Book: Princess of Fire byHeather Graham
formerly used pen name Shannon Drake

Series: Fire #1

Reviewer: Barb Massabrook -
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book

Heat Setting - Hot

Overall Setting - 5/5

Alaric is a powerful, fearless. courageous and brave warrior. He also wants the beautiful princess Fallon. The beautiful woman he saves from certain death. Though she keeps rejecting the handsome enemy warrior. As Alaric is a Viking warrior of William the conquerer and Fallon is the daughter of King Harold of England. Fallon is feisty, gutsy, hot tempered, stubborn, spirited, intelligent and won't put up with rubbish. This book is brilliantly set around Battle of Hastings. Even though  they are enemies that won't stop Alaric who plans on setting her on fire with love and will conquer her.

It is getting more and more difficult to reject this handsome warrior although Fallon is determine remembering he is the enemy and foe. Alaric calling her his slave does not help with him being the enemy Norman. No matter how Fallon reacts and you can't blame her with his name calling. In Alaric's mind Fallon belongs to him period. He plans on making her fall in love period. Fallon feels she should defend her country where Alaric only see’s that as a big betrayal ans her way of revenge.

I found it a little slow moving when they go back and show how Kong Harold becomes King and his back history and how William became the Conquerer ! Though I usually enjoy the back history I found this a bit boring on both sides. Also found Alaric a bit conceited and self centered at times feeling he can get any women he wants. I think why he gets so frustrated with Fallon’s rejection, but seriously whi wants to be called slave and degrading names. In the long run Alaric becomes the hero and is actually a good person as enemies become lovers which makes their love lustful, consuming, amorous, passionate as opposites attract and makes more endearing,

Overall this is a wonderful book and is action filled right from the being inning through the end. There is plenty of history the readers and lovers of history and romance will absolutely love. I highly recommend Alaric and Fallon’s story and try to understand both points of views. The setting is perfection, plots are breathtaking wondering what could possibly happen next and dialogues are absolutely breathtaking. It is a book you won't be able to put down and it absolutely amazing!

It has all the elements historical romance readers  are looking for. It is fast paced, riveting adventure with true history and fictional romance. Plus mystery, suspense, betrayal, forgiveness, passion, love and more. A definitely book you don't want to miss and endure, as it is a book you will want to read more than once. Absolutely loved this novel!

This is a voluntarily advance ereader given by the publisher through NetGalley. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

Book: Constantine by Heather Grothaus

Series: The Brotherhood of Fallen Angels #4

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of Tartan Book Reviews, Purple Tulip Book Reviews, Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Great Book from start to finish. This is about a darkness and or shadow falling over the Holy Land. Four strong, brave and courageous men seek out an enemy. Constantine is a born leader, but also has been tortured and has many mysteries and secrets that are unknown. For one he returns home to find his entire family murdered!

Theodora “Dori” Rosemont is a strong, brave woman who never gives up! Especially if she has a goal or revenge in her peripheral vision! She is a mother first and will do anything for her child. Even if that means killing or dying for her child, but don't dare steal him or take him from her!

Constantine plans on getting blood revenge for Chastellete and his immediate family, murder’s of his wife and son.Except there is confusion, muddle and complication when it comes to to the murderer and his wife.  

When he finds Dori living in his former home, as she is the wife of his families murderer! The man he craces to destroy and kill! Stan does not realize Dori hates this man passionately!  Except she despises her husband who took and stole her son from her. She only wants her son back!

Constantine’s wife hadn't been faithful while he was away on various missions. She was adulterous, and a cheat! As he was unaware of her extracurricular activities outside the marriage bed.

You see the attraction between Constantine (Stan) and Dori immediately. They have many issues and problems too. It is interesting how it all works out. No spoilers as you will have to read this amazing book to find out! The conclusion is absolutely magnificent!

Wonderful setting,  brilliant dialogue and  magnificent plotting! Readers can't help, but anticipate the outcome. As they won't be able to put this amazing book down either! All four books are great, but I think this was the best of the series. I love the historical accuracy which is my big attraction to historical romance novels.

I highly recommend this phenomenal book that will stay with you long after you have read it! It has all the elements romance readers love!

It is a riveting adventure, faced paced page turner, murder, suspense, mystery, betrayal, love and more. A book you definitely don't want to miss, that you will read in a day! I absolutely loved Constantine by Heather Grothaus, I know you will too!

I voluntarily left a review I was given by the publisher and through NetGalley. All words,thoughts and ideas are mine alone.

The Beast of Aro's Castle by Heather McCollum. Highland isles Series, Book #1. 5 Kilts! Celtic Barb says a major heart stopping magical story

Book: The Beast of Aros Castle by Heather McCollum

Series: Highland Isles, Book 1

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of

Tartan Book Reviews

Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Setting: Hot

Overall Setting: 5/5 stars

Ava Sutton is running away from a treacherous, malicious and hazardous step- brother! Her friend Grace's step-brother who has no issue with incest. He is a sick individual that should be put in an insane asylum!

At breakneck speed she heads back to Scotland before she is found. So she disguises herself as a titled English lady. She must convince the chief of Clan MacLean's of Aros to marry her before she is found out by this unstable man. The problem is Tor MacLean swore off women forever, even tries to scare off Ava. A marriage his father arranged, problem is Tor is extremely attracted to her loveliness and her ardor. His infatuation just seems to increase and he doesn't know what to do with these feelings!

As for Ava time is of the essence before the madman catches up to her! Another problem is Tor does not trust women! For good reason too since his first wife was dishonest with him. When Ava comes clean with her lies and dishonesty, Tor is furious! This only proves to him that women can't be trusted. What can Ava do to to prove herself that this was a desperate moment where she had no choice.

This book was so action packed filled with riveting adventure and a quick paced page turner! I literally could not put this book down! It was that amazing which I totally loved.

I so can't wait until the next book in the series as this was just  magnificent! Filled with emotions including betrayal, blackmail, corruptness, selfishness, fraud, dishonesty, threatening, forgiveness, love and passion. The emotions and feeling in this book are absolutely incredible. You actually become so attached to this book. I can't recommend it enough and can't want until Heather McCollum’s next installment!

I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance which will absolutely love it!

This is a voluntarily advance e-reader copy given by the publisher through NetGalley. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

Book: Wild Wicked Scot By Julia London

Series: The Highland Grooms,  Book one

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog, Reviewer for Tartan Book Reviews and Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat setting - mild

Overall Setting - 5/5 stars

Spoiled, wealthy and English, Margot Armstrong, always felt she didn't belong in Scotland married to a chieftain. As her father forced her into marrying the Scottish Chieftain, Arran McKenzie when Margot was only 18 years old. As Margot was English and not used to the Scottish Highlands.

Plus being so young she was home sick plus his clan did not make her feel welcome. Most likely her being English but Margot was a bit snobbish too. As she felt she was too good and above everything in the Scottish holdings. She had to admit her husband was rather attractive when he upkept his looks and bathed. Plus he was rather good sexually in the bedroom but it was not enough.

Margot missed home too much and it wasn't long that she ran away to her home and never looked back. Three years later her father returns her to her husband. Her father had no feelings for her marriage but wanted his daughter to spy on her husband and find out if he was Jacobite.

Arran McKenzie was hoping his wife had missed him and Scotland. He was hoping she wanted to heal their marriage and make it work. Then he finds out her father forces his daughter back to her husband. To Arran this was not what he was hoping for at all.

Then the funniest thing happens she develops feelings for her husband. Margot does not want to betray Arran finding he's a good man. Plus she is between a rock and a hard place as the Crown will accuse her father of being a traitor if he doesn't come up with Jacob ite evidence. Plus Margot believes both men are innocent and her husband is investigating why her father sent her back. Arran does not believe it is to heal their broken marriage.

