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Texas Druids #1
Darlin' Druid
Set in the American West of 1872,
Darlin' Druid
is a tale of epic adventure, stormy romance and family strife, sparked by flashes of Druid magic. Jessie Devlin, a daughter of Irish immigrants and a survivor of the Great Chicago Fire, is descended from the "Old Ones," her mother's name for their ancient Druid ancestors. Gifted with second sight, Jessie suffers nightmares in which an unknown man saves her from burning to death. A prophetic vision convinces her the man truly exists and to find him she must look west. But will her quest lead her to love or into a deadly trap?
Captain David Taylor is a Texan who sided with the North in the Civil War, earning his father's abiding wrath. Now serving on the frontier, David longs for home and a family of his own. After a trip east, he encounters Jessie in the Omaha train depot. He's entranced by her beauty but has no taste for her firecracker temper. She brings to mind a ghost from his past who he'd rather forget. As the two journey westward, their clashing personalities war with fiery passion that threatens to overwhelm common sense. Violence dogs them along the rails and explodes amid the unexpected beauty of Mormon Utah and in an isolated mountain mining camp. Whether love will win the day or be lost forever is a question that hangs in the balance until the terrifying conclusion on the broad Texas plains.
note: this book was renamed Darlin' Irish: Texas Devlins, Book Two in 2013
Captain David Taylor is a Texan who sided with the North in the Civil War, earning his father's abiding wrath. Now serving on the frontier, David longs for home and a family of his own. After a trip east, he encounters Jessie in the Omaha train depot. He's entranced by her beauty but has no taste for her firecracker temper. She brings to mind a ghost from his past who he'd rather forget. As the two journey westward, their clashing personalities war with fiery passion that threatens to overwhelm common sense. Violence dogs them along the rails and explodes amid the unexpected beauty of Mormon Utah and in an isolated mountain mining camp. Whether love will win the day or be lost forever is a question that hangs in the balance until the terrifying conclusion on the broad Texas plains.
note: this book was renamed Darlin' Irish: Texas Devlins, Book Two in 2013
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2010
23 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Horner
25 books188 followersLyn Horner resides in Fort Worth, Texas – “Where the West Begins” – with her husband and several very spoiled cats. Trained in the visual arts, Lyn worked as a fashion illustrator and art instructor before she took up writing. She loves crafting passionate love stories, both historical and contemporary. Lyn also enjoys reading, genealogy, gardening, visiting with family and friends, and cuddling her furry, four-footed children.
The author’s Texas Devlins series blends authentic Old West settings, steamy romance and paranormal elements. This series has earned multiple awards and nominations, including Crowned Heart reviews and a Rone Award nomination from InD’Tale Magazine.
Lyn is a contributor to Rawhide ʼn Roses, a Western Romance Anthology. This book was a finalist in the 2015 RONE Awards anthology category. Lyn is also part of the bestselling western Christmas anthology Silver Belles and Stetsons.
Jumping from the American Old West into present time, Lyn has completed her 8-book romantic suspense series, Romancing the Guardians. These books combine her trademark flashes of psychic phenomena with Irish folklore and a chilling apocalyptic sub-theme. Along the way, readers are treated to thunderous action, terrifying suspense and sizzling romance.
The author’s Texas Devlins series blends authentic Old West settings, steamy romance and paranormal elements. This series has earned multiple awards and nominations, including Crowned Heart reviews and a Rone Award nomination from InD’Tale Magazine.
Lyn is a contributor to Rawhide ʼn Roses, a Western Romance Anthology. This book was a finalist in the 2015 RONE Awards anthology category. Lyn is also part of the bestselling western Christmas anthology Silver Belles and Stetsons.
Jumping from the American Old West into present time, Lyn has completed her 8-book romantic suspense series, Romancing the Guardians. These books combine her trademark flashes of psychic phenomena with Irish folklore and a chilling apocalyptic sub-theme. Along the way, readers are treated to thunderous action, terrifying suspense and sizzling romance.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 14, 2011
A dteagmháil na Gaeilge sa sean-Iarthar: A touch of the Irish in the Old West is the best description of this story. The title hints at ancient times of the Druids but not so in Lyn Horner’s book. This is a story of a soldier not wanted at home by his father in west Texas, and has made the Army his life. Heading back to the Fort, he hears fighting and was surprised to see a young corporal being beaten by a feisty auburn haired woman. Breaking up the fight, Captain David Taylor soon finds he’s now the object of Jessie Devlin’s ire. She recognizes him as the face in her dreams and the one her scything has told her to go west and find. David sees a woman determined with a hot temper, too much of a reminder of his mother who abandoned him and his father years ago.
Jessie has the ‘sight’, able to see bits of the future and was told by her decreased mother it’s a gift inherited from the Druids in the old country of Ireland. When her father tells her to marry a man of his choice Jessie uses her sight to find out what her future is. A face with kind loving eyes, the face of the man in her dreams. But his image disappeared to be replaced by a man with fire in his eyes. Jessie heads quickly back home with both images in her mind and the words ‘go west’ in her ears.
Jessie’s brother Tye decides to head west on the train to seek his fortune in the gold rush. Defying her father Jessie goes with her brother to find the man she is to love and hopefully stay out of the clutches of the evil man in her vision. Waiting for her brother at the train station she finds the man of her dreams, literally. But instead of loving kind eyes she finds a bold man full of mischief. Jessie is confused at the contradiction of her dream man and the real man in front of her.
Both end up on the same train along with the young soldier and his friends. Jessie and Tye are in a different train car than the soldiers. Soon a fight breaks out in the back of the car among a group, one accusing the other of cheating at a game of cards. The conductor arrives to stop the fight backed by David and the other soldiers. David is invited to sit with Tye and Jessie. Curious about Jessie and her relationship with Tye, David accepts Tye’s invitation to sit. Jessie spends the time on the trip wondering if her sight has let her down. David thinks about his attraction to Jessie but feels distrust about her temper.
First with confusion, indecision and mistrust Jessie and David go through situations that bring both close to death and find the man with the eyes of fire. Jessie tells David of her ‘sight’ and David eventually tells her of his mother and how she left her family for another man. From Chicago to Utah, then to the Old West this couple learn about each other. Will this be enough for a future together?
I really enjoyed the book, the ending wasn't rushed but the book felt more like an action western and not so much as a romance novel. More interaction between Jessie and David would have been welcomed by this reader. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
Review by Laura Wallace
Member Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
Jessie has the ‘sight’, able to see bits of the future and was told by her decreased mother it’s a gift inherited from the Druids in the old country of Ireland. When her father tells her to marry a man of his choice Jessie uses her sight to find out what her future is. A face with kind loving eyes, the face of the man in her dreams. But his image disappeared to be replaced by a man with fire in his eyes. Jessie heads quickly back home with both images in her mind and the words ‘go west’ in her ears.
Jessie’s brother Tye decides to head west on the train to seek his fortune in the gold rush. Defying her father Jessie goes with her brother to find the man she is to love and hopefully stay out of the clutches of the evil man in her vision. Waiting for her brother at the train station she finds the man of her dreams, literally. But instead of loving kind eyes she finds a bold man full of mischief. Jessie is confused at the contradiction of her dream man and the real man in front of her.
Both end up on the same train along with the young soldier and his friends. Jessie and Tye are in a different train car than the soldiers. Soon a fight breaks out in the back of the car among a group, one accusing the other of cheating at a game of cards. The conductor arrives to stop the fight backed by David and the other soldiers. David is invited to sit with Tye and Jessie. Curious about Jessie and her relationship with Tye, David accepts Tye’s invitation to sit. Jessie spends the time on the trip wondering if her sight has let her down. David thinks about his attraction to Jessie but feels distrust about her temper.
First with confusion, indecision and mistrust Jessie and David go through situations that bring both close to death and find the man with the eyes of fire. Jessie tells David of her ‘sight’ and David eventually tells her of his mother and how she left her family for another man. From Chicago to Utah, then to the Old West this couple learn about each other. Will this be enough for a future together?
I really enjoyed the book, the ending wasn't rushed but the book felt more like an action western and not so much as a romance novel. More interaction between Jessie and David would have been welcomed by this reader. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
Review by Laura Wallace
Member Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
February 20, 2011
Darlin’ Druid – Title aside – this is a great book!!
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Author: Lyn Horner
Format: Kindle
After surviving the great Chicago fire, Jessie Delvin is haunted by visions of her future—a future she is compelled to find forcing her to leave home and join her brother’s journey west to find her destiny. But the Wild West turns out to be just that and Jessie’s sharp tongue and fine feminine figure attract the attention of far too many brutish men. Fortunately, Captain David Taylor, a Texan cattle rancher turned soldier saves Jessie from the clutches of a particularly unsavory character. Immediately Jessie and David are passionately attracted to one another, but neither is what they other really wants—or so they think…
I’ll admit I was completely thrown by the title of this book. If for some reason you are as well, “fuhgeddaboudit”! This is an engaging, page turning, can’t put it down, don’t know where the time went, read. In fact, when I received Horner’s book I had already started Steig Larsson’s “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest”; having finished the first two books in Larsson’s series I was anxious to complete the third. But I picked up Horner’s book and frankly the pace was so much faster and the book more engaging that I put best selling Hornet aside in favor of finishing Horner’s book.
The characters, love triangle and compelling plot line compete with the best in this genre. This is a full force romance novel with some unique twists that readers are sure to enjoy. I encourage readers to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Author: Lyn Horner
Format: Kindle
After surviving the great Chicago fire, Jessie Delvin is haunted by visions of her future—a future she is compelled to find forcing her to leave home and join her brother’s journey west to find her destiny. But the Wild West turns out to be just that and Jessie’s sharp tongue and fine feminine figure attract the attention of far too many brutish men. Fortunately, Captain David Taylor, a Texan cattle rancher turned soldier saves Jessie from the clutches of a particularly unsavory character. Immediately Jessie and David are passionately attracted to one another, but neither is what they other really wants—or so they think…
I’ll admit I was completely thrown by the title of this book. If for some reason you are as well, “fuhgeddaboudit”! This is an engaging, page turning, can’t put it down, don’t know where the time went, read. In fact, when I received Horner’s book I had already started Steig Larsson’s “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest”; having finished the first two books in Larsson’s series I was anxious to complete the third. But I picked up Horner’s book and frankly the pace was so much faster and the book more engaging that I put best selling Hornet aside in favor of finishing Horner’s book.
The characters, love triangle and compelling plot line compete with the best in this genre. This is a full force romance novel with some unique twists that readers are sure to enjoy. I encourage readers to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
May 30, 2011
I loved the sense of time and place and the story. I felt as though Ms. Horner somehow magically, with her descriptive prose, transported me back in time. I was kept squirming wondering if David would ever escape the aloof coldness that seemed to encase him and come to realize and accept that there are some relationships which truly are worth the risk. David and Jessie each traveled different roads which made their few meetings even more memorable. I got very frustrated with both David (who never explained any of his actions, it seemed) and Jessie (who seemed to get angry and fly off the handle too easily) - though I do think David would try the patience of a saint. Once they moved to Texas, I just could not put the book down! I really look forward to Tye's story and I hope in his story that the paranormal element of his romantic adventure will be a bit more developed.
Laurie
Laurie
July 19, 2012
Truly enjoyed this book firs book in the Devlin siblings series, irish immigrants living in Chicago prior to the great fire. This book focuses on Jessie Devlin the middle child, who has th gift of being able to see in to the future,sh is a strong willed, hot tempered Irish women.Her visions show her things such as the Chicago great fire weeks befor t happens, the a man rescueing her from flames weeks after the fire, basedon her vision of this man, she sets out going west with her brother Tye ,against her fathers wishes , in search of this mystery man. Jessie's visions are not always clear and get her in trouble but she meets David Taylor who gets to take this roller coaster ride with her along with. Her brother.
Enjoyed this book,danger, romance,plot twists, Druid gifts and love scenes.
Enjoyed this book,danger, romance,plot twists, Druid gifts and love scenes.
October 12, 2013
3.5/5.0
David and Jessie’s relationship is steamy and tempestuous—one minute they are kissing and starry-eyed and the next they are being insulting and cruel to each other, often at a moment’s notice.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
David and Jessie’s relationship is steamy and tempestuous—one minute they are kissing and starry-eyed and the next they are being insulting and cruel to each other, often at a moment’s notice.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 19, 2017
Jessie's Vision
This one has it all. Romance, intrigue, desperadoes, topped with a touch of Irish magic. Jessie heads west with her brother to find her true love. David, weary from fighting in the war, is headed for his new post on the western frontier. When they meet, sparks fly. Determined to deny their mutual attraction, they are continually thrown together. Danger follows them as they eventually concede to destiny getting married and moving to David's family ranch in Texas. This is s page turner, you won't want to put it down.
This one has it all. Romance, intrigue, desperadoes, topped with a touch of Irish magic. Jessie heads west with her brother to find her true love. David, weary from fighting in the war, is headed for his new post on the western frontier. When they meet, sparks fly. Determined to deny their mutual attraction, they are continually thrown together. Danger follows them as they eventually concede to destiny getting married and moving to David's family ranch in Texas. This is s page turner, you won't want to put it down.
September 14, 2017
Darlin' Irish. Book Two!
Loved this second book, well written, no boring parts, wonderful storyline and loved the characters. Sexual content. Moving on to book three. JudyE
Loved this second book, well written, no boring parts, wonderful storyline and loved the characters. Sexual content. Moving on to book three. JudyE
February 26, 2018
Her visions were about a good man and a bad one
She couldn't make up her mind if her visions were a blessing or a curse. Would she see the good man or the bad one in her visions.
She couldn't make up her mind if her visions were a blessing or a curse. Would she see the good man or the bad one in her visions.
October 12, 2013
I loved the IDEA of this book. Psychically gifted Irish siblings survive the Great Chicago Fire, travel to Utah for silver mining, and in this volume, Jessie finds love with a Texas rancher who was also a captain in the UNION Army. As anyone can imagine, this sets up his father and local Texas neighbors in a very antagonistic position.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Captain David Taylor has plenty of personal conflict, internal and external, to resolve, but Jessie really doesn't. The only thing she has is her (old) visions, of a good guy who loves her, and a bad one bent on her destruction. She's very pretty, and has the (stereotypical) hot Irish temper, but mostly, her allies just like her... because she's pretty, I guess. We don't SEE her working or battling to attain her goals. And the coming-and-going use of exaggerated Irish brogue was, faith and begorra! grating.
Another of my pet peeves is a stupid/naive heroine. We first see Jessie get into trouble alone at a train station (from which Captain Taylor rescues her). Not learning from this experience, she wanders off at another and gets in major trouble AGAIN (from which Captain Taylor rescues her). Not learning from this, in Salt Lake City, Jessie gets involved with a man her kindly employer senses is Up To No Good. Yep, Major Trouble Again, from which...
Another thing we don't see is the active use of psychic powers. Jessie has recurring dreams/visions, dating back to her time in Chicago, but nothing NEW. When her brother Tye makes an appearance, if he has any kind of psychic powers, they are well hidden. As far as Jessie's powers, they don't seem to induce her to think or behave any differently; she doesn't treat them as a tool, to change or modify her behavior.
The descriptions of train travel, life in Salt Lake City, and on the ranch on Texas are interesting. There are many interesting, likable, and heroic secondary characters, but Jessie herself left me flat. She's jealous, somewhat petty, not particularly intuitive...
It's not, IMO, a horrible book, but it's not really a fantasy novel, more a historical romance with a light sprinkle of fantasy elements.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Captain David Taylor has plenty of personal conflict, internal and external, to resolve, but Jessie really doesn't. The only thing she has is her (old) visions, of a good guy who loves her, and a bad one bent on her destruction. She's very pretty, and has the (stereotypical) hot Irish temper, but mostly, her allies just like her... because she's pretty, I guess. We don't SEE her working or battling to attain her goals. And the coming-and-going use of exaggerated Irish brogue was, faith and begorra! grating.
Another of my pet peeves is a stupid/naive heroine. We first see Jessie get into trouble alone at a train station (from which Captain Taylor rescues her). Not learning from this experience, she wanders off at another and gets in major trouble AGAIN (from which Captain Taylor rescues her). Not learning from this, in Salt Lake City, Jessie gets involved with a man her kindly employer senses is Up To No Good. Yep, Major Trouble Again, from which...
Another thing we don't see is the active use of psychic powers. Jessie has recurring dreams/visions, dating back to her time in Chicago, but nothing NEW. When her brother Tye makes an appearance, if he has any kind of psychic powers, they are well hidden. As far as Jessie's powers, they don't seem to induce her to think or behave any differently; she doesn't treat them as a tool, to change or modify her behavior.
The descriptions of train travel, life in Salt Lake City, and on the ranch on Texas are interesting. There are many interesting, likable, and heroic secondary characters, but Jessie herself left me flat. She's jealous, somewhat petty, not particularly intuitive...
It's not, IMO, a horrible book, but it's not really a fantasy novel, more a historical romance with a light sprinkle of fantasy elements.
January 30, 2012
My natural tendency is to shy away from both historical and western genres. "Darlin’ Druid" combines both, along with a touch of something else, either supernatural or paranormal, depending on how you define these. I know why I have this tendency. It’s because I don’t think I’ll be able to relate to a story so far removed from my own life and experiences. Yet I consistently find when I venture into new genres that the human experience, regardless of differences in time, geography, or even worlds, is often enough the same to draw me in. That was what I found in "Darlin’ Druids."
In her bio, the author says she enjoys the historical research for her books. Although I’m not a history buff, through education and reading I’ve picked up a lot of the history of the time and areas where this novel takes place (primarily Chicago, Utah, and Texas) and the historical elements, including many subtle touches, all ring true. Another thing that will often throw me in a story that takes place in areas I’m familiar with is if they get a geographical detail wrong. Horner obviously did her research here, too.
All of this would be for naught if there weren’t a good story here, but there is. It blends a compelling romantic story line, and all that implies, with a coming-of-age story line for the heroine, Jessie, and to a lesser degree, for the hero, David. Jessie’s prophetic visions, which give "Darlin’ Druid" its supernatural twist, serve as a plot device, by foreshadowing and also driving Jessie’s decisions. Fans of historical romance and possibly even those who are into westerns, sans romance, should find much to like in "Darlin’ Druid."
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
In her bio, the author says she enjoys the historical research for her books. Although I’m not a history buff, through education and reading I’ve picked up a lot of the history of the time and areas where this novel takes place (primarily Chicago, Utah, and Texas) and the historical elements, including many subtle touches, all ring true. Another thing that will often throw me in a story that takes place in areas I’m familiar with is if they get a geographical detail wrong. Horner obviously did her research here, too.
All of this would be for naught if there weren’t a good story here, but there is. It blends a compelling romantic story line, and all that implies, with a coming-of-age story line for the heroine, Jessie, and to a lesser degree, for the hero, David. Jessie’s prophetic visions, which give "Darlin’ Druid" its supernatural twist, serve as a plot device, by foreshadowing and also driving Jessie’s decisions. Fans of historical romance and possibly even those who are into westerns, sans romance, should find much to like in "Darlin’ Druid."
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
August 17, 2011
From seeing his eyes reflecting in a pool of water to his arms as the woman he loves, Jessie is the "Darlin' Druid" to steal David Taylor's heart.
"Go West." This is the message that Jessie must heed when she and her brother, Tye, decide to pick up and leave their father's home in Chicago. This tale carries these two on a journey that takes them both on searches that could change their lives. One is looking for silver, the other looking for love. Using her gift of seeing into the future, Jessie finds the man in her dreams, but finds herself running from another who has threatened both of their lives. Follow their journey as it twists and turns with emotion as this couple learns to trust and put faith in their love to pull them through.
This is the first romance novel of Lyn Horner's that I have read and I have to say that I definitely will be looking for more. I really enjoyed her characters in this story. I've always enjoyed stories that have an Irish background and I found Jessie's brogue to be very well written. Just certain things that she would come out with in her temper really made me smile. She is such a feisty lady, you couldn't help but like her. Making David love her and want her by being such a strong-willed woman made this story very enjoyable.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romantic tale with a touch of paranormal influence and a western flair.
This book was kindly provided to me by it's wonderful author for my honest review.
"Go West." This is the message that Jessie must heed when she and her brother, Tye, decide to pick up and leave their father's home in Chicago. This tale carries these two on a journey that takes them both on searches that could change their lives. One is looking for silver, the other looking for love. Using her gift of seeing into the future, Jessie finds the man in her dreams, but finds herself running from another who has threatened both of their lives. Follow their journey as it twists and turns with emotion as this couple learns to trust and put faith in their love to pull them through.
This is the first romance novel of Lyn Horner's that I have read and I have to say that I definitely will be looking for more. I really enjoyed her characters in this story. I've always enjoyed stories that have an Irish background and I found Jessie's brogue to be very well written. Just certain things that she would come out with in her temper really made me smile. She is such a feisty lady, you couldn't help but like her. Making David love her and want her by being such a strong-willed woman made this story very enjoyable.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romantic tale with a touch of paranormal influence and a western flair.
This book was kindly provided to me by it's wonderful author for my honest review.
June 11, 2011
This was a good, fast paced historical romance with interesting characters. Jessie Devlin is a hot tempered red head with a heart of gold, but she does manage to get herself into a lot of trouble sometimes. Leaving Chicago with her brother to chase her dreams she meets up with Capt. David Taylor who seems to end up in the middle of these on a fairly regular basis. But he doesn't want to get married, especially not to a hot tempered red head, who he's sure would be unhappy on the ranch in Texas he grew up on.
As for Jessie, she can't believe this is the man she saw in her vision. And since he's an army officer even if he is, army business takes him away from her in Salt Lake City, Utah. She finds a job waiting tables while her brother Ty heads to the mines to seek his fortune. It's here she meets Blake Stanton who seems a nice man who just wants to take her for dinner sometimes while he's in town and talk to her. Unfortunately she has no way of knowing he's a violent and dangerous man and finds out the hard way. Capt. David Taylor fortunately manages to find her in time and together they escape from Blake Stanton. This time he marries her though and they head to Texas and the ranch.
But he hasn't told her he and his dad aren't really on speaking terms so there are still more adventures awaiting them before they reach their happily ever after.
As for Jessie, she can't believe this is the man she saw in her vision. And since he's an army officer even if he is, army business takes him away from her in Salt Lake City, Utah. She finds a job waiting tables while her brother Ty heads to the mines to seek his fortune. It's here she meets Blake Stanton who seems a nice man who just wants to take her for dinner sometimes while he's in town and talk to her. Unfortunately she has no way of knowing he's a violent and dangerous man and finds out the hard way. Capt. David Taylor fortunately manages to find her in time and together they escape from Blake Stanton. This time he marries her though and they head to Texas and the ranch.
But he hasn't told her he and his dad aren't really on speaking terms so there are still more adventures awaiting them before they reach their happily ever after.
February 11, 2013
This book had me in enthralled, I had to read just one more page, then one more... I loved the adventure of a young irish girl with druid powers heading west to find her love. This love was shown to her in a vision along with a voice that only directed her to go west. She has had a difficult time after her and her family survived the Chicago fire, witnessing all the horrors. Her vision saved them then and she was going to listen to it now. Her brother was heading to Utah to try his hand at silver mining and she was going with him. They travel by train where they had an auspicious meeting that changes everything. The Captain that steps in to save the young man from the Irish woman beating him after a light groping will never recover.
When I started this I expected to get to about 10% and delete it. The cover and the 'western' part of it just didn't seem like something for me. Thanks to a good friend I tried it, and had a great time reading it. It was fun. It was like watching Bonanza The old TV drama with the feisty women, the evil villainous men, the handsome heroes and the wild Indians. There was all that and some hot blooded sexual tension too. The historical factors held my interest too, The beginnings of Mormon- Utah, the Silver Rush, Chicago Fire, Potato famine, civil war....
Short take- Bonanza gets some moves.
When I started this I expected to get to about 10% and delete it. The cover and the 'western' part of it just didn't seem like something for me. Thanks to a good friend I tried it, and had a great time reading it. It was fun. It was like watching Bonanza The old TV drama with the feisty women, the evil villainous men, the handsome heroes and the wild Indians. There was all that and some hot blooded sexual tension too. The historical factors held my interest too, The beginnings of Mormon- Utah, the Silver Rush, Chicago Fire, Potato famine, civil war....
Short take- Bonanza gets some moves.
April 11, 2014
What a delightful novel! The story opens with the heroine Jessie Devlin roaming across a dark, fog-shrouded field with a bucket in her hands. Not what I expected from a historical romance. But in that scene, author Lyn Horner introduces us to Jessie’s special gift and sets the stage for her quest.
From the first time Jessie sees U. S. Army Captain David Taylor, she wonders: is he the man she has seen in her visions? His eyes are the familiar gray-green, but he’s not the gentle, loving man she expected. With every encounter, this Irish girl from Chicago questions whether this hooligan can actually be her hero. The other, more disturbing part of her vision -- the flaming eyes -- is not revealed until near the book's end, keeping you wondering if the bad guy is who you suspected he would be.
The author did a great job of moving her characters through the western landscape. They’re dusty, tired, and sweaty after their journeys, and when characters are injured, their recovery takes time – they don’t just bounce back like Superman. The characters’ actions seem real. Their histories show that there’s a reason why David is against love, and that Jessie’s temper is not just the result of having red hair.
Darlin’ Irish is Volume 1 in the Texas Devlins series but the story stands alone. Based on this first story, I feel certain that future volumes will be well worth reading.
From the first time Jessie sees U. S. Army Captain David Taylor, she wonders: is he the man she has seen in her visions? His eyes are the familiar gray-green, but he’s not the gentle, loving man she expected. With every encounter, this Irish girl from Chicago questions whether this hooligan can actually be her hero. The other, more disturbing part of her vision -- the flaming eyes -- is not revealed until near the book's end, keeping you wondering if the bad guy is who you suspected he would be.
The author did a great job of moving her characters through the western landscape. They’re dusty, tired, and sweaty after their journeys, and when characters are injured, their recovery takes time – they don’t just bounce back like Superman. The characters’ actions seem real. Their histories show that there’s a reason why David is against love, and that Jessie’s temper is not just the result of having red hair.
Darlin’ Irish is Volume 1 in the Texas Devlins series but the story stands alone. Based on this first story, I feel certain that future volumes will be well worth reading.
September 4, 2012
First of all I have to say that I never read westerns or historical novels. Why did I read this book then? Because I heard someone raving about it on Facebook and downloaded the sample. It was a no-brainer after that.
This story was so well written that as a reader you can't help but get involved in the story.
Jessie is a feisty girl who has a vision of the man she is to marry. But their first encounter has Jessie spitting feathers. It's not long before David comes to her rescue and risks his own life in the process.
This story has everything from sumptuous writing, stunning characters, great plotline with different elements including a supernatural twist.
Congrats on writing one of the best romances I've read this year, Lyn.
This story was so well written that as a reader you can't help but get involved in the story.
Jessie is a feisty girl who has a vision of the man she is to marry. But their first encounter has Jessie spitting feathers. It's not long before David comes to her rescue and risks his own life in the process.
This story has everything from sumptuous writing, stunning characters, great plotline with different elements including a supernatural twist.
Congrats on writing one of the best romances I've read this year, Lyn.
January 19, 2024
I have already read the novella (White Witch) prequel to this and was intrigued by Jessie and Ty and where the storyline would take them.
I was not disappointed with this fast-paced and punchy romance novel - more of the romance, less on the paranormal. Jessie is a strong-willed individual who is prepared to make her own life and more importantly to actually work for it. David is an army officer who has a family rift due to the Civil War. Jessie has had a vision that David is the one for her and goes looking for him, expecting moonlight and roses. What she gets is something different!
I will definitely be getting Dashing Druid.
* Verified Purchase - November 2012 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 27, 2012
I was not disappointed with this fast-paced and punchy romance novel - more of the romance, less on the paranormal. Jessie is a strong-willed individual who is prepared to make her own life and more importantly to actually work for it. David is an army officer who has a family rift due to the Civil War. Jessie has had a vision that David is the one for her and goes looking for him, expecting moonlight and roses. What she gets is something different!
I will definitely be getting Dashing Druid.
* Verified Purchase - November 2012 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 27, 2012
October 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this book..in fact i couldnt put it down, and have just purchased the two that follow..Tye and Rose's stories from amazon.lol
Its set in the midwest during 1880s..but travellings form Chicago, to Wyoming to Texas. I loved the dry humour that ran through out the book,and the fiesty Jessie, battling wills with her green eyed future David Taylor
Its has abit of supernatural in it as Jessie has visions...i knew form early on who the man with fiery red eyes was going to be, but didnt take away from the story which was fairley fast paced and had you truning each page to see what happened next.
Off to read Tye's story now..tempted to get the novella that tells Jessies story of the Chicago fire as well lol
Its set in the midwest during 1880s..but travellings form Chicago, to Wyoming to Texas. I loved the dry humour that ran through out the book,and the fiesty Jessie, battling wills with her green eyed future David Taylor
Its has abit of supernatural in it as Jessie has visions...i knew form early on who the man with fiery red eyes was going to be, but didnt take away from the story which was fairley fast paced and had you truning each page to see what happened next.
Off to read Tye's story now..tempted to get the novella that tells Jessies story of the Chicago fire as well lol
July 20, 2014
5***** A wonderful trip to the old west. This book starts with Jessie and her brother heading west to the silver mining town in Salt lake. On the journey they meet David a captain in the army on his way to Utah. Jessie is descended from Druids and has the gift of the sight. She also has a very quick temper which sets fire to David's equally hot temper. The story is sort of in two parts one in Salt lake the other in Texas. There are family conflicts, raging jealousy ,cattle rustlers and vengeance. A very stormy love story with an unexpected and exciting climax. I loved it I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Which I'm going to do now.
June 12, 2016
I am firmly enamored by Jessie Devlin and was happy to get a chance to backtrack reading her story out of order after first reading that of her brother Tye.
It never bothered me though as having first met her sibling than enjoyed how Jessie found her own HEA this series so far has been one that combined a few of my personal favorite tropes, magic, historical time frame and western setting.
If get the chance to read sister Rose's story it will just be the icing on a very well developed cake.
It never bothered me though as having first met her sibling than enjoyed how Jessie found her own HEA this series so far has been one that combined a few of my personal favorite tropes, magic, historical time frame and western setting.
If get the chance to read sister Rose's story it will just be the icing on a very well developed cake.
June 27, 2012
Declaring an interest here as I edited this book for the author.
I absolutely loved this book by Lyn Horner. The tale of Jessie and David was terrific. Leaving her home and travelling out west becasue she had a vision of her future love. Highly recommended.
I absolutely loved this book by Lyn Horner. The tale of Jessie and David was terrific. Leaving her home and travelling out west becasue she had a vision of her future love. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2014
This tale is a fun read. You can hear the voices of the characters clearly as you move through the tale. The visions of the heroine are both intense and understandable. This tale is a good fast read with a lot of rich vistas and strong characters
April 4, 2013
Strange story... It was pretty good. I give 3 stars.
January 8, 2014
So so read. Some good points, some bad.
Easy read, but the heroine comes off as almost tstl.
Easy read, but the heroine comes off as almost tstl.
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