Nessa's Seduction

Guardians of Alba #1

by Jayne Castel

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B093BBLHYJ

Her mission is to infiltrate the English camp and seduce her enemy—not fall in love with him.

Nessa is a Guardian of Alba, one of an ancient secret order of druidesses dedicated to defending Scotland from invaders over the centuries. Now she is charged with discovering the plans of Edward Longshanks. The English are gaining a foothold on Scottish soil—and they must be stopped.

All Nessa has to do is enter the wolf's lair and seduce Hugh De Burgh—the English king's right-hand—and she will be able to gain the secrets she seeks.

But faced with the towering, surly knight, whose touch addles her wits and sets her aflame, Nessa soon realizes that this mission may cost her everything.

Guardians of Alba takes you back to 14th Century Scotland amidst the Wars of Scottish Independence. Immerse yourself in political intrigue, Celtic mysticism, betrayal, high-adventure, and steamy romance.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fantasy, Medieval, Scotland, Historical Fiction

262 pages, ebook

First published July 29, 2021

About the author

Multi-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.

Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.

When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Reviews

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nessa and Hugh ignite the pages of this fantasy historical romance story. The writer did an awesome at writing a story that gave the readers great entertainment and a few passionate rendezvous in the night. I like that the characters were written with strong personalities. Hugh and Nessa’s stands out the most in the story. I really enjoyed that the book was focused mostly on these two. Their story made the book seem so real. I loved that the writer provided historical facts to the story to help the reader understand characters actions. The book has an easy pace to it allowing the readers to digest and understand what they are reading. The dialogue seems so real and raw in certain scenes, these scenes definitely captured my imagination to were I blocked everything out around me. I knew then that I was dedicated to this book. Thank you to the writer for writing in the heroine’s age range above twenty four.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duel of Witches💃💋

ADULT Historical Medieval Romance and Adventure with Paranormal Elements.
Scottish borderlands 1304 AD, the time of King Edward I👑 of England, also known as Longshanks, and Robert The Bruce, the Scottish King 👑. This is a fictional account of true events from history!

Nessa💃💋 is a healer and a druid witch, who is also working for the Scottish people as a spy. She is sent into the winter army camp of King Edward👑to find out strategic information on his spring campaign. She uses her magic and potions to form a relationship with Hugh de Burgh🐺🍆⛲🔪💪, the Army Commander and right hand of Edward👑.

Somehow in The middle of her mission, she falls in love with Hugh🐺🍆⛲🔪💪 , the man she must betray for the good of her Scottish people.

Witches abound in this story. There is even a French witch on the English side, a woman who is the companion of Edward's French wife👸.

ARC Provided by Booksprout.🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.

I really enjoyed this ADULT Historical Romance💕 of a woman torn between her duty to her people and her love 💘 and respect for the mighty English Warrior, Hugh de Burgh🐺🍆⛲🔪💪

[Lail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nessa's Seduction: A Scottish Medieval Romance (Guardians of Alba Book 1) by Jayne Castel 4.5 Stars
A great novel... highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an engaging, fast paced, and suspenseful enemies to lovers read, with exciting battles, danger, intrigue, and did I mention the steamy romance?!
This story is memorizing! There are so many things that recommend this book. First, the story is crafted with engaging actual historical events during the historically infamous battles between King Edward of England (aka; Long-shanks or ‘The Hammer of the Scots’), and Scotland’s freedom fighters William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Besides these being some of my favorite historical characters and timelines, I also loved the interesting added twist of the Ancient Celtic Druidic and Wiccan practices along with a splash of Celtic mythology magic that livened and tied the storyline plots nicely together!
One of the things I love most is when an author shows the private and intimate views of both warring sides that humanizes their infamous reputations and gives you a compelling and thought-provoking insight into what might not be such a different or a bad side after all. This authors great writing, attention to detail, and great world and character building keeps me coming back with every story a fantastic read! ♥️

[AG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to begin with one fact: I don't like the enemies-to-lovers trope. Normally I would not read one, but I struggled through this book because of a bingo challenge in a GR group. I still don't like the trope.

Now that I've said that, I have to lay aside my dislike and judge the book fairly because I did choose to read it. It is well written, the characters are likeable, and the story was plotted and paced well. Even though the two main characters are on opposing sides, and the romance begins with a deception (another thing I don't like), there is a sweetness to the romance. I have to give props to the author for managing that. If I weren't so against this trope, I would probably love the book. The fantasy elements were believable and not overly done for the type of book it is.

My reason for dropping a star is that I was left wanting a bit more of the back story particularly of Hugh. We get a few references to his history, but I felt like I never really got to know him. I needed a bit more depth to the characters. I realize this is one of a series, and maybe things are filled in more in later books.

If you like an enemies-to-lovers romance, I recommend this one. It really is a well written and told story. I can't say I like the book, and it is not one I will ever read again, but in a fair judgment I can give high marks despite my personal taste.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 Stars

Hm, well I liked it. It did drag a bit here and there and I wasn't particularly fond of being in the villainess Lamia's head as frequently as we were but overall it was a fascinating read.

I really liked Hugh and Nessa. I do wish they'd had a few more scenes to build their relationship perhaps where they actually spoke and got to know one another even without lying to one another. Because they really only had sex for about a month before she leaves him only to return again and him take her prisoner because he doesn't trust her. It was a decent foundation but simply needed a bit more to make me truly believe they fell in love with one another.

Otherwise I thought they had decent chemistry and were a good match. I just wish we'd had more of a glance at their future in the epilogue. Especially so because we never saw Nessa meet Hugh's son Richard. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly and left me irritated we missed out on key scenes.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what it is about Jayne Castel books but they just really do it for me. I read her entire Brides of Skye series a few years back over a weekend when I was really sick, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.

There are certainly some rather large plot holes (for Romance Reasons) and a smattering of typos throughout, but in all I thought it was well plotted, interesting enough, and most importantly really comforting! I don’t know the history enough to know whether Castel gets anything wrong, but that’s just fine with me; I wasn’t reading it for historical accuracy.

Castel also gives enough of a set up for the rest of the series without it detracting from the main romance plot (or over-developing side characters—which is my pet peeve). I’m definitely panning to finish this series!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Page turner indeed. Fascinating characters and loved the romance especially. Had to take a leap of faith that her betrayal could be as easily overlooked and that their love would endure, but since I was cheering for them to succeed, I accepted it with a shrug. Good read.

[Chanel]

DNF @ 24%. I'm incredibly bored with this one. The seduction happened really fast and was underwhelming so I'm not really interested in what happens in the rest of the story

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Nessa’s Seduction
By Jayne Castel

Series: Guardians of Alba, Book #1

Publisher: Winter Mist Press, 262 pages

Release Date: 7/29/2021

Overall Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Blog Rating: 5 saltire flags
Dunfermline, Scotland
Year of Our Lord 1304

This heroine of this book is Nessa, who was a foundling, abandoned by her parents. Luckily she was found by a Druid woman named Colina. Colina was the High Bandruì, of an ancient order who were the Guardians of Alba, Alba means Scotland in Scottish gaelic. Colina found two other foundling’s at the time too, they were named Fyfa and Breanna who grew up and became the three best of friends, even though not sisters biologically. Nessa loved and respected Colina as a mother, she cared, nurtured and taught her since birth. Colina taught Nessa to become a Guardian of Alba, as a great healer with her super supernatural druidess/ witching abilities. This made Nessa dedicated her life to these missions to protect Scotland no matter what the cost! Her next mission was to seduce Longshank’s military commander and right hand man Hugh De Burgh.

Nessa was now in the enemy camp of The English King, her orders by the high druidess was to get information of Longshanks battle plans from one of the King’s closest military advisors. This included all the secret details like date, location of where they would attack next! Her orders were to seduce this man to get this confidential information! As lust was the way of many men’s biggest weaknesses to spy on the enemy.

