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Coming June 2005 from Pocket Books...
ISBN: 0743471067
When Sir Philip Kilpatrick is sent to fetch the beautiful Isobel MacDonell out of hiding in England and deliver her to her noble betrothed in the Highlands, he expects the duty to be executed quickly. But Scotland is in the grip of a nationwide witchhunt and Isobel's father neglected to inform him that Isobel happens to be a witch. Isobel possesses the gift of second sight—but she has been forced to hide her magic and practice in secret. Though she fears that Philip will discover the truth about her, she longs to help him uncover the secret that has tortured him for more than a decade. Through the perils of their journey, they are forced to deny the passion that flares between them. As the days pass, Philip finds himself more and more reluctant to hand Isobel over to her betrothed, fearing for her safety under anyone else’s protection. Isobel has charmed her way into his heart, but her determination to use her magic to solve the mystery of Philip’s past could destroy them both.
Reviews Reader-to-Reader: MY WICKED HIGHLANDER is a beautiful love story. Philip is a hero to die for -- strong, patient, honorable -- and Isobel is a charming heroine who needs this man by her side to keep her out of trouble -- among other things. Jen Holling continues to write some of the best Scottish historical romances on the market today. This is a deeply sensual, moving story that is also full of laugh-out-loud humor, and is just terrific! Romance Reviews Today: MY WICKED HIGHLANDER is a very auspicious beginning for a new Medieval trilogy about a trio of witches...It is memorable for its winning characters, their interaction with each other, and a plot laced with mystery and intrigue... MY WICKED HIGHLANDER comes highly recommended by this reviewer, and I already expect good things from the next book in the series, because Ms. Holling begins spinning Gillian MacDonnell's tale in MY WICKED HIGHLANDER. Readers get an idea what is in store for Isobel's sister, and it certainly promises to be just as entertaining as Philip and Isobel's story. Luckily, fans will not have to wait long since MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN debuts next month, which will be followed not long after by the final book in the trilogy. Plenty of Medieval Scottish romance to look forward to, what could be better? Fresh Fiction: An elegantly written book, MY WICKED HIGHLANDER immediately places the reader into 1597, so that one is surprised when modern conveniences disturb the web Hollings has created. Elaborately detailed and interesting, this tale starts the new MacDonell Bride trilogy about three sisters who are witches, which will be published in three consecutive months. All About Romance: I read this book in one day; it was smoothly written and Philip and Isobel are empathetic and interesting characters. A couple of the secondary characters really stood out for me, especially the charming and perpetually hungry Stephen, one of Philip's men, and the dark, misunderstood and enigmatic Earl of Kincreag - I hope to see both of these men in future books... This is a solid, strong, enjoyable book, and I am looking forward to seeing what develops with Isobel's sisters. The Best Reviews: "The first in an outstanding trilogy of Scottish romance." This is an engaging beginning to what promises to be a special series of stories. Holling's characters are warm and believable and their romance plays out to a satisfying ending that encounters absorbing twists and turns of its own. Library Journal: Summoned home to Scotland by her ailing father to wed a local earl, Isobel, eldest of the MacDonell witches, leaves the relative safety of England for a land where her psychic gifts could get her burned at the stake and finds love in the arms of the knight who is charged with her safe return. Fascinating period detail, unexpected twists, and simmering sexual tension highlight this fast-paced adventure. The satisfying love story stands on its own as well as sets the stage for My Devilish Scotsman (Jul. 2005) and My Shadow Warrior (Aug. 2005). A Romance Review: The first in a new Medieval Scottish trilogy by author Jen Holling featuring three sisters who are witches, My Wicked Highlander is sure to be a quick bestseller! A marvelous tale of intrigue with many twists and turns. My Wicked Highlander will leave you screaming for more and anxiously awaiting the next two installments. Isobel is compelling in her beliefs for righteousness even at the cost to her own safety when she uses her witchcraft. Philip puts aside his own fears of witchcraft and would die to protect his Isobel. Praise for Jen Holling who knows her craft, and gives it her all in My Wicked Highlander! Readers & Writers Ink Reviews, Books at ForumsAmerica.com: MY WICKED HIGHLANDER is not just another romantic romp through the heather. The author has created interesting characters, including some delightful secondary ones who brought life to the story. There's plenty of action -- just one darn thing after another; mystery -- what really happened to Effie and who's behind the plot to kill Sir Philip; and, of course, romance. A very satisfying book for a few hours of downtime, and the beginning of a trilogy featuring Isobel's sisters. Historical Romance Writers: This was the first of the MacDonell Brides trilogy but I read it last, proving that it was a completely stand-alone novel as were book #2, MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN and book #3, MY SHADOW WARRIOR, and it also proved to be just as exciting, enthralling and captivating as it’s counterparts....I found this to be as breathtakingly exciting as the other two books in the trilogy. Isobel is both an original and refreshing heroine, crafted as both strong yet innocently trusting and needy. Philip was the ideal hero – handsome, strong, capable, yet having that tortured background and needing that one person (Isobel) with the ability to free him from his torments. Hollings fills the tale with a plethora of strong and significant secondary characters to give the story rich historical details, and sprinkles in a strong flavor of paranormal fantasy to give it even more spice. The romance is very sensual as both the protagonists fight their feelings in not bringing dishonor to themselves or their families by giving in to the intensity of their attraction. This latest trilogy is surely one that will capture your imagination amidst exciting tales of magic, adventure, betrayals, and passionate love stories that will live in the reader’s minds long after the final pages are turned. |
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My Devilish Scotsman ISBN 0743471075 When his betrothal to the eldest MacDonell sister is broken, Nicholas Lyon, earl Kincreag, wants nothing more to do with the MacDonell girls. But their father is a good friend and on his deathbed. When he is offered another daughter, Gillian--who he'd secretly preferred all along-- Nicholas reluctantly accepts. He's not particularly interested in remarrying after his disastrous first marriage, preferring to live as a recluse in his mountaintop castle, but as he has no heirs, he knows it's a necessary evil. Gillian is the only non-witch in a family that values their magical tradition. She's always felt lacking because of it and worked very hard to find the magic within herself, but to no avail. When her father pairs her with the darkly handsome and brooding earl of Kincreag-her sister's cast off and rumored to have murdered his wife-she tries to make the best of it, even when he forbids her to even speak of witchcraft. But all is not as it seems at Kincreag Castle. From Gillian's first moment inside the dark fortress, she is filled with foreboding, as if something horrible took place between the walls. She hears strange voices and sees specters out of the corners of her eyes. And when attempts are made on her life, she fears there may be more to the rumors of her devil earl than she'd ever wanted to believe...
Reviews A Romance Review: Kudos for Jen Holling, she has outdone herself! The second in the MacDonnell sisters trilogy, My Devilish Scotsman, (hard to believe) is even more action packed, and exciting then the first My Wicked Highlander. I was intrigued by the dark and brooding hero, Earl Nicholas, in the first book and was excited to see him matched up with shy and insecure MacDonnell sister, Gillian. I can’t wait to get my hands on the last chapter in this super charged trilogy, My Shadow Warrior! Historical Romance Writers: Along with a dynamic plot, the action in this story plays non-stop making this a hard book to put aside and I find myself reaching for the computer keyboard in search of the other two books making up this trilogy. This is most definitely a book that will engage the reader both with the original story, the edge of the seat drama, and the passionate love story it tells. Highly enjoyable, the reader should be captivated by this latest trilogy offering. Romance Junkies: MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN by Jen Holling is a wonderful love story with a dash of mystery and plenty of paranormal activity thrown in. The lead characters are put through a variety of test and situations that bring out the best in both of them and has the reader cheering and rooting for them along the way. The story draws you into the world of old Scotland and the fears found there then and keeps you waiting in suspense as to what will happen to Gillian and Nicholas next. I recommend this book to everyone that loves their romance stories mixed with mystery and unexplainable events. The Best Reviews: MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN&ldots; is a fabulous fantasy romantic suspense starring two wonderful seemingly star-crossed lovers. She is a witch though her powers do not surface until she enters the home of her husband; he detests witches due to what happened to his first wife. A clever third party manipulates their doubts and misconceptions so that the audience obtains a marvelous paranormal historical romance. Readers & Writers Ink Reviews, Books at ForumsAmerica.com: There isn't much more that I can tell about the plot without giving away the best parts. Ms. Holling is a talented writer and has put a wonderful paranormal mystery together in the midst of a touching love story. She manages to perfectly insert a little humor to relieve the tension and suspense. The scene where Nicholas finds the love potion and what he does with it is laugh-out-loud funny. The villain has the beauty and sinister grace of a venomous serpent. The author shows us the insides of Gillian and Nicholas as they slowly come to love each other deftly. Their lovemaking reeks of sensual excitement. Romance Reviews Today: What makes a book a perfect read? Simply put, and in my opinion, it is one that has the kind of characters the reader comes to care about, the story is so captivating it is practically impossible to put it down, and even though you race to the end of the book and are completely satisfied, you are sorry to say goodbye to the characters. Furthermore,* of the many books you may read, this one will live in your memory for a long time to come. I feel comfortable saying MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN is a Perfect 10 for these reasons and a whole host of others not listed here. To elaborate a bit about why MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN is so delightful, I must begin with the heroine, Gillian McDonnell, who is able to touch a chord in readers. Like many real life women, she often doubts herself and feels inadequate when she compares herself to others. Believing she does not possess any supernatural abilities like her mother, her two sisters, and even her father, she sometimes feels rather like an outsider within her own family and somehow not as special. Knowing that Nicholas does not want to marry her only reinforces her feelings that she is lacking in some way. However, her vulnerabilities do not make her a weak woman or one to be pitied. Instead, Gillian comes across as a real woman. And when she goes to great lengths to try to secure Nicholas’s affection, you will find her even more charming. Her scheme is very humorous, creating many chuckles for any lucky reader. But her reasons are understandable and Nicholas is worth it. When first the two meet, he is cold and distant, but he is not immune to Gillian. It quickly becomes obvious that he is merely trying to protect himself from suffering any more hurts. He, too, comes across as a real person, one with emotional baggage. He will surely win readers’ sympathy when the tragic events of his past are revealed, and capture their hearts with his tender handling of Gillian. Gillian and Nicholas have a tale every bit as captivating as they are. Their romance is engaging in and of itself, but there is also intrigue, danger, mystery, and the paranormal in MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN. It appears that Gillian does have supernatural powers after all. And even though she is thrilled, it is dangerous to be branded a witch. There is also the fact that someone is bent on doing her harm. The suspense builds as the couple tries to solve who is behind the attempts on her life and the strange, unexplainable goings-on at Kincreag Castle. The twists in these mysteries keep coming until the final climactic scene when all the pieces of the puzzle finally come together. MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN is second in Ms. Holling’s trilogy about a trio of witch sisters. First came, MY WICKED HIGHLANDER (June 2005), the story of Gillian’s older sister Isobel, and next will be MY SHADOW WARRIOR (August 2005) about Rose, the last sister. It is not necessary to have read the first book to be totally satisfied with MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN, but Gillian and Nicholas are introduced in that book, and reading it will only enhance your pleasure with their tale. And both books set the stage for THE forthcoming story about Rose, who is a healer, and in these past two books has been feverishly working, though unsuccessfully, to heal her father of a bizarre illness. Treat yourself to MY DEVILISH SCOTSMAN, and find out why it has earned RRT’s highest acclaim, a Perfect 10. The Romance Reader: Jen Holling’s My Devilish Scotsman is a terrific read. It’s the second book in Holling’s paranormal “MacDonell Trilogy”, and the fact that one doesn’t regret having to read the books out of order is the perfect indicator of Holling’s talent.... My Devilish Scotsman is not all murder mystery and mayhem, however. The romance between Gillian and Nicholas is a major plot element, and watching these characters fall in love is beguiling. In the midst of some very ugly situations, Nicholas and Gillian find time to get to know one another, filling lots of time with lovemaking and sweet pillow talk. The love scenes are some of Holling’s best. Holling’s writing is very descriptive without being weighted. The reader can easily picture the people and settings in My Devilish Scotsman, which could be a bad thing, I suppose, given some of the eerie things that happen. While this is not a book that causes you to turn on every light in the house and spend a frightened sleepless night, my best advice is to turn on a bright lamp, settle back and enjoy. |
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My Shadow Warrior ISBN 0743471083 Rose, the youngest of the MacDonell witches, is more concerned with her father's rapidly declining health than with her impending marriage to her childhood sweetheart. A gifted healer, she knows what ails a person through touch, but her father's illness eludes her. She refuses to wed until her father is recovered... or dead. After months of fruitless healing attempts, Rose decides she has no choice but to beg help from the wizard of the north-a powerful northern highland laird, renowned for his healing powers. When repeatedly denied entry to his fortress in the cold, harsh mountains of the far northwestern highlands, Rose uses cunning to force her way in. William MacKay values his privacy. His clan is terrified of him. On his infrequent night time excursions outside his castle walls he's found himself hunted like an animal. He surrounds himself with the few people who don't believe him to be Satan incarnate. When this mere slip of a girl not only infiltrates his castle, but stands up to him, and boldly demands his help, he is intrigued... and aroused. Together they discover that some wounds go deep, scarring the soul, and it takes more than magic to heal them. But securing the wizard earl's help may not be enough to save Rose's father. There is something darker at work in Glen Laire, something more powerful than both William and Rose's magic combined...
Reviews Historical Romance Writers: I truly enjoyed this offering from the very first pages right up to the last, and found it hard to set aside. In this character driven installment featuring the youngest MacDonell sister Rose and the wizard William McKay the characters were both very likeable and well matched, as well as complex. The secondary characters, including those from the previous installments all came back to fit within the plot very well in this stand-alone episode. Deidre, William’s daughter with her gift of communicating with animals was wonderful and the child molestation aspect was also a rather unique element that gave an added dimension to the story. All in all, this was a highly original, sensual and beautiful love story that is sure to please the most discriminating of historical romance readers who like a touch of whimsy in their reads. Romance Junkies: ...a chilling portrayal of the paranormal and the fear most people had of the unexplained during the late 1500’s. Most of the major characters possess a special gift and this story tells of their struggles to use their gifts for good and how their actions are perceived as evil. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down until I had finished the last page and had found out how Ms. Holling tied up all the loose ends into a beautiful and satisfying ending. Romance Reviews Today: Along with the very fine romance in MY SHADOW WARRIOR, there is also an engrossing mystery going on, which...began in the first book of the series as a side plot and continued through the second installment. It is not necessary to have read those two books to follow the plot in MY SHADOW WARRIOR but it may enhance your satisfaction, as many of the same characters in this tale were introduced in the previous books about Rose's sisters, and both Isobel and Gillian MacDonnell's stories are well worth the read. Finally, in MY SHADOW WARRIOR, Rose learns what is wrong with her father, and it is more deadly than she supposed. Danger and intrigue come into play, creating a high level of suspense until the final moments in the book. The pages fly as Rose and William battle evil while both are struggling with inner demons. I highly recommend MY SHADOW WARRIOR, as well as the entire trilogy about these witch sisters and the men brave enough to love them. A Romance Review: Pure magic and enchantment is Jen Holling’s conclusion to her MacDonnell sisters’ trilogy, My Shadow Warrior! William is a marvelous hero who fights his enemies not only with his sword but also with his mystical abilities, and proves himself very worthy to win the brave Rose’s love. Rose is my personal favorite of the three sisters, and when she chooses Lord Strathwick as her mate, she is well matched. Rose is a survivor, and her compassion for the sick makes her strong enough to overcome prejudice and enables her to use her witchcraft for the betterment of others. Congratulations Jen Holling, you have another best seller on your hands! The Best Reviews: In "My Shadow Warrior," Jen Holling wraps up her "The McDonnel Brides" trilogy in a thrilling and very satisfying manner. Throughout her series, Holling has kept the continuity of characters and storylines impressively easy- to-follow, and intriguing enough to insure her readers will want to know the conclusion to the story of the three sisters with the magical powers. I would love to see a follow-up book with the story of William McKay's daughter, Dedrie, and the McDonnel grandchildren. Thank you, Jen Holling, for a great summer of reading. |
My Wicked
Highlander
Coming July 2005
Coming
August 2005