Vonda Sinclair

This read/listen is one which just may stop your heart!

Neacal McDonald never wanted to be chief, laird to his clan. He knew he was damaged goods having been severely tortured for a crime he didn’t commit. How can he lead the clan when he could hardly control the rage still living within him?

Anna Douglas joined a traveling musical group, using her exquisite voice to put food in her belly. She had been on the run for two years, escaping a life which terrified her. The band of musicians found show more the McDonald clan a place where they were appreciated and had been entertaining for some time.

Neacal found solace in Anna’s lovely voice; it somehow reached into his very soul, giving him a very unsettled feeling, but somehow soothing and calming. His emotions are uncontrollable, ragged-edged, ever since a woman had deceived him. Can he ever trust a woman again?

Anna is just plain skittish. When you learn of her past, you will see she is a woman of strength and good heart. With all that has befallen her, she is still able to see the good of life, the good in people. In Neacal she sees a good man, one she admires, one she could fall in love with, but her past still haunts her, preventing her to move forward. Perhaps it’s time for her to leave this clan.

As Neacal takes command of his clan, there are people who talk he is mad, not a good leader, etc. Spies are among his people. Who are his enemies, who can he trust? Talk unsettles his clan, but there are those who still have faith in him.

The character Sleet is a most interesting and devilish character. He’s sleazy, sowing lies with his forked tongue. Beware the worm within your circles, dear read. He/she can do the most harm!

I loved the listen. The nerve-wracking plot kept me gasping with each turn of event. Truly! It is amazing what the human spirit can overcome. Author Vonda Sinclair propels us into such a story, compelling and enthralling with scene after scene of palpable terror, each scene coiling angst ever higher.

Narrator Dave Gillies, one of my favorite narrators, makes the story personal, with intimate tone where appropriate. His superb technique of eliciting tension through his tone and vocal pacing, perfectly matches the intent of the author. I’ve read or listened to most of this series. I’ve missed of few of them and will rectify my error. A superb series from a talented writer who takes me to Scotland to meet the cruel, the honorable, the compassionate, and above all experience the power of love. Every. Single. Time.

Bottom Line: 5-star Review

Series and author highly recommended for those who crave adventure and seek justice in a historical setting. show less

Ayy I finished it! Objectified Scotsman galore!

I liked the characters. There was actually like, a semblance of a plot, which I enjoyed as well. There was a lot less eye-rolling but still a fair chunk of some traditional gender roles to get me to roll my eyes.

I think my biggest problem was that it had a very thin backstory. If I start to pick apart the story, I'll never stop, though. That's not why I read these books. I just read them so they can help me go to sleep at night.

Unlike most show more novels of this ilk, though, I didn't skip chapters. Sometimes I skip entire parts because I know what happens and just don't want to invest in the story, but I read the whole thing cover to cover.

It helped me feel less stressed while at uni, and took my mind off all my work, so, thank you Ms. Sinclair for making sleep come easier. c: show less

Audiobook Review:
Ms. Sinclair entranced me with this wonderful series, narrated by Dave Gillies. As I continue the series, it’s like coming home to good friends.

Dave Gillies narration captivates the feeling and emotion the characters are experiencing, particularly with his expertise and skill of internal dialogue. Additionally, it’s remarkable how very feminine the women’s voices are, including their internal dialogue.

Keegan, the hero of this book, is a great friend to Dirk, the new show more chief of his clan. To be a chief certainly doesn’t keep one safe. But Keegan, a very able and honest man, was there to protect him. His protective streak extended to Dirk’s wife and ultimately to the lovely Lady Seona, Dirk’s wife’s sister. Keegan was a very decisive man and when his mind was fixed, nothing swerved it. Lady Seona held is heart from the first. She had to be his.

Lady Seona, on the other hand, deals with a very heavy-handed father, ready to marry her off to the best titled man and is very logical in his thinking, but quite conniving. In all her innocence, Lady Seona had a very carnal appetite and a curiosity which knew no bounds and a huge attraction to Keegan. This did not help Keegan keep his hands off her. He wanted to do the honorable thing by her. This, my reader, created a very hot, passionate story. (Delicious!)

The scenes were crisp, to the point, propelling the story forward. At one point, I remember stopping and just blinking!! Twists and turns at every front make the adventure most fascinating. What a lovely, delightful listen. I am SO ready for book 4! show less

I haven't read historical romance for a while, but I quite enjoyed this one. I liked that Lady Gwyneth wasn't some fainting miss. I found it a bit violent in places, with a lot of death. But I also liked that although they gave into desire, they didn't rush into marriage, at least she didn't. The end of Southwick was a bit silly. Overall a good story.