The Irish Devil

Irish Eyes Duo #1

by Donna Fletcher

The Beauty and the Barbarian

Ireland in the Middle Ages—a land of both heavenly landscapes and hellish warfare. It is in this world that Lord Eric of Shanekill is both feared and revered. His unstoppable rage on the battlefield has made him known as the "Irish Devil." Little did he know that his greatest battle would be fought in his heart...

Faith, daughter of Lord Terra, is a healer who lives on the edge of society. Shamed by a cruel act of injustice, cast out by her father, she is the last one anyone would choose for a wife ... But when the "Irish Devil" is given his choice of Lord Terra's daughters, he demands Faith's hand in marriage. Against all obstacles, they struggle to overcome the pain of their pasts and realize the passion which both have desired—and denied—for so long...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Medieval, Historical Fiction, Medieval Romance, Ireland

329 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Regan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing Irish Love Story

Set in 1171, this is the story of a powerful, undefeated warrior (“the Irish Devil”) who was awarded lands and the choice of a lord’s daughters for his wife in exchange for his loyalty to the Irish king.

Eric of Shanekill chooses the gentle but courageous Lady Faith, not realizing she bears the scar of a brutal attack years ago and has lived with the shame inflicted upon her. Like the others, when Eric learns she was attacked, he assumes the worst—that her innocence was taken. As a result, he refuses to consummate the marriage until he knows the truth. Faith stubbornly refuses to tell him, wanting him to believe she is still a virgin.

It’s a well-told tale with intrigue and a murder for Eric and his valiant men to solve. I loved the faithful dog that guarded Faith. Rook became a central character, with charm and noble nature…and in the end a hero. You will love him.

Fletcher did a great job of developing Eric and his two closest friends, his half brother Borg and Colin. Faith was an endearing heroine, strong and caring, who turned a tragedy into doing good for others. I enjoyed this romance and can recommend it.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

FINALLY! They had sex, ALOT of it! I can release(pun intended) this breath I've been holding LOL!!!! This was a pretty decent book, my first from the author, but not my last. I am all about sexy Irish/Viking/Highlander men.....hell who am I kidding, I am all about ANY sexy man!!!!! This story focuses on Faith, the outcast daughter from a well established Irish family, and Eric, the 'Irish Devil', half Irish and Viking, he was a man who created his own destiny by his sword. While the book had its sweetness to it, and the journey of watching Eric and Faith feel each other out was entertaining, they both frustrated the hell outta me with all the (above average in my opinion)angst of "does she want me, does he want me, for how long, how much should I reveal about myself?? etc. etc." until I thought they'd never figure it out!!!! They were both so damned stubborn and pigheaded, this book could have, should have been over long before it reached 833 Nook Book pages, but they had to try to out-maneuver one another at almost every turn. Knowing damn well they were both attracted to and falling for each other, but neither being bold enough to cut thru the bulls**t and just own up to it! Eric, sexy, surprisingly tender and caring Eric. Me and that man would have had to wrestle at least 3 times because he was so demanding, and not always in a good way, he'd just bark out an order expecting it to be followed, so I'd have to knock him down a peg or two. I give a damn about the time period and women just blindly obeying their husbands!!Faith, was sweet and kind and strong, but even her hard headed ass started to make me want to reach into the book and shake some sense into her. I have never been more ready for two folks to have sex and admit feelings as I was for these two. It was worth it in the end, a mystery was solved and two people got a happy ending neither thought they'd ever achieve!

[Being Human · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book because it was pathetically boring, cheesy and frustrating. Let me sum up the story. Heroine has scar on her face because of attempted rape in the past. Her family believes she was raped in real and accuse her for bringing shame to the family. They trick hero into marrying heroine. Hero gets mad after he learns about it and he too accuses heroine for not being a virgin!! Thus, starts a hate/love relationship. It takes them forever to consummate their marriage which basically prevents hero from getting to know the truth.....
This is hairpullingly frustrating...I can't bear it. And to begin with, I see no romance between them. From the get-go, they start ogling each other. Eewhh!

[aedor ୨ৎ (catching up) · Rating 4 out of 5]

《4 ☆》

“When a warrior enters a battle he knows it will either end in victory or defeat. But there are a few rare warriors who understand that on uncommon occasions victory can only be won through surrender. And those brave warriors never actually taste defeat.”

enjoyable read, although some of the words felt too modern

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. Mildly steamy, mildly suspenseful and set in times when all kinds of weird ideas existed in regards to medicine, women, marriage and everything under the sun. One of my favorite periods. One thing I found annoying was the prolonged argument the MCs had between them. It lasted too long IMO. The villain was obvious and I loved the final showdown. The best part was when The Irish Devil aka Eric fell in love and started talking about feelings, it was so cute coming from him.

[Nithu · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the story itself I know that it was gonna be a great read and it was exactly that...... I read an historical romance after a very long time and it was soooo good.... the hero and the heroine were great.... they had love, compassion, possessiveness, dominance, submission etc...... the hero was sooo hot and macho but at the same time very understanding. while the heroine was very brave but also very innocent...... the hero had an unique character of wanting a beautiful marriage since many authors don’t show that part of the hero...... but this made me fall in love with the book and the author..... the only reason for 4 stars is that the story was dragged in the middle but I found even that interesting...... overall it is an amazing read.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a waste of a perfectly good and handsome Irish devil.

I read Eric and Faith's first meeting and I was SOLD. The chemistry was jumping off the page and Eric was FANTASTIC. How can one not love a bad boy?

But what followed was a boring cheesy story. Eric's lust was understandable in the beginning but his obsession over Faith didn't make sense. I could buy that he wanted to sleep with her when he thought she was a just a healer, not a lady. But his continuous lusting seemed convenient and ungrounded.

The first 50% is about "Is Faith a virgin?" Every time they were about to have sex someone got hurt and Faith had to attend them (she was the healer) or Eric had to go away or they weren't alone. And Eric always ended with "Tomorrow we finish this." I suppose he felt manly saying that but it got so old. It was comical how they could never do it and Eric always threw down the gauntlet but telling Faith that "tomorrow we finish this!" Can you imagine? It was ridiculously juvenile. Eric wanted to know if Faith was a virgin and Faith wouldn't tell him because "he should know!" I was like how would he know woman? In what monkey world would a man know whether you are a virgin after knowing you for a few days?

The second part is about "Who attacked Faith back then?" Eric and Faith had sex and now they could not keep their hands off each other. "Does he love me?" "I wish he loved me." "Oh I love you husband." "I am proud to have you as wife." "I love you so much, wife. I want to have sex with you all the time." "Oh my husband you are such a stallion." No kidding, this is how Eric and Faith behaved in the second half. Where did my Irish devil go??? Faith was just a big ninny who went around asking people: do you not care for love? I was disgusted by her but she at least wasn't a "fiery heroine" or a shrew so I tolerated her. Once they fell in love the book was hopelessly cheesy. They said I love you on very page and then they were off to bed. And then we read that "gossip grew about how the Irish devil couldn't keep his hands off his lady." I mean said once it's kind of sweet. Said repeatedly page after page, that's boring. They didn't have real opportunities for the affection to grow. The "love" was anything but convincing.

But I am giving this book 3 stars because I loved Eric in the beginning. His character had such promise. Too bad the story is too juvenile to do him justice.

[ShortyS · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of the story and I think the character have potential, but it didn't work for me. I couldn't connect with Faith and I did not "want" Eric. And I think in a Romance you should want the guy.

There were also some things that really troubled me.
I know that virginity was very important at the time, but that even she calls it the same as having a good character angers me. She says that he would know if she was a virgin if he knew her natur. She was attacked! So its about beeing raped or not! It should be like if he knew her true character it would not matter if she was a virgin.
I can't like a book that makes being raped the same as a bad chararcter or infidelity and losing her integrity.

And then the story got confusing. First its about him not going to consummate the wedding vows as long as he isn't sure she is a virgin. She won't tell him she's a virgin but want's him to want her for herself and see her "good character". And then he threatens to ravish her the next opportunity and she won't let him even though she wants him. If he sleeps with her its a decision for the marriage and for her. And he will know she was a virgin and everything is ok, so what's the problem now?
But from then on its all about "surrender" and sex is the same as surrender... which means no sex.
And then they have sex not a hour after he was stitched and had a major loss of bood. She is a healer, she should not do such stupid things.
And after they had sex it's all they ever have. He goes to her to talk about something or ask some really important question or tell her that there has been a murder but then they have sex and he leaves without being the wiser. They never just cuddle or something. I think thats why I did not really liked them enough.

This book was too frustrating for me.

[GigiReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grumpy legendary war hero (half Viking!) looking for a wife finds one in a shy healer who is shunned by everyone. This was a good read but the pacing was way off at times and it was repetitive. Loved the dialogue and the banter. The heroine stood up for herself and the hero deliciously intense and a big grump. Will read more from this author.

[Anna Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can say only that this book is OK. One of the things that really detracted from the book was the poor editing. Typos are really an unacceptable occurrence in a book that should have gone through several editing processes. Furthermore, incorrect vocabulary in an edited finished product is unforgivable. Such deficiencies, in the quantities this book possessed, truly ruins a book for me.

The foregoing ignored, the book was still only OK. I liked the two wounded, misunderstood leads. I’m a sucker for such things. However, something about Faith just didn’t ring true. I don’t know what it was that bothered me, but the character just wasn’t completely real to me. Despite that, I liked the characters well enough. Although I have to say that how the dog, Rook, was written was completely ridiculous. The dog was written in such a way that he acted human and seemed to have some uncommon foreknowledge of impending doom. A medieval Lassie, anyone?

As for the story itself, it was good. Including a mystery along with the romance was a nice break from the normal. The pacing of the story was good as well. I haven’t studied medieval Irish history to know if the Norse element of the story was based in any fact so I’m not sure about the historical accuracy of the book, but for me in my ignorance of the facts, I have to say I liked it. (Sorry my forte is Egyptology!)

All things considered, this book will serve as a weekend or beach read. It’s a quick and easy read that can also be read during a busy work week if you don’t really have time to invest in a deeper book. However, I will say that even for an easy read you can still find something better.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I will start by getting the elephant in the book out of the way right up front. Yes. Eric IS a jerk in the middle part of the book. His whole reasoning behind why he can't/won't sleep with his wife is kind of ridiculous and frustrating at times. I know this.

But I don't care.

This is STILL, even with the main character being a complete and utter asshole through the entire middle of the book, one of my all time FAVORITE romance novels. Easily in my top five.

The sexual tension in this book is SO intense. That might annoy some people but it really pulled me in. Every turn of the page kept me wondering will they or won't they? You knew it would eventually reach a boiling point where they could go on no longer, but the fact you didn't know when it would come was like a constant cliff hanger.

The thing I really love MOST about this book though is the chemistry between the characters AFTER the tension is over. For as frustrating as Eric is in the middle of the book, he is a totally different person in the last half of the book. The heat between Eric and Faith burns like a wildfire and their love is undeniable. It's all very fast and furious. Which to me is totally understandable. Eric wasted MONTHS of their marriage being a jerk and they have a LOT of catching up to do. He romances her and showers her with all the love and affection he wanted to but was to stubborn to allow himself.

This book is great. I have re-read it so many times, my copy of the book is actually falling apart. I very well might try and seek out another copy!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an Ok book. It dragged on and on what with Faith not admitting to being a virgin and Eric still asking if she is. It honestly wasn't that big a deal, wether or not Faith turned out to be a virgin, Eric still would have kept her as his wife so I don't see what all the fuss was about. When they finally decided to consummate their marriage, I wasn't even interested anymore and mostly skipped through the sex scene. The mystery surrounding Faith's attack was a bit of a let down. It was fairly obvious early on that her step-mother was directly or indirectly involved but it just dint make sense why she wanted Faith dead again or why she killed Nora after so many years. Would have been more interesting if the murderer was like a fanatic cleric or close. All in all, wasn't such a bad book, just a bit boring. The editor could have done a better job editing the book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad.

We had lush setting, a little sparkle of folk law, rain... what I really wish I could hear was the Irish lilt. So sexy.

One discarded daughter becomes the treasure of a fierce Irish/Viking warrior. It's only fitting that she be kind, compassionate, a skilled healer and holdout until he recognises the truth about her. Then sex, lotsa sexy time even a couple of caveman moves.

I love the banter between both the three friends as well as the couple. I admire Faith's trust in Eric though teasing out information about her scarring attack takes time. That even as he roars she's not afraid and has faith he'll protect her. There is nothing redeeming in the cruel, heartless greedy villains aka Faith's parents, a bit Disney-ish

Not historically weighty but more on the developing romance.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

7/21 2nd re-read and it never gets old. A great Scottish romance.

I have read this book once before and let it get away from me. WONDERFUL Scottish highland romance. Loved both characters, loved the storyline, loved the romance! I ordered it again specifically to re-read and put on my keeper shelf.

[Mary23nm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book when I first read it in 2012, shortly after returning to reading for the fun of it.
Upon rereading this some 10 years later, I couldn't help but wonder what I was thinking 10 years earlier! In my opinion, this read could have used some more editing in the second half, as the story just dragged on for me.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I was waiting so long to read this ! I really like story and anticipation they went to consummate marriage, I was thinking it will never happen! :) I liked that they did other things to each other so it was not all boring waiting , passion I was not expecting and was nicely surprised! And all other supporting characters was great !

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda sorta loved this one. It may not deserve four stars, but I feel it deserved more than what I normally give a romance when I merely enjoyed it. This one isn't really up there with my favorite HR's, but it's a cut above some of the others.

[sharonlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great love story

I loved all the characters most off all the dog how loyal he is to his lady hated the veil stepmother I wish the story finished with a birth and how the devil Erik would have handled his beloved wife labor bravo 's Fletcher

[EliseVioletReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS

Wanted to kick the hero at the beginning of the book but he redeemed himself at the end for me. Heroine was strong, I liked her.

Pretty great read, I love how easy it was reading this book, historicals aren't my favorite genre but Donna Fletcher books are definitely converting me.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete and unexpectedly awesome read!

[C-Chat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Daniela Romero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bueno esta historia me dejó un sinsabor extraño. Cuando leí la sinopsis me pareció muy prometedora, nunca había leído (o por lo menos que recuerde) de una novela histórica en que la protagonista no fuera menos que perfecta físicamente y menos que tuviera una cicatriz tan distintiva en su rostro y cuerpo. Ese fue un punto a favor de la novela, el mostrar como era la condición de una mujer que en ese tiempo se consideraba "manchada" debido al ataque a su vida y como ella se sobrepuso y salió adelante.
Que no me gusto: El romance. Me pareció un poco soso, tonto, no sé. No se sintió natural, aunque teniendo en cuenta que fue un matrimonio forzado se esperaba que fuera dificil pero simplemente no me satisfizo su relación. Tampoco me gustó que luego que se disolviera el "problema de los protagonista en su matrimonio" que se llevó casi todo el libro, el villano fuese tan obvio, muy predecible.
A pesar de todo, esta historia me entretuvo y me gustó en general, en especial los personajes secundarios.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book about Eric and Faith. He was gorgeous - as the H usually is and she was a scarred feisty miss. They ended up together and there the story began. He had a hard time believing her and she felt he should know her honesty. Her family treated her terribly. There was a mystery throughout the book which was nicely solved at the end. There were some steamy parts but boy were they done very well. No descriptive words or body parts mentioned during the lovemaking. Some commented about typos but I did not see any so I suppose they were fixed though there were some sentences where there could have been a comma or a new sentence started. I overlooked these little things as I loved the story and the authors writing. I will be reading more of her work because I thought this book was awesome and not to be missed. This is definitely one to read again. I did not want to finish but I could not put it down.

[V SB · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed with this one - based on the synopsis the hero Eric of Shanekill aka the Irish Devil was supposed to be this mighty and feared warrior. I was expecting to read a lot of battle scenes to show how great a warrior he truly is instead I get "fight scenes" on whether or not the heroine Faith is a virgin or not, lots of discussions on the meaning of love, how beautiful Ireland is (now that I most definitely agree) and how kind and loving she is and how much of a devil Eric truly is... seriously - that's all I got from this book and nothing else. Even how he questioned his father in law was a disappointment.. argh! Waste of time!

[Sam~OTT Alpha Male Addict~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“fought so hard to live and then to survive and finally to live again. I did not crawl away and pity myself; instead I fought back and refused to submit to defeat. I discovered a strength and courage I never thought possible and I cannot or will not surrender”

I loved Faith. A true heroine for the books. A survivor. A healer.

I loved everything about this book except for the Irish Devil himself. I found he was most of the time too careless with Faith. He wanted to have sex, okay. But to withhold bec you think your wife isn't a virgin? Despite you knowing the horror she went through? Despite loving her? Still, you hold your pride first? Meh. 60% of the book I was frustrated.

[Gia · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I wanted to say that I found this book very engaging and I genuinely enjoyed it. But there is a part of the book that really left a sour note in my mouth and it is the cause of the lower rating.


The hero's obsession with knowing if the heroine was a virgin or not because he didn't want "tainted seed". I really wish the emphasize had been the hero wanted her to be HONEST but didn't care if she had been raped. But that's not how it played out and I found it very disappointing and it made me think A LOT less of the hero.

[Fiona Fearchar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel validated every time I second guess myself on NOT enjoying a story that is rated with too many stars and a synopsis that doesn't deliver.
Great characters, great storyline. Heat/Sex, oh yes but it is weaved in the story so perfectly that it can't be described as an erotica throw-in. Not filled with laugh out loud moments but with the humourous interactions between the characters brought out many many smiles.

This was my first read of Ms. Fletcher's and I am moving directly to the next in the series. Hoping that Rook (the loyal dog) is present with puppies in said.

[Janna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Der Einstieg ist schrecklich. Ständige Beschreibung des Äußeren der Charaktere (und wie ach so attraktiv sie doch sind). Die Charaktere sind nicht vielschichtig, es wird recht simpel klar gemacht, wer "gut" und wer "böse" ist. Obwohl Faith Opfer eines Übergriffs wurde, bestand keine Furcht gegenüber Eric. Ihre scheinbar sehr große Narbe IM GESICHT wird erst Tage später von ihm entdeckt. Und dann benehmen sich Eric und seine Männer wie die größten Arschlöcher, als sie von ihrem Schicksal erfahren. Dabei hat sie Borg gerettet. Was für'n Dreckspack!

*Ab der Hälfte gehts bergauf handlungsmäßig.

[Ani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ha sido una historia hermosa llena de dulzura y cariño.
Ella es una mujer marcada por una tragedia y lleva la señal en su rostro, él, el hijo bastardo de un vikingo que sueña con ser el señor en su propio castillo. Tendrá que elegir esposa, y la misteriosa curandera ha sido la elegida.
En su nuevo hogar Faith y Eric tendrán que conocerse poco a poco y confiar el uno en el otro. Pero Eric no puede perdonar a aquel que le hizo esa crueldad a su esposa y busca obtener la verdad a como dé lugar.

[Shelbymarie159 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Fletcher is my go-to author when I want to feel the love and some heat. She creates such enchanting stories that you will not be able to put them down. You will fall in love with the characters and never want to story to end. She makes you love love especially when it comes to Eric and Faith in the book. Dont even fight it just read their amazing story of overcoming yourself and surrendering to true love.