned himself with Robert the Bruce and became a hero on the battlefield.

Graney brings us some wonderful characters, not all of whom are real historical figures and some delightful episodes of fantasy. I loved the Culdees and their defiance of the Roman Catholic church. And the Scottish women and one from France rise to the fore. Great dialog and some wonderful one-liners added to the story, too.

While there is no historical record of it, this version makes a love match out of James Douglas and Isabelle (“Belle”) McDuff, who was married to a Comyn. The beginning where Queen Isabel of England (who was French) is retelling the tale to James Douglas’ son seemed unnecessary to what was a good tale. Another detractor was the “head-hopping” or jumping from one person’s point of view to another’s without a change of scene.

The battle scenes are well done and James Douglas gets in some fictional but wonderful quips when taunting the English. The kings of England named Edward all come off badly, cruel and perverted, which undoubtedly they were. Robert the Bruce comes across as a melancholy, weak-kneed and reluctant king. Douglas is his backbone.

It’s a well-written story full of excitement, intrigue, betrayal and treachery. It held my interest and will inspire you to praise the courage of the Scots who only wanted freedom.

War of Independence notables from frieze by William Brassey Hole

Madeline Hunter’s LORD OF A THOUSAND NIGHTS – Love and Adventure in the 14th century on the Scottish Border

Set on the Scottish border in 1357, this is the story of an English knight, Ian of Guilford, dubbed “Lord of a Thousand Nights” for his prowess with women, and Lady Reyna Graham, a widow who is desperate to save her people and her home, Black Lyne Keep, from Ian’s assault. One night, she sneaks out and into his tent, posing as a prostitute. She thinks to kill him, however, Ian knows women and he knows this one is not an experienced woman.

Following her retreat back into the keep, he finds the passage that allows his men to take the keep without a siege. Once captured, she and her people are under his control. There is a fair amount of suspense, witty banter, and sex, as well as some good secondary characters to keep you entertained.

Ian turns out to be nobler that one might think initially. And Reyna is a well-loved noble heroine of good intentions gone awry. There’s mystery in their backgrounds and Hunter does a great job of revealing those at the end.

This is the last of Hunter’s 14^th Century London Medieval series and some of the couples in the other stories are characters in this one. All are highly recommended:

By Possession

By Design

Stealing Heaven

By Arrangement

The Protector

Lord of a Thousand Nights

Jayne Castel’s THE BEAST’S BRIDE - Great first in the Brides of Skye trilogy!

Set in 1346, this is the story of Rhona MacLeod, the headstrong daughter of a clan chief on the Isle of Skye. She has no wish to wed and so refuses all the suitors her father offers her. Finally fed up, her father decides to hold two days of games, the winner to get Rhona’s hand.

Taran MacKinnon is known to all as “the Beast of Dunvegan” because of his facial scars but he is the best warrior of the MacLeod. Taran is secretly in love with Rhona and never thinks to have her until the games. When he wins, he knows he faces an uphill battle for her love as she did not want to marry him or anyone.

The story is well-written and is guaranteed to hold your interest. Historical details add to its authenticity, and there are some exciting scenes. I did find the wedding night’s “we must consummate” or face your father’s wrath a bit unbelievable. (All Taran needed was a knife to cut his finger and voila! He’d have blood on the sheet.) But no matter. He is a hero you can love and Rhona comes to do just that. It’s a good story and a great start to the trilogy.

Cathy MacRae’s THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE – Intriguing Adventure and a Marriage Arranged by the King

Set in the Highlands in 1377, this is the story of Lady Caitriona whose father, the laird, has just died. Unbeknownst to her, her father had asked King Robert II for help. The king sends Lord Ranald Scott to hold Scaurness Castle on Scotland’s western coast. Ranald has been told if the old king dies before his son returns from France, then he must take over as laird and marry the old laird’s daughter.

Caitriona would prefer to rule the clan in her brother’s stead and is not happy about being forced to wed her childhood friend she never liked. Added to that, she has a 4-year-old daughter, the product of a rape when she was 15, that she fears Ranald—like one of her other suitors—will reject.

This is a well-written story, albeit long at times. The author has done her research to make it authentic and that is good. I enjoyed Ranald and his friends and the castle life MacRae has created. Caitriona (“Riona” for short and pronounced “Ree-na”) is a worthy heroine who has overcome great difficulties to take her place at the head of her people, that is until Ranald arrived.

Treachery, battles, celebrations, a Highland wedding and an adorable child will keep you turning pages!

Heather Graham’s A KING’S PLEASURE – A Very Worthy Medieval set in the time of King Edward III

A worthy read from an icon of historical romance. Graham’s stories are well researched and well written and immediately draw me in. This one begins in 1336 (there is a prologue set in 1357—a great tavern scene), and covers several years as we travel from England to France and Scotland. It tells the story of Lady Danielle D'Aville, a countess who is loyal to the French King Philip (and later, King Jean) but has become the ward of King Edward III of England since the death of her mother.

As a young girl of 14, King Edward betrothed Danielle to his favored knight, Adrien MacLachlan, a proud Scot and “one of the most famed” of Edward’s knights with his own lands in the Highlands. Danielle hates the arrogant knight because he was responsible for the strategy that allowed King Edward to take down her home of Aville.

Adrien has lost his own love to the plague, a woman he met at King Edward's court and intended to marry. Though he really doesn't like the strong-willed young French girl, Danielle, he will obey his king and become betrothed to her, particularly since the marriage will gain him her estates in England and France. Danielle is willing to become betrothed to her enemy, the knight she detests, only because the alternative is an old nobleman in Sweden and Adrien promises her freedom to continue reigning at Aville alone for years.

Adrien keeps his bargain and young Danielle does not see him for 5 years while he is off winning accolades for his jousting abilities at tournaments across the Continent and whoring with many women. When he is ordered by King Edward to move forward with the wedding, Adrien returns to claim Aville. The reluctant bride he only remembers as a troublesome girl has grown into a stunningly beautiful woman who is attracting men all over Europe. He decides he will wed her after all even though Danielle still considers him an arrogant enemy. She goes through with the wedding only because he promises to give her time before they share a marriage bed.

The plot thickens as England and France are about to go to war and a French nobleman who loves Danielle is bitter that he has lost her. Adrien isn’t exactly the attentive lover either. The morning after he consummates the marriage, he left her to play archery with the men at Aville and he is uncaring and rude and at times cruel to the high spirited, intelligent and courageous young woman.

As a last thought, you might want to skip the prologue or read it after as it gave away much. All in all, it is a worthy, exciting read and Graham’s writing, as always, is very well done.

The original book was published under Graham’s other pen name of Shannon Drake.

Tamara Leigh’s BARON OF EMBERLY – The Saga Continues, a Medieval Romance to Savor

Set in England in 1334, this second book of The Feud series is a good story. Magnus Verdun, Baron Emberly, is a handsome nobleman who struggles to hide an affliction. While pursuing the murderous brigands who plague his lands, he becomes the unwitting savior of the woman the king has decreed he wed—the young Lady Thomasin, whose very presence threatens his carefully ordered life.

Having been common-born, her noble father, the Baron of Blackwood, loves her and expects the Baron of Emberly to make her a good husband. Without explaining why, her new husband confines her to sleep in a separate chamber and does not consummate the marriage. When he also demands she do as he asks, Thomasin rebels, which makes her the pawn of those determined to further the feud between their families.

This story began with an attack by villains on the heroine and a marriage neither she nor her handsome betrothed wanted. Still, she means to make the best of it and become the lady he expects. As with the first book in the series, this one has an authentic medieval feel so that you truly feel placed in the 14^th century. I loved that about it. It’s slower-paced than others I have read but the story does not disappoint.

Laura Kinsale’s SHADOWHEART – Both Fascinating and Disturbing Medieval Pirate Romance

To say this book was difficult to review is an understatement. Let me say at the outset that Kinsale writes brilliantly and has obviously done an amazing job of presenting the historical setting of 14^th century Northern Italy. The story held my interest; however, it is also sometimes disturbing and, in places, had me figuratively tearing out my hair. Some historical romance readers will have difficulty with parts of it.

This is the sequel to For My Lady’s Heart and much of our introduction to the hero, Allegreto, can be found there, should you want to read it. Shadowheart won the RITA in 2005 for Best Historical Romance, which is interesting in itself, as you’ll see from my comments below. Unlike the prequel, this one is only sprinkled with Middle English, and much better for the change—we can actually understand what Kinsale is saying.

Set in the late 14th-century, Allegreto, the 16-year-old assassin we met in book one, and bastard son of the Italian Navona family, now in his late 20’s, has one goal—to reclaim his birthright in Monteverde (Northern Italy). He is strong, mysterious and ruthless. To secure his claim, he uses treachery to capture the last heir and princess of Monteverde, 17-year-old Elena. Much happened after her capture that bothered me. I apologize for some spoilers, but I can’t review this book without them.

Allegreto (called “Il Corvo” after his island and “pirate” to Elena), rapes her and then calls her “wife,” though there is no marriage nor vows of any kind. How he intended to claim her lands with no lawful marriage mystified me but that’s how the story begins. That Elena, who seemed a bright, independent young woman, could be so witless as to walk into his trap and believe that he had married her and consummated the marriage while she was drugged was just bizarre. She never challenges it, though with her personality, one would have expected her to.

As to Elena and Allegreto’s sexual relationship, I just have to say it was strange for a 17-year-old innocent. While I don’t typically quote other reviewers, the following assessment so closely paralleled my own views I thought to use it: “Had she written a bigger buildup of Elena’s obsession with her “angel” of the past so there was a foundation for the present relationship, then made Elena a reluctant apprentice in the S&M and bondage in an effort to “save” Allegreto's black heart and soul, the scenes could have been made darkly beautiful and believable. As it was, we had to make some lightning-fast adjustments to keep up with the young girl we were first introduced to who was alarmed by the aggressive kisses of a romantic knight, and within a matter of weeks morphed into a disturbing and disturbed seductress. We were given no reference point from which to understand the flowering of the relationship between Elena and Allegreto, other than the point at which they came together to draw blood. As a result, we have a very hard time envisioning a happily-ever-anything for these two.” I, too, found it unbelievable. One could expect Allegreto to engage in such behavior given his background, but Elena? Raised as an educated young woman in a happy home in England, it was hard to believe.

Almost all the story is in Elena’s point of view so we know little about Allegreto’s thoughts. We do know (early on) that on his island kingdom he pursued the occult and was creating a generation of young assassins in his own image. Elena, finding that disturbing, as well she should, is naïve enough to believe if he promises not to train her own children (when they come) in his murderous ways, those children will somehow be different from their father or the assassin culture all around them. That made her look witless.

The change in the hero and heroine over the course of the book was interesting: she started out weak and became a dominating princess and he started out strong and ended up her love slave.

I wouldn’t recommend this book without the disclaimers in this review. But for those who don’t mind all that, I could say it deserves 4 stars simply for the achievement it represents.

Tamara Leigh’s BARON OF GODSMERE – Authentic Medieval Full of Intrigue

Set in 14^th century England, this is the story of a feud between three noblemen, each elevated to a baron and given a portion of his former lord’s lands. Jealousy and reprisals pit family against family, passing the feud from father to son. In an attempt to end the feud, King Edward decrees they shall intermarry and provides Baron Boursier a deadline, after which he will forfeit his lands.

Bayard Boursier is given a choice between two daughters of his enemies. On the eve of the deadline to honor the king’s decree, the fair Elianor of Emberly takes matters into her own hands. Determined none will suffer marriage to the man who she believes to be a beast, she carries out a plan to imprison him long enough to ensure his barony is forfeited. But when all goes awry and her wrathful enemy compels her to wed him to save his lands, she discovers he is not the terrible man she thought him to be. The real enemy is one who lurks in their mids, one Agatha, is determined to keep the feud burning.

Leigh does a great job of slowly developing the romance between Bayard and Elianor. He is tender with her and she can hardly fail to respond when she was the victim of a brutal man in her first marriage. Leigh has also captured a feel for the era and the historical setting. That said, the story moves along at a slow pace in places and it seems repetitive but one can just follow the dialog, which is very good and full of emotion. The dramatic ending is exciting and made me want to read the next in the series.

The Feud Series:

Baron of Godsmere

Baron of Emberly

Baron of Blackwood

Emma Prince’s THE LADY’S PROTECTOR – Scottish Warrior Guards an English Woman

Set in 1314, this is the story of Ansel Sutherland, a warrior who has fought at the side of King Robert the Bruce, who is given the task of protecting the illegitimate son of the Earl of Lancaster. Though Ansel dislikes having to apply his skills to help an Englishman, he accepts his role as a bodyguard for the alliance it may bring his king.

When he arrives in England, he encounters Lady Isolda, the boy’s mother who will not disclose the location of her son. But when nefarious attackers show up to go after the lady, he must protect her. So he takes her back to the Highlands and, along the way, their attraction for each other builds.

The story is mostly just Isolda and Ansel though as they travel to the Highlands, we do meet a few more characters. And, eventually, her young son, John. It’s a well written tale, which held my interest though I would have liked a bit more description of the environment around them.

If you like Highland romance with a capable Scottish warrior and a protesting English lady traveling north to the Highlands, you will enjoy this one.

B.J. Scott’s HIGHLAND QUEST – Hotheaded Hero Finds Love With a Determined Woman

Since he lost the love of his youth to the English, Bryce Fraser is only concerned with serving King Robert Bruce and fighting the English and the Scots that support them. He has no time for love or Fallon, the woman who catches his fancy. He’s not exactly honorable, however. Knowing he won’t marry, he nevertheless takes her virtue. 

Bryce's brothers—and nearly everyone else thinks he harbors a love for the woman. And Fallon wants only one man. Bryce. And she will make some poor decisions in pursuing him that will cost others their lives.

If you can handle all that, it’s an exciting, well-written tale of the days before Robert had the throne secured. Fans of Scottish historical romance will love it. This is book 2 in the Fraser Brothers trilogy, so there is more for you to enjoy!

Paula Quinn’s HEART OF ASHES – Enemies to Lovers Between a Scot and an Englishwoman in the time of Robert the Bruce

May is the month in which I review Scottish Historical Romances. I’m beginning with one by my fellow author and friend, Paula Quinn.

The story begins in Scotland in 1314 as the Scots are defeating the English at Bannockburn. Cainnech (Cain) MacPherson hates the English for their raid on his village when he was a boy, the day they killed his family and stole his brothers. They took everything including him and brought him up as an English warrior. But those days are now over and Cain serves Robert the Bruce.

When he raids a small castle in Northumberland, he faces a bold Norman lass who will wants him dead at any cost. Aleysia d’Argentan has been planning for four years how she alone will defeat the Scots with traps in the forest, poisoning the grain and wine and daggers hidden all over the castle. However, she did not anticipate Cain’s intelligence or his kindness to her.

For much of the book Aleysia and Cain battled each other but she could not hold out when her affection and respect for him grew. He protected her identity from his men as the women who had killed nine of his men and so his men came to respect her, unaware the castle was hers.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to some loveable characters and a few twists that surprise. When Robert the Bruce shows up, things get really interesting. And the ending is compelling. Great descriptions and well written. Lovers of medieval Scottish historicals will love it.

Sawyer Belle’s LOVE OF A LIONESS –Female Pirate Finds Love Sailing the English Channel

Set in Brittany and England (and the waters in between) in 1343, in the time when King Philip ruled France and King Edward III ruled England, this is the story of Isabeau de Ardres of Brittany, 18, who was raised by her father to take care of herself. However, that didn’t stop one villainous knight, Sir Antoine Beauchart, from raping her when she was 15. Beauchart has now betrayed her father who had pledged his fealty to England to assure an independent Brittany. Left alone, Isabeau is saved by Sir Guy Dampierre, the Bastard of Flanders, who takes her to England thinking she is the widow of Lord Clisson.

Isabeau lives for revenge on Beauchart. With King Edward’s blessing, she becomes the pirate known as the Lioness of Brittany, sailing the English Channel, preying on the French. Her two ships, one captained by Sir Guy, attack at night, painted black with red sails. Sir Guy is drawn to Isabeau’s courage and her determination to succeed. He knows she hides a secret and has vowed to learn the truth.

Sawyer has done well bringing to life a period when England and France were grudging allies, when a real “Lioness of Brittany” roamed the English Channel. And she has brought us an independent, unusual heroine—a willing pirate to bring a villain low. Both Isabeau and Sir Guy bear scars from their past and both must trust to find happiness with each other.

If you like lots of action and sword fights and battles galore, including those aboard ship, you’ll find it in this romance.

Julie Johnstone’s WHEN A LAIRD LOVES A LADY – Love in the Highlands with a Reluctant Laird

Set in 1357 in Scotland, this is the story of Marion de Lacy, a woman who is half Scot but raised by her English father who paid her little attention. When he attempts to force a marriage upon her to an evil knight, she escapes with the help of her friend, Angus, who wants her to join the MacLeods of Skye. Before she can reach them, she’s captured by the knight.

Iain, laird of the MacLeods was married to a woman he loved. With her death, he wants never to marry again. Yet he’s agreed to marry Marion by order of the English king, Edward, to save the Scottish king, David.

In this well-written story, we meet some delightful characters and see how an arranged marriage can lead to love. Great dialog adds to the characters’ interchanges and there are some exciting scenes.

The hero, Iain, is an unusual man. He apologizes frequently and is unselfish and caring to the woman he was forced to marry, considering her in all he does. Marion is a saint, kind to her enemies and wanting only to win her husband’s love. Iain’s clan mostly accepts her but the sisters of his former wife are not pleased at their laird’s new marriage.

The path to love has many twists and turns, including treachery, betrayal and, for good measure, a seer. And enjoyable Scottish historical read.

Laurin Wittig’s THE DEVIL OF KILMARTIN – Absorbing Highlander Romance!

Set in the Highlands of Scotland in 1307, and mostly at the Kilmartin castle, this is the story of a beautiful woman, Elena of Lamont, who has great healing power in her hands. 

Elena's clan’s leaders would use her for their own purposes and, at her father’s death, a ruthless man, seeking to be clan chief, decides he will have Elena to wife to gain the power that her father had. But Elena hates him and hates being used so she flees…right into the arms of The Devil of Kilmartin, the chief of Clan Lachlan, Symon MacLachlan.

Symon is plagued by violent head and stomach aches that he believes Elena can cure. He wants to bind her to him by offering her sanctuary, and perhaps more. And then there is the prophecy about flame and madness mingling to make his clan prosper…

Wittig draws a fascinating picture of clan life and the historical setting of 14^th century Scotland. And the characters and their emotions are timeless. This is a well-written tale that will hold your attention from page one. I recommend it.

Nancy Richards-Akers’ THE HEART AND THE HOLLY – Wonderful Irish Medieval, an Exciting Story!

Set in 14^th century Ireland, this is the story of Lady Johanna Elizabeth, or as she prefers to be called, Aislinn, the wild daughter of an English knight, Sir Roger Clare, and his Irish wife, now dead. Aislinn has grown up at her father’s estate in Ireland and resists her father’s recent attempts to turn her into an English lady and marry her off in England. When she first meets the fierce Bran O'Connor, an Irish chieftain, he was acting the spy for his Irish clan. He kisses her to further his disguise but is caught by her enticing ways, realizing what they say about Clare’s daughter is true—she is a temptress.

When Aislinn learns her father is planning to send her to England, she sets her sights on Bran’s younger brother Niall, thinking to marry him so she can stay in Ireland rather than marry a man of her father’s choosing. But Bran is wise to her manipulation and will tolerate no half English woman in the blood of his clan. So, he interrupts the plan and sends her back to her father. Little does Bran know the terrible fate that awaits her there.

This is an exciting, well-written story with an alpha male hero and a worthy heroine. The author brings out the hatred the Irish clans had for the English and shows how badly the English treated the Irish, banning their Irish names, their worship, their customs. She also shows the Irish dislike of the English.

The epilogue does a particularly nice job of letting you know what happens after the happily ever after.

It’s a great romance and there are two others that come before it, both with Scottish heroes.

The Heart And The Heather

The Heart And The Rose

The Heart And The Holly

Lily Baldwin’s ROSE – Shipwreck Leads to Love Between an English Captain and a Scot

This is the latest installment in the author’s “Scottish Outlaws” series. Set in Scotland in 1303, beginning in the Hebrides, this is the story of Rose MacVie, tragically widowed when the English massacred her husband and daughters. At 30, she wants a new life but despairs she will have one living with her brothers on the remote island. When her youngest brother offers her the position of quartermaster on his ship, she jumps at the chance, but alas, she never gets there.

Tristan Thatcher, an English merchant captain, has been betrothed by his father to a woman he does not like but one who will bring a title to the family. Tristan wants out and is persuaded by his quartermaster to pretend to have already wed before the betrothal message arrived, thus defeating his father’s plans. When Rose washes up next to their ship, floating on the wreckage of a small boat, he thinks she is just the one to save him.

Rose and Tristan launch their plan to pretend to be wed and then fall in love as they sail to France and England, his home. It’s an entertaining read with a hero who, as far as I could tell, is a flawless gentleman, accepting Rose’s past and her outlaw brothers without question. Rose is an adventurous type and a gifted healer.

Though it is part of a series and there are references to the other stories, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.

The Scottish Outlaws series:

Jack

Quinn

Rory

Alec

Rose

Review: Cordia Byers’ SILK AND STEEL – Absorbing Tale from 14th Century Scotland with a Wonderful Heroine!

I didn’t have to read very far into this story to know Byers had delivered another great romance. Set in the Borderlands of Scotland in 1333, it tells of a Scottish clan that is decimated by a battle with King Edward’s knights. Left in charge is the young 18-year-old heir who leads the clan in a last desperate attempt to retain control of their castle, Raven’s Keep. But they are unsuccessful; and though the young heir fights hard, Edward’s knight, Justin St. Claire, wins the day and claims the castle. It is only when he goes to have the young heir flogged that he realizes Lord Cregan’s heir is a woman.

Jamelyn (“Jami” to her men) is a courageous young woman who was raised as a son by her uncle, Lord Cregan. When King Edward, for his own purposes, commands Justin to wed the rebellious girl, who understandably hates the English, the real battle begins. Jamelyn means to outwit the arrogant Englishman who is critical of her and her people.

From the very beginning, I loved this heroine and finding out what would happen to her had me turning pages way past my bedtime. However, I have to say it was a bit of “loved her, hated him” story. Jamelyn was manipulated by every man she’d known, first her uncle, then Justin, then Anthony (Justin’s friend) and even King Edward. Justin acts the cur time and again, even flaunting his mistress in front of his wife. I was (at least at one point) tempted to feel sorry for his mistress because though she was a bitter, vengeful woman who would stop at nothing to have the man she wanted, she had loved Justin since she was 15.

It is an absorbing story that I was unwilling to put down. Byers brings many threads together at the end for a satisfying finish. I recommend it!

The sequel is Desire and Deceive.