Tuesday, February 26, 2019

It’s Getting Scot in Here by Suzanne Enoch. (Wild Wicked Highlanders) Book #1. Five Kilts. Celtic Barb absolutely loves this new series!




Book: It’s Getting Scot in Here
by Suzanne Enoch

Series: (Wild Wicked Highlanders) Book #1

Release Date: February 26, 2019

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


Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts

1785
Angus MacTaggert, Earl of Aldriss was here in London for one reason alone, that is to locate at rich Sassenach heiress to marry. His beloved Aldriss Estate that had been in his family since the English wife killer Henry VIII. This is when relative made a statement that Henry should be able to marry as many women as he desired until he got a the baby son. Of course he did not know the daughter he and headless Queen Anne Boleyn made would reign as Queen for 45 years!

Now his beloved Aldriss Park was now falling apart due to poor harvests, and his clan’s appetite for spirits, bad investments, and wagers. He acquired the title in 1783 he realized this castle was in bad shape and needed finances quickly. He felt the bloody Sassenachs have done enough damage over the years, so they could help him get his castle and finances in order. This was allowing him this one wee favor and privilege. He met the beautiful Francesca Orwell and married her only heir of the Viscount and Viscountess of Hornford. They were extremely wealthy and fell in love and were married. Except his new wife realized she hated Scotland and his wife’s solicitors made sure the money stayed in his wife’s hand which caused many huge fights between the Laird and his Sassenach bitch of a wife! Over the next 13 years she gave him three sons Coll, Aden and Niall. With each delivery of sons she became more unhappy and wanted to bring her sons back to England to educate them and live the English way of life. Angus naturally refused as his sons will live the same life he had lived.

After Francesca had her youngest a baby girl, she was determined no daughter of hers was going to be raised in this uncivilized country! She would never find he a proper husband if she allowed Angus to raise her in Scotland. Angus finally allowed her to take their daughter Eloise. That is, as long as she continued making payments on the estate. Of course he didn’t allow the boys to go, though Francesca had her own set of rules for the lads too. They all must marry and one of the wives must be chosen by their mother. Plus if their daughter married first all funds to the estate would stop!

Angus always thought he could change this since daughter Eloise was a bairn. His sons just felt their selfish mother abandoned them. Then the poison came, his daughter had just announced her engagement. Angus thought by now his sons would of found wives and this would mean no more financial care for his estate and people. This sent Angus to his deathbed and no time for him or his burial . He had to send his sons to London to find wives and quickly! Especially before their sister weds or they will be financially ruined!

Of course the sons were furious! A woman they don’t even remember could do this. They plan to out fox their mother and live their lives they way they always wanted. Unfortunately things don’t always work out the way you plan.

Soon their Sassenach mother picks a young woman whose parents want a title badly. She picks the woman for her eldest son the Viscount Coll or lose their home. The problem is brother Niall is immediately smitten with Amelia-Rose Baxter. Amelia’s family objects so strongly they plan on giving her someone with no money or title! Will the young couple retrieve their happily ever after or go their separate ways? Read and find out!  

This is the first book in the new series that readers will absolutely love. It is has all the elements historical romance readers love from start to finish. Plus a phenomenal dialogue, breathtaking setting and magnificent setting. A book I highly recommend and look forward to the next novel in Suzanne Enoch’s delicious new series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy from the publishers through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advance copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.

Buy Links:
































Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 10, 2019

The Scotsman by Virginia Brown. 5 Kilts. Celtic Barb was enchanted!



Book: The Scotsman
by Virginia Brown

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

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts

Scottish Borderlands, October 1313

The hero of the story of Scotman is Alexander Fraser. He is a man mentally and physically thrashed by the English. He is at his rock bottom of the barrel with nothing left. So when he hears a the cruel, English Earl of Warfield has his brother and he has nothing to offer as payment for his release! As he is poverty stricken by the Sassenach dogs too! He is desperate and does what any red blooded highlander would do, he kidnaps the Earls daughter! Expecting a docile English Rose except this is the furthest from the truth.

Earl of Warfield’s daughter  Catherine Worth is the heroine of this story. This English beauty is headstrong, ornery tenacious and relentless at first as captive. Until she starts to feel things for Alexander that she has never felt for any man. She knows her father feels nothing for her. Just something to use to gain wealth and gold in a marriage contact, no matter how old or cruel her future jailer would be! She has been in the dark how brutal and sadistic her father actually is. She soon opens her eyes to this fact and readers will find out her true reaction!

As these two star crossed lovers will they stay together or forced apart?  As it seems Alexander’s brothers life is to be forfeited if he does not return his daughter. Yet it is not out of love, only selfish evil purposes. What will Alexander and Catherine do?

I hadn’t read a Viginia Brown book in over a decade. Oh my goodness I forgot how beautifully she writes. I totally got lost and absolutely loved The Scotsman and hope she continues on her Scottish journey. This book includes non stop action, drama, mystery, abduction, betrayal, treachery, suspense, hatred, emotional, trust, love and a page turning riveting adventure. In addition, a breathtaking setting, brilliant dialogue, awe inspiring plots and unforgettable characters!

My favorite story ingredients are true factual history weaved into a fictional historical romance! I absolutely loved this book so much! What a phenomenal read! I absolutely loved The Scotsman by Virginia Brown!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and 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









Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 5, 2019


Posted by at No comments:

SAVING THE SCOT BY JENNIFER TRETHEWEY. THE HIGHLANDERS OF BALFORSS SERIES #4. THIS FABULOUS BOOK WILL BE RELEASED ON MARCH 25th 2019

🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎉Woohoo🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎉

Coming out March 25th by the mega talented
🎈🎈🎈Jennifer Rupp 🎈🎈🎈
writing under
🎈🎈🎈Jennifer Trethewey 🎈🎈🎈

I for one am very excited and can’t wait to read it!

I also absolutely love this Highland Hunky cover!❤️

SAVING THE SCOT
By Jennifer Trethewey

Series: The Highlanders of Balforss,  Book #4
Note: You can read any as a stand alone book too

Description:
Louisa resisted calling the captain a bad name and climbed inside the coach. Why did he have to insist on coming along for the wedding? He’d done his job, fulfilled his obligation. Now it was time for him to go back to Scotland and report to her father. She could imagine how that would go. Captain Sinclair standing at attention in front of the general, glowing with the satisfaction of a job well done, and fully expecting his hard-earned commission.

    Delivered the goods just as you asked, sir. A few minor inci dents at sea. Nothing out of the ordinary. Chased by a hurricane and shot by a pirate. Nothing I couldnae handle. What’s that you ask? Any problems with the Daughter from Hell? None at all, sir. Quiet as a mouse, she was. Stayed in her cabin like a good girl the entire time. It was her companion that was the real problem. A blasted actress. Wore trousers and carried pistols with her. Nearly got me killed.

     And then her da would know. The Tartan Terror would fly into a rage. If he didn’t kill Captain Sinclair on the spot, he’d put him in irons. At the very least, he’d dismiss him, disgrace him, leave him dishonored and disbarred from the army forever.

    Oh God, what have I done?







Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Devilish Lord Will by Jennifer Ashley. The Mackenzies Ancestral trilogy, #10, Five Kilts. Celtic Barb says reading the marvelous Mackenzie novel is like a special gift on Christmas morning! Love!Love!



Book: The Devilish Lord Will
by Jennifer Ashley

Series: (Mackenzie Trilogy) Book #10

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

Heat Rating:

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts



I have been reading Jennifer Ashley novels for years. Here she pens another Mackenzie masterpiece with fascinating multi-dimensional characters written so beautifully with all the elements us Mackenzie readers love! A story that will make you both laugh and cry-hanging onto every word from start to finish! Another book to definitely read more than once!

Scotland
June 1747

This story starts after the Battle of Culloden also known as The Rising. Will MacKenzie the hero of this is trying to locate missing French gold. Of course Will being Will is in the midst of being tortured by the English for information. In the middle of this the love of Will’s heart shows up. As she had drugged his captors to make an escape. It turns out Josie like Will was also looking for the Spanish gold, but for different reasons. Will was upset she wasn’t with her daughter Glenna. The only reason he left her as he knew with his dangerous life they would both be safer and out of harm way. Not in the middle of Scotland in a villainous enemy  camp - filled with evil treacherous English soldiers! The shocker is she and a bunch of highland women abduct Will!

It turned out though Will and his brothers are on the the list of Jacobite’s who perished. The problem is not everyone believes this to be true. Plus Will is obsessed with getting his destroyed family home back fir his brother Mal. Plus what they didn’t burn or destroy they stole. Like the expensive furniture, priceless paintings and water of life! Will plans to have his brother  Malcolm ( the runt) resurrected from the dead and become The Duke of Kilmorgan. Plus continue building their ancestral home and successful whiskey business.

Josie is hiding out with a bunch of highland ladies. She is hoping the gold will help locate the women’s missing husbands or at help them start a new life alone. She is also hiding with Will the love of her life for personal reasons she has not revealed.  Josie also knows what it’s like to be a single mother. How difficult it was until she met Alec and Will Mackenzie who helped her and gave her choices. Plus Oliver Chadwick biological father of Josie’s daughter Glenna is blackmailing her. A man who never wanted her daughter,  as Will is the only father Glenna has ever known. This attempt would betray Will so she is hoping the gold will be enough to satisfy Chadwick and leave them alone forever. The two people Josie love the most is her daughter and Will Mackenzie. Will Josie even have a choice? Plus there is a jealous jacobite traitor who hates The Mackenzie’s and will do anything to make sure they are  all suffer and makes sure they all are dead! He is stealing all the items from Kilmorgan and trying to purchase Kilmorgan and its land for himself. Just because his mother jilted his brother so many years in the past!

Do Will and Josie have a second chance at romance? Will Josie betray Will  to protect her daughter? With so many British soldiers in Scotland does Will even have a  fighting chance to survive? This is definitely a novel that readers don’t want to miss!

Ms. Ashley does it again and pens another phenomenal action packed page turning romantic adventure that I simply could not put down! I have loved this three book trilogy about the Mackenzie eighteenth-century ancestors, right after the battle of Culloden. Sadly this is the last one in this series, which I have enjoyed immensely. Having Scottish heritage, one of my favorite things is when authors weave true historical facts in their fictional romance novels!  ILike the dress act of 1746, Act of Proscription where tartan and kilts were illegal to wear and even to own weapons like broadswords, muskets, dirks, even playing of bagpipes! Plus mentioning Eilean Donan Castle my personal heritage Clan MacRae. In addition, the story of the gold from France is true. You must read this story to find out about its location and the true background story.

The passion just sizzles right off the pages that to pages were smoking! Plus the antics of Will and Josie are hilarious, yet the sorrowful, forlorn, moments made me emotional too. As you can’t help but feel for both of them. Life has not been too kind to either one even though Will was was raised in wealth and Josie suffered in poverty to feed her daughter. Both the main and secondary characters were just brilliant too and
another devine dialogue. There were so many different twists and turns and amazing plotting that I never know what to expect next!  One of my favorite parts was the magnificent epilogues which was absolutely exhilarating! Plus it had all the elements historical romance readers love from swoon worthy Scottish hero, independent beautiful French heroine, suspense, mystery, abusive villains, treachery, passion, love and happiness.

MacKenzie Three Book Arc
By Jennifer Ashley

1)The Stolen Mackenzie Bride-
(Malcolm and Mary)

2)Alec Mackenzie’s Art of Seduction
(Alec and Celia)

3)The Devilish Lord Will
(Will and Josette)

I can’t recommend “The Devilish Lord Will” by Jennifer Ashley enough. It is another masterpiece in my opinion.  It is like Christmas morning every time I get to read another Mackenzie book. A total treat from start to finish which I always love!

You can read any of The Mackenzie novels as stand alone books too. Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advance copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.



BUY LINKS


















Posted by at No comments:

Friday, January 25, 2019

Katie’s Highlander by Maeve Greyson. Highland Protector series, Book #3, five Kilts. CELTIC BARB LOVED RAMSAY AND KATIE’S TALE




Book: Katie’s Highlander by Maeve Greyson
Series: Highland Protector, Book # 3

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

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts
Eons ago...
Of all the Druid clans, the strongest was the goddesses of the MacDara bloodline. More devoted and trained by the warrior goddess. MacDara men and their sons mastered the four relic weapons sword, hammer, shield  and spear. No better archers could be found but MacDara females.

