Brodie 'The Bear' Fletcher is a ladies' man through and through. A Legendary Warrior on the battlefield, his conquests in the bedchamber are equally renowned. He is his own man. He belongs to no one. But a trauma from his past has him questioning his life trajectory. As Head Guardsman of the War Band to Chieftain Beiste MacGregor (Book 1), Brodie is often in the company of an infuriating mixed-race bowyer named Orla who challenges him at every turn. With the threat of Viking raiders from the North, Brodie finds himself at the mercy of the very women who threatens to steal his heart.
Orla 'the Orphan' has loved Brodie Fletcher for as long as she can remember, but he never once noticed her. Abandoned on the doorstep of ‘Morag the Oracle’ she was raised with the MacGregor clan. A master huntress and trusted advisor to the Chieftain’s wife, Orla is a constant thorn in Brodie’s side, with her razor sharp wit and waspish tongue. Everything changes when Jarls from the North and an Abyssinian Warrior Queen stake their claim. They will all discover firsthand what happens when you poke the Bear.
I read 52% of the story and while I liked the characters—their dialect, mannerisms, and actions are WAY TOO MODERN — you cannot have medieval people behaving and talking like 21st century people. It’s too jarring and pulled me out of the story over and over.
A confused Orla loves an even more confused Brodie, the Bear. Brodie has things to work through because of his abusive father before he realizes his love for Orla. He is a good man and has many friends that support him. Orla is an orphan and has been raised by Morag, although before that she has others who took her in. Neither of their lives were easy. At one point Orla is attacked. That is when Brodie, the Bear steps up. It was so amusing when he tells Orla they are getting married so he can protect her. Orla is her own woman. She didn't want to marry a man just to be protected. The story is really amazing with historical figures coming to life in a way that surprises both Orla and Brodie. Orla finds out about her family. There are mysteries that are uncovered. Brodie loves Orla. He can't help that he is the protective Bear that he is. I was on the edge of my seat in many places. You will love this book.
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me).
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable. Action packed writing.
the writing style has some modern wording/phrases use however that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.
Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top; again nicely intertwined in the story. There are a few detailed written scenes and several just mentioning the act. 3/5 hotness and steam.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). You get all the main characters from pervious book nicely written.
would recommend this book/series.
is also recommended reading the books in order to enjoy the flow of the series.
First book/series by author overall well done.
my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions 4. stories with family/friends 5. badass woman 6. will reread the book/series yearly. ——————————————————
(4 stars rating has all the above)
(5 stars rating has HIT all the markers by 🤯...that good)
Brodie is a womanizer but a braw warrior who only ever promised to marry one woman Orla aka Zala as children. Zala has a complex past totally unknown to her and when assassins come to take her life Brodie rises to protect her as a true Alpha male! Orla is skilled with a bow and arrow but no match for the danger that is in pursuit! Their “first” wedding is a tear jerker! Get tissue ready! Brodie has a problem he can no longer be wild man sleeping with any and everything as little Brodie can not perform any longer. He does rise to the occasion when Zala is present. Zala is Orla true name and her identity will blow your mind! When Brodie learns the truth he learns just how far above him she is. But Orla powerful new father would have her leave him for political gain? Brodie does loose her and almost goes mad with grief! Can their love survive death? You won't want to put this one down!!! You will laugh, cry and cheer!
This is the story of Orla, and Brodie. They pledged to marry each other, if they were not married by a certain age. Orla is an orphan taken in by the clan. Morage raised her as her own. Orla has secrets regarding her birth, and lineage. She becomes a target, due to a price over her head. Morage is a seer, and helps the clan. She has visions, that foretell events. Orla will learn of her lineage, when a king visits Scotland. There is spying, threats, danger, history, and truths. What happens next? You need to read the book! If you like family secrets, adventures, highlanders, royalty, and hea--this book is for you!
Brodie and Orla. Oral is an orphan in the MacGregor clan and Brodie is an officer for the chieftain. The two have loved each other since they were children until life got in the way. Brodie went off to train for 9 years and Orla grew into a beautiful woman still viewed almost as an outcast until the chieftains wife takes a liking to her and brings her into the keep. When they discover someone is out to kill Orla, Brodie’s protective instincts kick in and they become closer. This is a tale of suspense, intrigue, murder, family drama and love. So far I love this series. Well worth reading.
I love how Orla/Zala is very independent and she is also good at weapons. I really want to be good at bows as well. It is quire rare to see a female making bows and arrows. But the end kind of makes me confused. I feel like it is still missing something and the ending is a little rushed. Some wordings are also more modern than historic. I actually like Beiste and Amelia's story more, I feel more connection in them. But nonetheless I love Brodie and Orla/Zala as well. Can't wait to read book 3 !!!
Good story. Slightly different than first part still very good. The plot is full of action and twists but what it is lacking is real development of feelings between Orla and Brodie. Their story is almost concluded at the beginning, even though they are each other sweethearts from childhood there could be much more fight between them because of Brodie's attitude (meaning his man-whore behavior). Orla's character is a little bit bland.
What an emotionally charged story from beginning to end. Have a box of tissues available for you will need towards end of book. Oh my goodness! These men and the strong women who kick their butts!! I loved how much Brodie and Orlando made their relationship work from the rough start to the end. This is so enthralling and interesting that I could not put down. Highly recommend to read for mature readers
True Rating: 3.5 I actually didn't enjoy this one as much as the first in the series mainly because I wasn't really a fan of Brodie and such, didn't really care for him being with Orla. I also was a little confused when it came to the plot and following Orla's complicated heritage and family tree. All in all, I did like it enough to finish it and look forward to the reading the next book in the series.
I read a lot of historical romances. Highland and Scottish romances in particular. However, the way the author wove Orla, a woman of color from the first novel, and her family into the story was interesting and the intrigue kept me wanting more! As a woman of color, I appreciate it and enjoyed the read!
While I liked the two main characters from the first book and adored their backstory and the beginning of this book, the storyline just started falling flat for me about halfway through. I almost felt like the author was grasping for surprises to throw in and had too much going on. Overall, I liked the first book better and would rate this as just an 'okay' read.
I enjoyed this book so much I could barely put it down.
I enjoyed how Brody thought he could protect Orla. When she could protect herself without a man’s help. How Orla could make bows and arrows. How Orla found out she was from a family of her own. They were looking for her all along.
Overall I really good book! A great sequel but with the same issues as the first: editing! With just some proper editing and proofreading this book would absolutely be 5 stars. These types of historical romances aren’t for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed.
Enjoyed the characters, I had a hard time putting the book down. When a book can hold my interest, make me laugh, start to sweat, and cry all within the same book, makes me want to give it 5 stars. It was full of history, and I could picture being there in the story. I really liked how the chapters were kept short, and made for a fast read. Well done!!
This was a satisfying book to read on many levels. Loved the interaction between the alpha male and the feisty female. A complex story line with lots of adventure, with a satisfying number of good guys and bad guys.
What a great, thoroughly entertaining book. I couldn’t put the book down. There was a twist at the end that had me in tears. When a writer can create words that can pull your emotions out like this, is a writer that I will follow going forward.
Loved this story of an orphan girl and a young boy who protect each other growing up. They handfasted at a young age which kept their hearts safe as they grow thru life to find one another again
I started this immediately after finishing Betrothed to the Beast and I will be reading Dalziel’s book ASAP. I think Betrothed was a better book but I still loved this story. I love the characters and I can’t wait to meet Dalziel’s wife. She seems fun 😂
Elina Emerald is fast becoming one of my favorite new authors. This book was a delight. From the obviously well researched settings and events, to the fantastically engaging multi-layered characters. I can't wait to read it again!
Though I enjoyed the story, and I'm a sucker for a series, it was again very frustrating to have a whole lot if words I couldn't understand it would have been sooo much more helpful to have a list of translations in the beginning.
I am absolutely in love with this series! I was enchanted with the first story and now completely head of heels with Brodie and Orla's story. There is so much going on with all the new and old characters that keeps you entertained. The story came together real nice.
It was okay. I felt like the author wanted to prolong the book so they kept coming up with another idea and another. There was just too much at the end. Nice story though. I won't read it again.