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Guardian of Scotland #1
Rise of a Legend
New cover for ASIN B014PU8LSI
Running away from her catastrophic life, historical journalist Eva MacKay joins an archaeological dig at the battleground of Loudoun Hill. Unearthing the seal of William Wallace, Eva gains notoriety. But her dreams of Bowie knives—the weapon that murdered her husband—morph into great swords and dirks.
Drawn to a ruined monastery, Eva drifts into the worst nightmare of all. Awaking to the sharp point of a madman’s sword, she’s hurled into the midst of a bloody thirteenth century battle. Just when certain death is eminent, brutal arms surround the lass, dragging her deeper into unknown terror.
When Eva realizes she’s been hauled to the hideout of rebel William Wallace, a revelation dawns—she’s landed the story of a lifetime—if she can stay alive and find a way home to tell her tale.
What she doesn’t count on is her mounting chemistry with the greatest legend Scotland has ever known…or the absolute love swelling in her heart.
Running away from her catastrophic life, historical journalist Eva MacKay joins an archaeological dig at the battleground of Loudoun Hill. Unearthing the seal of William Wallace, Eva gains notoriety. But her dreams of Bowie knives—the weapon that murdered her husband—morph into great swords and dirks.
Drawn to a ruined monastery, Eva drifts into the worst nightmare of all. Awaking to the sharp point of a madman’s sword, she’s hurled into the midst of a bloody thirteenth century battle. Just when certain death is eminent, brutal arms surround the lass, dragging her deeper into unknown terror.
When Eva realizes she’s been hauled to the hideout of rebel William Wallace, a revelation dawns—she’s landed the story of a lifetime—if she can stay alive and find a way home to tell her tale.
What she doesn’t count on is her mounting chemistry with the greatest legend Scotland has ever known…or the absolute love swelling in her heart.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2015
429 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jarecki
113 books1,713 followersKnown 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!
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 18, 2017
Oh come on, if you have ever read pretty much ANY of my reviews then you know I ate this sucker up like candy.
Hmmm, let's see...
Time travel... check
Kilted men... double check
Smutty times with a smexy man (WHO IS WILLIAM FREAKING WALLACE)... HOLY FUCK-ALL CHECK
I think we all know where this is going...
But don't get any ideas, obviously
Hmmm, let's see...
Time travel... check
Kilted men... double check
Smutty times with a smexy man (WHO IS WILLIAM FREAKING WALLACE)... HOLY FUCK-ALL CHECK
I think we all know where this is going...
But don't get any ideas, obviously
February 4, 2016
A great book, wonderful characters and writing. Well recomended
April 17, 2022
DNF @ 53%, page 185
This book just wasn't holding my interest and felt like a chore to get through. Not a bad book, just a little boring for me. The book centered more on history than romance for my personal tastes, and I'm not really too interested in that part of history. Also, there's a book 2, so I can see that things won't be neatly wrapped up in this book, so it's better to stop before it's too late. Though I do wonder if Eva stays in the past or not. Maybe I will pick up Book 2 to just skim through and find out the answer to that.
I did appreciate, however, the author's clear passion for this time in history.
*DNF for now*
This book just wasn't holding my interest and felt like a chore to get through. Not a bad book, just a little boring for me. The book centered more on history than romance for my personal tastes, and I'm not really too interested in that part of history. Also, there's a book 2, so I can see that things won't be neatly wrapped up in this book, so it's better to stop before it's too late. Though I do wonder if Eva stays in the past or not. Maybe I will pick up Book 2 to just skim through and find out the answer to that.
I did appreciate, however, the author's clear passion for this time in history.
*DNF for now*
June 28, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💋💋
Loved every page of this book and can’t wait to get my teeth into book 2.
William Wallace is one of my all time Hero’s.
This story is almost like being there and living his life with him.
Amy writes with so much passion and her descriptions are wonderfully vivid and realistic.
I’m spellbound by every page.
Awesome!
Recommended reading.
💋💋
Loved every page of this book and can’t wait to get my teeth into book 2.
William Wallace is one of my all time Hero’s.
This story is almost like being there and living his life with him.
Amy writes with so much passion and her descriptions are wonderfully vivid and realistic.
I’m spellbound by every page.
Awesome!
Recommended reading.
August 7, 2017
Well well well.
My first really real Scottish Highlander-ish kind of smut-ish book.
And guess what?
You know what's funny though? I asked my mom if she knew who Willy Wallace was. I got this on the end of the phone.
And a quiet whisper of, "Who are you talking about?"
And I'm like -
... Mother Please. *loud voice* I'm talking about Willam-fucking-Wallace. How do you not know who the hell I'm talking about!?
And she's like -
*equally loud voice* I DON'T KNOW WHO THIS ACTOR IS!
And I'm like -
*louder voice* HE'S NOT A FLIPPING ACTOR WOMAN HE'S A FUCKING PERSON FROM BACK IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1200-SOMETHING-OR-OTHER. FROM FUCKING BRAVEHEART WOMAN. I MEAN DAMN, COME ON!
And she's like -
And I end up like -
Good times. LOL
Jennymort OUT.
February 26, 2022
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Truly a masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 1, 2015
I received this arc from Rapture Books via Ng in return for an honest review.
Rating- 4.5 Stars!
I am flipping impressed!
"The a warrior of epic repute came on the scene and united a broken nation. His name was William Wallace."
Ahhhh this book was so good! So, soooooo good! it was so close to being perfect, but I shall discuss that in a moment.
Now, lets talk plot!
I loved, loved, LOOOVVEEDD this book!
If you (like me) have an almost unhealthy obsession with time-travel to the Scottish epoch, then you will adore this book!
I've never read any books from Amy Jarecki before, but now i certainly am. Just keep writing time- travel novels like this one Amy and you have a fan for sure!
Heck I want to check out her earlier books to.
Jarecki's writing style is lovely, vivid and engaging.
Ahhh, who hasn't watched Braveheart and not fallen in love with the character William Wallace?!
Granted, in this one he is no Mel Gibson, but oh man is he initiated in my UBB (ultimate book boyfriend)list.
"The devil had to look like Adonis incarnate."
The romance at first, to me, felt a bit crazy...because why would you willingly fall for someone you know is meant to die pretty badly?
Not a spoiler, if you know your history, you should know Wallace experiences a fairly gruesome end.
But I ended up loving it.
As a history student in university who is besotted with this era, this was like a wonderful surprise to me.
It was so historically rich! You could almost feel and see the war between the Scots and the English.
Now, with all this glaring awesomeness, which i pointed out. Why on earth did i take away a 0.5 star?
Well, i didn't like the ending, it was a bit of a cliff-hanger.
I usually don't like those, but i do look forward to the next book!
Now, this is an adult book which means that there is language and sexual situations.
Stay awesome!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog (help the little people!)
tweet me @thebookherald
Rating- 4.5 Stars!
I am flipping impressed!
"The a warrior of epic repute came on the scene and united a broken nation. His name was William Wallace."
Ahhhh this book was so good! So, soooooo good! it was so close to being perfect, but I shall discuss that in a moment.
Now, lets talk plot!
Eva Mackay is running away,
running from all the horrors she has seen, the horrors of losing her husband,
the horrors of America.
Packing up her bags and her career, she goes back to her birthplace- Scotland.
While there, she joins an archaeological site as a historical journalist, researching the most known warrior and historical figure.
Eva has always had a deep fascination with William Wallace,
So when fate, a necklace and a storm collides and sends he back in time where the man himself saves her from the grasp of the Longshanks,
Eva begins to wonder if she didn't simply lose her mind.
I loved, loved, LOOOVVEEDD this book!
If you (like me) have an almost unhealthy obsession with time-travel to the Scottish epoch, then you will adore this book!
I've never read any books from Amy Jarecki before, but now i certainly am. Just keep writing time- travel novels like this one Amy and you have a fan for sure!
Heck I want to check out her earlier books to.
Jarecki's writing style is lovely, vivid and engaging.
Ahhh, who hasn't watched Braveheart and not fallen in love with the character William Wallace?!
Granted, in this one he is no Mel Gibson, but oh man is he initiated in my UBB (ultimate book boyfriend)list.
"The devil had to look like Adonis incarnate."
The romance at first, to me, felt a bit crazy...because why would you willingly fall for someone you know is meant to die pretty badly?
Not a spoiler, if you know your history, you should know Wallace experiences a fairly gruesome end.
But I ended up loving it.
As a history student in university who is besotted with this era, this was like a wonderful surprise to me.
It was so historically rich! You could almost feel and see the war between the Scots and the English.
Now, with all this glaring awesomeness, which i pointed out. Why on earth did i take away a 0.5 star?
Well, i didn't like the ending, it was a bit of a cliff-hanger.
I usually don't like those, but i do look forward to the next book!
Now, this is an adult book which means that there is language and sexual situations.
Stay awesome!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog (help the little people!)
tweet me @thebookherald
January 15, 2016
Time Travel Romance Lamebrained
I had a hard time finishing this one, everytime I put it down, I just couldn't get myself to pick it back up again, although I finally did muddle through.
But there were just too many things about this book that deflated its appeal, including a number of poorly thought out story points.
For example, at one point, Eva, who can't ride a horse, is blindfolded and riding behind Wallace, where she'd have to be dearly holding on to not fall off. Yet she removes a notebook and pen from her pocket and starts making journal entries. While blindfolded. On the back of a horse. And given the distance they were traveling, this wasn't a slow, meandering walk through the woods.
But the silliest plot element, hands down, is telling the men gathered to serve in Wallace's army to get busy and make camp, because "hard labor will make you strong, and when it comes time to fight, you'll be ready." What did she think they had been doing their whole lives? Playing nintendo?
Wallace is no better, and this is really the part that got to me. When an author's writing is so silly as to render her hero an idiot, it's usually not a crime. But when you're dealing with the real life hero of William Wallace, it's just not right.
Wallace is so beguiled by Eva that he's willing to put aside his fears that she is an English spy, even though her accent is obviously flat. And, even more unforgiveable, he doesn't notice that her down zipper vest and rubber boots are odd, at least, not till well over half way through the story.
And, even worse in my book, Wallace has modern day sensibilities, worrying that he's just as bad as the enemy, when he kills the murdering villains in battle. If he really felt that way, I don't think he'd be leading the rebellion!
The story just goes down from there. Everytime Wallace tries to protect Eva by putting her somewhere safe before a battle, she accuses him of being callous and demeaning and thoughtless.
Bottom line, for a book to really reach out and grab ahold of my emotions, it needs to be believable. I'm perfectly fine with magical realism, whimsy or fictional creativity, in fact I love it. As long as it's believable. This, alas, is not.
The book is not clean, there are a few bad words, including the Lord's name in vain, and several intimate scenes.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had a hard time finishing this one, everytime I put it down, I just couldn't get myself to pick it back up again, although I finally did muddle through.
But there were just too many things about this book that deflated its appeal, including a number of poorly thought out story points.
For example, at one point, Eva, who can't ride a horse, is blindfolded and riding behind Wallace, where she'd have to be dearly holding on to not fall off. Yet she removes a notebook and pen from her pocket and starts making journal entries. While blindfolded. On the back of a horse. And given the distance they were traveling, this wasn't a slow, meandering walk through the woods.
But the silliest plot element, hands down, is telling the men gathered to serve in Wallace's army to get busy and make camp, because "hard labor will make you strong, and when it comes time to fight, you'll be ready." What did she think they had been doing their whole lives? Playing nintendo?
Wallace is no better, and this is really the part that got to me. When an author's writing is so silly as to render her hero an idiot, it's usually not a crime. But when you're dealing with the real life hero of William Wallace, it's just not right.
Wallace is so beguiled by Eva that he's willing to put aside his fears that she is an English spy, even though her accent is obviously flat. And, even more unforgiveable, he doesn't notice that her down zipper vest and rubber boots are odd, at least, not till well over half way through the story.
