Celtic Shores

Celtic Steel #2

by Delaney Rhodes

Celtic Shores is a magical masterpiece! Best Book of May, 2012, GoodReads - #25 Celtic Steel Series, Book 2 Patrick MacCahan just became the new Laird of the O'Malley clan. His new position is met with many obstacles; including a tempestuous new wife, a two-decade long war with a neighboring village, a missing foster child and a pagan witch who overpowers the clan at every turn. Parkin MacCahan's life just got a lot more exciting. His older brother Patrick has married the eldest daughter of the O'Malley clan. His father is building a shipping empire off the coast of Northern Ireland. Parkin must oversee the operations and coordinate efforts between the O'Malleys and the MacCahans. In order to dock at O'Malley port, Parkin and his men must sail past the legendary Island of Women. Will Parkin be able to withstand the temptation to trespass the legendary shore? Or will he be invited? Kyra O'Connell has resided in O'Malley territory all of her life. As the niece of the late Laird Dallin O'Malley, and daughter of the clan's chieftan, she has been part of the inner circle for as long as she can remember. When a spy is found among the villagers, Kyra is asked to take up residence on the Island of Women and to infiltrate their ranks as a spy herself. Celtic Steel Series - Other Books in the Series - coming soon! Celtic Stars, Book 3 - August, 2012 Celtic Skies, Book 4 - October, 2012 Celtic Sun, Book 5 - December, 2012 Best Books of May, 2012, GoodReads - #25 BooksforMen - 5 STARS "This book has just the right mixture of action, drama, and romance to entwine any reader into the lives of the characters of the book." 5 STARS "This is definitely not your mamma's romance novel. Most importantly, this is one of the best science fiction / paranormal medieval novels I have read in some time." WHAT IS CELTIC SHORES? “An intriguing fantasy novel.” “A science fiction story with a paranormal romance thrown in.” “An engaging mystical twist on a highlander romance.” AUTHOR COMPARISONS : "Great read couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book in the series. You rank up there with Diana Gabaldon of the Outlander series." ~ B. Breen ”The last time I had just a detailed landscaped story in my mind was after reading The Hobbit by Tolkien." – Christina ********************************* DIALECT DISCLAIMER The characters represented in this work of fiction come from a time and place unlike our own. In an attempt to create as realistic as possible an atmosphere for the reader; there will be some direct emphasis on accent, dialect and pronunciation in the dialogue. What you will find are not, in fact, misspellings or instances of bad grammar on the part of the author. Rather, you will discover phonetically enriched wordings—to symbolize the language and methods of communication in the period and geographical areas represented.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Paranormal

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2012

About the author

Delaney Rhodes is the pen name of a practicing Texas Trial Lawyer and Amazon.com Top Selling fiction author. A fan of all things fantasy and romance, Ms. Rhodes' novels are inspired by her Irish heritage and vivid imagination.

Her first novel, Celtic Storms, was voted #3 Best Books of February, 2012 by Good Reads. Her second novel, Celtic Shores, was voted #25 Best Books of May, 2012 by Good Reads, and was also placed as a recommended read by Books for Men in the science fiction category. Her third book, Celtic Skies was voted #27 Best Books of August, 2012. Celtic Sun, the last in her Celtic Steel series is expected September 2025 and the second installment in the Vampire Dental Series is expected November, 2025.

Her books have received well over 1600 reviews averaging 4.1 stars.
Each of her novels have enjoyed lengthy stays in the Amazon TOP TEN Best Sellers categories in the romance, fantasy and/or paranormal genres. Her long anticipated Skyelander Series, a spin-off of Celtic Steel, is expected in 2026, along with her new series, Celtic Dawn.

Delaney Rhodes is a native Texan by birth, and is of Irish and English descent. She holds an undergraduate degree with double majors in law and writing and a Juris Doctorate law degree which she completed with Cum Laude Honors. She has two grown daughters, one which is a stay-at-home mother to two beautiful children and the other who will complete law school in May of 2026. She has been incredibly happily married for nearly 25 years.

http://www.DelaneyRhodes.com
http://www.facebook.com/authordelaney...
http://www.goodreads.com/delaney_rhodes

Besides her writing and family - Ms. Rhodes is active in many charitable organizations that benefit animals and children, both through volunteering and fundraising.

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, exciting historical romance and adventure. This book continues the story set in book 1, so definitely read that first. Strong female characters and lots of magic both in and out of the bedroom.

I loved Patrick and Darina in the first book and their romance continued into this book. I just love how Patrick talks to Darina through there mental link,,,it's always something cute, unexpected, or very sexy from him.

I cant wait for the next book. This is definitely a series that I will continue to read and I just love how Delaney has taken us right into the lives of the O’Malley clan..

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this series, looking forward to reading the next book, the mixture of different folklore, and beings such as silkies,faries, demons and witches keeps the story line more than intresting. The main characters Patrick and Darina have a lovely romance going on amongst all the turmoil. The secondary charachters at the same time are being well developed and relationships and possible secondary romances are being fostered between Patricks bothers and other women of the O' Malley clan. Sorry for gent vague , but to right anymore woul be to add spoilers which I try to avoid.
If your looking for a fluff read this is not it, due to the multiple characters, plot line and sub plots .

[Eve Peets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and of course I read out of order and now I need to read the first one. But......this is an awesome book. Loved Patrick and the rest of the clan. I can't wait to read book 3 which I just bought. Yea I know I have to go back but later. Read the series.

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed!

This review will be short due to the fact that this is part two of the whole story - in other words 1/4 of the book repeats the first part of the book and this second part doesn't come to an ending. The story doesn't climax or give any closure as in a regular novel which really kind of aggravates me because in order to get the whole story I have to read 5 to 6 parts at 3 to 4 dollars a book in order to get to the Happy Ever After or some type of Closure.

So it may be a while before I can finish this series. Don't get me wrong, I like the story line but just disappointed that the story didn't come to completion.

In truth, I wish the author would have made one book because each part is 200 to 250 pages and it would made the book more appealing to buy having a complete story in one book verses paying 3 to 4 dollars per chapter per say.

There is nothing wrong with the author's writing, the words do flow smooth and the story line is addicting. The characters are awesome but as far as the drama that unfolds, nothing is complete and the only thing I have is questions and wanting answers for.

The romance is sweet and the erotic scenes are teasing - they are not to descriptive so I would recommend anyone 14 yrs old and above to read.

I have only one request for this author - Please put these parts all together.

[Mslvoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Don't read if you don't like cliffhangers **

I like cliffhanger since I read books from Jamie Carie. They makes me want to read the next book much more...

There are so many characters in this story that I was all over the place trying to understand. I almost give up 'sigh' But I finished every book I started, no matter how much I ‘disliked’ it. I enjoyed the story but I feel the story jumped here and there. One minute you’re with Patrick and Darina, 2nd minute you’re with other characters. ‘dizzy’

I was in the battle to finish this book until I realized it's a cliffhanger story... again! Now, I’m left wanting more.

They left me wondering what happen to my favourite character Braeden.....

[Jolly Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited after reading book one to get book two. This author did not disappoint. Can't wait for book three already!

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

Free on Amazon 05/16/2012.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I love it. Cant wait for the others to be released

[Mindi Poelwijk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Kindle freebie.

[Stephaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney Rhodes is awesome!!! I cannot read enough!!!! Absolute genius!

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it would never end. The book could have been combined with the first one, and cut out half of the scenes that droned on endlessly.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that this book continued with Darina and Patrick and that it didnt go fully on the next couple. I also loved this book from Start to Finish. Dont want to give away anything, but Parking and Kyra are perfect for each other. Cant wait to read book 3!!

[Alanna Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celtic Shores picks up where Celtic Storms left off, but rewinds a little to give a more detailed account of what happened on Darina and Patrick’s wedding day. It gives insight into how both protagonists dealt with the day and provides more of a backstory for the reader to be getting on with in this installment. We then get to see Darina dealing with Patrick’s absence directly after their wedding day, and follow her search for her missing husband. Alongside this is the story of Braedon, a charge in the care of Patrick who turns out to be Darina’s younger brother – hidden with the McCahen clan to protect his identity. Braedon is kidnapped for ransom, purely coincidental as very few people know who he actually is, and we get to see his attempts to escape and return to the McMalley clan. On top of this, a third plot-line is thrown in to the mix in the form of Odetta Burke, the witch from the neighbouring clan that has been cursing the McMalleys for over 20 years because of a mishandled engagement to Darina’s father. Odetta’s story shows her dealing with her prisoner, Braedon, and trying to take power from the McMalley clan.

Darina and Patrick were characters that I had grown to love when reading Celtic Storms, so it was great to be able to explore their characters further. Darina was shown to be growing in confidence as she searched for her missing husband and brother, but still retained the charming vulnerability and easily-roused temper that made her so endearing in the first installment of the series. Patrick continued his display as a loving male hero, but he didn’t seem to get much airtime in this book. That, along with the lack of time spent focusing on Darina and Patrick as a couple, proved to be slightly disappointing. I’d grown to favourite Patrick out of the two characters, and I would have enjoyed seeing more of him and his development as a protagonist. I also felt that the romance was slightly lacking in this novel – given that Darina and Patrick got married at the end of the first book, I expected to see more of them together and was looking forward to them finding their way as a partnership; I will now have to live in hope that Celtic Skies (book 3) will deliver in this respect.

Braedon was an interesting character, and was given more wit, strength and courage than his 11 years demanded from him. He proved to be the central character for the book, pulling all the other characters towards him in their quest (either for rescue, or kidnap). He was seemingly given a fair distribution of each of the McCahen brothers characteristics, showing their influence on his upbringing in a clever way, but was still independent enough to be interesting read. I will be curious to see how the character develops as he learns who he really is (if he does) and grows into a male lead in his own right.

The most interesting character for me throughout the whole of Celtic Shores was Odetta Burke; in the previous novel we had only seen her portrayed as a distant entity that had a heavy effect on the characters that were focused on. In Celtic Shores we get to explore more of her, and she becomes someone in her own right, which in itself takes away some of the fear and power surrounding her character. It was fascinating to get some insight into why she has done the things she’s done, and see the reasoning behind the way she is. I hope that we get to see more of this character as the series unfolds, as she makes for a great villain.

What impressed me with Celtic Shores is how Delaney Rhodes has managed to keep the story interesting; she cleverly used the ending of the first book to provide the first third of the second book, by giving more detail to what actually happened. She also manages to develop the characters well enough that they don’t become boring; she keeps things fresh with the characters by showing different sides to them but still manages to give steady depth to the plot and the world that her protagonists inhabit. I can easily see material for the remaining books in the series without struggle, and that is quite a talent. I was gutted to find that after reading Celtic Storms and Celtic Shores in just one afternoon, I would have to wait until next month for the next installment, and a further sixth months before I could say that I’d finished the series; I wait with baited breath.

[Teresa Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I did enjoy the story, although I will say that it should be noted that this is book two and if you like to read things in order you should start with one before you read this one because book one is Parkin’s brother’s story, which you still see a lot of in this book, it’s just happening through a different point of view.

Parkin’s older brother has just taken his pace as the new Laird of the clan and because of that, Parkin’s life has just gotten a lot more interesting which is how he prefers it. His father is building a shipping business and needs Parkin to oversee some of the dealings between the clans.

During his journey, he and his men will have to sail past the Island of Women where the lovely Kyra from another clan has been set up as a spy to report on the activity that is going on. And it is this intriguing spy that will hand Parkin the excitement and adventure of his life as they both navigate through an uncertain world of clan wars, spies, magic and troubles.

I thought that this was an enjoyable book with a smooth writing style and characters that are enjoyable. I most likely will return to the series for book three to see what happens next in the series.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review which has been stated above.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. I didn't read book one (I didn't notice right away that it was the second in a series, or I wouldn't have read it). I'm not usually one for series or romance novels, but it was free. Not having read book one didn't seem to make any difference overall. I enjoyed the language (use of brogue), and the general idea of the book. It seems to just abruptly end (obviously so there can be more books in the series), and that was a bit disappointing to me as I don't want to go buy more books just to get to an ending (the reason I hate series books).

[MaryAnn Ort · Rating 1 out of 5]

Huge disappointment

I just finished book 2 in the Celtic Steel series. I found book 1 interesting but stopped abruptly so that you had to buy book 2. The second had full chapters that were cut and pasted. I do not find this acceptable. I finished reading first book in two days so it was ridiculous to 're-read the same thing over when it was so fresh in my memory. Writer do better. You made a good start but fell short. Publishers, don't print books that are just rewrites of previous book.

[Spyder Spyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh book two, and it continues! Again the "Mind games" were rampant and fun. I have read how people complained about the language and saying words were misspelled. If you are a true romance reader and lover then you should know that is how they spoke waaayyy back then. Definitely not like they do now. But, this was also a page turner, enjoyable and a nail bitter. Pushed to finish this book in 2 days, just like book 1.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm alittle annoyed after reading the 1st book I assumed this would be a continuation from where the 1st one left off. It goes back to the begining of the 1st book and tells it from different characters and lets you know of the other conflict that was going on. I guess I can't be too annoyed because I like when other characters are explained. I'm just impatient sometimes I guess lol

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celtic Shores is a great second installment in this amazing series. I was blown away by how great the character develop was and how everything came alive for me. The author does a great job of describing the settings in a way that makes you feel like you are right there in O’Malley Castle. I fell in love with the story of Darina and Patrick and I cannot wait to read more books in this series.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars. This is book 2 in the series. I thought book 2 would end where book 1 left off, but instead it goes back and practically retells the story of book 1. I did enjoy the storyline and characters, but wish it were just one book without all the repitition. This book was darker than book 1.

[Stephanie (Between the Coverz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't get halfway through and was already thinking I can hardly wait for the next in the series. I thought it was a very well written and a beautifully touching love story. It captures you from the beginning to the end without losing your interest. I have not been disappointed with any of the books I have read by this author. I can't wait to read my next one from Delaney Rhodes!

[Sandra Sales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito bom! Gostei bastante desta história! Este livro finaliza a história do primeiro. Algumas coisas ficam no ar, mas já sei que me vou arrepender de querer saber o que se vai passar. (Tenho o 3º livro, que também esteve de graça na Amazon, mas não tenho o 4º e já li por aqui que o 5º ainda não saiu (devia ter sido publicado em 2012...) Pelos vistos a autora nunca mais disse nada...)

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story can't wait for part 3 in the Celtic Storms books! Love the characters and really good reading material! wish it was longer!! Really Interested to see more of Kyra and Parkin!!! And of course Patrick and Darina! Also will Peyton find love???

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest it felt out of place like this book and the first one should have been together. Telling about Patrick and Derina story. Then go into the next story. I will read the third book but I know since the other books are not out for some reason that it will leave me hanging. Is it worth it?

[Kbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but left with a clift hanger that I really don't care for.

[Lindsay]

Amazon Freebie 12/20/2012

[Julz]

Another one that's free today on Kindle.

[Tere]

It was free for the Kindle.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was entertaining.

[April Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alot of repetition from book 1. Another not so great ending.