Author: Barbara

Avid reader/reviewer of historical romance and historical mysteries.

Kinsey’s Defiance by Madeline Martin

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Medieval (1066-1540), Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

Kinsey's Defiance (Borderland Rebels, #2)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Borderland Rebels #2
Publication Date: 9/15/20
Number of Pages: 248

OMGoodness – what an exciting, fast-paced, romantic read! We first learned of the Fletcher family in this author’s wonderful series, Borderland Ladies, where the brother, Drake is the Captain of the Guard at the English Werrick Castle. The first book in this series, Faye’s Sacrifice, introduced us to all of the sisters and we could already tell that Kinsey was going to be a hand full. Well, we have certainly found out that she definitely is!

Of all of the Fletcher children, Kinsey holds the strongest grudge against the English for her family’s treatment after the death of their father – who was English. She wants nothing more than to exact revenge against all of them – and when the opportunity presents itself, well – it is an opportunity she just cannot refuse. Little does she know the many ways that one quick decision will change her life.

Kinsey is fiery (not only in her red hair), strong, defiant, feisty, devastatingly beautiful, and totally disinterested in anything other than revenge. When a soldier who is off to fight the English offers her the opportunity to be his army’s archer, she jumps at it. They leave at dawn the following morning to attack Mabrick Castle and return its ownership back to the soldier’s family. Kinsey doesn’t understand the odd feelings this soldier invokes in her, but she knows she needs to steer clear of him.

William MacLeod, the only son of the MacLeod Laird, has to prove himself to his father in order to retain his right to inherit the Lairdship of the clan. William decides that he and his army will re-take Mabrick Castle from the English who took it from them. As he is traveling through the small village of Castleton, Scotland, he sees a vibrant, beautiful, fiery-haired woman who can wield a bow better than any man he’s ever seen. He approaches her and offers her a spot as an archer in his army. I mean goodness she’s beautiful AND skilled, so maybe he can have a great addition to his army and someone to warm his bed as well. After all, he is charming and handsome with a lovely smile. All of the wenches love him, why wouldn’t this one?

With Kinsey bound and determined to resist the flirtatious, and handsome William, it doesn’t take long for the tensions to mount between them. I love how Kinsey stood up for herself and how William respected her desires – until they found out that love had grown between them. When decisions have to be made, will love be the deciding factor? You’ll just have to read this exciting and romantic book to find out.

There is a nice excerpt for the next book, Clara’s Vow, and it looks to be just as exciting as this book. Can’t wait for it either.

Another great read from this consistently great author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Murder In Revelation by Anne Cleeland

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, MysteryLeave a comment

Murder in Revelation (The Doyle & Acton Mystery Series Book 12)Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Doyle & Acton Mystery Series #12
Publication Date: 9/1/20
Number of Pages: 268

I always look forward to the next Doyle & Acton mystery because they are always exciting, interesting, and you just never know what Acton has been up to. Then, it is always fun to watch Doyle figure out his latest plot and foil it. If you’ve ever thought of opposites attracting, this is the poster child for it – they are as different as night and day. Doyle is straight-laced, introverted, religious – and just a tad fey. Acton is handsome, smart, diabolical, plays by his own set of rules, he doesn’t mind bending the laws if it suits him to do so, and he is absolutely obsessed with Doyle.

Doyle is expecting their second child and Acton has become hyper-vigilant in assuring she is taking care of herself. Yet, she still manages to stumble into an investigation with strange vibes. A volunteer doctor at a charity clinic is attacked – and she has a strange tale to tale to tell. She keeps telling Doyle “the evil ones are eating the souls of the children.” Oh! My! Is the woman a nut or is something more sinister afoot?

We don’t have new villains in this book, so you’ll have to figure out which of the previous villains are committing the crime(s) – and who might be victims. With multiple unrelated victims, you’ll have a good time figuring out if any are related and whodunit. You’ll remember Martina Betancourt and her wayward husband Antonio, as well as Mr. Javid from previous books. What a motley crew of villains to untangle along with all of Acton’s behind-the-scenes machinations.

I’m not sure what it is about this series that intrigues me – I certainly shouldn’t like the characters, but I do. If I read Acton in any other book, I’d cringe – but – there is something endearing about him in this series and I just love him. With Doyle, I’d just disbelieve that anyone with her upbringing and beliefs could have any respect for or love for someone like Acton – but again – with this series – I can see her loving him. I’d say it is a testament to the excellent writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent read and I hope you will as well. If you enjoy unusual characters and pairings, this series will be right down your alley. I love it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.