Sunday, June 25, 2017

Claiming His Highland Bride By Terri Brisbin. A Highland Feuding series, Book #4. 5 Kilts. Celtic Barb is blown away in book #4



Book: Claiming His Highland Bride by Terri Brisbin

Series: A Highland Feuding, Book #4

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
2.Tartan Book Reviews
3.Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat Rating:Hot

Overall Rating: 5 stars/Kilts.

Sorcha MacMillan’s mother Erca MacNeil was dying. She has been making plans and supplying with funds for months and gets a deathbed promise from her daughter. So Sorcha will run away and  escape her fate and future. To enter a convent in Skye, Erca wants a better life for her daughter than she had. As Erca, was forced to  marry a cruel, abusive, monster, just for his title, wealth and lands. Now Sorcha’s father is making the same arrangements for her. Erca refuses to allow her daughter the same fate and future. As the time is near of her passing,the protection of her daughter is all that matters to Sorcha’s mother! It's the only way she will be able to rest in peace once in God’s hands.

Now Sorcha is  to spend the rest of her life hidden behind the walls of the convent. As they have a detailed plans to change Sorcha’s fate. So she doesn't have to marry the cruel Laird Gilbert Cameron,  who is much like her father using his fists and force on his wives. Plus the first two wives died under suspicious circumstances. Not to mention her father using his own daughter to ruin another clan.  

To save Sorcha’s life they must fake her death and send her to a convent in Skye eventually with an elder servant as her protector. Unfortunately things don't go as planned as her elder servant dies and Sorcha must journey on her own. She goes to cousins Clara’s at Laird Brodie and  Arabella’s Mackintosh clan. They  make up a name and background story. Only her cousin Clara knows the truth even her husband Jamie know's only a small part of this story. Sorcha says she's a widow named Saraid MacPherson.

Alan Cameron, he’s the nephew of Laird   Gilbert, the current Cameron laird. His Uncle lost two wives previously, under very suspicious circumstances. He is also suspected of planning to ruin some good and honorable clans just for his own wealth and selfish reasons. Unlike Gilbert's elder brother who really should be Laird, yet for reasons unknown to Alan it goes to the younger cruel son Gilbert. It really is Alan's father who should be Laird. Alan know his Dad is should be Laird and knows his Dad is a good and honorable man and the clan would flourish and grow under his direction, but wonders if it's fear, weakness or perhaps something else? Yet he also knows the Cameron clan just live under threats and fear with his Uncle in charge.

Alan Cameron, the nephew of Sorcha’s fiancé is a tracker and can find anyone. Well almost anyone except his Uncle’s betrothed who is right in front of him. As he had declared her dead with Sorcha's clever evidence she left behind.

When tracker Alan Cameron meets His friend Jamie’s cousin Saraid,  the attraction is immediate and on both sides.Since he had previously declared Sorcha dead he is clueless but knows this Saraid has many secrets

Alan starts to putting the pieces together he realizes he's in love with a woman he declared dead. He is torn what he should do but he would never let her be under his Uncle’s selfish lethal shenanigans!  Sorcha feels the convent is her only answer to protect Alan and The Mackintosh clan. It must be done so Alan can't follow. As she know he will have no choice but confess all to his Uncle or will he will die.

Alan Cameron, the nephew of Sorcha’s fiancé is a tracker and can find anyone. Well almost anyone except his Uncle’s betrothed who is right in front of him. As he had declared her dead with Sorcha's clever evidence she left behind.

Alan Cameron, Gilbert the current Cameron laird. He  lost two wives previously, under very suspicious circumstances. He is also suspected of planning to ruin some good and honorable clans just for his own wealth and selfish reasons. Unlike Gilbert's elder brother who really should be Laird, yet for reasons unknown to Alan it goes to the younger cruel son Gilbert. It really is Alan's father who should be Laird. Alan know his Dad is should be Laird and knows his Dad is a good and honorable man and the clan would flourish and grow under his direction, but wonders if it's fear, weakness or perhaps something else? Yet he also knows the Cameron clan just live under threats and fear with his Uncle in charge.

Sorcha knows what a tracker must do plus the nephew of her betrothed. She feels to protect all she must leave. Just as Alan puts the puzzle of Saraid MacPherson together.  

 
Images of Castle Sween
Argyle,Scotland Today.

This is where the fictional heroine Sorcha MacMillan grew up. The castle her villainous fathers and betrothed Gilbert Cameron want.




Terri Brisbin is what I call one of the Queen’s of Scottish historical romance!  As she has the rare gift of drawing the readers in and never letting go. I am thrilled to pieces she found a story for Alan as he has been in previous books in “A Highland Feuding” series.

