Review & Giveaway - - Christmas Wishes of Love

Christmas Wishes of Love

by Julie Johnstone

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing, LLC

Release Date: December 1, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Her first mistake was not killing the brute when she met him. Her second was falling in love with him.

Highlander Rory Matheson knows what he wants—a biddable wife. So when an edict from the king demands Rory choose a bride by Winter Solstice from the twin daughters of his clan’s greatest enemies—The MacLeods, he knows the moment he meets the sharp-tongued, headstrong Lillith that he’ll definitely not be picking her. Not only is she far from the docile wife he craves for peace, she’s unpredictable and dangerous—she put an arrow in his shoulder! Yet, he cannot keep away from the oddly enticing lass who stirs his desire. She’s brave and cunning, and she challenges him at every turn. And as the king’s deadline draws near, Rory comes to realize that he no longer wishes to win his battle of wills with Lillith—he’s determined to claim her heart.

Lillith MacLeod wants to be a warrior, not a wife. She’s seen the havoc love creates, and she’ll pass—thank you very much. She’s determined to defy both king and clan rather than become the bride of Rory bloody Matheson, so she hatches a scheme to drive Rory away and leave her clan blame-free. But she soon finds herself entangled in fiery exchanges with the irritatingly handsome Scot that spark her interest, kisses that ignite her desire, and a competition that reveals an honorable, caring side of the Hammer of the Highlands that she never expected. As tensions rise between the women and men of her clan over the edict and the king’s deadline looms, her family’s future—and her own—hangs in the balance, and she must decide: is love her greatest enemy or is it herself?

PJ's Thoughts:

Whether  you're already a fan of Julie Johnstone's Highlander Vows - Entangled Hearts series or new to these books, Christmas Wishes of Love is a story that should be on your holiday reading list.

This new novella highlights all the reasons why Johnstone is one of my favorite authors writing romance in the Medieval era. The setting, language, and characters all feel authentic to place and time. The family dynamics are an absolute delight. The characters are well developed, eliciting a range of emotions that made me smile, laugh, shed a tear or two, and cheer well-deserved happy endings. 

The banter between Rory and Lillith is terrific, as are the chemistry and deepening feelings. I love a romance where both parties are against the match then slowly, over time, come to realize there really couldn't be anyone else for them but the one they were against. I adored Rory's wooing of Lillith, the care he used as well as his emotional support.  especially appreciated his respect and support of her wishes for her life. I also enjoyed Lillith's evolution from fear of opening her heart to acceptance and celebration of a deep, abiding love. She touched my heart and was easy to cheer for. Also, the advice from older generations to both Lillith and Rory was a delight. So much fun to see Iain and Marion (When a Laird Loves a Lady - Book 1) as grandparents! 

While I love and recommend all of the books in this series, Christmas Wishes of Love can easily be enjoyed as a standalone story. Don't hesitate to make this heart-tugging novella your first visit to Julie Johnstone's unforgettable Highlanders. 

Have you read Julie Johnstone yet?

Do you enjoy Medieval romances?

What do you think about next generation stories?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 6 will receive a signed print copy of Highland Hope (the story of Royce and Eve, Lillith's widowed father and stepmother) by Julie Johnstone.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review - - The Laird's Magical Lass

The Laird's Magical Lass

by Julie Johnstone

Spellbound Hearts - Book 1

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing LLC

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Freya

Aye, I stole a goblet. A magical one. From a witch.
In my defense, I returned it.
I just… took too long.
I was trying to save myself from a loveless marriage, not doom my future.
But witches don’t take kindly to thievery that cost them dearly.
She granted my wish—then twisted it into a curse.
Now I’m thrice wed, never for love.
Men want me for my sight, not my heart.
And when they don’t heed my visions, they die.
I've been taken again, this time by Colin bloody MacDonald.
A brute. A Highland warlord. My father’s greatest enemy.
He says he’s not like the others. I say he’s worse.
He married me to ruin my clan.
He thinks he can use me.
But I’ve had my fill of being used.
And yet… he’s careful with me. Fiercely so.
Worse still, he’s handsome when he’s not scowling,
and kind when he thinks I’m not looking.
I won’t give him my heart.
But I fear it may no longer be mine to keep.

Colin

I didn’t want a wife.
I needed leverage. A weapon. A way to end this war.
Freya MacLeod is all of that—and more trouble than I bargained for.
I forced her hand, aye. But I swore not to touch her until she’s willing.
And now, every day she refuses me feels like its own kind of curse.
She’s fire and prophecy, steel wrapped in silk.
And I’m starting to forget I married her for vengeance.
Starting to wonder what it would mean to earn her trust.
There’s no room for softness in war.
No space for hearts in bargains.
But when it comes to Freya, I’ve already lost more than I meant to give.

PJ's Thoughts:

Julie Johnstone takes us back to the Medieval Scottish Highlands with another compelling, action-packed, sensual romance that reeled me right in and refused to let go. 

One of the things I most enjoy about Johnstone's books is the sense of place. I never feel like I'm reading a modern story set in the past. She writes with an authenticity that convinces me I'm actually watching a story unfold in Medieval times. Things aren't easy. In fact, they are often harsh and unforgiving, especially for women. But, fear not, there is always a happy ending, even if it comes only after a hard-fought journey. 

Another facet I enjoy about Johnstone's books is her characters. Always complex, with multi-layered emotional histories, they come to life on the pages of the book, engaging my interest and my emotions. Freya and Colin are both beautifully developed and their journey is one that had me pulling for them every step of the way. 

While The Laird's Magical Lass is filled with the adventure, betrayal, danger, and romance I've come to expect from this author, it also has the added bonus of a magical twist. I fully bought into the curse placed upon Freya and am already eager to discover what will happen to her friends (who were also cursed) when it's time for their books. And, although Freya's sister is too young for her own story now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will get her own book when the time is right. 

Review - - The Highlander Burns for Vengeance

The Highlander Burns for Vengeance

by Julie Johnstone

Return of the Highlanders - Book 3

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing, LLC

Release Date: December 30, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

  

Divided by treachery, bound by an edict, they must decide their fate: to love or to hate.

After years of captivity, Graeme Stewart has returned home with a burning desire for vengeance, and it’s all directed at the Campbell clan. They attacked his home, killed his parents, and imprisoned him for eighteen long years. So when the king demands Graeme handfast with his enemy’s sister to end the warring of their clans, he intends to use her to get the revenge he yearns for. But Maisie’s courage and character surprise him at every turn, conjuring admiration and stirring desire. Now, with revenge within his grasp, he must make a choice before it’s too late: either cling to the malice that kept him alive or release it for the chance at love.

The vengeful and unreasonable Highlander intends to destroy her family, and Maisie Campbell is bound to him for a year and a day. She hates everything about Graeme, except the way he kisses, which is a force that nearly brings her to her knees. But lust does not a marriage make, and the man is hell-bent on proving her brother a traitor and herself treacherous, so she sets out to prove otherwise. Yet, as questions of her brother’s character arise in her own mind and Graeme displays an honorable, fiercely protective nature, Maisie faces a decision: seek a truth that will doom the brother she adores or remain blindly loyal to those she’s always held dear and lose the man she has come to love with all her heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

This book exemplifies all the reasons that when I want a fast-paced, emotional, Medieval romance that I can't put down, the author I first turn to is Julie Johnstone. Her characters are complex and fully developed. Her grasp of time and place is vividly and authentically depicted. Her books never leave me feeling as though I've read a modern book set hundreds of years ago. From the first page to the last, I was fully immersed in 15th Century Scotland, these characters, their triumphs, travails, passion, and the danger that stalks them.

While this is book three in Johnstone's Return of the Highlanders trilogy and the couples from books one and two are featured, The Highlander Burns for Vengeance stands well on its own. You can easily jump in with any book. I recommend all three. 

Review & Giveaway - - All the Painted Stars

All the Painted Stars

by Emma Denny

The Barden Series - Book 2

Publisher: HQ

Release Date: November 5, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

To win her heart, she'll have to fight…

Oxfordshire 1362

When Lily Barden discovers her best friend Johanna’s hand in marriage is being awarded as the main prize at a tournament, she is determined to stop it. Disguised as a knight, she infiltrates the contest, preparing to fight for Jo’s hand. But her conduct ruffles feathers, and when a dangerous incident escalates out of Lily’s control, Jo must help her escape.

Finding safety with a local brewster, Lily and Jo soon settle into their new freedom, and amongst blackberry bushes and lakeside walks an unexpected relationship blossoms. But when Jo’s past catches up with her and Lily’s reckless behaviour threatens their newfound happiness, both women realise that choices must always come at a cost. The question they need to ask is if the cost is worth the price of love…

PJ's Thoughts:

Emma Denny has done it again; she's created a heart-tugging novel that immersed me fully into the time, place, and lives of her characters with a story that I didn't want to put down. 

This is a tender, slow-burn, at times heart-aching, but ultimately joyful romance between two women in Medieval times. One, Lily, knows who she is and what she wants, both in love and life. The other, Johanna, has known only duty and suppression under her tyrant of a father. She knows not what she wants but only what she doesn't. However, breaking free of what is planned for her will not be easy.

I really love the journey Lily and Jo embark upon, both individually and as a couple. Their story begins with friendship (a solid foundation of any relationship) and slowly, organically, believably, transitions into a deep and abiding love. Denny handles their relationship with care, respect, tenderness, and realistic obstacles. I had no idea how she was going to pull off a happy ending for these two and have it be believable but she does. 

The sense of time and place created in the book by Denny is also well done. There was never a moment of language, action, or reaction when I did not feel like I was in Medieval times. I enjoy an author who can immerse me in an era other than my own and keep me there.

There are some unexpected twists in the book that keep things interesting and a visit from book one characters that adds another layer to the story that is fun for fans of One Night in Hartswood (click to read my review) but shouldn't be confusing for readers new to the series. All the Painted Stars can absolutely be enjoyed on its own. 

Have you read Emma Denny yet?

Do you enjoy Medieval romance?

Lily dreams of being a chivalrous knight. What did you dream of being? Have you fulfilled those dreams?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 13 will receive a print copy of All the Painted Stars. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Tangled Up With The Highlander

Tangled Up With The Highlander

by Julie Johnstone

Return of the Highlanders - Book 2

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing

Release Date: August 30, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

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?

PJ's Thoughts:

Julie Johnstone is my favorite author writing Medieval romance today. Her stories are exciting, adventurous, heart-tugging, and immersive. It's always a bit of a jolt when I look up from my Kindle while reading one of her books and realize that I'm in present time and not the Medieval Scottish Highlands. The web she weaves is that realistic.

Alasdair and Sorcha both claimed my affection in this book while Alasdair's young children outright captured my heart. As they did Sorcha's. It was so endearing to watch their relationship grow but, mostly, I enjoyed watching Sorcha help Alasdair bridge the emotional gap between him and his children that had been erected since the death of his beloved wife as well as find new, unexpected love with Sorcha. But not without some monumental challenges to overcome along the way. I love strong warriors, hardened by loss, who gradually rediscover the joy of both familial and romantic love.

Tangled Up With The Highlander is book two of Johnstone's Return of the Highlanders trilogy but can be read as a standalone, however if you're like me you'll want to read all three. Book one, Secrets of a Highlander's Heart, was released earlier this year. I haven't read it yet though I plan to rectify that soon. Both books are available to purchase in print, digital, or audiobook as well as through Kindle Unlimited. 

Readers, do you enjoy Medieval romance?

Have you read Julie Johnstone yet?

What's your favorite romance time period? Do you read books set in multiple periods? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 1 will receive an e-book copy of Tangled Up With The Highlander.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Highlanders Never Forget

Highlanders Never Forget

by Julie Johnstone

Wicked Willful Highlanders - Book 3

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing

Release Date: November 30, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

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.

PJ's Thoughts:

She's done it again. When I want to immerse myself in the adventure, danger, and atmospheric authenticity of Medieval romance, Julie Johnstone is the first author writing today to whom I turn. She has a knack for bringing it all to life, making me feel like I'm right there, in the midst of the action, from start to finish.

In Highlanders Never Forget, Johnstone has created a star-crossed couple for whom I felt an immediate affinity. Alex and Adeline are good, honest, loyal, likeable characters you just can't help but cheer for. They have an immediate connection but, of course, there are complications. Complications, betrayals, complex family dynamics, and obstacles aplenty. Alex's honor is tested to its limit. Adeline's eyes are opened to unpleasant truths. Danger comes from an unexpected corner and salvation from yet another. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions, with a well-developed cast of characters, that had me turning pages well into the night, eager to discover what would happen next.  

Highlanders Never Forget is a standalone story that you can jump right into and enjoy without having read any of Johnstone's other books. Fair warning though, this author's writing has a tendency to be addictive. Don't be surprised if once you finish this book, you immediately start exploring her backlist. Lucky you, there are so many wonderful books to find there! 

Have you read any of Julie Johnstone's books yet?

Do you read Medieval Romance? What do you enjoy about it?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment by 11:00 PM, December 1 will receive an e-book copy of Highlanders Never Forget. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - One Night in Hartswood

One Night in Hartswood

by Emma Denny

Publisher: Mills & Boon

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Oxford 1360

When his sister’s betrothed vanishes the night before her politically arranged marriage, Raff Barden must track and return the elusive groom to restore his family’s honour.

William de Foucart — known to his friends as Penn — had no choice but to abandon his fiancé, and with it his own earldom, when he fled the night before his enforced marriage. But ill-equipped to survive on the run he must trust the kindness of a stranger, Raff, to help him escape.

Unaware their fates are already entwined, their unexpected bond deepens into a far more precious relationship, one that will test all that they hold dear. And when secrets are finally revealed, both men must decide what they will risk for the one they love…

PJ's Thoughts:

Oh my gosh, the feelings in this story. So. Many. Feelings. I was invested almost from the first page, immersed into the medieval lives of these characters. And once Raff and Penn set off on their journey? Well, there was no putting the book down until I had reached the end and knew, finally, how their tale would play out. I was well and truly hooked. 

Medieval romance is one of my favorite eras, especially in the hands of an author who brings it to life on the page, as does Denny. Not once did I feel as if I was reading a "modern" romance dropped into the 1300's. Everything about this story felt authentic and true to the times, further enhancing my enjoyment. The danger, adventure, hardships, parental cruelty, and lack of control over one's own life had me feeling as if I was right there with these characters. 

And speaking of characters, what a wonderful cast Denny has created. There are more than the lead couple to whom I've become emotionally attached. I have my fingers crossed for more stories from this debut author. There are three secondary characters begging for a story of their own and I would love to read them. 

While Raff's and Penn's siblings contributed to my overall enjoyment of the book, as well as to Raff's and Penn's relationship, there is no doubting that the lead couple are the heart and soul of the story. They captured my emotions with their endearing, achingly romantic, soul-deep love and the lengths to which each of them would go to protect the other. They have continued to live in my mind and my heart since finishing their story. I have no doubt I'll be revisiting them again in the future, whenever I need a dose of romantic, endearing, enduring love. This one's a keeper. 

Review & Giveaway - - Highlanders Never Surrender

Highlanders Never Surrender

by Julie Johnstone

Wicked Willful Highlanders - Book 2

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing LLC

Release Date: August 3, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

On the path of vengeance, he unwillingly collided with love.

No one desires retribution against their enemy more than Highlander Cormac MacLean. Yet his foe has the favor of the king and Cormac lacks irrefutable proof of the man’s nefarious deeds, so revenge must be planned with calculated care. But when Cormac’s hot-headed brother impulsively attempts to kidnap their enemy’s stepsister, Cormac finds himself fleeing with the wounded beauty after she sustains an injury trying to protect him. He has every intention of returning the troublesome lass to her home, until it quickly becomes apparent that she may be the one person who can free his sister from the dark place in which she dwells. At every turn, the strong-willed woman shows bravery and loyalty, and instead of wanting to keep her at a distance as vows given and family allegiance demands he must, he aches to touch her, protect her, and possess her forever.


Desperate to escape her impending wedding to a suspected murderer, Brigid Campbell is not exactly dismayed when she’s snatched from her stepbrother’s clutches by a Scottish barbarian who she incidentally ends up saving from an arrow aimed at his heart. Still, when she awakens from her injury at Cormac’s home, she is quite upset that her dearest companion was left behind to face the wrath of her stepbrother. So, when her overbearing captor announces he’ll be keeping her to assist his sister, she makes a demand of her own—he must help her rescue her companion. When the officious man refuses, she takes matters into her own hands bringing her the startling discovery that behind the Highlander’s mask of dislike for her lies a compellingly complex man who willingly charges into peril to save her. At each brush with danger that ensues, he’s there to aid her, filling her with hope that despite the feud that brought them together, she may have finally found a family to belong to and a man to trust and to give her heart.

Brigid fuels Cormac’s desire and makes him question his oaths, but it takes his enemy making a master move for him to face the truth that since the day he met Brigid, there could only ever be one choice for him—banish his ghosts, silence his guilt, and show the woman he loves unquestionably that she is his and he is hers—if only it’s not too late.

PJ's Thoughts:

Johnstone plunges her characters straight into danger on the first page of this newest book in her Wicked Willful Highlanders series and never lets up on the intensity. Set in 1262 in the Highlands of Scotland, she once again immerses readers into the time and place with her vivid descriptions, language, and events. Her stories ring with authenticity and are among my favorite Medieval romances.

While there is plenty of adventure and compelling danger in this book, it's equally balanced by an emotional, slow-burn romance. I loved Cormac and Brigid together. Her selflessness, kindness, and honest emotion is exactly what he needs to heal from his losses and move forward. Of course, he needs more than a few nudges before he begins to realize that but there are plenty of secondary characters to help him along the way, some of whom have emotional journeys of their own. On the flip side, Cormac plays a huge role in helping Brigid overcome her own fears that in turn are critical in her battle with her stepbrother. I was cheering them on the entire way to their HEA, in the face of fear, danger, betrayal, and stubborn Highlanders. 

Highlanders Never Surrender is the second book in Julie Johnstone's Wicked Willful Highlanders series but is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order. I highly recommend it.

Have you read Julie Johnstone's books yet?

Do you enjoy Medieval romance?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comments before 11:00 PM, August 4 will receive an e-book copy of Highlanders Never Surrender. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Highlanders Hold Grudges

Highlanders Hold Grudges

by Julie Johnstone

Wicked Willful Highlanders - Book 1

Publisher: Julie Johnstone

Release Date: May 11, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

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.

PJ's Thoughts:

Scottish Medieval Romance is one of my favorite sub-genres to read and, in my opinion, Julie Johnstone is one of the best authors currently writing it. Highlanders Hold Grudges launches a new series for Johnstone, showcasing all the storytelling facets I most enjoy about her books.

I love all the layers within Maeve and Alasdair. These two are far from one-note characters. They have honor, loyalty, and a fierce determination to do right by their clans. Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and one Johnstone uses to delicious effect with feisty banter, sweet emotion, and sizzling desire. I love how Maeve and Alasdair slowly come together with hard-won admiration, respect, and affection, though not without some substantial mountains to climb on the way. Some of those mountains come in the form of well-developed secondary characters who enrich the story while also providing either conflict or support. 

This is Medieval Scotland where feuding clans were the norm and consequences could be deadly. Johnstone takes full advantage of that with plenty of intrigue, adventure, and danger to keep her characters on their toes. Her descriptions are vivid, the characters authentic to the era in which she writes, and the intensity of the life or death stakes they face impossible to ignore. She takes me on an emotional roller coaster of a ride, always making me feel like I'm right there in dense forests, cool waters, and tightly-guarded castles as characters who have captured my heart fight for their lives and their love. And I love every minute of the journey.

If you enjoy high-stakes romance, intriguing characters, honorable heroes, strong heroines, and hard-won, happy endings, give this book a try. I highly recommend it. 

I'm already looking forward to Johnstone's next book and the breath-stealing adventure she's sure to have planned for her characters...and me. 

Amazon - https://amzn.to/40uYl7N

Goodreads - https://bit.ly/3LLxKiO

BookBub - https://bit.ly/3AMTrZr

~~~~~~~~~

Have you read Julie Johnstone yet?

Do you enjoy Medieval Romance?

The Scottish Highlands account for 49% of my ancestry DNA. Maybe that's why I feel such a draw to these characters. Do you feel a connection to a certain place or group of characters? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 13 will receive an e-book of Highlanders Hold Grudges.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18