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The Hundred Trilogy #1
A Hundred Breaths
*Runner Up, InD'tale Magazine 2020 RONE Awards (Runner Up in Fantasy category)
1263, Scotland
Simon MacCoinneach’s vengeance runs deep. The blade is the only way to end the blood-thirsty Nordmen’s reign upon Scottish soil. His soul might be lost, but the mystical Healer he kidnaps from the isles could be the answer for his ailing mother…and his heart.
Isles-born Gwyn reluctantly agrees to a marriage alliance with this heathen Scot in return for the sanctuary of her younger brother from her abusive Norse father. Her brother’s condition is beyond the scope of her Ancient power, for larger healings steal breaths of life from her own body.
As Simon and Gwyn fight to outwit her madman father and a resentful Norse betrothed, Gwyn softens Simon’s heart with each merciful touch. Gwyn’s Seer sister foresees a bloody battle—and an end to the Nordmen—but Simon will also die. Will Gwyn save Simon on the battlefield even if it means losing her last breath?
1263, Scotland
Simon MacCoinneach’s vengeance runs deep. The blade is the only way to end the blood-thirsty Nordmen’s reign upon Scottish soil. His soul might be lost, but the mystical Healer he kidnaps from the isles could be the answer for his ailing mother…and his heart.
Isles-born Gwyn reluctantly agrees to a marriage alliance with this heathen Scot in return for the sanctuary of her younger brother from her abusive Norse father. Her brother’s condition is beyond the scope of her Ancient power, for larger healings steal breaths of life from her own body.
As Simon and Gwyn fight to outwit her madman father and a resentful Norse betrothed, Gwyn softens Simon’s heart with each merciful touch. Gwyn’s Seer sister foresees a bloody battle—and an end to the Nordmen—but Simon will also die. Will Gwyn save Simon on the battlefield even if it means losing her last breath?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2019
93 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Jean M. Grant
12 books354 followersJean has a penchant for the misunderstood, be it sharks, microbes, or wounded characters. A scientist by training, she now spends her days as an author and champion for her children. She draws from her interest in history, science, the outdoors, and her family for inspiration. She serves on the local library board of trustees and is an advocate for community, inclusion, and diversity. Her books span the genres of historical romance (with mystical elements), contemporary romance, women’s fiction, suspense, road trip, smalltown, and friendship fiction.
A nature enthusiast who adores the national parks, Jean also writes for family-oriented travel magazines and websites. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, tackling the biggest mountains in New England, and going on adventures with her husband and children, while taking snapshots of the world around her and daydreaming about the next story. If she were stuck on a deserted island, her three essentials (besides family, food, water, shelter) would be: coffee, lip balm, and endless pink sticky notes.
Find out more about her books by visiting her website: www.jeanmgrant.com
A nature enthusiast who adores the national parks, Jean also writes for family-oriented travel magazines and websites. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, tackling the biggest mountains in New England, and going on adventures with her husband and children, while taking snapshots of the world around her and daydreaming about the next story. If she were stuck on a deserted island, her three essentials (besides family, food, water, shelter) would be: coffee, lip balm, and endless pink sticky notes.
Find out more about her books by visiting her website: www.jeanmgrant.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 9, 2019
Gwyn is the daughter of a Viking father and an Isle-born mother as well as a healer. She must be careful, though, because every time she heals, a breath from her life is taken as payment for the healing. If she loses a hundred breaths, she dies. If only she can heal her brother and stop her father’s abusive treatment of him...
Simon’s hell-bent on revenge after the bloody Norsemen kill his brother when all they wanted was to trade goods. He kidnaps the healer, Gwyn, who healed his wounds after the skirmish and follows his father’s plan of forming an alliance with Gwyn’s father. She’s not keen on the idea but as time goes on, they fall in love. When Gwyn’s father and her betrothed (also a Viking) scheme a plan to take Gwyn back, a battle ensues. Can Gwyn save the man she loves, even if it means losing her last breath?
A Hundred Breaths is a heart stopping medieval romance with a bit of mystical magic thrown in. With a cast of characters reminiscent of Game of Thrones, evil lurks in the hearts of men and women must try to save their loved ones. There are some characters (Gwyn’s father and her betrothed to name two) which made me want to wretch all over my tablet. No redeeming qualities whatsoever. Simon, on the other hand, is a man caught between vengeance and honor. He’s lost his soul somewhere along the way and with Gwyn’s healing touch and her love, he has the chance to get it back.
Multi-faceted with action, intrigue and mystical magic, A Hundred Breaths is a must-read. Historically accurate with plenty of gore in the battle scenes to please any historical fiction reader while an undercurrent of love runs throughout. The romance is sweet but doesn’t overtake the story. Highly recommend, especially to fans of Game of Thrones and The Vikings.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Simon’s hell-bent on revenge after the bloody Norsemen kill his brother when all they wanted was to trade goods. He kidnaps the healer, Gwyn, who healed his wounds after the skirmish and follows his father’s plan of forming an alliance with Gwyn’s father. She’s not keen on the idea but as time goes on, they fall in love. When Gwyn’s father and her betrothed (also a Viking) scheme a plan to take Gwyn back, a battle ensues. Can Gwyn save the man she loves, even if it means losing her last breath?
A Hundred Breaths is a heart stopping medieval romance with a bit of mystical magic thrown in. With a cast of characters reminiscent of Game of Thrones, evil lurks in the hearts of men and women must try to save their loved ones. There are some characters (Gwyn’s father and her betrothed to name two) which made me want to wretch all over my tablet. No redeeming qualities whatsoever. Simon, on the other hand, is a man caught between vengeance and honor. He’s lost his soul somewhere along the way and with Gwyn’s healing touch and her love, he has the chance to get it back.
Multi-faceted with action, intrigue and mystical magic, A Hundred Breaths is a must-read. Historically accurate with plenty of gore in the battle scenes to please any historical fiction reader while an undercurrent of love runs throughout. The romance is sweet but doesn’t overtake the story. Highly recommend, especially to fans of Game of Thrones and The Vikings.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
January 25, 2020
The cost of a breath (an audio review)
The first in the A Hundred Kisses series, this book takes place about 30 years before the other book – a prequel of sorts, although certainly a full-length book in and of itself. These books are creative in their execution – from the barbaric Nordmen pillaging their way through Scotland, to the healing abilities of Gwyn and her family, there’s a lot to unpack.
Gwyn is a healer – she’s able to heal wounds but doing so takes away her breaths. Each person saved takes time off her life. Even knowing this, she continues to offer help to many, including complete strangers. When she saves Simon, he takes her prisoner – hoping she can heal his mother. They wed and begin an arduous journey to his mother. Along the way the two begin to develop feelings for each other.
Gwyn comes from an interesting family – from her violent father to her healing mother to her brother who can sense lifebloods to her seer aunt, Gwyn comes by her abilities honestly. Her story fascinated me as I watched her try to navigate through the treacherous waters of her life. I cheered for her as she became an independent woman but my heart broke as I realized her life would be shortened because of her selflessness.
I’ve listened to A Hundred Kisses, so I know how these stories turn out and if you haven’t yet listened to it, I encourage you to. This is a great series. And this book’s epilogue takes place after A Hundred Kisses, so I got a glimpse of the characters I’ve come to know well. I can’t wait for the final instalment to see how this all wraps up.
The first in the A Hundred Kisses series, this book takes place about 30 years before the other book – a prequel of sorts, although certainly a full-length book in and of itself. These books are creative in their execution – from the barbaric Nordmen pillaging their way through Scotland, to the healing abilities of Gwyn and her family, there’s a lot to unpack.
Gwyn is a healer – she’s able to heal wounds but doing so takes away her breaths. Each person saved takes time off her life. Even knowing this, she continues to offer help to many, including complete strangers. When she saves Simon, he takes her prisoner – hoping she can heal his mother. They wed and begin an arduous journey to his mother. Along the way the two begin to develop feelings for each other.
Gwyn comes from an interesting family – from her violent father to her healing mother to her brother who can sense lifebloods to her seer aunt, Gwyn comes by her abilities honestly. Her story fascinated me as I watched her try to navigate through the treacherous waters of her life. I cheered for her as she became an independent woman but my heart broke as I realized her life would be shortened because of her selflessness.
I’ve listened to A Hundred Kisses, so I know how these stories turn out and if you haven’t yet listened to it, I encourage you to. This is a great series. And this book’s epilogue takes place after A Hundred Kisses, so I got a glimpse of the characters I’ve come to know well. I can’t wait for the final instalment to see how this all wraps up.
April 7, 2019
4.5/5.0
Bravo! “A Hundred Breaths” by Jean M. Grant is a daring and fabulous tale of love finding its way no matter the cost.
Read full review in the 2019 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Bravo! “A Hundred Breaths” by Jean M. Grant is a daring and fabulous tale of love finding its way no matter the cost.
Read full review in the 2019 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 20, 2020
Overall I like this book. Jean writes great characters. I have a hard time sustaining my attention for too long when there is a lot of backstory but some people love that. I did like this book and the love story was sweet.
April 23, 2020
Scottish warrior Simon MacCoinneach goes with his father, brother, and their men to the Isles to trade with a clan of Nordmen, but the time for peace is over. His brother dies in the ensuing battle, and Simon is injured. The last thing he expected is a beautiful, guileless woman to offer him help, but he doesn’t trust easily.
Gwyn possesses magical abilities as a healer, and she helps anyone who needs it. Her father is a vicious man who has terrorized her community and subjected her family to much pain. After she heals Simon, he kidnaps her in order to force her father into peace.
Gwyn and Simon were interesting characters. She was kind, selfless, and determined to save her younger brother, but her desire to save everyone, even murderers and rapists, was aggravating. I couldn’t connect with Simon. He was bitter and war-hungry, especially in the beginning. After his back-story was revealed and he started to feel guilty about his actions, I finally understood him and began to like him.
I listened to the audio version. The narrator, Ms. Ashford, did a great job with the Scottish and Norse accents. Granted, I’m not sure what Vikings would’ve sounded like back in the day, but I liked her voices for them.
This is a fast-paced story that kept my attention, but the pacing slowed at times since the H/h kept arguing about the same things. Repetition tends to happen, however, when you have two stubborn characters that won’t agree or relent to the other’s will. I prefer this rather than having a wimpy heroine that kowtows to a man. Gwyn was definitely not weak!
I enjoyed all the references to book 1, A Hundred Kisses. The epilogue was the perfect ending for this story and a great preview for the last book in the trilogy.
This book is the prequel to A Hundred Kisses and should be read or listened to first, even though both books are standalones. I listened to Kisses first by mistake, so I learned some spoilers about the prequel. In my opinion, the main characters from one romance book should still be alive and in love in the following book. Killing off the hero or heroine is a big no-no for me, and it completely ruins the HEA. That’s just a pep peeve of mine. While Simon and Gwyn have a HEA at the end of their story, their life together is cut short long before the next book begins.
Anyway, I enjoyed this story a lot, but I wish Simon and Gwyn would’ve had decades together, not just 13 years.
4 Stars
Gwyn possesses magical abilities as a healer, and she helps anyone who needs it. Her father is a vicious man who has terrorized her community and subjected her family to much pain. After she heals Simon, he kidnaps her in order to force her father into peace.
Gwyn and Simon were interesting characters. She was kind, selfless, and determined to save her younger brother, but her desire to save everyone, even murderers and rapists, was aggravating. I couldn’t connect with Simon. He was bitter and war-hungry, especially in the beginning. After his back-story was revealed and he started to feel guilty about his actions, I finally understood him and began to like him.
I listened to the audio version. The narrator, Ms. Ashford, did a great job with the Scottish and Norse accents. Granted, I’m not sure what Vikings would’ve sounded like back in the day, but I liked her voices for them.
This is a fast-paced story that kept my attention, but the pacing slowed at times since the H/h kept arguing about the same things. Repetition tends to happen, however, when you have two stubborn characters that won’t agree or relent to the other’s will. I prefer this rather than having a wimpy heroine that kowtows to a man. Gwyn was definitely not weak!
I enjoyed all the references to book 1, A Hundred Kisses. The epilogue was the perfect ending for this story and a great preview for the last book in the trilogy.
This book is the prequel to A Hundred Kisses and should be read or listened to first, even though both books are standalones. I listened to Kisses first by mistake, so I learned some spoilers about the prequel. In my opinion, the main characters from one romance book should still be alive and in love in the following book. Killing off the hero or heroine is a big no-no for me, and it completely ruins the HEA. That’s just a pep peeve of mine. While Simon and Gwyn have a HEA at the end of their story, their life together is cut short long before the next book begins.
Anyway, I enjoyed this story a lot, but I wish Simon and Gwyn would’ve had decades together, not just 13 years.
4 Stars
February 21, 2019
A Hundred Breaths #1 - In my confusion I read the books backwards; do Not do that! Spoilers and knowing what happens to some of the characters in advance affected my enjoyment of this well written and well thought story.
The storylines are intriguing, suspense filled and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I couldn't put the book down and I had just read A Hundred Kisses. The author does a wonderful job of describing Scotland in the mid to late 1200s. Her characters run the gamut of good to not so good to downright evil.
There are so many interesting twists to this tale that no one will be bored. The romance, the "magic", the past of the "tribes" that compose the population and the abilities of the characters weave a tapestry that ranges the all the emotions; love, horror and understanding, just to name a few. I found these two books on Booksprout. 5*
A Hundred Kisses #2 - This is my first read by this author and I loved it. The well written storylines just kept me glued to the pages. Unknown to me I started with the wrong book, but it didn't ruin the story; I understood everything that was going on since the author was so detailed oriented.
Set in Scotland in the late 1200s, I was fascinated by the author's vivid description and my happiness to find such a strong character as Deirdre. The characters range from good to evil and everything in between, along with their emotions. Just as you think you figured everything out there's a twist, again. The romance, the intrigue and the suspense make for a wonderful way to pass a few hours.
If at all possible, read A Hundred Breaths first since those storylines continue on into Kisses. I found these two books on Booksprout. 5*
The storylines are intriguing, suspense filled and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I couldn't put the book down and I had just read A Hundred Kisses. The author does a wonderful job of describing Scotland in the mid to late 1200s. Her characters run the gamut of good to not so good to downright evil.
There are so many interesting twists to this tale that no one will be bored. The romance, the "magic", the past of the "tribes" that compose the population and the abilities of the characters weave a tapestry that ranges the all the emotions; love, horror and understanding, just to name a few. I found these two books on Booksprout. 5*
A Hundred Kisses #2 - This is my first read by this author and I loved it. The well written storylines just kept me glued to the pages. Unknown to me I started with the wrong book, but it didn't ruin the story; I understood everything that was going on since the author was so detailed oriented.
Set in Scotland in the late 1200s, I was fascinated by the author's vivid description and my happiness to find such a strong character as Deirdre. The characters range from good to evil and everything in between, along with their emotions. Just as you think you figured everything out there's a twist, again. The romance, the intrigue and the suspense make for a wonderful way to pass a few hours.
If at all possible, read A Hundred Breaths first since those storylines continue on into Kisses. I found these two books on Booksprout. 5*
March 18, 2019
I love Diane Gabaldon's Highlander series as well as the History channel Vikings series... and this is nothing like either of those. There's no time travel involved, and the Vikings are not very sympathetic characters.
That's not to say I didn't love this book. I did. I loved it.
What it reminded me of was Marion Zimmer Bradley and her Mists of Avalon books which I was addicted to back in high school, where the paranormal is just another part of life for certain people and cultures. That's how it is for Gwyn and her family - at least her mother's family. Her father is a Viking lord who stole his mother in a forced marriage to keep her abilities for himself. Gwyn and her sibling also have the powers of the Ancients - Gwyn's ability is healing, but each time she heals she loses a bit of herself. Her father sees her as a tool, her betrothed sees her as a pawn in a larger power struggle, but she only wants to find a way to keep herself and her siblings safe.
When Simon MacCoinneach kidnaps her and proposes an end to the fighting through a marriage union, she reluctantly agrees to his terms, but there is more going on than either of them know.
The uneasy truce slowly blossoms into friendship and then feelings... and I loved the organic way the author lets those feeling develop. Jean Grant does a wonderful job of creating a rich historic portrait of the medieval villages, manors, and abbey, as well as painting sweeping coastal vistas true to the time period. She also gives us compelling characters who make you root for (or against) them and keep you turning pages late into the night.
A wonderful read, and highly recommend!
That's not to say I didn't love this book. I did. I loved it.
What it reminded me of was Marion Zimmer Bradley and her Mists of Avalon books which I was addicted to back in high school, where the paranormal is just another part of life for certain people and cultures. That's how it is for Gwyn and her family - at least her mother's family. Her father is a Viking lord who stole his mother in a forced marriage to keep her abilities for himself. Gwyn and her sibling also have the powers of the Ancients - Gwyn's ability is healing, but each time she heals she loses a bit of herself. Her father sees her as a tool, her betrothed sees her as a pawn in a larger power struggle, but she only wants to find a way to keep herself and her siblings safe.
When Simon MacCoinneach kidnaps her and proposes an end to the fighting through a marriage union, she reluctantly agrees to his terms, but there is more going on than either of them know.
The uneasy truce slowly blossoms into friendship and then feelings... and I loved the organic way the author lets those feeling develop. Jean Grant does a wonderful job of creating a rich historic portrait of the medieval villages, manors, and abbey, as well as painting sweeping coastal vistas true to the time period. She also gives us compelling characters who make you root for (or against) them and keep you turning pages late into the night.
A wonderful read, and highly recommend!
November 27, 2020
A Hundred Breaths
A Hundred Breaths
Jean M. Grant
This is the first book I have read by this author, and while I am not normally a fan of historical romance, I totally enjoyed this one. This year I vowed to try reading some genre's that I don't normally lean toward, and it has opened my eyes and my reading. So I say even if this isn't something you would typically buy, maybe you should give it a try. Gwyn is a Norsewoman and a healer. Simon is Scottish. They meet when Gwyn heals Simon after her brother and his brother were killed. Next he is sent to kidnap her to try to make a deal with her father. Gwyn's dad is not a nice man and has not treated her family that well, especially her brother Kendrick. Gwyn asks Simon to get her brother to her because she is so worried about him. Soon Gwyn and Simon are married and much to their surprise, they fall in love. Gwyn is a strong and stubborn person and Simon is as stubborn as her. As a healer, Gwyn feels compelled to heal everyone who needs healing even knowing that each time she heals, she is taking breaths away from her own life. There was a lot of other interesting tidbits, but in the end, no matter what era a story is written in, love is love. This one I loved learning more about some things of history, but it wasn't overwhelming. I do believe that I will read the rest of this series as I enjoyed this book so much. I also want to read some of the other genre's from this author.
A Hundred Breaths
Jean M. Grant
This is the first book I have read by this author, and while I am not normally a fan of historical romance, I totally enjoyed this one. This year I vowed to try reading some genre's that I don't normally lean toward, and it has opened my eyes and my reading. So I say even if this isn't something you would typically buy, maybe you should give it a try. Gwyn is a Norsewoman and a healer. Simon is Scottish. They meet when Gwyn heals Simon after her brother and his brother were killed. Next he is sent to kidnap her to try to make a deal with her father. Gwyn's dad is not a nice man and has not treated her family that well, especially her brother Kendrick. Gwyn asks Simon to get her brother to her because she is so worried about him. Soon Gwyn and Simon are married and much to their surprise, they fall in love. Gwyn is a strong and stubborn person and Simon is as stubborn as her. As a healer, Gwyn feels compelled to heal everyone who needs healing even knowing that each time she heals, she is taking breaths away from her own life. There was a lot of other interesting tidbits, but in the end, no matter what era a story is written in, love is love. This one I loved learning more about some things of history, but it wasn't overwhelming. I do believe that I will read the rest of this series as I enjoyed this book so much. I also want to read some of the other genre's from this author.
February 18, 2019
A few years ago, I was delighted to discover author Jean M. Grant and her wonderful debut novel, A Hundred Kisses. It was a non-trashy romance with historical fiction and mystical elements mixed in, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I love a GOOD romance-- actual, believable love stories, and bonus points for not having embarrassing half-naked people on the cover, haha!
That being said, I eagerly awaited A Hundred Breaths, which is actually a prequel to A Hundred Kisses. And it did not disappoint! Not only does it have a wonderful romance, but the story itself exceeded my wildest expectations. I was hooked from the very first chapter. As a prequel, this book is (obviously) set in an earlier time period, where the Scottish islanders are having run-ins with some, shall we say, less-than-friendly vikings. This book has one of the greatest antagonists I have read in a long time-- a character so disturbed and disturbing that you can't wait to see what he does next. In the middle of all the strife, the romance that develops is organic and believable. And the ending... I won't give it away, but I love how it ties everything together.
In short, if you are looking for great reads, I highly recommend both A Hundred Breaths and A Hundred Kisses. Definitely read A Hundred Kisses first-- you will notice all sorts of references to it when you read A Hundred Breaths. These are fantastic books by a relatively new author, and I look forward to whatever she writes next!
That being said, I eagerly awaited A Hundred Breaths, which is actually a prequel to A Hundred Kisses. And it did not disappoint! Not only does it have a wonderful romance, but the story itself exceeded my wildest expectations. I was hooked from the very first chapter. As a prequel, this book is (obviously) set in an earlier time period, where the Scottish islanders are having run-ins with some, shall we say, less-than-friendly vikings. This book has one of the greatest antagonists I have read in a long time-- a character so disturbed and disturbing that you can't wait to see what he does next. In the middle of all the strife, the romance that develops is organic and believable. And the ending... I won't give it away, but I love how it ties everything together.
In short, if you are looking for great reads, I highly recommend both A Hundred Breaths and A Hundred Kisses. Definitely read A Hundred Kisses first-- you will notice all sorts of references to it when you read A Hundred Breaths. These are fantastic books by a relatively new author, and I look forward to whatever she writes next!
April 8, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: I was given a copy from Netgalley and Backlit PR in exchange for an honest review.
To start off my review, I would like to make it known that I actually liked this book better than A Hundred Kisses. The characters had more depth and I actually found myself bonding with them. The author did a good job showing you how the characters felt, instead of just telling you. Gwyn and her mother and siblings are people who you can cheer for. The father on the other hand.... I wanted to shove him off of a cliff. Her mother's gentle people are attacked and concurred by her father's Nordic people. The Nordmen mix their blood of those of the ancients (Gwyn's mother's people) to strengthen their bloodlines with the different abilities. I do not want to give too much away, so I will keep this review short and sweet: there is healing both physically and spiritually, growing to understand and love those who are different from themselves, adventure, war, and discovery of just how far a person's love will let them go to save someone they desperately love.
Full review on:
Celticslibrary.wix.com/website
Disclaimer: I was given a copy from Netgalley and Backlit PR in exchange for an honest review.
To start off my review, I would like to make it known that I actually liked this book better than A Hundred Kisses. The characters had more depth and I actually found myself bonding with them. The author did a good job showing you how the characters felt, instead of just telling you. Gwyn and her mother and siblings are people who you can cheer for. The father on the other hand.... I wanted to shove him off of a cliff. Her mother's gentle people are attacked and concurred by her father's Nordic people. The Nordmen mix their blood of those of the ancients (Gwyn's mother's people) to strengthen their bloodlines with the different abilities. I do not want to give too much away, so I will keep this review short and sweet: there is healing both physically and spiritually, growing to understand and love those who are different from themselves, adventure, war, and discovery of just how far a person's love will let them go to save someone they desperately love.
Full review on:
Celticslibrary.wix.com/website
May 20, 2020
This was a prequel to A Hundred Kisses, and it was breathtakingly beautiful in every way, even when blood was being shed. I had to look things up a lot and found the history to be pretty accurate, besides the obvious added romance element. I don't normally care for historical fiction because of the awkwardness of trying to get through the languages and keeping the groups separated in my mind. I still had some trouble with this, but it's MY issue and had nothing to do with the quality writing. It was actually simplified in many ways, which made the pages just fly by. It was gripping and emotional, and I loved seeing the cameos from book one mentioned here. The Ancient people and their abilities mentioned were absolutely fascinating. And the brutality of the people then was insane, but the story made it make sense. The side story of Margaret was heartbreaking and I loved her character.
I really want a book about Venora. Pretty please?!
I really want a book about Venora. Pretty please?!
August 29, 2020
Healing his heart...with her last breath - 1263, Scotland - Jean M. Grant is a new author for me. The unusual aspect of this Historical Romance is the added element of mystical powers. The writing is so good that the mystical parts are just as believable as everything else going on during the time period. Simon has endured so much from his childhood and his only path is to fight for revenge. Gywn is from a family of healers with the exception of her ruthless father and she knows nothing else but kindness and compassion. I will say that it was not love at first sight for Simon & Gywn and the banter and slow burn just added to their frenetic chemistry and ultimate connection. As the story unfolds, so do truths and lies between Simon and Gywn, their families and clans and the uncertainty of what will happen to them. This is an angsty, very descriptive-detailed story of love and forgiveness.
July 30, 2019
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. I was a little thrown off when I was reading the summaries for this book and A Hundred Kisses. The events of this book take place before A Hundred Kisses.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. I also appreciated that the hero faced moral dilemmas with his decisions and the heroine is not only strong willed but is also very intelligent. Too often you have a heroine that is too stubborn for her own good and ends up making situations worse.
I will say that I took issue with the flow of the book at times. Sometimes it felt like the story skipped steps that could helped with character development while other times it spent time rehashing things that had already happened. I was also on board with the ending until I got to the epilogue. We knew it was coming, but I didn't really want to read it.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. I also appreciated that the hero faced moral dilemmas with his decisions and the heroine is not only strong willed but is also very intelligent. Too often you have a heroine that is too stubborn for her own good and ends up making situations worse.
I will say that I took issue with the flow of the book at times. Sometimes it felt like the story skipped steps that could helped with character development while other times it spent time rehashing things that had already happened. I was also on board with the ending until I got to the epilogue. We knew it was coming, but I didn't really want to read it.
March 14, 2020
Gwyn has a rare gift. She can heal, but using her power shortens her own life. When she ends up with Simon, she's not quite sure if he has kidnapped her or rescued her. She hopes that by marrying him, she might be able to heal the rift between their clans, and in doing so also save her brother from their abusive, tyrannical father.
I found the book quite confusing, there were a lot of clans and at times it was hard to figure out who was on which side. I got into it a bit more once I had a chance to get to know and like the main characters. Most of the story seems a bit forced, but if you're just looking for a sweet romance you'll enjoy it more.
The narrator sounded quite robotic through a lot of the book, apart from during the dialogue.
I found the book quite confusing, there were a lot of clans and at times it was hard to figure out who was on which side. I got into it a bit more once I had a chance to get to know and like the main characters. Most of the story seems a bit forced, but if you're just looking for a sweet romance you'll enjoy it more.
The narrator sounded quite robotic through a lot of the book, apart from during the dialogue.
May 14, 2020
When looking for something to read, I don't usually gravitate to this era. That's my loss! The year,1263. Location, the western isles of Scotland.
This story takes place during a time of magic, myth, fantasy, superstition and power struggles. I love it all! Don't forget the beautiful and steamy romance.
I was enveloped in the aura of ancient Scotland and thoroughly enjoyed it! The women are incredibly strong even though it was a time of male dominance. The men, well they are warriors and that's very appealing in this book.
The reason for the title left me breathless! This is just book one of the series. Book two is a must read!.
This story takes place during a time of magic, myth, fantasy, superstition and power struggles. I love it all! Don't forget the beautiful and steamy romance.
I was enveloped in the aura of ancient Scotland and thoroughly enjoyed it! The women are incredibly strong even though it was a time of male dominance. The men, well they are warriors and that's very appealing in this book.
The reason for the title left me breathless! This is just book one of the series. Book two is a must read!.
February 23, 2019
I loved this book. Perhaps even more than the first (second?) book. A Hundred Breaths is the prequel to A Hundred Kisses and Gwyn quickly became a protagonist I adored even more than Deirdre in AHK. She's feisty and fun and doesn't hesitate to threaten a man twice her size with a dagger. She's also in touch with her healing abilities and the paranormal twist is one I love! Grant has done another amazing job at weaving together historical, mystical, and romance to create the perfect combination read. If you're looking for a historical romance with a touch of magic, this is right up your alley!
March 4, 2019
Paranormal + Romance + Medieval = Awesomeness! I enjoyed reading this book.. Anything paranormal and medieval i will definitely devour.. The main characters did not disappoint. Gwynn was tough, feisty yet not irritating while Simon was the broody type but not all alpha male - in other words, perfect combination. However, I just wished there was more action in terms of swordplay with Simon involved.. But other than that, a definite must read!
Thanks to Netgalley, The Wild Rose Press and Ms. Jean M. Grant for a copy of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley, The Wild Rose Press and Ms. Jean M. Grant for a copy of this book.
July 10, 2019
A Hundred Breaths by Jean M. Grant, the prequel to A Hundred Kisses, is an exciting tale set in 1300s Scotland. The reader is taken on a great adventure as the Scots, the Nordmen, and a race known as the Ancients fight to settle once and for all their struggle for domination. Caught in the middle is Gwyn, half Nordman, half Ancient with the special gift of healing. Though a hostage, Gwyn is no timid pawn. Her grit and spirit as well as her kindness and compassion break through even the seemingly ruthless heart of her captor. Romance and adventure combine to make a truly captivating read!
February 19, 2020
Power struggles in the Scottish Isles were a running game in the 12th century between Norsemen and Scots. In a Hundred Breaths, author Jean Grant skillfully creates two enemy warriors motivated to weaponize an island beauty named Gwyn. Blessed with the Ancient’s power of healing, Gwyn is generous with her gift, but at a physical price to herself. Choices with conflict and collateral damage make A Hundred Breaths a page turner to learn if Gwyn can save her family, her heritage and find true love in this well-researched historical romance.
May 1, 2020
Jean M Grant’s A Hundred Breaths is the story of a healer in Medieval Scotland stolen from her family by the son of a steward. Though she’s pledged to a Norseman by her mad father, she chooses to wed her kidnapper in exchange for his saving her brother. Rich in history, the story is more than that of the 2 young lovers. It’s a story of self-sacrifice, forgiveness of self and of others, and how far one will go to save the life of the one you love. Grant’s sweeping prose takes you into the setting and into the hearts of her characters. Great read.
May 5, 2020
Beautiful written historic romance with references of Norse and Ancient spirit realms stories inter-twined. Gwyn is a hearer of the Ancients of the Isles who catches the eye of Simon, a strong Scotsman warrior. Despite dealing with strong fathers, the approaching war between the Scots and Norse, and Simon kidnaping Gwyn, the two fall in love. Battles are fought, healing saves some and loss is felt by all. It is easy to wish that they suceed in their fight for their families, clans and love.
May 9, 2020
This book tells a beautiful story. A Scotsman and a woman from Norse and Ancient heritage end up in a fight for their lives. According to her sister who is a seer he will die in a big battle. She has the power to save him but will loose breathes from her own life possibly killing her if she does. This book has crazy berserker Norsemen, healers, a seer, a drunk abusive father, a Scotsman bent on revenge, his father who is equally bent on revenge, a kidnapping, a forced wedding, then a courtship of sorts, a war, the beginnings of love and mercy.
May 16, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I've not read historical romance in years and with the paranormal twist was a very intriguing story. The book grabbed you in, pulling you back to a time where faiths and battles seemed lost. I loved gwyn's resolve to use her gift no matter the personal cost. Watching her grow into a woman from the somewhat naive girl she was was wondering to read. Simon seemed driven by regret and guilt but with gwyn at his side chose to let her essence bring his soul back to life. Amazing book.
September 15, 2020
This was a compelling read and I enjoyed this one better than the first book One Hundred Kisses. Simon is determined to avenge his brother death at the Hans of Norseman. Gwyn is the daughter of a brutal norseman and a healer mother. Gwyn has inherited her mother's healing powers, but they come at a cost to her. For each toes she heals, she loses a breath. Simon takes Gwyn, but is injured and she heals him. The moves through their relationship, her helping him heal from his bitterness, and the twists and turns that make this story a page turner. An overall solid read.
September 23, 2020
I was so excited for this book (and to find out that it was a series.). This book had everything I love. A complicated story with ancient powers, family drama and a depth of complicated interwoven plots that keep you on your toes and waiting for the next turn. Beautifully written and with a promise to become more than just a great book but a great series. Definitely make sure you read this book first and in order to fully follow.
May 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect romance with just a touch of magic. I always love a good historical romance, and this one tied together the Scottish and Viking stories so beautifully. The characters feel very real and are well developed, and the romance is swoon-worthy. Overall, this is a really great read for fans of historical fiction.
March 28, 2023
This is a wonderful story with thoroughly enjoyable reading in the audible version! The characters come alive and you can totally visualize the scenery and background!! For more than half the story, I wasn’t sure if Simon was a hero or not! The battles were well written and well told! I look forward to reading/listening to the next in the series!!
August 20, 2024
An unusual Tale
The story wasn’t what I expected. It was mixed with Christian values and mystical healings. A bit of fantasy for sure. I skipped the pages with too much loving details. It contained some cursing. If you want a clean read then skip this book. If you like mystical things and don’t mind bedroom details then it’s a good choice for you.
The story wasn’t what I expected. It was mixed with Christian values and mystical healings. A bit of fantasy for sure. I skipped the pages with too much loving details. It contained some cursing. If you want a clean read then skip this book. If you like mystical things and don’t mind bedroom details then it’s a good choice for you.
December 1, 2024
Interesting story. It lost stars, because the H kept apologizing and accepting blame, when it wasn’t his fault. It felt weak to me. The h didn’t listen, even when things made logical sense. I enjoyed the time period and location of the story. I’ve been to Eileen Donan castle, so I could really picture it.
February 24, 2019
A Hundred Breaths reminds me of the early works by Kathleen Woodiwiss with its compelling conflict, layered characters and logical goals. Once I opened it, I could not put it down.
A winner for sure.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors
A winner for sure.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors
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