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Summary: enjoyable fourteenth century Scottish romantic suspense
Review: In 1330 in the Western isles off the Scottish coast, the MacInnis clan hold Laird Donall MacLean prisoner because they believe his brother Iain killed his wife Lileas, sister to their clan leader, lady Isolde. While the chieftains want revenge by killing Donall, Lady Isolde knows her people cannot deal with the aftermath from the much more powerful MacLean clan.
When Isolde meets Donall she asks him whether Iain killed her sister. He says no, but he has some doubts as he realizes his brother has quite a temper. To save her clan, Isolde wants Donall to impregnate her so that the child binds the two clans, but she wants no marriage between them. She further explains to a chained Donall that she will save his life if he agrees to an alliance of convenience. To her chagrin, Isolde realizes that in spite of drinking potions of non-attraction, she finds Donall quite appealing. Donall also wonders how he could feel desire for her after the inhospitable imprisonment that he has suffered at the hands of her men. Though Isolde and Donall fall in love, the specter of her sister keeps them apart.
Sue-Ellen Welfonder, author of DEVIL IN A KILT, provides fans of fourteenth century Scottish romantic suspense with an exciting action packed tale. The story line is typical of the sub-genre, but KNIGHT IN MY BED makes for fun reading as the mystery of who killed Isolde's sister unfolds. Though the villain is obvious early in the plot, Ms. Welfonder furbishes a strong tale that thoroughly entertains readers. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: My new favorite
Review: Ms. Welfonder certainly knows how to ratchet up the heat! A rugged Scotsman, in chains...what a delicious fantasy! I'm already eager for her NEXT book!
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Summary: You can ?smell the peat fires? burning in her prose!
Review: Oh, what a book! Sue-Ellen Welfonder is one of the brightest writers in Scottish Historicals today. She has a deep passion for Scotland and it shows in her writing. Many times I've read clever writers who pen tales set in Scotland, and while the stories are good, there are many glaring error - maybe small to someone from the US who has never been to Scotland - but that can set a Scots' teeth gnashing. We're a quirky, picky bunch and appreciate writers who actually visit Scotland before thinking they know all about it after watching "Braveheart". When you read one of Welfonder's books, you can "see" Scotland, because she writes about places that actually exist. You can "smell the peat fires" burning in her prose!
She continues with another in the tales of the MacLeans, men who love deeply and love only once. (Highly recommend her "Devil in a Kilt", "The Bride and the Beast" and "Master of the Highlands"). Ian McLean's wife - a MacInnes - was murdered, tried out on The Lady Rock and left to drown. You get Ian's story in "Master of the Highlands", however this is his brother's tale. The MacInnes are high on seeing the MacLeans pay for the death of Ian's wife, and will not believe anyone else could have killed her. Thus, when Donall MacLean, Ian's brother, falls into the hands of clan MacInnes, there's trouble a'brewing in the Highlands. The MacInnes men are determined to see Donall put to death, payment for the death of a MacInnes woman. Their chieftain, Lady Isolde, sees only destruction for her people if that happens. She knows the MacLeans will destroy her tiny clan if that comes to pass, so she must act, even if that means making a pack with the devil himself - Donall the Bold. Just so happens, the solution saving to Donall's life is also the solution to her own worries. Her clan is determined to marry her off to a brutish man, the last person Isolde would wish for a husband. So, she embarks on a journey to get with child by Donall the bold. If she is carrying his babe, then she solves both troubles. The MacInnes and MacLean will have to make peace because of the baby, and the ogre the MacInnes are pushing her to marry will not want her when she carries another man's child.
Isolde is a strong woman, willing to fight to change her destiny, yet still with in the believable parameters for a medieval woman - even a Highland medieval woman who had more rights in this period. She is funny, sexy and a charming delight, especially as she learns to seduce a man determined to resist her with all his will. Donall is a man for which every woman will sigh. I have seen some, on occasion, criticise Welfonder for having paranormal elements in a Historical, to which I think - SO? Anyone who knows the Highlands knows the fey is not far from a Scots heart. To write about this period of Scotland's history and NOT have paranormal elements in the story would be something to grump about!
Once again, Welfonder summons vivid characters, strong settings and blends them with her true passion for the Highlands, giving readers a page-turning tale. I cannot wait for her next book so written with the love of All Things Scottish.
Rating:
Summary: You can ¿smell the peat fires¿ burning in her prose!
Review: Oh, what a book! Sue-Ellen Welfonder is one of the brightest writers in Scottish Historicals today. She has a deep passion for Scotland and it shows in her writing. Many times I've read clever writers who pen tales set in Scotland, and while the stories are good, there are many glaring error - maybe small to someone from the US who has never been to Scotland - but that can set a Scots' teeth gnashing. We're a quirky, picky bunch and appreciate writers who actually visit Scotland before thinking they know all about it after watching "Braveheart". When you read one of Welfonder's books, you can "see" Scotland, because she writes about places that actually exist. You can "smell the peat fires" burning in her prose!
She continues with another in the tales of the MacLeans, men who love deeply and love only once. (Highly recommend her "Devil in a Kilt", "The Bride and the Beast" and "Master of the Highlands"). Ian McLean's wife - a MacInnes - was murdered, tried out on The Lady Rock and left to drown. You get Ian's story in "Master of the Highlands", however this is his brother's tale. The MacInnes are high on seeing the MacLeans pay for the death of Ian's wife, and will not believe anyone else could have killed her. Thus, when Donall MacLean, Ian's brother, falls into the hands of clan MacInnes, there's trouble a'brewing in the Highlands. The MacInnes men are determined to see Donall put to death, payment for the death of a MacInnes woman. Their chieftain, Lady Isolde, sees only destruction for her people if that happens. She knows the MacLeans will destroy her tiny clan if that comes to pass, so she must act, even if that means making a pack with the devil himself - Donall the Bold. Just so happens, the solution saving to Donall's life is also the solution to her own worries. Her clan is determined to marry her off to a brutish man, the last person Isolde would wish for a husband. So, she embarks on a journey to get with child by Donall the bold. If she is carrying his babe, then she solves both troubles. The MacInnes and MacLean will have to make peace because of the baby, and the ogre the MacInnes are pushing her to marry will not want her when she carries another man's child.
Isolde is a strong woman, willing to fight to change her destiny, yet still with in the believable parameters for a medieval woman - even a Highland medieval woman who had more rights in this period. She is funny, sexy and a charming delight, especially as she learns to seduce a man determined to resist her with all his will. Donall is a man for which every woman will sigh. I have seen some, on occasion, criticise Welfonder for having paranormal elements in a Historical, to which I think - SO? Anyone who knows the Highlands knows the fey is not far from a Scots heart. To write about this period of Scotland's history and NOT have paranormal elements in the story would be something to grump about!
Once again, Welfonder summons vivid characters, strong settings and blends them with her true passion for the Highlands, giving readers a page-turning tale. I cannot wait for her next book so written with the love of All Things Scottish.
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Summary: Knight In My Bed by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Review: Setting: Scotland 1330 The Isle of Doon KNIGHT IN MY BED is all about the MacLean and the MacInnes clans and the windswept Isle of Doon. Lady Isolde, the chieftain of the clan MacInnes has got to think of a way to protect her people after the death of her sister Lileas on the fated Lady Rock. They blamed the MacLeans's and wanted revenge, but at the same time, Isolde fears for the safety of her clan against these mighty warriors. Meanwhile, Donall the Bold, chieftain of the MacLeans has been captured with his friend and held in prison in the Castle Dunmuir. Isolde thinks of offering Donall a special pact and sets about seducing the bonnie man. This is great fun as she is overwhelmed with his manly good looks and well-honed body, but most of his knightly kisses just about bring her to her knees. Imagine Donall chained to your bedside? Hmm, sounds very interesting doesn't it? It's a yummy captor/captive tale. Oh my, yes and yes again. All the while, Donall is thinking of anyway he can to get out of the castle and get back to his brother but at the same time he is becoming under the beauteous Isolde's spell. There is so much going on you can't possibly put the book down. Talk about sensuality, this book is loaded with it as the contest begins with the renowned warrior and the virgin chieftain as they get to know and crave one another. It sure does stir your blood as well as some other areas. You don't know who is going to succumb first, Donall, Isolde or you, as it is all dangerously seductive. The best part is that it is done over a period of time so Donall and Isolde get to know one another and find that trust can be an asset. There is excellent humor as Isolde gets help from Evelina, Doon's own joy woman in the art of seducing Donall with some hilarious results, and Devorgilla of the wee folk who mixes up all kinds of concoctions for Isolde to drink to ward off her attraction to Donall, or so she thinks. One thing is for certain; you are kept in suspense and the heady arms of seduction as to how it will all turn out as time is running out for Isolde to accomplish her plan to save her clan. This is a must read and darn fine entertainment too.
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Summary: A great writer...
Review: Sue-Ellen Welfonder knows how to use words and weave pure magic with her pen. Her novels are well researched and historically acurate, and her plots are refreshing. I have personally loved Knight in my Bed as well as Devil in a Kilt. Medieval Scotland is revived and alive with love and passion with her wonderful characters. I strongly suggest any work by this author and I can barely wait for her next book. She is certainly a keeper! Don't miss her.
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Summary: A sensual delight - Very highly recommended
Review: The MacInnes and MacLeans clans have been bitter enemies for centuries. The marriage of a MacInnes bride to a MacLean groom forges an uneasy peace, tragically broken when Lileas is found drowned on a tidal rock called the "Lady Rock." The treacherous islet has a history of drowned wives, and the seeming resurrection of the barbaric custom shatters the truce between the clans. The MacInnes vow revenge, except for one. Donall the Bold of the MacLeans and his foster brother return Lileas' body to her clan, only to be double-crossed. The MacInnes believe Donall's brother killed his wife. As chieftain to his clan, they hold Donall ultimately responsible. But Lady Isolde, sister to Lileas and chieftain to her clan, knows her clan cannot survive an act of vengeance in their comparatively weaker state. So she plans to seduce Donall, hoping to become pregnant. She promises to save his life if he agrees to her plan. Initially Isolde reviles the man she holds responsible for her sister's death. Then she gets a good look at the man chained to her bed and she feels amazed at his splendid physique. She grows concerned when she realizes that Donall resembles the man in her vision on Beltane. Custom holds that he will be her soul mate, but surely that is impossible. Further, she is as bound to the bed as he, though her chains are the invisible bindings of the survival of her clan. In spite of his ire, Donall cannot help but admire Isolde's courage and strength of spirit. Her bold plan at once outrages and yet intrigues him. Now Donall only prays for the cunning necessary to escape before she realizes just how very attracted her he has become. Even as her clansmen plot his demise, Donall cannot help desiring the willful and stunning Isolde. Author Sue-Ellen Welfonder pens a stunning fourteenth century romance with KNIGHT IN BY BED. While the plot might be considered somewhat typical of the genre, her deft characterizations will hold readers mesmerized. Both Donall and Isolde struggle with their responsibility to their people and their growing passion. Consequently, the premise of the hero chained to a virginal bed provides delightful entertainment as Donall and Isolde struggle to maintain control of their hearts. Savvy readers will quickly solve the mystery regarding Isolde's death, but it does provide strong motivation and keeps the pace of the novel moving quickly. A sensual delight, KNIGHT IN MY BED comes very highly recommended.
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Summary: A Delightful Addition
Review: This was a delightful read. It was a masterful tale of love passion and deceit. Emotions were constantly shifting throughout the book, keeping the reader's interest. I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: MyShelf.com Book Reviewer
Review: When Lady Isolde, Chieftain of the clan MacInnes, learns that her sister Lileas has been murdered, she fears what her death will mean for her clan. Lileas was the wife of Ian, who is a member of the dreaded MacLean clan. It is rumored that Ian and his brother Donall were responsible for her untimely death. Isolde knows her clan will seek bloody revenge, but is no match for the powerful MacLean's. To go against one so strong would result in ultimate destruction. She devices a scheme to achieve peace between the two warring tribes; her plan includes impregnating herself with the seed of Donall the Bold, who is being held prisoner in the Castle Dunmier. She has him brought to her room, chains him to her bed, and plans to seduce him into her arms. To protect herself from falling for the handsome Warrior, she drinks a magic potion that will harden her heard against his alluring sex appeal. Will it be strong enough to outlast the growing feelings that are quickly overtaking her body each passing day? In bringing back the body of Lileas Macinnes, Donall the Bold unwittingly finds himself imprisoned at Castle Dumuir. What he does not know is that he will be used as a pawn to help maintain peace among the clans. He is shocked when he is lead into the bedchamber of Lady Isolde. What sweet tortures does this temptress have in store for him? Just when you think Sue-Ellen Welfonder couldn't get any better; she pulls out of her magic hat another winner in the form of KNIGHT IN MY BED. Readers, be prepared to turn the air conditioner up on high as you seemly melt as you read each hot and steamy passage. In addition to superb love scenes, you will also be rewarded with an intriguing unsolved murder mystery. A novel such as this is not for the faint of heart, but for those that crave excitement in their life!
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