A review by nuriamm
The Radiance of the Moon by Ashley Worrell

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Some books just make me go “Man, I’m so glad she had the guts to write this!” A historical romance tour de force and make it decadently Medieval, no less.

Redemption and romance- this is definitely worth some subgenre adventuring, because, even if the battle-torn, minimal-bathing Dark Ages are not your usual time period of choice or even if predominant uplifting themes of Christian faith are not something you seek out, the romance beats on this one drum a steady call to HEA chasers everywhere that full swoony satisfaction is on the horizon. 

After fellow readers’ raving, my expectations were high, and I came in assuming we’d get a lovely angsty romance amongst tons of political intrigue and clan warfare, and, though it’s definitely there, I’m happy to report the romance is as center stage as it gets here. So, so, so much to love in this class difference story, but, for me, a hero is defining. And, Hector, second son, prodigal brother, Laird MacLean, chieftain of Lochbuie, Beithir of the Battlefield, the ProtHector, Literal and Figurative Wallclimber, Berserker of TBRs, Vanquisher of Book Slumps, etc, is such a new favorite. This is all you need to know: we like our heroes fiercely, savagely protective, but teachable. Sure, I can never get enough brogue, but the amount of grovel, gestures, awkward bumbling, “What I say?” fumbling and full out apologizing from this warrior giant had me dancing an inner-jig (awkward even in my head, but no less celebratory). The Medieval scenario just lets him shine in all his natural leader, work-in-progress hothead, all-in-for-her glory.

And, if I’m so on board with the hero, the heroine better be right there with him. Cara matched him the whole way with her brilliant long-suffering survivor arc. All her impressive competence, endless kindness and steady faith more than deserving for Hec’s insta-devotion, which not only falls first, but falls as hard as a week-old bannock.

I really have no inexpert opinion notes to give because of how with the characterization, the progression, the falling-in-love giddyness, the epic whisking away, the individual depth and redemption, the mutual rescuing, absolutely everything was given. Have to mention the confidently understated writing, the history-nerd-senses-tingling glossary, traveling the magical Scottish Hebrides, a third act tailor-made for Laura Frantz fans, and how it’s beyond exciting to love a book/world so much and know she’s got 8 more in her bag of swoony story wonders coming.

Content notes: Kissing Only, married very vague fade to black. Hero struggles with alcoholism and war PTSD. Mention of past womanizing. Mention of past child abuse. Heroine widowed survivor of domestic abuse (on page flashbacks) and infidelity. Predominant mention of infertility. Heroine suffers on page violent attack and on page attempted sexual assault. On page sword violence. None of the above are graphic.