One of my favorite things about Terri Brisbin novels, is she writes about real places in Scotland. Most likely inspired from her many visits to the mother country “Alba” Scotland.

This book is beautifully written with breath taking settings! Plus non stop action and adventure, a beautiful love story that will melt your heart. In addition to the brilliant plotting - was phenomenal characters I have grown to love! It is definitely a story you don’t want to miss! I can’t recommend it enough!


Terri Brisbin




I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.


Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Claiming-His-Highland-Bride-Feuding/dp/0373299346


https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9780373299348_claiming-his-highland-bride.html?tpt=mobile_en

Friday, June 23, 2017

BJ Scott contest win lovely Celtic bracelet


Want a chance to win this Celtic bracelet?
Hop over to my facebook author page and find out how. (IN PINNED POST) https://www.facebook.com/Author-BJ-Scott-308663055834706/
Giveaway in honor of Summer Solstice, the Celtic festival on which the book Forever and Beyond is based.





Mhttps://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1613084118725920&id=308663055834706

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Highland Hellion by Mary Wine. Highland Weddings, Book #3. Five Kilts. Celtic Barb absolutely loves this series!



Book: Highland Hellion
By Mary Wine

Series:Highland Weddings, Book 3

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
2.Tartan Book Reviews
3.Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat Rating: Hot

Overall Rating: 5 Kilts

Scotland,1578

In this novel it is about the heroine Katherine Carew and honorable hero Rolfe MacTavish. He is the heir to a Highland Laird who hates the English. They meet hilariously too on a cattle stealing mission per say!  Katherine is illegitimate and English born, but loves manly pursuits. For example: like wielding a sword, archery, riding horses, wearing kilts and her tomboyish hellion ways.With no family, reputation,and dressing in the disguise of a lad = total  freedom in Katherine’s world. Plus Katherine was kidnapped at the tender age of Fourteen. As she was offered to Marcus in Book 2 as a wife, who is the Macpherson War Chief.  Instead he saw the danger this child was in, so he secretly brought her to Scotland. As her English step-mother was jealous of her, plus she was kidnapped for her dowry since her father was a wealthy English Earl. She was saved from this situation and raised by a kind,caring,and good hearted Scottish family. The man who was supposed to be her husband is more of a big brothet Now she has become a total hellion. Will Rolfe MacTavish try to change her independent and tomboyish ways?

Ha! Rolfe does not know what he is in for!  As Kate may not have been born in Scotland but she is a Scottish lass in every way that counts! One spunky lass and will never surrender her independent ways. The MacPherson War Chief,  Marcus taught her to fight just like his men. So she enjoys freedom and manly pursuits,l more than the pursuits of Highland women.Running a home or needle point is not her thing at this time.

Even though she does some amazing deeds there are some that will never approve of her English blood. Mainly Rolfe’s father even after she had been abducted once again, to save Rolfe from harm. His father wants no English under his roof! Plus there are dangerous enemy clans like the Gordon’s who are always sneaky and treacherous and always up to no good with their evil deeds! Laird Column Gordon wants revenge and MacPherson blood for the  death his son R Lye Rob! Yet Bhaic MacPherson killed him for good reason- wife stealin  how can Rolfe save Kate   and Kate stay together with so much danger in Scotland especially for an English Lass. Beside many oppose to a union between these two Mainly his father. Will this star crossed together deny their true happiness or ignore everyone else and find true love?



Highland Weddings:
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4) *** TBR 9/5/2017

This is the third book on the Highland Weddings series which I have read each in consecutive order. I think it is more fun as I enjoy connecting the character  dots. For example the heroine of this book was first introduced in “Highland Vixen”, Book two. Of course readers can read this book as a stand alone book too.

I have been reading Mary Wine books for many years and she never disappoints me. She is gifted in her unique storytelling signature  style. Another novel with a  breathtaking Alba setting, and spectacular dialogue with fabulous character development. In additionquick paced action packed plots within plots!  This always makes you wonder what could possibly happen next? Plus it has all the elements Scottish historical romance readers love!  I highly recommend this book plus the entire Highland Wedding Series! It is an exhilarating read from start to finish!

I can't wait for “Highland Flame” book #4, the story of Diocail Gordon and widow Jane Staffordshire.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.


https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Hellion-Weddings-Mary-Wine/dp/1492602507

The Highlander's Viking Bride, Hardy Heroine Series, Book Two. FIVE KILTS! Celtic Barb loves The MacRae Novels!


Book: The Highlander’s Viking Bride by Cathy & DD MacRae
Series: Hardy Heroines Series
Reviewed by Barb Massabrook
1.Book Blogger at Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
2.Administrator - Tartan Book Reviews
3.Administrator - Purple Tulip Book Reviews on Facebook

Heat Rating: Hot

Overall Rating: 5 stars

1445 AD
Caithness, Scotland

Clan wars: To finally end Clan wars between Clan MacGerry and  Clan Sinclair. L..Laird Sinclair offers his daughter Katja as a bride to Calder, Laird of Clan MacGerry. Katja thinks she is is finally free from her abusive father and clan! Unfortunately, she  finds her treatment not much better from her new husband's clan.  Due to their prejudice and narrow mindedness for she being a Sinclair. Then things get treacherous ano deadly which gives Katja no choice but to escape! She refuses to live under such horrid conditions ever  again! Been there done that!  Katja asks her viking family for help at the Shetland Isles.

Calder goes after his wife but is he too late adyer his clan’s horrible treatment of his wife.  The Lairds wife should be a place of honor and respect. Will these two ever get on the right path after such a betrayal and mistreatment? Or shall it be too late with so much betrayal? You will have to read this wonderful book and find out!

Again Cathy & DD MacRae writes another exhilarating, fast-paced page turner! A story readers won't be able to put down! The beautiful settings, brilliant dialogue and nail biting plots. As you wait with anticipation as to what could possibly happen next? Can these enemies become friend and lovers? Can this broken trust and betrayal ever be repaired and mended? Readers will have to find out by reading this captivating story!


I was given an early review copy which I voluntarily agreed to review this AMAZING book. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.


Hardy Heroine’s Series
by Cathy & DD MacRae
Highland Escape, Book one
The Highlander’s Viking Bride, Book Two


https://www.amazon.com/Highlanders-Viking-Bride-Hardy-Heroines-ebook/dp/B0728HWJRY/ref=sr_1_1/142-7503842-4356049?ie=UTF8&qid=1497777971&sr=8-1&keywords=Cathy+MacRae

Friday, June 9, 2017

Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London, Highland Grooms Series, Book #2, 5 Kilts. Celtic Barb says this is another winner!








Book:Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London
Series:Highland Grooms, Book 2

Reviewed By:Barb Massabrook Tartan Book Reviews, Purple Tulip Reviews and Blogger for Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating:Hot

Overall Rating:5 Stars and 5 Kilts

Scottish Highlands, 1743
Balhaire

The heroine is Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick an English widow having  being married three times and she wasn't even thirty! Just to preserve her son Ellis’s future and inheritance. Yet,  if she does not marry she will lose her son’s inheritance. Daisy does not want another unwanted marriage as it is rather exhausting!

Just at the right moment she receives a letter from a former beau, her first love! This gives her the excuse she needs to avoid another unwanted marriage!  Daisy goes to her estate in Scotland waiting for her first love goes to Scotland under the disguise to fix up her son’s inherited estate in Scotland.

Once she meets Cailean MacKenzie, Laird of Arrandale, the attraction is immediate for Daisy. Daisy is no shrinking violet when she wants something or someone! This someone happens to be Cailean as she flirts aggressively. It is hilarious his reaction of embarrassment and fluttering, not used to a titled women behaving so ß”.forward.  Even if she wasn't English he could never marry her being a known smuggler to the English Navy. Plus he realizes Daisy’s first love was the Captain of The English Navy who  previously shot at Cailean!  Yet the more her gets to know Daisy the more he desires her. Soon he realizes he can't let her marry this Captain of the English Navy. So his only

 The attraction her new shy Scotland neighbor Laird Cailean is instant! As it had been him too until he finds out she is another Sassenach! This is right on the heels of the Jacobite cause!  Plus the future  blood bath of Culloden that will change Scotland forever!


Julia London has returned to Scotland. This reader lass is verra verra happy she has, as I always love her Scottish historicals.

This is the second book in her Highland Grooms new series. What is wonderful about this novel is: you can read them as a stand alone book. I loved the first book and the second book follow as another magnificent read that serious historical readers will love.

 I love the heroine is the pursuer and the hero is the shy and a bit timid. It was refreshing to read this reversal in the roles. I loved sinful Scottish Laird and looks forward to book 3 which is about this book’s brother.

I highly recommend you read this brilliant book as I absolutely loved it. As this Austin, Texas author has always been a huge favorite of mine.

I received a an advance reader copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.













Author Julia London and blogger Celtic Barb