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Heartstorm
Sweeping from the wild Scottish Highlands to tapestried castle halls, from court revelries to battlefields, from the unstoppable desire for power to the unquenchable hungers of the heart--they struggled passionately toward a triumphant destiny.
*Robert Randall--The cruel and powerful Earl of Glenkennon, sworn to bring English rule to the untamed Scottish countryside...
*Sir Francis MacLean--The rough-hewn chieftain of a Highland clan, pledged to protect his people...
*Anne Randall--A ravishing young woman trapped between the ties of blood and the ties of love, her heart sworn to the man her father has vowed to kill.
*Robert Randall--The cruel and powerful Earl of Glenkennon, sworn to bring English rule to the untamed Scottish countryside...
*Sir Francis MacLean--The rough-hewn chieftain of a Highland clan, pledged to protect his people...
*Anne Randall--A ravishing young woman trapped between the ties of blood and the ties of love, her heart sworn to the man her father has vowed to kill.
425 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
1 person is currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Stuart
5 books19 followersAka Elizabeth Awbrey
Elizabeth spent her childhood on an Arkansas farm surrounded by animals. Later, she spent ten years in Louisiana working in hospital management. She enjoys horseback riding (reflected in her novels) and has traveled in Europe. When last heard of she was residing in St. Louis.
Unfortunately for her readers (but fortunately, I’m sure, for her family), she stopped writing in 1995 to raise a family.
Source: Regan Walker
Librarian Note: There is more than one author writing under this name. This one is uniquely identified by using 2 spaces between the first and last name.
Elizabeth spent her childhood on an Arkansas farm surrounded by animals. Later, she spent ten years in Louisiana working in hospital management. She enjoys horseback riding (reflected in her novels) and has traveled in Europe. When last heard of she was residing in St. Louis.
Unfortunately for her readers (but fortunately, I’m sure, for her family), she stopped writing in 1995 to raise a family.
Source: Regan Walker
Librarian Note: There is more than one author writing under this name. This one is uniquely identified by using 2 spaces between the first and last name.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 26, 2020
An author can use extended pages count for character development and/or plot. In this case, I think it was all plot. And while the plot was crazy as a 31 year old book often is, it did work.
In fact, compared to the first attempt I made with this author, this felt more mature, relaxed, and better paced.
It was going so well until I wanted to quit.
I know the much maligned cure-by-sex thing bothers many, and honestly, me less so
But here it's atrocious enough that a solid 4* read fell to 3. Cause y-i-k-e-s.
Both characters were far more palatable than Reckless Angel, with a very tender hero.
Content warnings (cause don't buy this book if)
In fact, compared to the first attempt I made with this author, this felt more mature, relaxed, and better paced.
It was going so well until I wanted to quit.
I know the much maligned cure-by-sex thing bothers many, and honestly, me less so
But here it's atrocious enough that a solid 4* read fell to 3. Cause y-i-k-e-s.
Both characters were far more palatable than Reckless Angel, with a very tender hero.
Content warnings (cause don't buy this book if)
April 18, 2013
The girl: Anne is the daughter of Robert Randall, Earl of Glenkennon and King James' agent in Scotland (although he's more interested in feathering his own nest to the detriment of the King's subjects). Anne has lived most of her life in England with her mother, but upon her death Glenkennon calls her to Scotland where he plans to wed her off to the highest bidder (thus further lining his pockets). She's supposedly well escorted for the journey to her father's keep, but there's just a wee bit of a complication along the way...
The guy: Sir Francis MacLean, an oh-so-dishy Highland laird, and Anne's father is hot to brand him a traitor and hang him (much easier to take over the lands that way - a Glenkennon specialty). Sooooooooooooo, Glenkennon is holding members of Francis's family hostage, and Francis decides to play tit-for-tat and take a hostage of his own to swap - that would be Anne if you hadn't guessed.
"Faith it should be an interesting week then. We've but to make the lass agreeable, avoid any number of men who'll be trying to slit our gullets, and escape from a well-guarded stronghold. 'Tis easy enough when all's said and done."
No surprise, but the sexual chemistry between Anne and Francis heats up at the get-go, but just when they're ready to commit to each other, life's little problems get in the way and...
I'm stopping there, read it for yourself. This was a lot of fun, with plenty of ups and downs and surprises along the way. Francis was one of the most lovable Highland heroes I've come across in a long time, just a near-perfect blend of manly-man with a sense of humor and a heart made of mush. Lots of action, adventure, passionate kisses and steamy love scenes along the way. Lots of laughter too, Francis can quip with the best of them. Outlander fans looking for another fix should enjoy this one a great deal.
**slight spoilers ahead**this book might not be the book for you.
The guy: Sir Francis MacLean, an oh-so-dishy Highland laird, and Anne's father is hot to brand him a traitor and hang him (much easier to take over the lands that way - a Glenkennon specialty). Sooooooooooooo, Glenkennon is holding members of Francis's family hostage, and Francis decides to play tit-for-tat and take a hostage of his own to swap - that would be Anne if you hadn't guessed.
"Faith it should be an interesting week then. We've but to make the lass agreeable, avoid any number of men who'll be trying to slit our gullets, and escape from a well-guarded stronghold. 'Tis easy enough when all's said and done."
No surprise, but the sexual chemistry between Anne and Francis heats up at the get-go, but just when they're ready to commit to each other, life's little problems get in the way and...
I'm stopping there, read it for yourself. This was a lot of fun, with plenty of ups and downs and surprises along the way. Francis was one of the most lovable Highland heroes I've come across in a long time, just a near-perfect blend of manly-man with a sense of humor and a heart made of mush. Lots of action, adventure, passionate kisses and steamy love scenes along the way. Lots of laughter too, Francis can quip with the best of them. Outlander fans looking for another fix should enjoy this one a great deal.
**slight spoilers ahead**this book might not be the book for you.
April 5, 2017
A Classic and a Keeper Love Story set in Scotland!
Set in late 17th century Scotland during the reign of King James II, it tells the story of Anne Randall, the beautiful daughter of Robert Randall, the evil earl of Glenkennon and representative of King James' government in Scotland. Randall has come to the Highlands to subdue the clans, and particularly Sir Francis MacLean, laird of the MacLean clan. When Randall uses treachery to imprison friends of the MacLean, the Scottish laird captures Randall's daughter to hold her for exchange of the prisoners.
Anne was on her way from England to join her father upon the death of her mother, who was a MacDonnell, allies of the MacLeans. But Francis sweeps Anne away to his home, Camereigh Castle, on the coast of Western Scotland, where they find themselves drawn to each other and Anne experiences the joy of a warm family.
This is superb historical romance and storytelling at its best. Stuart captivates from the first page as she weaves an intriguing tale of love and treachery in the Highlands. The rich historic details show considerable research. The dialog draws you in and the characters are well drawn. The hero is drool-worthy.
I promise, it will keep you turning pages.
As far as I can tell, Stuart only wrote five books before setting aside her writing career to raise her family. But those she has given us are worth holding dear.
Here they are:
Reckless Angel (1988, under the pen name Elizabeth Awbrey)
Heartstorm (1989)
Where Love Dwells (1990, RITA award winner for Best Historical, 1991)
Without Honor (1994)
Bride of the Lion (1995)
Set in late 17th century Scotland during the reign of King James II, it tells the story of Anne Randall, the beautiful daughter of Robert Randall, the evil earl of Glenkennon and representative of King James' government in Scotland. Randall has come to the Highlands to subdue the clans, and particularly Sir Francis MacLean, laird of the MacLean clan. When Randall uses treachery to imprison friends of the MacLean, the Scottish laird captures Randall's daughter to hold her for exchange of the prisoners.
Anne was on her way from England to join her father upon the death of her mother, who was a MacDonnell, allies of the MacLeans. But Francis sweeps Anne away to his home, Camereigh Castle, on the coast of Western Scotland, where they find themselves drawn to each other and Anne experiences the joy of a warm family.
This is superb historical romance and storytelling at its best. Stuart captivates from the first page as she weaves an intriguing tale of love and treachery in the Highlands. The rich historic details show considerable research. The dialog draws you in and the characters are well drawn. The hero is drool-worthy.
I promise, it will keep you turning pages.
As far as I can tell, Stuart only wrote five books before setting aside her writing career to raise her family. But those she has given us are worth holding dear.
Here they are:
Reckless Angel (1988, under the pen name Elizabeth Awbrey)
Heartstorm (1989)
Where Love Dwells (1990, RITA award winner for Best Historical, 1991)
Without Honor (1994)
Bride of the Lion (1995)
March 3, 2015
I can't believe I just read a book entitled "Heartstorm." If that's not a title straight from the 80's, I don't know what is. This was listed high on a "Best Highlander Romance" list here on Goodreads, so I sought out a used copy. It's obvious that this was penned during the height of the "Highlander" movie and series, and it's a classic, formulaic 80's romance. We really begin to see a shift in the sexual revolution movement, indicated by the racier themes found in this generation of romance novels that were generally lacking in those of just a decade previous.
It's not a clean read, but also not as thoroughly graphic as some I've read. Tasteful immorality- is that a thing? It got old fast. Really detracted from the story. Sort of like crude intermissions thrown in here and there. I'm not totally against any nookie, but after a while, I can't help rolling my eyes and thinking, "here we go again with the slanting mouths and racing pulses..."
Otherwise, the plot was pretty basic and predictable. Strong, dark, aloof hero uncharacteristically falls for impossibly gorgeous and feisty woman, and beat all odds together because -LOVE-. I'm not saying it wasn't enjoyable. The characters were fun- there were some really despicable bad guys, and some really sweet good guys. The scenery was gorgeous. The Scottish brogue wasn't too pronounced in the writing. There were some "no'-s" instead of "not-s", but no "nae-s" or "dinnae-'s" or other obnoxious reminders that we're in Scotland.
The story seemed too long sometimes- could easily have pared it down a hundred pages, I think. The ending was also rushed. After all of that build up with the good guys and the bad guys, and then it was all over in the snap of the fingers, with no delicate plot twist at the end, which would have been welcomed after all of the improbable resolutions. Still a solid, enjoyable, time-wasting, escapee novel.
It's not a clean read, but also not as thoroughly graphic as some I've read. Tasteful immorality- is that a thing? It got old fast. Really detracted from the story. Sort of like crude intermissions thrown in here and there. I'm not totally against any nookie, but after a while, I can't help rolling my eyes and thinking, "here we go again with the slanting mouths and racing pulses..."
Otherwise, the plot was pretty basic and predictable. Strong, dark, aloof hero uncharacteristically falls for impossibly gorgeous and feisty woman, and beat all odds together because -LOVE-. I'm not saying it wasn't enjoyable. The characters were fun- there were some really despicable bad guys, and some really sweet good guys. The scenery was gorgeous. The Scottish brogue wasn't too pronounced in the writing. There were some "no'-s" instead of "not-s", but no "nae-s" or "dinnae-'s" or other obnoxious reminders that we're in Scotland.
The story seemed too long sometimes- could easily have pared it down a hundred pages, I think. The ending was also rushed. After all of that build up with the good guys and the bad guys, and then it was all over in the snap of the fingers, with no delicate plot twist at the end, which would have been welcomed after all of the improbable resolutions. Still a solid, enjoyable, time-wasting, escapee novel.
March 4, 2020
*** 4 stars***
I read this about a year ago from writing this review. Although now it's become hard to remember all the details in this story, but I can safely say it was a fairly good read. I did like the storyline. But I did have a hard time deciding between 4 and 5 stars. The only reason why I could not give 5 stars is because the hero & heroine had fallen in love rather quickly into the story. I never felt that their love was given time to build. Also, from what I remember, the heroine had started falling for the hero from the first few pages and that was when he had just kidnapped her.
I read this about a year ago from writing this review. Although now it's become hard to remember all the details in this story, but I can safely say it was a fairly good read. I did like the storyline. But I did have a hard time deciding between 4 and 5 stars. The only reason why I could not give 5 stars is because the hero & heroine had fallen in love rather quickly into the story. I never felt that their love was given time to build. Also, from what I remember, the heroine had started falling for the hero from the first few pages and that was when he had just kidnapped her.
April 12, 2018
Very good read, with a few niggly things that kept it from a five star rating for me. 4/5 stars
November 2, 2020
Read this for Regan Walker’s May blog, Scottish historical romances. This was my third Scottish book for the month and I really enjoyed it. I’d rate rate it 4- 4.5. Prior to this I also read Marsha Canham’s The Pride of Lions and its sequel The Blood of Roses, which I gave both a 5. Although I thought that duo better I most certainly recommend this as well, great story. One of the minor things that kept Heartstorm in 4 star territory for me was the lack of description in two key scenes when villains are dispatched. We were just told it was done. As opposed to Canham who gives you great details in actually describing the sword fights (or battles at sea) that take place in many of her books. This adds more to the action and depth of her stories, at least for me.
maybe
March 6, 2014To find
August 27, 2012
Another of my favorites from Elizabeth Stuart!!!
March 20, 2018
THIS ONE WAS RATHER ENTICING AND EXCITING. THE ENEMY MEETS THE ENEMY'S DAUGHTER....THATS LIKE ONE OF THE CLASSIC TROUPES OF HISTORICAL ROMANCE.
OUR HERO had our heroine abducted when she was being escorted to meet her betrothed and to her dismay, this Highlander has waylaid her plans. Honestly I read this days ago and forgot to write a review about it, the story isn't as fresh as it ought to be in my mind. Save to say MacLean was enraptured by Anne and finds himself falling for not just her beauty and spirit but her mind. He's also fighting for a cause to save his people from the bad men.
OUR HEROINE is not just beautiful and intelligent but brave, I love how she stood up to the hero and his people, even earning their respect despite her status as captive. She was more like a pampered guest.
OVERALL I can just tell you that it was a really good story, that started out great. No insta love here.
OUR HERO had our heroine abducted when she was being escorted to meet her betrothed and to her dismay, this Highlander has waylaid her plans. Honestly I read this days ago and forgot to write a review about it, the story isn't as fresh as it ought to be in my mind. Save to say MacLean was enraptured by Anne and finds himself falling for not just her beauty and spirit but her mind. He's also fighting for a cause to save his people from the bad men.
OUR HEROINE is not just beautiful and intelligent but brave, I love how she stood up to the hero and his people, even earning their respect despite her status as captive. She was more like a pampered guest.
OVERALL I can just tell you that it was a really good story, that started out great. No insta love here.
November 9, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Stuart. I love her writing. She really has a way with words. I loved all the characters in the story.
There were two things that brought the story down from five stars to four from me, that I feel could have been left out of the story. It angered me because it didn't have to be that way. Or she could have at least re-arranged things to not have them happen in that order.
Overall though I really enjoyed this story.
There were two things that brought the story down from five stars to four from me, that I feel could have been left out of the story. It angered me because it didn't have to be that way. Or she could have at least re-arranged things to not have them happen in that order.
Overall though I really enjoyed this story.
August 5, 2024
A very good story but a bit long.
October 16, 2011
The romantic in me really enjoyed this Scottish medieval love story. There is a poetic quality to the book at times. I just loved how Francis and Anne's relationship developed into a very loving one.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews