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Celtic Rogues #4
Briar Rose
A fairy-kissed Irish healer...
Rhiannon Fitzgerald has no memories of her heritage, only her father's claim that fairies bestowed her gift for healing. Traveling the Irish countryside alone, she cares for any wounded creature in her path. When she stumbles across a half-dead English officer amid the standing stones of Ballyaroon, she senses the turmoil in him—and the danger.
An English rogue beyond hope...
Shot in the standing stones above the ruins, Captain Lionel Redmayne expects to wake in hell for his numerous sins. But when he regains consciousness in a gypsy caravan, under the care of a winsome Irish woman and her motley pack of animals, he is impressed with the devil’s resourcefulness. Dumping the meticulous Captain into such chaos is far more torturous than flames.
A chance at redemption...
Rhiannon knows there is no place for a free-spirited gypsy in Redmayne’s rigid military world. Redmayne worries that Rhiannon will pay the ultimate price for his sins when his enemies stalk her for daring to help him. And though he wants nothing more than to allow this Irish beauty to lead him from the dark and twisted maze of secrets that imprison his heart, he fears that the only way to save her is to let her go. Or is it possible that a little chaos is exactly what Lionel Redmayne needs to save him from a cunning foe who stalks him still?
Rhiannon Fitzgerald has no memories of her heritage, only her father's claim that fairies bestowed her gift for healing. Traveling the Irish countryside alone, she cares for any wounded creature in her path. When she stumbles across a half-dead English officer amid the standing stones of Ballyaroon, she senses the turmoil in him—and the danger.
An English rogue beyond hope...
Shot in the standing stones above the ruins, Captain Lionel Redmayne expects to wake in hell for his numerous sins. But when he regains consciousness in a gypsy caravan, under the care of a winsome Irish woman and her motley pack of animals, he is impressed with the devil’s resourcefulness. Dumping the meticulous Captain into such chaos is far more torturous than flames.
A chance at redemption...
Rhiannon knows there is no place for a free-spirited gypsy in Redmayne’s rigid military world. Redmayne worries that Rhiannon will pay the ultimate price for his sins when his enemies stalk her for daring to help him. And though he wants nothing more than to allow this Irish beauty to lead him from the dark and twisted maze of secrets that imprison his heart, he fears that the only way to save her is to let her go. Or is it possible that a little chaos is exactly what Lionel Redmayne needs to save him from a cunning foe who stalks him still?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1999
113 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cates
57 books97 followersKimberly Cates lives in Illinois with her family.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 9, 2025
So many feelings, so many thoughts
First, I think this is the type of book women who truly believe "oh, but I can change him" should never ever read.
This is grumpy/sunshine on crack. This is the ultimate "my love will cure him".
This is fantastic fictional romance ♡
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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First, I think this is the type of book women who truly believe "oh, but I can change him" should never ever read.
This is grumpy/sunshine on crack. This is the ultimate "my love will cure him".
This is fantastic fictional romance ♡
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━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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March 15, 2012
Well-told Love Story between an Irish Coleen and a British Officer--
Set in Ireland, possibly the late 18th or early 19th century (no date is given but it’s after the Rebellion of 1798 as it’s referred to), this is the story of Rhiannon Fitzgerald, who before her father died, lost their beloved Primrose Cottage to an English landlord. Her father, a barrister, had never been very good at making a living but he loved his daughter and he loved the Irish fairy stories. Before he died, he told Rhiannon her mother was a fairy who had returned to the magical kingdom. Now that she is grown, Rhiannon knows he made those things up to give a young child a good memory of a mother who wasn’t there. She lives in a gypsy wagon with the hurt animals she tends. One day at the standing stones, she comes across a wounded British officer, Captain Lionel Redmayne, who had been fleeing an assassination attempt. Of course, she takes him in and that begins the change in a hardened man whose childhood was full of pain, owing to a cruel, manipulative grandfather.
Cates takes a lot of time developing the emotions that run between Rhiannon and Lion and some of the lower reviews on Amazon reflect the readers’ frustration with that occupying so much of the story. A treacherous plot swirls around Lion but for much of the story that is only alluded to. Still, Cates holds our interest even though not much of Ireland’s history is given. She does reflect the tension between the Irish and the British soldiers and Lion’s regret for his often ruthless actions in the past. For me, this novel had a few themes: the importance of a loving father and the healing power of love, each well presented. I can recommend it.
Set in Ireland, possibly the late 18th or early 19th century (no date is given but it’s after the Rebellion of 1798 as it’s referred to), this is the story of Rhiannon Fitzgerald, who before her father died, lost their beloved Primrose Cottage to an English landlord. Her father, a barrister, had never been very good at making a living but he loved his daughter and he loved the Irish fairy stories. Before he died, he told Rhiannon her mother was a fairy who had returned to the magical kingdom. Now that she is grown, Rhiannon knows he made those things up to give a young child a good memory of a mother who wasn’t there. She lives in a gypsy wagon with the hurt animals she tends. One day at the standing stones, she comes across a wounded British officer, Captain Lionel Redmayne, who had been fleeing an assassination attempt. Of course, she takes him in and that begins the change in a hardened man whose childhood was full of pain, owing to a cruel, manipulative grandfather.
Cates takes a lot of time developing the emotions that run between Rhiannon and Lion and some of the lower reviews on Amazon reflect the readers’ frustration with that occupying so much of the story. A treacherous plot swirls around Lion but for much of the story that is only alluded to. Still, Cates holds our interest even though not much of Ireland’s history is given. She does reflect the tension between the Irish and the British soldiers and Lion’s regret for his often ruthless actions in the past. For me, this novel had a few themes: the importance of a loving father and the healing power of love, each well presented. I can recommend it.
May 25, 2016
Quite good
This is Captain Lionel Redmayne's story. The Captain was in the previous book and was portrayed as a ruthless soldier who shows little to no emotion and threatens the Irish people and their beliefs. When he is fooled into going out to meet an informant (or so he thinks) to find out who is betraying him, he is ambushed and shot twice. He manages to crawl to a circle of standing stones and his assailants can't find him. They leave him for dead but a young woman, living like a gypsy finds him and nurses him back to health. The story then takes a turn when he tries to scare through seduction but finds she is quite willing. Instead of ravishing her he winds up telling her that he is only trying to force her to take him back to his garrison so he can get on with finding out who has betrayed him and who wants him dead. It is a surprising love story that takes you by surprise with all the unexpected twists. Very good!
This is Captain Lionel Redmayne's story. The Captain was in the previous book and was portrayed as a ruthless soldier who shows little to no emotion and threatens the Irish people and their beliefs. When he is fooled into going out to meet an informant (or so he thinks) to find out who is betraying him, he is ambushed and shot twice. He manages to crawl to a circle of standing stones and his assailants can't find him. They leave him for dead but a young woman, living like a gypsy finds him and nurses him back to health. The story then takes a turn when he tries to scare through seduction but finds she is quite willing. Instead of ravishing her he winds up telling her that he is only trying to force her to take him back to his garrison so he can get on with finding out who has betrayed him and who wants him dead. It is a surprising love story that takes you by surprise with all the unexpected twists. Very good!
July 22, 2016
Healing his unfeeling heart
This is a complex story of manipulation, greed, healing, fairy magic, and personal transformation.
It's a solid story with interesting characters. However, it is not a simple read because of the complex, very descriptive style of writing.
This is a complex story of manipulation, greed, healing, fairy magic, and personal transformation.
It's a solid story with interesting characters. However, it is not a simple read because of the complex, very descriptive style of writing.
January 1, 2018
What a difficult story to read even though there were tears of joy in the end.
March 25, 2022
Lion was too into internal monologues that repeated themselves, and Rhiannon was just too naive for a woman who's living on her own in a caravan. She just felt more like a vehicle for him to have character growth because every decision she made was, in my opinion, incredibly stupid for a nomadic woman with no protection.
I know it's a period piece because of the insert art, but if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't know when the book takes place because it doesn't read like it's set in the past. I also didn't like how they kept alluding to her maybe being fae-born, but they never answer whether she truly is. Maybe it's something addressed in the previous books, but it seems like a pretty big question to pose without answering it.
It's also a product of its time, so there's a lot of stupid tropes that were big back then, and Lion refers to her as his 'gypsy angel' more than once, even though she's Irish.
I know it's a period piece because of the insert art, but if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't know when the book takes place because it doesn't read like it's set in the past. I also didn't like how they kept alluding to her maybe being fae-born, but they never answer whether she truly is. Maybe it's something addressed in the previous books, but it seems like a pretty big question to pose without answering it.
It's also a product of its time, so there's a lot of stupid tropes that were big back then, and Lion refers to her as his 'gypsy angel' more than once, even though she's Irish.
October 4, 2018
Emotionally consuming, with an endearing charm!!
Always love Cates books they are packed full of passion and love yet driven by an ensnaring plot that manages to entangle you so deeply emotionally that you think about it for hours after. Briar Rose was an engaging read that instantly had me championing spirited Rhiannon in her campaign to break through Lion's walls and teach him how to emotionally connect and love. The chemistry, wit and additional characters that either draw you in or make you want to scream, all add to this absorbing read that's enveloped in torment, misunderstandings and an overriding desire to breakfree from these misconceptions and find happiness that neither hero or heroine deems is in their future or that they are ultimately worthy of. Loved it!!!
Always love Cates books they are packed full of passion and love yet driven by an ensnaring plot that manages to entangle you so deeply emotionally that you think about it for hours after. Briar Rose was an engaging read that instantly had me championing spirited Rhiannon in her campaign to break through Lion's walls and teach him how to emotionally connect and love. The chemistry, wit and additional characters that either draw you in or make you want to scream, all add to this absorbing read that's enveloped in torment, misunderstandings and an overriding desire to breakfree from these misconceptions and find happiness that neither hero or heroine deems is in their future or that they are ultimately worthy of. Loved it!!!
November 8, 2023
A good distraction from everyday problems, an irish girl who prefers to live in the fairy world and spends her time taking in injured animals and returning them to the wild finds an injured man on the moors only to find that his psychological wounds are worse than his physical ones. He is viewed as hard and cold and she is sunshine and light. A modern version of snow white where the prince is greatly flawed and its a wicked grandfather rather than a witch. Is it believable? No way, but it is fun even though it does touch on some terrible things such as murder and child abuse, throw in the english/irish conflict and the inability to trust or make friends.
February 23, 2025
Time of Kindle death: DNFed at 41%.
Got sick and tired of the hero's self-pity party. He had pages-long inner monologues about being such a heartless bastard undeserving of love or kindness. He was so dark and terrible and did dark and terrible things, blah blah blah. Yeah sure boohoo, how sad. I don't care. I'm falling asleep here!
One extra star for the heroine and her cute animal companions. She was kind and sweet and deserved someone who wasn't a 24/7 dirtbag.
Also, this book used a particular racial slur A LOT, but it is an old and dated book, so...yeah. Still made me uncomfortable, though.
Got sick and tired of the hero's self-pity party. He had pages-long inner monologues about being such a heartless bastard undeserving of love or kindness. He was so dark and terrible and did dark and terrible things, blah blah blah. Yeah sure boohoo, how sad. I don't care. I'm falling asleep here!
One extra star for the heroine and her cute animal companions. She was kind and sweet and deserved someone who wasn't a 24/7 dirtbag.
Also, this book used a particular racial slur A LOT, but it is an old and dated book, so...yeah. Still made me uncomfortable, though.
December 6, 2021
I think Kimberly Cates is just too Hallmark for me. The heroines are either blithering idiots or powerful Won't-Take-No's and I just want someone normal. Someone who isn't clumsy and ridiculous but also isn't magnificently perfect and adorable at everything. Also, Redmayne was a cad and I didn't care for him a whit. This whole plot was unrealistic and the only character pulling his weight was a horse named Socrates that you can't even ride.
October 14, 2018
Good book
I wasn't able to put this book down. I just HAD to see what happened next and I was never disappointed! It is a beautiful love story. At times, it was so funny I had to laugh out loud. Well researched and beautifully written. The only thing I could find wrong with this book is... It ended too soon.
I wasn't able to put this book down. I just HAD to see what happened next and I was never disappointed! It is a beautiful love story. At times, it was so funny I had to laugh out loud. Well researched and beautifully written. The only thing I could find wrong with this book is... It ended too soon.
June 14, 2019
I read this book in high school in the 90's. I bought it from a used book store, then when i went to college my mother made me toss my "naughty books". It took me 15 years to find it again and now its on Kindle. SOOOO HAPPY!!
November 24, 2018
BRIAR ROSE : is a good read. Our hero, a stiff, unfeeling Captain is nursed by a beautiful young Irishwoman who believes in fairies. A strong story, with a twist.
November 29, 2018
Lovely tale!
I had read this long ago and enjoyed it as much the second time around! Sweet Irish story where faith in the fairies and love wins every time! Good read!
I had read this long ago and enjoyed it as much the second time around! Sweet Irish story where faith in the fairies and love wins every time! Good read!
December 11, 2018
A Fairy mother?
An Irish gypsy saves an English Captain and helps him recover from his injuries both current and past.
A well written enjoyable book.
An Irish gypsy saves an English Captain and helps him recover from his injuries both current and past.
A well written enjoyable book.
October 10, 2020
Action and intr
A lot of intrigue and mystery as Lion works through all hs nightmares and dreads and finally finds his true love and peace of mind.
A lot of intrigue and mystery as Lion works through all hs nightmares and dreads and finally finds his true love and peace of mind.
November 28, 2022
Such a sweet book! Loved Rhiannon’s unconditional love for lion and how he slowly started falling for her💕❤️🥹
January 26, 2024
Sweet romance, a little aged now
May 3, 2025
3.5 stars
Loved the h, simply the best.
H was nice too, really felt bad for him at times.
This author really has a way with words and she just bring forth your emotions to the surface.
Loved the h, simply the best.
H was nice too, really felt bad for him at times.
This author really has a way with words and she just bring forth your emotions to the surface.
March 18, 2013
I don't know much about her newer stories but Kimberly Cates's older works hook me with their unique story lines and strong heroines who save our heroes. I really wish they can be cleaned up just a little and re-published or something because the only thing that bothered me was when it gets to the point where the h&h are in love it becomes so dramatic and the wording becomes so flowery it feels like I'm reading Shakespeare or something. I did chuckle a few times at the hero's cute tendencies to be so contradictory and I loved how the heroine had him wrapped around her finger, even when she didn't know it. I will probably continue to try reading other books by this author, even if I have to skip some sections while reading, because I like her story line that much.
October 26, 2016
I have seldom given HR books 5 stars, but this one deserves it.
Captain Lionel Redmayne (introduced in "Her Magic Touch/ Magic", which one really needs to read to appreciate this story) is a British officer whose mission is to suppress Irish rebellion and pride at all costs. Along the way he has made numerous enemies. Someone has led him into an ambush and then left him for dead.
Rhiannon Fitzgerald wanders Ireland, helping injured animals & people alike as she can. She finds the Captain near death and brings him with her to nurse him back to life. Redmayne has no heart and trusts no one. Rhiannon loves freely and sees good in this soul-tortured man.
Excellent writing, excellent revealing of what makes a person the way she/ he is.
Captain Lionel Redmayne (introduced in "Her Magic Touch/ Magic", which one really needs to read to appreciate this story) is a British officer whose mission is to suppress Irish rebellion and pride at all costs. Along the way he has made numerous enemies. Someone has led him into an ambush and then left him for dead.
Rhiannon Fitzgerald wanders Ireland, helping injured animals & people alike as she can. She finds the Captain near death and brings him with her to nurse him back to life. Redmayne has no heart and trusts no one. Rhiannon loves freely and sees good in this soul-tortured man.
Excellent writing, excellent revealing of what makes a person the way she/ he is.
October 19, 2017
This is the story of the "villainous" Captain Lionel Redmayne who we met in Her Magic Touch. I got this book because I was curious how Kimberly Cates was going to make a hero out of a villain. Wow, who would have thought there was so much hidden in that villainous heart!!!! You will not be disappointed.
August 23, 2013
a little slow but nice ending!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews