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Guardian of Scotland #2

In the Kingdom's Name

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Can history rewrite itself? As the time of treachery draws near, hope is but a fleeting whisper.

After his success at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, William Wallace becomes Guardian of Scotland and is thrown into the machinations of court. But when disaster strikes, the love of his life, Eva MacKay, is hurled back to the twenty first century. Frantically she tries to return, only to face failure with her every attempt. In this tale of breathtaking love and heartbreaking farewells, destiny twists and turns until all hope expires…But does it?

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2016

91 people are currently reading
760 people want to read

About the author

Amy Jarecki

113 books1,713 followers
Known for her action-packed, passionate romances, USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amy Jarecki has received reader and critical praise throughout her writing career. She won the prestigious RT Reviewers' Choice award for THE HIGHLAND DUKE and a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for Best Time Travel for her novel RISE OF A LEGEND. In addition to being a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Amy has earned the designation as an Amazon All Star Author. She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Wisconsin with her husband where she writes immersive historical and contemporary romance novels.

Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Anne.
546 reviews130 followers
May 17, 2017
What a fabulous well written book. Characters felt so real you really felt you were with them. A real treat to read and SO romantic a love that endures through centuries just what I love. Well done Amy, I so recommend this series don't miss it !
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
July 5, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💋💋

So stunning!

This book / series is right at the top of my altimeter favourites. I adore History, characters like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce are the people I dream of meeting if I could go back in time.

Amy’s characters were excellent, their chemistry together was spellbinding and there were no words to describe the feelings she evokes with her writing.

Just Brilliant!
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,804 reviews310 followers
February 12, 2022
Re-Read Feb 2022 — Still an amazing story. Huge Ugly Cry 😭😭—5+ stars

Initial Read:
A Must Read Series

This story will make you laugh and cry. Everyone thinks they know the story of William Wallace, this story takes you on a journey unlike any of the other stories and gives you a look at circumstances that may have created Wallace and his response to all that life throws his way. Yes, it’s fiction. However, the story has so much historical accuracy it’s as if you are reading an entirely plausible account (minus the time travel). Jareki masterfully weaves historical heart wrenching fact with daring fiction and creates a timeless romance. This is a MUST read series. Read the stories in order and get ready to journey through Scotland with William Wallace as your guide.

AMAZING STORY — Take a little trip back to the time of William Wallace & be swept away by the brilliant story that only Amy Jarecki could create!!

Truly a masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for ☆Angel☆.
441 reviews38 followers
March 15, 2016
Copyright Night Owl Reviews

Calling all fans of historical romance, time-travel romance, Sottish romance....I cannot express to you enough how much you need to read this Guardian of Scotland series! Amy Jarecki's descriptive writing, once again, had me feeling as if I was the one who time-traveled back to 13th and 14th century Scotland. It was almost as if I was seeing everything with my own eyes.

In this book you will find the continuation and completion of Eva and William's story. A love story that transcends the sands of time with an unbreakable bond that remains in tact no matter how long they are separated. Finding parts of the story to talk about that won't give away any major spoilers is going to be difficult but here I go.

Please read my full review by clicking here.
Profile Image for Anna.
429 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2016
This is the stunning conclusion of Eva and William. Their love across time was captivating and heartbreaking all in one. I couldn't put this down. I just had to see how their story finished and I was left in awe by the idea of this strong a love through the centuries.
When Eva is hurled back to her time away from William she is devastated. And tries for years to find a way back.
William is also devastated and can do nothing but fight and fight hoping she will find her way back to him.
When she finally comes back she knows what she has to do for herself. Stop William from dying. But how can she do that. And will she be hurled away from him forever if she tries?
Profile Image for Eileen Dandashi.
542 reviews17 followers
May 28, 2017
Audio and Book Review: a marvelous, enthralling listen, written by Amy Jarecki, narrated by Dave Gillies

I read this book about a year ago, and loved it so much—one of my favored stories penned by Amy Jarecki. The audiobook only intensified those feelings. Where I shed tears in the read, I was all out bawling in the listen. This one wrung and twisted my heart so many times, there were chapters I had a hard time reading for all the tears, but with the listen I was a total puddle!

Narrator Dave Gillies brings out all the emotion and terrifying moments making the reader experience the anguish faced by these men of history who had very short lifespans as compared to today. I enjoy listening to a book I’ve already read, not the other way around. I also prefer some time pass before I pick up the audio. I know what the story is about, but don’t remember the specifics of the story as clearly. I encourage you, dear reader, to use the great deal Amazon.com has for you. If you purchase the book, the audiobook with Audible.com is only $1.99. Another great feature: If you want to reread the book at the same time as listening to it, you can. When you want to pick up the audio later, with your Bluetooth, you’re set while doing mundane tasks.

To be caught up in a greater cause, the freedom of the Scottish people, William Wallace gave it his all. He was a powerful man, very spiritual, led with his heart and intellect, but also understood his failings. Here is a man who stands above the ordinary. He willingly martyrs himself for the life of Scotland. Author Jarecki has written so profoundly the plight of the man entangled with his hope for his people, it wrenches the emotions.

With all the passion this man had for his country, Ms. Jarecki further entices the reader with time travel, total, crazy love which should not even be considered and finally hope when this reader can hardly continue.

If you are a fan of Ms. Jarecki, this is her best. If you are a fan of medieval times, this one shouldn’t be missed. If you are of fan of love with pure sacrificial acceptance — do not—I say, do not let this one pass you by. If there were greater than 5 stars on the ratings, this one, dear reader, is one which surpasses the lot. Amen!
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,278 reviews37 followers
September 13, 2022
After reading the first book of the Guardian of Scotland, I immediately bought this second book and loved it just as much as the first. I will admit I ugly cried a few times while reading and wishing with all my heart that history could be changed. Mixing historical facts with her own imagination, Amy Jarecki writes a compelling and heartfelt story about William Wallace and his love of Eva, the woman who crosses centuries in time to be with him. I adore stories like this and Amy Jarecki writes them so well. Near the end, I couldn't stop crying but then the author puts a little twist in the story and Eva's HEA does happen:)

Profile Image for rdmickey1989.
75 reviews25 followers
January 20, 2017
Wow. I toyed with a 5 star review, something I rarely give, and yearned of a 1/2 star. Definitely 4.5 stars.

Everything that was off in the first book, it was well corrected. The story flowed naturally and the pages flew by. I read this although working 14 hour days and stayed up way too late and paid the price the next day.

I need to search if this is the last, although a good ending spot, I crave more.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,104 reviews61 followers
December 19, 2018
This series is absolutely amazing!
I love Scottish history and the story of William Wallace is one of my favorites. Amy Jarecki does a wonderful job of mixing historical fact with a little bit of romantic fiction. Even knowing how Wallace's tale ends, this book had me in tears. I can't believe the connection I felt to Eve and William and watching them search for each other through time only to be reunited in the last few months of his life was heartbreaking.
Profile Image for KaleidoscopicCasey.
338 reviews168 followers
July 25, 2017
How could I not love a duet about William Wallace set in one of the most interesting periods of Scotland's history???
The author has done a lovely job of interweaving truth and fantasy in this series so if you are looking for the kind of story that brings the romantic heat along with the brutality of the time to life on the page then I think you'll really enjoy these books. Of all of the time travel romances I've read, these two are among my favorite. I would like to pretend this really was William Wallace's reality. And I'm adding him to my book boyfriend list.
I will certainly continue reading this author's backlist because although I have enjoyed some of her books more than others, none of them have been a complete miss for me which is rare. She has quickly become my go-to author when I need to scratch my historic kilted romance itch. Which is often.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,128 reviews54 followers
June 4, 2016
A brilliant and stunning romance that spans the ages!

What God hath joined together let no man put asunder.

IN THE KINGDOM'S NAME by Amy Jarecki is the magnificent and stunning conclusion to her Guardian of Scotland duo-logy. It's an historical tale of epic proportions featuring a breathtaking time-travel romance that spanned the ages. This story will engross you from beginning to end.

This is a series you must read in order. The first book introduces the characters and the settings. The second book continues from exactly where the first book ended. Indeed, Amy outdoes herself at bringing the characters and the period to life as both books are fantastic - blending fantasy, passionate romance and brilliant historical storytelling.

To be honest, I almost dreaded delving into this sequel as I was well aware of William's predestined tragic demise and couldn't bear that fate would be so cruel to this couple. If you feel the same, do not worry. Amy does not digress from history which I appreciated even though I most assuredly shed a slew of tears; Actually, sobbed is a more apt description. But, awaiting at the last was a wondrous HEA ending that was utterly amazing.

I listened to the audio of this tale and it was truly spectacular. Dave Gillies is one of my very favorite narrators and he positively blew me away with his performance. When he sang at one point, I was walking and almost sank to my knees as his voice was so stirring. With such excellent narration, I highly recommend that you pick up the audio of this book.

I was very fortunate to also have a kindle copy of this read so I can savor some parts over and over. It's definitely one of those books that elicits a myriad of emotions: I was captivated; I laughed; I listened with bated breath; I sighed and swooned; I cried as my heart was broken and, blessedly, revived. KUDOS to Amy Jarecki for such a brilliantly vivid masterpiece. Amy is one of my very favorite authors and this book is unquestionably a keeper. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews76 followers
March 11, 2016
#2 in the intriguing "Guardian of Scotland" series. While it can be read as a stand alone, I'd highly suggest reading "The Rise of a Legend" first. An intriguing tale told during the 1600 Scotland and its battle with England and William Wallace.

This a what if... Time Travel about William Wallace, his struggles and sacrifice for Scotland, her future and freedom. And, of course, the Journalist Eva McKay, who learns so much more than the history books could ever tell, about the man, his legend, and the other fighters for Scottish freedom.

Fast paced. Well written with vivid descriptions, characters with chivalry, who have honor, determination, a love of country and the women who loved the men in battle and off the field.
An epic love story that spans the test of time!
I enjoyed the way the author brought history to life though the pages of an amazing tale.

OMG, the ending, have tissues at the ready, as you will feel their torment, their love, and the desperation to find their HEA.
Well done! A must read for not only, Historical Romance fans of the Medieval era (1600's), but for, fans of Scottish history, Time Travel, Scottish legend, passion, and love. I absolutely loved this story! I not only learned a bit of history, I felt their angst, and their love. A passionate tale! A definite keeper! I can't wait to for the grand adventure from this author.


*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*


Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debra Martin.
Author 28 books250 followers
January 30, 2016
What would you do if you had a chance to change history? This is what Eva MacKay must decide when she time travels back to 1297 Scotland in the time of William Wallace. Wallace was a heroic figure who fought with every breath in his body to drive the English from Scottish soil, but when backstabbing nobles turn on him at a crucial battle, William is left running and fighting for his life.

Ms. Jarecki does a magnificent job of bringing the characters and the setting in medieval times to life. The passion and undying love of Eva and William could inspire even the most hardened reader to believe in love conquering all. Unfortunately, history has already been written and Wallace's fate was sealed 700 years ago, but that does stop Eva from trying to save the man she so desperately loves. I could hardly put this book down even though I knew what had to happen. The author pulls the reader along to an inevitable end and it will make you cry NOOOOOOOOO as you watch history unfold. A definite read for those who love historical fiction and especially Scottish history. Highly Recommended.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
932 reviews25 followers
February 11, 2016
Amy Jarecki gives a unique take on the life and times of William Wallace in her latest work In the Kingdom's Name, book two in her Guardian of Scotland series. This author presents a staggering amount of research and history with a bit of magic thrown in. Actual events mix with real and fictional characters for a wonderful romance and adventure. A hero and heroine, who displayed courage and resourcefulness as they face the harsh reality of historical events, manage to convey a touching love story as well in their devotion to each other. A moving ending, that will be sure to mist your eyes, the finale of this series will exceed your expectations and bring a touching triumph to the life of William Wallace thanks to the creative musings of Amy Jarecki.
*I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review."
*While this book can be read as a stand alone, your overall reading experience would be enhanced by reading the previous book in this series.*
Profile Image for Clare.
534 reviews16 followers
April 2, 2016
This was an absolutely stunning book, I was gripped from the start. The setting and action that took place was enthralling. I didn't read the first book in this series but it didn't spoil the story for me at all I could understand perfectly where who and what was happening from the catch up at the start of the book.
William and Eva share an intense passion an will driving them to be together but history can't be changed so I expected the ending to be as it should.
Lots of historical detail in this well written and moving novel and an interesting look at life during this time period.
Can't wait to read more from this talented author.
Profile Image for Sarah Hobbs.
Author 10 books11 followers
February 21, 2017
I really liked this book, overall I felt that it gripped me and brought me into the story. It was extremely detailed and showed me that the author had most certainly done their research in order to capture every small piece of detail, not only of William Wallace and his life, but also of the era and the people involved within the story - including the commoners; which is rare.

Click to read my full review
Profile Image for Tammy Nitschke Sokol.
776 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2016
Loved it

Oh my.....So, book two gives you more William, and Eva, and so much more. Loved book one, and was so glad book two was more in the story. Sad parts, lively karts, highs and lows with a lovely lovely ending..... Eternal mates..... Ahhhh ;-)
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,304 reviews34 followers
November 29, 2016
In the Kingdom's Name is the second book in the Guardian of Scotland series by Amy Jarecki. You don't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but you will have a lot more information about the main characters if you read book one first.

This is the continuing story is about the soul deep love and the lives of William Wallace and Eva MacKay. In the previous book Eva was given a medallion that had her whisking through time from the modern day, to the days of William Wallace. During that book they fell in love, but Eva not knowing when she could be whisked back to the future, only wanted to live each day as it came. She wouldn't marry William as he wanted. She isn't allowed to do anything that can change history, if she does, then the medallion warms against her skin and she knows it's a warning. When it comes to saving a man's life, a man that is meant to die, she pushes past her worries, and attempts to save him, and the next thing you know, she is back in her own time. 8 Years pass before Eva finds herself hurled back in time once again, and that's where this second book begins.

Eva once again finds herself with William Wallace who is gravely ill, and in hiding. He understands about the medallion so isn't angry with Eva, but his loyal men are fuming that she has returned after just disappearing and leaving William heart broken. She can't explain to them what had happened, but she is determined to make amends. She helps William heal and during the time she is with him again their love is even stronger, if that's possible, than before. She knows she mustn't change history, but she also knows that even if the cost of her doing so is that she is separated from William then at least she has saved his life. She wants to keep him from being arrested and hung, drawn and quartered, and with that in mind she plots away and it seems that she is going to achieve her goal.

Well we all know that history can't be changed, and of course William does meet his maker. It's all very emotional. But although the story leading up to this happening was a treat to read, it's what happens after William's demise that made the book unforgettable for me. I am not going to give any spoilers because as you read on from that sad point in the book, I want you to get the same surprises as me.

I loved this book. Any book that can bring me to tears of both happiness and sadness, and one that can get me gasping with shock, or laughing out loud, well that is a perfect story. I only wish I could give more than a 5 star rating because that is definitely what this book deserves.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ripley.
223 reviews14 followers
May 13, 2017
I was gifted this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I received this one awhile back but upon finding it was a sequel, I purchased the first book in the series and read it first. You can find the review for that book in this blog as well.

In the Kingdom's Name finds Eva still in medieval Scotland, during the war to free themselves from English rule. Andrew Murray is on the brink of death and William all but forces Eva to use her newfangled healing to save him, something time does not want her to interfere with. Because of this, she is spirited away back to modern day and is desperate to get back. Will fate let her go back? Can she change time to save William Wallace's fate.

This was a really good follow up as it helped to further develop Eva and William's relationship but aside from the historical aspects of where the story had to go in order to still be true, the rest was kind of a let down. Jarecki explains her decision in the author's notes and it makes sense but it didn't feel right to me. I thought there were many things that could've happened to make the outcome more enjoyable. The last chapter of the book felt very forced to me and I never gained any real emotional connection to the resolution.

Another thing that bothered me, is that William Wallace is an extremely pious man. He had decided that he was going to take his vows into the priesthood until he decided to take up arms to fight the cause of his country. That being said, he very quickly jumped into a sexual relationship with Eva from the very beginning. While men can change their minds, he continued to read his psalter and to quote scripture all while this is taking place. So for me, I don't feel like his character stayed true to himself and the whole sexual relationship was contrived to help the story further along.

This was a decent read but I liked the first installment of this saga better. I give it a 3 out of 5. This decision was mainly based on the fact that the ending was completely lost for me. I felt the author couldn't figure out a way to make her original ending work and so this was plan B and everyone, including Eva, got the second best option. This book has strong sexual scenes so reader discretion is advised.
Profile Image for Mary Enck.
Author 1 book12 followers
June 20, 2017
This is a continuation of the first in the series that tells of Scotland's Champion and Hero, William Wallace. Many people who are history buffs will know of his untimely and brutal death. Even that aspect is handled by the author so it does seem to fit into the ways of those times. Battles and their resulting devastation is played out in the intricate way that often is seen in the novels of Bernard Cornwell. Unsettling and driven by emotion and passion for freedom, William Wallace is certainly an admirable character and is so well described he came to life for me.

The storyline is one that feels as if it is real and entirely a possible scenario. The power of our minds is only barely understood today, and yet I suppose, it can be contemplated with a varying degree of belief in the likely concept of time travel utilizing the latent abilities in our own brain. I am one who would like to believe that.

I enjoyed this novel as much, or perhaps more, than the previous "Rise Of A Legend". I would enthusiastically recommend reading both.
Profile Image for Michelle Dodd.
201 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2021
This book broke me even now a couple of days after listening to it still brings tears to my eyes my heart just breaks for Eva and William I knew what was to come and it still broke my heart I sobbed when they did those awful things to William and hearing from his point of view that he did not blame the people that were hurting, throwing things at him. William was very brave and accepted his fate and went willingly to the gallows all so the people of Scotland would come together and kick the English arses. This series is truly amazing I would of been very happy if William hadn’t died and was able to live happily ever after with Eva but that was not Wallace’s fate 😭
I would of liked to listen to more of bill and Eva but that’s just my opinion.
I highly recommend this series just have some tissues ready for this book
The narrators voice was brilliant his Scottish accent was so sexy 😉🙈
This story will definitely stay with me for a while
Profile Image for Bettye McKee.
2,190 reviews158 followers
July 10, 2017
Sensational sequel to The Rise of a Legend

Continuing the saga of William Wallace, after Eva was whisked back to the 21st Century for attempting to help Andrew Murray, she spent eight years trying to return to William. However, well aware of the date of his agonizing death, she no longer wanted to return for that ordeal.

Regardless, she was spirited back to William's side after he was badly injured. By now, William had suffered so many injuries that he was unable to wield his great sword. Eva was determined to thwart history and save William from his destiny, but all her efforts were in vain.

The conclusion of the story is full of surprises and twists of fate.

29
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,796 reviews26 followers
April 4, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved the book and decided to check out the audiobook. Dave Gillies brings to life the second half of this series. His vocal distinctions made it easier to know who was talking and the emotions they were experiencing. As for the story: Eva was such a strong woman that I loved her. Her devotion to William was unflappable even when she wanted to distance herself. William was honorable, chivalrous, caring toward his people, and quite willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. There are some smiles, some tears, and a lot of tense action.

I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Heidi (MinxyD14).
458 reviews109 followers
November 26, 2018
This book is slightly better than the first because it ties everything together and kept me guessing about the outcome. However, I wish the author would have taken more time to combine the two into one solid and cohesive tome (with much better editing). . The Audible narrator still hasn't improved and begs to be strangled every-time he opens his mouth as Eva!
37 reviews
February 1, 2020
Timeless Love

I absolutely love Scottish history. Having lived in Europe 16 years and visiting the different castles on weekends I can visualize the places in this story. I felt as if I was there experiencing the events as they happened. Only an accomplished author has the ability to make the reader feel they are part of the story. William Wallace would definitely have loved a strong woman . There is little known about women during that time period, who is to say that William Wallace didn't have a woman who meant everything to him.



Profile Image for Linda Elliott.
1,594 reviews9 followers
November 23, 2022
I felt this book was Like the news Taking me through bit by bit history

I can't say how much I really enjoyed this book, it was better than I thought, better than I wanted and I really enjoyed it. The author seems to have a grasp of history but made it so entertaining. Well the book took me two nights to read I couldn't wait to start it the second night and I finished it to the very end. This is a book that will stay with me for a while no doubt. Hats off to the author I haven't read much of her books except 1 other but this 1 really touched me with the ending. Perfect book.
11 reviews
July 8, 2020
William Wallace and Scotland Forever!

This was full of "Noteworthy" heart. Writing the impossible; the stuff dreams are made of. Stuff you could not make up, but Amy did. This brought the great hero/ Icon William Wallace to life and his-tory was wonderfully wrought! I am always in search of a real-ife hero. Here is the great William Wallace; the story surrounding the facts. God rest his soul.
11 reviews
January 26, 2023
best read in a long time

It didn’t take long to become engrossed in this series. The author captured my attention early on in the first book, so much, that while I wanted to devour it, I couldn’t, because I knew how Wallace met his end. I was saddened, but the love story filled me with hope for a happy ending. By far the best books I’ve read in a long time. Please continue to share your passion with us!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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