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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
So many issues, but overall, I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first one in the series. My issues mostly surround the fact that the men take all the women's choices away from them and make decisions for them - Keeley is essentially kidnapped by Ewan to continue tending to Alaric and to attend Mairin's birth; he never thinks to ask her or even tell her what's going on! She's going to an unknown place, with an unknown future - is she going to be killed after all this? Will they shelter her? Will they take her in? She has NO CLUE because Ewan doesn't tell her! *sigh*
Alaric frustrated me throughout because he insisted on pursuing Keeley after she told him that they shouldn't since he's essentially betrothed to someone else - from her old clan, the sister of her heart, her former best friend - and, at first at least, he's all so what. However, when they both come together... it's simply beautiful - even as I'm screaming at them that this is not a good idea. In my head. I'm not completely crazy. But the whole "you-must-marry-and-set-aside-your-true-love-for-the-good-of-the-clan-and-you'll-grow-to-tolerate-your-new-wife" business? No. Thank. You. When he declares that he will not throw Keeley over?
Additionally, seeing Caelen grow and respect Keeley like he did Mairin was wonderful to see - I know the third book is his book with Rionna and I just can't fathom how that will work, as he's gruff, bordering on freaking rude, and declared never to love. Have I checked it out from the library already? Yup.
Alaric frustrated me throughout because he insisted on pursuing Keeley after she told him that they shouldn't since he's essentially betrothed to someone else - from her old clan, the sister of her heart, her former best friend - and, at first at least, he's all so what. However, when they both come together... it's simply beautiful - even as I'm screaming at them that this is not a good idea. In my head. I'm not completely crazy. But the whole "you-must-marry-and-set-aside-your-true-love-for-the-good-of-the-clan-and-you'll-grow-to-tolerate-your-new-wife" business? No. Thank. You. When he declares that he will not throw Keeley over?
Additionally, seeing Caelen grow and respect Keeley like he did Mairin was wonderful to see - I know the third book is his book with Rionna and I just can't fathom how that will work, as he's gruff, bordering on freaking rude, and declared never to love. Have I checked it out from the library already? Yup.
Lots of things that irked me in this book, but I absolutely loved Keeley and Alaric, they're adorable. Although frustrating, Alaric's and Keeley's predicament throughout the novel added tension, suspense and dread. Maya Bank's well told story almost had me believing the worst at times, but it made the good parts so much sweeter.
I must admit to being initially a bit disappointed that Rionna wasn't going to be the heroine as I'd assumed after reading the last book. As you'll recall (assuming you are reading them in order as you should!), Alaric stepped up to marry Rionna McDonald in order to form the alliance that his brother Ewan could no longer make after his marriage to Mairin Stewart. This kind of selfless honour describes Alaric perfectly. He's is a very honourable man and fiercely loyal to his brother, Laird Ewan McCabe of clan McCabe. That's what makes the storyline for this so heart-wrenching. The conflict of loyalties Alaric has to battle with is almost painful to witness.
After my initial worry, I soon came to absolutely adore Keeley. She was such a strong heroine. Emotionally strong, stubborn, determined and very caring. I thought she was wonderful and perfect for Alaric. If only fate weren't so cruel...
“Angel. I've gone to heaven, aye. 'Tis the only explanation for beauty such as this."
"Nay, warrior. 'Tis not heaven you've found. You're still of this world, although you might be feeling as though you've been gripped by the fires of hell."
"'Tis not possible for an angel such as you to reside in the bowels of hell.”
I admit to crying like a newborn babe for at least an hour whilst reading this book. It totally got me hook, line and sinker. It's a real emotional ride. Bittersweet doesn't even begin to cover it. My only negative, and the only reason it didn't make a full house stars-wise, was that the sex scenes were a bit OTT for me. I realise this won't bother most people, people that enjoy erotica and such, but I don't so the second round of sex scenes could have been skipped for me.
If you are a fan of Scottish Romance as I am, this trilogy is a must read. It made me want to go straight onto the next book, which I did. Highly recommended.
4 Stars! ★★★★ ♥
After my initial worry, I soon came to absolutely adore Keeley. She was such a strong heroine. Emotionally strong, stubborn, determined and very caring. I thought she was wonderful and perfect for Alaric. If only fate weren't so cruel...
“Angel. I've gone to heaven, aye. 'Tis the only explanation for beauty such as this."
"Nay, warrior. 'Tis not heaven you've found. You're still of this world, although you might be feeling as though you've been gripped by the fires of hell."
"'Tis not possible for an angel such as you to reside in the bowels of hell.”
I admit to crying like a newborn babe for at least an hour whilst reading this book. It totally got me hook, line and sinker. It's a real emotional ride. Bittersweet doesn't even begin to cover it. My only negative, and the only reason it didn't make a full house stars-wise, was that the sex scenes were a bit OTT for me. I realise this won't bother most people, people that enjoy erotica and such, but I don't so the second round of sex scenes could have been skipped for me.
If you are a fan of Scottish Romance as I am, this trilogy is a must read. It made me want to go straight onto the next book, which I did. Highly recommended.
4 Stars! ★★★★ ♥
upon re-read I'd give it a 4 instead of a 5 - it's a great series, great character development, great love interests - stress of the old times and speech have gone to my head this time - but alas, I loved Keeley so much, and adored her sass
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Spitfire of FMC who made me chuckle. Liked this better than book 1. Would recommend and maybe even re-read.
The FMC reminded me of the sister in Outlander. Scottish woman with strong opinions.
The FMC reminded me of the sister in Outlander. Scottish woman with strong opinions.
One of the best Historical Romances I've read in a while. I'd love to give it 4.5 stars, but stupid goodreads doesn't do that.
I laughed, I cried... This was the perfect fluffy romance novel.
AND, I know it's not as good as this one, but I fell in love with Caelen and I can't wait to read him succombing to Rionna!
I laughed, I cried... This was the perfect fluffy romance novel.
AND, I know it's not as good as this one, but I fell in love with Caelen and I can't wait to read him succombing to Rionna!
medium-paced
Even better than the first book! The audio is definitely the way to go.
*First Listen: 26 June 2024*
*First Listen: 26 June 2024*
challenging
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes