Sarah McKerriganCritiques

While I did enjoy this story, reading "medievel English" made it cumbersome. The story didn't really grab me until about 2/3 the way through. The plot was a little transparent, which isn't a bad thing. Yes, I guessed what was coming, but that's part of the fun - proving that you've worked it out. Would I recommend it? Yeah. Its worth the read.

What can I say, I adore female warriors. Deirdre was no exception - although to be honest I LOVED Helena. She was so bloodthirsty - it was fantastic. The humour in this was good. The characters all seemed pretty interesting. Deirdre was a little all over the place - but then I guess practical vs. emotion will do that to a person. The plot was well paced and the pages flew by. Already bought the next one - because Helena anyone? Although I'm even intrigued to read about Miriel and her secrets. Just a really great read and hopefully - a great series.

Rather enjoyable read.

** 3.5 Stars **

This book takes place at the same exact time as the first book in the series, Bride of Fire. I haven’t read that book, but I imagine that the opening scene in that book is likely the same as this one – but with the focus on a different heroine. I don’t feel that I was ‘left out’ because I didn’t read that first book – this one is totally standalone. Although, having read that book might have helped me to understand why a Highland Laird would want to move his clan to a lowland castle on the border with England.

Hallidis Cameliard is the future Laird of her clan – and she’s currently acting as Laird during her parent's absence. Hallidis’s clan has a long-standing claim against Creagor and was surprised when it was granted to the nephew of the last Laird at Creagor. While Hallidis’s parents were petitioning King Malcolm to grant Creagor to them, her cousin Jenefer snuck out via the secret entrance to lay siege (or something) to the newly arrived Laird Morgan Mor mac Giric whose uncle was the former Laird of Creagor. Hallidis and another cousin, Feiyan, left Rivenloch to stop Jenefer and return her home. Except – all three of them end up captured. Hallidis manages to escape and also manages to capture a prisoner to use to bargain with Morgan Mor mac Giric to get her cousins released. That prisoner turns out to be Morgan’s right-hand-man, Colban an Curaidh – which means Colban the Champion.

During his ‘imprisonment’ (which consisted of being held in the Lairds chamber), Colban soon endeared himself to Hallidis’s three brothers and her sister Isobel. Her siblings took great delight in thwarting Hallidis’s plans to treat Colban as an enemy prisoner. Of course, he soon endears himself to Hallidis as well. They come to love each other and commit to marriage. Then, the unthinkable happens and she ends up having to marry another. How can they ever get to a HEA with her married to someone who is not The One? There are lots of twists and turns before they ever make it.

I went into this book thinking it was going to be filled with action – LOTS of sword fights, sieges, and battles – I mean – the series is WARRIOR Daughters of Rivenloch, so you’d expect lots of ‘warrior-ing’ and I didn’t see as much of that as I’d expected. The first 65-70% was much slower paced than I expected, so I found myself putting it down frequently and not being in any hurry to pick it back up. The book picked up after the 60% or so mark and I enjoyed it much better. It was well written, just, to me, overall, slower-moving than I expected. However, what really got me – and it isn’t mentioned anywhere in the book blurb – is that there is a serious, active, sexual deviant in the story – in a pivotal role. It doesn’t matter to me if he got his punishment or not – his proclivities had too much page time for my taste – at least his activities did. A mention of his ‘ways’ would have been sufficient; I didn’t need to see them all in print. I was happy to have met Hallidis and Colban – and I LOVED Ian, Isobel, Brand, and Gellir.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m so glad I read this series; it was adorable :). Books 2 and 3 take place concurrently, and it was cool to see how Campbell handled the parts that overlapped, by showing us the same events from different characters’ POVs.

Chase, Claire, Drew, and Catalina were all sweet, amusing characters that were fun to spend time with. Drew in particular cracked me up. I sort of wish Sakote and Mattie had shown up, but at least they were mentioned. I tried to figure out how many kids they’d had. At least eight. Maybe ten? So maybe there will be more books in this series at some point :).

