Heather Grothaus

The Highlander's Promise by Heather Grothaus is an Interesting but complicated Medieval Scottish Romance. Book 2, in the SONS OF SCOTLAND, I feel it's not necessary to read Book 1, but would help you understand some of characters better.

Meet, Lachlan Blair, a bastard offspring of a notorious criminal brave, he's also a fierce Highlander and Finley Carson, a fierce lass. To save each one's clan, (the Carson's and the Blair's), Lacklan and Finley marry, but each agrees not to consummate their marriage bed. Sparks fly, love blossoms, secrets are revealed, deceit between both clans, and romance.

Steady paced, a bit confusing at first, but once the reader connects with the the main characters, the story moves nicely.
Finley and Lachlan must learn to trust one another, and stop the continuation of the feud. Finding secrets, deceit, true love, answers could destroy their blossoming love. We written with engaging and interesting characters. I found 'The Highlander's Promise",to be entertaining, compelling and intriguing. Strongly recommend for fans of Medieval Scottish Romance, deceit, treachery, lies, secrets and love. I do feel the reader was left with a cliffhanger. An enjoyable and satisfying read.

#NetGalley, #TheHighlandersPromise,#KensingtonPublishing, #HeatheGrothaus

"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
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR… (plus d'informations)

The Laird's Vow by Heather Grothaus is an interesting tale with a cast of characters that the reader either will love or hate but keeps the reader hooked throughout the story. Book 1 of this author's new series, "Sons of Scotland ". Set in1427 Northumberland, England and Medieval Scotland. This is the story of Tavish Cameron and Glenna Douglas. Set with a backdrop of the Tower of Roscraig.

Tavish is arrogant, he had to scramble for everything he's earned, due to his illegitimacy, but he is an Edinburgh merchant. He learns his father left him an estate, the Tower of Roscraig. He would have to evict the beautiful, but impoverished, and proud, Lady Glenna Douglas, whose father is dying, from the crumbling castle.
Steady paced, but a bit slow at times, Tavish and Glenna are hard to connect to, but at the end they redeem themselves. There are secrets, challenges, drama, betrayal, killings, lies, deceit, enemies and finding love, at last. A slow burn love-hate relationship, with surprises, twists and turns. I look forward to Book 2 of this series. I think this story is either a you like or you are disappointed, either way, it is an enjoyable story.

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

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR… (plus d'informations)

****Full Review****

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lady Mary has been sheltered in her keep for many years since her parents died. At the age of twenty-six in the year 1180, she is feeling positively ancient. When she starts to have clandestine meetings with a visiting knight, she finds herself falling in love. However, when the marriage talks begin, her priest reveals that her parents betrothed her when she was just a child. Her betrothed is none other than a wanted criminal, fearing others finding this information out and the loss of her intended along with her keep, Mary sets out to find her betrothed and get him to relinquish his claim on her. When Mary meets up with Valentine she finds a dashing, impetuous, and devil-may-care rogue but not a criminal. Valentine wants to give Mary her freedom and release her from his dangerous life but as they travel his road of ruin he just might find himself redeemed in her love.

In this first book in the Brotherhood of the Fallen Angels series we are introduced to Valentine, a Spanish noble who finds himself, along with three others, accused of being traitors. His friends are also introduced along with an introduction to how Valentine got wrapped up in the accused treachery. His view of the story is told while some of the story from the other's point of view is held back to be revealed in their stories. The reader is introduced to the villain and the why of the traitor plot but while A and Z are given, a lot of letters have yet to be told. This story thread was murky and interesting with four knights falsely accused but with the villain revealed and the why of it feeling kind of blah, it took away some of the intrigue.

The bulk of the story is basically a road romance with Mary and Valentine having somewhat of a buddy comedy. For being extremely sheltered for twenty-six years I didn't consider Mary very shy and found her to be a little bratty; there was some over dramatics. Valentine also seemed a little immature in his recklessness; I think I expected his character to be darker considering the time period and accusations leveled at him. In fact, I expected the whole tone of the story to be darker because of the time period and story plot, it threw me a little how Mary and Valentine's journey was suppose to be more lighthearted through Valentine's antics and theatrics. I saw our couple more as a brother and sister bickering and didn't quite buy into their romance. It was in the last twenty percent that Mary decides she loves Valentine and we get a peek into the bedroom.

The cover of this book is what drew me, it looked darkly medieval. However, I didn't find the setting or the character's speech and actions to have a real medieval feel and the story was more about Valentine's silly antics and Mary's reactions to them. At the very end, the villain's actions created a darker tone but after the previous feel of the story, along with the romance, it felt forced and out of place. This is the first book I've read by this author, so perhaps her writing style isn't for me. It's technically written well, just not what I was looking for.
… (plus d'informations)

Constantine by Heather Grothaus
The Brotherhood of Fallen Angels #4

Great book, great characters, great series…loved it!

I have wanted to know about Constantine from the beginning. He is a leader of men, tormented and mysterious. My attention was caught in the first few pages and it did not wane till the end. Of the four books I do believe this one is my favorite.

Theodora “Dori” Rosemont is one of my favorite female characters – ever! She has true grit and a sense of purpose that I admire. I found her to be a person I would like to call a friend. She is not an easy person but she is gutsy, determined and never gives up. Her encounters with Constantine never let me down.

Constantine has a heavy burden to carry. He has lost everything and has made a vow to murder the man who has done him wrong. He wants blood vengeance for the betrayal of Chastellete and for the murder of his wife and son. When he discovers Dori in what remains of Bennington, his estate, he overpowers her, realizes who she is, begins to feed her and then begins to know her. His aversion to her husband is intense – and so is hers. Their story is intense and compelling and one I could not put down.

There is so much in this book that is wonderful that it is hard to synthesize it into a review. I loved the way the other three men and the women they ended up with made appearances in the book and how their lives will go forward in the future. I enjoyed the surprise for Constantine that happens just before he faces off with the villain. I will also say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book that kept me up reading into the wee hours of the morning because I HAD to know how the story ended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (plus d'informations)