Between The Pages - Steinar

Steinar 

Mary Morgan 

January 2024 

Descended from the mighty Somerled, Lord of the Isles, Steinar MacDougall’s supremacy over the seas is fierce. On a quest for King William, he is captured by the enemy and presented with a favorable opportunity. Yet Steinar soon realizes his greatest threat comes from the woman who hides behind the mask of a warrior, and the quest for control might send them hurdling into the abyss of the sea. 

As leader of the Serpents, Inga the Ruthless travels beyond the isles bartering for goods with her brothers. After rescuing the feared Pirate Wolf during a storm, she surrenders her trust to the man and his inner wolf in order to claim the lost treasure of Odin. Though the journey is fraught with dangers, Inga fears her heart might be the one in peril, leading her to make the ultimate sacrifice. 

Will the sea be their salvation or doom them to a watery grave? 

Between The Pages 

Steinar is book three in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, and while Magnar and Rorik, from books one and two, make an appearance in this story, Steinar is a star on his own. This Viking, historical romance also includes a paranormal theme and a lot of steam. The author wrote the perfect story for Steinar. He is a true hero and likable immediately. He teams up with Inga the Ruthless who is a strong female lead. The plot is a page-turner from the first scene. The author spins a tale that grabs your attention and throws you into the stormy seas onto turbulent lands. Ms. Morgan is a masterful visual story teller who places you in her stories with the characters. Drama, action, and surprising twists put this book high on my recommended reading list. Enjoyable from beginning to end. 

Rating

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle

Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle 

Jennifer Ivy Walker 

November 2023 

Gabrielle is a flame haired, fire hearted French princess who dreams of becoming a Valkyrie warrior queen like her Viking ancestors from Normandy. Sent to Paris to learn the proper etiquette for a future French queen, she is called home to le Château de Beaufort for a forced marriage to a man she loathes when her father the king’s precarious health takes a sudden turn for the worse. 

Chivalrous, solitary knight Sir Bastien de Landuc suffers an impossible love for Gabrielle, the unattainable princess he can never have. Without a title of nobility, he is ineligible to compete in the tournament for her hand in marriage, despite his unparalleled equestrian skills and inimitable swordsmanship. 

Yet, Yuletide wishes for a wondrous winter solstice in the glorious Crystal Castle might make impossible dreams come true. 

Can the valiant knight win the coveted hand of his Viking Valkyrie? 

Between The Pages 

This medieval historical romance provides a great cast of characters, many from the author’s trilogy series, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. And while this book stands well on its own, being familiar with the cast is beneficial. The story was shorter than the previous books, which I enjoyed as it reduced a lot of descriptive narrative that can sometimes drag the plot and read. This book had well-developed characters, interesting plot details, and beautiful settings that kept the story at a steady pace. The visual is masterfully shown, placing you in each scene. Romance, drama, and action fill the pages and make this read enjoyable. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Promise Me Christmas

Promise Me Christmas 

Gini Rifkin 

November 2023 

The nights are growing longer, and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege. 

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress. 

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

Between The Pages

This medieval historical romance was a captivating read. I enjoyed the twist of having the main characters married. Their lives were already intertwined, but during war-filled times, they had to always be prepared to defend their home and livelihood, which created a distance they longed to fill. The plot and characters were well-developed, giving the story a smooth reading flow. The author has a great descriptive voice that places you in the scenes. Guy listening and taking Vespa’s ideas into consideration on how to help defeat the enemy shows his love, devotion, and respect for his wife, which strengthens their relationship, and makes this story a perfect holiday read. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Gamble of Hearts

Gamble of Hearts 

Virginia Barlow 

April 2023 

When a powerful duke arrives to collect his winnings from her brother, Lady Amora Hargrove discovers she is one of them. Following her brother's arrest, she becomes the duke's ward and falls for him hard and fast. Problem is, the duke has a violent hatred for gamblers, and she possesses a natural ability. Something he can never discover, or she will lose him forever. 

The Duke of Ravencroft exacts revenge for his nephew's death and gains a ward. Irresistibly drawn to the villain's sister, he must play and gamble with their hearts or lose everything. 

Between The Pages 

This historical regency romance has a solid beginning and a good flow throughout the story. The emotional trauma Amora suffered is heartbreaking, making her a strong female lead as she overcomes her past. Alexander is a great character, obtaining retribution for his family and taking Amora into his care. The author has a descriptive storytelling voice and places you in the historical setting. The storyline is well-developed with many ups and downs, plenty of drama and action, steamy scenes, and a good secondary cast. An enjoyable read. 

Rating

4 Stars

Between The Pages - The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight

The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight 

Jennifer Ivy Walker 

June 2023 

Wielding a trio of enchanted Elven weapons to battle a dark wizard and a legion of diabolical dwarves, Tristan is faced with the impossible choice between saving the woman he loves or defending his endangered kingdom. Inexplicably compelled to remain in the sacred forest where he hears the voice of her heart, the heir to the throne of Cornwall incurs the wrath and scorn of his army when he decides to hunt for his captive mate. 

Her verdant magic greatly enhanced by the mystical Morgane la Fée, Issylte must summon a coalition of Naiad nymphs and celestial fairies to destroy a nascent evil as she fights to reclaim her rightful crown. 

When the Black Widow Queen unites with a malignant menace and a ghost from Tristan’s haunted past, the Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight must ally with a triad of shapeshifting warrior tribes to defeat a Viking Trident and defend their trinity of Celtic kingdoms. 

Interwoven fates. Otherworldly mates. Destiny awaits. 

Between The Pages

The final book in The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven Trilogy provided an action-packed and happy ending to the series. While the storyline had many ups and downs for Tristan and Issylte, their love prevailed. With the help of their assortment of friends, which included warriors, elves, dragons, mermaids, and more, they conquer evil. The author did a great job plotting an interesting story that has well-developed characters and visual settings. Well over three hundred pages, this is a long book. It has some repetitive details and multiple points of view. The overall story is engaging and ends the series with a satisfying conclusion, neatly wrapping up the forthcoming future of the cast members. 

 Rating

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Four Aces

Four Aces 

A.K. Holthaus 

February 2023 

U.S. Marshal Jameson "Jake" Reid has been searching for the notorious outlaw, Harmon Elwood for nearly a year after he robbed the Midtown Lincoln Stage. From horse raids to train rides, every clue to finding Elwood has led Jake to the small mining town of Deadwood. Upon his arrival, he is immediately met with resistance and suspicion and no further at catching the elusive Elwood. 

Newly widowed Emily Taylor is doing everything she can to save her farm. Deep in debt, and unable to tend the farm on her own, she is forced to hire a farmhand. Little does she know that the man who answered her ad is really an undercover marshal. When he begins to stir up trouble and the truth comes out, her way of life is threatened as well as her heart. Emily struggles to choose between living the life she had fought for or losing everything she has. 

As Jake and Emily become close, Jake finds himself surrounded by conspiracy, blackmail, and a town full of secrets. Can he solve the mystery looming over this town and finally bring Harmon Elwood to justice or will his heart and senses get tangled in a web of lies? 

Between The Pages 

Grab this book if you’re looking for a lazy weekend read. It’s nice to read a book that isn’t bogged down with a long-drawn-out story. The historical western sends you into the wild west of gunslingers. The author weaved a good plot with a few twists that keep you turning the pages until the end. An enjoyable cast of good and bad guys, which ups the excitement of a few bullets flying in the air. The chemistry between Emily and Jake is strong and their romance propels at a good pace. This is my first read by this author and because the ending hints at another book in the Deadwood Diaries, I look forward to reading more. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars