Flame

MacPherson Clan #5

by May McGoldrick

TO BE CONSUMED BY LOVE... Ironcross Castle was called cursed by the Highlanders. Its most recent lairds had perished in accidents, falls, or fires. The newest owner, Gavin Kerr, did not fear death. It was feeling that he dreaded--the pain of betrayal and loss. Now he arrived at the castle to hear of hauntings and cults and to be drawn to the portrait of beautiful Joanna MacInnes, who died here amid a furnace of flame. And looking at her, Gavin desired her, feeling an impossible longing to take her in his arms. OR TO BURN... The real Joanna MacInnes had escaped the fire that claimed her kin. For months she has walked Ironcross by night, hiding in its secret passageways, searching for the truth behind the castle's curse. Now she feared it would claim Gavin Kerr. Yet warning him, touching him in the darkness, soon ignited another kind of burning. And even as her lips opened beneath his, she knew time was running out before they faced a heartless villain...a terrifying secret...and a struggle between eternal darkness and the power of undying love.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Scotland, Audiobook, Adult

315 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

May McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.

Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.

Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.

Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.

The authors make their home in California.

Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.

MAY McGOLDRICK

Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist

The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)

Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)

Arsenic and Old Armor
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Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
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Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
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A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
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Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)

NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas

JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks

NONFICTION

Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century

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Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ironcross Castle has long been believed cursed by many in the Highlands. Its lairds have all perished in "accidents" long before their time. The last laird died with his family and servants in a terrible fire that was surely no accident. Gavin Kerr has been given Ironcross Castle, to be its next laird now that the MacInnes line has ended. He doesn't believe in curses. He has lost everyone he ever cared about and never expects to find love. But Gavin finds himself enchanted with a portrait of Joanna McInnes, the laird's daughter, who died in the fire. Little does he know that Joanna survived and is hiding in the secret passageways of the castle, plotting her revenge against those she believes responsible for her parents' deaths. Gavin and Joanna fall in love, but Joanna is determined to sacrifice herself to bring justice for her family.

I loved this book. It had just the right blend of romance and suspense, and kept me guessing until the end who the real killer was. There was a great, spooky atmosphere in Ironcross Castle, and even some light moments. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romances with Scottish or medieval settings.

[Lady Darcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragity has struck Ironcross Castle for the longest of times, but nothing was more worse then surviving a fire when the rest of your family has parished in it, but that is what happened to Joanna McInnes. She has been living in the ruin part of the keep for six months and she's not going to rest until the people who have destroyed her family have been brought to justice, and she's the one whos going to deliver that justice....until Gavin Kerr ruins everything.
Gavin Kerr has been brought to Ironcross castle for two things...
1. He now owns the land, and
2. For the painting of Joanna McInnes
All Gavin wanted to do was grab the painting and leave never did he think that he was be entranced by this old keep and the "Ghosts" that haunte the place, but when painting begins to disappear in the middle of the night Gavin wont rest until he finds out who's playing games....little does he know that the one playing games with him is non others than the girl he longs for in the painting.
When things begin to unwind and Gavin and Joanna finaly meet not only doest their attratction start a flame, but so does the deaths and mysteries of the keep.

[alvie hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery

The twists & turns of Gavin's story were great. I'm glad you wrote his story after Heart of Gold. Everyone loves to lnow about a good, haunted Scottish castle. The banter between Gavin & Athol was enjoyable. Thanks once again for a heart-warming story about characters who deserve a happy ending.
Alvie Hoffmann

[M. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical romance at its best. Gavin Kerr fills the shoes of the sexy laird of the castle perfectly!

[Cheryl Palasky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Scottish Romance. book 5 in set of 7. Romance, sensuality, suspense, and humor

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

A very good read. Gavin and Johanna are wonderful together. Too many characters looked guilty of the murders keeping me wondering until the end. I loved it.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flame is an outstanding Medieval romantic suspense novel by May McGoldrick that kept me guessing until the very end. The story begins when Gavin Kerr is given Ironcross Castle so he can become its next laird after the last laird died in a terrible fire along with his family and servants. The Castle is supposedly cursed because all of its lairds perish in "accidents" long before their time.

Not believing in curses, Gavin begins repairing the Castle and he soon finds himself enchanted with a portrait of the former laird's daughter, Joanna McInnes, who died in the fire. In truth, Joanna survived and she is hiding in the secret passageways of the castle, plotting her revenge against those who killed her family. When accidents begin to plague Gavin, Joanna is conflicted between saving Gavin and plotting her revenge. It is inevitable that Gavin and Joanna fall in love, despite Joanna’s physical and emotional scars, as well as Gavin’s own internal demons.

Flame definitely has a Gothic feel to it with Ironcross Castle’s curse, accidents, disappearances, hidden caverns, and secrets. There are also some lighter moments, such as when Joanna steals back her portrait after Gavin moves it into his bed chamber. The cat and mouse game the pair engage in is quite amusing.

Originally published in 1998, Flame is a prequel of sorts to the Highland Treasure series (Gavin and Joanna are already married in the first book of the trilogy, The Dreamer). It’s nice to see this novel get a much needed audiobook update. Ruth Urquhart narrated this story and I thoroughly enjoyed it after increasing the listening speed. I can’t wait to start listening to The Enchantress!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flame, book 5 of May McGoldrick’s Clan MacPherson series, is a book filled with mystery and a love that heals the hearts of both hero and heroine, who have wounded and tortured pasts. Gavin Kerr fears loving, as everyone he has ever loved has died and left him. Joanna MacInnes doesn’t want to love Gavin because she escaped the fire that killed her family, but in getting her revenge knows that she will perish. But together, will they be able to learn the truth, and put the past to rest and find a new fresh start for Iron Cross castle? This story was so beautiful, but keep your tissues handy a it will have you in tears. Another great story!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this story, it was full of secrets and mystery. The main characters of Gavin and Joanna were very likeable. Their relationship developed quite quickly. I loved their teasing moments. The secrets were slowly unfolded as the story progressed but I didn’t realise who the main perpetrator was until the end. There was a tense and exciting ending. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in this series but this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.

[Gina Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be flame of trickery.....

Wasn't sure about this book because of spirits and haunted Castle towers but I gave it a chance and it was worth it. Gavin and his ghost Johanna had me laughing out loud! The more hee would get angry about his picture being moved, the more I (and Johanna) laughed. This book has very sexy love scenes and a who done it murder? I would recommend this book and read again.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply the best

Always entertaining, always well written. The mcPerson clan books are great. Each story stands alone, although you will enjoy the entire series if so inclined. This is a story of mystery, of a woman masquerading as a ghost to bring justice yo her family. Only the determination of her betrothed laird helps her see the error of her ways, and the reader learns who the actual culprit is.

[LINDA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I waited until the last audible book to post this review as I wanted to see if the gratuitous sex/sex addiction was going to permeate the entire series. It would have been a much better series if the plotlines had been more continuous without the H/h hopping into bed every five minutes. It kept me from the immersion that I look for in historical fiction.

[Sally Spoelstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tale

I want to visit a castle with the many hidden passages as in this story! The child in me thinks it would be great fun. Good plot. Garvin is a great believable character. It is a great vacation read.

[Darlene Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read

Loved this book! The author returned to the format that drew me to her writing and continued reading. Loved the suspense! Mystery! Intense story and Gavin and Johanna.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a Highland treasure. I couldn’t put it down. Mystery and suspense throughout and not at all predictable. I highly recommend this book and this author.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Absolutely loved it one of the best books I have read in a long time will definitely be reading this author again

[Laurie reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually enjoy this author, but not this book. Gruesome and macabre scenes and themes aren’t my taste.

[Berta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy entretenido, he pasado hasta miedo!

[Tracy Emro]

4 stars

I liked the story. But the writing style took me a little while to get used to.

The authors seemed to have a habit of referring to their characters differently throughout the book. For example Gavin the hero of the story would be Gavin then he would be the warrior, the lowlander, the laird, the warrior chief etc. Sometimes within the same sentence/paragraph he would be referred to as two or more of these names and honestly at the beginning of the book I wasn't sure who they were referring to. It was confusing to me. The authors did the the same thing with other characters and I personally found it distracting.

That issue aside, I did like Gavin and Joanna. They are both wounded souls that find peace with each other. I also liked how they helped each other see things from a different perspective.

The book has some laugh out loud moments, some very sad moments and a couple of warm love scenes. There is also the mystery of what happened to Joanna's family. Which was very well done and left me wondering until almost the end about "whodunnit"

I think now that I finished the book and understand the authors style, I would definitely read other books by these authors.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story. But the writing style took me a little while to get used to.

The authors seemed to have a habit of referring to their characters differently throughout the book. For example Gavin the hero of the story would be Gavin then he would be the warrior, the lowlander, the laird, the warrior chief etc. Sometimes within the same sentence/paragraph he would be referred to as two or more of these names and honestly at the beginning of the book I wasn't sure who they were referring to. It was confusing to me. The authors did the the same thing with other characters and I personally found it distracting.

That issue aside, I did like Gavin and Joanna. They are both wounded souls that find peace with each other. I also liked how they helped each other see things from a different perspective.

The book has some laugh out loud moments, some very sad moments and a couple of warm love scenes. There is also the mystery of what happened to Joanna's family. Which was very well done and left me wondering until almost the end about "whodunnit"

I think now that I finished the book and understand the authors style, I would definitely read other books by these authors.

[Linda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironcross Castle is cursed. All of the 4 preceding lairds have died unnatural deaths along with their families. Gavin Kerr is given the castle as a gift and he is determined to go there and find the human source behind these deaths as a favor to the old woman who is the sole surviving member of the family who owned the Castle. Living in the caverns and passages below the Castle and in the flame wrecked South wing is Joanna MacInnes, who escaped death 6 months previously and is determined to hide and find out who killed her family. Gavin begins repairing the Castle and talking to the remaining servants and locals. As the place fills with workers, it becomes harder for Joanna to stay hidden and eventually these two meet. "Accidents" begin to plague Gavin. Many people have secrets tied to the history of the family. The curse, the caverns and passages, the accidents, the disappearances, and the secrets lend a Gothic feel to this Medieval tale. Well done.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

not for me

This book really started to drag. I almost didn't finish it at about 60%. However, I'm not a quitter. I can proudly say I finished what I started. It's more of a murder mystery which isn't really my thing.

[jan lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

very disappointed

I was really looking forward to reading the 5th book of the McPherson. but such a slow story . where I normally read a book a day this took 3 weeks to read 8 chapters , in the end I skipped to the end of the book.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Different

I didn't like the ghostly parts of this book. Although well written not one of my favorites. It was a dark story with a good love story behind it.

[Katie]

Another great novel in this series! Such intensity and speculation to figure out who is behind the curse...and I promise, the writing leaves you thinking it is others, so a surprise ending for sure. Through it all, Gavin breaks the curse and fear of being loved and freely giving love and Joanna wishes come true. A truly great love story...highly recommend.