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Castle Blackstone #2
The Rogue
Be careful what you wish for, very careful.
1410, Loch Ard Forest, Scotland. To win a wager—and the keys to a castle from his liege lord, Sir Angus MacDougall must find an acceptable bride within three months.
Unfortunately, his battle-scared countenance and lack of title has made the task difficult. He has only three weeks left to find an educated and devote woman to become his chatelaine when an inadvertent handfasting binds him to the beautiful but illiterate pagan healer, Birdalane. The arrangement can only lead to ruin and both now rush to undo what the gods and ill-phrased wishes have set in motion.
This award-winning paranormal fiction contains Highlanders, adventure, suspense, history, humor and romance.
1410, Loch Ard Forest, Scotland. To win a wager—and the keys to a castle from his liege lord, Sir Angus MacDougall must find an acceptable bride within three months.
Unfortunately, his battle-scared countenance and lack of title has made the task difficult. He has only three weeks left to find an educated and devote woman to become his chatelaine when an inadvertent handfasting binds him to the beautiful but illiterate pagan healer, Birdalane. The arrangement can only lead to ruin and both now rush to undo what the gods and ill-phrased wishes have set in motion.
This award-winning paranormal fiction contains Highlanders, adventure, suspense, history, humor and romance.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2004
37 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Sandy Blair
13 books83 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Award winning author Sandy Blair has slept in castles, knelt in cathedrals where kings and queens have been crowned, dined with peerage, floated along Venetian canals, explored the great pyramids, misplaced her husband in an Egyptian ruin (she continues to deny being the one lost,) and fallen (gracefully) off a cruise ship.
Winner of Romance Writers of America© Golden Heart for Best Paranormal Romance, Sandy’s debut release A MAN IN A KILT also won the 2004 National Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance and was a 2005 RITA finalist.
Sandy loves writing about the past. "I find it easier to suspend my own disbelief when thoroughly immersed in a time when nobody worried about political correctness; when men were wonderfully alpha and had no idea they even had a feminine side, much less worried about getting in touch with it." She often adds a touch of the paranormal to her tales believing the very possibility expands the imagination, which in turn gives her latitude with humor.
Her second release, A ROGUE IN A KILT, received Romantic Times Magazine’s 4 ½ star Top Pick rating and was a National Readers Choice Awards finalist. Her third, The Accidental Duchess in the anthology HOW TO MARRY A DUKE, won the 2006 Golden Quill Award for Best Novella. Her books are now available in four languages and can be found in a dozen countries.
When not writing, Sandy dabbles with watercolors, is a charity fundraiser, and loves to entertain family and friends at home. She claims the secret to hosting a successful dinner party is setting a pretty table and serving lots of wine before the meal.
She currently resides in Texas with her husband.
Award winning author Sandy Blair has slept in castles, knelt in cathedrals where kings and queens have been crowned, dined with peerage, floated along Venetian canals, explored the great pyramids, misplaced her husband in an Egyptian ruin (she continues to deny being the one lost,) and fallen (gracefully) off a cruise ship.
Winner of Romance Writers of America© Golden Heart for Best Paranormal Romance, Sandy’s debut release A MAN IN A KILT also won the 2004 National Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance and was a 2005 RITA finalist.
Sandy loves writing about the past. "I find it easier to suspend my own disbelief when thoroughly immersed in a time when nobody worried about political correctness; when men were wonderfully alpha and had no idea they even had a feminine side, much less worried about getting in touch with it." She often adds a touch of the paranormal to her tales believing the very possibility expands the imagination, which in turn gives her latitude with humor.
Her second release, A ROGUE IN A KILT, received Romantic Times Magazine’s 4 ½ star Top Pick rating and was a National Readers Choice Awards finalist. Her third, The Accidental Duchess in the anthology HOW TO MARRY A DUKE, won the 2006 Golden Quill Award for Best Novella. Her books are now available in four languages and can be found in a dozen countries.
When not writing, Sandy dabbles with watercolors, is a charity fundraiser, and loves to entertain family and friends at home. She claims the secret to hosting a successful dinner party is setting a pretty table and serving lots of wine before the meal.
She currently resides in Texas with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 29, 2010
That has got to be one of the cutest stories I have read in a long time. I have not read Sandy Blair before. I only tried her because I was jonesing for a highlander romance. Blair's Scottish brogue rivals Karen Marie Moning and Brenda Joyce but it ends there. The story did not have enough layers it was a standard love story with the happy ending you could see coming from a mile away. The characters are endearing and you will come to feel for their plight regardless how unplausible. The moments of humor are plenty and will make you laugh. The sex scence was rushed and there was only one but it really did not take anything away. I mention the sex because with highlanders -- bedding is expected alongside fighting.
The ending was rushed but satisfying. If you like lite paranormal romance with highlanders, it's a good filler while you are waiting on Moning and Joyce.
The ending was rushed but satisfying. If you like lite paranormal romance with highlanders, it's a good filler while you are waiting on Moning and Joyce.
October 5, 2018
This book was definitely better than the first story in the series by leaps and bounds! There was no time travel but there were supernatural elements abound and I was all for it! It felt a lot more fleshed out too, things were explained better and I felt like I got more out of the story. I also enjoyed our main characters a lot more in this installment, I had more of a connection with them and I really enjoyed their interactions.
September 22, 2008
A wonderful romantic story! Had all the wonderful elements that I have come to love...Scotland, Highlanders, magick, great dialect, and a man fallen in love only trying to deny what is in front of him and the defiant woman to change his mind. Angus and Birdi were a great couple. A short read and really good.
No great quotes, but it didn't deter from the story.
No great quotes, but it didn't deter from the story.
January 11, 2012
It was cute but I didn't like it as much as A Man In A Kilt. Very easy read.
November 9, 2018
I was so happy to hear Angus has his own story. I loved him from the first book. Angus & Birdi are a wonderful couple together. I enjoyed Angus being so frustrated at her innocence and naïvety and her being surprised at so much. Each was a very likable hero and heroine and I devoured the book in one night, loving every minute of it. The only thing it suffers from is needing quite a bit of editing.
March 2, 2019
Loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I knew I would! I think I did more laughing at the many mishaps and humorous moments between Angus & Birdie to be honest. A great story as the love grew between the two, but like I mentioned before the humor won me over, as I read on to see what would ensue between the two main characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I knew I would! I think I did more laughing at the many mishaps and humorous moments between Angus & Birdie to be honest. A great story as the love grew between the two, but like I mentioned before the humor won me over, as I read on to see what would ensue between the two main characters.
January 28, 2019
Again most lovely!
I adored the characters and how they were developed throughout the story. The author has such a beautiful way of connecting the reader to the hearts of those on the page!
I adored the characters and how they were developed throughout the story. The author has such a beautiful way of connecting the reader to the hearts of those on the page!
February 23, 2023
The h is walking into walls and falling all over and our intrepid hero doesn't realize she can't seetwo feet in front of her. Just the beginning of a hundred stupidities.
March 19, 2017
Meh. It started out strong, but petered out at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2015
Be careful what you wish for, very careful.
1410, Loch Ard Forest, Scotland. To win a wager—and the keys to a castle from his liege lord, Sir Angus MacDougall must find an acceptable bride within three months. Unfortunately, his battle-scared countenance and lack of title has made the task difficult. He has only three weeks left to find an educated and devoted woman to become his chatelaine when an inadvertent handfasting binds him to the beautiful but illiterate pagan healer, Birdalane. The arrangement can only lead to ruin and both now rush to undo what the gods and ill-phrased wishes have set in motion.
This is the second book in The Castle Blackstone, paranormal Scottish historical series. This award-winning paranormal fiction contains Highlanders, adventure, suspense, history, humor and romance.
### About the Author
Award-winning author Sandy Blair has slept in castles, dined with peerage, floated down Venetian canals, explored the great pyramids, lost her husband in an Egyptian ruin (she still denies being the one lost,) and fallen (gracefully) off a cruise ship. Winner of Romance Writers of America’s © Golden Heart and the National Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance, the Write Touch Readers Award for Best Historical, the Golden Quill and Barclay awards for Best Novella, nominated for a RITA and recipient of RT BOOKReview’s 4 ½ star Top Pick rating, Sandy loves writing about Scotland’s past.
1410, Loch Ard Forest, Scotland. To win a wager—and the keys to a castle from his liege lord, Sir Angus MacDougall must find an acceptable bride within three months. Unfortunately, his battle-scared countenance and lack of title has made the task difficult. He has only three weeks left to find an educated and devoted woman to become his chatelaine when an inadvertent handfasting binds him to the beautiful but illiterate pagan healer, Birdalane. The arrangement can only lead to ruin and both now rush to undo what the gods and ill-phrased wishes have set in motion.
This is the second book in The Castle Blackstone, paranormal Scottish historical series. This award-winning paranormal fiction contains Highlanders, adventure, suspense, history, humor and romance.
### About the Author
Award-winning author Sandy Blair has slept in castles, dined with peerage, floated down Venetian canals, explored the great pyramids, lost her husband in an Egyptian ruin (she still denies being the one lost,) and fallen (gracefully) off a cruise ship. Winner of Romance Writers of America’s © Golden Heart and the National Readers Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance, the Write Touch Readers Award for Best Historical, the Golden Quill and Barclay awards for Best Novella, nominated for a RITA and recipient of RT BOOKReview’s 4 ½ star Top Pick rating, Sandy loves writing about Scotland’s past.
January 13, 2013
There's just something special about this historical romance that has me coming back for more. After years of sitting on my shelf, I decided to pick it up again and I'm glad I did.
Birdi, the main character is flighty like her name and naive to the extreme. She has lived a very lonesome and sheltered life in the forest but once Angus the Blood steps into her life, everything changes. Afraid to let anyone see what she really is, a spae with incredible healing powers, she is very hesitant to trust anyone. But since Angus more or less kidnaps her at by accident declares her his ladywife, she has no choice but to trust him.
If you love a good historical romance, you'll no doubt love these characters. The little paranormal bit with the healing adds a little magic to the story. You'll be enchanted by Lady Birdi, for that's exactly what she should be, if only Angus the Blood could come to his senses.
Birdi, the main character is flighty like her name and naive to the extreme. She has lived a very lonesome and sheltered life in the forest but once Angus the Blood steps into her life, everything changes. Afraid to let anyone see what she really is, a spae with incredible healing powers, she is very hesitant to trust anyone. But since Angus more or less kidnaps her at by accident declares her his ladywife, she has no choice but to trust him.
If you love a good historical romance, you'll no doubt love these characters. The little paranormal bit with the healing adds a little magic to the story. You'll be enchanted by Lady Birdi, for that's exactly what she should be, if only Angus the Blood could come to his senses.
March 4, 2013
I loved this story, just couldn't put it down. It was fun to hear Angus' story. And I fell in love with Birdalane. Even though she had lived such a sheltered life and new nothing about the outside world, she was such a no-nonsense, call-it-as-I-see-it kind of a person. No matter what happened to her, she always thought of a way that she might be able to escape and return home if she had to. And of course, she brought out the best in our hero Angus, showing him to be more than just a berserker-warrior, but also a loving and honorable protector, even if it would cause him to lose his chance at owning his own castle in the process. They were both just what the other needed.
I can't wait to read the next installment in the series!
I can't wait to read the next installment in the series!
November 17, 2014
synopsis:
angus makes a bet that he will be wed in 3 months time. birdalane has pretty much always been on her own, because of her strange talent for healing and seeing things. when they meet, birdalane is saving angus. one inadvertant handfasting later, birdalane is travelling with angus to his home, trying to keep her secret.
what i liked: nothing.
what i didn't like: the characters, the story, the execution of the story. this may be one of those authors that i just can't get into. i thought the story silly, and the characters even more pointless. the story was well written, no grammatical errors and came to a satisfying conclusion, but i had to grit my teeth to finish it.
angus makes a bet that he will be wed in 3 months time. birdalane has pretty much always been on her own, because of her strange talent for healing and seeing things. when they meet, birdalane is saving angus. one inadvertant handfasting later, birdalane is travelling with angus to his home, trying to keep her secret.
what i liked: nothing.
what i didn't like: the characters, the story, the execution of the story. this may be one of those authors that i just can't get into. i thought the story silly, and the characters even more pointless. the story was well written, no grammatical errors and came to a satisfying conclusion, but i had to grit my teeth to finish it.
April 16, 2014
Ack! Every character, on and on, page by page, says Ack. Come on, that gets old very quickly. Overall, not nearly as enjoyable as The Laird but still an okay read. Actually, characters not nearly as well developed as other of her efforts and the 'heroine' was annoying a great deal of the time. Not a total waste of time but would not have missed a thing had I left this one on the shelf. It is a mediocre at best romance, fine for a time filling mindless read but don't go in expecting too much or you will be somewhat let down in the end.
October 13, 2014
This book sadly though enjoyable, was a far cry form the first in this series. I was very confused and though I did like Birdi well enough she came off a bit of a lack wit. While I have read other books where the Hr raised themselves, most of these other characters had a basic sense of survival. Birdi on the other hand, I can appreciate how she has overcome that which handicaps her, she just seem's a bit too simple for the roll that was cast for her. idk, 2.5 stars in the end.
August 24, 2015
A concise good read Dry choose rating 3stars the 1300_1400 ad Earle Scotish tale read slowly fist 10 chapters then dry got into the main characters _ Birdi. _ Agnus. I had and have two neighbors named Birdi and Agnus two males alas.d
Drh recommends this Scotish story for those Diane . G. out lander fans yet don't enjoy 900 pages of fiction. the Sandy Blair novel read well.
Drh recommends this Scotish story for those Diane . G. out lander fans yet don't enjoy 900 pages of fiction. the Sandy Blair novel read well.
March 25, 2012
This book is fun...really, really fun. I've read loads of the "got to find a wife" formula, but this one was great. The language, the characters, the setting, the plot--it's all fun. Okay, it might be cheesy, but I finished this yesterday and went looking for the other two books in this series this afternoon. I found the third book, and I'll probably start it tonight.
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December 17, 2012
When I first started reading the book it was hard for me to understand. When I got to the middle of the book things started to get better. Angus was very understanding and accepting toward Birdalane. The book had it's funny and sad moments. This book is not for everyone just like any other book but I liked it.
April 7, 2014
After reading the sample pages of this book I just had to purchase it. I was drawn back in time and felt like could see and feel all that Angus and Birdi could. I love that feeling when you are so drawn into a story you forget everything else except what will happen next in the story. This was book I just could not put down. Thanks Ms Blair for an enjoyable read.
May 24, 2014
The Rogue
Another book written by Sandy Blair, much enjoyed. This book continues from "The Laird". This is all about Angus, best friends with the Laird, Duncan and his wife, Beth. It begins with the meeting of a spae named Birdi and the ups and downs of the course their lives. I recommend this book to all who enjoys fantasy set in the 14/15 centuries in Scotland.
Another book written by Sandy Blair, much enjoyed. This book continues from "The Laird". This is all about Angus, best friends with the Laird, Duncan and his wife, Beth. It begins with the meeting of a spae named Birdi and the ups and downs of the course their lives. I recommend this book to all who enjoys fantasy set in the 14/15 centuries in Scotland.
January 16, 2014
The Rogue
I love this book, a great storyline and great characters. Angus and Birdi are great together. Through trials and tribulations love conquers all. a definite must for your Sandy Blair collections.
I love this book, a great storyline and great characters. Angus and Birdi are great together. Through trials and tribulations love conquers all. a definite must for your Sandy Blair collections.
October 3, 2014
The Rogue
I actually read this book first then after finding out I was reading the second book in this series. I had to get the first book The Laird too. And it was not disappointing even though I started backward. Looking forward for the third in this series.
I actually read this book first then after finding out I was reading the second book in this series. I had to get the first book The Laird too. And it was not disappointing even though I started backward. Looking forward for the third in this series.
August 21, 2014
Great read
Great read
This book is well written with numerous twists and turns. I caught myself laughing out loud more than once and in my book, that makes it outstanding. I don't find many books that can do that.
Great read
This book is well written with numerous twists and turns. I caught myself laughing out loud more than once and in my book, that makes it outstanding. I don't find many books that can do that.
May 29, 2008
The story was good but I couldn't get past Ack! everytime a character was frustrated. At least once a page. It was aggravating for me. I just didn't like the way she wrote.
October 22, 2010
eh.
I think I'm being generous with three stars.
Didn't care for Birdalane.
I think I'm being generous with three stars.
Didn't care for Birdalane.
March 8, 2011
I am not fond of hero rescues poor, stupid, self sacrificing females. However, the story was ok. The hero did wise up in the end.
September 16, 2015
It was ok but I just never connected with it or the characters.
November 7, 2012
I found it adorable and funny. One passage had me rereading over and over because it was soo funny.
November 14, 2012
I loved this book. It's funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews