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Highland Magic #1
Unspoken
He's cursed with eternal silence...
Roderick MacLauchlan is death for hire. Blessed by an ancient Deity with Berserker rage, he has the strength of ten men. Cursed by a malicious enemy, he's incapable of speech. A desperate clan war rages around him and a malevolent adversary lurks in the darkness, calling for blood.
Evelyn Woodhouse is an English refugee with a dangerous secret. She has the ability to see the outcome of tomorrow's battle and knows they're on the wrong side of it. When a doomed and silent mercenary rescues her from a fate worse than death, it seems he has his own plans for her. This is his last night alive and she's never been able to defy destiny.
Roderick MacLauchlan is death for hire. Blessed by an ancient Deity with Berserker rage, he has the strength of ten men. Cursed by a malicious enemy, he's incapable of speech. A desperate clan war rages around him and a malevolent adversary lurks in the darkness, calling for blood.
Evelyn Woodhouse is an English refugee with a dangerous secret. She has the ability to see the outcome of tomorrow's battle and knows they're on the wrong side of it. When a doomed and silent mercenary rescues her from a fate worse than death, it seems he has his own plans for her. This is his last night alive and she's never been able to defy destiny.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2012
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
74 books4,817 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
October 28, 2016
She's English and has the Sight and he's a mute Scottish berserker. Perfect paranormal match.
March 18, 2015
This book was just great, it was both deep and meaningful an sexy at the same time. I felt like the attraction and relationship between Evelyn and Roderick was real and could easily evolve into them building a life together. I didn't have that feeling that these two are only together because they wanna take a tumble between the sheets, which is really important in these historicals.
The characters were very believable and likable to me. Evelyn had a hard life and ended up being a barmaid which obviously isn't a glamorous job during the medieval times in Scotland. She seemed very intelligent and compassionate towards people in general but wasn't naive in thinking people were good. I give her points for that. I also liked the fact she had a bit of a mouth an a backbone which probably wasn't the bed thing for women of that time period.
Roderick terrifies everyone, some want to use him for war while others just want to kill him because of his pagan ways. He is in fact unable to speak which kinda made him more endearing to me. Even though he's this big guy he's very kind to Evelyn and actually watches out for her. That pretty much put him over the top for me.
Altogether, this is a great book in my opinion. I love the usual hero and his 'gifts' matched with this historical world. It just was well written and captured my imagination from the beginning. I'd recommend to other historical lovers, as well as those who like PNR because there are magical elements to this story.
18+ there are many sex scenes.
The characters were very believable and likable to me. Evelyn had a hard life and ended up being a barmaid which obviously isn't a glamorous job during the medieval times in Scotland. She seemed very intelligent and compassionate towards people in general but wasn't naive in thinking people were good. I give her points for that. I also liked the fact she had a bit of a mouth an a backbone which probably wasn't the bed thing for women of that time period.
Roderick terrifies everyone, some want to use him for war while others just want to kill him because of his pagan ways. He is in fact unable to speak which kinda made him more endearing to me. Even though he's this big guy he's very kind to Evelyn and actually watches out for her. That pretty much put him over the top for me.
Altogether, this is a great book in my opinion. I love the usual hero and his 'gifts' matched with this historical world. It just was well written and captured my imagination from the beginning. I'd recommend to other historical lovers, as well as those who like PNR because there are magical elements to this story.
18+ there are many sex scenes.
November 9, 2013
The first novella from The Highland Novella Trilogy about the MacLauchlan Berserkers.
This was a quick read, but...
Yeah, it was sexy. Kinda left me wanting more, but I knew it wasn't a full-length novel. This is perfect if you want a hot and fast historical paranormal romance.
This was a quick read, but...
Yeah, it was sexy. Kinda left me wanting more, but I knew it wasn't a full-length novel. This is perfect if you want a hot and fast historical paranormal romance.
October 11, 2015
What a fun little short story! I really enjoyed it. I have not read historical romance in forever; so it was good to ease back in with a short book that was also paranormal. I would have given this a higher score if we had more time in the Hero's POV. With him not speaking, I really needed something from him before the end.
May 12, 2016
RATING: 2.5 Hearts!
November 25, 2019
4.5 stars I had mixed feelings about Kerrigan Byrne’s The Highwayman, but I absolutely loved this lusty, action-packed historical novella whose main characters are a Scottish warrior-for-hire possessed by an occult Berserker and an inexperienced English barmaid with second sight whose ominous visions bode ill for the hero. There is much to enjoy in this extremely economical and well-told tale. Evelyn Woodhouse, with her mysterious English past and her disconcerting supernatural visions, is immediately engaging. Byrne does a fantastic job of sketching in just enough of Evelyn’s past to create a sense of narrative depth while also keeping the present action moving at a brisk pace. Berserker "host" Roderick MacLauchlan exudes eerie seductive menace from his chair in the darkened corner of the Scottish Inn where Evelyn works, and the two are soon entangled in several intrigues: he has come to Aberdeen to assist the local clans in the defense of their city from the aggressions of Clan Donald; Evelyn has had a premonition of his death in the coming day’s battle. Should she forewarn him, or not? She seems cursed never to be able to alter the futures her visions reveal. Meanwhile, Evelyn herself is assaulted in the Inn by some local low-lifes whose treachery in the larger political struggles of the region mark them as doubly perfidious. Her flight from her attackers later that evening sends her running straight into the arms (and bed) of Berserker-stud Roderick. The sex that follows is gangbusters, and Byrne shows just how superb a writer she is in the lyricism of the love scene that follows. This is the only sex scene in the book, but Byrne has evidently decided to make it count, giving it several chapters and writing the hell out of it. The third act of the novella involves a shift from Evelyn’s perspective to a more mixed focalization that includes Roderick’s as the latter sets out to mop the moors with the book’s villains. In the process, the mechanics of Berserker possession are revealed in more detail and lead to additional complications for the couple. Byrne is clearly in her element in this historical Highland setting, and her enjoyment of the characters and material shine through on every page. Hats off to her as well for absolutely nailing the novella format: the pacing is tightly controlled and the world and characters are fully imagined. This is the first of a set of three novellas in the Clan MacLauchlan Berserkers series, and I am looking forward to reading the next two. Highly recommended.
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November 9, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're are mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Oh WOW, I must say I’m very impressed by this novella. Highland Historical is a debut series by Kerrigan Byrne (if I’m not wrong) and Unspoken is the first book of it. I was looking for something different to read and berserkers being one of my favorite paranormal beings, I jumped when I heard about this series. Overall, I felt the storyline was pretty compact and yes, Kerrigan’s writing was excellent. The hero, Roderick was just adorable. *sigh*
The whole series is set in the medieval Scotland. This one starts out on the verge of a bloody war, in fact just the day before it. Evelyn is originally an English who has her own secrets to hide. An orphan, Evelyn never had a lot of security to speak of. Later, she ran to Scotland from people who wanted to misuse her special ability. Evelyn has visions and sights and she has been ill-used by some in the past because of it. We don’t know much of her background but a few bits and pieces of what her life was like. Evelyn works as a maid in a shabby tavern in Scotland for a minimum wage and a place to sleep. Her life is still pretty tough but at least no one knows about her secret here. Yet she’s always terrified that someone will, someday.
Evelyn just had a vision, a terrible one where she found herself in the aftermath of a battle and looking for someone frantically. When she wakes, shivering, she has no idea what that means. Soon, in the evening, everything sort of begins falling in place. Men gathered in the tavern, most of them are warriors, spending a night drinking (among other things) to ready themselves for the battle next day. In the midst of serving, Evelyn becomes aware of a new arrival and others whispering about him. She finds herself looking at this huge man, cloaked (literally) in darkness, as if darkness perpetually follows him. She hears the bits of whispers swirling around her; something about the berserkers and one of the fiercest named Roderick Maclaughlan, who is now occupying a shadowy corner of the tavern. She also learns that Roderick is mute.
These people, they don’t like him and yet to win the battle, he’s been hired. They also think his powers are dark and fear him thus. But either way, they’re very curious about this man.
Serving Roderick his food falls on Evelyn’s hands. She’s sort of forced by the other tavern maids to do it. They, apparently, don’t like her for being an English. So, let her bear the brunt of the devil’s anger/dark powers. As she shakily goes to serve him, Evelyn finds herself looking at a ruggedly beautiful face and a pair of otherworldly green eyes instead of something ugly, evil and vicious. Evelyn is a goner that moment. This scene was super where she tries to communicate with him, blabbering away and then berating herself for doing so, knowing he can’t communicate. And instead of finding anger, she finds amusement in those eyes. Evelyn doesn’t understand why people are afraid of him.
Then the story picks up when Evelyn is targeted by the betrayer of the lot since she blurts out to him about his betrayal, which she learned through her vision. Roderick saves her twice from that man. Evelyn falls into his arms, even if for one night because she already knows that Roderick will die in the battle next day.
To know what really happens, grab the book now! I have to say I was glued to it from the very first page. The story was not only compact but intriguing as well. Kerrigan wove the tale in such a way that she made me believe in Evelyn and Roderick’s chemistry. Their connection was done so well that even though characters sleeping with each-other too soon kill some fun for me generally, I was very happy for these two. I also find the trend of berserkers mating for life really sexy. The only complain, I wanted MORE of the story. Definitely more of Evelyn’s background. We learn bits of Roderick’s, that he’s a prosperous baron, though his older brother Connor is the laird. I also wanted to know how exactly these Highlanders came to be awarded with this gift from Freya.
Next up is Unwilling, Connor’s story. Another berserker... Me sooo likey! I’m going to read that one now. Meanwhile, Unspoken gets a 4.25 star from me. Highly recommended if you’re into berserkers, sexy HIGHLANDER berserkers that is and a short, sweet, yet intense read.
Oh WOW, I must say I’m very impressed by this novella. Highland Historical is a debut series by Kerrigan Byrne (if I’m not wrong) and Unspoken is the first book of it. I was looking for something different to read and berserkers being one of my favorite paranormal beings, I jumped when I heard about this series. Overall, I felt the storyline was pretty compact and yes, Kerrigan’s writing was excellent. The hero, Roderick was just adorable. *sigh*
The whole series is set in the medieval Scotland. This one starts out on the verge of a bloody war, in fact just the day before it. Evelyn is originally an English who has her own secrets to hide. An orphan, Evelyn never had a lot of security to speak of. Later, she ran to Scotland from people who wanted to misuse her special ability. Evelyn has visions and sights and she has been ill-used by some in the past because of it. We don’t know much of her background but a few bits and pieces of what her life was like. Evelyn works as a maid in a shabby tavern in Scotland for a minimum wage and a place to sleep. Her life is still pretty tough but at least no one knows about her secret here. Yet she’s always terrified that someone will, someday.
Evelyn just had a vision, a terrible one where she found herself in the aftermath of a battle and looking for someone frantically. When she wakes, shivering, she has no idea what that means. Soon, in the evening, everything sort of begins falling in place. Men gathered in the tavern, most of them are warriors, spending a night drinking (among other things) to ready themselves for the battle next day. In the midst of serving, Evelyn becomes aware of a new arrival and others whispering about him. She finds herself looking at this huge man, cloaked (literally) in darkness, as if darkness perpetually follows him. She hears the bits of whispers swirling around her; something about the berserkers and one of the fiercest named Roderick Maclaughlan, who is now occupying a shadowy corner of the tavern. She also learns that Roderick is mute.
These people, they don’t like him and yet to win the battle, he’s been hired. They also think his powers are dark and fear him thus. But either way, they’re very curious about this man.
Serving Roderick his food falls on Evelyn’s hands. She’s sort of forced by the other tavern maids to do it. They, apparently, don’t like her for being an English. So, let her bear the brunt of the devil’s anger/dark powers. As she shakily goes to serve him, Evelyn finds herself looking at a ruggedly beautiful face and a pair of otherworldly green eyes instead of something ugly, evil and vicious. Evelyn is a goner that moment. This scene was super where she tries to communicate with him, blabbering away and then berating herself for doing so, knowing he can’t communicate. And instead of finding anger, she finds amusement in those eyes. Evelyn doesn’t understand why people are afraid of him.
Then the story picks up when Evelyn is targeted by the betrayer of the lot since she blurts out to him about his betrayal, which she learned through her vision. Roderick saves her twice from that man. Evelyn falls into his arms, even if for one night because she already knows that Roderick will die in the battle next day.
To know what really happens, grab the book now! I have to say I was glued to it from the very first page. The story was not only compact but intriguing as well. Kerrigan wove the tale in such a way that she made me believe in Evelyn and Roderick’s chemistry. Their connection was done so well that even though characters sleeping with each-other too soon kill some fun for me generally, I was very happy for these two. I also find the trend of berserkers mating for life really sexy. The only complain, I wanted MORE of the story. Definitely more of Evelyn’s background. We learn bits of Roderick’s, that he’s a prosperous baron, though his older brother Connor is the laird. I also wanted to know how exactly these Highlanders came to be awarded with this gift from Freya.
Next up is Unwilling, Connor’s story. Another berserker... Me sooo likey! I’m going to read that one now. Meanwhile, Unspoken gets a 4.25 star from me. Highly recommended if you’re into berserkers, sexy HIGHLANDER berserkers that is and a short, sweet, yet intense read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2019
An Englishwoman in the Highlands, having no one but herself, and a highland Berserker who has for so long only known battle, in each other find a passion that holds promises of love, home and safety.
This had the potential to be a absolute delight - the novella is based in the highlands, involves the mythical Berserkers, battle and passion, but it's just a tad too short and needed to be longer. Nevertheless, a introduction to the series that has me keen to read more.
Freebie on Amazon - where it is titled Highland Secret (Highland Magic Book 1)
This had the potential to be a absolute delight - the novella is based in the highlands, involves the mythical Berserkers, battle and passion, but it's just a tad too short and needed to be longer. Nevertheless, a introduction to the series that has me keen to read more.
Freebie on Amazon - where it is titled Highland Secret (Highland Magic Book 1)
April 15, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. This was well written. Not entirely comfortable with erotic romances, but having read a few, this book was not trashy. The author uses descriptive words that to me evoked a feeling rather than an entirely visual romance scene and did not overdo the details.
The premise of this story was great. Being a short story I thought many things would be rushed or left undone at the end, and this was so not the case. The set up with the scene in the beginning of the book and all of the characters, I was able to immediately connect with Evelyn. I loved her character. She is sweet, maybe a little naive, and kind of unsure of herself at times. The author was also able to describe a tough but sweet hunk of a warrior.
This is a debut novella for this author. The sequel should be out in May 2012. I cannot wait!!
Verdict: A definite read for all romance readers, but remember it is definitely on the “hot” side.
The premise of this story was great. Being a short story I thought many things would be rushed or left undone at the end, and this was so not the case. The set up with the scene in the beginning of the book and all of the characters, I was able to immediately connect with Evelyn. I loved her character. She is sweet, maybe a little naive, and kind of unsure of herself at times. The author was also able to describe a tough but sweet hunk of a warrior.
This is a debut novella for this author. The sequel should be out in May 2012. I cannot wait!!
Verdict: A definite read for all romance readers, but remember it is definitely on the “hot” side.
January 7, 2016
The first book in The MacLauchlans series by Kerrigan Byrne. Evelyn Woodhouse is an English barmaid who has a secret. She has "the sight". She encounters Roderick MacLauchlan, a mute Berserker, and he ends up rescuing her.
First of all, this wasn't bad but it really was too short to really appreciate. But it is a spicy little read for those who like the hot stuff. I just didn't feel the story was developed enough.
First of all, this wasn't bad but it really was too short to really appreciate. But it is a spicy little read for those who like the hot stuff. I just didn't feel the story was developed enough.
October 25, 2015
I wanted to give this 1 star but changed my mind because of the H. The H was great but the h bothered the hell out of me. She grew up in a convent and is a virgin. She meets a stranger and knows next to nothing about him. So this donkey impulsively goes to his room to have sex with him. She gives a stranger her virginity and she acted completely out of character. This was a woman who didn't give close to anyone and had no known friends.
October 26, 2012
From start to finish I was unable to put this down. The author has a way of describing her characters and scenes to where you feel like you are there. It was the first book I have read by Kerrigan and it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Unwilling.
November 27, 2019
Absolutely wonderful. Looking forward to read the rest of these short novellas.
Want to read
March 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2020)! 🎁
February 4, 2020
Good story from my favorite historical romance author, but it wasn’t Victorian Rebels. I didn’t hate it but I just missed seeing the hero’s point of view.
September 4, 2019
*disclaimer :) before I get into my actual review of this story I need to explain some things :) it might be a bit shorter and / or less detailed than what I am usually writing but I have a good reason for that... I read it during a two month long period of time when I struggled with a lot of changes in my personal and professional life, so I read a lot, cause I needed something to relax, but at the same time I was in no mood to write any reviews… so here we are today, when I am doing my best to catch up on those :)
This is one of Kerrigan Byrne’s short novellas… I have to confess that after reading one of her newer full length novels I fell in love with her writing style so much, that I immediately purchased all her other stories available at that moment :) yep, with me it’s all or nothing apparently ;) now I am slowly making my way through all of them :) this is a historical story with a touch of fantasy in it :) because it’s so short I can’t get into too many details, so what I can safely say is that we have a hero who is a berserk warrior and was cursed to lose his voice and a heroine who is hiding and working as a bar maid of sort in a tavern… they spend a night together before a big battle and that’s all I can say ;) would I like if the story was longer? absolutely :) I am more of a slow burn romance than this sort of quick connection but I still really enjoyed it… it shows in the writing style that it’s one of her first stories, but nonetheless it was wonderful :) if you don’t have a lot of time, it’s a perfect short read :) I am definitely curious to pick up her other stories in this series :)
XOXO
A
This is one of Kerrigan Byrne’s short novellas… I have to confess that after reading one of her newer full length novels I fell in love with her writing style so much, that I immediately purchased all her other stories available at that moment :) yep, with me it’s all or nothing apparently ;) now I am slowly making my way through all of them :) this is a historical story with a touch of fantasy in it :) because it’s so short I can’t get into too many details, so what I can safely say is that we have a hero who is a berserk warrior and was cursed to lose his voice and a heroine who is hiding and working as a bar maid of sort in a tavern… they spend a night together before a big battle and that’s all I can say ;) would I like if the story was longer? absolutely :) I am more of a slow burn romance than this sort of quick connection but I still really enjoyed it… it shows in the writing style that it’s one of her first stories, but nonetheless it was wonderful :) if you don’t have a lot of time, it’s a perfect short read :) I am definitely curious to pick up her other stories in this series :)
XOXO
A
September 19, 2015
I really loved the idea of this book and I think its length was the biggest hindrance to its ideal execution. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed it. But I believe that with a bit more development, it could have gone to the next level.
Roderick MacLauchlan is a mercenary Berserker. He is huge, gorgeous, powerful and mute. Evelyn is an orphaned Englishwoman who works in a tavern in Scotland. She has a little bit of precognition, but it has only ever caused her problems. When she “sees” Roderick’s death, she isn’t sure what to do. Can she change his fate? Does she even want to get involved? All of her past experiences tell her no, but she is drawn to him in a way she can’t ignore. And once they share a night together, things change even more than she could have ever expected.
I love the idea of a mute Berserker so much, I could just roll around in it for days and Roderick does deliver on the promise of the premise. The love scene with Evelyn is hot and I liked their HEA. But there was so much that was underdeveloped. I would have happily read more backstory on both characters. I would have loved more interaction leading up to their night together AND more interaction afterward. The whole story takes place in such a short period of time, it can barely move beyond the superficial. That’s a shame because the idea is awesome –and I liked what I read. There just wasn’t enough of it.
I picked this story up after reading and loving Kerrigan Byrne’s The Highwayman. This is the first of her three MacLauchlan stories. Unfortunately, it looks like they are all short like this one (about 60 pages.) The blurbs look good, though.
Rating: B/B-
Roderick MacLauchlan is a mercenary Berserker. He is huge, gorgeous, powerful and mute. Evelyn is an orphaned Englishwoman who works in a tavern in Scotland. She has a little bit of precognition, but it has only ever caused her problems. When she “sees” Roderick’s death, she isn’t sure what to do. Can she change his fate? Does she even want to get involved? All of her past experiences tell her no, but she is drawn to him in a way she can’t ignore. And once they share a night together, things change even more than she could have ever expected.
I love the idea of a mute Berserker so much, I could just roll around in it for days and Roderick does deliver on the promise of the premise. The love scene with Evelyn is hot and I liked their HEA. But there was so much that was underdeveloped. I would have happily read more backstory on both characters. I would have loved more interaction leading up to their night together AND more interaction afterward. The whole story takes place in such a short period of time, it can barely move beyond the superficial. That’s a shame because the idea is awesome –and I liked what I read. There just wasn’t enough of it.
I picked this story up after reading and loving Kerrigan Byrne’s The Highwayman. This is the first of her three MacLauchlan stories. Unfortunately, it looks like they are all short like this one (about 60 pages.) The blurbs look good, though.
Rating: B/B-
September 7, 2020
A fated mates romance between an Irishman with the Berserker rage and an refugee Englishwoman with the gift of sight...
I love when a novella packs a big punch! By this I mean the storyline and this one had big plot! Silent and broody is my type, so it only makes sense I would love Roderick MacLauchlan. It's something so fascinating about having to decipher the hero's actions and gestures in order to predict what he may be thinking or feeling, and Kerrigan Byrne does a fantastic job illustrating this in Roderick.
Evelyn Woodhouse feels an instant connection to Roderick, and though Roderick is silent, having been cursed and left unable to speak, his actions voice his thoughts loudly. Big, brawny, and alluring, he instantly feels the need to protect Evelyn... But he is not the only one who has to accept Evelyn. If the berserker side of Roderick–the black-eyed, enraged, physically amplified side–does not accept her then she's as good as dead.
Evelyn also feels the desire to protect Roderick from the fate he will face on the battlefield, in which Byrne also showcases.
Highland Secret had just the right amount of story and steam, action, suspense, angst and magic to captivate me utterly!
I love when a novella packs a big punch! By this I mean the storyline and this one had big plot! Silent and broody is my type, so it only makes sense I would love Roderick MacLauchlan. It's something so fascinating about having to decipher the hero's actions and gestures in order to predict what he may be thinking or feeling, and Kerrigan Byrne does a fantastic job illustrating this in Roderick.
Evelyn Woodhouse feels an instant connection to Roderick, and though Roderick is silent, having been cursed and left unable to speak, his actions voice his thoughts loudly. Big, brawny, and alluring, he instantly feels the need to protect Evelyn... But he is not the only one who has to accept Evelyn. If the berserker side of Roderick–the black-eyed, enraged, physically amplified side–does not accept her then she's as good as dead.
Evelyn also feels the desire to protect Roderick from the fate he will face on the battlefield, in which Byrne also showcases.
Highland Secret had just the right amount of story and steam, action, suspense, angst and magic to captivate me utterly!
August 14, 2015
Roderick has been cursed and has lost his voice as a Beserker it isn't easy either. He is a mercanary and the night he goes in to battle he meets Evelyn.
Evelyn has certain powers and the battle will not go well tomorrow as a barmaid she manages to accuse the traitor and escapes barely with her life when Roderick saves her.
Far too short for my liking but a fantastic read. Will most certainly continue with the series.
Evelyn has certain powers and the battle will not go well tomorrow as a barmaid she manages to accuse the traitor and escapes barely with her life when Roderick saves her.
Far too short for my liking but a fantastic read. Will most certainly continue with the series.
August 28, 2021
So not sure what to say about this book other than I am glad I experienced it via audiobook because the narrator did an excellent job and is the ONLY REASON that I finished the story. He earned the stars…not the story.
I really hope Kerrigan Byrne has better stories available—not a good experience as my first book from this author.
I really hope Kerrigan Byrne has better stories available—not a good experience as my first book from this author.
April 13, 2012
I love a good historical romance, and this takes place in one of my favorite eras. I think the Celtic culture is fascinating, and I love reading about berserkers. Byrne does a great job writing passionate characters who tell a story through their love for each other.
My only complaint: I want more!
My only complaint: I want more!
October 21, 2013
I really liked this book but it was so short. Just as I was really getting into it, it ended :( I wish it was longer. But other then that is was good. A really interesting story. Hopefully the next one will be a bit longer.
December 29, 2014
The prose and descriptions are well done. But I'm just not a fan of novellas and short stories. There's just not enough pages to get into character development and I find it hard to believe a life long love can come in this fashion.
April 12, 2012
I can't tell you how much I loved this story. It was sensual, and sweet, yet dangerous. Everything I love in a great book. I can't wait until the next one!
May 10, 2016
Hot. Berserkers. In Kilts.
That is all.
That is all.
June 12, 2021
Impressively interesting and sweet (with a dash of Hot) for the short length. I am intrigued.
July 31, 2022
Tavern waitress with the sight meets warrior
4.5 stars
An interesting read. The warrior is mute, the tavern waitress knows that this night could be his last. He protects her from other soldiers and spends a passion night. Nice that she's described as curvy. Quick read
4.5 stars
An interesting read. The warrior is mute, the tavern waitress knows that this night could be his last. He protects her from other soldiers and spends a passion night. Nice that she's described as curvy. Quick read
August 15, 2024
I'm logging all the books I read in the manic episode(s) I had in the final weeks leading up to the bar so there will be no information pertaining to the content of these books. Frankly, I don't even remember what happened in them. They'll all get three stars and you'll pretend that you didn't see this.
March 8, 2016
The procrastinating human posted a useless review! YAY me!
Such an achievement really. Anyway if you are looking for verra short story aka novella withslightly, verra, verra, slightly convincing instalove (hello, MATE thing), more convincing instalust, sprinkled with action and magic then this is the book for you. And c'mon have you seen the author's name? the author is
Kerrigan Byrne
by now you must have trusted her after reading The Highwaymanand The Hunter which is pretty popular in the HR world lately. TRUST her that she will do good in any endeavor she has may it be PNR or HR.
So yes this is a good read. An awesome read for a short story. The author introduced us to an interesting world with Roderick the berserker and Evelyn the seer. This is fast paced so no real depth there but the author can spell sexual tension in the air. If I blabber the summary here it will be useless so I would just let Ms. Kerrigan do the story telling. Bottomline is you do not have to trust me, YOU HAVE TO TRUST Kerrigan Byrne.
Five stars because this 1) this is paranorman so in my dictionary all is acceptable except if the pnr has something to do with the alpha male throwing his female into an orgy - Hello there Feral Sins, I am looking atchu. 2) 5 because this is Kerrigan Byrne. 3) This is an interesting short story. 4) The title is on point.
Such an achievement really. Anyway if you are looking for verra short story aka novella with
So yes this is a good read. An awesome read for a short story. The author introduced us to an interesting world with Roderick the berserker and Evelyn the seer. This is fast paced so no real depth there but the author can spell sexual tension in the air. If I blabber the summary here it will be useless so I would just let Ms. Kerrigan do the story telling. Bottomline is you do not have to trust me, YOU HAVE TO TRUST Kerrigan Byrne.
Five stars because this 1) this is paranorman so in my dictionary all is acceptable except if the pnr has something to do with the alpha male throwing his female into an orgy - Hello there Feral Sins, I am looking atchu. 2) 5 because this is Kerrigan Byrne. 3) This is an interesting short story. 4) The title is on point.
December 30, 2021
Highland Secret Earns 5/5 Prophetic Dreams…Engaging & Clever!
I greatly enjoy my historical fiction whether exploring a twist on a real event or wrapped up in a murder mystery, but make it a romance, in centuries past, with brawny men in kilts, of course, with a few twist, turns, steamy encounters, and some bloody battles, I’m in with both feet! Kerrigan Byrne’s short, “Highland Secret” from her Highland Magic series, checked all the boxes with a lovely claddagh image donning each chapter. It’s 1411 in the highlands of Scotland, a brooding highland mercenary lacking speech and an English maiden possessing the gift of sight are thrown together the day before a major battle is to be waged between two clans. Evelyn Woodhouse can’t avoid the horrific images last night’s dream left her about the bloody aftermath of the impending battle, and unfortunately, experience has proven she rarely has the time to change the course of events. Working in a local tavern, she hears the men spin tales of the “Berserker,” a man of unordinary strength, who on the battlefield has killed thousands all on his own: Roderick MacLauchlan, the man in her vision, the man she knows will “die tomorrow.” Will this time be different? Should she reveal what she knows about the oncoming fight? Can she save a life…his life? Easily read in an afternoon, Bryne’s writing is very entertaining, if not steamy, as the opposites attract and bond, yet they are alike in that both Roderick and Evelyn have been exploited for their particular skills. Her sensory-laden descriptive language creates an exciting experience and the dialogue provides a sense of the highlands. Great read!
I greatly enjoy my historical fiction whether exploring a twist on a real event or wrapped up in a murder mystery, but make it a romance, in centuries past, with brawny men in kilts, of course, with a few twist, turns, steamy encounters, and some bloody battles, I’m in with both feet! Kerrigan Byrne’s short, “Highland Secret” from her Highland Magic series, checked all the boxes with a lovely claddagh image donning each chapter. It’s 1411 in the highlands of Scotland, a brooding highland mercenary lacking speech and an English maiden possessing the gift of sight are thrown together the day before a major battle is to be waged between two clans. Evelyn Woodhouse can’t avoid the horrific images last night’s dream left her about the bloody aftermath of the impending battle, and unfortunately, experience has proven she rarely has the time to change the course of events. Working in a local tavern, she hears the men spin tales of the “Berserker,” a man of unordinary strength, who on the battlefield has killed thousands all on his own: Roderick MacLauchlan, the man in her vision, the man she knows will “die tomorrow.” Will this time be different? Should she reveal what she knows about the oncoming fight? Can she save a life…his life? Easily read in an afternoon, Bryne’s writing is very entertaining, if not steamy, as the opposites attract and bond, yet they are alike in that both Roderick and Evelyn have been exploited for their particular skills. Her sensory-laden descriptive language creates an exciting experience and the dialogue provides a sense of the highlands. Great read!
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