The Highland Curse

Scottish Strife #2

by Dana D'Angelo

Adrina MacGill sees and hears things that no ordinary lass can. At first she attributes the visions and whispers as nothing more than her overactive imagination. But everyone she loves falls under an evil enchantment. In her quest for help, she is unexpectedly paired with a bold Highlander. And even though she's repulsed by the handsome warrior, she's drawn to his electrifying kisses. Duncan MacGregon scorns superstition and anything that isn't rational and logical. When a pretty lass shows up at his brother's castle, he's skeptical about her and her claims. Meanwhile war looms in the horizon, and he must strategize and gear up for battle. So when Duncan is commissioned to escort the attractive lass home, he balks at the task. Yet despite his resistance, can he ignore his irrational, scorching desire for Adrina or her plea for help?

Genres: Historical, Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2015

About the author

Dana is the only girl from a family of nine children. As a teenager, there was a constant battle for the T.V. remote, which she lost so she was forced to find her amusement in books. Soon after she discovered historical romance novels from best selling romance writers like Johanna Lindsay, Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood. She read as many as 10 romance books per week, and spent hours with her nose pressed between the pages, skipping meals and cutting out sleep. Medieval romance and love in the Regency era was just too exciting.

It wasn't until she was married with two young kids that she decided to take a stab at writing her own historical romance books. She is intrigued with the idea of writing romance fiction that could bring hours of enjoyment to readers, help them escape from reality, and perhaps remind them how sweet love is and should be. These are the things that she enjoys as a reader, and these are the things that she wants to give back as a writer.

Dana resides in a city east of Toronto, Canada. When not writing or reading, she's dining at local restaurants with her husband and kids and enjoying the spectacular foods of the world.

You can learn more about Dana by visiting her website, look her up and like her on - facebook, or follow her on twitter - @DanaD_author and Google +

Reviews

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this one it's a complete story with Mystery , murder, betrayal , courage and love . Book 2 of the series .
Adriana travels all by her self to a keep . She suspects that there is a dark curse (manic) surrounding her keep castle . She sees it in her sleep about her parents being murdered. She also is gifted (second sight ). While at the neighbours castle she meets Duncan. He stirs something in her , he looks so familiar.... She actually saw him kissing her in her dreams. She talks to the laird of the Keep and a healer brews her a potion to help with the Enchainment. She wanders who is going to take her home . Duncan's younger brother was ... But Duncan does .. He doesn't want to at first he wants to get ready to fight the English. Grab it and see what happens... Was there an evil curse set at Adriana keep . Is her parents still alive and ask yourself who would gain the most if her parents are killed . Did Adriana's dream come true does Duncan kiss her . Do they become one ...

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this one it's a complete story with Mystery , murder, betrayal , courage and love . Book 2 of the series .
Adriana travels all by her self to a keep . She suspects that there is a dark curse (manic) surrounding her keep castle . She sees it in her sleep about her parents being murdered. She also is gifted (second sight ). While at the neighbours castle she meets Duncan. He stirs something in her , he looks so familiar.... She actually saw him kissing her in her dreams. She talks to the laird of the Keep and a healer brews her a potion to help with the Enchainment. She wanders who is going to take her home . Duncan's younger brother was ... But Duncan does .. He doesn't want to at first he wants to get ready to fight the English. Grab it and see what happens... Was there an evil curse set at Adriana keep . Is her parents still alive and ask yourself who would gain the most if her parents are killed . Did Adriana's dream come true does Duncan kiss her . Do they become one ...

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Dana D'Angelo's Highland strife series. Another fast paced enchanting. mesmerizing, spellbinding read that readers won't be able to put down. Ms. D'Angelo sweeps you into a love story where opposites sometimes attract. The Highland Curse is filled with passion, treachery, betrayal, terror, murder, mayhem and the supernatural in a beautiful Scottish setting, that will have readers at the edge of their seats in this paranormal Scottish historical!


Tancraig Castle, Scotland, 1560

In this story it starts off as Adrina MacGill recently has an erotic dream about a handsome braw highlander which she did not want to wake up from. Adrina just arrives Taincraig Castle traveling alone during a gathering of Clans to prepare for an expected upcoming English attack. Adrina asks for assistance and low and behold she meets her dream lover in the flesh one Duncan MacGregon! He is friendly enough at first and you can see he is as attracted to her and she is to him until all he finds out the real reason she is asking for assistance. Adrina believes her Clan is under some type of way enchantment from the evil former cleric Fingal who has stole her Great grandmother's book of spells and has an eerie bird as his minion that follows and reports everyone move When questioned why by the Laird Rory MacGregon from Book one The Highland Chief, as his English wife Darra and and mother-in-law Venora who is a great healer helps her make a potion to release her people of this enchantment. Duncan doesn't believe in anything in the supernatural form unless he can see it right in front of his face, as he is a great believer in logic and analyzing things thoroughly to think clearly. Another reason why he is such a great fierce warrior and have kept himself alive this long. Plus he is aware the English are gathering forces and want to go to war, as he knows the English coming up on their heals. Even this Adrina can see that a great many men of Scotland will die leaving women widows and children fatherless. Though Duncan sees this as protecting his land and people from oppression, slavery and death. Duncan voices his opinion of Adrina's over active imagination which just angers her feeling disappointment of her dream lover! She knows she sounds mad and at first though it was her imagination but then the voices came and the visions she could no longer deny, now they came in her dreams too. So many of these visions came true where she could no longer deny her gift and knew she must save her clan from possibly death and destruction.

The Lairds wife Darra refused to allow Adrina to travel back alone home,though she has a limited amount of time to get back to her clan while the complicated potion is most potent. At first Rory assigns Duncan to escort Adrina home, but he directly refuses! Duncan feels he is needed home to defend his clan against upcoming war and not go on this silly quest of Adrina's. Then his younger brother Griogair offers to be her escort and Adrina is relieved, yet when she leaves it is Duncan who comes stating there was a change of plan! Adrina is both disappointed and frustrated and doesn't hold back from her feelings. Of course Duncan tries to use charm and wit to overcome her and isn't used to being rejected from the female sex. Of course as their journey continues and peculiar things start to happen. Duncan and Adrina come to let their guards down and true feeling out you can feel the sizzling chemistry, attraction and passion they feel which sizzles off the pages! Even though he admits having no interest in marriage, plus he needs to find out why her father has ignored several messages to attend his clan's Gatherings and needs to fine out why. Plus Adrina knows she has to marry her father's choice for the clan, it was the usual way for a Lairds daughter. She had always knows Duncan had another reason for escorting her home when he so adamatly had previously refused. Of course now she knew she was in love him with Duncan as well realizing he said as not the self absorbed conceited man she originally thought but a caring, loving man that wants to defend those he cares about.

Duncan starts to open his eyes and feel things he never did for another and when he sees they have two of her clansman looking for her wishing her ill, plus this eerie bird following them! He is starting to believe her but still questions his logic as well. Then Duncan sees the evil Fingal the cleric who is using magic and spells to use and overcome her clan is convinced Fingal is correct and this poor lass is just delusional and perhaps insane! Adrina realizing she is in love with Duncan knows he is under Fingal's power now. Though her heart is broken she is relieved Fingal allows Duncan to return to his home at Tancraig Castle and the even though he leaves Adrina not realizing to fight for her life!

Is Adrina's clan doomed forever? Will all her visions of doom and murder come true? Has Duncan abandoned Adrina never to see her again? Adrina's has a broken heart never to be mended will it ever heal? Will she even be alive long enough to see it healed? Lots of twists and turns and ups and downs in The Highland Curse that you will have to read to get the answers. Definitely a lot of strife in this one, I can't wait for the next book in the strife series! You can read this as stand alone book, but there are character's from The Highland Chief where I personally think it's more fun to read both. Again it is the readers choice. You can follow the story easily either way. So give yourself an fun, exciting, and heart warming adventure and read The Highland Curse by Dana D'Angelo!



Strife Series by Dana D'Angelo

1.The Highland Chief- Rory and Dara
2. The Highland Curse- Duncan and Adrina

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had great potential. I don't mind a character having the sight, but not so sure about magic. It became like a children's fairytale. Now I can't decide if I want to continue the series.

[Jeanie Kidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book about the Scotland and there curses and about castle. And the brave Scotland and the lovers that they supposed to be .

[Macaron · Rating 1 out of 5]

So absurd I couldn't finish it. I put one star because I am too generous.
Is it a real writer? The plot is incoherent. The author mistook "anecdote" for "antidote". The heroine wants to cure her people from a curse with an anecdote. Well, good luck! This so-called writer tells us about monarchs that didn't exist. Why cheat the readers pretending this is about Scotland and England?
Ridiculous!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars--

About the book: Release Date September 2, 2015

Adrina MacGill sees and hears things that no ordinary lass can. At first she attributes the visions and whispers as nothing more than her overactive imagination. But when everyone she loves is cursed by an evil enchantment, she's forced to acknowledge the sinister reality. Following her inner guidance, she travels to Tancraig Castle where unexpected aid comes from a bold Highlander. But even though the handsome warrior repels her, she's drawn to his electrifying kisses.

Duncan MacGregon scorns superstition and anything that isn't rational and logical. When a pretty lass shows up at his brother's castle he's skeptical about her, and her fantastic tale. War is looming on the horizon, and he must strategize and gear up for battle. So when Duncan is commissioned to escort the attractive lass home, he balks at the task. Yet despite his resistance, he feels an irrational, scorching desire for the beauty. And as they continue their journey through the highlands, mysterious things start to occur. Was Adrina telling the truth after all?

•••••••••

REVIEW: 3.75 stars---THE HIGHLAND CURSE is the second installment in Dana D’ Angelo’s adult THE SCOTTISH STRIFE Highlander historical romance series. This is Duncan MacGregon, and Adrina MacGill’s storyline. Duncan was first introduced to the reader in The Highland Chief #1. THE HIGHLAND CURSE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. There is a slight fantasy aspect to the storyline

Told from third person perspective THE HIGHLAND CURSE looks at the power of magic. Adrina MacGill approached Tancraig Castle in the hopes of procuring some assistance-our heroine believes everyone at home has been cursed by her father’s one-time cleric, but Adrina herself has some psychic abilities of her own. Our heroine is a seer with visions, and dreams of portents of doom. When the latest visions warn of her parent’s impending deaths, Adrina goes in search of aid in the hopes of returning her father’s estate to its former ways. But a war between the English and the Scots has the MacGregon Clan stretched to the limits for men. Enter Duncan MacGregon, Laird Rory MacGregon’s brother, and the man who would become Adrina’s mate.

The relationship between Adrina and Duncan begins acrimoniously as Duncan wants nothing to do with the stranger, and believes her tales of ‘possession by magic’ are crazy and insane. But the more Duncan hears of the strange happenings at Adrina’s home, the more he begins to realize that perhaps Adrina is far from insane. What ensues is a cross-country journey where Adrina has several more visions that do not bode well for her family back home, and Duncan’s hardened heart begins to melt for the woman with whom he is falling in love.

We are reintroduced to Rory MacGregon (Duncan’s brother) and Darra (The Highland Chief), as well as Darra’s mother Venora. Venora is a healer as well as a seer, and with it comes the realization that something is definitely amiss where Adrina is concerned.

THE HIGHLAND CURSE is first and foremost a story of romance set in the Scottish Highlands of 1560 as war simmers between the English and Scots. As to the authenticity of Dana D’Angelo’s ‘historical’ accuracy in her storylines the author has stated the series is set in a ‘fantasy world’ of her own creation, but the backdrop of war is always a fascinating addition to any historical romance. THE SCOTTISH STRIFE series is not a series about the Anglo-Scottish wars but of a romance set against a culture and landscape where a long fought war has scarred the people of Scotland. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are intense and magical; the romance is seductive without the use of sexual erotic imagery.

My only concern is the ‘supernatural’ path that the author has chosen to venture. I was not aware that the series would address the supernatural elements such as magic, fae, Druids, and seers, and at this point, I am not aware if the remainder of the series will follow the same direction.

THE HIGHLAND CURSE is an enjoyable read with charming characters and a welcome happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the author

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Georgianna Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Highland Curse is book two in Dana D’Angelo’s Scottish Strife Series and features Duncan MacGregon and Adrina McGill of Clan McGill.
The interesting thing about Adrina (or at least one of the interesting things) is that she has been blessed with visions of the future. She’s the daughter of Tevon McGill, Chief of the McGill Clan. She’s become aware that her father’s adviser, XXXX, is using black magic to control her people and her family. Her visions tell her to run away to Tancraig Castle and get help from the MacGregon clan to free her family and father from this spell. So, she does.
She gets help from Rory, his now wife Lady Darra, and her mother Lady Venora. She meets the pragmatic Duncan and finds him less than the magnificent hero she had a vision about. She also learns of plans to ambush the English at Bracken Ridge, and other wonder why her father hasn’t joined the gathering of warriors to hear the plans. Duncan finds her attractive, but is intent on the war. However, he’s assigned to escort her back to her castle and talk with her father about joining the war against the English.
I don’t give many spoilers, because I think the reading and finding out about the details of a book is what the enjoyment is all about. The trip to return her to her father unharmed, and inquire of her father’s thoughts on the war are fraught with danger and adventure.
The writing is well done and the characters are developed nicely. There is good description of the area and the times are represented pretty accurately. The love scenes are emotional and sensual. For rating sake I’d put this one at a 3.5 stars. I liked and enjoyed the book.
The issues, for me, are small but put me just a little lower than the last installment. There were fewer word or spelling issues, this is a good point. However, there was a major thread started with the war and the coming battle at Braken Ridge. At the end, this was not followed to a conclusion, which I felt pulled Duncan out of his character a bit and let me hanging, worried about the others.
In all, I enjoyed the story. It’s interesting magical qualities were delightful and fun. It was thrilling and well written. Even without the conclusion of the war thread, it’s well worth a read.

Copy provided by author for an honest review.

[Joann Maggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Highlander Curse Book 2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dana D'Angelo
Scottish Strife Series

Although I did read this series out of order I found this book could be considered a stand alone. Many Highlander books address curses, belief in faes, seers and mystical beings, this book contain that and more. This fast flowing drama was packed with intrigue from start to finish. Adriana MacGill suspects a curse has been put on her clan and travels to Trancraig Castle for help. Adriana suspect a curse has been cast on her clan.

Adriana has the gift of a seer inherited from the woman in her family. In one of her dreams she sees herself with a handsome highlander. When she arrives at the castle she learns this handsome dream highlander is Duncan the brother of the Laird.

Adriana does not reveal her gift to Duncan. Duncan is a true sceptic, he finds believing in mysticism impossible.

This author takes you on an incredible journey with her true to life characters and their attraction for each other. Ms D'Angelo is an author that never disappoints her readers.

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dana D'Angelo's books, you can always guarantee to be swept into adventure and this is no exception, it's full of it.

Duncan MacGregon is a sceptic, he doesn't believe in the unnatural like those that see things before they happen. He thinks that people like that are liars and out to gain whatever they can.

Adrina MacGill sees things but doesn't know why, she goes to the MacGregons for help when she has a recurring dream that she doesn't understand and thinks that somehow her clan is in danger.

On the brink of war Rory, the Chief of MacGregon, sends his brother Duncan to escort Adrina back to her Clan.

Does Adrina save her Clan, were they in danger?
Does Duncan start to believe in the unnatural and Adrina?
Do they fall in love?

If you have these questions and want answers then read the book. You want be disappointed by the outcome.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

#2 in the Scottish Strife" series, but can be read as a stand alone. An enjoyable, quick read with an impressive H/H and an engaging storyline. A wee bit of paranormal element involved, as well as passionate embraces, a curse, betrayal, romance and live. Powerful, compelling and filled with Scottish strife. Enjoyable, interesting and intriguing! I look forward to reading more Scottish romance Ms. D'Angelo. An author to watch. Fans of Scottish Romance with a bit of paranormal elements, romance and passion will enjoy this intriguing read. Fascinating and mesmerizing!

* Received for an honest review from the author *

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this second in the Scottish Strife Series, I wanted more. More paranormal occurrences and more at the conclusion. Adrina was an interesting character but I felt as though a lot more could have been done with her abilities. There was good chemistry between her and Duncan but I didn't feel as much of an emotional connection. And it did end rather abruptly with no epilogue. However, it was a story well told and continued the series in an compelling way. The bad guy was effective and deliciously evil. I will continue this series with the third book, Highland Honor, with Griogair's story.

[Aurrora James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Not bad. I enjoyed Duncan and the gifts that Adrina had. I would have liked to know what happened with the war when she foresaw so many deaths. It didn't come up again. Also, a bit better continuity and editing would be good. They would be standing in a clearing and suddenly on horseback. Or in the courtyard and suddenly in the great hall. I found that frustrating.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set amidst the strife with England and Scotland Duncan and Adrina work to negate a curse as they travel to save her clan and discover their love . Get comfortable and ready to be transported back to the Highlands of Scotland to witness their journey.

[Shirley kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope for book 3

Enjoyable escape from reality. Both books are short so not exhausting to finish and the love match feels personal. What a compliment to the author.