Brit Darby’s DAVY’S LAST RIDE – A Worthy Tale of Love in the Scottish Borderlands in the 17th century

Another fascinating, well-told story from the writing team of Patricia McAllister and Fela Dawson Scott, otherwise known as “Brit Darby.” It’s got everything I like in a romance: historical detail, exciting scenes well described and a worthy hero and heroine.

 

Set in the Scottish Marches (that area between Scotland and England that experienced cattle reeving and cross-border raids, it begins in 1604 as young Davena is being married to her childhood sweetheart, Adair Eliott. Hand-fasted a year earlier, they were finally sealing their vows. As they are celebrating, a band of brigands sweeps in to kill many, including Adair.

 

Eight years later, Davena (now “Davy”) is the mother of a 7-year-old daughter Fiomuala and she and Adair’s brothers have turned outlaw, preying on the rich English lords and living for revenge. Oh yes, and Adair, now a ghost, is ever with Davy keeping her out of trouble.

 

Major Tevish McBride, the fencing master of Prince Henry Stuart, is sent north to capture the outlaw Davy Eliott, never knowing the outlaw he seeks is a woman. Never anticipating he will be so attracted to her. Tev has mixed feelings about going to the border as it was the place of his birth—the place he’d fled as a boy. Unbeknownst to his comrades in arms, Tev is the second son of Sir Simon Fenwick, a man Tev hates as he does his half brother, Barclay, Baron Blackmuir.

 

This is a story with many twists and turns and a plot that will keep you turning pages. Darby brings to life the borderlands and the negative feelings the Scots had for the British. Some real historic figures make cameo appearances, including King James himself.

 

It’s a great read and highly recommended.

Elizabeth Stuart’s WITHOUT HONOR: A Wonderful Scottish Historical…a Classic Keeper!

Elizabeth Stuart is one of my very favorite authors. All of her novels are on my keeper shelf. Classics all.

 

So many “historical” romances have very little history. Not this one. I love how Stuart seamlessly weaves in rich historical events throughout the novel. She brings Scotland of the early 16^th century alive as she uses both real people and fictional characters to tell a complex, intriguing story.

 

The story is set in Scotland at the time when Archibald Douglas, the Earl of Angus, was just divorced from the dowager queen Margaret Tudor, elder sister of Henry VIII of England. Angus effectively ruled Scotland, being the regent for young King James. Angus was arrogant and claimed too much power for himself, drawing the ire of many, including the young king.

 

Against this tumultuous time, Jonet Maxwell, heiress to the clan Maxwell (the enemy of clan Douglas) fled her home, seeking to join with her beloved uncle, Robert, Lord Mure. Unwittingly, Alexander Hepburn, Baron of Durnam, and the enemy of Jonet’s uncle, intercepts her flight. Once he realizes who she is, he uses her to get to her uncle. She is young and naïve and Alexander is a jaded rake, who has sold his talents to France, England and Scotland. He lives for revenge of his father’s death, a death he blames on Mure, Jonet’s uncle.

 

The hero was a cad for most of the book so at times it was hard to like him. He was constantly hurting Jonet. Oh, he warned her he would (don’t they always?) but still he persisted. And because Jonet was naïve and weak (when it came to him), it sometimes made her come across as spineless. When she went willingly into his arms after he betrayed her, it made me want to slap her. And that was BEFORE he spent the night in the arms of his long time paramour. He would have happily taken Jonet’s innocence if she hadn’t stopped him—all in the same day!

 

I suppose the book was named for him. But don’t get me wrong, he comes out smelling like a rose in the end and those with truly no honor are identified.

 

A compelling Historical tale and a most worthy love story. Another for the keeper shelf it is so well written. I highly recommend it.

 

Judith E. French’s FORTUNE’S MISTRESS –Exciting Pirate & Privateer Saga Set in the Caribbean!

Set in England and the Caribbean in 1672, the story begins as Lacy Bennett, marked as a witch, is bound for Tyburn gallows in London. When the guards worry that a pirate, James Black, one of the prisoners, may try and escape, they chain him to Lacy. However, Lacy has an escape plan of her own. Lacy’s brothers come to her rescue and create a disturbance in front of the gallows, enabling Lacy and James to escape—bound together.