If Arra  digs and finds out the truth will he kick Margot out and find her devious and untrusting. Plus how will this couple ever mend their broken fences!

Another wonderful fast paced riveting adventure that readers will absolutely love. Readers won't be able to put it down and it's a book you won't forget.

I loved it from beginning to end I absolutely loved it and looking forward to rest of the series! It is totally brilliant!

I voluntarily reviewed this book which was given to me by the publisher through netgalley.com. All words and ideas and thoughts are my own.

Book: Highland Spy by Madeline Martin

Series: The Mercenary Maidens

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of Tartan Book Reviews and Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog and Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat setting:

Overall setting: 5/5 stars

Highland Spy

London, February, 1605

Ariana Fitzroy has lost everything her fortune and family. Connor Grant is the trainer of fallen women from the English court and personal assassin for the King. Connor was missing a girl another spy and despised he had to find another to train.  Additionally to add to his list of fallen women. His guilt was heavy and lists were getting long.

This is the first book of Madeline Martin's new series and trilogy. It's about fallen women that becomes an all female spy ring.

You can feel Ariana and Connor’s chemistry right from the get go and it definitely a heart puller! When you hear their back grounds, have the Kleenex ready as you will need them. The villain’s are dark, creepy, sadistic and cruel as expected, but no spoilers. You will have to read the book to find out more.

Ms. Martin really outdid herself in this  new first installment as it was truly wonderful. The settings were breathtaking, plus a phenomenal dialogue that will knock your socks off!   The fast paced page turning plots have your stomach in knots !  As you truly didn't know what to anticipate next!

I have been reading Ms. Martin since her debut as an author. This book truly blew me away as I have loved all her books. I felt this book was more intense and had more depth and emotion. I seriously could not put this book down it was that fabulous!

I voluntarily reviewed this book which was given to me by the publisher and author through netgalley.com. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

Book: Highland Sinner by Hannah Howell

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook

of Tartan Book Reviews, Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog and Purple Tulip Book Review

Series: Book #16 of The Murray’s

Heat Rating: hot

Overall Rating: 5/5

Sir Tormand Murray is obviously a rogue but a calculating killer? It is but doubtful though he did wake up next to a dead and chopped up body of one of his former lovers! He meets up with Morainn Ross whom has been branded a witch and this young woman enters the scenario to stop this cruel killer and enemy. She joins forces with Tormand as she does not believe he's a killer.

Yet this horrid killer will keep killing women from Tormand’s past until he is accused of murder and locked away or executed. plus this young woman has never met a male who accepted her unusual talent. As Morainn Ross a recluse with second sight that brands her a witch

Of course it would be the most handsome and rugged man she had ever met she finds herself attracted to. Will Tormand feel the same or is he too interested in finding out who is setting him up for murders he never committed. He needs to NZ prove his innocence not to say he is not attracted to the beautiful Morainn! She too for reasons of her own wants to catch this sadistic killer.

The couple’s attraction becomes more intense with the adrenaline, passion and love.

This book is a riveting adventure, filled with murder and mayhem and lots of questions! Who would try to frame Sir Tormand and why? Also why is this murderer so brutal and sadistic? You will have to find out and read this magnificent book. There is also secrets galore, riveting adventure betrayal, plot after plot that makes this story fast paced page turner and a total phenomenal read. Plus love and how this couple comes together which is interesting the rogue and the recluse. I just always love the Murray series as I have been enjoying them for years.

Another fabulous read as Ms. Howell does it again and turns out another magnificent read that should be on film or a cable series. I loved it and highly recommend it!

I was given this book from the publisher and through netgalley.com. All ideas and wording are my own.

Book: Jamie and Gracie by Keira Montclair

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook, Tartan Book Reviews and Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Series: The Highland Clan Series Book #7

Heat Rating: Mild

Overall Rating 5/5 stars

The Highlands of Scotland, 1200s

One of the best books I ever read about star crossed lovers Jamie Grant son of the Clan’s Laird Alexander and Gracie Grant. Stepdaughter of his Uncle Robbie Grant. Both are in love with each other, yet won't admit it due to tragedies of the past. Which in fact they both have a hard time dealing with.

Jamie leaves his clan to go on a mission with his cousins and become a spy and work for the crown. He has not informed his da yet, the great Laird Alexander Grant.Yet Jamie still thinks of home and his Uncle Robbie’s stepdaughter Gracie that he's protected since they were children. He does not think of her as a cousin or a child anymore. As neither of them has ever thought themselves as cousins as they were not blood related.

Both Jamie and Gracie have feelings of insecurities and that they are not good enough for the other. Of course they don't admit their true feelings and when Gracie tries to it’s a total disaster! Now Gracie decides she wants a husband and bairns, the problem is every lad wants her as she is the most beautiful women on Grant lands. Gracie feels they want her for the wrong reasons. It not what is on the outside that counts, but what is on the inside as what she is thinking and feeling is what really matters!

This also brings a lot of jealousy out of Jamie, who claims he is just protecting Gracie. Then the titled gentlemen arrive and one evil Baron with an evil dark heart. Using Gracie as a pawn, unknown to her and nearly forces himself on her! Once she refuses his marriage proposal he becomes very vicious and unkind. Figuring breaking her maidenhead will force Gracie’s hand, but she had been taught self defense by Jamie. She runs away in a horrible thunder storm the one thing Jamie fears.

Jamie leaving the Barons lands, sensing something is wrong and Gracie could be in danger. Plus he faces his biggest fears for the woman he loves, climbs the stormy thunder and lightning hill to save his flower Gracie. Due to a letter from his old stable master  Mac where he explains what really matters, but asks Jamie’s mum to show it when he is older and can understand. They both finally admit their true feelings and also misunderstandings and fears and decide to marry immediately. Then the Baron is found out his true motives so Jamie and Gracie have to marry right away.

Then a Clan war erupts which Gracie misunderstands thinking it is her fault and must annul her marriage and take her vows and become a nun.  As it must be evilness from her biological father who was horrible except Gracie had been given incorrect information.

So how can this star crossed couple ever find a way to each other and mend each other's hearts. You will have to read this fantastic book and find out. It is my favorite book of The Highland Clan series and had me in tears which is rare. For me to get that emotional I am reading a truly rare, magnificent and fabulous book! Jamie and Gracie is precisely that rare and wonderful! Scottish historical fans will absolutely fall in love with this book, actually this entire The Highland Clan series. It is totally brilliant and I highly recommend!

Keira Montclair  does it again with another fabulous story readers won't be able to put down! I absolutely loved loved this book from start to finish! I absolutely know you will too! The setting is breathtaking with an amazing fast paced plot and brilliant dialogue!  

*I was given this arc from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

My HIGHLAND REBEL BY AMANDA FORESTER

My Highland Rebel by Amanda Forester

My Highland Rebel by Margaret Forester

My Highland Rebel by Margaret Forester

The Rebel of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwood. Highland Warrior, Book #2. 5 Kilts/Stars. Celtic Barb read this one in under 24 hours, a total masterpiece in my opinion!

Book:The Rebel of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwood

Series: (Highland Warrior #2)

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of Tartan Book Reviews and Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog

Book Release Date: December 6th 2016

Heat Rating: Sizzler

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars



Scotland, 1387

Magnus Alwyn recently finds out his entire life has been nothing but an enormous lie. As he finds out he is Niall Kincaid's true brother  as they both have a tattoo as proof to their true identity. Magnus finds out he is actually Faelan Kincaid due to severe bump on his head as a child. He didn't even speak as a  young boy for a period of time. He soon learns the woman claiming to be his mother  is not his true mother. Yet, the woman had been a mistress to the Laird Alwyn so she passes him off as an illegitimate child of hers and the Laird Alwyn. Unfortunately, the man he always thought to be true father never even recognized him as a true son or anyone that mattered. On top of that his spoiled drunkard son, his half brother,  has always treated him with hatred, bullied and threatened Magnus his entire life! So he couldn't retaliate or defend himself due to being the Lairds legitimate true (heir) son or the results could be deadly for him!

On top of that Magnus/Faelan has always been a good and honorable man, defender of women and the weaker etc. He has to sleep with the lower serfs and their dogs, even as he became a warrior and came it his own. Now he chooses to be with his men in the pit.  Now after all this time he is finally being recognized for his accomplishments as a warrior and leader. Yes, is it too little, too late or are all bets off and is it time for revenge? Not easy to forgive someone who had murdered your entire family and clan! Or is it?

Heiress, Tara Ivernach has been made aware by one of nuns at the priory-her guardian,  Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan was here awaiting to visit her. A man too busy with his own self importance and ego to even notice her. Buchan, basically dumped her here five years ago and never looked back! Then to her shock and broken heart, she finds out her sister has died under mysterious circumstances! On top of that she is supposed to marry her deceased sister's betrothed! Now that would make anyone's head spin and stomach feel nauseas! Tara truly wishes she would wake up from this terrible nightmare unfortunately it was her life!

On her way to her new life at Alwyn keep Tara’s carriage is robbed by brigands. The worst of it is her mother's necklace her only heirloom from her loving deceased mother. Her savior is Magnus Alwyn   and this is also when she receives her first kiss though neither could see each other's faces in the thick of the night.  Though he did play a little trick on her,  due to his hatred toward his half brother.which he  soon regrets. As time goes on and Magnus gets to know Tara better realizing she hates Hugh and wants to escape! Though she won't do this until she finds out the mystery behind her sister's death. Tara feels the Alwyn people are keeping something from her.

 Now meeting her real betrothed for the first time she is less then thrilled considering Hugh vomits on Tara! Due to he being a drunkard and wastrel plus his added threats don't help! Hugh Alwyn is a piece of work and not in a good way in the least!All Tara wants to do is escape and start a new life!

 Until she see’s the beautiful man Magnus/Faelan truly is and they both seem to fall for each other fast and quickly. Yet it is never  easy and not without misunderstandings, jealousy, mistaken betrayal and miscommunication. As complications are not uncommon with any new relationship. Especially for a love that is so deep and true to the core. Plus they are both fragile and trust isn't easy for either one of them. Both being deceived and betrayed and destroyed so recently and soon both under false pretenses and misconceptions come to very wrong results. Can it be fixed? You will have to read and see, I can tell you it was a fabulous story from start to finish!  I absolutely and unequivocally loved this book!

Lily Blackwood does it again, in her second book in her fabulous  “Highland Warrior” series, which I absolutely loved!   The setting was magnificent, with  phenomenal flow with breathtaking dialogue. In addition brilliant plotting, that I found myself holding my breath with anticipation, not knowing what could possibly happen next!

It's one of those rare stories that speeds up the heart rate with lots of oohs and sighing. Anytime I read a book in under 24 hours I know it is going to be a rare, special, original. unique, and exhilarating read. Filled with a phenomenal  riveting adventure, drama, suspense, betrayal, intrigue, hatred, miscommunication, faith, trust and of course love and more…

You can't help but feel the empathy toward  both the hero and heroine, plus hoping they get the true HEA that they both so richly deserve!  After all each of them went through to survive. Will they? You will have to read this spectacular book to find out.

You can read as a stand alone book or in series order. I highly recommend you read both The Beast of Clan Kincaid, book #1 and this book, The Rebel of  Clan Kincaid, book #2. As they are both exquisite and brilliant  stories in my opinion. Plus so much more fun connecting the character dots!

I highly recommend this masterpiece of a novel “The Rebel of Clan Kincaid”  by Lily Blackwood! It was an absolute treasure and delight to read!

I was given this e-arc from the publisher and have voluntarily left an honest review through netgalley.

when a LAIRD FINDS A LASS by LECIA CORNWALL, BOOK 2, Highland fairytale series 5 Kilts. Celtic Barb loved this read!

Book: when a LAIRD FINDS A LASS by Lecia Cornwall 

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of Tartan Book Reviews and Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog 

Heat Rating: mild

Overall Rating: 5/5 stars

Scotland, 1707

This is the the story of Malcolm Ban MacDonald and Marcail MacLeod who are from enemie clans. This rift started so long ago no one even remember the reason as to why. Malcolm is a dull lawyer in Edinburgh with a fiancée and gets a surprise visit from the elders of his father's clan of Dunbronach. He and his mother left his father's clan as a young child when he nearly drowned. Now he finds he has inherited his father's Lairdship, who had recently passed away. 

He also finds out he can only marry a highland lass as not other will do. So overnight Malcolm's entire world is changed. He is not exactly overjoyed by this news. 

The story is also bittersweet. As half the MacDonald clan had been lost from the ailing disease. In addition realizing how his deceased parents really both felt about each other and never recovered. Plus a treasure his father would of hidden and told his heir where it was hidden, except he hadn't seen his father since he was a boy!  

Ar first Malcolm is not exactly thrilled about this new responsibility, but as the story moves along he starts to open his eyes and falls in love with both the people and the land. Then one day while walking the beache he finds lass. A lass with no memory of who she is or where she came from. Except she is from the hated Clan MacLeod, tha barbarian clan! So to save her life Malcom hides her clans plaid and keeps the secret from the MacDonald’s . Of course it might just come to haunt him later, that's always the problem with secrets.

His clan is also obsessed with their new Laird finding a wife with the exception it can't be from the hated MacLeods. Plus he is set to do a ritual on Beltane and has to swim to this sea isle and make a wish. Except one problem Malcolm can't  swim! 

Daughter of the fearsome MacLeod as my heart really went out to Marcail MacLeod. As she  keeps opening her heart and being betrayed by the wrong men. Finding no man is faithful and all are liars! She is traveling with her betrothed John MacKay she finds he is as unfaithful as Colin MacLeod had been. Colin was the first to break her heart. Plus MacKay has secrets of his own, Though she isn't in love with either man, but the idea of love. She decides she won't marry this fool! A split second decision: jumps of the boat, as Marcail has always swam like a fish or some would say a selkie.

When she wakes up battered, bruised, plus  she has no memory of who she is or where she came from. Yet she does remember how to defend herself. When the MacDonald women are faced with a new danger that sends them into hiding. Marcail teaches them the art of weaponry. As the story moves along you see the bond between Marcail and Malcolm grow stronger and deeper. Yet Malcolm holds back being a man of honor not knowing if there is a man or family already in her future. Marcail who the clan call Ronat is ready to move on, fearing she will never remember her past. Plus being the free spirit she is and just accept things as is  and move forward. 

This book is absolutley spellbinding and enchanting to the core I absolutely loved it! 

Will this couple find their HEA? This book is filled with riveting adventure, clan foes, rejection, intrigue, suspense, drama, betrayal, abduction, memory loss, passion, forgiveness, love and more! 

Omg let me just start with saying this book totally blew me away in a good way of course. It's absolutely magnificent. So anyone who reads this wonderful book filled with gorgeous breathtaking settings (I swear I could smell the sea), plus action packed plotting and dazzling dialogue! You  are in for an exquisite treat!  This is the second in Ms. Cornwall’s (A Highland Fairytale) series which is absolutely spectacular! Plus  with a wee bit of magic that makes it that much extraordinary in my opinion. 

I absolutely recommend “when a LAIRD FINDS A LASS by Lecia Cornwall book #2  as its one Scottish and historical romance readers definitely don't want to miss!  

Note: You can read in series order or as a stand alone book. 

A Highland Fairytale by Lecia Cornwall

1)Beauty and the HIGHLAND BEAST

2) when a LAIRD FINDS A LASS

I was given this arc from the publisher and have voluntarily left an honest review through netgalley.