Book Blurb:
Alexander MacNichol, the epitome of a hot-blooded Highland warrior. Loyal to Scotland, lover of women and a merry time. The last thing he expected from his King, Robert the Bruce, was an order to marry a whey-faced English lass from the wrong side of the border.
Lady Grace Worthington, one moment betrothed to an Englishman she fears, and the next, thrust into the arms of a Scottish brute named MacNichol. All the while, battling her own inner demons.
When they come face to face, and skin to skin, they are astounded by their own feelings. Grace’s ever-present nerves start to disappear, and Alex becomes focused solely on the wife thrust upon him.
Yet, life in the Highlands is not at all what Grace expects. When their short-lived happiness and joy is marred by cryptic messages and runes that whisper of evil, Alex and Grace will have to forge something deeper to protect one another from the ultimate betrayal.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/Trljq
Author Bio:
Lover of all things history and romance! My author aspiration is to write many historical romances within different era's. Follow me and escape to different periods of history where star crossed lovers will always find their happily ever afters!
Editorial Review:
"Highland Heartbreaker" by Steffy Smith is a captivating journey into the heart of medieval Scotland, where magic, traditions, and passion intertwine in a story full of intrigue and romance.
The book begins in the charming landscape of the Scottish Highlands in the year 1316, where an elderly woman, keeper of ancient wisdom, practices the magical arts of her ancestors. This authentic vision of local culture and traditions is rich in detail, such as the mysterious description of divination rituals and the ancient magic passed down through generations.
The interactions between characters, like that between the old woman and her companion, a black cat, add depth and authenticity to the story. The charming dialogues and vivid characterization of the characters create a captivating and realistic atmosphere.
In parallel, the book explores the complex relationships between characters, such as that between Alexander MacNichol and Lady Grace Worthington, two strong spirits irresistibly drawn to each other despite the circumstances. Readers witness the evolution of their relationship from tense beginnings to the development of a deep and passionate bond.
The author's style is enchanting, with fluid and imagery-rich narration that transports readers to the mystical landscape of the Scottish Highlands and into the souls of their characters. The use of details and vibrant descriptions contributes to building an authentic and charming world.
Steffy Smith creates a vivid landscape of life in a Scottish castle, bringing to life strong and complex characters. The book takes us through a story full of passion, tension, and suspense, where every page keeps you captivated.
One of the main themes of the book is Alex's struggle for the love and safety of Grace in the face of adversities around them. From the beginning of the book, we see Alex facing his father's hostility and the difficulties of married life. The intense dialogues between Alex and his father illustrate the tension in their relationship and Alex's struggle to protect his wife. An eloquent example is the conversation between Alex and his father, in which the latter expresses his contempt for Grace and his malevolent intentions against her.
“She is a frail, useless lass. Whenever I look at her, I see a panic pass through her eyes. It willnae take much to do away with her. It just needs to be an accident, so no word of foul play gets back to the Bruce.” this perfectly illustrates the threat posed by Alex's father to Grace and Alex's determination to protect her.
The book highlights the evolution of the relationship between Alex and Grace, from their difficult beginnings to their intimate and passionate moments: “She was his, his lover, his to protect from any harm.”
Additionally, the author subtly captures the beauty of the Scottish landscape and the romantic atmosphere of the story.
“The morning light poured in across the stone walls from the Scottish Highland skies, though the colder months this time of year provided a duller glow to the ray of sunlight as it beamed from a grey, muted sky.”
The vivid descriptions in the book transport us into the midst of the natural scenery and life in a medieval castle, creating an authentic and captivating ambiance.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the complex and intense relationship between the protagonists, Alex and Grace. The selected excerpts perfectly depict their dynamics, both in moments of intimacy and tenderness, as well as in those of danger and tension. From sweet moments of love and protection to action-packed scenes and adventures, their story is captivating and irresistible.
“Aye, I am blessed; a vision of all that is good by my side, a fine night to welcome in Beltane, and to bless our clan, one and all, fer a prosperous and fertile year!” Alex expresses his love and appreciation for Grace in this passage, emphasizing the importance of their relationship within their community.
“He would come for her; he would find her.”
This sentence illustrates Alex's determination and devotion to Grace, highlighting the heroic nature of his character and the promise of an exciting adventure to come. Throughout the book, we see Alex, though perceived as a tough and uncompromising man, showing vulnerability and care towards Grace, worrying about her safety and feeling guilty for his tumultuous past. This subtle change in his perspective adds depth and complexity to his character, making him more than just a simple hero of the story.
The scene where Grace is captured and kidnapped brings dramatic intensity and significant narrative momentum to the story. The tension and fear experienced by Grace are conveyed with remarkable sensitivity, and her determination to remain strong and resolute despite difficult circumstances is inspiring.
Steffy Smith manages to create a romantic and action-packed novel that will surely captivate readers in search of an epic love story and thrilling adventure.„Grace gained consciousness and instantly felt sensations of discomfort and pain, as her nerves peaked. Her head ached from the blow she’d received, and her stomach jolted painfully and repeatedly as if something was pushing into her, making her nauseated.” This detailed description not only allows you to feel the state of confusion and discomfort of the main character but also draws you into the story and keeps you captivated until the end.
Additionally, the story is rich in moments of introspection and inner struggle for Grace, who strives to maintain her composure and find courage in the face of imminent dangers: “Her inner voice – the one she had been accustomed to all her life, the voice that spoke through her nerves and angst – told her to make herself small, meek, and mild. All the while, her heart beat madly against her chest while the blood rushed to her ears. She knew what it was to be afraid and feel helpless. ”These moments of reflection and self-discovery add depth and complexity to the character, making them more real and convincing for the reader.
Furthermore, the relationship between Grace and other characters, such as Alex and those who kidnap her, adds an element of intrigue and relational tension, thus strengthening the complexity of the story. The dialogues filled with subtext and tense interactions are another aspect that makes this novel stand out.
The novel also explores themes such as betrayal, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We see how the characters face the consequences of their actions and try to repair their broken relationships. Throughout their journey, they learn to forgive and move forward, ultimately finding peace and happiness.
"Highland Heartbreaker" is an exciting and passionate read that blends love, adventure, and political intrigue in a captivating way. Steffy Smith manages to create a story full of emotion and depth, captivating readers from the first page to the last. "Highland Heartbreaker" is a captivating and romantic book that blends magic, traditions, and passion in an exciting story about love, sacrifice, and courage in the face of destiny. The book is a must-read for any lover of romantic literature and adventure, offering an exciting and passionate reading experience in the enchanting landscape of medieval Scotland.
*****
“Highland Heartbreaker” by Steffy Smith receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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