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Arcana Love #2
The Gypsy Ribbon: Suit of Wands
Rock hard, play hard, love harder.
Internationally known wild child James Kelly is a filthy rich rock star, devilishly handsome, with silicone beauties aplenty to grace both his arm and his bed. He has it all. Or does he? What he wants most is a real woman to tell him no once in a while. . .and thanks to his inherited precognition, he knows her when he meets her. But the vision of his future is shrouded in darkness and shadows.
Tarot reader Lisbeth Vargo works at the local renaissance faire. She's still stinging from her last bad relationship when her best friend marries James Kelly's brother. After being paired up in the wedding party, sparks fly between Lisbeth and James. Even her tarot cards tell her he's the one, but is the interest of a "bad boy" something she can take seriously?
Sometimes falling in love takes a leap of faith. Occasionally it needs a push off the cliff. James is more than happy to give Lisbeth that needed shove, but will his love save her. . .or get her killed?
CONTENT Irish mischief, smokin' sex, creative uses for ice cream and bad gypsy accents
93,000 Words
Internationally known wild child James Kelly is a filthy rich rock star, devilishly handsome, with silicone beauties aplenty to grace both his arm and his bed. He has it all. Or does he? What he wants most is a real woman to tell him no once in a while. . .and thanks to his inherited precognition, he knows her when he meets her. But the vision of his future is shrouded in darkness and shadows.
Tarot reader Lisbeth Vargo works at the local renaissance faire. She's still stinging from her last bad relationship when her best friend marries James Kelly's brother. After being paired up in the wedding party, sparks fly between Lisbeth and James. Even her tarot cards tell her he's the one, but is the interest of a "bad boy" something she can take seriously?
Sometimes falling in love takes a leap of faith. Occasionally it needs a push off the cliff. James is more than happy to give Lisbeth that needed shove, but will his love save her. . .or get her killed?
CONTENT Irish mischief, smokin' sex, creative uses for ice cream and bad gypsy accents
93,000 Words
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Shannon MacLeod
10 books98 followersShannon MacLeod lives next to an abandoned theme park. Her Celtic romantasies are filled with strong heroes and equally strong heroines, interesting locales, colorful secondary characters, a touch of magick and mystery, loads of quirky humor, a body count and absolutely no sparkly vampires.
When not writing, she lives a life of servitude to three cats and one entitled German Shepherd dog. She enjoys rainy days, good music, and spending long hours gazing at her beloved ocean. An avid wearer of boots regardless of season and dangerously high heels, she watches Lord of the Rings more than any sane person should and can, in fact, reenact entire battle scenes using interpretive dance. Her spirit animals are the honey badger and Gordon Ramsay.
When not writing, she lives a life of servitude to three cats and one entitled German Shepherd dog. She enjoys rainy days, good music, and spending long hours gazing at her beloved ocean. An avid wearer of boots regardless of season and dangerously high heels, she watches Lord of the Rings more than any sane person should and can, in fact, reenact entire battle scenes using interpretive dance. Her spirit animals are the honey badger and Gordon Ramsay.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 4, 2013
The Gypsy Ribbon Shannon MacLeod.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I'd enjoyed the first in this series (Celtic Knot) so was pleased to get this one. I enjoyed it even more than book one, whether its just the storyline appealed more, or that I was familiar with the characters and the paranormal quirks they all had I’m not sure.
Anyway, this time its about another brother from the Kelly family, James. He's an international top rock star, and with his good looks, fame and money he has no shortage of woman wanting to be with him. But what he wants is someone to love him, not the rock star, not the fame and the money, someone who will say no to him when its needed. He's getting jaded with the rock scene, loves his band mates and the music, but their manager has been pushing them hard and they are all feeling it. I can see how that happens in real life, and love the way authors show us the downsides to a situation instead of just the outward, glossy appearance. This felt so real, I was wishing for something good for James..and then he meets Beth at a family wedding. She's the best friend of his brothers wife, and when he sees her he feels an immediate connection. Beth's got his poster on her bedroom wall, and had a long time crush on him and can't see he'd be interested in her, she's not like the type of lady he's always pictured with. So when he tries to get closer to her she says no. He's stunned, but persistent though and slowly they begin a romance, with advice always from the Tarot cards :) I love this mystical side Shannon adds to her writing, it fits well with the characters and with the overall story arc and gives a little extra dimension to the plots.
Of course James being famous means danger for Beth, and the manager isn't happy at his money maker having a girlfriend – that’s not going to go down well with the female followers! So they don't have a smooth ride for their love story, but one fraught with dangers and double dealing, mayhem and mysteries, and it all comes to a life threatening climax.
Its a great read, one I really enjoyed, and would re read. It has a good balance of love and emotion, happiness and sadness, it's much more than just a bland sweet HEA story. Its a good length too at 98,000 words, that to me makes a far better book than a short one, as a quick reader I want one to occupy me for hours and only long ones do that.
Stars: five, good fun romance, with a mystical theme.
NB: ARC supplied via Lyrical Press.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I'd enjoyed the first in this series (Celtic Knot) so was pleased to get this one. I enjoyed it even more than book one, whether its just the storyline appealed more, or that I was familiar with the characters and the paranormal quirks they all had I’m not sure.
Anyway, this time its about another brother from the Kelly family, James. He's an international top rock star, and with his good looks, fame and money he has no shortage of woman wanting to be with him. But what he wants is someone to love him, not the rock star, not the fame and the money, someone who will say no to him when its needed. He's getting jaded with the rock scene, loves his band mates and the music, but their manager has been pushing them hard and they are all feeling it. I can see how that happens in real life, and love the way authors show us the downsides to a situation instead of just the outward, glossy appearance. This felt so real, I was wishing for something good for James..and then he meets Beth at a family wedding. She's the best friend of his brothers wife, and when he sees her he feels an immediate connection. Beth's got his poster on her bedroom wall, and had a long time crush on him and can't see he'd be interested in her, she's not like the type of lady he's always pictured with. So when he tries to get closer to her she says no. He's stunned, but persistent though and slowly they begin a romance, with advice always from the Tarot cards :) I love this mystical side Shannon adds to her writing, it fits well with the characters and with the overall story arc and gives a little extra dimension to the plots.
Of course James being famous means danger for Beth, and the manager isn't happy at his money maker having a girlfriend – that’s not going to go down well with the female followers! So they don't have a smooth ride for their love story, but one fraught with dangers and double dealing, mayhem and mysteries, and it all comes to a life threatening climax.
Its a great read, one I really enjoyed, and would re read. It has a good balance of love and emotion, happiness and sadness, it's much more than just a bland sweet HEA story. Its a good length too at 98,000 words, that to me makes a far better book than a short one, as a quick reader I want one to occupy me for hours and only long ones do that.
Stars: five, good fun romance, with a mystical theme.
NB: ARC supplied via Lyrical Press.
November 3, 2013
Starting with a Tarot reading that steals James’ breath away, we are introduced to the devil-may care rock star early on. A few fast forward jumps to a wedding of a bandmate, with Irish accents and patois flowing freely James finally meets Lisbeth and sparks fly. He’s a rock star though, with all that entails: and very used to keeping the women at arm’s length, or around for the moment.
Lisbeth is a card reader, but feels she can’t stand up to her friend in looks or figure. While her looks intrigue, and her standoffish manner keeps him intrigued, even more so because being told NO is exactly what he wants from a woman.
He’s drawn to the ordinary life she leads, and often prone to commenting about the fact he never felt she’d agree to go out with him. That is the point where his charm and underlying loneliness shows through, and the man behind the persona shines. For her part, Lisbeth appears comfortable and happy in the friend zone, it’s when she thinks of more that she stiffens up. And soon his charm wears her down, laser focused he teaches her to see herself through his eyes.
Throughout the story, there are frequent appearances from many characters, all somehow related to the band, couple hood is in the air throughout James’ band, even as the distance and schedule makes it more challenging. When he takes a break for them to spend some ordinary time together, rumours fly and Lisbeth becomes the band’s Yoko. When James goes to rescue her, he and his brother Ian have a moment of precognition, and fear the worst. Throughout the story, Lisbeth and James both have such a fun banter and solid feel to their relationship that it’s hard not to root for their own happy ever after.
A fun read that had enough laughs and characters moving throughout the story to show a relationship developing in a logical and solid way. Conversations are cleverly worded, and including Irish mysticism mixing with the bits of renaissance fair feel are unique and brighten the background with a touch of wonder.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Lisbeth is a card reader, but feels she can’t stand up to her friend in looks or figure. While her looks intrigue, and her standoffish manner keeps him intrigued, even more so because being told NO is exactly what he wants from a woman.
He’s drawn to the ordinary life she leads, and often prone to commenting about the fact he never felt she’d agree to go out with him. That is the point where his charm and underlying loneliness shows through, and the man behind the persona shines. For her part, Lisbeth appears comfortable and happy in the friend zone, it’s when she thinks of more that she stiffens up. And soon his charm wears her down, laser focused he teaches her to see herself through his eyes.
Throughout the story, there are frequent appearances from many characters, all somehow related to the band, couple hood is in the air throughout James’ band, even as the distance and schedule makes it more challenging. When he takes a break for them to spend some ordinary time together, rumours fly and Lisbeth becomes the band’s Yoko. When James goes to rescue her, he and his brother Ian have a moment of precognition, and fear the worst. Throughout the story, Lisbeth and James both have such a fun banter and solid feel to their relationship that it’s hard not to root for their own happy ever after.
A fun read that had enough laughs and characters moving throughout the story to show a relationship developing in a logical and solid way. Conversations are cleverly worded, and including Irish mysticism mixing with the bits of renaissance fair feel are unique and brighten the background with a touch of wonder.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 9, 2014
I'm going to try to make this review short as it's the third book in the series. First, you don't have to have read the other books in the series to understand what's going on. But of course, I'm one of those that likes starting at the beginning. It's worth the effort.
The thing about this plot is that you have two characters that describe two people who meet and go through the motions of falling in love. It's sweet. Personally, I also like the fact that Beth and Lily, from The Celtic Knot, made vows to abstain from sex until they at least fell in love. Some might think it unrealistic. There are those who won't even like it. But for me, I'm always glad to read about characters like this...well, just because. With it being such a sexualized world now, it's just nice to see some ladies holding out for the hero.
Lastly, I also enjoyed that the occupations of the characters were different from the usual cops, lawyers, small shop owners, etc. So overall, a great story with good characters and good writing. And as I said, a book that stands alone, but I would recommend starting from the beginning. This book isn't the end though, and personally I look forward to the next book in the series.
The thing about this plot is that you have two characters that describe two people who meet and go through the motions of falling in love. It's sweet. Personally, I also like the fact that Beth and Lily, from The Celtic Knot, made vows to abstain from sex until they at least fell in love. Some might think it unrealistic. There are those who won't even like it. But for me, I'm always glad to read about characters like this...well, just because. With it being such a sexualized world now, it's just nice to see some ladies holding out for the hero.
Lastly, I also enjoyed that the occupations of the characters were different from the usual cops, lawyers, small shop owners, etc. So overall, a great story with good characters and good writing. And as I said, a book that stands alone, but I would recommend starting from the beginning. This book isn't the end though, and personally I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 5, 2016
I love that most of this book was written around James. The male characters take a strong lead in his story, including his brother Ian – the hero of the first book – and even his bodyguard. When career issues threaten both his relationship with Beth as well as his health, James takes control over his life in order to focus on what’s important to him. Their love was romantic and touching and had an innocent quality that I found really endearing. I believed in James’ appreciation for Beth and what she brought into his life. The characters relate to each other in a very realistic way and I loved the dialogue. Overall this was a very enjoyable read.
Full review here.
Full review here.
November 17, 2013
This is a solid 4.5 stars. Full review to be published at twimom227.com on 11/26/13.
Love accents? Rockstar cockiness in a hero? A raucous bunch of Irish hellions? Yup. This is the book for you.
Love accents? Rockstar cockiness in a hero? A raucous bunch of Irish hellions? Yup. This is the book for you.
January 4, 2015
James and Beth are the most fun and irreverent couple ever - can't wait for you to meet them!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews