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Devereux Family #2
Emerald Enchantment
A WOMAN'S PRIDE
Vulnerable young widow of a hot-tempered Irish chieftain, Kathryn Devereux sought her children's safety in marriage to her late husband's ambitious nephew, Hugh O'Neill -- who won an earldom with their union. Now Countess Tyrone, Kathryn concealed her feelings from her charismatic husband. Remembering the terrible fury of her first husband's love, she feared Hugh could never give her the tenderness she yearned for.
A WARRIOR'S PASSION
Dazed by the beauty of his delicate bride, the Earl of Tyrone was incensed as she shunned the marriage bed. No sooner had he shown Kathryn the loving kindness she craved than she was kidnapped by a vengeful kinsman. Hugh's daring raid rescued his lovely countess from her lust-maddened captor. But the secret of her nights as a hostage haunted Kathryn and Hugh knew there was only one way to regain her trust and rekindle her desire.
Vulnerable young widow of a hot-tempered Irish chieftain, Kathryn Devereux sought her children's safety in marriage to her late husband's ambitious nephew, Hugh O'Neill -- who won an earldom with their union. Now Countess Tyrone, Kathryn concealed her feelings from her charismatic husband. Remembering the terrible fury of her first husband's love, she feared Hugh could never give her the tenderness she yearned for.
A WARRIOR'S PASSION
Dazed by the beauty of his delicate bride, the Earl of Tyrone was incensed as she shunned the marriage bed. No sooner had he shown Kathryn the loving kindness she craved than she was kidnapped by a vengeful kinsman. Hugh's daring raid rescued his lovely countess from her lust-maddened captor. But the secret of her nights as a hostage haunted Kathryn and Hugh knew there was only one way to regain her trust and rekindle her desire.
343 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 1992
77 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Grasso
63 books156 followersI'm a dog person. Who lives with 10 cats. Get the picture?
My first brush with the romance genre happened in my high school junior year. I discovered Gone With the Wind and hid it behind my American history book to read during class. (The Civil War is American history.) The ambiguous ending left me dissatisfied, though. Rhett and Scarlet needed a happily-ever-after. Believing in happily-ever-afters positively screams romantic-at-heart.
On the other hand, I love murder and mayhem as much as happily-ever-after. My usual television fare is fiction and nonfiction crime shows, not love stories. Which accounts for the mysteries I sneaked into my historical romances. Now I'm trying my hand at writing a humorous mystery, sans historical and sans emphasis on the love interest. I even prepared for my mystery-in-progress by attending the local NRA's Pistol School. Shooting pistols is great fun. I adore the .22 semiautomatics.
After graduating from high school without distinction, I earned both Bachelor and Master degrees at a state college. Again, without distinction. I held several part-time jobs during my college days: file clerk in an insurance company, long-distance telephone operator, kimono-wearing waitress in a Japanese restaurant.
And then I began my teaching career, eighteen years in the eighth grade and thirteen years at the high school. Weary with the same old routine, I decided I needed a creative outlet. So I decided to write a romance novel but only managed to talk about writing one. After five years of listening to me, a friend said to stop talking and start writing.
So I did.
I made every mistake known to man. Blunder would be a more appropriate word, but I did learn using the trial and error method. As well as studying the works of authors I admired.
After five years of writing for nothing but love, I sold my first novel. Since then, I've sold eighteen novels and won several awards--- National Readers' Choice Award New England Readers' Choice Award, Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice and KISS Awards, B. Dalton and Bookrak Awards for best-selling author. My novels have been translated into fifteen languages and sold in twenty countries.
If I had my life over, would I become a writer? Nope. I would enjoy being a Victoria Secret model. Perhaps in my next incarnation I won't be too old, too short, or too unphotogenic.
My first brush with the romance genre happened in my high school junior year. I discovered Gone With the Wind and hid it behind my American history book to read during class. (The Civil War is American history.) The ambiguous ending left me dissatisfied, though. Rhett and Scarlet needed a happily-ever-after. Believing in happily-ever-afters positively screams romantic-at-heart.
On the other hand, I love murder and mayhem as much as happily-ever-after. My usual television fare is fiction and nonfiction crime shows, not love stories. Which accounts for the mysteries I sneaked into my historical romances. Now I'm trying my hand at writing a humorous mystery, sans historical and sans emphasis on the love interest. I even prepared for my mystery-in-progress by attending the local NRA's Pistol School. Shooting pistols is great fun. I adore the .22 semiautomatics.
After graduating from high school without distinction, I earned both Bachelor and Master degrees at a state college. Again, without distinction. I held several part-time jobs during my college days: file clerk in an insurance company, long-distance telephone operator, kimono-wearing waitress in a Japanese restaurant.
And then I began my teaching career, eighteen years in the eighth grade and thirteen years at the high school. Weary with the same old routine, I decided I needed a creative outlet. So I decided to write a romance novel but only managed to talk about writing one. After five years of listening to me, a friend said to stop talking and start writing.
So I did.
I made every mistake known to man. Blunder would be a more appropriate word, but I did learn using the trial and error method. As well as studying the works of authors I admired.
After five years of writing for nothing but love, I sold my first novel. Since then, I've sold eighteen novels and won several awards--- National Readers' Choice Award New England Readers' Choice Award, Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice and KISS Awards, B. Dalton and Bookrak Awards for best-selling author. My novels have been translated into fifteen languages and sold in twenty countries.
If I had my life over, would I become a writer? Nope. I would enjoy being a Victoria Secret model. Perhaps in my next incarnation I won't be too old, too short, or too unphotogenic.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 28, 2016
This is a crazy, crazy story
November 18, 2025
Read: 11/17/25
Setting: 1563 Ireland
Trope: MOC/pregnancy, widow, class differences
3.5 stars
Kathryn was a lot more mature than her impulsive little sister. While that could be refreshing, this story was missing a some of the whimsical charm from the 1st book. Still, I liked this book. Kathryn's children were wonderful and I loved how Hugh adopted them as his own.
conclusion: This was a great, interesting hr!
Can be read as a standalone
Setting: 1563 Ireland
Trope: MOC/pregnancy, widow, class differences
3.5 stars
Kathryn was a lot more mature than her impulsive little sister. While that could be refreshing, this story was missing a some of the whimsical charm from the 1st book. Still, I liked this book. Kathryn's children were wonderful and I loved how Hugh adopted them as his own.
conclusion: This was a great, interesting hr!
Can be read as a standalone
February 21, 2020
Ireland 1561 Step back in time when plots and cruel villains abounded and a woman cruelly treated had to endure. Kathryn Devereux, was a young English widow who had been married to a cruel man, an Irish Chieftain and she was pregnant with her second child. Left with little choice she marries the nephew of her late husband and prepares more more cruelty.
But surprisingly, Hugh is not like his uncle and an attraction grows until she is taken by another man, who wants her for his own. To say, it was really horrible what she had to go through, is mild. When her husband rescues her she puts him at arms length.
A very emotional story that pulls at the heart of all Kathryn has gone through. I could only hope as I the story progressed that she and Hugh could find true happiness and she would be at peace!
Not to be missed!
But surprisingly, Hugh is not like his uncle and an attraction grows until she is taken by another man, who wants her for his own. To say, it was really horrible what she had to go through, is mild. When her husband rescues her she puts him at arms length.
A very emotional story that pulls at the heart of all Kathryn has gone through. I could only hope as I the story progressed that she and Hugh could find true happiness and she would be at peace!
Not to be missed!
