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Ancient Whispers
Gabriel is the youngest member of the Priory of Callan - an ancient Celtic brotherhood of cursed sorcerers and alchemists, each with deadly abilities and each haunted by a tragic past. Tortured by the devastating loss of his fiancee in 1755, Gabriel wants nothing more than to reunite with his soul mate.
Two and a half centuries later, Gabriel is still searching for his love. And then he finds Lily Bellafontaine. Coolheaded and practical, she has no memory of Gabriel. But she also can't deny the pull of attraction drawing her under his seduction spell, urging her to give into the...Ancient Whispers.
Two and a half centuries later, Gabriel is still searching for his love. And then he finds Lily Bellafontaine. Coolheaded and practical, she has no memory of Gabriel. But she also can't deny the pull of attraction drawing her under his seduction spell, urging her to give into the...Ancient Whispers.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2010
About the author
Marie-Claude Bourque
19 books209 followers “…a natural master of the slow-burn…"
Marie-Claude Bourque is a Montreal-born Seattle-based author of slow-burn paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.
Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic supernatural stories between smart strong women and complex passionate heroes.
Happily Ever After always absolutely guaranteed!
Follow Marie-Claude on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mcbourque
Marie-Claude Bourque is a Montreal-born Seattle-based author of slow-burn paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.
Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic supernatural stories between smart strong women and complex passionate heroes.
Happily Ever After always absolutely guaranteed!
Follow Marie-Claude on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mcbourque
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 26, 2025
Waiting for his lost love to be reincarnated has been torture for the hero. HE surrendered to immortality just to be with her again and now, finally, he receives words she is returning to him. Bitter over what he feels was trickery by the high priestess to get him under her control, the hero just wants his love back so he can return to the life he once envisioned for himself before this nightmare began.
The heroine has always felt different from those around her. As a child she could read the thoughts of others but she grew out of it, welcoming a calm and normal life instead. While on vacation in the woods of Rhode Island, the heroine becomes lost. Frightened, wounded and cold she is recused by the sexy biker man from the tea shop. He takes her home cares for her tenderly and inspires within her the desire to act daringly and seductive. Totally out of nature for her, she falls into his bed and experiences a powerful sense of coming home. She feels like she's known him forever and though it frightens her, it also comforts her. They spend a magical weekend together; the hero even talks about marriage. But once Monday comes along, the heroine gets cold feet. Imagining what she felt for him to be nothing but fantasy and imagination, she tries to distance herself from him and her feelings. But he pleads with her to give him a chance.
The idea of living without her is unbearable. He's just found her, there's no way he can ever let her go again. The first time nearly killed him. But her association with him puts her in danger. The enemy is old and ruthless and there's a chance she will be caught in the crossfire of his battle. It's this subsequent interference that reveals the hero's magical abilities. At first, she is devastated he lied to her but soon, she comes to her senses. If being with him and helping to protect the people she loves means welcoming magic back in her life than the price to pay is cheap. But the hero's torn between the woman he loved and lost and the woman he loves now but can't abide sharing his affections. The hero must choose. Surrender the memory of his love to the past or lose the woman he loves now. How can he let go of this obsession after all these years and what will become of him if he can't?
This book was good. I enjoyed the reality of it and the characterizations were both dramatic and contemporary. The hero was a tortured soul but on one hand, he perhaps brought that torture onto himself. He lost his love and surrendered to immortality to have the chance of seeing her again. In this he became bitter towards the high priestess who he felt tricked him and who enslaved him by playing on his emotions, That's not the case. He just wanted the heroine back instantly but he had to wait 200 years to find her again. He realized his mistake as the book progressed but he was so not the poor tortured hero one would think he was. He did also have the ability to joke and laugh. More so when the heroine came into the picture but he could play with his fellow immortals. He was caught in the dilemma of loving 2 woman whom he imagines to be one in the same when in truth are two separates. It's takes him some time to realize he fiancé is dead and the heroine is the love of his life regardless of her past. The heroine was very easy going in regards to the hero. She put up walls at first but when it came to having him call her his love after one weekend and even propose to her with his dead fiancés ring, she was pretty lax. Only when he called her the other woman's name in bed did she make a stand. Which, hell, who wouldn't? I liked the book. It was a healthy mix of contemporary and paranormal and the fantasy element was unique I thought. Mythology, witches, gods and goddesses were present and it came together with a marvelous romance. I wished this series continued. I felt like the plan was to have other immortals have their story and find their true love but that never played out I guess. Still, good book as a standalone.
The heroine has always felt different from those around her. As a child she could read the thoughts of others but she grew out of it, welcoming a calm and normal life instead. While on vacation in the woods of Rhode Island, the heroine becomes lost. Frightened, wounded and cold she is recused by the sexy biker man from the tea shop. He takes her home cares for her tenderly and inspires within her the desire to act daringly and seductive. Totally out of nature for her, she falls into his bed and experiences a powerful sense of coming home. She feels like she's known him forever and though it frightens her, it also comforts her. They spend a magical weekend together; the hero even talks about marriage. But once Monday comes along, the heroine gets cold feet. Imagining what she felt for him to be nothing but fantasy and imagination, she tries to distance herself from him and her feelings. But he pleads with her to give him a chance.
The idea of living without her is unbearable. He's just found her, there's no way he can ever let her go again. The first time nearly killed him. But her association with him puts her in danger. The enemy is old and ruthless and there's a chance she will be caught in the crossfire of his battle. It's this subsequent interference that reveals the hero's magical abilities. At first, she is devastated he lied to her but soon, she comes to her senses. If being with him and helping to protect the people she loves means welcoming magic back in her life than the price to pay is cheap. But the hero's torn between the woman he loved and lost and the woman he loves now but can't abide sharing his affections. The hero must choose. Surrender the memory of his love to the past or lose the woman he loves now. How can he let go of this obsession after all these years and what will become of him if he can't?
This book was good. I enjoyed the reality of it and the characterizations were both dramatic and contemporary. The hero was a tortured soul but on one hand, he perhaps brought that torture onto himself. He lost his love and surrendered to immortality to have the chance of seeing her again. In this he became bitter towards the high priestess who he felt tricked him and who enslaved him by playing on his emotions, That's not the case. He just wanted the heroine back instantly but he had to wait 200 years to find her again. He realized his mistake as the book progressed but he was so not the poor tortured hero one would think he was. He did also have the ability to joke and laugh. More so when the heroine came into the picture but he could play with his fellow immortals. He was caught in the dilemma of loving 2 woman whom he imagines to be one in the same when in truth are two separates. It's takes him some time to realize he fiancé is dead and the heroine is the love of his life regardless of her past. The heroine was very easy going in regards to the hero. She put up walls at first but when it came to having him call her his love after one weekend and even propose to her with his dead fiancés ring, she was pretty lax. Only when he called her the other woman's name in bed did she make a stand. Which, hell, who wouldn't? I liked the book. It was a healthy mix of contemporary and paranormal and the fantasy element was unique I thought. Mythology, witches, gods and goddesses were present and it came together with a marvelous romance. I wished this series continued. I felt like the plan was to have other immortals have their story and find their true love but that never played out I guess. Still, good book as a standalone.
September 9, 2010
NOTE: This book does contain EXPLICIT CONTENT!
When I started this book I was a little bit confused as to why the prolouge started in 1755 and then the first chapter was "present day." But as I read further it all started to make perfect sense. Once all the pieces fell into place, I had a VERY hard time putting this book down! It's got a little bit of everything in there too, romance, action, uber sexy male lead, and uber sexy supporting male characters just to name a few things!
Personally, I think it's a steamy little love story of uber sexy sorcerers who have sold their soul to eventually be reunited with a long lost loved one. A few love spells are cast which leads to UBER HOT SEX (in my opinion anyway). After the first couple of pages (the confused pages) I pretty much fell in lust with the story....so much so that I did not want it to end! So much so that I went and purchased it in e-book format on my Barnes and Noble Nook so I can read it again and again and again.
I LOVED all the characters in this book. They are all very interesting and all have shall we say "complicated" pasts. Which is really going to make the rest of this series (yup there will be MORE uber sexy sorcerers and UBER HOT SEX) VERY, VERY interesting. The main character Gabe, well how can you NOT love a guy who's been in love with and devoted to the same woman for centuries, only knowing that EVENTUALLY you will get to see her again?! Call me weird, but I think that's not only romantic but a little bit hot too!
When I started this book I was a little bit confused as to why the prolouge started in 1755 and then the first chapter was "present day." But as I read further it all started to make perfect sense. Once all the pieces fell into place, I had a VERY hard time putting this book down! It's got a little bit of everything in there too, romance, action, uber sexy male lead, and uber sexy supporting male characters just to name a few things!
Personally, I think it's a steamy little love story of uber sexy sorcerers who have sold their soul to eventually be reunited with a long lost loved one. A few love spells are cast which leads to UBER HOT SEX (in my opinion anyway). After the first couple of pages (the confused pages) I pretty much fell in lust with the story....so much so that I did not want it to end! So much so that I went and purchased it in e-book format on my Barnes and Noble Nook so I can read it again and again and again.
I LOVED all the characters in this book. They are all very interesting and all have shall we say "complicated" pasts. Which is really going to make the rest of this series (yup there will be MORE uber sexy sorcerers and UBER HOT SEX) VERY, VERY interesting. The main character Gabe, well how can you NOT love a guy who's been in love with and devoted to the same woman for centuries, only knowing that EVENTUALLY you will get to see her again?! Call me weird, but I think that's not only romantic but a little bit hot too!
February 20, 2011
A mixture of romance, suspense fantasy that's hard to pull off. Bourque did a great job, especially for a debut novel. I recommend it for all those interested in these types of books.
December 26, 2019
Ancient Whispers by Marie Claude Bourque 5 Stars*****
Oh what a fabulous adventure awaits the readers with this book. Sweet!!!!!
If you Love reading about witchcraft, soreracy, curses, and all things spiritually magical, look no further for this one is Amazing and Hot!!!
Gabrielle and Lily are magical memorizing characters that definitely heat up the pages. Their story about being eternal soulmates, fighting curses both bad and good etc had me lost in wonder the whole way through.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.
Oh what a fabulous adventure awaits the readers with this book. Sweet!!!!!
If you Love reading about witchcraft, soreracy, curses, and all things spiritually magical, look no further for this one is Amazing and Hot!!!
Gabrielle and Lily are magical memorizing characters that definitely heat up the pages. Their story about being eternal soulmates, fighting curses both bad and good etc had me lost in wonder the whole way through.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.
May 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by this author.
October 10, 2020
This book is rated 'B' for Bafflingly Bad!
August 12, 2024
I don't like Morag.
December 11, 2024
Enjoyed the story had trouble in some spots , seemed to be missing pages in some spots all in all a good read.
January 6, 2015
Gabriel is the youngest member of the Priory of Callan-an ancient Celtic brotherhood of cursed sorcerers and alchemists, each with deadly abilities and each haunted by a tragic past. Tortured by the devastating loss of his fiancee in 1755, Gabriel wants nothing more than to reunite with his soul mate.
Two and a half centuries later, Gabriel is still searchin for his love. And then he finds Lily Bellefontaine. Coolheaded and practical, she has no memory of Gabriel. But she also can't deny the pull of attraction drawin her under his seductive spell, urgin her to give in to the...ANCIENT WHISPERS
Gabriel LaJeunesse is described as a hunk of a french man. Total package, of muscles, tanned skin, dark hair, just the all gorgeous with celtic tatts on his bisceps. He is a sorcerer and immortal. He rides a motorcycle and wears leather coat and boots, and mmm, yum ! He was separated by Lily when the English invaded Grand Pre, Acadie October 1755 on the day that he and Evangeline Bellefontaine were to be married. The English conquer Acadia and inprison everyone at the church and burn down everything around them. Then, they load the people into different boats to deport them to french colonies spread throughout. Many get separated, children from parents, families, and Gabriel from Evangeline...although he really tried to get to her. Once this happened, Gabriel made it is life to search for Evangeline, so he enlisted the help of Morag Callan to find her. As a result Gabriel join the Priory of Callan serving under Priestess Morag and has drank from the water of life, causing him to become immortal. Learning after the rituals that Morag and Iaian didn't intend on to help him find Evangeline, but that she would be reborn centuries later. He had to wait...now his soul mate is finally near and then he meets Lily Bellefontaine! So now he is known as Gabriel Callan. (I love how Lily carries the same last name!) Anywho, Lily is on a weekend vacation at a friends lake house at Lake Callan and she goes for a hike and gets lost in the woods. She is then found by Gabriel (whom she had previously met at the gas station earlier that day). Weak from not having eaten anything since earlier in the day, scared by wolves. Lily falls and then crawls along the stream to try to find her way. She passes out in Gabriels arm, since the adrenaline has ran its course and she feels safe. Although she doesn't know Gabriel, she has the unexplicable feeling of safety and familiarity towards him. ;)
Later to awaken at Morag and Iain's home (whom Gabriel tells her are his Aunt and Uncle). Morag gives Lily a tea concoction to drink and from there things get steamy real fast between Gabriel and Lily. Her soul recognizes his...>>>will return to finish the rest once I am done reading<<<<
Two and a half centuries later, Gabriel is still searchin for his love. And then he finds Lily Bellefontaine. Coolheaded and practical, she has no memory of Gabriel. But she also can't deny the pull of attraction drawin her under his seductive spell, urgin her to give in to the...ANCIENT WHISPERS
Gabriel LaJeunesse is described as a hunk of a french man. Total package, of muscles, tanned skin, dark hair, just the all gorgeous with celtic tatts on his bisceps. He is a sorcerer and immortal. He rides a motorcycle and wears leather coat and boots, and mmm, yum ! He was separated by Lily when the English invaded Grand Pre, Acadie October 1755 on the day that he and Evangeline Bellefontaine were to be married. The English conquer Acadia and inprison everyone at the church and burn down everything around them. Then, they load the people into different boats to deport them to french colonies spread throughout. Many get separated, children from parents, families, and Gabriel from Evangeline...although he really tried to get to her. Once this happened, Gabriel made it is life to search for Evangeline, so he enlisted the help of Morag Callan to find her. As a result Gabriel join the Priory of Callan serving under Priestess Morag and has drank from the water of life, causing him to become immortal. Learning after the rituals that Morag and Iaian didn't intend on to help him find Evangeline, but that she would be reborn centuries later. He had to wait...now his soul mate is finally near and then he meets Lily Bellefontaine! So now he is known as Gabriel Callan. (I love how Lily carries the same last name!) Anywho, Lily is on a weekend vacation at a friends lake house at Lake Callan and she goes for a hike and gets lost in the woods. She is then found by Gabriel (whom she had previously met at the gas station earlier that day). Weak from not having eaten anything since earlier in the day, scared by wolves. Lily falls and then crawls along the stream to try to find her way. She passes out in Gabriels arm, since the adrenaline has ran its course and she feels safe. Although she doesn't know Gabriel, she has the unexplicable feeling of safety and familiarity towards him. ;)
Later to awaken at Morag and Iain's home (whom Gabriel tells her are his Aunt and Uncle). Morag gives Lily a tea concoction to drink and from there things get steamy real fast between Gabriel and Lily. Her soul recognizes his...>>>will return to finish the rest once I am done reading<<<<
October 22, 2010
NOTE: This book does contain EXPLICIT content, so it should only be read by adults!
When I started this book I was a little bit confused as to why the prologue started in 1755 and then the first chapter was "present day." But as I read further it all started to make perfect sense. Once all the pieces fell into place, I had a VERY hard time putting this book down! It's got a little bit of everything in there too, romance, action, uber sexy male lead, and uber sexy supporting male characters just to name a few things!
Personally, I think it's a steamy little love story of uber sexy sorcerers who have sold their soul to eventually be reunited with a long lost loved one. A few love spells are cast which leads to UBER HOT SEX (in my opinion anyway). After the first couple of pages (the confused pages) I pretty much fell in lust with the story....so much so that I did not want it to end! So much so that I went and purchased it in e-book format on my Barnes and Noble Nook so I can read it again and again and again.
I LOVED all the characters in this book. They are all very interesting and all have shall we say "complicated" pasts. Which is really going to make the rest of this series (yup there will be MORE uber sexy sorcerers and UBER HOT SEX) VERY, VERY interesting. The main character Gabe, well how can you NOT love a guy who's been in love with and devoted to the same woman for centuries, only knowing that EVENTUALLY you will get to see her again?! Call me weird, but I think that's not only romantic but a little bit hot too!
When I started this book I was a little bit confused as to why the prologue started in 1755 and then the first chapter was "present day." But as I read further it all started to make perfect sense. Once all the pieces fell into place, I had a VERY hard time putting this book down! It's got a little bit of everything in there too, romance, action, uber sexy male lead, and uber sexy supporting male characters just to name a few things!
Personally, I think it's a steamy little love story of uber sexy sorcerers who have sold their soul to eventually be reunited with a long lost loved one. A few love spells are cast which leads to UBER HOT SEX (in my opinion anyway). After the first couple of pages (the confused pages) I pretty much fell in lust with the story....so much so that I did not want it to end! So much so that I went and purchased it in e-book format on my Barnes and Noble Nook so I can read it again and again and again.
I LOVED all the characters in this book. They are all very interesting and all have shall we say "complicated" pasts. Which is really going to make the rest of this series (yup there will be MORE uber sexy sorcerers and UBER HOT SEX) VERY, VERY interesting. The main character Gabe, well how can you NOT love a guy who's been in love with and devoted to the same woman for centuries, only knowing that EVENTUALLY you will get to see her again?! Call me weird, but I think that's not only romantic but a little bit hot too!
December 25, 2010
This book never lived up to its potential. Pacing was a major problem along with the lack of development of the backstory. For example, Gabriel, the hero, becomes the Warrior King out of the blue in the final batter. That is not a *spoiler* because you will have no idea what it means even after reading. Keira was a likable heroine but much of her development as a Priestess is rushed and the details for the most part of not narrated. Her relationship with Morag changes from one of fear to love and respect without telling us how that happened. Morag becomes her teacher and High Priestess but we never come to understand what they experienced together that moved Keira's heart. The other sorcerers/wizards/alchemist are interesting and unique in their personalities and skills. Each must find their reincarnated soul mates which is sketchy. So we have magic, a bad guy (probably won't die), immortality, and secrets. The ancient religion they all practice seems to be Druid in origin but lore is never fully clarified. As a reader, if you are not familiar with this lore you will be quite lost. I am not sold on the series because of the writing but I think the concept is solid, has potential, and the characters are intriguing -- thus 3 stars not 2. This ebook was $5.59 so if you are not used to springing this much for an untested writer, beware.
June 16, 2010
It all started year 1755 in a small village in France. Gabriel and Evangeline were to get married but it was attacked by foreign soldiers separating the two. Heartbroken and physically tortured Gabriel has turned to something that will guarantee a reunion with his beloved Evangeline...
A wait for two and a half century later, his beloved Evangeline was reincarnated as Lily, a modern woman. A woman he rescued from harm in the woods. That same night they had unbelievably hot tryst. Lily kept thinking it was just one hell of a weekend affair yet there was that weird familiarity that she had met Gabriel before. As most rational women, she dismissed this idea. How could she have, that night was the first time they've met. And then there's Morag Callan, Gabriel's pseudo-aunt who keeps talking about power and all other weird stuff that makes sense to Lily. The plot also thickens when a guy named Theuron started dating Lily's best friend Keira, there is something sinister about him but what exactly? Then there were those weird dreams and other characters. I admit confusion at first, there were so many elements that I wasn't used to. But it was a good read for me. A tale of immortal love and magic.
A wait for two and a half century later, his beloved Evangeline was reincarnated as Lily, a modern woman. A woman he rescued from harm in the woods. That same night they had unbelievably hot tryst. Lily kept thinking it was just one hell of a weekend affair yet there was that weird familiarity that she had met Gabriel before. As most rational women, she dismissed this idea. How could she have, that night was the first time they've met. And then there's Morag Callan, Gabriel's pseudo-aunt who keeps talking about power and all other weird stuff that makes sense to Lily. The plot also thickens when a guy named Theuron started dating Lily's best friend Keira, there is something sinister about him but what exactly? Then there were those weird dreams and other characters. I admit confusion at first, there were so many elements that I wasn't used to. But it was a good read for me. A tale of immortal love and magic.
October 31, 2011
Gabriel and Evangeline were about to be married in 1755 when their village was attacked and they were separated. Gabriel gets told by a mysterious man on the boat that he will see her again. In hope of this he joins the Priory of Callan where he is made an immortal. Flash forward to present day. He meets Lily who is Evangeline reincarnated and it is love (or at least lust) at first sight. Lily has to discover who Gabrielle really is and who she is before they can get their happy ending.
Ok the premise wasn't bad but hardly original. The problem was their relationship that was stupid beyond the telling of it. We all know in traditional romances they get together, have some kind of misunderstanding, break up before getting together again. Marie-Claude Bourque is content with this. It goes a little like this;
I love you
But I need space
But I love you
But I still need space
But I love you
But you are in love with me from a previous life
But I love you
But do you love me? Or me from another life?
But...well you get the point.
Two and a half stars from me.
Ok the premise wasn't bad but hardly original. The problem was their relationship that was stupid beyond the telling of it. We all know in traditional romances they get together, have some kind of misunderstanding, break up before getting together again. Marie-Claude Bourque is content with this. It goes a little like this;
I love you
But I need space
But I love you
But I still need space
But I love you
But you are in love with me from a previous life
But I love you
But do you love me? Or me from another life?
But...well you get the point.
Two and a half stars from me.
August 20, 2013
Young lovers are torn apart in the year 1755.One becomes immortal,one lives a natural life and dies only to be reborn centurys later.Gabriel searches for centurys to find his beloved Evangeline.Finally he finds her in nurse Lily Bellfontaine,Lily doesnt remember Gabe until strange persons enter her life and strange things begin to happen.Gabe and Lily must search their feelings and act on them or forever be lost to each other.Evil threatens all they hold dear.Celtic themes,Sorcerers,alchemists....Great read.
Read
July 19, 2010Pretty good book with something different to offer. It is the story of Gabriel and Evangeline. However this book calls her Lily as she is the reincarnation of Evangeline. Gabriel has been searching for her all these years and even joined the Priory of Callan to help find her. Gabriel has become a sorcerer and is now immortal. But Lily has no memory of Gabriel and is a very modern woman with a life of her own.
August 15, 2010
I don't like to review books when I don't finish them but I honestly couldn't get into this book. I feel that maybe if I had kept reading a little longer that maybe I would have gotten drawn in but I tried several times and found myself putting the book down.
July 1, 2010
Review Coming tonight!
February 25, 2016
Won from goodreads. I really wanted to like this book but I just couldnt get in to it. I felt like It was missing somthing the whole time.
July 27, 2010
WOW... Where to begin witht his one. What an amazing debute book... We can only hope that there is more the come..
Read
August 17, 2010Love transcends many lifetimes. Especially with your soulmate that becomes a sorcerer to wait for you.
April 11, 2020
Brilliant. I didn't want this book to end. I loved the detail about the magic woven into the story with heroes, heroines. What ever I write here wouldn't do the story justice. I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews