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The Grey Tower Chronicles #2
The Oath:
He’s the chieftain of Clan MacKinnon; she’s the daughter of a powerful druid. When they are forced through magic into an arranged marriage, will it end in war… or passionate surrender?
Bound by a blood oath that feels like a curse, Malcolm MacKinnon quickly regrets the promise he’d made to Vanora, the witch who would save his brother’s protect her daughter… or die trying. He needs to collect her before the marsh violets bloom, but as winter thaws, Malcolm hesitates to fulfill his vow… and time is running out.
Living on the fringe of her people, shunned because of the scars that mar her body, Coira always knew she’d die a spinster. But when a stranger arrives with an outrageous—and unenthusiastic—declaration that she’s now under his protection, gratitude is the furthest thing from her mind. Torn from the only home she’s ever known, and surrounded by the superstitious inhabitants of Ghlas Thur, Coira feels more isolated than ever before.
Passions and prejudices clash, magic balances life and death, and both must choose between holding on to guilt and past injustices, or embracing the happiness they both deserve.
If you enjoy magic, tales of reluctant love, and swoon-worthy romance, grab your copy of The Oath today.
Author's The Oath is stand-alone but I could not write Malcolm and Coira's story without revealing the ending in The Shield and the Thistle . The Oath can be enjoyed if read out of order, although I strongly urge you to read Meggie and Colin's story before you read The Oath for the best reading experience. xoxo!
Bound by a blood oath that feels like a curse, Malcolm MacKinnon quickly regrets the promise he’d made to Vanora, the witch who would save his brother’s protect her daughter… or die trying. He needs to collect her before the marsh violets bloom, but as winter thaws, Malcolm hesitates to fulfill his vow… and time is running out.
Living on the fringe of her people, shunned because of the scars that mar her body, Coira always knew she’d die a spinster. But when a stranger arrives with an outrageous—and unenthusiastic—declaration that she’s now under his protection, gratitude is the furthest thing from her mind. Torn from the only home she’s ever known, and surrounded by the superstitious inhabitants of Ghlas Thur, Coira feels more isolated than ever before.
Passions and prejudices clash, magic balances life and death, and both must choose between holding on to guilt and past injustices, or embracing the happiness they both deserve.
If you enjoy magic, tales of reluctant love, and swoon-worthy romance, grab your copy of The Oath today.
Author's The Oath is stand-alone but I could not write Malcolm and Coira's story without revealing the ending in The Shield and the Thistle . The Oath can be enjoyed if read out of order, although I strongly urge you to read Meggie and Colin's story before you read The Oath for the best reading experience. xoxo!
378 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2022
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June 1, 2022It's release day and I am jumping for joy to see that the giveaway winners and pre-orders were delivered to Kindles this morning. I hope you all enjoy every page!
The Oath is a historical paranormal romance that follows Laird Malcolm MacKinnon and Coira, the daughter of the witch, Vanora. It picks right up at the end of The Shield and the Thistle, so if you don't want the ending of book one spoiled, you definitely want to read Meggie and Colin's story first.
The Oath is fast-paced, a mix of enemies-to-lovers and reluctant love, and has a burn that is sloooooow muahahah! But I promise the wait will be oh so sweet!
This story will bring you deeper into Coira's magical birthright, and her past, so be prepared ready for lots of elemental (and dark) magic in this installment of The Grey Tower Chronicles.
Thank you to all who support me in this wonderful adventure!
I love each and every one of you 🖤
The Oath is a historical paranormal romance that follows Laird Malcolm MacKinnon and Coira, the daughter of the witch, Vanora. It picks right up at the end of The Shield and the Thistle, so if you don't want the ending of book one spoiled, you definitely want to read Meggie and Colin's story first.
The Oath is fast-paced, a mix of enemies-to-lovers and reluctant love, and has a burn that is sloooooow muahahah! But I promise the wait will be oh so sweet!
This story will bring you deeper into Coira's magical birthright, and her past, so be prepared ready for lots of elemental (and dark) magic in this installment of The Grey Tower Chronicles.
Thank you to all who support me in this wonderful adventure!
I love each and every one of you 🖤
September 10, 2022
This was a wonderful follow up and next step in the series. I really connected with Coira & Malcolm more than the previous couple which was a BIG part of my elevated enjoyment.
After the events of The Shield and the Thistle, Malcolm must contend with the Oath he made to marry Coira and keep her safe from any witch hunters or superstitious people who may come after her. Malcolm is reluctant to do this, not so much because he doesn't want Coira, but because he is unsure that what he did to save Colin was actually worth it and wonders if he doomed his brother.
When he waits too long to go get Coira that his life is in danger, she has to save him from his own reluctance. Once we get them married, this becomes a game of slow burn and slow building attraction. Coira is ashamed of scars over most of her body and is very shy with him and assumes he is disgusted by her, so there were a few misunderstandings when it comes to that, but I liked it.
There also was a paranormal plot that I loved SO much. Coira is actually very powerful and they way she uses her gifts to help and nurture the Clan was so touching. She is misunderstood in so many ways and watching the people slowly come to love and rely on her was beautiful. When things get crazy near the end I was rooting for her so much. Some things were a big surprise and a gasped multiple times as the true aspects of the Oath became known.
Our villain had true evil and misguided feelings in his heart and I was nervous about him and felt this sense of foreboding that was very well conveyed.
Really my only little quibbles were some of the drawn out aspects of their relationship. I wanted them to move a bit faster, but that's personal preference.
Also, the epilogue that sets up The Assassin and the Slave had me freaking the fuck out! Holy Cow! I cannot wait!
4.5 stars
2 on the spice scale
TW: burning, death of a parent, assault
After the events of The Shield and the Thistle, Malcolm must contend with the Oath he made to marry Coira and keep her safe from any witch hunters or superstitious people who may come after her. Malcolm is reluctant to do this, not so much because he doesn't want Coira, but because he is unsure that what he did to save Colin was actually worth it and wonders if he doomed his brother.
When he waits too long to go get Coira that his life is in danger, she has to save him from his own reluctance. Once we get them married, this becomes a game of slow burn and slow building attraction. Coira is ashamed of scars over most of her body and is very shy with him and assumes he is disgusted by her, so there were a few misunderstandings when it comes to that, but I liked it.
There also was a paranormal plot that I loved SO much. Coira is actually very powerful and they way she uses her gifts to help and nurture the Clan was so touching. She is misunderstood in so many ways and watching the people slowly come to love and rely on her was beautiful. When things get crazy near the end I was rooting for her so much. Some things were a big surprise and a gasped multiple times as the true aspects of the Oath became known.
Our villain had true evil and misguided feelings in his heart and I was nervous about him and felt this sense of foreboding that was very well conveyed.
Really my only little quibbles were some of the drawn out aspects of their relationship. I wanted them to move a bit faster, but that's personal preference.
Also, the epilogue that sets up The Assassin and the Slave had me freaking the fuck out! Holy Cow! I cannot wait!
4.5 stars
2 on the spice scale
TW: burning, death of a parent, assault
August 15, 2022
4,5 stars
This is my second Jillian Bondarchuk book and reading her books is like wearing your well worn favorite sweater: warm, comfortable and delightful!
I am not a fan of very angsty or very dark romance nor romances with lots of miscommunication resulting in drama (these makes me want to climb the walls!). I need 95% of my romances being romantic, heart lifting with characters that are good and with a little bit of danger or threat to keep the ball rolling.
Well I read the Oath in nearly one long sitting. Because this is “my” kind of read.
So if you are looking for that genre you should read The Oath but know that this is part of a series. Even if they are interconnected standalones and could technically be read out of order, I strongly recommend to read “The Shield and the Thistle”, Colin and Meggie story, to enjoy The Oath to its fullest!
And I really, really liked “The Shield and the Thistle”!
In that book, we had been introduced to Malcom, the McKinnon laird and I took an instant liking to that good natured, a little mischievous scholar!
When something happened to Colin he was devastated and took an Oath to Vanora, a powerful Druid (witch) to save his brother.
That oath will have him going to look for Coira, Vanora’s daughter, to marry and protect her.
Needless to say that Colin is not verra keen to marry a witch and will wait till the verra last moment before going to fetch his bride!
Coira won’t be very pleased either but she’ll follow Malcolm to the castle.
And yes I know I used “verra” instead of “very” to give you a taste of the prose because you’ll be in Scotland Dear! With the “och” and “lass” and … all making it very delicious to read!
Told from a dual POV, we’ll switch between Malcolm and Coira’s.
Coira was a very good heroine! One you’ll love to follow.
Something dramatic happened in her childhood (and I think Jillian Bondarchuk did an amazing job describing said ordeal!) that left her with big scars inside and outside. From that moment, she has always lived on the fringe of society, without friends.
When she’ll arrive at Ghlas Thur, people will fear her. Cross their fingers, sign of the devil etc.
And yet Coira is a healer and a wise woman! She has never hurt anyone! And after what’s been done to her, it’s a miracle she turned out to be so good and kind! It was very hard witnessing the rejection and mistrust!
But Malcolm is a good guy and a good laird! He’ll do everything he can to have Coira be accepted by his people. Riddled with guilt for what happened to his brother and for what he imposed on Coira as a result, he also is very attracted to his wife! Talk about conflicted feelings!
I loved seeing their relationship growing. From “forced partners” to people who respect each other going through trusting the other with big secrets to…
I think Jillian chooses her “pairing” very wisely to have characters who just make sense together!
And if we learned tons about cooking around medieval age in “The Shield and the Thistle”, here we learned a lot about healing people with herbs, barks, potions. I found that very interesting!
Read that book if you love:
-fantasy, handsome laird and witches;
-solid writing that helps you evade into another world without any lull in the story;
-romance of course with an “arranged marriage trope”;
-a bunch of colorful side characters going from the maid to the mischievous cousin of the laird and more;
-hidden villains to add some tension and keep you interested in the story
Aaand slow burn reads! With Scotsmen. Did I mention the kilt and the bare chest already? 😉
Last but not least, I want to praise the cover designed by Merwild! I am a big fan of her art and that cover is simply amazing!
This is my second Jillian Bondarchuk book and reading her books is like wearing your well worn favorite sweater: warm, comfortable and delightful!
I am not a fan of very angsty or very dark romance nor romances with lots of miscommunication resulting in drama (these makes me want to climb the walls!). I need 95% of my romances being romantic, heart lifting with characters that are good and with a little bit of danger or threat to keep the ball rolling.
Well I read the Oath in nearly one long sitting. Because this is “my” kind of read.
So if you are looking for that genre you should read The Oath but know that this is part of a series. Even if they are interconnected standalones and could technically be read out of order, I strongly recommend to read “The Shield and the Thistle”, Colin and Meggie story, to enjoy The Oath to its fullest!
And I really, really liked “The Shield and the Thistle”!
In that book, we had been introduced to Malcom, the McKinnon laird and I took an instant liking to that good natured, a little mischievous scholar!
When something happened to Colin he was devastated and took an Oath to Vanora, a powerful Druid (witch) to save his brother.
That oath will have him going to look for Coira, Vanora’s daughter, to marry and protect her.
Needless to say that Colin is not verra keen to marry a witch and will wait till the verra last moment before going to fetch his bride!
Coira won’t be very pleased either but she’ll follow Malcolm to the castle.
And yes I know I used “verra” instead of “very” to give you a taste of the prose because you’ll be in Scotland Dear! With the “och” and “lass” and … all making it very delicious to read!
Told from a dual POV, we’ll switch between Malcolm and Coira’s.
Coira was a very good heroine! One you’ll love to follow.
Something dramatic happened in her childhood (and I think Jillian Bondarchuk did an amazing job describing said ordeal!) that left her with big scars inside and outside. From that moment, she has always lived on the fringe of society, without friends.
When she’ll arrive at Ghlas Thur, people will fear her. Cross their fingers, sign of the devil etc.
And yet Coira is a healer and a wise woman! She has never hurt anyone! And after what’s been done to her, it’s a miracle she turned out to be so good and kind! It was very hard witnessing the rejection and mistrust!
But Malcolm is a good guy and a good laird! He’ll do everything he can to have Coira be accepted by his people. Riddled with guilt for what happened to his brother and for what he imposed on Coira as a result, he also is very attracted to his wife! Talk about conflicted feelings!
I loved seeing their relationship growing. From “forced partners” to people who respect each other going through trusting the other with big secrets to…
I think Jillian chooses her “pairing” very wisely to have characters who just make sense together!
And if we learned tons about cooking around medieval age in “The Shield and the Thistle”, here we learned a lot about healing people with herbs, barks, potions. I found that very interesting!
Read that book if you love:
-fantasy, handsome laird and witches;
-solid writing that helps you evade into another world without any lull in the story;
-romance of course with an “arranged marriage trope”;
-a bunch of colorful side characters going from the maid to the mischievous cousin of the laird and more;
-hidden villains to add some tension and keep you interested in the story
Aaand slow burn reads! With Scotsmen. Did I mention the kilt and the bare chest already? 😉
Last but not least, I want to praise the cover designed by Merwild! I am a big fan of her art and that cover is simply amazing!
May 30, 2022
Honestly--HOW DARE THIS BOOK BE SO FANTASTIC?! I'm utterly, irrevocably hungover from Coira and Malcolm's gorgeous love story and I shall never again be the same. Jillian Bondarchuk is a masterful storyteller and the Grey Tower Chronicles is now and forever solidified as one of my all time favorite series EVER. I don't know how it's even possible, but I loved this second installment somehow even more than the first, which was a top favorite read of mine from last year!
Okay, so, all that sweet Scottish slowburn smut? It's everything, y'all. The tension between Coira and Malcolm is there from the first moment, and experiencing that build to explosive spicy scenes was such a powerfully strong aspect of this book! What I loved most though was this author's treatment of the forced marriage trope, and how the layers of Coira's traumatic backstory are gradually peeled away as Malcolm falls deeply in love with his wife.
The central conflict of the book is that of a benevolent witch fighting against hateful injustice, despised by the prejudiced, hyper-religious ideologies, embodied by the despicable villain, Father Blount. With past as well as present acts of horrific discrimination, I found myself entirely consumed by this immensely intense high-stakes plot. My heart ached for Coira's undeserved sufferings, and rejoiced in her well-earned triumphs. I adored the side love story between Maeve and Finlay SO MUCH and I wanna avoid spoilers altogether here, but omg that ending (especially the Epilogue) blew me away entirely and has left me completely desperate for book 3!
I can attest that this series is absolutely perfect for diehard Outlander fans, as well as lovers of the Serpent and Dove series! Also, if you're a Shakespeare nut like me, you'll adore Malcolm's obsession with the Bard and how each of his chapters begins with a quote from one of his iconic plays!
A colossal thank you to Jillian, the amazing author, for sending me an advanced ebook copy of this gorgeous book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
Okay, so, all that sweet Scottish slowburn smut? It's everything, y'all. The tension between Coira and Malcolm is there from the first moment, and experiencing that build to explosive spicy scenes was such a powerfully strong aspect of this book! What I loved most though was this author's treatment of the forced marriage trope, and how the layers of Coira's traumatic backstory are gradually peeled away as Malcolm falls deeply in love with his wife.
The central conflict of the book is that of a benevolent witch fighting against hateful injustice, despised by the prejudiced, hyper-religious ideologies, embodied by the despicable villain, Father Blount. With past as well as present acts of horrific discrimination, I found myself entirely consumed by this immensely intense high-stakes plot. My heart ached for Coira's undeserved sufferings, and rejoiced in her well-earned triumphs. I adored the side love story between Maeve and Finlay SO MUCH and I wanna avoid spoilers altogether here, but omg that ending (especially the Epilogue) blew me away entirely and has left me completely desperate for book 3!
I can attest that this series is absolutely perfect for diehard Outlander fans, as well as lovers of the Serpent and Dove series! Also, if you're a Shakespeare nut like me, you'll adore Malcolm's obsession with the Bard and how each of his chapters begins with a quote from one of his iconic plays!
A colossal thank you to Jillian, the amazing author, for sending me an advanced ebook copy of this gorgeous book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
May 4, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and let me tell you it was such a pleasure to read this book!
The pacing of the story was perfect. Usually I’m not a fan of glossing over months at a time but it worked well here because that time in history had a slower pace to life than we are used to today. And Scotland! What a beautiful setting to let yourself be immersed in!
The communication between the two MCs was a nice change from the multitude of books which rely on miscommunication to build tension. I like the trope (sometimes haha) but it wouldn’t have fit well here and the author did a good job of steering our characters away any heavy-handed/large miscommunications.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book more than the first! It had everything I liked about the first, incorporated into new characters with their own stories and lives, continued seamlessly from book one, and as a bonus: it has Druidic magic!
Very much looking forward to book three.
The pacing of the story was perfect. Usually I’m not a fan of glossing over months at a time but it worked well here because that time in history had a slower pace to life than we are used to today. And Scotland! What a beautiful setting to let yourself be immersed in!
The communication between the two MCs was a nice change from the multitude of books which rely on miscommunication to build tension. I like the trope (sometimes haha) but it wouldn’t have fit well here and the author did a good job of steering our characters away any heavy-handed/large miscommunications.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book more than the first! It had everything I liked about the first, incorporated into new characters with their own stories and lives, continued seamlessly from book one, and as a bonus: it has Druidic magic!
Very much looking forward to book three.
August 3, 2022
I am so glad I gave this second book a chance. I felt that the love story in this one was so much more developed. The magical element was so awesome and well done. The writing was just beautiful. The love and friendship she found unfolded so well. I liked these two a lot and everything was so fun to read.
There is violence and a couple sex scenes. R.
There is violence and a couple sex scenes. R.
May 30, 2022
“Ever the subject, never the master. That would change today.” 🥵🔥
I think this quote is where I went from, “oh this is a nice follow up book,” to “oh my frigging goodness I LOVE this book!” I admit, I didn’t think I’d enjoy anyone more than Meggie after reading The Shield and Thistle, but I am happy to say I was wrong. Coria & Malcom had a whole story of their own and it’s meant to be patiently devoured. I say patient because it took me a little while to understand the Scottish dialect, much like before. However, the dialect felt thicker because the story picks up right in the thick of things, unlike the first book that relied more heavily on time travel. Once I got in the flow, everything flowed nicely.
Even better, I was rewarded for my patience when Coira finally owned all that she was. Watching Malcom’s beautiful beast grow into a lovingly, I’ll love you forever—oath swearing—protector was also beautiful to behold. I truly loved seeing their characters grow and come full circle…that last scene in the sun…tear, tear (and I don’t cry when I read. Darn you, Bondarchuk!) The steamy scenes were nicely done and very fitting for the story. Even seeing them grow in their passion toward one another shows how much care they author put into both the character & world building.
Now, I am patiently awaiting book three! Bring it on Bondarchuk…and well done milady, well done!
May 28, 2022
Jillian Bonderchuk has definitely become one of my favourite authors and The Grey Tower series one of my favourite series.
Forced into a marriage from an oath that is bound in magic, this story follows Malcom, brother of Colin from the first book (which if you haven't read... You need to!) And his new Witch bride Coira.
Two Strangers that each have their own demons to deal with, and feel they were given no choice but to tie themselves together. We watch as they navigate the trials of ruling a clan and protecting the Grey Tower and it's people.
Flawless writing, lovable characters, hunky Scots and a spicy love is all wrapped up within the pages of this book.
I cannot wait for book 3 after it set it up so well!
Forced into a marriage from an oath that is bound in magic, this story follows Malcom, brother of Colin from the first book (which if you haven't read... You need to!) And his new Witch bride Coira.
Two Strangers that each have their own demons to deal with, and feel they were given no choice but to tie themselves together. We watch as they navigate the trials of ruling a clan and protecting the Grey Tower and it's people.
Flawless writing, lovable characters, hunky Scots and a spicy love is all wrapped up within the pages of this book.
I cannot wait for book 3 after it set it up so well!
April 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this until the end where it got like dark romancey but I loved everything before that. What I really appreciate about this author is that she develops her characters so well. You get to see into their past and get to really know them. I also loved the Druid aspect of the story and the growth of the relationship between Coira and Malcolm. A very solid historical fantasy romance!! I hope the author will publish the next book soon :)
December 11, 2021
I was lucky enough to read this wonderful story before publication and it was a joy from start to finish. I haven't read book one - though I will soon - and I could follow everything and everyone without confusion.
I rooted for Coira and Malcolm very quickly and didn't stop. Their story is beautiful and I cannot wait to hold this book next year!
I rooted for Coira and Malcolm very quickly and didn't stop. Their story is beautiful and I cannot wait to hold this book next year!
May 10, 2022
I am slain and can’t write a proper review.
And another amazing installment from Jillian. Ugh I loved Malcom and Coira so much. Such a beautiful story. It’s hard but I definitely loved them more. That slow burn. But I know book 3 I’m going to love even more 😬 cannot wait.
And another amazing installment from Jillian. Ugh I loved Malcom and Coira so much. Such a beautiful story. It’s hard but I definitely loved them more. That slow burn. But I know book 3 I’m going to love even more 😬 cannot wait.
June 15, 2022
Good but…
Not really a spoiler review but touches vaguely on some issues I had with this book….
Sadly this book did not live up to the expectations I had been expecting for it.
I truly loved the first book, it was the perfect mix of everything and I felt the emotions at all the highs and lows… however the second book only delivered on the highs and lows in a subdued way.
- In the authors own words this was to be a sort of mix between reluctant lovers and an enemies to lovers but there was none of that, not in the way I view an enemies to lovers tale. There was no real tension between the main characters or even arguments. Like the briefest arguments were over before any real hurtful words were spoken or actions taken to put a strain on what the two were being forced into together.
- The story was sweet for the romance (side note: having the characters notice each other’s attractiveness so early on really threw the whole ‘enemies to lovers’ part out the window since they should be annoyed or disgusted or hate the other person… i don’t know about you but when I hate someone I don’t notice how attractive they are, ESPECIALLY not right away) and I cried some in the beginning at the emotions that the two main characters felt but at about 50% I was officially unimpressed.
- The plot was easy to figure out and the villains ‘exposed’ pretty early on which made the confrontation less thrilling since as a reader you basically already knew who the villain was.
The moments where there could have been intense and dark moments were over far too quickly or barely even explored (since half of the ‘danger’ scenes were basically just a ‘damsel in distress waiting for her protector to save her’ scene you as the reader knew it was coming to an end in an obvious way. Not once did I feel the fear that someone might not make it because as the reader you are always assured that someone is going to save the day)
- Honestly the best romance wasn’t even the two main characters but two others that only wed later in the story.
- Yes this was fast paced and because of that it felt like everything happened too quickly… time went by too quickly, the fears were resolved too quickly and the characters came together too quickly for something that was supposedly a ‘slow burn’.
All in all I am disappointed. I tried to love it and to be honest for the first few chapters I did but once I got to 50% I was not as in love as I had hoped.
I do hope that the author has better luck on her next book because I’d love to read what else she can produce.
Not really a spoiler review but touches vaguely on some issues I had with this book….
Sadly this book did not live up to the expectations I had been expecting for it.
I truly loved the first book, it was the perfect mix of everything and I felt the emotions at all the highs and lows… however the second book only delivered on the highs and lows in a subdued way.
- In the authors own words this was to be a sort of mix between reluctant lovers and an enemies to lovers but there was none of that, not in the way I view an enemies to lovers tale. There was no real tension between the main characters or even arguments. Like the briefest arguments were over before any real hurtful words were spoken or actions taken to put a strain on what the two were being forced into together.
- The story was sweet for the romance (side note: having the characters notice each other’s attractiveness so early on really threw the whole ‘enemies to lovers’ part out the window since they should be annoyed or disgusted or hate the other person… i don’t know about you but when I hate someone I don’t notice how attractive they are, ESPECIALLY not right away) and I cried some in the beginning at the emotions that the two main characters felt but at about 50% I was officially unimpressed.
- The plot was easy to figure out and the villains ‘exposed’ pretty early on which made the confrontation less thrilling since as a reader you basically already knew who the villain was.
The moments where there could have been intense and dark moments were over far too quickly or barely even explored (since half of the ‘danger’ scenes were basically just a ‘damsel in distress waiting for her protector to save her’ scene you as the reader knew it was coming to an end in an obvious way. Not once did I feel the fear that someone might not make it because as the reader you are always assured that someone is going to save the day)
- Honestly the best romance wasn’t even the two main characters but two others that only wed later in the story.
- Yes this was fast paced and because of that it felt like everything happened too quickly… time went by too quickly, the fears were resolved too quickly and the characters came together too quickly for something that was supposedly a ‘slow burn’.
All in all I am disappointed. I tried to love it and to be honest for the first few chapters I did but once I got to 50% I was not as in love as I had hoped.
I do hope that the author has better luck on her next book because I’d love to read what else she can produce.
December 29, 2022
“I was not meant to be kept as a noblewoman, clean and tidy in the safety of a solar with a needle and thread. No, thank you. I wanted my hands in the dirt. I was meant to cultivate life from the soil. To watch it grow and blossom, then make it into something else entirely.”
✧༺☾༻✧
This is book two in the Grey Tower Chronicles focusing on Colin’s brother Malcom and Vanora’s daughter Coira. I liked this one so much more than the first, the plot was slower paced and the romance in this was much more developed *chefs kiss*. Perfect and everything I was in a Scottish romance.
I loved Coira's friendship with Maeve and that we got to see it grow in this book.
Throughout the book anytime Coira is in danger, by the third time I really hoped that we would get to see Coira use her powers. Coira basically said that the druid's powers were never to be used for harm and that after what she had done 13 years ago she was never going to do something like that again. But, I thought it was the perfect time when the cottage was literally burning around Coira and Maeve and a mob of men was outside. I liked Coira's strength in this book and the emphasis she put on using her powers for healing, not destruction. I felt way more connected to her emotional journey and her recovery from the trauma she had endured.
I liked Malcolm's character; when he realized that Coira couldn’t read in English and he offered to teach her because of the solace he found in books to one of the cutest things I've read in a long time. Both of the McKinnon brothers are the touch-her-and-you-die-type which I don't typically like. All the men who he killed had it coming since they were literal assassins meant to kill Coira--but he really ripped one guy's arms off!
Another quote that I loved, "There was a wild, vengeful, creature lurking deep within my mortal soul, capable of incredible and savage magic."
I am at the end of my seat for book three. I am so excited for Ness and Raith's story!
4/5 stars.
✧༺☾༻✧
This is book two in the Grey Tower Chronicles focusing on Colin’s brother Malcom and Vanora’s daughter Coira. I liked this one so much more than the first, the plot was slower paced and the romance in this was much more developed *chefs kiss*. Perfect and everything I was in a Scottish romance.
I loved Coira's friendship with Maeve and that we got to see it grow in this book.
Throughout the book anytime Coira is in danger, by the third time I really hoped that we would get to see Coira use her powers. Coira basically said that the druid's powers were never to be used for harm and that after what she had done 13 years ago she was never going to do something like that again. But, I thought it was the perfect time when the cottage was literally burning around Coira and Maeve and a mob of men was outside. I liked Coira's strength in this book and the emphasis she put on using her powers for healing, not destruction. I felt way more connected to her emotional journey and her recovery from the trauma she had endured.
I liked Malcolm's character; when he realized that Coira couldn’t read in English and he offered to teach her because of the solace he found in books to one of the cutest things I've read in a long time. Both of the McKinnon brothers are the touch-her-and-you-die-type which I don't typically like. All the men who he killed had it coming since they were literal assassins meant to kill Coira--but he really ripped one guy's arms off!
Another quote that I loved, "There was a wild, vengeful, creature lurking deep within my mortal soul, capable of incredible and savage magic."
I am at the end of my seat for book three. I am so excited for Ness and Raith's story!
4/5 stars.
June 1, 2022
I absolutely loved The Shield and the Thistle, and when Jillian announced she had some e-arcs available for The Oath - the second book in the series - I jumped at the chance.
This book follows Malcolm, Colin’s brother, and begins with the consequences of the bargain he made with Vanora, a powerful Druid, to save Colin. In exchange for Colin’s life and happiness, Vanora binds Malcolm to her daughter, Coira. Not only must he marry her to ensure her protection, he must also guard her with this life - for if she dies, so does he.
Coira has scars, both seen and unseen. Shunned by all, she had resigned herself on being alone for forever. Until Malcolm, the chieftain of Clan MacKinnon, claims she’s under his protection and announces that he’s bringing her back to his home of Ghlas Thur.
As Malcolm and Coira clash and their passions flare, an evil from Coira’s past returns, threatening to destroy them both.
This book has one of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience. There are few things I love more in books than a slow burn between two people who are already married to each other, and it is done so well in The Oath! The tension between Coira and Malcolm comes across the pages, and you find yourself anxiously awaiting when they’ll stop holding back from each other. And the wait is well worth it!
I love how magic is present in this book - Coira is powerful, but only wishes to use that power to help heal others. She seeks nothing in return, trying to help others quietly and without any recognition. I also really enjoyed Coira’s genuine friendship with Maeve, her maid who also helps her with her herbs and remedies. It is Maeve that Coira first fully trusts at Ghlas Thur, and that trust is never broken.
I cannot recommend this series enough. If you love historical romance and fantasy and magic and Scotland, don’t hesitate to give these books a try!
This book follows Malcolm, Colin’s brother, and begins with the consequences of the bargain he made with Vanora, a powerful Druid, to save Colin. In exchange for Colin’s life and happiness, Vanora binds Malcolm to her daughter, Coira. Not only must he marry her to ensure her protection, he must also guard her with this life - for if she dies, so does he.
Coira has scars, both seen and unseen. Shunned by all, she had resigned herself on being alone for forever. Until Malcolm, the chieftain of Clan MacKinnon, claims she’s under his protection and announces that he’s bringing her back to his home of Ghlas Thur.
As Malcolm and Coira clash and their passions flare, an evil from Coira’s past returns, threatening to destroy them both.
This book has one of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience. There are few things I love more in books than a slow burn between two people who are already married to each other, and it is done so well in The Oath! The tension between Coira and Malcolm comes across the pages, and you find yourself anxiously awaiting when they’ll stop holding back from each other. And the wait is well worth it!
I love how magic is present in this book - Coira is powerful, but only wishes to use that power to help heal others. She seeks nothing in return, trying to help others quietly and without any recognition. I also really enjoyed Coira’s genuine friendship with Maeve, her maid who also helps her with her herbs and remedies. It is Maeve that Coira first fully trusts at Ghlas Thur, and that trust is never broken.
I cannot recommend this series enough. If you love historical romance and fantasy and magic and Scotland, don’t hesitate to give these books a try!
May 23, 2023
Just as fun as the first book - if not more! Since the previous book about Meggie and Colin set the scene of Scotland in the 1600s, I feel like we really got to focus on the characters, relationship, and plot in The Oath.
For one, I really enjoyed Coira as the main narrator. Her history and the conflicted emotions it gave her made her stand out. She was strong in her personality, but because of her perceived "flaws," she struggled with letting that confidence through. Coira felt real and vivid!
Malcolm also grew on me! He wasn't in focus much in The Shield & the Thistle, but we get to know him in this story! I liked that he was a mix of bookish and warrior, haha. Malcolm also had some deep grief and self-punishment going on, and I really felt for him.
The relationship between Coira and Malcolm could be described as a marriage of convenience. I appreciated how we got to see them grow together and get to know each other! The tension and growth in their relationship were done well.
As for the plot, I really enjoyed the portions about the Druids and their magic! It added a supernatural/paranormal element to the plot that was really intriguing. Oh, and Malcolm's oath being more than just words added a great twist to the story!
Overall, this was a great continuation of the Grey Tower Chronicles! I loved getting to stay in 1600s Scotland for a bit longer, and I really enjoyed reading about both Coira's background and her blossoming feelings for Malcolm! I can't wait for the next book abut Ness and Raith!
**romance notes: at least 2 open door scenes, innuendo & sexual joking, attempted assault.
**content notes: a couple scenes of torture, some violence and gore throughout the story.
For one, I really enjoyed Coira as the main narrator. Her history and the conflicted emotions it gave her made her stand out. She was strong in her personality, but because of her perceived "flaws," she struggled with letting that confidence through. Coira felt real and vivid!
Malcolm also grew on me! He wasn't in focus much in The Shield & the Thistle, but we get to know him in this story! I liked that he was a mix of bookish and warrior, haha. Malcolm also had some deep grief and self-punishment going on, and I really felt for him.
The relationship between Coira and Malcolm could be described as a marriage of convenience. I appreciated how we got to see them grow together and get to know each other! The tension and growth in their relationship were done well.
As for the plot, I really enjoyed the portions about the Druids and their magic! It added a supernatural/paranormal element to the plot that was really intriguing. Oh, and Malcolm's oath being more than just words added a great twist to the story!
Overall, this was a great continuation of the Grey Tower Chronicles! I loved getting to stay in 1600s Scotland for a bit longer, and I really enjoyed reading about both Coira's background and her blossoming feelings for Malcolm! I can't wait for the next book abut Ness and Raith!
**romance notes: at least 2 open door scenes, innuendo & sexual joking, attempted assault.
**content notes: a couple scenes of torture, some violence and gore throughout the story.
May 23, 2022
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I cannot recommend it enough. I adored The Shield and the Thistle (Book One) and Jillian’s writing, so I was very excited to dive into this book and learn more about Malcolm and his mysterious future bride & I devoured this book. I didn’t want to put it down and when I had to I was thinking about it!
I love how Jillian writes and creates these stories, she truly has a gift. Her writing makes you feel immersed in the world and within the lives of the characters. I especially loved Coira this book and she has solidified herself as one of my favorite FMCs.
If you like:
Feeling like you are in the Scottish Highlands
Romance (slow burn, dislike to love)
Action (especially the last half of the book I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough!)
Magic
Lovable side characters (looking at your Maeve!!)
Reading books that feel like a warm hug
I highly recommend grabbing this book asap & grab The Shield and the Thistle to read first!
I love how Jillian writes and creates these stories, she truly has a gift. Her writing makes you feel immersed in the world and within the lives of the characters. I especially loved Coira this book and she has solidified herself as one of my favorite FMCs.
If you like:
Feeling like you are in the Scottish Highlands
Romance (slow burn, dislike to love)
Action (especially the last half of the book I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough!)
Magic
Lovable side characters (looking at your Maeve!!)
Reading books that feel like a warm hug
I highly recommend grabbing this book asap & grab The Shield and the Thistle to read first!
June 3, 2022
I signed up to ARC this book and I am so glad I did! Muscled Scottish men in kilts, witches who struggle with past trauma, snarky, loyal side characters, and sweet/sexy hand maids, oh…and magic. YES! This fun and easy read picks up right where The Shield and the Thistle stopped and leaves you hungry for Malcom’s story.
The reluctant Laird of McKinnon clan is a man who seeks love but after being tied to a woman he’s never met to save his beloved brother’s life (because what is life without love) he finds himself in unfamiliar territory.
Coira’s magic runs deep, as does her fear of all things unknown. With a traumatic past she’s reluctant to let anyone in but when her mother’s dying spell leaves her married to a man who feels nothing but guilt over her presence she wonders what kind of life she’s been saddled with.
This sweet story gave me everything I wanted: characters who were easy to love (and hate), fiercely protective lovers, and enough adventure and spice to keep it yummy.
I can’t wait for Book 3!!
The reluctant Laird of McKinnon clan is a man who seeks love but after being tied to a woman he’s never met to save his beloved brother’s life (because what is life without love) he finds himself in unfamiliar territory.
Coira’s magic runs deep, as does her fear of all things unknown. With a traumatic past she’s reluctant to let anyone in but when her mother’s dying spell leaves her married to a man who feels nothing but guilt over her presence she wonders what kind of life she’s been saddled with.
This sweet story gave me everything I wanted: characters who were easy to love (and hate), fiercely protective lovers, and enough adventure and spice to keep it yummy.
I can’t wait for Book 3!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2022
After reading The Shield and the Thistle (A Grey Tower Chronicle #1) I ended up with a full heart, and a very unhealthy crush on Malcolm. When I learned he would get his own book, I jumped at the chance of reading an advanced copy of The Oath. And, boy, did I enjoy it!
Malcolm already had become one of my favorite characters of late, but when paired with Coira it's hard to decide which one is best.
The emotional development Coira goes through is heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. She goes from fierce and powerful, to fearful and dejected, and back to a devastating force of nature.
On the other hand, the horrible reality of witch hunting and the persecution and murder of thousands of innocent lives, mostly women, made my blood boil. It's so hard to wrap your head around the cruelty and ignorance of that time, and it's even worse when you see humanity is yet to overcome hateful beliefs.
There is no shortage of breathtaking descriptions, playful banter, and heated moments between Coira and Malcolm. Old lovable characters are back, and a few interesting new ones arrive.
I'm not ready for this story to be over, and luckily for me... book 3 is coming!
Malcolm already had become one of my favorite characters of late, but when paired with Coira it's hard to decide which one is best.
The emotional development Coira goes through is heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. She goes from fierce and powerful, to fearful and dejected, and back to a devastating force of nature.
On the other hand, the horrible reality of witch hunting and the persecution and murder of thousands of innocent lives, mostly women, made my blood boil. It's so hard to wrap your head around the cruelty and ignorance of that time, and it's even worse when you see humanity is yet to overcome hateful beliefs.
There is no shortage of breathtaking descriptions, playful banter, and heated moments between Coira and Malcolm. Old lovable characters are back, and a few interesting new ones arrive.
I'm not ready for this story to be over, and luckily for me... book 3 is coming!
May 30, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was incredible. I read The Shield and Thistle last year and fell in love with Colin and Meggie's story and this follow-up didn't only deliver, I think it blew into first place for my favorite of the two.
This time there was no modern-day element to the story unlike in book one, it was entirely set in Scotland at a time when it was incredibly dangerous to be a woman, especially one who happens to be born into witchcraft.
The love story between Coira and Malcolm kept me glued to the first half, the constant push and pull until FINALLY, they both gave in, it was worth the wait, let me tell you.
The final act of the story becomes dramatically darker, and chilling, I couldn't stop reading. The threat against our MC felt incredibly real and terrifying at times.
This book was incredible though and a huge thanks to the author for sending it to me. I can hardly wait for Raith's story!
This was incredible. I read The Shield and Thistle last year and fell in love with Colin and Meggie's story and this follow-up didn't only deliver, I think it blew into first place for my favorite of the two.
This time there was no modern-day element to the story unlike in book one, it was entirely set in Scotland at a time when it was incredibly dangerous to be a woman, especially one who happens to be born into witchcraft.
The love story between Coira and Malcolm kept me glued to the first half, the constant push and pull until FINALLY, they both gave in, it was worth the wait, let me tell you.
The final act of the story becomes dramatically darker, and chilling, I couldn't stop reading. The threat against our MC felt incredibly real and terrifying at times.
This book was incredible though and a huge thanks to the author for sending it to me. I can hardly wait for Raith's story!
June 13, 2022
First and foremost this is book 2 in the series and you definitely need to read the first book first. Otherwise they’ll be spoilers and confusion - just make sure you read the first book. Both books have been outstanding- I absolutely LOVED them. The Oath focuses on the relationship between a different couple and the journey together with the beginning being a little different than most.
There were so many rollercoasters of emotion and adventure in this book. You find yourself mad at a society that lives in fear and absolutely cheering for one of the main characters.
It’s continues in such a great place from where the first book ends. It’s so fun to see the perspective of someone else in the same settings as the first book. I loved the journey and evolution in this book. And was so excited to learn there will be a third book coming in the series! If you enjoy some romance, fantasy and magic you should definitely check this series out.
There were so many rollercoasters of emotion and adventure in this book. You find yourself mad at a society that lives in fear and absolutely cheering for one of the main characters.
It’s continues in such a great place from where the first book ends. It’s so fun to see the perspective of someone else in the same settings as the first book. I loved the journey and evolution in this book. And was so excited to learn there will be a third book coming in the series! If you enjoy some romance, fantasy and magic you should definitely check this series out.
June 1, 2022
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader for this book and I was so pumped because I loved the first book in the series The Shield and The Thistle! This one did not disappoint! I tore through it as fast as I did the first one!! So so good!! She is a new author and I can’t wait to read the next one!!
June 1, 2022
I didn't think I could get more attached to the characters from book 1, but Jillian proved me wrong. I loved Coira and her story - she kept me up at night until I finished the book, because I just simply couldn't put it down!
I got the goosebumps for Coira and Malcolm's love story, and the ending just left me so excited for the next book in the series!
I got the goosebumps for Coira and Malcolm's love story, and the ending just left me so excited for the next book in the series!
September 26, 2022
Loved this one as much as the first one. So good.
March 1, 2023
t was a fun time... but I won't be actively continuing the series.
October 31, 2023
🦋✨
5 Brilliant Stars!
✨🦋
Ever read a story that made your stomach do somersaults and give you butterflies? This book did that. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful this was. The plot was exciting and suspenseful, the love story was gorgeously slow burn, the backstories were thrilling and the magic was perfection.
In order to save his dying brother and reunite him with the woman he loves in another century, Malcolm MacKinnon agreed to a blood oath to marry a witch's daughter in return for saving his brother's life in The Shield and the Thistle. I was so intrigued and enthralled by this quiet brooding character in Book 1. His deep love and devotion to his brother Colin, his generous heart and kindness to his clan and his penchant in hiding out in his library just really grabbed my heart. He's a total cinnamon roll and deserved every bit of happiness he found in here. I just love arranged marriage tropes and this played out marvelously. From the weariness to slow awakening of feelings to complete yearning? Yes please and thank you. I'm in love with Malcolm MacKinnon and no one can ever talk me out of it. A Scottish Laird who is a bookworm and reads Shakespeare and loves to read to his heroine? I mean...come on. ❤️
Coira made a wonderful heroine and seeing her growth and transformation from the outcast witch who hides herself because of her burn scars and weary of outsiders to Lady of the MacKinnon keep who is loved and trusted over time by the clan was wonderful to see. To see her being embraced after living on the fringes of her Druid community and ostracized her whole life was a nice full circle. Her loneliness and finding friendship after so long was honestly the most beautiful part.
Malcolm and Coira were wonderful in every way and Jillian Bondarchuk is an insanely beautiful writer. While the up and down uneven pacing was a struggle for me in the previous book, here the pacing was perfect. I didn't feel the slow pacing at all, except maybe in the last few chapters but I didn't mind it. I could not put this book down. The slow burn was delicious. It was so fulfilling to see both hero and heroine slowly dance around each other and push each other's buttons and need each other so much. I love a good brawny hero who also has a quiet sensitive side and maybe a little unsure around the heroine, it was so damn endearing and sweet here. Bondarchuk's attention to detail and how layered every character is so so good. Loved Maeve and twins Farlay and Bram were hysterical. Coira's heartbreaking childhood of getting burned on a pyre at 13 years old for being a witch makes the hair one your arms stand up. I think this is the first historical romance I've read that painted such a vivid picture of witch trials and persecution and superstitions around witchcraft. Really well done. The villain in this Father Bounot is terrifying and disgusting and I was at the edge of my seat. The fact that so many saw him as a good man of the cloth yet the heroine was aware of his darker evil side I thought was very realistically done. The duality was very believable and made it even more menacing.
I loved all the different layers to Coira's magical abilities with healing through nature and how vital she became to Malcolm's clan as healer and midwife. Her fearless confidence in saving people's lives was great. The fact that she was so unsure and shy of herself when it came to love but when it comes to healing she's all "get outta my way!" badass. I adored it. I loved all the facets of the blood oath and how that bound Malcolm and Coira together in many surprising ways. That touch of fantasy was a nice surprise and I got a kick out of how it affected Malcolm. I just loved how JB went about it, so original and beautiful and multifaceted. It felt so real and earthy for the lack of a better term. If you love a good highlander romance with magic, a blood oath and a touch of fantasy thrown in then I really recommend this. I definitely am looking forward to reading Ness's story next, Coira's poor cousin who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Jillian Bondarchuk definitely has a fan in me! And extra points for that divinely accurate cover.
Ever read a story that made your stomach do somersaults and give you butterflies? This book did that. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful this was. The plot was exciting and suspenseful, the love story was gorgeously slow burn, the backstories were thrilling and the magic was perfection.
His focus drifted along the horizon to the east. She was there. He could feel her in the marrow of his bones, as though his body had become a dowsing rod and she was the water it sought. Always searching, forever drawn like a moth to a flame.
In order to save his dying brother and reunite him with the woman he loves in another century, Malcolm MacKinnon agreed to a blood oath to marry a witch's daughter in return for saving his brother's life in The Shield and the Thistle. I was so intrigued and enthralled by this quiet brooding character in Book 1. His deep love and devotion to his brother Colin, his generous heart and kindness to his clan and his penchant in hiding out in his library just really grabbed my heart. He's a total cinnamon roll and deserved every bit of happiness he found in here. I just love arranged marriage tropes and this played out marvelously. From the weariness to slow awakening of feelings to complete yearning? Yes please and thank you. I'm in love with Malcolm MacKinnon and no one can ever talk me out of it. A Scottish Laird who is a bookworm and reads Shakespeare and loves to read to his heroine? I mean...come on. ❤️
Coira made a wonderful heroine and seeing her growth and transformation from the outcast witch who hides herself because of her burn scars and weary of outsiders to Lady of the MacKinnon keep who is loved and trusted over time by the clan was wonderful to see. To see her being embraced after living on the fringes of her Druid community and ostracized her whole life was a nice full circle. Her loneliness and finding friendship after so long was honestly the most beautiful part.
Malcolm and Coira were wonderful in every way and Jillian Bondarchuk is an insanely beautiful writer. While the up and down uneven pacing was a struggle for me in the previous book, here the pacing was perfect. I didn't feel the slow pacing at all, except maybe in the last few chapters but I didn't mind it. I could not put this book down. The slow burn was delicious. It was so fulfilling to see both hero and heroine slowly dance around each other and push each other's buttons and need each other so much. I love a good brawny hero who also has a quiet sensitive side and maybe a little unsure around the heroine, it was so damn endearing and sweet here. Bondarchuk's attention to detail and how layered every character is so so good. Loved Maeve and twins Farlay and Bram were hysterical. Coira's heartbreaking childhood of getting burned on a pyre at 13 years old for being a witch makes the hair one your arms stand up. I think this is the first historical romance I've read that painted such a vivid picture of witch trials and persecution and superstitions around witchcraft. Really well done. The villain in this Father Bounot is terrifying and disgusting and I was at the edge of my seat. The fact that so many saw him as a good man of the cloth yet the heroine was aware of his darker evil side I thought was very realistically done. The duality was very believable and made it even more menacing.
I loved all the different layers to Coira's magical abilities with healing through nature and how vital she became to Malcolm's clan as healer and midwife. Her fearless confidence in saving people's lives was great. The fact that she was so unsure and shy of herself when it came to love but when it comes to healing she's all "get outta my way!" badass. I adored it. I loved all the facets of the blood oath and how that bound Malcolm and Coira together in many surprising ways. That touch of fantasy was a nice surprise and I got a kick out of how it affected Malcolm. I just loved how JB went about it, so original and beautiful and multifaceted. It felt so real and earthy for the lack of a better term. If you love a good highlander romance with magic, a blood oath and a touch of fantasy thrown in then I really recommend this. I definitely am looking forward to reading Ness's story next, Coira's poor cousin who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Jillian Bondarchuk definitely has a fan in me! And extra points for that divinely accurate cover.
May 22, 2023
Big improvement compared to the first book, esp because there's no time-travel. All the same, this author is still not really working for me. It's a sweet romance story set in Scotland with some steamy scenes and on paper it would very much be what I like. I'm just left with the feeling that while JB is good in writing, her story-telling still needs to evolve more. There's a lot of plot points being hit, but none of the tension that the author wants to establish rly caught. I want to avoid spoilers but e.g. the first half of the book is dominated by the will-they-wont-they kind of tension that hinges on the fate of Malcolm's brother. The problem is that this fate was resolved in book 1, and so most readers will know where this is going. Then there's the main tension-driving plot of the second half with the assassins etc, which feels too similar to what happened in the second half of book 1. So I think there's still a lot of maturing needed for JB's writing.
June 7, 2022
I received an ARC of this book to read and review.
I have to say, the way magic is woven into this story is beautiful. Like the first book, we have a fierce and strong female character and an equally strong male character who, of course, had a soft spot for his love.
This book has a reluctant allies to lovers theme, and a delicious kind of slow burn romance. Their tales, their lives it seems, are woven together from long before they meet.
You get magic and pain, resilience and burning passion. In this story we get to read about the worst days of a life and how they’re turned into strength, but also learning how to depend on someone else’s strength.
We get to see Coira learn to trust and Malcolm get the love his brother always wanted for him.
I absolutely loved this book! Cannot wait for the next book in the series!
I have to say, the way magic is woven into this story is beautiful. Like the first book, we have a fierce and strong female character and an equally strong male character who, of course, had a soft spot for his love.
This book has a reluctant allies to lovers theme, and a delicious kind of slow burn romance. Their tales, their lives it seems, are woven together from long before they meet.
You get magic and pain, resilience and burning passion. In this story we get to read about the worst days of a life and how they’re turned into strength, but also learning how to depend on someone else’s strength.
We get to see Coira learn to trust and Malcolm get the love his brother always wanted for him.
I absolutely loved this book! Cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, and it took me a little time to get to it! (So many books so little time!) I did not realize this book was the 2nd in the series until I started reading. However, I didn’t feel like I missed too much to enjoy this book! I was sucked into this story from the very beginning! I love magic, romance, and 16th century Scotland. Coira and Malcolm were compelling characters. I loved watching their love story unfold as the story progressed. I felt for, laughed with, cried with, feared for, and loved with both of them! The secondary characters such as Meave, Findlay, and Bram felt apart of the story in the best way. They brought levity and joy as well as heart and passion to the story. The rich details of the keep/castle and rugged Scottish countryside made me feel as if I was there with the characters. The plot meandered at times and then delivered action just when I needed it. I didn’t see all the twists coming which I enjoyed. The ending was fitting, I just wish there had been more pages on how things settled for Coira and Malcolm after the finality of the climax. I’m wondering/hoping there will be another book in this series that will show me what happens next for Coira and Malcolm! In the meantime I’ll have to get a copy of the first book and read that one too!
August 30, 2022
I have to admit, I was very disappointed with this book following, IMO, a great start to the series. I usually read any book in one sitting and tend to carry on with no breaks. This story, I had so many breaks and easy distractions, which told me how invested I was in it - not much. I felt such a disconnect to Coira and despite my sympathies and well wishes at the start, as the book progressed, she started coming across as childish, insecure and irritating, especially for someone of her abilities & capabilities. Her character definitely could have been developed a lot more. Malcolm was very loved in Book 1 and his continued devotion to his brother & people still endeared him to me and gave me the strength to carry on but in a couple, I didn’t believe it nor did I fall in love with them. I almost wish I hadn’t read the book so he could stay as a beloved SC rather than a disappointment.
I’m also extremely bothered by the continued use of r@pe storylines by the Author. Book 1 had multiple attempts on FMC as well as actual violation of a CHILD that despite my enjoyment of the book, I rated it lower for that utterly UNNECESSARY scene. This book also featured r@pe of another character & although this was explained and ties in with said character’s life story, yet again, it was UNNECESSARY & could have been explained another way. Book 3 is about a slave & no doubt will feature more of this recurrent theme. It’s VERY weird and with that said, I won’t be checking out anymore books by JB.
I’m also extremely bothered by the continued use of r@pe storylines by the Author. Book 1 had multiple attempts on FMC as well as actual violation of a CHILD that despite my enjoyment of the book, I rated it lower for that utterly UNNECESSARY scene. This book also featured r@pe of another character & although this was explained and ties in with said character’s life story, yet again, it was UNNECESSARY & could have been explained another way. Book 3 is about a slave & no doubt will feature more of this recurrent theme. It’s VERY weird and with that said, I won’t be checking out anymore books by JB.
June 17, 2022
As someone who does not read a lot of paranormal romance, I have to say that this book makes me interested in the genre. I typically read mostly historical romance, so my interest in that arena was covered since this takes place during the mid 17th-Century Scotland. Disclaimer, I have not read the first book in this series. I received this copy through a Goodreads giveaway and have not yet read the first one, which I will be doing now.
To start, the romance was perfect, in my opinion. The author dragged it on long enough, that a suitable amount of tension was able to build between the MCs. I also appreciated how time was able to pass within the romance. The consummation of their marriage did not take place until five months after the marriage, which is contrary to most rush marriages or marriage of convenience tropes. I found that very refreshing. The dual POV between the MCs as they learned about each other and struggled with their own personal secrets and squabbles really helped me understand the choices and sacrifices that Malcolm made in his interactions with Coira while their relationship grew into something deeper.
The paranormal side of things was certainly well crafted and made sense in the overall plot of the book. I think that I mostly stay away from paranormal romances because they just feel like they are too much to me, to much is far away from our world and there are too many crafted things to make the book work. I still like the sense that I am reading this in our reality. In that sense, this has the sort of mysterious power that exists in Outlander where there is always still a sense of mystery in the mysticism that controls their world, even if it is explained by the MC. That being said, this book is NOT Outlander. It just has a similar setting and sort of similar magical realism that just exists in the two.
I really appreciated that Malcolm was not your typical Scottish brute, but was rather sensitive and restrained in comparison to other Scottish men I have read. In Malcolm we do not see the typical domineering, over-protective (maybe just a little), controlling man. Instead he was simply a man, who understood his duty not only to his clan but to Coira and of course his family. Well self-sacrifice can be trouble in my cases, his was not over kill.
As for Coira, I really enjoyed her development into becoming the woman that is comfortable in her skin and her new life. Through her we learned more about her mysterious power as she learned it and we were privy to all of her struggles with who she and what she became.
Overall, this book was truly refreshing for me. There was not too much of anything to for me to turn my nose. Just the right amount of magic, the right amount of romance that is was not overwhelmingly central to the book, but still very present.
I am looking forward to reading more from Jillian and to read the first book of the series!
To start, the romance was perfect, in my opinion. The author dragged it on long enough, that a suitable amount of tension was able to build between the MCs. I also appreciated how time was able to pass within the romance. The consummation of their marriage did not take place until five months after the marriage, which is contrary to most rush marriages or marriage of convenience tropes. I found that very refreshing. The dual POV between the MCs as they learned about each other and struggled with their own personal secrets and squabbles really helped me understand the choices and sacrifices that Malcolm made in his interactions with Coira while their relationship grew into something deeper.
The paranormal side of things was certainly well crafted and made sense in the overall plot of the book. I think that I mostly stay away from paranormal romances because they just feel like they are too much to me, to much is far away from our world and there are too many crafted things to make the book work. I still like the sense that I am reading this in our reality. In that sense, this has the sort of mysterious power that exists in Outlander where there is always still a sense of mystery in the mysticism that controls their world, even if it is explained by the MC. That being said, this book is NOT Outlander. It just has a similar setting and sort of similar magical realism that just exists in the two.
I really appreciated that Malcolm was not your typical Scottish brute, but was rather sensitive and restrained in comparison to other Scottish men I have read. In Malcolm we do not see the typical domineering, over-protective (maybe just a little), controlling man. Instead he was simply a man, who understood his duty not only to his clan but to Coira and of course his family. Well self-sacrifice can be trouble in my cases, his was not over kill.
As for Coira, I really enjoyed her development into becoming the woman that is comfortable in her skin and her new life. Through her we learned more about her mysterious power as she learned it and we were privy to all of her struggles with who she and what she became.
Overall, this book was truly refreshing for me. There was not too much of anything to for me to turn my nose. Just the right amount of magic, the right amount of romance that is was not overwhelmingly central to the book, but still very present.
I am looking forward to reading more from Jillian and to read the first book of the series!
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