I enjoyed this historical romance. I received this for free as part of Exclusive Jewels Vol 3 that I won. I've given this a 4.5* rating but not for the under 18 readers. Lots of action in this, some of it fun and part of it protecting their castle. This author has a touch of humor in her stories that keeps some situations becoming too heavy.I liked how these big women in this family learn to fight with swords and armor.½

If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I will admit that this wasn't a book I'd normally pick for myself, so I picked three books and asked a friend to pick one. I'll definitely be reading the other books in the series. I'm not exaggerating when I say I laughed and yelled while reading. The story is well paced and keeps you wanting more (like an excellent dessert).

I enjoyed this historical romance. I won this from the Jewels of Historic Romance and I voluntarily chose to review it. Parts moved really fast but a few parts tended to be a little slow. There was a bit of action, a little romance and a nice ending. I've given this a 4* rating but this is not for the under 18 readers.

4.5 stars. I was excited this book had a Native American hero. The story required a bit more suspension of disbelief than some romances, and a few of Sakote’s euphemisms were just…humorous :). But it was a fun read and very charmingly written. I really liked the ending! I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy, hopefully soon.½

The Stowaway (California Legends Book 0) by Glynnis Campbell is an enchanting Regency Romance, set from Scotland, aboard a ship bound for America. A novella and a quick read.
Follow, notorious Scottish rake, Travis Jameson, who unwittingly becomes a stowaway on a ship bound for America. And Charlotte de Ware, an amateur botanist, also bound for America.
Well written and well crafted with charming and enjoyable characters. The storyline will grab you from the start, as the characters are maneuvered around, by secrets, deception, a brother's betrayal, romance, HEA, love, and a cute, lovable dog.
Readers will not be disappointed in THE STOWAWAY. The beginning of what promises to be an exciting series. A definite keeper! This story will definitely steal your heart. I couldn't pick it down, read it in one setting. A sweet romantic adventure!
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet/Clean
Reviewer: AprilR½

BRIDE OF FIRE by Glynnis Campbell is Book 1 of The "Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch", series and what a beginning! Definitely a keeper! I fall in love with the setting (Medieval castle), the characters (Jenefer of Rivenloch and Morgan Mor mac Giric), and the plot.
Fast paced from the beginning to the last page and beyond. This story definitely lingers, long after the last page.
Filled with danger, strong women, yes, a widowed knight in shining armor, heroine archer, the sword fighting is awesome and the romance is sensual and loving. The scenery is breathtaking. I can't wait to read the next adventure in this series. Edge of your seat drama, that is well written and excuted flawlessly. A must read for fans of Scottish Romance, adventure Romance, with humor and action. Highly recommended!!

"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 5
Heat rating: sensual
Reviewer: AprilR

I enjoyed this historic Scottish Romance. I voluntarily chose to review this and I've given it a 4.5* rating. This is also book 2 in the Exclusive Jewels Vol 1. Because of violence and sexual content, this is not for the under 18 readers. Both the hero and the heroine hid some of what they were till the end. This had a lot of action and home remedies mixed in it along with the issues of what class they belonged to. A lot of history woven around this story.½

While I did enjoy this story, reading "medievel English" made it cumbersome. The story didn't really grab me until about 2/3 the way through. The plot was a little transparent, which isn't a bad thing. Yes, I guessed what was coming, but that's part of the fun - proving that you've worked it out. Would I recommend it? Yeah. Its worth the read.

What do you do with three maiden sisters who are versed in the art of fighting since birth? Well, you marry one off of course. But what if the sisters are only trying to help each other from being the unfortunate soul who will get auctioned off to this Norman swine. And so Deirdra won, or lost, the bet. And so she married the man whom she loathed only to find that he was everything her family needed to refortify their home.

So While I thought that the romance part was a little ... well romancy and cutesy.. I had a hard time connecting within the story itself.
I felt like the book was missing something and I just can't put my finger on it.. Maybe it was the fact that I wanted more historical facts in the story but then again it is fiction. Cute concept and okay story.

Linet has always been a headstrong woman, she has to be to uphold the family name. As a weaver of fine cloth, she also must keep up appearances in the local guild so that she can maintain her business. Duncan is a knight and savior of the community. When he sees the little weaver begin to get in over her head, well he can't help but offer to lend her a helping hand. Only, Linet doesn't know him as Duncan deWare, she only knows him as a filthy beggar man who is always around when she gets in trouble.

3.5 stars
Though their names are familiar I’d never read any of these authors. THE WINTER STONE features three historical novellas surrounding a legendary stone.

ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND LEGEND (Guardian of the Stones novella) ~ Tanya Anne Crosby ~ 3.5 stars

Annie McPherson has returned to Scotland in search of the Destiny Stone. Browsing in a shop while waiting on her cousin, Kate, Annie’s given an odd stone by the shop keeper.

Travel back in time with Annie to an era capable of answering all her questions about the Destiny Stone. An era that introduces her to Callum, a man the future could never produce.
ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND LEGEND is a magical journey sure to thrill lovers of Scotland, history, and time travel romance.

MACALISTER’S HOPE (A Kilmartin Glen novella) ~ Laurin Wittig ~ 3.5 stars

Wee Fia MacLachlan, fostered by Symon (the Devil of Kilmartin) and his wife Elena is called upon to use her healing abilities to save the chief of the MacAlister clan. Her past kindness has a definitive impact on her present and her future if she’s willing to allow it.

Kieron MacAlister is the valued right hand and cousin of Tavis MacAlister, the chief’s son. Fia’s past kind words helped shape Kieron into the man he is today. He’s the man in whom Fia’s past, present, and potential future collide.

Fia and Kieron’s story is charmingly romantic. Highlighting how belief in yourself and kindness to others produces positive ripples with far-reaching long lasting repercussions.
Sure to please lovers of sweet romance where the hero has carried a torch for quite a while.

THE OUTCAST ~ Glynnis Campbell (A Shadow of the Queen novella) ~ 3.5 stars

Laclan Mar isn’t Biera’s idea of the rightful one to ensure the Winter Stone is safely delivered to its new keeper. He looks wrong, it feels wrong, but the Winter Stone has chosen and she has to have faith.

Lachlan Mar isn’t your traditional hero. He’s been crippled by the loss of his leg, his heart, and his will. This is his penance for being unable to keep the vow made to his father. All four of his brothers died on the battlefield. He should have too. Since Margaret left it’s just him and Campbell, his wolfhound, in the cabin. I confess to being especially fond of Campbell.
Alisoune inherited her family’s spectacle making business and is independent. She’s also intelligent, curious, and considers herself a scientist. The latter isn’t the safest thing to be in 1542. That’s how she winds up at Lachlan’s cabin with the priest and villagers hot on her trail ready to burn her for a witch.
Lachlan and Alisoune are the perfect blend of faith and science; a handicapped hero and least likely to be a heroine heroine. This is also the story the Winter Stone features in the least.

THE WINTER STONE has a Highlander romance for every taste. An overall charming read. I’ll be looking for other books by these authors.

Reviewed by IvyD for Miss Ivy's Book Nook

Avril is a shunned woman with a bastard Viking daughter, the product of a rape. But she loves little Kimbery with all she has. So when a strange blonde, hair blue-eyed man washes ashore on her island, she is at the least, a little wary. So she binds the man and drags him to her home as her prisoner. But the man means her no harm and charms both the women until they fall for him. A cute little romantic story, enough to get me interested and like to read more from the this author.

NATIVE GOLD by Glynnis Campbell is an exciting American Historical Romance set in 1850 Paradise California. #1 in the "California Legends" Trilogy and what a beginning. With Ms. Campbell's usual style of vivid descriptions,engaging,realistic characters you can not go wrong. When Sakote, a Konkow warrior,meets Mathilda Hardwicke, "Mattie",a rebellious artist, you have NATIVE GOLD. Tarzan meets Jane, Indian style. Written with descriptions so vivid and details so sound, you feel you are there among, the miners,landscape,Indians, as they navigate their heartbreak,tragedies,triumphs,joys,sadness,hopes,dreams,and their fears. Mattie is a mail order bride,but when she arrives in Paradise,she finds, her intended has died,and so the story begins.... "Native Gold" is filled with the California Gold Rush of 1850's,prejudice,culture differences,passion,friendship,and love. As two world collide,the white man's world and the Indian world, so does Mattie and Sakote's. A powerful story of overcoming prejudice,the power of love and friendship. I can hardly wait to read the rest of the story.....

Loved it! A must read for any reader who enjoys the American Gold Rush days, romance, historical facts,the danger of the "old West" and two cultures coming together. You will not regret this fast paced story of love and culture. Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More½

Every so often I like to escape into a novel where I don't have to think too much but can just read along and get lost in a romance. I've read several of Ms. Campbell's works and they allow just that - delightful escape. Perfect beach reads - or in my case sitting on the deck reads.

In this tale a young woman, Mattie, is living with her aunt and uncle. She is a very talented artist - a free spirit. Her parents had encouraged her talents and her inquisitive nature in a time when young ladies were more seen than heard. When she embarrasses her Uncle AGAIN she makes a very rash decision and Mattie finds herself going to the gold fields of California in an effort to escape the strictures of her current life. What she finds when she gets there is not what she was expecting and yet a whole new world opens to her.

I find it best with historical romances to just sit down and enjoy the read. If you try and think too much you just ruin the mood. Native Gold is the first in a trilogy and could it have happened? I don't know. Is the book entertaining, yes. I read it in one sitting, I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the characters. I wasn't looking for a history lesson, I wasn't looking for plausibility. I was looking for escape and escape is exactly what I found. The romance developed at a perfect pace and I found myself rooting for the couple. I definitely want to follow the trilogy as the next two books come out.

I always enjoy stories from Lynn Kurland, and the other three stories from other authors were pretty good as well. A nice, quick, light read.

This book has a mixture of stories from different authors. I had read a book prior by Lynn Kurland and loved it, so I thought I give this a try. I liked the time travel and historical fiction, so this was a perfect book for me. It also gives you a taste for other authors. Stories are mostly set in the 1300s. For short reads about knights of old, this book would be for you.

Passion's Exile is a great beach read for the upcoming summer. It has a cast of quirky and fun characters and the hero and heroine are, of course, destined to live happily ever after. It just takes them a bit to get there....

Sir Pierce lives with the memory of an action he cannot forget and he now travels as a mercenary called Blade with his good friend Wilhem. While waiting in a tavern they hear of a plot to kill the young heir of a laird. They decide to join a pilgrimage to St. Andrews to save the boy from harm - and to get a reward.

Rosamund of Averleigh sees something no young betrothed lady should see and she flees her home. She is smart, courageous and figures if she can join the pilgrims she can join the nunnery and escape an evil marriage.

The two meet and despite the supposed difference in their stations fall in love. But it is not something they can share as they each have their reasons. That does not keep them from the falling though and that is the fun of these classic romance novels. Ms. Campbell does a fine job with storytelling and an unconventional heroine for her times. The passion is very much present as these two slowly get to know one another.

It's a very fast and engaging read with two very likable leads.

PASSION'S EXILE by Glynnis Campbell is an exciting historical romance set in Scotland. Sir Pierce of Mirkhaugh(Blade) and his friend where Knights who are now Swords-for-Hire because Blade thinks he has committed a unforgiveable crime against his family and refuses to go home. Lady Rosamund of Averleigh(Rose) is running from an abusive bridegroom whom she found in a compromising position.She is on the run with her beloved falcon "Wink". Together,Blade,Rose,and Blade's friend run into not only a would be assassin,but a kidnapping and an entourage on a pilgrimage. Rose ignite's Blade desires while he is looking for redemption,he may find love and forgiveness. Blade ignite's Rose's desires and her best laid plans to join a nunnery. "Passion's Exile" has everything a historical romance readers could want. It has romance,passions,desires,redemptation, forgiveness,deception,secrets,sweet sensuality and love. Oh, did I mention Scottish Knights and a fiesty heroine!!"Passion's Exile" is a fast paced,well written story full of details,with strong characters,and the wonderful world of Scotland. A not to miss historical read. Received for an honest review from the author. Details can be found at the author's website and My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: Mild

REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews½

Drew is an Englishman golfing his way around Scotland under the guise of a Highlander. Josselin is one tough cookie who is determined to avenge the brutal slaying of her mother. When Josselin and Drew meet they have no clue how their pasts intertwine.

Josselin and Drew just might be one of my favorite couples. The banter that took place between these two had me grinning even when I shouldn’t have. Saucy characters, undeniable chemistry, a beautiful setting, and a dash of intrigue. Seduced by Destiny encompassed everything I look for in a historical romance novel.