And, even worse in my book, Wallace has modern day sensibilities, worrying that he's just as bad as the enemy, when he kills the murdering villains in battle. If he really felt that way, I don't think he'd be leading the rebellion!
The story just goes down from there. Everytime Wallace tries to protect Eva by putting her somewhere safe before a battle, she accuses him of being callous and demeaning and thoughtless.
Bottom line, for a book to really reach out and grab ahold of my emotions, it needs to be believable. I'm perfectly fine with magical realism, whimsy or fictional creativity, in fact I love it. As long as it's believable. This, alas, is not.
The book is not clean, there are a few bad words, including the Lord's name in vain, and several intimate scenes.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2015
This is the 1st book in the Guardian of Scotland series, written by Amy Jarecki. This book is about time travel romance loaded with secrets, treachery, and William Wallace. Our heroine is about Eva Mackay a historical journalist who wants to change her life. She goes on an archeological dig at the battleground of Loudoun Hill and finds herself fascinated with William Wallace. She finds an artifact that transports her back in time in the midst of a thirteenth century bloodbath of a battle to the time period of William Wallace is rising up. As a journalist historian Eva wants to know the man, to write his story as it has never been wrote before and what a story it turns out to be. She begins to see the man behind the legend and falls for him, but she knows she cannot change history. Of course there is romance running through the story between Eva and William; he’s attracted and intrigued to her and for Eva what’s not to love about a big hulking highlander! For Eva the question is do you let yourself fall in love with someone when you know through history will die? The book does an excellent job of describing history of the war between England and Scotland, and William's part in it and mixing a historic romance into the mix. I highly recommend this book!!! 5 STARS
I received an ARC of Rise of a Legend by Amy Jarecki from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of Rise of a Legend by Amy Jarecki from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2015
I was so engrossed with this story it took me a moment to realize the book had ended. I am now anxiously awaiting the next installment so I can see how their story progresses. I love Eva's determination to spend time with William without giving away too much information. By the end of this book, William is beginning to accept, if not believe, her stories of the future. These two are a wonderful a couple. The glimpse into that tumultuous time in Scotland was fantastic. As I read, I felt like I was there.
I had a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
I had a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2015
I am a huge William Wallace fan. And Amy Jarecki has brought to life. Big and bold. She writes this story and I felt I was with Eva. There in the turmoil of Scotland. If you love the highland and Scotland like I do? You will love this book as much as I did. William and Eva are going to be in the next book as well. I can't wait to get it. I highly recommend this book !!!!
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March 9, 2016
A superbly-crafted Scottish medieval romance with a time travel component
Unbridled passion with an incredibly hot seven hundred-year-old Highlander in the middle of the night? Mm Yeah. Bring it on.
RISE OF A LEGEND by Amy Jarecki is a superbly-crafted medieval romance with a time travel component. Amy is one of my favorite authors and I can't say enough about her consistently magnificent writing. Her books are always extensively researched and each have been a pure pleasure to read. I realize it's not fair to this series, but I admit being a bit leery of it as the story involves a real, famous hero who is slated to die gruesomely and I didn't want to mourn his passing. I do not like sad stories. Period. I can't watch movies like Dumbo or Bambi. However, friends have told me to trust Amy to somehow give him and our heroine a happy ending. So far, so good...
This is the story of legendary Scottish warrior hero William Wallace and historical chronicler Eva MacKay. Eva lost her husband tragically and, to escape the memories, has joined an archaeological dig in the country where she was born, Scotland. She has always been fascinated by the life of William Wallace and makes a stupendous find related to Wallace at the dig site. Then, a providential pendant and a timely storm combine to throw her back in time to 1297 where she meets William Wallace.
William Wallace was a big man with a tremendous heart. He was not royalty but he would be forever known as being almost solely responsible for uniting Scotland in fighting the English tyranny. William is strong and utterly devoted to the autonomy of Scotland and its people. I absolutely loved how Amy brought him and this tumultuous time for Scotland to life - and inserted Eva seamlessly into his life. Their romance was sweet and steamy hot. She paints each scene with a life-like touch so the reader feels that he/she is living each moment in the tale with the characters.
Some of my favorite scenes occurred as Eva had to explain her clothing - her bra explanation was particularly hilarious. Her phone, her pen, her shampoo, her inability to ride a horse, and many more... all made for humorous moments.
This book is amazing. Set in the beautiful Scottish countryside with intriguing characters, it is well-paced and perfectly plotted. It blends historical elements with a sizzling romance. It's suspenseful with just the right touch of humor. The romance meshes flawlessly with the action sequences which often include famous battles with real renowned historical characters. While the edict - "The future cannot change the past." - keeps resounding, I have not lost hope that this couple will find a way to circumvent history and find their everlasting love. If anyone can do it without changing history, Amy can. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys well-written historical romances. Be aware that RISE OF A LEGEND ends with a cliffhanger. The good news is that the conclusion of this duo logy is already available. The next book, IN THE KINGDOM'S NAME, is on my reader as I type.
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 1/2 Wine Glasses!
Unbridled passion with an incredibly hot seven hundred-year-old Highlander in the middle of the night? Mm Yeah. Bring it on.
RISE OF A LEGEND by Amy Jarecki is a superbly-crafted medieval romance with a time travel component. Amy is one of my favorite authors and I can't say enough about her consistently magnificent writing. Her books are always extensively researched and each have been a pure pleasure to read. I realize it's not fair to this series, but I admit being a bit leery of it as the story involves a real, famous hero who is slated to die gruesomely and I didn't want to mourn his passing. I do not like sad stories. Period. I can't watch movies like Dumbo or Bambi. However, friends have told me to trust Amy to somehow give him and our heroine a happy ending. So far, so good...
This is the story of legendary Scottish warrior hero William Wallace and historical chronicler Eva MacKay. Eva lost her husband tragically and, to escape the memories, has joined an archaeological dig in the country where she was born, Scotland. She has always been fascinated by the life of William Wallace and makes a stupendous find related to Wallace at the dig site. Then, a providential pendant and a timely storm combine to throw her back in time to 1297 where she meets William Wallace.
William Wallace was a big man with a tremendous heart. He was not royalty but he would be forever known as being almost solely responsible for uniting Scotland in fighting the English tyranny. William is strong and utterly devoted to the autonomy of Scotland and its people. I absolutely loved how Amy brought him and this tumultuous time for Scotland to life - and inserted Eva seamlessly into his life. Their romance was sweet and steamy hot. She paints each scene with a life-like touch so the reader feels that he/she is living each moment in the tale with the characters.
Some of my favorite scenes occurred as Eva had to explain her clothing - her bra explanation was particularly hilarious. Her phone, her pen, her shampoo, her inability to ride a horse, and many more... all made for humorous moments.
This book is amazing. Set in the beautiful Scottish countryside with intriguing characters, it is well-paced and perfectly plotted. It blends historical elements with a sizzling romance. It's suspenseful with just the right touch of humor. The romance meshes flawlessly with the action sequences which often include famous battles with real renowned historical characters. While the edict - "The future cannot change the past." - keeps resounding, I have not lost hope that this couple will find a way to circumvent history and find their everlasting love. If anyone can do it without changing history, Amy can. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys well-written historical romances. Be aware that RISE OF A LEGEND ends with a cliffhanger. The good news is that the conclusion of this duo logy is already available. The next book, IN THE KINGDOM'S NAME, is on my reader as I type.
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4 1/2 Wine Glasses!
August 23, 2016
This was a DNF for me….I listened to some of the Audio version of Rise of a Legend. Normally, I love time travel…….in Scotland………a few hundred years ago............. with a hot highland warrior and a strong woman from the future. It’s always intriguing to read the struggle the heroine usually has to endure in an unfamiliar time period and for her to find a way to fit in as best she can without drawing too much attention to herself to be thought of as a spy or witch. I’m not a history buff so I can’t say the history is the most important details for me, but common sense typically goes a long way in my book. ;)
Rise of a Legend had potential and based on all the great reviews, I’m clearly in the minority. However, there was ONE review that seems to have the same issues that I do. Considering I didn’t get passed Chapter 5 I can’t review the entire book…..BUT, from the first few chapters the heroine wearing red hiking boots, skinny jeans, and a down filled vest with a zipper (and smartphone) seems to escape notice from anyone in the year 1297. How is this possible you ask? Beats me…..But wait there’s more…..she is discovered by William Wallace while she’s hiding from the English, who are obviously on a killing spree, and she tells them ‘I’m scared of pointy sharp things, get that away from me!!’
Once William comes across her and her very out of the time period attire (which he doesn’t seem to notice) decides to take her with him and his men. She has to get on the back of a horse(which she’s never done before) with William and at a gallop she checks her cell phone, which has no service, but still manages to tell her the date is May 1,1297.
At first William mistakes her for a man, then thinks she could be a possible English spy, hides her secret (of being a woman) from his trusted men. He then wakes her early before all the rest of the men so she can take care of ‘business’, at this point he starts to notice all of her womanly-ness and starts wanting her. UGH! It hasn’t even been 12 hours!! The heroine, Eva, scared out of her mind by the big brutish man, starts to notice how wonderfully handsome William is. Pffffft! If I was scared for my life by the big scary man being in a place and time far from my own, on top of mourning the loss of my husband…….I sure wouldn’t be noticing how ‘hot’ the dude sitting next to me is.
All in all, this story had a great idea and concept, but I couldn’t get into it or get passed the oversights and lack of reactions. It just wasn’t believable. Another review had compared this to Outlander……nope. Not even close.
Now, on another note, if you happen to listen to the audible book……the narrator………..well…….sounds a bit like Count Dracula at times. Lol. He does a great Scottish accent and the men’s voices, but the female voice……….was a little comical.
Rise of a Legend had potential and based on all the great reviews, I’m clearly in the minority. However, there was ONE review that seems to have the same issues that I do. Considering I didn’t get passed Chapter 5 I can’t review the entire book…..BUT, from the first few chapters the heroine wearing red hiking boots, skinny jeans, and a down filled vest with a zipper (and smartphone) seems to escape notice from anyone in the year 1297. How is this possible you ask? Beats me…..But wait there’s more…..she is discovered by William Wallace while she’s hiding from the English, who are obviously on a killing spree, and she tells them ‘I’m scared of pointy sharp things, get that away from me!!’
Once William comes across her and her very out of the time period attire (which he doesn’t seem to notice) decides to take her with him and his men. She has to get on the back of a horse(which she’s never done before) with William and at a gallop she checks her cell phone, which has no service, but still manages to tell her the date is May 1,1297.
At first William mistakes her for a man, then thinks she could be a possible English spy, hides her secret (of being a woman) from his trusted men. He then wakes her early before all the rest of the men so she can take care of ‘business’, at this point he starts to notice all of her womanly-ness and starts wanting her. UGH! It hasn’t even been 12 hours!! The heroine, Eva, scared out of her mind by the big brutish man, starts to notice how wonderfully handsome William is. Pffffft! If I was scared for my life by the big scary man being in a place and time far from my own, on top of mourning the loss of my husband…….I sure wouldn’t be noticing how ‘hot’ the dude sitting next to me is.
All in all, this story had a great idea and concept, but I couldn’t get into it or get passed the oversights and lack of reactions. It just wasn’t believable. Another review had compared this to Outlander……nope. Not even close.
Now, on another note, if you happen to listen to the audible book……the narrator………..well…….sounds a bit like Count Dracula at times. Lol. He does a great Scottish accent and the men’s voices, but the female voice……….was a little comical.
January 6, 2016
Copyright Night Owl Reviews
__4.5 Stars__
Statue of William Wallace.
Rise of a Legend was a great read for me because I love history, romance, and Scotland. Although this book leans more toward historical fiction, there is a developing relationship involving a known historical warrior and a not-so-ordinary historical journalist who is partaking in an archaeological dig. When she is presented with a medallion and given a warning not to change the past, she finds herself magically transported to Scotland in the year 1297 and right into the arms of William Wallace.
To read my full review, please follow the link below:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
__4.5 Stars__
Statue of William Wallace.
Rise of a Legend was a great read for me because I love history, romance, and Scotland. Although this book leans more toward historical fiction, there is a developing relationship involving a known historical warrior and a not-so-ordinary historical journalist who is partaking in an archaeological dig. When she is presented with a medallion and given a warning not to change the past, she finds herself magically transported to Scotland in the year 1297 and right into the arms of William Wallace.
To read my full review, please follow the link below:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
December 18, 2015
There comes a time in every author’s writing career where all words that have been written before are surpassed by one great piece; a legacy for the author.
Read full review in the 2015 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 19, 2020
Living along side history
This book transported me back in time to a moment in history that still lives on today. With true historical facts William Wallace comes alive. We get to join him in battle for Scotland's freedom as well as see another side of him history leaves untouched. It was a delightful story to be immersed in and I look forward to its continuation in the next book
This book transported me back in time to a moment in history that still lives on today. With true historical facts William Wallace comes alive. We get to join him in battle for Scotland's freedom as well as see another side of him history leaves untouched. It was a delightful story to be immersed in and I look forward to its continuation in the next book
December 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, it has a wonderful mixture of history and romance. I can't wait to read the next book and see what's going to happen. Besides the obvious, I mean it is based on the life of William Wallace.
October 9, 2020
Perfect combination
Time Travel and history combines into a wonderful tale. A widow finds herself in Scotland and when an friend on an archeological dig gives her a brass disc, she finds herself in 1297.
Don't miss this awesome original story.
Time Travel and history combines into a wonderful tale. A widow finds herself in Scotland and when an friend on an archeological dig gives her a brass disc, she finds herself in 1297.
Don't miss this awesome original story.
April 27, 2019
William Wallace!!! That is all.
January 3, 2017
I have just listened to the audiobook of this book and couldn't find a way to leave another review for audio, therefore I'll add some information to this review.
I read this book at the end of November, 2015 and have just listened to the audio. Some of you may think if you’ve read the book, you needn’t listen to the audio. But I stand here and say, the book was even more wonderful this time around. Turns of phrases miss your notice, as well as the emotional pull of sentences when reading a tale. Dave Gillies is a wonderful narrator. He also has a wonderful singing voice as he sings when Eva is cornered to show some talent. Scenes seem to pulse off the page when charged with high emotion. Truly, listening to the story AFTER reading it, allows me to savor every bit of the author’s talent. I’m just as excited to throw myself into audiobook two.
I have to say I talked so much to my son about this story, time travel and William Wallace, that he purchased book one for himself. He loves the mystic of Scotland, along with a historically accurate story laced with time travel and fictitious characters who breathe life into history. Let me remind you, if you purchase the book, audible will sell you the audiobook at an extremely low price, something like $1.99. Indubitably, this is a superbly delightful story depicting the national fervor of Scotland and how love entertwines hearts for all time.
Amy Jarecki is one of those auto-buy authors. Every single one of her books are adventurous with a powerfully passionate hero and heroine. Each time I begin one of hers, I feel I’m looking into a box of assorted dark chocolate with soft fillings. How will she entertain me with each bite?
This book starts the beginning of a new series. The book is prefaced with a bit of history to hone the reader to the historical backdrop. I read the foreword twice just so I could get a good grasp of events. What a great time in history!
I particularly like historical romance with time travel from the present to the past. With a heroine coming from the present (Eva MacKay), I quickly attach myself to her and truly feel as if I’ve traveled to the past. She encounters circumstances I, too, would find hard to deal with.
As with all Ms. Jarecki writes, the reader is thrust into a scene with plenty of emotion and of course, leaving more questions than answers, and very fast-paced. With her descriptive style of writing she quickly builds a plot seething with tension.
Present day Eva MacKay wants to find her wow. Trying to get over a bad breakup, she decides to follow her heart, working in an archeological site in Scotland. As a Scottish history buff with a penchant for William Wallace, she loves the dig she’s working in. Eva was also a journalist and wished she could truly learn the truth of history. Her wish comes true in this amazing story sure to please the most discerning reader.
William Wallace was such a down-to-earth man, spirited to stand up for the people of Scotland. He was quite the lovable hero. He was also a major hunk of a man Eva MacKay was terribly attracted to, physically as well as his upright character and willingness to lead his people to freedom. What is known about the man doesn’t give the full picture of historical events, so with Eva’s instincts and desire to record the truth of the past, without changing it, she’s pulled into the past to experience and record history and finds herself completed besotted!
The second in the series titled In the Kingdom’s Name, is expected to release February 4, 2016. I highly recommend Ms. Jarecki’s brand of highland tale. This series is sure to be a winner!
I read this book at the end of November, 2015 and have just listened to the audio. Some of you may think if you’ve read the book, you needn’t listen to the audio. But I stand here and say, the book was even more wonderful this time around. Turns of phrases miss your notice, as well as the emotional pull of sentences when reading a tale. Dave Gillies is a wonderful narrator. He also has a wonderful singing voice as he sings when Eva is cornered to show some talent. Scenes seem to pulse off the page when charged with high emotion. Truly, listening to the story AFTER reading it, allows me to savor every bit of the author’s talent. I’m just as excited to throw myself into audiobook two.
I have to say I talked so much to my son about this story, time travel and William Wallace, that he purchased book one for himself. He loves the mystic of Scotland, along with a historically accurate story laced with time travel and fictitious characters who breathe life into history. Let me remind you, if you purchase the book, audible will sell you the audiobook at an extremely low price, something like $1.99. Indubitably, this is a superbly delightful story depicting the national fervor of Scotland and how love entertwines hearts for all time.
Amy Jarecki is one of those auto-buy authors. Every single one of her books are adventurous with a powerfully passionate hero and heroine. Each time I begin one of hers, I feel I’m looking into a box of assorted dark chocolate with soft fillings. How will she entertain me with each bite?
This book starts the beginning of a new series. The book is prefaced with a bit of history to hone the reader to the historical backdrop. I read the foreword twice just so I could get a good grasp of events. What a great time in history!
I particularly like historical romance with time travel from the present to the past. With a heroine coming from the present (Eva MacKay), I quickly attach myself to her and truly feel as if I’ve traveled to the past. She encounters circumstances I, too, would find hard to deal with.
As with all Ms. Jarecki writes, the reader is thrust into a scene with plenty of emotion and of course, leaving more questions than answers, and very fast-paced. With her descriptive style of writing she quickly builds a plot seething with tension.
Present day Eva MacKay wants to find her wow. Trying to get over a bad breakup, she decides to follow her heart, working in an archeological site in Scotland. As a Scottish history buff with a penchant for William Wallace, she loves the dig she’s working in. Eva was also a journalist and wished she could truly learn the truth of history. Her wish comes true in this amazing story sure to please the most discerning reader.
William Wallace was such a down-to-earth man, spirited to stand up for the people of Scotland. He was quite the lovable hero. He was also a major hunk of a man Eva MacKay was terribly attracted to, physically as well as his upright character and willingness to lead his people to freedom. What is known about the man doesn’t give the full picture of historical events, so with Eva’s instincts and desire to record the truth of the past, without changing it, she’s pulled into the past to experience and record history and finds herself completed besotted!
The second in the series titled In the Kingdom’s Name, is expected to release February 4, 2016. I highly recommend Ms. Jarecki’s brand of highland tale. This series is sure to be a winner!
November 3, 2015
Rise of a Legend by Amy Jarecki is the first book in her new series, Guardian of Scotland.
The story is about Eva MacKay. She is an historical journalist and after suffering a personal trauma she throws herself into her work and volunteers to join an archaeological dig on site at the battleground of Loudoun Hill. When she is there mysterious forces draw her to the ruins of an old monastery where she finds the seal of William Wallace. He is the 'Legend' in this book. A set of circumstances follow that has Eva finding herself taken back in time and straight into the midst of a bloody battle at the monastery. She is just about to be run through with a sword when she is rescued by William Wallace himself, and so begins their relationship.
Initially William thinks Eva is a boy because of her clothes and her short hair, but it doesn't take him long to realise that she is a woman. He is intrigued by her, is attracted to her, and thanks to her way of talking, and some of the things she carries, he is mystified by her. She has no other option but to tell him the truth about where she is from. She can't tell him any details about what she knows about him and his enemies because she cannot influence or change the future. If she tries to, she will find herself whisked back to the future with possibly no way to return to the past. Initially Eva sees her time travel as a fantastic way of experiencing history first hand. The idea of writing about it and having photographic evidence of it is a huge reason for her to want to stay in the past for as long as possible. Of course she finds herself falling for William, and that in itself is another huge reason for her to stay.
Although there is romance running through the story between Eva and William, the mainstay of the book is the story of the war between England and Scotland, and William's part in it. It was like reading the ultimate very well written fan fiction where the author got to live through the history she portrays, but gets to add some romance to the mix with the introduction of Eva. I enjoy history but it is made all the more enjoyable to read when an added element is brought into the mix. You get to read a passionate romance as well as enjoying historical fact. You also get to enjoy the fun of seeing how Eva tries to explain what she is allowed about the time she is from, and how William takes it. There is a great scene where Eva explains the art of the 'Selfie' to William which made me laugh out loud.
It's sad to know of course that William is going to die, and although Eva knows too, she can't help but fall in love with him. How will she cope when he dies, and will she be tempted to do something to stop it happening? We don't find out in this book because as part of a series, it ends rather abruptly and leaves you anticipating reading the next book in the series. I really enjoyed reading this book, and will definitely be reading the next one to see what happens next. If you love your history, Scottish warriors, and time travel stories, then this is the perfect book, and the perfect series for you. I fully recommend it.
The story is about Eva MacKay. She is an historical journalist and after suffering a personal trauma she throws herself into her work and volunteers to join an archaeological dig on site at the battleground of Loudoun Hill. When she is there mysterious forces draw her to the ruins of an old monastery where she finds the seal of William Wallace. He is the 'Legend' in this book. A set of circumstances follow that has Eva finding herself taken back in time and straight into the midst of a bloody battle at the monastery. She is just about to be run through with a sword when she is rescued by William Wallace himself, and so begins their relationship.
Initially William thinks Eva is a boy because of her clothes and her short hair, but it doesn't take him long to realise that she is a woman. He is intrigued by her, is attracted to her, and thanks to her way of talking, and some of the things she carries, he is mystified by her. She has no other option but to tell him the truth about where she is from. She can't tell him any details about what she knows about him and his enemies because she cannot influence or change the future. If she tries to, she will find herself whisked back to the future with possibly no way to return to the past. Initially Eva sees her time travel as a fantastic way of experiencing history first hand. The idea of writing about it and having photographic evidence of it is a huge reason for her to want to stay in the past for as long as possible. Of course she finds herself falling for William, and that in itself is another huge reason for her to stay.
Although there is romance running through the story between Eva and William, the mainstay of the book is the story of the war between England and Scotland, and William's part in it. It was like reading the ultimate very well written fan fiction where the author got to live through the history she portrays, but gets to add some romance to the mix with the introduction of Eva. I enjoy history but it is made all the more enjoyable to read when an added element is brought into the mix. You get to read a passionate romance as well as enjoying historical fact. You also get to enjoy the fun of seeing how Eva tries to explain what she is allowed about the time she is from, and how William takes it. There is a great scene where Eva explains the art of the 'Selfie' to William which made me laugh out loud.
It's sad to know of course that William is going to die, and although Eva knows too, she can't help but fall in love with him. How will she cope when he dies, and will she be tempted to do something to stop it happening? We don't find out in this book because as part of a series, it ends rather abruptly and leaves you anticipating reading the next book in the series. I really enjoyed reading this book, and will definitely be reading the next one to see what happens next. If you love your history, Scottish warriors, and time travel stories, then this is the perfect book, and the perfect series for you. I fully recommend it.
November 18, 2015
4.5 Stars
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
Rise of a Legend is the first book in the Guardian of Scotland by Amy Jarecki.
Without knowing, historical journalist Eva MacKay is giving the chance of her life, to go back in time and write the real story of William Wallace. When she realizes the opportunity she has she decides to do whatever is necessary to make Wallace accept her; she wants to write his story and for that she needs to be around him. One thing Eva has very clear is that she can’t change the past, the moment she does anything that could change it she will be send back to her time. Not changing the past is harder that she could have ever anticipated. Since she can remember, Eva has admired Wallace the historical figure, but what she wasn’t expecting was falling for Wallace the man.
I’m a fan of Jarecki’s historical romance books, but I wasn’t so sure about this one because of the time traveling aspect; I should have trusted a seasoned writer as Jarecki because Rise of a Legend was really great.
One of the things I like the most about Jarecki’s books is all the research she puts into her work; she keeps her stories real even when the reality of a character isn’t the happy ending readers are expecting and I admire her for keeping things real.
Writing a historical romance about William Wallace takes guts, because we all know of Wallace’s fate. I don’t know how she’s going to end this series knowing what we know about Wallace, but I’m willing to enjoy the journey and trust her instincts to deliver a hopefully not too heartbreaking ending.
I liked everything about Rise of a Legend; I liked the characters, the story, the historical aspects, the writing, everything. The end is a cliffhanger of sorts, one that left me dying to get my hands on next book in the series.
If you like historical fiction, historical romance or time travel romance Rise of a Legend is a book you need to read.
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
Rise of a Legend is the first book in the Guardian of Scotland by Amy Jarecki.
Without knowing, historical journalist Eva MacKay is giving the chance of her life, to go back in time and write the real story of William Wallace. When she realizes the opportunity she has she decides to do whatever is necessary to make Wallace accept her; she wants to write his story and for that she needs to be around him. One thing Eva has very clear is that she can’t change the past, the moment she does anything that could change it she will be send back to her time. Not changing the past is harder that she could have ever anticipated. Since she can remember, Eva has admired Wallace the historical figure, but what she wasn’t expecting was falling for Wallace the man.
I’m a fan of Jarecki’s historical romance books, but I wasn’t so sure about this one because of the time traveling aspect; I should have trusted a seasoned writer as Jarecki because Rise of a Legend was really great.
One of the things I like the most about Jarecki’s books is all the research she puts into her work; she keeps her stories real even when the reality of a character isn’t the happy ending readers are expecting and I admire her for keeping things real.
Writing a historical romance about William Wallace takes guts, because we all know of Wallace’s fate. I don’t know how she’s going to end this series knowing what we know about Wallace, but I’m willing to enjoy the journey and trust her instincts to deliver a hopefully not too heartbreaking ending.
I liked everything about Rise of a Legend; I liked the characters, the story, the historical aspects, the writing, everything. The end is a cliffhanger of sorts, one that left me dying to get my hands on next book in the series.
If you like historical fiction, historical romance or time travel romance Rise of a Legend is a book you need to read.
November 2, 2015
I received an ARC of Rise of a Legend by Amy Jarecki from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rise of a Legend is the first book in Amy Jarecki’s Guardians of Scotland Series. The “legend” in question is none other than William Wallace, one of the main leaders of the Wars of Scottish Independence, in the late 13th century.
In a nutshell, we follow Eva MacKay, a historical journalist, who is participating in an archeological dig in Loundun Hill. Through a set of circumstances, she finds herself back in time, in 1297...in the company of William Wallace. Of course, the two fall in love but it’s not exactly what drew me in the story, although there were quite a few scenes where I couldn’t help myself but laugh and almost choke. Just think about how she gets to explain to Wallace why she’s wearing the clothes she wears, what a cell phone is and so on and so forth – hilarious at times. No, what really drew me in is the richness of the historical details, the way the various characters were depicted – both historical and fictional – it all made me want to know more about the period. This is a must for anyone interested in the history of Scotland and William Wallace in particular.
This is a very strong 4,5 stars for me. I’m looking forward to read the second book in this series.
Rise of a Legend is the first book in Amy Jarecki’s Guardians of Scotland Series. The “legend” in question is none other than William Wallace, one of the main leaders of the Wars of Scottish Independence, in the late 13th century.
In a nutshell, we follow Eva MacKay, a historical journalist, who is participating in an archeological dig in Loundun Hill. Through a set of circumstances, she finds herself back in time, in 1297...in the company of William Wallace. Of course, the two fall in love but it’s not exactly what drew me in the story, although there were quite a few scenes where I couldn’t help myself but laugh and almost choke. Just think about how she gets to explain to Wallace why she’s wearing the clothes she wears, what a cell phone is and so on and so forth – hilarious at times. No, what really drew me in is the richness of the historical details, the way the various characters were depicted – both historical and fictional – it all made me want to know more about the period. This is a must for anyone interested in the history of Scotland and William Wallace in particular.
This is a very strong 4,5 stars for me. I’m looking forward to read the second book in this series.
December 4, 2019
– For the life of me I have no idea how this ended or if it did at all or it was a cliffhanger situation… Considering it’s a series I think it’s the latter case. I mean I’ve had this on my list of to reads for ages now and kept starting it, hearing the narrator’s attempt at a Scottish accent and then the Female voice for Scottish accent and knew I needed some haard core desperation to get through this one.
So I kind of zooned out quite a bit on this one and tuned in here and there and what I did listened to I did not like where it was going. The h’s voice was utterly annoying. From that first sentence how she lost her husband and was focusing on her carrier and finding her WOW, I could see where this was going. She was gonna get herself fall in love with the H of this story and suffer through the emotional agony of his impending and inevitable demise as history requires it to happen. And then the H’s conflicting thoughts and harsh treatment of the h when it came to his attraction and growing respect for the h was exhausting to have any personal emotional engagement with as a reader. So yeah tuning out of this book saved me some raging over the story I needed to suffer through but it also posed not good outcome for my positive feelings when it came to this story and any more interest in what will happen next.
So I kind of zooned out quite a bit on this one and tuned in here and there and what I did listened to I did not like where it was going. The h’s voice was utterly annoying. From that first sentence how she lost her husband and was focusing on her carrier and finding her WOW, I could see where this was going. She was gonna get herself fall in love with the H of this story and suffer through the emotional agony of his impending and inevitable demise as history requires it to happen. And then the H’s conflicting thoughts and harsh treatment of the h when it came to his attraction and growing respect for the h was exhausting to have any personal emotional engagement with as a reader. So yeah tuning out of this book saved me some raging over the story I needed to suffer through but it also posed not good outcome for my positive feelings when it came to this story and any more interest in what will happen next.
November 26, 2018
Premise had such great potential for an alternate history sort of story line. Was optimistically hoping for something akin to the exceptional work of Sarah Woodbury's After Cilmeri Series ... but alas this fell flat in so many ways.
William Wallace is swoon-worthy as expected, whilst, Eva is a vapid dolt! Supposedly a historic journalist and scholar, walking around with a photographic memory specifically of William Wallace's entire life. Yet she goes running off alone in the 13th century Scottish countryside in the middle of a rebellion, with heinous atrocities being committed by both sides. Chasing after William basically dressed like a circus clown (in a dress 10 inches too short with a down vest over it and red hiking boots???) and then is outraged when she is caught and physically assaulted . I really felt that this book is a proper sh*t-show if you like well researched historical romance/historical fiction. The Audible narrator, David Gillies is moderately talented but his female voices are cringe-worthy.
William Wallace is swoon-worthy as expected, whilst, Eva is a vapid dolt! Supposedly a historic journalist and scholar, walking around with a photographic memory specifically of William Wallace's entire life. Yet she goes running off alone in the 13th century Scottish countryside in the middle of a rebellion, with heinous atrocities being committed by both sides. Chasing after William basically dressed like a circus clown (in a dress 10 inches too short with a down vest over it and red hiking boots???) and then is outraged when she is caught and physically assaulted . I really felt that this book is a proper sh*t-show if you like well researched historical romance/historical fiction. The Audible narrator, David Gillies is moderately talented but his female voices are cringe-worthy.
November 4, 2015
I loved the concept of this book! Time travel romance loaded with secrets, treachery, and William Wallac. Amy has perfectly interwoven a beautiful love story in the middle of one of the most treacherous times in history. Loved it!!
Eva is tired of her life. And wants a change. At her archeological site she is continually intrigued by William Wallace. And with a pendant said to have certain powers....which she doesn't want to believe....she travels back to a time right as William Wallace is rising up.
And what a man she finds him to be. Travelling as his historian she begins to see the man behind the legend and falls for him. But with her secret she must make him see the truth about her without changing history. As they grow closer as man and woman she is thrust right in the middle of some of the most bloody and dangerous battles to take place. How long will she wait before she decides to go back home? Or will she follow her heart and belong to William for all of history?
Such a great and wonderful story. Loved the history, plot, and the romance of it all.
Eva is tired of her life. And wants a change. At her archeological site she is continually intrigued by William Wallace. And with a pendant said to have certain powers....which she doesn't want to believe....she travels back to a time right as William Wallace is rising up.
And what a man she finds him to be. Travelling as his historian she begins to see the man behind the legend and falls for him. But with her secret she must make him see the truth about her without changing history. As they grow closer as man and woman she is thrust right in the middle of some of the most bloody and dangerous battles to take place. How long will she wait before she decides to go back home? Or will she follow her heart and belong to William for all of history?
Such a great and wonderful story. Loved the history, plot, and the romance of it all.
November 16, 2015
Historical facts of William Wallace's rise to fame coupled with a really tender time travel romance. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS READ!
You know you have a great book in your hands when time slips past without notice. My daughter missed her bus because I was buried in this book. This story will pull you into the late 1200's along with Eva as she's thrown back in time to medieval Scotland to witness the rise of William Wallace.
This book will appeal to the history lover, the historical romance reader, or anyone who would appreciate a really.............really good read. I recommend this book and have read others by this author... everything I've read is captivating from the start.
There is a second book to this series and I'll be first in line to buy it!!
You know you have a great book in your hands when time slips past without notice. My daughter missed her bus because I was buried in this book. This story will pull you into the late 1200's along with Eva as she's thrown back in time to medieval Scotland to witness the rise of William Wallace.
This book will appeal to the history lover, the historical romance reader, or anyone who would appreciate a really.............really good read. I recommend this book and have read others by this author... everything I've read is captivating from the start.
There is a second book to this series and I'll be first in line to buy it!!
November 6, 2015
A Most laudable tribute to Scotland's legendary hero, William Wallace!
This epic depiction of all elements of such a charismatic leader, giving an insight to a possible romantic side, thus drawing a deserving and believable hero! Well done Ms Jarecki, while I have loved ALL of your books I have read so far and the Murray I am related to is Irish, I felt connected and honored somehow! This is a fitting tribute to Scotland and I cannot wait for the next book!
This epic depiction of all elements of such a charismatic leader, giving an insight to a possible romantic side, thus drawing a deserving and believable hero! Well done Ms Jarecki, while I have loved ALL of your books I have read so far and the Murray I am related to is Irish, I felt connected and honored somehow! This is a fitting tribute to Scotland and I cannot wait for the next book!
January 14, 2016
WOW! Amazing.
Lots of historical events in this book. A great love story. My heart is still pounding. Has all my favorite points. Action, Adventure, PNR. Steamy scenes. Some slight. If you want Scottish history, time travel,and love stories. Get this book. Can't wait for the next one.... Pam James.
Lots of historical events in this book. A great love story. My heart is still pounding. Has all my favorite points. Action, Adventure, PNR. Steamy scenes. Some slight. If you want Scottish history, time travel,and love stories. Get this book. Can't wait for the next one.... Pam James.
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