Lady Margaret, has returned to her mothers home, at Castle Fyne, which is now part of her dowry. With Margaret betrothed to a Englishman, she knows she has little choice in the matter. She only hopes she will have a good match like her parents did. Right before she heads south to get married, she wants to visit her lands, remembering her childhood there. She and her brother arrive, and get a welcome she hoped they would receive. But shortly thereafter a army of hundreds come upon the Castle, and their leader Alexander MacDonald, "The Wolf" demanding she surrender herself in order to save her people which are few and don't stand much chance. However Margaret, knows her mother would defend it with her life, so Margaret knows she has no choice but to defend it herself. After battling and fighting, her people are injured and dying, so she raises the white flag and surrenders herself, her people and the Castle Fyne into the hands of Alexander MacDonald, knowing she doesn't have any choice. Her people are her top priority. When she meets Alexander face to face, a beautiful specimen of a man, she is intrigued by his manner toward her. He is hard, and unrelenting, but there is a certain desire that builds between them. Margaret feels herself slowly switching loyalties, when she begins to give her heart away to this warrior, who is fierce and protective, and wants only her.

A Rose in The Storm is the most recent release from Brenda Joyce, and is the first in her newest series, which is set in the medieval era in Scotland. I have enjoyed Brenda Joyce, and she has done fabulous work, and I do love it when she does historical's, especially with the Medieval sub genre. When I saw that this was finally available at my local library, I snatched it up. I have been reading quite a bit of regency's so its refreshing to read something different and from a different time frame. A Rose In The Storm is set in the early 1300's in Scotland, when amidst fighting the English, the different clans were having to decide where their loyalties lie. This story does involve Robert Bruce, whose goal was to take over the Scotland throne. In the beginning it starts with Bruce building up his army and followers, and Alexander is one of his top warriors. Alexander is well known for never having lost a battle, a fierce warrior and passionate lover. His goal is to capture the Lady Margaret but more importantly seize the Castle Fyne, due to its strategic location. He has no wish in harming Margaret, just the opposite. Even though in the beginning they are enemies, and Margaret will do anything to escape or try to find information that would be useful for her family. We see that Margaret starts to develop feelings for Alexander, and he returns them, both are a bit stubborn in being fully honest with each other, although Alexander is more upfront with Margaret. There is quite a bit of conflict that rises up in this story, and the more you progress in the story, the higher the intensity level.

The characters both the main and sub characters were vividly etched into the story, and written in such a way, that you can't help but feel enthralled by these in depth characteristics that captivate you. Alexander was a wonderful hero, tough, masculine, sensual yet very protective and passionate. He was great to get to know, War is life for him and he loves a good battle. It is a part of who he is and Joyce definitely writes him well into the story he comes to life in the readers eyes. Margaret I had no complaints about. I think I enjoyed her tenacity and strong willed personality from the first chapter. At first you see that she doesn't seem to be a fighter in any way, since she just accepts a match she doesn't want. But when she refuses to surrender to the "Wolf" and fights and works with her people to save her home, you can see that although she is stubborn and doesn't think things through, she will fight for those she loves at any cost. I really enjoyed how this story turned out in the end, even though there were a few sub characters I really fell in love with, and didn't like their ending, it does go with the history books. You can tell that Joyce has definitely done her homework, and I love how she brings this era of Scotland to life with the details and intensity of the time period. So if you are a history buff like myself, this type of book is one of the reasons I adore historical romances. You learn so much about the history and life of these people who had a passion for life and to fight for what they believed in, and there is much evidence of it in this story.

Overall I fell in love with the drama and passion of the time setting, the lively character, the escalating intensity of the plot that seemed to carry you away back in time. There was so much packed in this story that it overwhelms your senses, guaranteed to require a tissue or two or three. It will enthrall you from the first page to the last. EXTRAORDINARY!!!

Duncan Macneill has come to the Island to find the man who stole his people's fortune, bring the man to justice and return home. Duncan doesn't want to let anything get in way of his goal...until he meets an American she wolf who tempts him with pleasure. Duncan can't seem to resist her beauty or enchanting personality that ties him up in knots. Shelley, is a professor and has come to the island to do some research on the forests and the plants there. When she runs into Duncan, a sexy highlander and a tempting wolf, she knows she is in trouble. Her family has despised highlanders since centuries ago they were kicked off their land, and now reside in Texas. When circumstances force her to become roommate with Duncan, she knows she won't be able to resist him for long. As Shelley pursues a intimate relationship, she finds herself wanting more than just a casual relationship, she wants Duncan for life as her mate. But when danger comes lurking about, and threatens them both, it will take Duncan and Shelley working together to defeat the enemy that is trying to wipe them out.When I first started this series, I just fell madly in love with it. There is just something so irresistable about wolf shifters plus add sizzling romance, and you will have me hooked for life. I always know that when I pick up Terry Spear that I will just love her stories from the first moment. As I have read more and more books from this series, I have just come to see that the books just keep getting better and better.

And anyone who knows me, and well, knows that when you mix sexy highlanders with wolf shifters----you know I won't be able to resist reading it for anything. So when I saw this book on the library shelf, which is only a couple months old, I snatched it up before anyone else could. LOL The story picks up within the first few pages of Duncan and Shelley seeing each other at the airport for the first time on the island. Then Duncan being the highland wolf that he is who can't resist a beautiful face, is intrigued by Shelley and he can't seem to resist her. Even though throughout the story we see Duncan's determination to return the money that belongs to his clan, he also doesn't want to give Shelley up. I found their romance to flow pretty easily, and it wasn't too quick or too slow, it felt perfectly right. There were quite a few of some fun scenes in the water, where I WISH I could have traded places with Shelley in a heartbeat. There was also a medium sized conflict that turns into a bigger one, but I felt like it maintained a balance with the rest of the story. There was also such a steamy chemistry between Shelley and Duncan. Such an intriguing plot that was formed, and I felt like it was a easy to get into it, and didn't have any major con's that would keep me from reading and enjoying it.

For sure to put this on the Keeper Shelf!!! I can't wait for the next one in the series, and I do hope this author does the other brothers too--they are just too yummy not to!! :) UTTERLY SATISFYING!!

Alexander MacLean, the oldest of the Maclean clan, has been both amused yet frustrated by the enticing Caitlyn Hurst, then after the incident that trapped his brother into marriage, he desired revenge against her. However, he knew it wouldn't be easy, with Caitlyn matching him on every level. Caitlyn Hurst, even after seeing that her sister and her husband are very much in love, she wonders if she will ever be so lucky as to find that as well. She has been attracted to Alexander ever since she met him. Having shared some passionate embraces, she knows that there is something explosive between them. When she is invited to a house party, she never expected to see Alexander again, and its obvious that he is still furious over what had happened to his brother and is far from forgiveness. As time goes forward throughout the story, a battle of wills ensue, where a bet is made between Alexander and Caitlyn, but who will win? The battle of wills and love is on!

As much as I was looking forward to reading Alexander's story, I found that both of these characters in this story were a bit like little children fighting over a toy. It was a amusing story, and definitely had me laughing at quite a few moments, however it just seemed to be lacking in a strong and emotional side, that I like seeing from Karen Hawkins. Throughout the whole book I kept wondering when they were going to admit they love each other and get over the whole "I despise you" scenario, it got tedious after a while. There was some good passion in this story, and a strong plot, I think the characters were somewhat lacking. However despite the fact that I didn't like the attitude they had in the book, I did enjoy both of them. Alexander being the oldest, and the most furious temper of his whole family, has a lot of anger bottled up inside of him. Of course, Caitlyn is the focus of all that frustration. When they decide to act on a dangerous wager, they both are determined to win at any cost. Caitlyn, was the first to be sent out to society, and has always felt spirited, and never has held back from what she has wanted. When she agrees to the wager, she had no idea how much caos that would ensue due to it. What they both find in the end, is that they have found a love that will bring them excitement and passion that they never expected to find in each others arms. It was still a enjoyable read, and I am glad to have read Alexanders story.

Taming A Wild Scot is a romance set in the medieval time period of Scotland around the 1200's. This is one of my all time favorite historical time periods to read in. Many prefer the regency era, however I find this time frame full of passion and a zeal that is hard to find in other time periods. Taming A Wild Scot I found to be the perfect title for this style of story. I was able to obtain this book through my local library, which was really surprising considering it just came out a couple months ago. This author has been on my watch list ever since I found a blog tour on her a little while back. Now I was very excited while reading this, it definitely was near impossible to put down. The story is about a brother to a Laird that is on a mission in aiding his brother, he must obtain a certain object, and Ana is the best way for him to accomplish his mission. They met a year previous when she was in the same jail as his brother, and as she came close to dying, he saves her life. Now she has made a life for herself as the healer, but when Niall claims to be her dead husband, she has no choice but to accept him in her home and life for now. Soon Ana gets pulled into Niall's charm and fierce passion for her. Will Ana choice a life she has made in this village or a passionate love for a man who makes her burn with desire?

Taming A Wild Scot is a wonderful historical romance. From the detail and descriptions in this story, it is evident this author has done quite a bit of research. Atleast on the culture of the time and area of this period. I enjoyed seeing Niall and Ana together, this couple definitely got the blood pumping. They definitely were the type to deny their feelings for each other, when its clearly evident how much they care for each other. But both characters are more stubborn than a ox, so of course the relationship is going to get bumpy. But I found those bumps to be very exciting at times. This story definitely had a mystery element to the plot and I found it very addicting as I was reading this book. There were many characters I enjoyed getting to know. Of course Niall is very Alpha Male of his time. He likes control and order, and Ana is a threat to that. Ana is strong willed and a stubborn "lass". Which is the most amusing of course, when you get the most stubborn of characters together in the mix, especially when there is a romantic relationship involved. The side characters added a unique quality to the story. There is a side story of Niall's brother- Aiden and Isabell (who are the next story in the series).

Overall a stunning medieval romance that sets your heart to pace, a memorable tale of danger and passion!! PURELY SENSATIONAL!

Originally Posted At Addicted To Romance

Alexander Fraser has learned that his younger brother has been captured by the English, and he knows he has little time to save him. So Alexander does the only thing he can, he kidnaps the daughter of the man who is holding his brother hostage. Catherine has always felt oppressed by her father, who only sees her as a way to gain fortune with planning her upcoming marriage with a man twice her age. But while out taking a breath of fresh air, Catherine finds herself kidnapped by A fierce yet handsome Scottish warrior. He takes her to his home, and plans on trading her for his brother. Catherine knows that she means little to her father, she knows her brother will try, but she doesn't see her father trading her for his valued prisoners. What she doesn't expect is to fall in love with her captor, a man who offers her respect and gentleness and...desire. She has only ever wanted to find a place in life, and she knows that in her heart her place is by Alexander's side.

The Scotsman is another single title by Juliana Garnett, but takes place in the same time frame as The Laird, which I recently read and reviewed. After recently discovering this author, I am amazed that this is the first time I have read her. Her storytelling is inspiring, passionate, and full of depth with each page. The Scotsman is a story that takes place in Scotland, with the waring between Bruce and the English king. There is something awe inspiring about this time period and the passion and determination of the Scots. With The Scotsman we see how far men and women are willing to go for what they believe in, even at the cost of their lives.

The story starts with Catherine being kidnapped by Alexander who hopes to ransom her. While Catherine is residing with Alexander, we start to see a slow burning passion build between these two characters who try to resist it knowing it could never go anywhere. I love how much emotionally driven this story is and I loved this love story. There was so much intensity in this story, and it definitely carries through until the end. When you finally think that you have the plot figured it, it throws a curve ball and you better watch out or you might get slammed.

Overall a intense and passionate story to burn in your memory. A tale that takes place in a time of war, grief, and loss but also passion and a fierce will to survive. A stunning romance to worm its way into your heart!! REMARKABLY WRITTEN and I LOVED IT!!

Book Review-To Love A Highlander Before reading this one, I had heard many high reviews on this latest works from a favorite author of mine. I have adored her older books, and just had such a fun time with her work. She does one of my favorite sub genres...Medieval Scottish Highlands...I love this period in history, and its such a great starting point for a romance novel, and Sue Ellen Welfonder does a fantastic job in creating a world that takes you back in time, to a time of mystery, magic, and passion for the glens and the land. The beginning of the story starts off with Sorley and Mirabelle, who met when they were mere teenagers, but Mirabelle hurt Sorley that night and he hasn't seen her until she comes into his room demanding that he bed her. Sorley is a man known as the "Hawk", he is well known to love women and be quite talented in the bedding. However he knows he can't just bed Mirabelle, she is innocent and he refuses to do it...at first. But he can't resist Mirabelle, she is beauty personified, and he knows that he can't resist the temptation. Mirabelle will do anything to escape a unwanted marriage, and sharing a night in bed with Sorley wouldn't be a hardship. As Mirabelle and Sorley enter into a battle of who surrenders first, a fierce love erupts and soon they will have to decide if their love is strong enough to face the future and an enemy that seeks to destroy them. What I truly enjoyed about this story was seeing these two really find a working relationship. At first there is resistance and I enjoyed the sexual tension between the two. Quite a entertainment seeing the battle of wits...and I also liked the other plot of seeing Sorely's past and the past history we learn surrounding his birthright. I loved seeing Sorley's character develop as you dig deeper into the book. I liked the intensity and drama that this author places in the plot. It was so fun reading this one, and seeing the richness of the storyteller's voice that is evident on every page. Overall a winner of a romance, that is vivid in detail, rich in history, characters written in depth and emotion, and a love story that will leave you with a tear in your eye, and a smile on your face!! SIMPLY LOVELY!! 

Moira MacAllister, knows that she has no choice but do what she is told because she is being blackmailed with the only thing that truly matters to her...her daughter is being held captive by the ransomer, and the father of her daughter who has no idea he is a father is the one who keeps chasing her and trying to keep her from the goal. However when she keeps bumping into Robert, she knows that she will eventually have to tell him the truth....and when the truth comes out Moira wonders that when he does know the truth if he will then take her daughter from her when she has been fighting for everything she has to get her daughter back into her arms...but the passion that she and Robert share is unquenchable, and when danger closes in only when they embrace the love they share for each other will they be able to conquer the perils they face.
A Most Dangerous Profession is the third installment in this exciting series by Karen Hawkins. I have to say this would have to be one of my top favorite series done by this author. There was such intrigue, passion, danger and excitement and fully packed with enough love story to last one quite some time. The one aspect that I truly enjoyed was the 'secret baby' theme, I just love reading those theme like romances, especially it exceeds your expectations....Moira has just cracked me up through the whole book, and Robert was pretty swell....and the little daughter was as cute as can be....I found myself totally engrossed in the story and the details painted so vividly that one couldn't help but fall in love. A Treasure to be savored and enjoyed.