Yet the MacDara clan were gifted with the highest honor. That is to guard and protect the blessed Heartstone. This is an ancient relic that contains a special unique energy that made every human’s life special, unique and worth living. To love, hope, evolve and live, without this gift civilization on earth would not be the same. Plus eventually the world would cease to exist. Yet as time went on the meaning of the stone and the lore was forgotten, lost in the circle of time and the mist. Though not forgotten by all existing by the Druid clans.
The MacDara descendents know exactly the cost. As in the tenth century they were brutally attacked and knows what it nearly cost their existence! Yet the three goddesses save Ramsay Danaan MacDara, his two older brothers, his parents, younger sister and bring them to North Carolina in the twenty-first century . The MacDara’s will protect the blessed stone at any cost. As they know they must thrive and never cease to exist! No matter what century the goddesses place them in to save and protect.

17 years later in the future.
North Carolina, present day 2018



I have been reading Ms Greyson  for years and again another book I loved! **

On a personal note my husband has been working for Princeton University for over 25 years!

The MacDara Family in 900 a.d. broch in the highlands of Scotland were under attack and wouldn't have survived. So the Goddesses sent them to the future to present day, North Carolina. This was not only to preserve their lives but so they could continue to protect the Heartstone as this was their legacy. Theses stories began when the four sons were ages twenty through fourteen. The first book, Sadie’s Highlander is  20 year old Alec’s story began 15 years after they were relocated in the future. The second story, Joanna’s Highlander, was Grants story, 16 years later. Now is is the third brother Ramsay Danaan’s turn 17 years later. As they are all aging naturally after their time-travel shift.


Brady North Carolina, present day 2019
Seventeen years since shifted to the future.


The hero of this story is Ramsay Danaan MacDara known as Ramsay. He thought by now like his older brothers Alec and Grant, he would be married by now. Unfortunately he came close, but the woman was only using him for his family's wealth with no love in her heart. He now wishes the Goddesses had left him back in the tenth century with no broken heart! So he has trust issues now with the fairer sex, plus he has always been more comfortable with his four legged furry friends. Plus he being from another time it is difficult for Ramsay to see and detect a woman’s duplicity, treachery and  
betrayal him and using him for her own selfish, deceptive, and disloyal desires. Now he just spends his time alone with his animals.

That is until one day he is taking his horse for an evening ride and hears a car accident. Of course the honorable highlander he is  goes to help the lass. After all that has been imbedded in him since birth. So he goes and finds a bonny female arse sticking out of the mangled car. He then rescues his damsel in distress bringing her home. Although he keeps thinking this is a big mistake, but how could he turn his back and not leave the lass stranded in the dark woods!

Katie Jensen, the heroine of this story is an archeologist. She is taking a six month sabbatical leave from her job, in the garden state. This is at Ivy League, Princeton University, on Nassau Street in Princeton, New Jersey. Her father passed away a few weeks ago as she is still grieving. In addition her fathers last dying wish was for Katie to appreciate, savor and live her life to the fullest and highest degree of happiness! So on impulse she decided to do a road trip to her friend’s beach house in North Carolina. Unfortunately this is when she totals her vehicle!  Luckily she finds herself rescued by the hottest man she has ever seen in her life! On top of that he has the most sexy Scottish brogue, dressed in a kilt, with a body to match. Yet as she gets to know Ramsay her inquisitive and curious mind wants to find out more! The attraction is instant between both of them, yet she also gets mixed signals from Ramsay. To Katie, he is like a traffic light she doesn't know if she should stop of go?

Will Ramsay continue to believe that the Goddesses put Katies in his path or will he trust his own heart? Could it be his forced destiny or true love? However he so suspicious and untrusting of his attraction to Katie. His heart had been so shattered  and trust broken by his ex-fiance he can’t believe in faith or love? In addition he worries its supernatural elements trying to force the match. He isn't sure what and who he can trust?

Are Katies feelings for Ramsay true? Could he be just another test sample from the past to be examined, tested and analyzed? Possibly her best subject and finding of a lifetime!

Will Ramsay feel used again but not for wealth this time? As it would be for his families treasured secrets, due to Katie’s archeologists interest and curious mind. Can these two ever find a happily ever after? A book readers don't want to miss!

Highlander Protector Series
by Maeve Greyson
1)Sadie’s Highlander
2)Joanna’s Highlander
3)Katie’s Highlander


Again, Maeve Greyson pens another winning, captivating, fast paced, pulse racing, enchanting, riveting time-travel adventure, that will pull readers heartstrings and soften their souls. It is both mesmerizing and sizzling that any romance reader will love. This is the third book I have read, as I have read all the books in “The Highland Protector”series, but (Katie’s Highlander) is definitely my favorite. I absolutely loved Ramsay and Katie’s story and highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy from the publishers through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advance copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.


BUY LINKS




Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Highlander Ever After by Paula Quinn. The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series. Five Kilts! Celtic Barb says it is most romantic book ever!

Book: Highlander Ever After
by Paula Quinn

Series: The MacGregors: Highland Heirs, Book Eight

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

Heat Rating: Smoking Hot!🔥🔥🔥

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts

The most romantic book I ever read!  Wish someone would collect the most heather to prove they love me the most! Those MacGregors sure know how to turn a lassies head!

Camlochlin Castle
The isle of Skye
Summer 1714

Melusina MacGregor’s father is the Prince elector, George of Hanover and heir to the throne. Plus he is next in line to be King. His mistress is Melusina’s mother but Melusina who is called Sina is illegitimate. Although a royal bastard but still a bastard! She also has never been acknowledged as her father's daughter. The one thing she wants more than anything is to have a real family something she's been denied her entire life. Her entire life she also thought she would marry her best friend William Standish. The one she  had known since she was eight years old and is her betrothed. Yet the Queen whom she thought was her friend ordered this forcing her to marry a savage outlaw. The next in line to become Chief, Adam MacGregor, son of the proscribed chief. Why were they even forcing this alliance?

Adam knew this was the only way to protect and save his outlaw clan. This was something he fought forever never wanting to be in love or to be responsible for his people, his clan. He didn't want this marriage either but he also knew the Queen was his clans protection. Though physically they were both extremely attracted to each other but he didn't like the idea of being married to a woman who loved another.  Plus she was terrified of his best friend his dog. Yet he understands due to his status he has to marry a royal heir, who has been taught nothing but lies about his clan. He plans to prove her wrong that they are not savages or barbarians! However, he will never be
like his kin trying to make his wife happy by picking the most heather. Especially since she was pining over another man.

Yet as they get to know each other feelings are brought out and feelings. As Sina sees the one thing she has wanted her entire life is here, a loving family. Then just as she is about to open herself up and show her love she is requested to return to London. Adam just lets her go which makes her miserable realizing she loves Adam and what she felt for William was brotherly love. Plus William is not the gentleman she thought after spending three years away. Plus there os treachery and betrayal at every corner. Not the kindness, friendship, honestly and love she felt in Scotland. Though when Adam returns to get her father's blessing she is deliriously happy. Especially that her  father postponed her marriage to Lord Standish!

Yet then both their Sina and Adams lives are in danger. Who can they possibly trust, royal secrets are revealed. There are many who don't want these two together and will do anything to win their selfish desires. Plus both Adam and Sina have not exactly been honest to Sina’s father. He has enough power to end their unity and possibly hang Adam, as he despises the savage MacGregor clan, just from gossip and hearsay. What will the destiny for Adam MacGregor and Sina de Arenburg be? Doom and gloom or a happily highlander ever after?

This is definitely a book readers don’t want to miss. Sadly this is the last  book finale of The MacGregor: Highland Heirs series. Where every book in this beautiful series has been filled with all the elements that Scottish historical romance readers love. From page turning, awe inspiring, non-stop action and riveting adventures. Each novel is filled with
betrayal, miscommunication, treachery, suspense, mystery, hatred, passion and love. They are filled with breathtaking settings, characters you never forget, mind-blowing plots and exhilating dialogues! I know I always get swept away in Paula Quinn books with her swoon worthy heros, feisty heroines and spectacular stories!

I think Highlander Ever After is my favorite story of the series. Although I have loved them all as this author is extremely talented! This is a phenomenal book readers definitely don’t want to miss. No worries if it  is your first book or your last book of the series. As you can read any of these books as stand alone books too.

I received a complimentary ARC copy from the Forever, Grand Central publishers through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All opinions, ideas, words and thoughts are my own.

Buy Links:





















Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)