Defenders against evil. Bound by the gods. The Dark Warriors are taking their battle from ancient Scotland to the modern world—where a woman’s love can set them free…
A HEART IN HIDING For ten long years, Tara has been a woman on the run, hiding from the magic-wielding Warriors and Druids of modern-day Scotland. Now, as a tour guide at a remote Highland castle, she hopes to finally escape her past—until one impossibly gorgeous man enters her life…and exposes her wildest secrets. A WARRIOR IN LOVE For centuries, Ramsey MacDonald has concealed his strength and skill as part Warrior, part Druid, for fear of unleashing the full force of his power. But when he takes Tara into his arms—and seals their fate with a kiss—Ramsey will have to fight for her love…though it may mean losing control of the magic inside him.
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
Another great installment in the Dark Warrior series by Donna Grant. Awesome reading. I couldn’t put it down.
First of, what I love about her series is that in every book we not only get a background story on the main characters, but every one of the characters in the past books come back and play a pivotal part of the story. They’re like a family that you want to know what’s going on with them and not be forgotten.
I’m not going to give a synopsis, but the story continues after the last one, Midnight’s Seduction. The war continues on and our favorites go back to battle again.
The main characters are Ramsey and Tara. We get a glimpse at Ramsey’s revelations in the last book, but we get more detail now in this book. After reading this, I could understand why Ramsey kept this to himself and was cautious. The amount of power he has, is amazing and dangerous.
We finally meet Tara here too. Tara comes from a past also full of secrets. Declan wants her badly, even though he knows little about her. She’s not only a Druid, but her family is full of Droughs, who also want her to turn Drough. Tara has some major power and we see that in this book. But what’s amazing is the power and bond of Tara and Ramsey together.
Tara’s running from everyone and doesn’t know who to trust. And she’s been running so long that she’s tired. When Tara meets Ramsey, she has no idea who he is, and she doesn’t trust him even though he’s tried to help her. Ramsey has to build that trust so that she can understand that the Warriors can actually help her.
So much happens in this book. The battles are amazing and the love story is amazing. It’s fast paced, action packed, has sizzling love scenes, and emotionally packed.
Such a great series. I cannot wait for the next one.
3.5* I did liked this better than Midnight's Seduction. This was Ramsey and Tara's story. Tara has been on the run for 10 years (since she turned 18). She was abused by her mother because she wouldn't do the ritual that would turn her drough (evil Druid, the mie's are the good). After she left home, she was taken in and groomed by Declan. She escaped after she overheard something she shouldn't have. Now she is hunted by Declan. Ramsey is a Warrior, but is also a Druid. His Druid heritage he has hidden, in part because of Deirdre and he feels it doesn't mix well with being a Warrior (control is an issue). Everyone learns Ramsey's background in this one. Ramsey catches up to Tara while she is working as a castle guide. Things happen and she is welcomed to MacLeod Castle. Other things happen. A few characters die (minor ones). A major event happens with Declan. Who knows if Jason Wallace (a cousin?) will play a roll in future books. Or not.
Now that Deidre is dead, the group is trying to focus on Declan. That takes Ramsey to find Tara. Saffron's vision lets them know that Declan is after her. So Ramsey is under cover trying to get close to her.
There's this fascinating reaction to Ramsey when he touches Tara. Swirls of magic show on his skin and last for several minutes. He's not sure what to think about that. But her reaction to an unknown guest has him sure of her fear of Declan. I really enjoyed the interaction between these two. Ramsey tries to gain her trust. She tries to resist him for his own protection, which is funny because he's a warrior. But it was so entertaining watching them together.
Ramsey had hidden the fact that he was a druid as well as a warrior from his friends for years but that came out in the last book. Now he's using his magic more. And he's a very powerful druid. But he seems to think he needs to take Declan out on his own. Of course they won't let him and it's a good thing. I was very glad with the conclusion of this book. It makes me wonder what's going to happen next.
As always, this author does a good job with the characters I already love and an interesting story that surprised me. It's a great series that I will definitely continue to read.
WELL, HELL. I B DAMN. . . I was not expecting this, but I will most certainly not push it away. This one had more and more and then more.
I knew there was something about Ramsey that I loved from all the Highland Warrior and to get to witness it was just, oh my. He found his match in Tara. She has been running for years and now it time for things to come to a stop. She can't run forever. But that has nothing to do with the mysterious handyman that comes to work at the castle. Come on in and enjoy the journey of love, loss, pain, sorrow and connection for Ramsey and Tara.
For the last ten years Tara has lived a life on the run. She once lived with Declan until she overheard him talking about how he was using her and planning to force her to become drough. She snuck out on him and hasn’t quit running since and Declan hasn’t stopped searching for her either as he’s determined that he will reclaim what is his.
Ramsey has a new assignment, to protect Tara from Declan. He has started working as a handy man at a Scottish castle where Tara works so he can keep an eye on her. Tara is unaware of Ramsey’s mission as he tries to get close to her so that she’ll trust him enough to go back to MacLeod castle with him.
But when Ramsey fails to kill Declan, Tara doesn’t hesitate to go home with an injured Ramsey. They quickly grow close to one another and give in to the attraction they share. But Declan has not given up on recovering Tara and will use any means necessary to retrieve her. It’s obvious to all the residents at MacLeod castle that the only way to stop Declan is to kill him.
I really wasn’t sure about a book about Ramsey as he was never a Warrior that held my interest. But I have to admit that I did really enjoy him in this installment. I loved seeing his protectiveness over Tara and the sacrifice that he’s willing to make for her.
Tara was a middle of the road character to me. She wasn’t an awesome kick-ass heroine, but she wasn’t a complete wimp either; just somewhere in the middle.
I thought this was a nice book even though I figured out the connection with Tara and Ramsey and the strange magical reaction they had to one another pretty early in the novel. Sometimes I do enjoy being proven right after all!
I was also surprised that there was no mention of Saffron’s pregnancy, especially during Tara and Ramsey’s ‘protection’ talk.
The big showdown at the end of the book contained a few tragic surprises that I wasn’t expecting, but that is sure to have an effect in the future books of the series. I’m just waiting to see how everything will play out.
I’m also anxious for a book on Malcolm. I know the next book isn’t about him, but I’m really hoping one of the other scheduled books will be!
Tara Kincaid has been running from Declan Wallace and her own family for ten years. Ramsey MacDonald joins her at the Dunnoth Tower to gain her trust, rescue her from Declan, and eliminate Declan.
I've always liked Ramsey, although not nearly as much as Galen or Broc, so I was a bit hopeful that I might potentially like this book more than the previous one. The problem with Ramsey is that he is a bit too good at everything. He is not only a Warrior and a Druid, but he is also an extremely powerful Druid, more powerful than any drough. He is also very level headed, protective, smart, nice, good looking. Come on! Tara, on the other hand, should feel a bit haphazard compared to him, but, no, she just feels ordinary, despite her lack of magic control.
The story itself starts off all right. It introduces Tara (likeable enough) and goes a little bit more into Ramsey. However, after this introduction, nothing happens. The story stalls until the first confrontation with Declan, which is over fairly quickly. After Ramsey survives it, nothing happens again for many many pages, besides continuous sex. Also odd is that Ramsey originally refuses to "touch" her, but now suddenly this is all he does. Approaching the final confrontation, I find Tara a bit disappointing. I am not sure what the point of the losses at the end, besides making me even more disappointed with Tara.
A few random thoughts: Except for Ramsey and Declan, why are all the Druids that have significant roles female? Why is it that when a female arrives at the castle, she is immediately surrounded by the women? It's the 21st century, why do the women still do all the cooking at the castle? I am still not sure how Deirdre defeated all the Torrachilty Forest. I thought they were supposed to be powerful and smart. Maybe not?
After August 2024 re-read on audio book: I found Tara very annoying, probably more than before. On my previous read, according to my note above, I seemed to like her well enough at the beginning. She was so useless at the end. I hope she continued to feel guilty about the death that she caused (but if I remember correctly, her feeling guilty was never mentioned in the next books). Reading my reviews for the next books, it seems like the women aren't getting any better, except the one with Phelan.
I was really enjoying this story. Ramsey was a great character and so far my favorite of the warriors, Tara was well written. It was going so well, then the ending started to happen. Normally you don’t like the ending of a book because you don’t want it to end. That’s not what happened here. Here you have the heroine of the book kill a character that has been living with the warriors for over 400 years, alright I can deal with that. What I find so unbelievable is that nobody held even a little resentment, nor did Tara show any real remorse. Yes, I know she wasn’t fully in control, but still. If someone I had known only a few weeks killed someone I had known for over 4 centuries, I don’t know if I could let bygones be bygones with that one. I have the same issue with Malcom, I have zero desire to read his story after what was done to Duncan. So that’s where this story lost me.
The magic and world-building are as compelling as ever, but what really captured me was the emotional depth of Ramsey and Tara's story.
Their journey from strangers to fated lovers felt authentic and powerful. While I wished some of the key plot points had been explored a bit more, I loved the way their past and present intertwined, creating a truly unique and heartfelt paranormal romance.
Teniendo en cuenta los sucesos acontecidos en los libros anteriores como muerte Dreide, aún queda por derrotar a Declan.
En este libro Donna Grant nos cuenta la historia de Ramsey un guerrero quien sorpresivamente resulta ser un Druida poderoso.
El dios de Ramsey es Ethexia (dios de los ladrones), su poder es poder manipular grandes porciones de tierra (masas), su lado druida se remonta a un grupo de druidas masculinos que habitaban los bosques de Torrachilty [Conocidos como los guerreros druidas por sus entrenamientos brutales]. Sin embargo también nos enteramos que le es muy difícil controlar su magia y a su dios, la mezcla de su poder y su magia es terrible. Puede invocar a su dios sin usar su magia pero no a la inversa.
La tarea de Ramsey será proteger a Tara, una druida quien ha estado huyendo de Declan, quien la quiere convertir en drough y hacerse con su poder – ella también proviene de una familia de drough que buscan se una a ellos.
Conocemos como se da el romance: atracción y negación. Lo que ya viene siendo habitual Me agrado como se va dando la relación no la note muy forzada o apresurada como en otras ocasiones. Al estar más centrado en la magia de él le dio un respiro y se sintió diferente.
Tras una batalla con Declan todos se dirigirán al castillo MacLeod donde Tara conoce a lo demás guerreros y druidas. En un momento cuando Ramsey se dirige al Bosque de T. investigando lo ocurrido con su pueblo; Declan logra apoderarse la mente de Tara y complicando las cosas y confundiendo sus recuerdos*Nos despedimos de Fiona y Braden, la cuota de muertos por parte de los MacLeod. Ramsey por supuesto buscara la manera de recuperar a Tara. Incluso sacrificando su magia
Me gustaron lo protagonistas, especialmente Ramsey logro conectarme y que me sintiera intrigada. – Una de las entregas que más me ha gustado en esta continuación de la serie. Tuvo su justa dosis de drama y misterio.
Toda la cuestión de los poderes de los guerreros ya no me convence demasiado, demasiado ideales – Siempre les va bien.
Quisiera saber que pasara ahora que supuestamente han derrotado a Declan, cuál será el destino de los guerreros y druidas. Seguiré leyendo la saga porque también quiero saber más acerca de los dragones.
At the end of the previous Dark Warrior's book, Saffron has a vision of a woman in danger. Saffron knows that her name is Tara and that Ramsey will be present in her time of need. Following that vision, the druids of MacLeod castle locate the woman on the run and send Ramsey to protect her. For the past ten years, Tara has moved around running from an evil man. Wealthy and attractive, Declan had deceived Tara pretending to be interested in her. He was interested in her magic instead, and in turning her into an evil druid. Now, hiding as a tour guide at a remote Highland castle, she finds herself captivated by the gorgeous handyman hired to keep the castle and grounds in order. For centuries, Ramsey MacDonald has concealed his strength and skill as part Warrior, part Druid, for fear of unleashing the full force of his power. He knows that it could be catastrophic, but once he takes Tara into his arms, he knows there is nothing he won't do to keep her safe from Declan's plans. Deirdre has been conquered, now the warriors and druids are focused on destroying the man that brought them forward in time and who wanted Deirdre as his partner in crime. He is evil through and through, and he wants Tara to take the place that Deirdre would have had by his side. Tara wants nothing to do with Declan, his plans, or the evil he possesses. But Declan is a powerful druid and will stop at nothing to have her. When danger once again threatens the MacLeod clan, it will be Ramsey who will take matters into his hands. The same hands that threaded magic with Tara and her gift. He might die in the process, but he won't go without a fight. The most explosive battle yet. The twists are unexpected, the fights are intense and the end is blinding!
“Magic has to be certain, and if it’s not, only catastrophe awaits.” - Ramsey, Midnight’s Warrior, Chapter 27
I had nervously anticipated for Ramsey’s story to finally be told because I had long wondered about the reserved bronze Warrior of great mystique and I didn’t want to be disappointed.
Thankfully, this book did not let me down.
Both Ramsey MacDonald and Tara Kincaid were strong lead characters with a compatibility that lent itself to a romantic passion that I felt sizzling off the pages (talk about steaming up the MacLeod castle stables!). With feeling set apart from society in general for their own reasons, Ramsey and Tara are as lone wolves:
“None of them knew just how powerful he was, and for the moment, that’s exactly how Ramsey wanted it.” - Chapter 2
“Her feet flew down the steps as she hurried to her room. She wasn’t used to feeling so idiotic. She wasn’t used to having so many people around worried about her.” - Chapter 25
As mentioned, I definitely felt romance between hero and heroine and held my breath a few times when their love was ultimately challenged while their finding a happily ever after seemed perilously doomed. Character development and story pacing were well executed and, as usual, the action packed sequence of events had me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Although I would’ve appreciated more importance given to the eventual discovery of who Tara really is and the ending felt a wee bit rushed, I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book.
Ramsey’s story may have finally been told but I very much look forward to seeing which Warrior finds themselves in the spotlight on the Dark World stage.
Tara has been running from Declan for 10 years. She is working at a castle and Ramsey has came to observe her undercover. Aaron and Charon are there to keep watch too. Ramsey tries to get to know her but she does not trust easily. When she finds out they are Warriors she gets upset. Declan has found her and is on his way. Ramsey finds out more about his family. He also lets all of the people at MacLeod castle know about his Druid powers. There is some intense scenes in this book. There are also moments of sadness. This series has many ups and downs. Enough to keep a reader entertained for many hours.
I can't believe that Braden and Fiona got killed. They could have tried 2 save him asap!! Ramsey is really special. Its very sad that he lost everyone in his clan cause of that damn bitch Deirdre but she needs worse than just death!! After all these yes of Tara hiding she found her soulmate even though that asshole tried 2 control her and she feels very guilty about Fiona she managed 2 save him as he saved her in x b4 it was 2 late. And hopefully he will teach her about her magic since the scroll said that she is like him but she doesn't know it yet..
I have been working my way through this series with COVID-19 quarantine and I have to say this of the series is my favorite as the author didn’t go over the top on the whining about the couple not being able to have a relationship even though they have never been so attracted to one another. I don’t mind a little questioning the relationship but the Midnight’s Seduction was a little over the top and almost made me not want to continue if she didn’t do something a little more dynamic on the relationship and I can say thankfully she did and developed the storyline a lot more which was great.
Donna Grant writes a tale full of magic that blends myth with history, and of course when you add adventure, evil beings, and heros as old as time.
Here we find Ramsey discover what happened to his clan as he fights to fulfill his destiny. Tara has ran for 10 long years, trying to escape her family and a man who is so evil that he threatened to find anywhere she went.
As these two cross paths, will evil win, or will their combined power get them to the other side.
Story: 3.5/5 World Building: 3.5/5 Enjoyment: 4/5 Relationship Style: protective MMC/instant attraction (mate) Sexual Level: 4/5 Romance: 3/5 Series: Book 4 POV: multiple Audio Narration: Female 4/5*
*it’s been the same female narrator, but I’ve gotten used to her and actually think she does a good job switching between characters. It’s always hard to judge a new narrator after listened to the same one for a few books in a row, but I admit she’s good.
Ramsey has always been the quite warrior. He studied everything and spoke only when what he had to say was important. Tara had escaped Declan and been on the run from him for 10 years. The more Ramsey and Tara are together the stronger the pull is between them. He fights it, because he feels he will harm her. Ramsey’s secret is out and he must learn to cope with what he is. They finally defeat Declan, but not with out loses of their own.
Ramsey is a Druid Warrior, afraid his god will take him over if he uses his magic. Tara is a druid on the run, but Ramsey finds her and is determined to protect her and kill Declan once and for all. A lot I can do things on my own on both sides, which of course leads to problems and failures. A lot of repetition and references to Ramsey's past and the type of Druid he is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
For the most part, this was a great story. I loved getting to know Ramsey better and to understand his backstory. Tara is a good compliment to Ramsey, though I feel like her backstory remains fuzzy. Overall I really enjoyed how this story came together. My one complaint is that it wrapped up way too quickly and, frankly, neatly.
Binging all of the Dark Universe stories was the best decision I have made this year. Today I finished Midnight's Warrior. I will miss the thrills I had while I listened. I will miss the exciting battles that the author creates. They are always so good. The warriors standing up to evil had me feeling enjoying every minute. Can't wait to see what happens next.
este es uno de los que más me gusto hasta ahora!!! pero realmente quiero ver que pasará con Malcom. es muy buena la serie, le quitaría un poco de escenas descriptivas hot, pero de allí me encantan los libros.
I really like the characters in these books. Sometimes I feel the ending is a bit rushed to wrap up. Maybe because I read Tolkien and his battles lasted forever.