 

Though a series of events, Lacy and James sail away on her family’s boat across the Atlantic where James seeks to recapture Incan gold he and his fellow privateers lost when their ship was sunk. Betrayed by the pirate Henry Morgan, James is taking no chances when he runs into a man he thought was his friend who demands his share of the gold and Lacy. But James bargains, using Lacy as collateral as if she were his possession, ending Lacy’s trust. But not her dreams, dreams that the gold will allow her to achieve.

 

French has taken great pains to get the setting, history and details right while weaving a fascinating tale of a woman who, though a wrecker’s daughter and of low birth, is smart and courageous and beautiful. You cannot help but love her. And the hero is the bastard son of Charles II, shunned by his father, who wants to regain what he views as rightfully his. To do so, he is not above using Lacy. He falls in love with the beautiful redhead, but will offer her no more than a courtesan’s life. Though she returns his love, Lacy will not be his kept woman.

 

French has created wonderful characters, including an Incan warrior who believes Lacy’s visions of future events makes her the “star woman,” foretold in their legends.

 

It’s an exciting tale from beginning to end with many threads that had me eager to know where the story would lead. I highly recommend this saga of pirates, privateers, legends and the high seas. It’s well told and wonderful!

 

The Fortune Trilogy:

 

Fortune’s Mistress

Fortune’s Flame

Fortune’s Bride

 

Judith E. French’s FIREHAWK’S BRIDE – Fascinating Love Story from the Early American Frontier!

He was only 7 years old in 1600 when John Fire Hawk, grandson of the great Powhattan, was deemed the Chosen One by his Cherokee medicine man on Assateague Island. Twenty years later, in England, having become an indentured servant to an Englishman, he saves Katherine Miles, a squire’s daughter, from a pack of ravenous dogs. And in some mysterious way he knows she will one day be his wife.

Forced into a betrothal she doesn’t want with Robert, the man to whom Hawk is bound, Kate flees the wedding. But the betrothal stands and she accompanies her sister Alice to the new world where both Robert and Hawk now live. As the Indians plot war against the settlers, Hawk determines to save the woman he loves.

Great storytelling with well-drawn characters and rich historical detail provide a worthy tale of life in early Virginia and the Cherokee’s view of the beautiful wilderness. It’s a story of two cultures clashing, and it’s an unusual love story between a noble Indian prince who would defy his people to have the white woman he wanted. I loved John Fire Hawk and his stalwart love for Kate.

Judith French can always be counted upon for a wonderful, well-told story, and this one does not disappoint.

Elizabeth Stuart’s HEARTSTORM – A Classic and a Keeper Love Story set in Scotland!

Set in late 17th century Scotland during the reign of King James II, it tells the story of Anne Randall, the beautiful daughter of Robert Randall, the evil earl of Glenkennon and representative of King James' government in Scotland. Randall has come to the Highlands to subdue the clans, and particularly Sir Francis MacLean, laird of the MacLean clan. When Randall uses treachery to imprison friends of the MacLean, the Scottish laird captures Randall's daughter to hold her for exchange of the prisoners.

Anne was on her way from England to join her father upon the death of her mother, who was a MacDonnell, allies of the MacLeans. But Francis sweeps Anne away to his home, Camereigh Castle, on the coast of Western Scotland, where they find themselves drawn to each other and Anne experiences the joy of a warm family.

This is superb historical romance and storytelling at its best. Stuart captivates from the first page as she weaves an intriguing tale of love and treachery in the Highlands. The rich historic details show considerable research. The dialog draws you in and the characters are well-drawn. The hero is drool-worthy.

I promise it will keep you turning pages.

As far as I can tell, Stuart only wrote five books before setting aside her writing career to raise her family. But those she has given us are worth holding dear.

Here they are:

Reckless Angel (1988, under the pen name Elizabeth Awbrey)
Heartstorm (1989)
Where Love Dwells (1990, RITA award winner for Best Historical, 1991)
Without Honor (1994)
Bride of the Lion (1995)

Kathleen Givens’ THE LEGEND - A Wonderful Scottish Historical!

I am a devoted fan of Kathleen Givens's stories. I loved the Torridon duology about twin brothers from the Clan MacCurrie living on the Northwestern shore of Scotland at their family seat, Torridon.

Set in 17th century Scotland (and England), while perhaps not as good as On A Highland Shore or Rivals For The Crown or the Kilgannon duology, I did really enjoy it. Givens has a real talent for weaving true history into a story that captures the reader’s mind as well as the heart. Always her tales tug at my heartstrings.

This two book series (The Legend and The Destiny) present the Clan MacCurrie and a legend told by the Seer about two brothers, twins Neil and Jamie, and their family. Their father, grandfather and great grandfather all died on their birthday--just as the Seer predicted. The twins were conceived the night the great oak tree that is the clan symbol was split in two by lightning. Yet each half of the tree lived. And the legend tells of the brothers going to war and then of 50 years of peace. The two brothers are very close, even communicating without speaking.

This first story is Jamie's and Ellen's and it begins as the Highland clans are gathering to consider if they will go to war to fight for King James' right to rule or accept William and Mary who have been declared co-regents. It is decided that Jamie must attend the gathering in Neil's place and they believe since they are twins, no one will know.

Ellen is the youngest daughter of a family in turmoil. While her two older sisters have married for love and are happy, her stepfather brought deceit and treachery to her mother's life and her own. Ellen learns of a plot on the life of her cousin, Dundee, who has become the champion of the Highlanders, and she feels she must go to the clan gathering to warn him. On the way, Jamie will save Ellen from brigands.

If you love Scottish history and Highlander romance, you will find both in this tale.  And for Neil's story, get The Destiny!

Monica McCarty’s HIGHLAND WARRIOR – First in the Wonderful Campbell Trilogy!

I have read all three in this series (Highland Warrior, Highland Outlaw and Highland Scoundrel) and loved them all. I prefer this trilogy to the MacLeod Trilogy. All three of these are strong Highlander reads.

Set in the early 17th century Scotland, this first story is that of Jamie Campbell, who is cousin the Earl of Argyll and his “enforcer” strong arm of the law. Jamie's all about bringing criminals to justice and his current assignment is to hunt down the MacGregor outlaws. So, he travels to Ascog Castle on the Isle of Bute where the Laird Lamont is believed to be harboring MacGregor fugitives. Jamie intends to pose as a suitor to the Laird’s famously beautiful, willful and outspoken daughter, Caitrina, while he searches for the MacGregors. He did not plan on falling for the girl when he claimed a kiss as a boon to rescuing her from a tree where she is stuck in her underwear (long story).

Caitrina has no plans to marry at all, preferring to stay with her father and brothers where she is happy. But the ravages of the war between the Argyll and the MacGregors will change her life and, to save Ascog and her people, it seems the only option for her will be Jamie Campbell.

This is a great story of how love can come from tragedy and resentment for wrongs can be forgiven. McCarty develops the characters and backstories well and has great sexual tension between the characters. My only negative on the three books in this series is that her love scenes all seem the same, well described but a bit too measured when one might like to see passion overtake control once in a while. Still, it's an enthralling Highlander romance. I recommend this one and all three in this trilogy!

Jennifer Roberson’s LADY OF THE GLEN – Superb Storytelling and a Keeper—a Highland Love that Survives the Massacre of Glencoe!

May is Scottish Historicals month on Historical Romance Review and I’m starting with one that is also a classic keeper. It's on my Top 20 list. Simply superb!

Roberson's Lady of the Glen has everything I love in a Scottish historical romance: an epic love story, a noble hero, a strong heroine, real history (the massacre of Glencoe), attention to detail and enough suspense and drama to keep me turning pages. And a wonderful hero and heroine. Even the music of the Highlands is included. I could hear the pipes and their mournful sound as Roberson described them.

The story begins in 1682 when Catriona (“Cat”) Campbell first encounters Alasdair (“Dair”) Og MacDonald. She is an awkward, uncomely girl raised like one of her brothers by her drunken father, but Dair pays her a compliment when no one else does, telling her that she has “bonnie eyes…all bluey-green and bright. The sort of eyes a Highlander likes to come home to.” How could Cat ever forget him after that? Not even though he is one of the dreaded MacDonalds, the enemies of clan Campbell, could she fail to harbor a tenderness for him.

Much happens in this intricately woven tale that spans a decade. It’s the time when King James was exiled to France and William and Mary ruled England. The Scots battle each other as much as the English. Grey John Campbell, Earl of Breadalbane seeks to be the power behind the throne and he thinks it is William who will sit on that throne. He exerts his influence to unite the clans, pretending to support King Jamie, while planning on serving the Highland clans up on a silver platter to William. The clans don’t trust him but the lairds have little choice, seeing the English Ft. William erected as a symbol of the English dominance.

Famous battles like Killiecrankie are vividly described as Dair fights with the MacDonalds of Glencoe and the Stewarts of Appin. Both the MacDonalds and the Campbells kill each other’s young men caught reeving cattle, and Dair saves Cat from harm, and she saves his life. All this while another woman shares Dair’s bed. Then Cat’s father agrees to wed her to the Earl of Breadalbane’s son, Duncan Campbell in exchange for money to pay his many debts.

Perhaps the most intense moment is the Massacre of Glencoe when the Campbells, joined with the treachery of the English, including the king, murder nearly the entire clan of MacDonalds without provocation. Still remembered to this day, the massacre of Glencoe was a great perfidy on the part of the Campbells and England. A very sad chapter in Scotland’s history. As Roberson says of Glencoe, “’Tis a glen of sorrows, an empty place of blood and broken stone, of charred timber and burial cairns.”

I did not want to put this one down. The author truly captured the heart of the Highlands and the characters she vividly portrays bring to life one of the most incredible periods of Scotland’s history.

If you love Scotland and real Highlander romance—the deep ones—you will love this book! It does have a happy ending, too. 

Highly recommended.

Teresa Denys’ THE SILVER DEVIL – Enthralling, Terrible and Wonderful, a Classic set in 17th century Italy

This was my first by Denys. Her only other novel is The Flesh And The Devil, which is also wonderful. Both are set in 17th century Europe. Both are classics worthy of reading today.

The Silver Devil begins in 1605 north of Naples, Italy, at the time of the plague. It tells the story of Felicia Guardi, a commoner beauty who comes to the attention of Domenico della Raffaelle, the new Duke of Cabria, the one they call the “Silver Devil.”

When her mother died, Felicia learned from her brother that she was bastard born. Forced by him and his wife to live in their house as a servant, Felicia becomes a sort of Cinderella. Though Felicia has had a hard life, she has virtue, integrity and wisdom that outshine all those around her. Surely that is what Domenico saw when he chanced to glimpse her. Without her knowing it, Domenico buys Felicia from her half brother who drugs her so she can be taken to the duke’s palace.

Already ruined by having been taken to the duke, Felicia nevertheless fights the man who would have her (“a demon’s eyes in the face of a fallen angel”… “as graceful as a leopard and as treacherous as murder”). After he takes her maidenhead, she realizes she has no choice but to stay with him until he tires of her, which according to what she is told, may be very soon as he runs through mistresses quickly. But Felicia is unlike any woman Domenico has ever known and he does not cast her off.

Having just come to power, Domenico is aware of the seething treachery swirling around him. There are those who would prefer to see his half brother Alessandro rule the duchy. And Domenico knows he must take a wife and sire an heir so there are choices to be made. But Felicia has fallen in love with him (“…it was then, as I went to him like a falcon flying to his fist, that I realized I loved him”); and even knowing she will be set aside, she stays.

I can’t say enough good about this classic. Brilliantly written with attention to detail reflecting much research into the era and the politics of the time, it is a fascinating story of warring families and the vicious actions some take to stay in power. The prose is nearly lyrical at times and Denys’ writing is truly beautiful in its descriptions. Few authors could do it so well.

The plot is intricate and captured me from the start. Though told from the first person (we are only ever in Felicia’s head), it works for an intriguing story as we can only wonder what the Silver Devil is thinking behind his black eyes. Felicia is a wonderful heroine, and though he was often wicked, Domenico was a very worthy alpha male hero. I did not want to put it down. It's a keeper.

Heather Graham’s ONDINE – A Great 17th-Century Romance!

Ondine is right up there with Heather Graham’s best historical romances. Set in England in the reign of Charles II in the late 1600s, Graham masterfully weaves in history that makes the era come alive.

It is a complex tale of Ondine, the young and very beautiful Duchess of Rochester, whose father is slain by jealous relatives who want his lands—and Ondine—while they also attempt to make it look as if Ondine and her father were trying to slay the king. Ondine, fearing the fate of a traitor, flees into the forest where she joins up with the poor just trying to stay alive. Arrested with them for poaching, she ends up facing the gallows. But in a quirk of history that really happened, she is saved from the noose by an offer of marriage by a passing nobleman, Warrick, Lord Chatham.

Warrick is looking for a woman to be his wife as bait to trap the murderer of his first wife. Both Ondine and Warrick have mysteries to solve and neither confides initially in the other as they soon fall in love without admitting it. Warrick had no intention of consummating the odd marriage to the commoner he saved from the gallows, but then he finds his new wife irresistible. Her name “Ondine” represents a mythical mermaid who is given mortal life by the love of a man.

I loved how Drake wove the mythology into the story. The romance held my interest throughout and one thing I really liked is that the hero was never mean or cruel to Ondine (though he did pretend it out of concern for her life). There were no disturbing elements, only splendid writing, a well-woven plot and incredible characters you will come to love. I highly recommend this one!

Bertrice Small’s SKYE O’MALLEY – Unusual Irish Love Story!

This story is classic Bertrice Small. Set in Ireland, Algiers and London in the mid 16^th century, it is the first in the O’Malley series, and tells of the Irish noble families and the loves of an amazing heroine. Though her wealthy Irish sea captain father, famous for his merchant piracy, had 6 daughters, the O’Malley had only one like himself: Skye, strong and intelligent in business—and in her case, also beautiful.

When she is 15, though betrothed to another man (a man she hates), Skye falls in love with the dashing Niall Burke, heir to the MacWilliam, the O’Malley’s overlord. But their families deny them the marriage they want. Instead, Skye is wed to the brutal, lecherous man, and Niall is wed to a highborn woman who would prefer to be a nun. It will be years before they can get together.

You know, if you’ve read Bertrice Small before, her romances are…well, let’s just say, unusual. Perhaps they are more realistic of life in the times, but one should be aware. Typically, there is not just one couple nor is the heroine with just one “hero.” So, be prepared if you pick up this one. To be sure it’s a good story and will hold you captive as the scene moves from Ireland to Algiers and then to England; but what happens can be disconcerting at times. For example, using the vehicle of amnesia, at one point Small has the heroine adopting a lifestyle that is inconsistent with who she is and her life in Ireland. There were other instances where I lost my admiration for the heroine but in the end she triumphs, and so does Niall, though for a long while, he had one piece of bad luck after another.

The whole thing, though a bit farfetched, was very well done. Small’s descriptions of people, places and even dress and food really put you in the scene and make you feel like you are there. And the real life characters of young Queen Elizabeth’s court, including Elizabeth herself, were very believable.

Should you want to read more in the series, here’s the list:

The O'Malley Saga:

Skye O’Malley

All The Sweet Tomorrows

A Love For All Time

This Heart of Mine

Lost Love Found

Wild Jasmine

Skye’s Legacy:

Darling Jasmine

Bedazzled

Besieged

MaryLu Tyndall’s THE REDEMPTION – Christian Pirate (well, sort of) Finds Love in this exciting tale!

Set in 1665, this is the story of Charlisse Bristol, who leaves England for the Caribbean, looking for a father she has never known. She thinks him a gentleman but she will be oh, so wrong. Before she gets to Port Royal, she is shipwrecked on an island where she is saved by a band of pirates led by Captain Merrick, a Christian and a privateer for the Crown.

Charlisse is both attracted to and confused by the pirate captain. When she tells him of her search to find her father, Merrick agrees to help even though the man is a horrible pirate, the ruthless Edward the Terror Merrick once served under.

There’s lots of adventure in this one with battles at sea and on ship. Tyndall’s descriptions are vivid and the pirate fights realistic. Charlisse seems a bit clueless at times but then she is an innocent. Lucky for her, Merrick is a gentleman in disguise, who tries to keep his band of pirates together while holding to his higher standards and assuring Charlisse’s safety. Her father is, initially at least, a blackguard.

You’ll be glad when they finally dock at Port Royal but the tension doesn’t end there as Charlisse becomes entangled in her father’s world and discovers a kind man of God in Thomas. For inspirational romance lovers who long for a pirate story, this is a great choice!

Jan Cox Speas’ BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH – A Highland Classic and an Absorbing Love Story from 17th Century Scotland!

A bestseller when it was first published in 1954, it has been off the market for some time. The edition I read was published in 1978, available used at the present time. It’s worth obtaining a copy, trust me. If I could give this novel more than 5 stars, I would. It’s a keeper and so well written it would be a good model for authors today. Even though there are no love scenes per se, there is a lot of sexual tension and much romance to satisfy the historical romance lover. The writing is simply beautiful.

Set in the Scottish Highlands in 1614, it tells the story of Elspeth Lamond, a beautiful young woman, the product of a handfast 20 years earlier between her Campbell mother and Lamond father, both Scots. Raised in England, she is also a favorite at Queen Anne’s court. Her uncle, the powerful Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyll, has plans to marry her off to a rich, titled man. But to fulfill a promise to her dying mother, she leaves London for the western coast of Scotland to Inverary, the home of the Campbell’s, her mother’s clan. On the way, she is abducted by the MacHughs and held at Rathmor castle where she was born, the lair of her father Robert Lamond and his ally, Sir Alexander MacHugh, Chief of Clan MacHugh—the feared “Black MacHugh.”

Alex is attracted to the strong-willed Elspeth—a perfect match for him—from the very beginning. He wants her as “his lass,” but does not speak of his love nor offer her marriage. Elspeth is exasperated by the arrogant Scots chieftain who kisses her whenever he likes, but discovers she likes the Scots and the wilds of the Highlands—and she likes the MacHugh. As her father tells her of the qualities than make Alex stand out as a leader, respected by all, he says, “…Scotland is a quarrelsome place at times, my dear Elspeth, and a man must look sharp to keep his head intact upon his shoulders.”

Schemes and treacheries abound in this well-told tale, not only from Elspeth’s uncle but from Alex’s mistress, the beautiful Kate who would force him to wed her by getting with child. Alex takes a stand with the MacDonalds in their battle for independence in the Isles against the Campbells fighting as King James’s catspaw. The characters are compelling, the action suspenseful and the anxiety as to whether Elspeth will end up with the MacHugh will have you turning pages late into the night.

I liked Alex and Elspeth so much they’re on my Favorite Heroes & Heroines list.

Lisa Ann Verge’s HEAVEN IN HIS ARMS – Fur Trapper Love in the French Canadian Wilderness

The story begins in Paris in 1670 where Genevieve Lalande, an orphan and illegitimate daughter of a courtesan, struggles to survive. Desperate for a new life, she trades identities with a woman who is among those chosen to be brides for the settlers in the new French colony of Quebec.

A fur trader in the Canadian wilderness, Andre Lefebvre is not happy to learn he must wed in order to keep his license. Given a choice of women, he selects the pale, sickly Genevieve, believing she can't possibly live. But he is wrong. She gets well. When she realizes he married her hoping she would die, she follows him into the wilderness demanding he treat her as a wife. Despite the temptation of her beauty, Andre doesn’t want to consummate the marriage because he plans to annul it.

The story reflects the author’s considerable research into the era and the locations. The descriptions of the unusual setting are vivid. Rides over the rapids and portaging through the wilderness on the way to Chequamegon Bay, an inlet on Lake Superior, are exciting.

Andre was concerned about a woman’s ability to handle the difficulties but Genny matches them for endurance and cleverness at every turn, winning Andre’s respect (and his lust, of course). The dialog is often witty and the love scenes are graphic (and there are many).

Johanna Lindsey’s A PIRATE’S LOVE – a Privateer and the Woman He Seized

Set in the 17^th century beginning in France in1667, this is the story of Tristan Matisse whose family was brutally slain by a Spaniard who plundered the coastal towns of France, and Bettina Verlaine, who was betrothed by her father to a wealthy count living in St. Martin. On her way to meet her betrothed, who she does not know, Bettina’s ship is seized by the privateer Tristan who sails for England plundering Spanish ships.

From the beginning, it is clear that Tristan intends to have Bettina in his bed. He considers her spoils, no matter she is an innocent. And high-spirited Bettina will have none of it, so he rapes her. Though he told her he was taking her to St. Martin for ransom by her wealthy betrothed, he decides instead to take her to his island hideout and keep her some months until he “tires of her.” What quickly becomes apparent is that he has no intention of letting her go. While he holds Bettina, he searches for the man who killed his family, Don Miguel Bastida.

Lindsey does a superb job of describing the emotions experienced by Bettina—she could not give in to the pleasure she might experience with Tristan because to do so would be to betray her betrothed. She was feisty and courageous and I loved her. While it was a bit difficult to understand Tristan’s comfort with his own actions given his childhood, somehow Lindsey made us believe it was possible. And I came to like Tristan in spite of his treatment of Bettina, for he genuinely cared for her. Eventually, his more noble side comes out, and even Bettina, who has suffered his “ruining her life,” comes to see it.

There are many well drawn characters along the way, including Jules, the man who watches Tristan’s back, and Bettina’s mother who confesses to Bettina the cold man she thought was her father actually is not. Lindsey makes this an exciting tale with subplots and twists and turns—and the visits to many ports in the Caribbean. She had me turning pages late into the night.

It’s on both my Best Bodice Rippers and my Best Pirate and Privateer Romances lists. A keeper!

Jan Cox Speas’s MY LORD MONLEIGH – A Beautifully Written, Poignant Love Story From the Scottish Highlands in the late 17th Century

This is set in the Scottish Highlands in the late 17^th century (mostly on the west coast) during the time when the Scots fell under Cromwell’s cruel hand as King Charles lived in exile in France. The Catholic Royalists, such as our hero, Lord Monleigh, faced opposition from both the English and the Covenanters (Scottish Presbyterians).

The story has a melancholy feel that persists as 23-year-old spinster, Anne Lindsey, who lost her parents and then her relatives with whom she was living, is forced to live with staunch Covenanters who treat her like a servant. As the tale begins, Simon, the Earl of Monleigh, who Anne knows, is in prison in Edinburgh awaiting death while Anne’s benefactors look forward to his execution. Anne looks back at her memories of Lord Monleigh, beginning with the night she met him on the moors high above the ocean, and the rest of the story unfolds.

Monleigh is man who can be a wise, though at times hard, leader of his clan, fighting to restore his king, but at the same time a charismatic charmer of the lasses. When he focuses his attentions on innocent and beautiful Anne, she has no will to resist. He exposes her to adventure, music and passion she has not known, but has longed for. He believes he has rescued her from a dismal life, but he has also exposed her to danger, and he offers her no future. He is hunted by the English for his raiding and smuggling, something he does to pay the high English fees levied on the Scots, and knows the noose is tightening about his neck.

In Anne’s own words:

“He had enthralled me, bewitched and enraptured me; and I knew I played a dangerous and deadly game by so giving myself into his keeping. He was no god, in truth, or even godly. He was only a man, a mere mortal, who went in leather breeks and a dark cloak lined with scarlet, wearing a long sword at his side and a wicked blue dirk in his belt—who felt anger, boredom, indifference, who loved and hated as other men; who stood taller than most and held his dark head with a greater pride.”

The story is told through Anne’s perspective and in the first person, and somehow that seemed to fit. It is beautifully written with near magical dialog and tender emotions on every page. I cannot recommend it highly enough to those who love the deep historicals from Scotland. It’s a keeper as are all of Jan Cox Speas’ novels.

Should you wish to acquire it, at the moment, you will have to buy it used and in paperback, but trust me, it will be worth it. And while you’re at it, I recommend getting Bride of the MacHugh, also by Speas, and equally good.

Heather Graham’s SWEET SAVAGE EDEN – A Magnificent Love Story That Begins in England and ends in the New World – a Keeper!

This is the first in Heather Graham’s North American Women trilogy and one of my favorites. It’s part of the 6-book Cameron Saga that I highly recommend. They were the first books I read by Heather that led me to become a huge fan of her historical romances.

It begins in 17th century England and tells of Jasmine ("Jassy") and Jamie. The story follows them to New World (Virginia), which was then very much a wild wilderness, untamed and inhabited by hostile Indians. 

Jassy has had a hard life as the bastard daughter of a dead nobleman. When her mother dies for lack of medical attention, Jassy learns of her connections to a noble family and, through a series of events, the family takes her in but treats her as little better than a servant. There she meets the dark Lord Cameron who wants to marry her because she reminds him of his "wild Virginia" where he is building a new life. Jassy is in love with his friend, the charming and fair Robert, but Robert has other plans.

Because Jassy fears dying in poverty like her mother, she consents to wed Jamie even though she is not even sure she likes him. But she is honest and tells him she is marrying him so she will not starve.

Jamie Cameron wants the beautiful Jassy—she makes his blood boil—and he believes she will be strong enough to endure the life in the wilderness where there are still Indians and pressures just to survive. But Jamie does not tell Jassy that he intends to take her to the New World because he knows Jassy wants the security of Jamie's beautiful manor in England.

Can she love a man she hates? Can she forget the fair Robert? Can Jamie love the tavern wench who wants only his wealth? So begins an adventure that is so well told and so well done, I have read it again and again. And the others in the series are equally good.

Heather Graham's writing is superb.  Her portrait of wild early America is wonderful. The story pulls you in and does not let you go. There are no slow spots as the action and characters are very real. The sexual tension permeates the book and is very believable. You will love Jassy and Jamie and you will find yourself drawn back to those historical times at the beginning of America. This is a keeper!

The Cameron Saga:

The North American Women trilogy:

Sweet Savage Eden
A Pirate's Pleasure
Love Not a Rebel

The Civil War trilogy:

One Wore Blue
And One Wore Gray
And One Rode West

Teresa Denys’ THE SILVER DEVIL – Enthralling, Terrible and Wonderful, a Classic set in 17th century Italy

To begin the month in which I feature Classics and Bodice Rippers, I have a Keeper that is both...

This was my first by Denys. Her only other novel is The Flesh And The Devil, which is also wonderful. Both are set in 17th century Europe. Both are classics worthy of reading today.

The Silver Devil begins in 1605 north of Naples, Italy, at the time of the plague. It tells the story of Felicia Guardi, a commoner beauty who comes to the attention of Domenico della Raffaelle, the new Duke of Cabria, the one they call the “Silver Devil.”

When her mother died, Felicia learned from her brother that she was bastard born. Forced by him and his wife to live in their house as a servant, Felicia becomes a sort of Cinderella. Though Felicia has had a hard life, she has virtue, integrity and wisdom that outshine all those around her. Surely that is what Domenico saw when he chanced to glimpse her. Without her knowing it, Domenico buys Felicia from her half brother who drugs her so she can be taken to the duke’s palace.

Already ruined by having been taken to the duke, Felicia nevertheless fights the man who would have her (“a demon’s eyes in the face of a fallen angel”… “as graceful as a leopard and as treacherous as murder”). After he takes her maidenhead, she realizes she has no choice but to stay with him until he tires of her, which according to what she is told, may be very soon as he runs through mistresses quickly. But Felicia is unlike any woman Domenico has ever known and he does not cast her off.

Having just come to power, Domenico is aware of the seething treachery swirling around him. There are those who would prefer to see his half brother Alessandro rule the duchy. And Domenico knows he must take a wife and sire an heir so there are choices to be made. But Felicia has fallen in love with him (“…it was then, as I went to him like a falcon flying to his fist, that I realized I loved him”); and even knowing she will be set aside, she stays.

I can’t say enough good about this classic. Brilliantly written with attention to detail reflecting much research into the era and the politics of the time, it is a fascinating story of warring families and the vicious actions some take to stay in power. The prose is nearly lyrical at times and Denys’ writing is truly beautiful in its descriptions. Few authors could do it so well.

The plot is intricate and captured me from the start. Though told from the first person (we are only ever in Felicia’s head), it works for an intriguing story as we can only wonder what the Silver Devil is thinking behind his black eyes. Felicia is a wonderful heroine, and though he was often wicked, Domenico was a very worthy alpha male hero. I did not want to put it down. It's a keeper.

Michelle Beattie’s HER PIRATE TO LOVE – Ruthless Pirate, Gracious Pirate and an Irish Heroine!

March is Irish month on Historical Romance Review… Irish heroines and heroes and stories set in Ireland. I’m starting with one that has an Irish heroine set in the Caribbean… a pirate tale!

Set in 1664 in the Caribbean, this is the story of pirate Sam Steele, a name assumed by Cale Hunter, to escape the tragedy that befell him when his wife and son disappeared leaving behind evidence of slaughter.

Grace Sullivan, an Irish lass, who defied her parents and took a ship to Ireland, or so she thought. Instead, she became the captive of the ruthless pirate, Roche Santiago who raped and tortured her, enjoying her pain. When Steele rescues her, she is reluctant to accept his help, fearing to trust no man, especially when she realizes she is pregnant with Roche’s child.

Amazon lists this as the first in the Sam Steele series, but it has the feel of a book in the middle of a series as some of Steele’s couple friends are characters (toward the end) and their stories are alluded to. It can be read as a stand alone, however.

There’s a lot of introspection in this book, some seemed repetitive, but if you don’t mind that (or you like it), you will enjoy the read. It’s well researched and there are some exciting fighting scenes, including one at the end when Roche Santiago shows up. It’s a pirate romance so some violence is to be expected. I enjoyed the fighting scenes but not Roche’s cruelty which is truly awful.

What surprised me: Grace is to give birth to the child of the ruthless, evil pirate who not only raped her, but also tried to kill her, yet she never worries about how she can raise a son that is his spitting image. I can see her having angst over that and then deciding to love the child anyway, but Grace never even has a thought about this. That seemed odd. But overall, it's a good story and pirate romance lovers will be happy.