Nessa thought herself also lucky that this man was so handsome, yet the problem is his touches makes her melt and not see straight! As he is what is a flower to honey, which ignites such a reaction it is difficult for her to focus on her mission. Can two enemies find love in the middle of a war? What will do Hugh do when he finds out the love of his heart has betrayed him? Can two enemies find love?Will he execute Nessa or have her burned as a witch? What will happen to these two star crossed lovers who are on opposite sides of the war of Scottish independence ? Read and find out.

Jayne Castel has quickly become one of my favorite go to authors, that I absolutely love. This book has my absolute favorite ingredients in reading any historical romance, as it weaves true historical facts, with iconic true historical figures in history, with a wonderful fictional romance. Of course iconic true historical figures are William Wallace the Freedom fighter, Robert the Bruce and the English King, Edward the first are all mentioned in this book.

An excellent take of a romantic high adventure with true historical facts as Castel has written a choice story filled with compassion with a special understanding of human motivation, desire and love. One of my favorite books of the year to be honest! I absolutely loved this story so much. I was immediately swept away by every aspect of this book from start to finish!

It was totally mind blowing and brilliant that it had my heart racing , never knowing what to expect next. This is also the first book in the Guardians of Alba series and I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in this spectacular series. A book I highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy and agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through Booksprout. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.





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[Mia Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayne Castel’s Nessa's Seduction: A Medieval Scottish Romance (Guardians of Alba Book 1) is a great start to an exciting new series!

I love the settings of the Scottish borderlands in 1304 AD, the time of King Edward I of England, also known as Longshanks, and Robert The Bruce, the Scottish King. This is a fascinating, fictional account of true events from history!

Nessa, Guardian of Alba, one of an ancient secret order of druidesses dedicated to defending Scotland from invaders over the centuries finds herself a spy, charged with seducing Hugh de Burgh, the right hand of the king in order to discover the plans of King Edward I, Longshanks spring campaign. Nessa was a wonderful character, brave, loyal, kind and a healer at heart. When she unexpectedly fell in love with Hugh, the handsome, brave Englishman she was torn between her love for him and her love for Scotland.

The main characters were amazing, well developed and came to life, immediately pulling you into the story. The imagery was well done and the storyline was just fantastic. I love the touch of Celtic mysticism and magic, in this intriguing story filled with passion, betrayal, adventure and suspense where love can beat the odds. The story is well written, perfectly paced, with an enthralling plot. I’ve loved all of the authors books and her ability to stir your emotions. I was as torn as Nessa was between her love for Hugh and her loyalty to her duty and her country.

The author brilliantly weaves a tale of love, romance and war in the midst of Scotland’s fight for independence. This tale is woven around true historic events, battles and people. Having done her research well she has rendered a fictional, breathtaking romance that sets the soul on fire in this fascinating historical setting. I was held thoroughly spellbound from the first page to the last.

Thank you Ms. Castel for a tale wonderfully written and beautifully told.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional Start to New Series

I have been reading this author for some time, and except for her series about the Picts, I have enjoyed every one of them. This is one of her strongest yet, and I'm already looking forward to the next books in the series. In this book, pre-Christian Celtic druidism and mysticism interweave with what actually happened with England's King Edward I (also known as Longshanks), Robert the Bruce, and William Wallace. This is so artfully done that the combined didn’t-exist dual world feels very real, even with the magical elements. The story is a classic enemies-to-lovers romance, with the heroine being a druidess whose order has protected Scotland from those who would harm or overtake it for centuries and the hero being Longshanks’ right-hand man. Her mission is to act as a spy, and to do this, she means to seduce the hero so he will reveal his liege’s secrets. But it will not be so simple for her… or him. Both are torn between duty and love, which the author made palpable in both cases. I love the way the author blended the mystical elements with history—as well as keeping true to the bigger story of history while maintaining the high charge of the romance—all while making it all believable and relatable. The main characters are richly faceted, and I was quickly flipping pages from the very start as I wanted to see how it would all shake out for the couple. The book has tight pacing, plenty of action, and perfect tension that easily propelled me through the book; the descriptions made me feel like I was there. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nessa's Seduction
Gaurdians of Alba #1
Jayne Castel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As a Guardian of Alba, Nessa belongs to an ancient secret order of druidesses that are dedicated to defending Scotland from any invaders that may come over the centuries. She now has to find out the plans of Edward Longshanks, and to do that, she must enter the enemies lair and seduce High de Burgh who is the English Kings right hand warrior. There is no choice for failure here and Nessa knows it.

But when faced with the towering, surly, handsome knight who's touch drives her crazy and makes her forget her wits, Nessa soon realizes that this mission may cost her more then she bargained for. This may take something she has never thought to give before. Her love. Will Nessa be able to learn the secrets she must? Or will she lose her heart to her Knight first?

Jayne Castel has fast become one of my go to authors. This book is incredible. I savored every second of it and lapped up every word like a woman who was dying of thirst. I enjoyed every word of this book and it had me from the get go. I also may or may not have lost my heart to to the handsome knight myself. This books is steeped full of history and takes you through the mists of time back to 14th century Scotland where you will find yourself immersed amidst the Wars of Scottish Independence. The main characters where both well met and Nessa was so brave that I almost wanted to cry for her at times. All in all I would say that you won't want to miss this novel with its seductive characters that know how to dance the age old song of love. Ms. Castel you wrote a fabulous book and I can't wait to see what comes next.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read. I loved the story of Nessa spying for her coven and employing seduction to King Edward's right hand man Hugh de Burgh. Nessa's character moved me. She was thoughtful, kind and had a conscious other than her objective to gather information from Hugh to aid Scotland's fight against the English. She was also brave and did not cower to anyone especially Hugh. She was conscientious to only use charms and spells when necessary. She preferred to let nature take its course. Her life had been dedicated to the coven since birth. After meeting Hugh and embarking on a steamy affair she never conceived they would fall in love. But Nessa knew she was a Scot through and through and Hugh was an Englishman to the core. They were on opposite sides of the war and yet found comfort in each other. Her heart belonged to Hugh and yet she was dedicated to the coven and the war. She was torn and, in the end, she went back to the coven leaving her love behind. When Colina the head of the coven spoke to Nessa privately she revealed a foretelling that shocked Nessa. An excellent book. A must read. I highly recommend it.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Informative
Inspirational
Romantic
Realistic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: The plot to foil the plans of King Edward in his attack on Stirling Castle, Scotland.

SETTING: Dunfermline, Scotland 1304. Nessa, a foundling raised in Dumferline, is a healer sent on a mission: learn the battle plans of King Edward (The Hammer of Scotland). How she ingratiates herself into a relationship with one of the King’s top Generals and learns the plans makes for a good story. Using the actual history of the battles between England and Scotland, Ms. Castel has again brought history to life for us.

CRITIQUE: The history was well researched and the story correlated well with the actual facts. The fictional characters came to life for us. The added touch of magic in this story was to me a distraction, as I prefer to stick with “just the facts, Ma’am”! (However, others might enjoy this aspect of the book).
There is a HEA for our H & h, after many problems have been overcome.

Storyline and pace: 4.5
Character development: 5
Steam level : 5 (adult material present)
Originality: 4.5

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martha B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

All's Fair in War and Love

Nessa and Sir Hugh are both loyal to those they serve. Sadly, their loyalties are on opposite sides of Scotland's freedom war. Nessa is of an ancient order that fights to oust Scotland's invaders, and Sir Hugh is King Edward's military commander fighting to conquer Scotland. The 'Love Conquers All' concept has never before faced such an impossible challenge.

I love an absorbing and well written 'enemy to lover' story, especially when the lead characters are so likable and perfectly matched. Nessa's Seduction by Jayne Castel is just such a book. This read has it all; intrigue, passion, history, action and mysticism. From the the first sentence to the last, I could not put it down. Best of all, the ending was so emotionally sweet, it made me tear up.

Gotta love a really good and perfect read by an exceptional author.

Content 411: This book contains adult language and described sexual intimacy.

Disclosure: I received an complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Nessa, a druidess/witch/healer who is a member of the Guardians of Alba coven whose mission is to protect Scotland. She is sent to spy on Hugh de Burgh, Commander of Edward Longshank's invading English Army. She sets out to seduce him to get info on the Army's movements. They are both completely devoted to their respective countries and I wondered how these polar opposites would ever have a HEA. Through much danger, deceit, manipulation, mysticism and betrayal they come to realize they truly love each other even though they find themselves in a hopeless situation with life altering decisions to make.

Jayne Castel has done it again with another wonderful, well-written, well-researched story. Her characters are strong, passionate and devoted to their countries. I love how she weaves actual historical events into her books. She makes Medieval Scotland truly come alive. Highly recommended!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nessa's Seduction: A Medieval Scottish Romance by Jayne Castel is the first book in her new series Guardians of Alba. After a few pages you will find yourself in medieval Scotland experiencing the reality that life at that time was gritty, smelly and dirty. Her writing makes you feel that you were dropped into that time frame.

Nessa is a strong female who is determined to finish her mission no matter the consequences. She is a druidess with some ability with magic. Hugh De Burgh is a confidant of Edward Longshanks. Hugh is a strong determined soldier who serves his king. Will these two find common grounds and fall in love?

Jayne Castel must do a lot of research to find the small details that are in this book. They add authenticity and greatly increase the reading experience. I just love them.

This is another great book by Jayne Castel and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chi Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have two strong and fiercely loyal leading characters who complement each other well despite their positions as enemies.

Nessa is a wonderful heroine, a talented healer who is smart but also patient and loving, while Hugh is our strong and powerful hero who learns what's really important in life. I adored this couple - how they went from enemies to lovers, how lonely of a life they each lead, and how they found happiness in each other despite their circumstances. I liked that Nessa didn't enjoy using her magic just to lure men into her bed and that Hugh had the strength to not be easily swayed, making his own actions based on what he wanted/his true feelings. I also liked how they loved each other, how their relationship endured despite navigating a maze of lies, truth, and secrecy.

You won't regret reading this book. I can't wait for Fyfe and Hume's story next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh de Burgh is the English king’s right hand, when he sees Nessa, he is suspicious when she offers to look at his injured hand.
Nessa is witch, she has been sent to seduce a member of the King’s council and pass on any information she can get out of him, so when she sees Hugh’s injury, she offers to help knowing this could be her way in, however Hugh seems impervious to her witching.
What neither of them realises is that the more time they spend together, the more they come to care regardless that they are enemies.
This is a follow on from The Immortal Highland Centurions: the idea of witches working to protect Scotland is a wonderful basis for this series. Hugh and Nessa’s story was really well thought out, their interaction was believable and well-paced. A highly enjoyable read, can’t wait for the next one.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a way to start a new series! Nessa, a guardian of Scotland, was sent to seduce and extract information from Hugh, the English King Edward’s ‘right-hand man’. Along the way, she and Hugh found their hearts entangled in a way that could prove to be dangerous for all those concerned. This story is an adventure from beginning to end. It includes battles; opposing strategies; lore; witchcraft, both dark and light; duty; loyalty; honor and the power of love. The characters are strong and dynamic drawing you into their lives and trapping you in their literary domain. However, do not expect to be released from this world when the last word is read, as there is more to come in the next tale of this saga.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane DuBenske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding!!

This is a fantastic start to Jayne Castel's new series. Witchcraft abounds in this story of Nessa a Scottish Druidess and Sir Hugh de Burgh a strong, fierce and handsome knight who falls under the spell of seduction. Nessa and Sir Hughes story is packed with betrayal, denial, romance and so much action. The story is set during one of the battles that the English waged against the Scottish in their fight to overtake Scotland. Our H and h are each dedicated to their own causes. Nessa uses her witching to help the Scottish while Sir Hugh is a mighty English knight. Causes clash. The book is packed with thoroughly researched history which I love. A true page turner and once you start reading you cannot put down. I highly recommend!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scottish Witch And The English Warrior:
Let's start by saying after 5 minutes into this book I was captured.
The exceptional and sensuous writing was enticing and made me want
more which there is plenty more to come...
The characters were strong, intelligent and devoted to their missions.
A complex plot and well researched story but it's still easy to follow.
The attraction between Nessa and Hugh slowly takes hold with the pages
eventually becoming a smoldering passionate romance.
Some of the plot involves witchcraft, secrets, fierce battles, a terrific epilogue.
I would actually give this book more than 5 stars.
Loved the sensuous cover. Very appealing to look at.
I highly recommend this riveting story of discovering what is truly important in life

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nessa is a Bandrui ( druidess/witch) who is sent on a mission to get information on Edward I
(long shanks) forces, into the mix comes Hugh de Burgh, one of Edwards premier knights
Nessa intends to use a her skills to lure Hugh to her to get information from him, but things don’t always go to plan, and Nessa becomes torn between her oath to her sisters/coven and the feelings that Hugh ignites in her

I loved Jaynes Immortal Series and didn’t think she could top that, then came the Highland Hearts Series , and now with the Guardians of Alba , she’s knocked it out of the ball park...
Looking forward to Fyfa’s Story....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Ms.Castel's Dark Ages and 7th century Anglo-Saxon series . It was with some trepidation that I began this medievil Scottish book . The premise of a Scottish heroine falling for an English commander was a bit of a stretch for me. Having said that, Nessa and Hugh are wonderfully portrayed characters set against the backdrop of the English's furthering incursion into Scotland. My one critisism is King Edward "the Hammer " is depicted as too soft hearted when he was such a ruthless despot for the Scots. The French witch Lamia is a great villian , the white snake familiar a nice touch , hopefully we'll see more of her in the next books . I do plan on reading the other books in this intriguing series . I am hooked now!

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Historical, yet part fictional, story involving Ill-fated lovers and the fight to defend the English take over of Scotland. The story is rich in actual historical characters and circumstances, and I appreciate that as it involves my own ancient ancestors, Edward I of England, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. I also really enjoyed the ancient Celtic references throughout the book. I can't wait to see what other historical (and fictional) characters might pop up in the books to follow in this new exciting series from Jayne Castel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nessa appeared as a healer in the Immortals series. In this book she is tasked with seducing an English Knight, Sir Hugh De Burgh, to learn more about the English battle plans. Hugh has dedicated his life to following his King and that has meant a lifetime of sacrifice. Although Hugh falls for Nessa's seduction she also falls for Hugh, however, her real purpose, the lies she has told and their position as enemies may mean they both lose everything. A well written story full of historical detail, action, a touch of witchcraft and conflicted feelings. Another winner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I was not completely sure about the book when I first started reading it. Of course, I quickly realized I was glad I didn't put it down. Jayne Castel did another amazing job on her characters. They were very well-written and even now I want to read more about Hugh and Nessa. A very unlikely couple, an English Knight and a Scottish witch, made a very interesting story that was hard to put down. Definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new series “Guardians of Alba” This is an historical romance fiction based on a real historical event ie the battle for Stirling.

Neesa is a member of an order “The Guardians of Alba”. One of their missions is to keep the English King out of Scotland.

Hugh de Burgh is the commander of the English army. He is fiercely loyal to the King.

Will their opposing views forever keep them apart?

This is a good well written story which I found hard to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[R Rais · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the author put effort in the details. Specially in the war zone. İ can see what a knight at the time wear so vividly. İ can see the battle when it happen. İ can smell the camp site. İ feel the fierce battle going on.

İ like the chemstry between Hugh and Nessa. The Scotts witch and the noble english warrior.

Although the magic part, not too strong for me.
So does the steamy scenes. They aren't as vivid details as i use to.
No jizz moment there. Enough to be sexy though.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nessa belongs to the Guardian of Alta. Devoted to Scotland's cause, she must seduce the English Knight closest to King Edward Longshanks to find out information. Hugh de Burgh commands his King's troops. Nessa is a Healer. Enticing Hugh to her cottage to heal his hand, it is not long before they are lovers. Once Nessa has the information she needs from Hugh, she leaves, but fate has a way of changing lives. A riveting story that keeps you in on the edge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.