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Wolf's Castle
Can he forget the past and embrace the future?He's the beast of Lomarcan Castle.
Tortured, angry, and bound and determined not to allow Vivian Stuart to invade his lair. Lord Galen Maclean refuses to be endeared to the lovely woman who has landed on his island looking to study alchemy. The island possesses secrets, secrets too horrible to share with the gentlewoman.
However, her beguiling nature brings light to the darkness of the castle and the few quirky inhabitants and edges into his heart. Can she tame the beast within him to gain his love?
She was stranded on a remote island, her father dead and dishonored by her betrothed. Still, the lovely Vivian Stuart wears her heart on her sleeve and strives to redeem Lord Maclean. She knows his heart is good and the castle can be filled with love.
Through science she learns more about the troubled lord and slowly but surely, the tortured lord's icy heart begins to thaw as Vivian shares the magical healing power of love.
Tortured, angry, and bound and determined not to allow Vivian Stuart to invade his lair. Lord Galen Maclean refuses to be endeared to the lovely woman who has landed on his island looking to study alchemy. The island possesses secrets, secrets too horrible to share with the gentlewoman.
However, her beguiling nature brings light to the darkness of the castle and the few quirky inhabitants and edges into his heart. Can she tame the beast within him to gain his love?
She was stranded on a remote island, her father dead and dishonored by her betrothed. Still, the lovely Vivian Stuart wears her heart on her sleeve and strives to redeem Lord Maclean. She knows his heart is good and the castle can be filled with love.
Through science she learns more about the troubled lord and slowly but surely, the tortured lord's icy heart begins to thaw as Vivian shares the magical healing power of love.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2014
363 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Madelyn Hill
12 books291 followersI'm a mom, wife, and writer. A Michigan native, I've moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to marry the love of my life. Life is exciting, exhausting, chaotic and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I love writing historical novels with a Celtic flair. Scotland and Ireland are my favorite locations to write about. Nothing is better than a hero in a kilt and a strong heroine to give him the run for his money!
I love writing historical novels with a Celtic flair. Scotland and Ireland are my favorite locations to write about. Nothing is better than a hero in a kilt and a strong heroine to give him the run for his money!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 23, 2014
1.5
*Book source ~ Kindle Lending Library
Vivian Stuart and her servants wash up on the island belonging to Lord Galen Maclean after the ship they are traveling on has sunk. Her father, who was on his way to consult with Galen’s father, is dead and his books have sunk to the deep with him. Not that it would have mattered because Galen’s dad is dead, too. Galen is a tortured son drowning in guilt believing he’s responsible for the death of his father. Vivian is determined to either leave the island or fix Galen. She can’t decide which.
This book was definitely not for me. It evinced emotions in me that books rarely do, but they are by no means good ones. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to beat my brains in with Stargate (my Paperwhite). Vivian is a simpering nitwit and Galen has anger management issues. Both of them are bipolar, swinging wildly from one emotion to another often in the same paragraph. It was maddening. At 20% in I was ready to toss in the towel, but decided to stick it out hoping the kinks would get worked out. I was wrong. I started skipping large chunks of text because it was all the same. I hate him/her, I love him/her, I want out, she needs to leave, I want to stay, I can’t let her leave…back and forth, back and forth. The characters are annoying and flat. They need serious work. The dialogue is stilted. The plot is membrane thin. By 50% in I wanted a freak hurricane to come and destroy the island. All problems solved.
All-in-all this was an extremely frustrating book. Maybe others will like it better.
*Book source ~ Kindle Lending Library
Vivian Stuart and her servants wash up on the island belonging to Lord Galen Maclean after the ship they are traveling on has sunk. Her father, who was on his way to consult with Galen’s father, is dead and his books have sunk to the deep with him. Not that it would have mattered because Galen’s dad is dead, too. Galen is a tortured son drowning in guilt believing he’s responsible for the death of his father. Vivian is determined to either leave the island or fix Galen. She can’t decide which.
This book was definitely not for me. It evinced emotions in me that books rarely do, but they are by no means good ones. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to beat my brains in with Stargate (my Paperwhite). Vivian is a simpering nitwit and Galen has anger management issues. Both of them are bipolar, swinging wildly from one emotion to another often in the same paragraph. It was maddening. At 20% in I was ready to toss in the towel, but decided to stick it out hoping the kinks would get worked out. I was wrong. I started skipping large chunks of text because it was all the same. I hate him/her, I love him/her, I want out, she needs to leave, I want to stay, I can’t let her leave…back and forth, back and forth. The characters are annoying and flat. They need serious work. The dialogue is stilted. The plot is membrane thin. By 50% in I wanted a freak hurricane to come and destroy the island. All problems solved.
All-in-all this was an extremely frustrating book. Maybe others will like it better.
June 20, 2014
I'm a big Scottish Historical fan and I loved this book. The characters were so engaging and I found the Gothic atmosphere to be a great back drop for the story. The romance between Vivian and Galen was reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. The addition of engaging secondary characters and alchemy gave this story a uniqueness that I truly enjoyed.
July 21, 2014
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11,2014
Can he forget the past and embrace the future?
He’s the beast of Lomarcan Castle. Tortured, angry, and bound and determined not to allow Vivian Stuart to invade his lair. Lord Galen Maclean refuses to be endeared to the lovely woman who has landed on his island looking to study alchemy. The island possesses secrets, secrets too horrid to share with the gentle woman. However, her beguiling nature brings light to the darkness of the castle and the few quirky inhabitants and edges into his heart.
Can she tame the beast within him to gain his love?
She was stranded on a remote island, her father dead and dishonored by her betrothed. Still, the lovely Vivian Stuart wears her heart on her sleeve and strives to redeem Lord Maclean. She knows his heart is good and the castle can be filled with love. Through science she learns more about the troubled lord and slowly but surely, the torture lord's icy heart begins to thaw as Vivian shares the magical healing power of love
REVIEW: WOLF’S CASTLE is an historical romance novel written by Madelyn Hill focusing on Lord Galen Maclean and Vivian Stuart. En route to the island where Wolf’s Castle stands to exchange scientific research with the Laird, Vivian and her father will fall victim to one of Scotland’s many storms. Now that her father has died, Vivian and her servants have become unwelcome guests of Lord Maclean- the son of the late Scottish Laird. Lord Maclean has a few demons in his past and believes he is incapable of love.
The premise follows the developing relationship between Vivian and Galen built upon their mutual interest in alchemy-more specifically the process to turn chemicals into gold. But there are others hoping to steal Vivian’s father’s secrets and they will venture to Lord Maclean’s island to take back what they believe is rightfully theirs.
The relationship between Vivian and Galen is slow to build as Galen fights his attraction to Vivian with each encounter. Vivian and Galen’s own histories are marred with betrayal, lies and secrets, and with it will come heartbreak and sorrow when the truth is finally revealed. The sex scenes are limited, mostly implied but the attraction between our couple is a definite plus.
The secondary characters fuel a good portion of the novel-from back histories, to memories and a much needed push in the right direction for our leading couple. The world building includes the history of Wolf Castle and its’ inhabitants; the sights and sounds of the Scottish coastline in winter; and a story of lost love and letting go. The historical language of the time and the Scottish dialect are mostly absent although there are some words and phrases interspersed throughout the novel.
WOLF’S CASTLE is a quick romantic read with a little bit of everything: betrayal, heartbreak, secrets, lies, romance and a little sex. If you are a fan of the historical Scottish romance where the leading man is reluctant to fall in love and struggles with his own demons, then Wolf’s Castle is ideal read for a lazy afternoon.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Can he forget the past and embrace the future?
He’s the beast of Lomarcan Castle. Tortured, angry, and bound and determined not to allow Vivian Stuart to invade his lair. Lord Galen Maclean refuses to be endeared to the lovely woman who has landed on his island looking to study alchemy. The island possesses secrets, secrets too horrid to share with the gentle woman. However, her beguiling nature brings light to the darkness of the castle and the few quirky inhabitants and edges into his heart.
Can she tame the beast within him to gain his love?
She was stranded on a remote island, her father dead and dishonored by her betrothed. Still, the lovely Vivian Stuart wears her heart on her sleeve and strives to redeem Lord Maclean. She knows his heart is good and the castle can be filled with love. Through science she learns more about the troubled lord and slowly but surely, the torture lord's icy heart begins to thaw as Vivian shares the magical healing power of love
REVIEW: WOLF’S CASTLE is an historical romance novel written by Madelyn Hill focusing on Lord Galen Maclean and Vivian Stuart. En route to the island where Wolf’s Castle stands to exchange scientific research with the Laird, Vivian and her father will fall victim to one of Scotland’s many storms. Now that her father has died, Vivian and her servants have become unwelcome guests of Lord Maclean- the son of the late Scottish Laird. Lord Maclean has a few demons in his past and believes he is incapable of love.
The premise follows the developing relationship between Vivian and Galen built upon their mutual interest in alchemy-more specifically the process to turn chemicals into gold. But there are others hoping to steal Vivian’s father’s secrets and they will venture to Lord Maclean’s island to take back what they believe is rightfully theirs.
The relationship between Vivian and Galen is slow to build as Galen fights his attraction to Vivian with each encounter. Vivian and Galen’s own histories are marred with betrayal, lies and secrets, and with it will come heartbreak and sorrow when the truth is finally revealed. The sex scenes are limited, mostly implied but the attraction between our couple is a definite plus.
The secondary characters fuel a good portion of the novel-from back histories, to memories and a much needed push in the right direction for our leading couple. The world building includes the history of Wolf Castle and its’ inhabitants; the sights and sounds of the Scottish coastline in winter; and a story of lost love and letting go. The historical language of the time and the Scottish dialect are mostly absent although there are some words and phrases interspersed throughout the novel.
WOLF’S CASTLE is a quick romantic read with a little bit of everything: betrayal, heartbreak, secrets, lies, romance and a little sex. If you are a fan of the historical Scottish romance where the leading man is reluctant to fall in love and struggles with his own demons, then Wolf’s Castle is ideal read for a lazy afternoon.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
August 29, 2014
If you like your heroes dark and brooding, your castles full of cobweb draped secret passages and damp dungeons, you servants odd and wary, and settings that include rocky cliffs above treacherous currents battered by non-stop storms, this is a book for you.
Vivian Stuart washes up on the Isle of Mac Tire bereft of everything she owns except her father’s precious books. Her father, alas, goes down with the ship. Vivian is no faint-hearted heroine. She handles the servants, the castle, and ultimately the laird himself with grit and determination. If some plot points seem a bit forced, it doesn’t matter. She uncovers hidden keepsakes, secret rooms, and murder most foul, all the while seeking to continue her father’s experiments, work made sweeter with a partner. Laird Galen Maclean may prefer to work alone, but she isn’t having it.
Add a touch of Alchemy. Can they really turn lead into gold?
Vivian Stuart washes up on the Isle of Mac Tire bereft of everything she owns except her father’s precious books. Her father, alas, goes down with the ship. Vivian is no faint-hearted heroine. She handles the servants, the castle, and ultimately the laird himself with grit and determination. If some plot points seem a bit forced, it doesn’t matter. She uncovers hidden keepsakes, secret rooms, and murder most foul, all the while seeking to continue her father’s experiments, work made sweeter with a partner. Laird Galen Maclean may prefer to work alone, but she isn’t having it.
Add a touch of Alchemy. Can they really turn lead into gold?
August 29, 2014
I love Scottish historicals, especially those set in a castle, and Wolf’s Castle didn’t disappoint.
The chemistry between the intense hero, Galen, and the determined heroine, Vivian, moves the story along at a nice clip. The colorful secondary characters are a delightful addition too. I’m looking forward to more of Ms. Hill’s novels.
I was provided an ARC of the book for an honest review.
The chemistry between the intense hero, Galen, and the determined heroine, Vivian, moves the story along at a nice clip. The colorful secondary characters are a delightful addition too. I’m looking forward to more of Ms. Hill’s novels.
I was provided an ARC of the book for an honest review.
June 24, 2014
Madelyn Hill drew me in and kept me turning the pages. Great book from an author I will definitely be picking up again! The dark, stormy island, the brooding, angsty hero, the spunky heroine and the villains galore. I didn't want it to end!
June 11, 2014
Stunning debut novel by Madelyn Hill! A lush, touching story filled with engaging characters and inventive twists. Fans of Gothic romance, this one's for you!
August 12, 2017
Good gothic romance
I enjoyed Galen and Vivian's story and the many mysteries.surrounding the families of each. If you like gothic romance I recommend this book.
I enjoyed Galen and Vivian's story and the many mysteries.surrounding the families of each. If you like gothic romance I recommend this book.
September 15, 2016
the storyline was all over the place and had no substance. Got half way thru and just couldn't finish.
Want to read
September 17, 2017FREE on Amazon today (9/17/2017)!
October 20, 2018
My first historical romance read
I really enjoyed this. It was sweet, the characters well developed and the storyline really emotionally engaging. Me, personally, would have made Galen suffer more than what Vivian did, but perhaps that's the modern woman redheaded part of me. I don't think women back then dare be as confrontational as what I wished Vivian would have been. Still, she did a mighty job of handling the brooding Galen.
It wasn't loused in detail to slow the plot which is what has previously put me off this genre. The only thing I struggled with was the language. I loved the fact it added to the authenticity of the Scottish setting but it did throw me sometimes. Some scenes I had to reread in order to get the gist of what was being portrayed. On the whole though, really enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this. It was sweet, the characters well developed and the storyline really emotionally engaging. Me, personally, would have made Galen suffer more than what Vivian did, but perhaps that's the modern woman redheaded part of me. I don't think women back then dare be as confrontational as what I wished Vivian would have been. Still, she did a mighty job of handling the brooding Galen.
It wasn't loused in detail to slow the plot which is what has previously put me off this genre. The only thing I struggled with was the language. I loved the fact it added to the authenticity of the Scottish setting but it did throw me sometimes. Some scenes I had to reread in order to get the gist of what was being portrayed. On the whole though, really enjoyable.
October 23, 2018
Loved the book. My first by Madelyn Hill! Vivian and her father were crossing the sea to Wolfs Castle when their boat capsizes. Galen was able to save her but her father drowns. When Vivian finally recovers Galen wants her gone. As she grieves her father she wonders why her father wanted to come her. The Laird (Galen) is a grumpy, gruff and angry person. Vivian thinks she might be able to help him and those that are left at the Castle. Galen just wants to find out why the experiment he and his fathers was doing failed and his father was killed.
Vivian tries to assist Galen in recreating the experiment to find out what went wrong when Vivian realized that it was not her fathers handwriting that sent the formula. They try to unravel who wanted his father dead as they are falling in love with each other. A nice read with a few twists.
Vivian tries to assist Galen in recreating the experiment to find out what went wrong when Vivian realized that it was not her fathers handwriting that sent the formula. They try to unravel who wanted his father dead as they are falling in love with each other. A nice read with a few twists.
March 8, 2024
The Beast of Lomarcan is Lord Galen Maclean, who is a tortured soul who just wants to find a solution that his father tried to solve in alchemy. Vivian Stuart is the daughter of the alchemist, whom Lord Galen Maclean's father has invited to help him with his alchemy problem. Stuart's boat capsizes and her dad drowns. Will Lord Maclean and Vivian be able to get past their struggles? I enjoyed reading about the struggles they must go through. It was entertaining, to say the least. I hope you their story and find out how the story commences.
October 24, 2018
Melodrama
If you like melodrama and don't mind bad editing, you may enjoy this story. A brooding, psychologically damaged hero, a naive, beautiful and very intelligent (except in the ways of the world) heroine, a Gothic setting...this will undoubtedly appeal to some readers, but not to this one.
If you like melodrama and don't mind bad editing, you may enjoy this story. A brooding, psychologically damaged hero, a naive, beautiful and very intelligent (except in the ways of the world) heroine, a Gothic setting...this will undoubtedly appeal to some readers, but not to this one.
February 25, 2020
Wolf’s castle
Ugh! This was SO long. It just went on and on. Galen was just awful to Vivian. Treated her like trash almost the whole book. It got really old. He kept pushing her away chapter after chapter saying he wasn’t good enough for her. Give me a break. I started skipping chapters after 23 and went to the last one to see the HEA-pretty underwhelming.
Ugh! This was SO long. It just went on and on. Galen was just awful to Vivian. Treated her like trash almost the whole book. It got really old. He kept pushing her away chapter after chapter saying he wasn’t good enough for her. Give me a break. I started skipping chapters after 23 and went to the last one to see the HEA-pretty underwhelming.
August 11, 2017
Absolutely fantastic.
This is my first time reading this author and I can definitely say it will not be my last. This story had it all, the tortured hero that makes you weak in the knees, danger, mystery and a love story that will make you sigh! Wonderful!
This is my first time reading this author and I can definitely say it will not be my last. This story had it all, the tortured hero that makes you weak in the knees, danger, mystery and a love story that will make you sigh! Wonderful!
October 22, 2018
Unable to put it down
Once I started reading I did not want to put it down, even though the genre is not my usual. The characters are portrayed vividly as the story moves to a happy ending.
Once I started reading I did not want to put it down, even though the genre is not my usual. The characters are portrayed vividly as the story moves to a happy ending.
October 24, 2018
Choppy at best
Felt like a draft. Transitions were choppy, I kept needing to re-read sections to figure out the scene setting. Story and characters had potential but I was too distracted by poor writing flow.
Felt like a draft. Transitions were choppy, I kept needing to re-read sections to figure out the scene setting. Story and characters had potential but I was too distracted by poor writing flow.
October 30, 2018
Great story!
I finally finished this story. I loved the main characters, the setting and everything wrapped up in one truly awesome book. The author has a wonderful imagination and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
I finally finished this story. I loved the main characters, the setting and everything wrapped up in one truly awesome book. The author has a wonderful imagination and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
November 12, 2018
Great story
I enjoyed the story. I was a but surprised at the character change. The way it would switch from one person to another startled me at first then I got used to it, I liked it. I was expecting more of a fight at the end but the scene still turned out well.
I enjoyed the story. I was a but surprised at the character change. The way it would switch from one person to another startled me at first then I got used to it, I liked it. I was expecting more of a fight at the end but the scene still turned out well.
February 3, 2019
Aww
A slow burn love story. You really need to hang on to the details that are written in the novel.
A slow burn love story. You really need to hang on to the details that are written in the novel.
April 10, 2019
Slow moving
A slow moving story. I didn’t like how long it took to develop the relationship. Then it ended. It wasn’t a bad ending just took long to get there.
A slow moving story. I didn’t like how long it took to develop the relationship. Then it ended. It wasn’t a bad ending just took long to get there.
April 5, 2021
Castle with secrets
A story of many sad stories entwined together to make Iife with no joy. New
Life emerging from uninvited guests. Strange but interesting story.
A story of many sad stories entwined together to make Iife with no joy. New
Life emerging from uninvited guests. Strange but interesting story.
November 16, 2023
A wonderful story and romance filled with hope and love. I enjoyed Vivian and Galen, they have great chemistry and a worthy happily ever after.
April 7, 2024
great story
Couldn’t put the book down, great story line enjoyed the book thoroughly from the beginning to the end will look for more
Couldn’t put the book down, great story line enjoyed the book thoroughly from the beginning to the end will look for more
September 20, 2016
I'll be honest I didn't finish it. The Scottish got to me. I get that you kenned, but since it's written in the third person I have no idea why I have to ken along with you. That plus the alchemist plot, him being all Wuthering Heights, and her being a frightened booby I decided it was okay if I let this one slide.
September 18, 2016
Lovely
Enchanting book. Story was not what I expected but then neither was Galen and Vivian. I enjoyed Vivian's tenacity with her dealings with Galen.
Enchanting book. Story was not what I expected but then neither was Galen and Vivian. I enjoyed Vivian's tenacity with her dealings with Galen.
October 12, 2020
Was given to me for an honest review by Manic Readers
Vivian Stuart and her father were there way to see his old alchemy friend and colleague when tragedy strikes and she lost him to the sea. Now she is stranded on the island they were heading to with the son of her father's colleague and he wants her gone as much as she wants to be gone from the must old castle and isolated island. But Vivian's paste is hot on her heals and she is about to lose her heart to the Laird of the castle.
Galen Maclean is the Laird of the island with his tortured past dogging his every step. When he pulls Vivian from the sea he can't decide whether to keeper her and let her save his soul or throw her back into the sea. With his secrets and her past catching up to her will they find the future they both deserve?
Madelyn Hill did an awesome job of fleshing out her characters; they did jump from the pages and were successful in helping me finish this book. The story line however though solid left me bored and eager to move on to the other book I was reading even with the books most excellent beginning.
To read entire review please visit https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
Vivian Stuart and her father were there way to see his old alchemy friend and colleague when tragedy strikes and she lost him to the sea. Now she is stranded on the island they were heading to with the son of her father's colleague and he wants her gone as much as she wants to be gone from the must old castle and isolated island. But Vivian's paste is hot on her heals and she is about to lose her heart to the Laird of the castle.
Galen Maclean is the Laird of the island with his tortured past dogging his every step. When he pulls Vivian from the sea he can't decide whether to keeper her and let her save his soul or throw her back into the sea. With his secrets and her past catching up to her will they find the future they both deserve?
Madelyn Hill did an awesome job of fleshing out her characters; they did jump from the pages and were successful in helping me finish this book. The story line however though solid left me bored and eager to move on to the other book I was reading even with the books most excellent beginning.
To read entire review please visit https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
November 23, 2016
Boring and Repetitious use of the word "kenned"
I was very disappointed. I eagerly anticipated what I thought would be a good read, but the excessive, repetitious use of the Scottish word "ken" and "kenned", even when merely attributed to the speaker and not in the speaker's thoughts or words, was extremely boring and became tedious. Moreover, whoever proofed the final copy made some mistakes which put the crowning touch on errors...this could NOT have been the author's fault! I could not get past a 25% read...I had to go elsewhere for my nightly read. If the author will review all those "kenned" words and avoid using them in practically every sentence, I would be willing to revisit this story.
I was very disappointed. I eagerly anticipated what I thought would be a good read, but the excessive, repetitious use of the Scottish word "ken" and "kenned", even when merely attributed to the speaker and not in the speaker's thoughts or words, was extremely boring and became tedious. Moreover, whoever proofed the final copy made some mistakes which put the crowning touch on errors...this could NOT have been the author's fault! I could not get past a 25% read...I had to go elsewhere for my nightly read. If the author will review all those "kenned" words and avoid using them in practically every sentence, I would be willing to revisit this story.
October 30, 2019
I loved this book it was an awesome book. The story and characters were very well written and developed pulling me on form the beginning and I couldn't put it down. There's twists, turns, drama, suspense, intrigue, mystery, passion, love and a great romance that will not disappoint and definite must read. I loved Galen and Vivian he's the brooding damaged hero and she's the spunky heroine they went well together. It's an awesome historical romance you will love!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews