Ebook Review: Bond of a Bewitched Highlander (Highland Shifters #3) by Vonda Sinclair

 

Blurb: 

A curse. A broken betrothal. Two shattered hearts.

Self-defense instigated the vile curse ensnaring Chief Brodie MacCain and his two chosen brothers. But the witch still craves vengeance. Brodie was transformed into a mythical shapeshifter—a selkie. When his own clan shunned him in suspicion and fear, he found a new place to belong. The selkie tribe welcomed him as one of their own. And now they need his help in training them to become fearsome warriors to protect their families.

To save his life, she broke his heart.

Lady Elsea MacAuley rides hellbent across the Highland moors every day, but she cannot outrun the demons of her past—relentless guilt and despair. After she was manipulated by a cunning witch to shatter the person she loved most, she only has one purpose in life now—to stop a depraved nobleman from enslaving rare, legendary creatures who barely survive on Scotland's remote windswept islands. Trained as a warrior, she embarks on a dangerous rescue mission. She does not expect to end up at the mercy of the one man she loved but betrayed.

Brodie is crushed between rage and a bond that refuses to break. Has his scarred heart grown too cold to forgive? Will his curse remain forever?

Amazon: Bond of a Bewitched Highlander (Highland Shifters Book 3) - Kindle edition by Sinclair, Vonda. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Bond of a Bewitched Highlander (Highland Shifters, #3) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Bond of a Bewitched Highlander eBook by Vonda Sinclair - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Goodreads: Bond of a Bewitched Highlander by Vonda Sinclair | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story was wonderful. I loved the determination of Elsea to help the selkies and try to win Brodie back. Her training in knives and swords gave her an upper hand when needed. Brodie fought his feelings so hard to protect his heart and mind. As he gave into some of those feelings, I had hoped the realization would have come faster, but the proper timing finally came. I had tears in my eyes. Throughout the story, I held my breath at times, shook my head at others, and smiled. A beautiful way to end the curse and this series.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Ebook Review: The Highlander's Wicked Ways (Spellbound Hearts #3) by Julie Johnstone

 

Blurb: 

When Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I offer her the only thing I have left—a bargain carved from sin.

This Spellbound Hearts romance features:

- A cursed heroine bound to dangerous magic
- A grief-stricken, morally gray Highlander hero
- A forbidden bargain / sinful deal for protection
- Forced proximity and a one-bed arrangement
- Witchcraft, curses, and perilous magic
- A slow-burn, emotionally intense romance
- A redemption arc for a broken hero
- High heat, high stakes, and deep emotional healing
- A guaranteed happily-ever-after

Murieall
I stole a witch’s magic goblet to save my mama’s life and paid for my folly with a curse that binds me to the dead.

The voices never stop. Their grief claws at my mind, and now people whisper I’m mad. My betrothal has been shattered, my reputation destroyed, and time is running out to break the curse before I lose everything.

The witch’s answer to my pleas for forgiveness is as cruel as it is impossible: I must make the wickedest Scot in the Highlands feel again. Munro Ross is grief-hardened, sinful, and dangerous. He wants nothing to do with redemption, but to save myself, I must save him.

Entry into his domain comes at a wicked price: one month in his bed. I tell myself I can endure anything for freedom. What I don’t plan for is the honorable man I find under the dark surface, or the way his touch strips away my careful control, or how falling for him may cost me far more than the curse ever could.

Munro
I lost my wife. I lost my son. And I buried my heart with them.

I don’t believe in witches. I don’t believe in forgiveness. And I don’t save desperate women who come begging at my door. So when Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I give her the only thing I still know how to offer—temptation wrapped in shadows and desire.

She’s meant to be a distraction, a fleeting indulgence to dull my pain. But by day, I see a patient, brave woman. And night after night, the ice I’ve built around my heart begins to crack. When she starts whispering truths I was never meant to hear, I realize this bargain may destroy us both.

Because if I let myself feel again, I’ll have to face the lies and betrayals that surround us. And the secrets that unite Murieall and me may be the very ones that tear us apart.

Amazon: Amazon.com: The Highlander's Wicked Ways (Spellbound Hearts Book 3) eBook : Johnstone, Julie: Kindle Store

Bookbub: The Highlander’s Wicked Ways (Spellbound Hearts Book 3) by Julie Johnstone - BookBub

Goodreads: The Highlander's Wicked Ways by Julie Johnstone | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story touched my heart. Two broken people living with secrets, pain, and death were brought together by a curse. Murieall tired of her curse and wanted it gone. To do so, she had to heal Munro. She was determined, loving, gave of herself though she kept her secrets. Munro was so deep in his pain that he was not truly living. Secrets, manipulation, and pain made him a weaker man than he was. I loved how she brought the light into his life, how he began to take his place in the clan once again, how they gave up their secrets and more to each other. I cried when he reacted to the news of her curse and pushed her away. My fingers were crossed that she would keep her curse/gift. I did not want to stop reading this book. Another good one by this author.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Release: Tangled Up with the Highlander (Return of the Highlanders #2) by Julie Johnstone

Tangled Up with the Highlander by Julie Johnstone is now available for you!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3XkixuI
Barnes and Noble - https://bit.ly/470ZVTX

Audible - https://amzn.to/3yY2V6P 

Blurb:

He thought he would never love again… Then he fell for the lass he must give up to save his clan.

Desperate to keep his children and clan from starving, Laird Alasdair MacLachlan joins the ranks of mercenaries searching for the missing lass of a powerful clan. The mission seems simple—find the lass, return her to her family, and claim the hefty reward. But when fate throws bow and arrow wielding Sorcha MacGregor in his path, he’s about to discover how complicated one mule-headed, beguiling beauty can make things. For a man who has lost and loved and has no interest in doing either ever again, he’s confounded by the desire the opinionated woman awakens in him, and he’s shocked to discover his heart might not be permanently frozen after all. But his duty to his family and clan must come before all else, and that means sticking to the plan. Or is that just an excuse to avoid burying his painful past and taking a risk on a new future? One thing is certain—if he doesn’t figure it out soon, Sorcha will be lost to him forever.


Life has taught Sorcha MacGregor that only a harebrained fool would wish to wed and become a man’s chattel to control. So when she’s kidnapped by a Highlander who intends to deliver her like a trussed pig to a family she’s never known, she instantly decides he’s a selfish barbarian like all other men. Her opinion becomes harder to maintain, though, when the devilishly handsome warrior risks his life for hers. Still, she has no intention of lowering her well-placed guard and making herself vulnerable. But with each act of kindness Alasdair shows her, every moving interaction between him and his children, and the simmering way he looks at her, not to mention the toe-curling kisses, she comes to see the gentle, brokenhearted man behind the hardened exterior, and she does the one thing she swore she’d never do: falls in love. When the time comes for Alasdair to make the ultimate sacrifice for her, for love, will he prove he’s really the man of her dreams or just a fantasy that is too good to be true?

Book Review: Tangled Up with the Highlander (Return of the Highlanders #2) by Julie Johnstone

 

Blurb: 

He thought he would never love again… Then he fell for the lass he must give up to save his clan.

Desperate to keep his children and clan from starving, Laird Alasdair MacLachlan joins the ranks of mercenaries searching for the missing lass of a powerful clan. The mission seems simple—find the lass, return her to her family, and claim the hefty reward. But when fate throws bow and arrow wielding Sorcha MacGregor in his path, he’s about to discover how complicated one mule-headed, beguiling beauty can make things. For a man who has lost and loved and has no interest in doing either ever again, he’s confounded by the desire the opinionated woman awakens in him, and he’s shocked to discover his heart might not be permanently frozen after all. But his duty to his family and clan must come before all else, and that means sticking to the plan. Or is that just an excuse to avoid burying his painful past and taking a risk on a new future? One thing is certain—if he doesn’t figure it out soon, Sorcha will be lost to him forever.


Life has taught Sorcha MacGregor that only a harebrained fool would wish to wed and become a man’s chattel to control. So when she’s kidnapped by a Highlander who intends to deliver her like a trussed pig to a family she’s never known, she instantly decides he’s a selfish barbarian like all other men. Her opinion becomes harder to maintain, though, when the devilishly handsome warrior risks his life for hers. Still, she has no intention of lowering her well-placed guard and making herself vulnerable. But with each act of kindness Alasdair shows her, every moving interaction between him and his children, and the simmering way he looks at her, not to mention the toe-curling kisses, she comes to see the gentle, brokenhearted man behind the hardened exterior, and she does the one thing she swore she’d never do: falls in love. When the time comes for Alasdair to make the ultimate sacrifice for her, for love, will he prove he’s really the man of her dreams or just a fantasy that is too good to be true?

Amazon: Amazon.com: Tangled Up with the Highlander (Return of the Highlanders Book 2) eBook : Johnstone, Julie: Kindle Store

B&N: (paperback) Tangled Up with the Highlander by Julie Johnstone, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Bookbub: Tangled Up with the Highlander (Return of the Highlanders Book 2) by Julie Johnstone - BookBub

Goodreads: Tangled Up with the Highlander by Julie Johnstone | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I really enjoyed this tale with all the up, down, and sideway events. Sorcha was a delight in her archery skills, loyalty to her sister, big heart, and a willingness to adjust to what was happening around her. Alasdair was quite a broken man but drew strength from his duties to his clan. He was instantly protective of Sorcha. They both fell for each other despite all their best efforts to put distance and obstacles between them. Alasdair's children, Hew and Beatie, were a kick as well. I had moments of tears as this story found its way to the end. I recommend this story.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Secrets of a Highlander's Heart (Return of the Highlanders #1) by Julie Johnstone

 

Blurb: 

Will the truth of the past destroy the hope of their future?

How far will he go for vengeance?

Brus Stone remembers nothing of his life before he was rescued at the age of five summers and brought to live as part of the Northern Watch. Having been told his mother abandoned him, he’s about as willing to give his trust to a woman as he is to hand his sword to his enemy during battle. So when he’s tasked with accompanying a group of highlanders through the treacherous lands he helps patrol and he encounters a bonny lass who proves to be as brave as any warrior he’s ever met, he’s surprised by his pull to the lass and more than wary because of it. He steels himself against lowering his guard, but her open nature bemuses him, and her caring heart entices him. Each time he touches her he finds himself further drawn to the warmth she exudes and the possibility that believing in her will not result in betrayal. But a shocking revelation about his past obliterates everything he holds true and leaves him with a choice—give unwavering faith to the daughter of the enemy he didn’t know he had or raise his guard once more and secure the ultimate revenge.

How much will she lose for love?

Grace MacDonald is starting to wonder whether she’ll ever meet a man who sees her as an equal and not simply a potential wife to do as he bids. To complicate matters, her father wishes her to wed her childhood friend and fortify an important alliance between their clans. Though she wants to please her beloved father, her friend does not stir her heart or her desire, so she’s reluctant to accept his offer of marriage. When the party she’s travelling with is attacked and a Scottish warrior rescues her, she’s immediately drawn to the powerfully compelling man. Not only does he display a gentle caring side, but he also listens to what she says and seems to value her opinions. His every look, touch, and kiss ignite her in the way she’s been waiting for all her life. But Brus will not completely let her in. He has erected a barrier between them, and the harder she tries to breach it, the more withdrawn he becomes. She’s determined to prove to him that he can count on her, so they can grasp the glorious love she’s sure awaits them. Yet when a devastating secret comes to light, she must decide whether her loyalty remains with the father she’s always trusted or whether it belongs with the man she’s certain is her destiny.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Secrets of A Highlander's Heart (Return of the Highlanders Book 1) eBook : Johnstone, Julie: Kindle Store

Bookbub: Secrets of A Highlander’s Heart (Return of the Highlanders Book 1) by Julie Johnstone - BookBub

Goodreads: Secrets of A Highlander's Heart by Julie Johnstone | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was very enjoyable for me. I loved Grace's bravery to travel, her gumption when standing up for herself, and the willingness to apologize for what was her fault. Her attraction to Brus was strong and instant, and somewhat confusing for her. Making it to her father, she was surprised by her father's behavior. Brus was strong and protective. He received his own surprise which gave him more to deal with. Grace was willing to give up her family to stay with Brus. There was plenty of witty banter and action to keep the story rolling along, making it hard to put down.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Sale!!! Highlanders Hold Grudges (Wicked Willful Highlanders #1) by Julie Johnstone, 99 cents for a very limited time

Highlanders Hold Grudges

Series: Wicked Willful Highlanders #1

by Julie Johnstone

Genre: Historical Romance 

Blurb: 

He kidnapped her to save his clan, not to lose his heart.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and no one is more desperate than Highlander Alasdair MacRae. His clan is on the verge of disaster, thanks to continuous raids from the lying, thieving, murdering MacKenzies. Their latest strike has left Alasdair’s family on the precipice of starvation and his brother badly wounded. The time has come to hit back, and what better blow to deliver than to kidnap his enemy’s daughter and use her to negotiate much-needed peace. His plan is simple: wed the lass. It’s well-known that she’s beloved by her father, and the doting Highlander certainly won’t go to war with Alasdair’s clan if he’s married to the man’s daughter. Once the vows are spoken, he plans to send her to a nice little cottage on his land, where she can live her life as she wishes, and he can live his as if he’s not wed. But his plan meets an obstacle he didn’t foresee, and suddenly, Alasdair finds himself fighting to protect a woman he thought was his enemy and questioning whether he’s wooing the lass to see out his scheme or to truly capture her heart?

When Maeve MacKenzie discovers her adoring father has denied his own heart’s desire so that she may find hers, she resigns herself to stop delaying and finally honor the betrothal to her childhood friend. Their union will strengthen her clan and give her father a second chance at love. But when tragedy strikes, she’s snatched from her home by Alasdair MacRae: the barbaric Highland beast who long ago awakened cravings in her that are impossible to forget. As the heiress of a strategic fortress coveted throughout the Highlands, she’s well-aware the Highland fiend wishes to gain her castle. She has no intention of falling prey to his transparent ploy to woo her, though, and every intention of escaping him. Except the blasted Highlander still possesses an extraordinary ability to kiss, and beyond that, he has the nerve to display seemingly honorable qualities at every turn. How’s a lass to know if it’s all simply a ruse by a cunning, too-handsome foe or if the man she believed to be her enemy is really her greatest hope?

Winning Maeve’s love isn’t something Alasdair ever expected to want, but the sharp-tongued, iron-willed lass ignites a yearning in him that can’t be denied. And when enemies threaten to take her from him forever, Alasdair will do whatever it takes to make her his, even if he has to fight a war to win his bride and lay claim to her heart.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/4aqtU8C

Audible: (also on sale) Highlanders Hold Grudges by Julie Johnstone - Audiobook - Audible.com

Audiobook Review: Highland Knight of Dreams (A Highland Dynasty Novella #4.5) by Amy Jarecki, narrated by Amy Jarecki

 

Blurb: 

When Alice Lamont discovers Quinn Campbell, grandson of her clan’s most hated enemy, sleeping on the very ground where her father’s blood was spilled, she readies herself for battle. But her cryptic grandmother has other ideas. She gives Alice a rosebud to place beside Quinn as he sleeps. But this is no ordinary rose. Legend foretells of love that rises upon the blooming of this bud. And as Quinn awakes dreaming of a ravishing beauty, he pricks in finger on a thorn and realizes his dream was real. Driven by insatiable desire, Quinn will face heaven and hell to find her. But when he does, will Alice possess the courage to love?

Amazon: Amazon.com: Highland Knight of Dreams: A Novella Book 4.5 (Highland Dynasty 6) eBook : Jarecki, Amy: Kindle Store

Audible: Highland Knight of Dreams by Amy Jarecki - Audiobook - Audible.com

Goodreads: Highland Knight of Dreams: A Novella Book 4.5 by Amy Jarecki | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was a quick story. Warring families were tricked into working together. Alice wanted revenge, but her grandmother gave her a different task. Alice was sent to attend a meeting of the clans and started with the instructions of her grandmother when she found Quinn. He thought it was a dream, but he became more driven to make Alice his once he realized that she was not. Plans sent them on one path while another event was taking place. Alice was strong, determined, and a smart chief. Quinn was protective and willing to compromise. I enjoyed the story.

This was the first time I listened to a story narrated by the author. She did a good job bringing her characters to life.

This is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Highlanders Never Forget (Wicked Willful Highlanders #3) by Julie Johnstone, narrated by Timothy Campbell

 

Blurb: 

In the game of love, the only way to win is to risk it all.

Fiercely focused Highland warrior Alexander Gordon has one goal—secure a coveted spot on the King’s Night Guard. Being born illegitimate and raised with the constant scorn of his father’s wife, he wants nothing more than a home of his own where he feels like he belongs, and the king’s elite warrior group is the only chance to achieve his dream. He doesn’t intend to let anything or anyone derail him, but then the brave beautiful Adeline Brodie strolls into his life, and the harder he tries to push her away to preserve his honor and dreams, the more it makes him want her.

Sweet smart Adeline Brodie is used to being overlooked by men, but she’s never cared much until the day her world collides with Alexander Gordon’s. Not only is the Scot sinfully handsome, but his intense allegiance to his undeserving brother and his noble heart intrigues her in a way no man ever has. When he appears to return her admiration, things seem perfect for the promise of a wonderful future, until betrayal strikes from the most unexpected places.
Desperate to save her chance at love, Adeline creates a plan to save it, but the qualities she admires most in Alex—loyalty and determination—may be the very things to tear them apart forever.

To secure a future together, Adeline and Alex must face painful truths and make dangerous choices to champion themselves, each other, and the forbidden love that’s grown between them that’s worth any price—even that of old dreams.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Highlanders Never Forget (Wicked Willful Highlanders Book 3) eBook : Johnstone, Julie: Kindle Store

Audible: Highlanders Never Forget by Julie Johnstone - Audiobook - Audible.com

Bookbub: Highlanders Never Forget (Wicked Willful Highlanders Book 3) by Julie Johnstone - BookBub

Goodreads: Highlanders Never Forget by Julie Johnstone | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was a great story. I loved Alex's loyalty to his family no matter how they treated him. He lived with his parentage being held over his head regularly. Adeline hated being used as a pawn because of her father's parentage and his desire to save his daughter from the same situation. Together, Adeline and Alex tried to convince everyone of their love and that they knew love would be enough. I loved it!

As I listened to the audiobook, I enjoyed the narration by Timothy Campbell. He did a wonderful job with the different accents and voices. He made the story that more enjoyable.