February 19, 2021
The story was predictably cute about a time when men gave their women an illusion of choice. Kathryn at times acted like a total ninny but for me the story was saved by Hugh, her eventual love interest. He was honorable and kept his word to her. I liked him more than Kathryn. The pace was steady, steam was mild. The villain was a bit contradictory. It felt like they lacked the guidance to either be truly evil or decent character. The ending was really disappointing. Even though the MCs had their HEA, the way they came about it felt was for the wrong reasons. Okay read. I did enjoy the medieval feel of the story.
March 28, 2016
3 and ½ Stars - Entertaining Story from Old Ireland
The story is set in Ireland in 1567. Kathryn Devereux, the young English widow of an Irish chieftain, the Earl of Tyrone, is pregnant with her second child when her husband is killed and she is forced into a marriage of convenience with her late husband's ambitious nephew, Hugh O'Neill. He wants the earldom as well as her and she just wants to be safe.
Soon after they are wed and find a growing attraction for each other, Kathryn is kidnapped by another Irishman determined to have her. In a daring raid, Hugh rescues her, but haunted by her time as a hostage, Kathryn denies Hugh her bed.
This was my first by Grasso. The story got my attention from the beginning but I thought the heroine’s reactions often over the top and the conflict (except for the jealousy she showed when another woman paid attention to Hugh) a bit contrived. The characters were well developed but the constant and quick changes in point of view (head hopping) distracted. The best part of the story was the setting in Ireland and the competition between the different O’Neill’s for the title. There are a few references to the English queen and the first book in the series, but most of the focus is on Ireland.
The Devereaux Family series:
Highland Belle
Emerald Enchantment
Desert Eden
Love in as Mist
Courting an Angel
My Heart’s Desire
The story is set in Ireland in 1567. Kathryn Devereux, the young English widow of an Irish chieftain, the Earl of Tyrone, is pregnant with her second child when her husband is killed and she is forced into a marriage of convenience with her late husband's ambitious nephew, Hugh O'Neill. He wants the earldom as well as her and she just wants to be safe.
Soon after they are wed and find a growing attraction for each other, Kathryn is kidnapped by another Irishman determined to have her. In a daring raid, Hugh rescues her, but haunted by her time as a hostage, Kathryn denies Hugh her bed.
This was my first by Grasso. The story got my attention from the beginning but I thought the heroine’s reactions often over the top and the conflict (except for the jealousy she showed when another woman paid attention to Hugh) a bit contrived. The characters were well developed but the constant and quick changes in point of view (head hopping) distracted. The best part of the story was the setting in Ireland and the competition between the different O’Neill’s for the title. There are a few references to the English queen and the first book in the series, but most of the focus is on Ireland.
The Devereaux Family series:
Highland Belle
Emerald Enchantment
Desert Eden
Love in as Mist
Courting an Angel
My Heart’s Desire
February 14, 2020
Surprisingly Excellent Medieval Irish Romance
This will sound silly, but I fully expected to not enjoy this book. So why did I read it? I am a huge fan of historical romantic fiction, and this author had placed four books at one of my book review sites, so I grabbed them all. The first two, I did not enjoy very much. But I do have a policy of reading at least two (if not more books) by an author before I decide to completely write him or her off. Sometimes I'm glad I have this policy, and this is one of them. This book is unusual in that it takes place in medieval Ireland at the time of the reign of Elizabeth I. I have read a fair amount of medieval romantic novels, but I think all of them took place in England and maybe one or two in France. Compared to the other two books I’ve read by this author, I found this book very well written and engaging from the start. Our poor heroine suffers so much, first at her older husband's hand and then at one of his relations after her first husband's death. The book was an emotional roller coaster ride, that's for sure. But I quickly became engrossed by the heroine's travails and found this to be a gripping read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This will sound silly, but I fully expected to not enjoy this book. So why did I read it? I am a huge fan of historical romantic fiction, and this author had placed four books at one of my book review sites, so I grabbed them all. The first two, I did not enjoy very much. But I do have a policy of reading at least two (if not more books) by an author before I decide to completely write him or her off. Sometimes I'm glad I have this policy, and this is one of them. This book is unusual in that it takes place in medieval Ireland at the time of the reign of Elizabeth I. I have read a fair amount of medieval romantic novels, but I think all of them took place in England and maybe one or two in France. Compared to the other two books I’ve read by this author, I found this book very well written and engaging from the start. Our poor heroine suffers so much, first at her older husband's hand and then at one of his relations after her first husband's death. The book was an emotional roller coaster ride, that's for sure. But I quickly became engrossed by the heroine's travails and found this to be a gripping read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
January 6, 2021
Awesome awesome awesome
There’s so many things to say about what I liked about this book there was only one thing I didn’t like it ended too soon. This book was so well written it flowed it really flowed so much I couldn’t put it down it is now 7:03 AM and I have not been to sleep yet I really couldn’t put the book down there was adventure humor suspense romance everything a woman looks for in a wonderful romance story I loved it. I’ve read other books by this writer and I have loved everyone of them she is a phenomenal writer and storyteller I don’t know if she dreams of these things at night and come up with plots and characters and I hope she’s got a pencil and paper next to her bed I wouldn’t want to miss a word of hers in a book well well written I would recommend this to any person that enjoys a good romance story it’s got it all and I thank you for writing the books that you do I know you make me happy.
There’s so many things to say about what I liked about this book there was only one thing I didn’t like it ended too soon. This book was so well written it flowed it really flowed so much I couldn’t put it down it is now 7:03 AM and I have not been to sleep yet I really couldn’t put the book down there was adventure humor suspense romance everything a woman looks for in a wonderful romance story I loved it. I’ve read other books by this writer and I have loved everyone of them she is a phenomenal writer and storyteller I don’t know if she dreams of these things at night and come up with plots and characters and I hope she’s got a pencil and paper next to her bed I wouldn’t want to miss a word of hers in a book well well written I would recommend this to any person that enjoys a good romance story it’s got it all and I thank you for writing the books that you do I know you make me happy.
February 13, 2020
The captive and the captor story.
This story had the drama and high emotions that I love in a book. Like all the books by Grasso I have read they are a bit twisted but so interesting. Kathryn and Hugh were good characters that I really enjoyed reading about. Now expected a book that is a bit wordy and a bit flowery but come on that just makes it more fun to read. Yes, I know for all you really modern people the older writing of romances seems strange to you but reading this book is no different from reading a classic. The turn of a phrase may be different but the story is still good. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This story had the drama and high emotions that I love in a book. Like all the books by Grasso I have read they are a bit twisted but so interesting. Kathryn and Hugh were good characters that I really enjoyed reading about. Now expected a book that is a bit wordy and a bit flowery but come on that just makes it more fun to read. Yes, I know for all you really modern people the older writing of romances seems strange to you but reading this book is no different from reading a classic. The turn of a phrase may be different but the story is still good. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 11, 2020
An English rose caught between two warring men. And she is the prize. Kathryn was a strong woman but she had to endure so much. Cruelty from her first husband, forced to marry the nephew of her first husband for political advantages and for Hugh to win back his ancestral lands, and then abducted by a lecherous man who hits her and kills for any slight. Can she ever have a safe life secure in her new husband’s love? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 20, 2020
The setting of this book takes place in medieval Ireland at the time of the reign of Elizabeth I. The story was very well written and was an emotional and gripping tale. Ms. Grasso's writing flowed smoothly and she did an excellent job of describing each scene vividly, making me feel as if I was right there seeing for itself. I enjoyed reading about Hugh and Kathryn and following them on their journey. The story had me engaged till the last page. I am looking forward to the next book!
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.
March 24, 2022
The Struggles of a Lady
Kathryn had two men vying for her attention. When she was widowed, she was kidnapped by her late husband’s nephew. She might find shelter there, and perhaps she would find love. However, there were those who would not leave her in peace. One man wanted her, and she escaped his clutches. Would he give up the fight? This story has romance, adventure, and treachery. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with adventure and intrigue.
Kathryn had two men vying for her attention. When she was widowed, she was kidnapped by her late husband’s nephew. She might find shelter there, and perhaps she would find love. However, there were those who would not leave her in peace. One man wanted her, and she escaped his clutches. Would he give up the fight? This story has romance, adventure, and treachery. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with adventure and intrigue.
February 18, 2020
Book two in the Devereux Series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Kathryn Devereux and Hugh O'Neill's story there is drama, twists, turns, kidnapping, danger, suspense, another woman who wants Hugh,a woman who has a hard time letting go of the past, and love. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2020
Emerald Enchantment is the second book in the Devereux Series and is an entertaining read.
The storyline is interesting and has domestic abuse, kidnapping, drama, suspense, and a chance for love. Can Kathryn trust Hugh to love her?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
The storyline is interesting and has domestic abuse, kidnapping, drama, suspense, and a chance for love. Can Kathryn trust Hugh to love her?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
March 14, 2020
I enjoyed Katheryn & Hugh's story. Good characters. This was an entertaining & intriguing read. Haven't read her books for some time & hope to start reading more again. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 28, 2020
Too short
I wanted more of this compelling book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from this Author.
I wanted more of this compelling book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from this Author.
January 6, 2021
DNF
I made it to 50%. The writing is choppy and the characters actions had me rolling my eyes. At half way, I should care about the characters. I didn't.
I made it to 50%. The writing is choppy and the characters actions had me rolling my eyes. At half way, I should care about the characters. I didn't.
January 11, 2021
Beautiful story
A true love story makes one yearn for romance. A great mix of suspense, war, intrigue, romance, amongst other things. I really enjoyed it
A true love story makes one yearn for romance. A great mix of suspense, war, intrigue, romance, amongst other things. I really enjoyed it
January 8, 2020
I didn't know what to expect with this book, but the fact is it brought me to tears to my eyes at times. It frustrates me at others. It was a book that had me completely engaged with the characters and their emotional states. That's a success on the author's part, when the reader is emerged in the plot and story so much that the read starts to feel for the characters. PG has that ability with some scenes to wrap you up in the moment.
There were times when I did find myself snorting out loud with the moments of, how shall I put this - bodice-ripper vocabulary. "His masculine weapon was primed for life's most intimate of battles." So yeah, there were flowery innuendos that make you smile but no outrageous scenes. Overall well written historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were times when I did find myself snorting out loud with the moments of, how shall I put this - bodice-ripper vocabulary. "His masculine weapon was primed for life's most intimate of battles." So yeah, there were flowery innuendos that make you smile but no outrageous scenes. Overall well written historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2020
Kathryn Devereux, young English widow of an Irish chieftain, was a strong woman trying to do the right thing for herself and her children. Her first husband was a cruel man. Her marriage of convenience after he was killed would hopefully keep her safe, while the nephew of her first husband, Hugh O'Neill, would gain the Earldom and get back his ancestral lands. Although attracted to him, she expected more of the same treatment, so she hid her feelings and he agreed to leave her untouched until she delivered her child. But when Kathryn and Hugh can be together, she is abducted by an O'Neill kinsman who wants her for himself and again shows her cruelty. Although Hugh rescues her, she is haunted by her captivity and Hugh must regain his wife's trust and her desire for him. Will she ever find the security she seeks with her husband?
This was an emotional up-and-down experience as the reader watches Kathryn’s uncomfortable struggle with the men who touch her life. Will she ever find the safety and caring that she seeks? Or is she doomed to be hurt over and over by the cruelty around her?
This was an emotional up-and-down experience as the reader watches Kathryn’s uncomfortable struggle with the men who touch her life. Will she ever find the safety and caring that she seeks? Or is she doomed to be hurt over and over by the cruelty around her?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews