The Legend of the Viking

The Clan MacLaoch Curse #2

by Becky Banks

In this second book of the Clan MacLaoch Curse Series we see our favorite characters, Rowan and Cole, return in their most passionate selves yet. Coming off the loss of the Gathering and the thought to be extinguished MacLaoch curse, Rowan finally has a chance at his happily ever after. That is until everything that he loves is taken for granted sparking events that once set in motion, cannot be stopped.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2022

About the author

Becky Banks is a kama’āina from an Old Hawai’i family who currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children. She’s a graduate of Maui High School and Oregon State University and likes to dream about her next trip to Scotland, while writing and gardening.

Her first novel, The Legend of Lady MacLaoch, has won Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews, hit Top 10 on Amazon's romance bestsellers list and more. Her latest novel is the highly requested sequel to The Legend of Lady MacLaoch: The Legend of the Viking.

Reviews

[Rainz ❤️rainnbooks❤️(on a break) · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I had no idea that The Legend of Lady Maclaoch was part of a series when I had read that book in 2020. If I had known, I would have waited with bated breath to know how the author Becky Banks continues the romantic story of the American Cole and Scottish Rowan.

The Legend of the Viking, book #2 in The Clan MacLaoch Curse Series moves the story forward from Book # 1 where we understand Cole’s legacy and the curse that ties Rowan and his clansmen. I was terribly impressed by the character of Cole, in book #1, and here again, she is kickass. She is rude and sometimes too hot-headed to think clearly kind of action girl and that is one part of her that attracted me the most. The Legend of the Viking had one of those scenes where we get to see her fighting, kicking, and screaming with Rowan for things she had misunderstood and therein we get to see clearly at her worst.

The paranormal elements are a notch higher with Cole facing the trauma of the cruel grandfather living literally inside her body. The colorful eccentric characters are not that prominent in this part but I loved that most of them do get a chance to make their presence known. The romance and love scenes are captured in a different way by the author, I am not sure how to exactly pinpoint the difference, but the intense connection between them does come thru brilliantly.

The ending surprisingly has the readers looking forward to another book in the series as Cole’s side of the family is getting involved but I do think the curse should not be resurrected again.

Many thanks to BookSirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.

This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: First person from the heroine

Should I read in order?
Definitely better in order – you’ll get the whole relationship of Cole and Rowan as well as the legend and this book picks up after book 1.

Basic plot:
Rowan and Cole’s story continues in this addition to the series – it’s been almost a year and they should marry to fully eliminate this curse of the MacLaoch family.

Give this a try if you want:
- Contemporary romance
- Scottish setting
- Clan chief hero
- American, scientist heroine
- Fated mates
- Touch of paranormal aspects
- Other woman/other man drama
- Family curse (light mystery feel)
- medium steam – 3 full scenes here (it felt hotter than book 1 and the sex is fun and never in a bed lol)

Ages:
- This book is about a year or so after book 1 and their ages were (Rowan) 38 and (Cole) 28 in that one so about 1 year older

My thoughts:
So, I don’t usually read books that are trilogies or duets about the same couple because I find I usually lose the feels for them after the first book. But not here. These two, Rowan and Cole, oh I loved them just as much in this novel!

Somehow, this book still held onto the romance, on the tension, the uncertainty of the relationship and the combustive feeling of being together.

In this novel, the curse resolution isn’t quite complete so that is a big plot point in the latter half of the book. I enjoyed the slow reveal of it all. And some of the paranormal aspects just giving me the best chills and wonderment of what would happen.

The sex in this one was so emotional to me. So, so gutting and perfect, and just made me breathless. The scene in the woods will live in my heart basically forever. I was gutted, my heart ached, and when they came together it was so explosive. Love it so SO much.

I’m really curious about the third book because I have no idea what direction it will go in!

Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:


“What the fuck are ye on about?”
Dr. Gillian was surprised by his question. “I thought I was being obvious, but since you are a neanderthal, let me be even plainer. She wants me. She belongs with people of science, and that’s me.”
I wasn’t sure Rowan was breathing any more. Then something like mirth broke his angry features. His laugh boomed off the stone and echoed out into the hallway. He sucked in a short breath and laughed even harder. “You?”
I couldn’t help smiling myself, mostly in relief, as Rowan was now wheezing and doubled over, bracing his hands on his knees.
“Och, Lord, I’ve never heard such a load of crap said aloud with such a straight face!” Rowan regained control over himself and, with both of us staring at him, straightened his button-down and wiped the tears from his face with his arm. “Ah, fuck, tha’ was good.” Then suddenly straight-faced, he said to Dr. Gillian, his eyes having gone back to ice, “Touch er or otherwise imply that she’s yours again, and once she’s done with ye, I’ll bury your body at sea – after I set fire to it and carbe my name into your breastplate whilst ye still live.”



Content warnings:

- Feelings of infidelity – there is a section where the heroine believes the hero has cheated on her
- Possession
- Violence


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:

Pg 15 – kisses, and a scene that fades
Pg 48 – the start of phone sex (where they are connected and can feel light touches of each other) that’s cut short by another call for Rowan
Pg 127 – 🔥 sex in the woods
Pg 161 – 🔥 kisses and sex that leads to him holding her against the dresser
Pg 308 – 🔥 desk sex
Total pages: 316

[Dcw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a three-book series with two already having been written. The first in the series is The Legend of Lady MacLaoch. The main characters are Rowan and Cole. Although the second book may be read independently of the first, it is much richer with the full story of the first book. Legends and lore of Scotland tell of the thousand year tragedy of Lady MacLaoch and her Viking captor and lover resulting in the eon’s old curse. So many wonderful characters come into play and each has an integral role in flushing out the full truths of the stories that have been passed down through time. The ancestor who lost her lover through the treachery of her own family plays a significant role in the first book. Her Viking lover is the focus of the second book. He is an angry and vengeful spirit and seeks to wreak destruction of the descendants of his wife’s ancient family. Unfortunately, the two main characters are caught in the maelstrom of his revenge. The writing style of both books far exceeded my expectations. The depth and complexity held my interest to the very ends of each book. I'm really looking forward to the next book coming out in 2023.

[Hope Vollm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look, this was a ride.

[Wishy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts - I enjoyed book 1 so wanted to see where the story went. The first half was a little slow for me and the spice felt a little dated but the second half of the book picked up again. I enjoyed that the story follows Coles ancestry this time and the end it all comes together again. I'll be intrigued where the story goes in book 3.
Plot - A vear after the curse was lifted Cole and Rowan are facing a number a number of new challenges and obstacles.
There love is stronger than ever but is it enough when a new ancestor is knocking on Coles door. Together they must fight alongside the village and the clan to save there future and hopefully get married along the way.
* Mythology/fable
* Scottish romance
* Strong MFC
* Banter
"When I'm done with ye, lass, I hope ye'll see that my heart onlv beats because vou exist."

[Delaine (NovelReadingNanny) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Believing the curse to have been finally lifted, when find Cole and Rowan a year later continuing on with their lives. As clan chief, Rowan is tasked with getting everything back in order. Staying in Scotland, Cole is using her master's to explore the untouched land around Castle Laoch.

I loved getting to continue reading about Cole and Rowan. I feel in love with them in the first book and absolutely needed more. Have you ever tried to read a book super speedy and than you think to yourself "What did I just read"? There was so much happening in the book that I had to take my time to absorb everything. Just make sure you give this book the time it deserves. Becky Banks is amazing and deserves all the love!

I received a copy of this book to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROWAN AND NICOLE (COLE)

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is the second book in the Clan MacLaoch Curse series. Rowan is the descendant of the female MacLaoch that started the legend that roams in Glentree, Scotland. Cole is the counterpart of the legend and is the descendant of Ormr Minory, a Viking. I like the way Rowan and Nicole are together and fight to keep what they have even though Rowan is about to lose the clan’s castle. There is an unrequited lover, an impostor, a possession, and ghosts galore. I love the way they were able to overcome these obstacles. Most of all, I love historic stories.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan MacLaoch is the laird of the clan. But they have been cursed by Lady MacLaoch. There are a lot of surprises in this story and lots of action. There was a gala that didn't really happen, clansmen doing battle again. There are ghosts, strange happenings, and incredibly old highland ladies. Nicole Baker is the heir to the Minory clan and may be able to save Rowan from the curse. She is an American in the 21st century while he is a highlander in the same century.

Rowan and Cole [nickname], get along so well and they have a connection. They can feel each other anywhere. They both have tried to take care of the clan, the best they can. Some of them might grumble a bit but Rowan and Cole are liked and worried over. I enjoyed reading this great novel and highly recommend it.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Rachel Parkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot I liked about this book and a lot I didn’t. I hated Cole and Mickeys early interactions. I also didn’t understand the “loneliness” comments when it seemed like Rowan only travelled intermittently. I did like the weaving in of folk lore and love and family. I still don’t get Eli’s connection. So this one left me a bit confounded.

[Anna Ryding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this installment of Cole and Rowan. Set a year after book one, this steamy, spooky mystery with the perfect amount of angst, a fiery heroine and a burly Scottish hero is a great book to curl up on the couch with on a rainy autumn day. Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC!

[Pat Weingartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I enjoyed book 2 in this series watching Rowan and Cole's journey finding their HEA. I'm looking forward to book 3 in this series and Cole's family heading to Scotland. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone.

[Mrs.BruceG. Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wedding

I love trilogy’s. This is #2 of 3 and I loved it. Can’t wait to read #3. The characters are so interesting and the story was written in such a way that you totally believe it really happened.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, action packed, love, hate, intrigue, family, clans, witches snd Viking ghosts make a great read. Enjoy!

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t realise this book was the second in the series, probably why I found the beginning of the book did not flow properly. It is a long book but had lots of interesting content. I could have done without so many sex scenes but I will have to say they were described in a very different way to usual. I felt the whole world building and characters were great, definitely a page turner which I found hard to put down. Look forward to book 3.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite reading the previous novel a while ago, It took a while for me to figure out what was going on again. I enjoyed the whole “curse” tied to the two family histories. Most of the story was told from Cole’s perspective including her experiences tied to the curse. The scenery and history tied to this couple was so rich! Ancestors wronged trying to resolve unfinished business through descendants was very interesting. The way things ended, it seems there is more family drama yet to come.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.