Riding the Thunder

The Sisters of Colford Hall #2

by Deborah Macgillivray

When Irishman Jago Mershan arrives in Kentucky to destroy the Montgomerie family, he finds himself distracted from his mission by his enemy's granddaughter, who needs his help in stopping the paranormal happenings that are plaguing her small diner. Original.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance

354 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2007

About the author

Author with Montlake/Amazon Publishing; Kensington Zebra Historicals; Prairie Rose Publication; Dorchester LoveSpell; Highland Press; Droemer Knaur (Germany); Random House Kodansha Ltd (Japan); AST (Russia); Romances Nova Cultural (Brazil), writing Scottish Medieval Historicals and Contemporary and Paranormal Romances. She has seven books and fourteen novellas in print.

A member of Authors Guild; IWOFA - Infinite Worlds of Fantasy Authors http://iwofa.net. On Staff at for Paranormal Romance Reviews and co-host for PNR's The Haunt; former reviewer for The Best Reviews and Sensual Romance Reviews, and used to review for Rambles.com, a Celtic e-magazine. A former member of RIO Reviewers International Organization, and served as their Award of Excellence Chair (2003-2005), and was assistant editor of their monthly newsletter. She served as 2nd Vice President of Hearts Through History (2004-2005), an online RWA Chapter; was also Web Chair (2003-2005) and was editor of their monthly newsletter The Bard Scroll (2003-5). A member of RWA and History Fiction Writers of Britain.

She was resident historian at WAXING POETIC (1999-2001). She also had a joint company with artist Carmon Deyo called CLAN RAVEN LTD. She wrote tales of Pict-Celt lore or tales from her family; Carmon turns them into the most beautiful jewelry in silver and gold. Their joint effort ‘THE THREE FACES OF THE GODDESS’, a highly original look at the Pict-Celt Goddesses, won awards and impressed Barnes and Noble enough to sponsor a month-long show in Texas of the works in September 2000, launched with a cocktail party.

Reviews

[Sandi Sipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the modern day setting series. I like the twist in this book. I can't wait to finish it. I especially love how Deborah blends the past and preasent together. And her men aren'tthat bad either. LOL!!!!!111

[Shelly LeCompt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Review:
This is a fun series. I enjoyed that each book had a really unique and different atmosphere from any other series I have ever read. Seriously, the series gives off a vibe that kind feels like a mixture between: historical romance meets medieval times meets old school fairy tale meets fantasy. You would think this mixture would cause the reader to feel unsettled or confused and lead to a bad read and experience; only somehow Ms MacGillivary pulls this odd combination off. I found that the series left me feeling off balanced and surprised in an enchanting and very different way. I truly enjoy each book in this series. Although, each book has a kind of predictability to the writer's style from the previous book, in the end that made each book a little more fun b/c I could check my brain and just enjoy the unfolding of the romance. Some people will like dislike that each book has certain predictable outcomes, phrases, typical H/h roles and outcomes; but I personally found these things charming. However, if you don't like to read a series where each book kind of resembles the last book in style of writing and development, then you will likely enjoy this series more if you space out each book between other books. That way when you read the next book in the series you will feel more like each book is a revisiting to that magical world of the Mershan/Montgomerie siblings that Ms MacGillivray has created. This series is center around 3 brothers out for revenge against a family who has cost them everything in life. The scheme to exact this revenge of the Montgomerie family by targeting 3 beautiful sister and taking back what they feel is rightfully theirs (in land and finances) and breaking 3 hearts is just the added bonus for the Mershan family's pain. What they don't expect is to meet 3 strong, beautiful, loving and independent woman who can not only offer them love as a healing tool, but a life that they never knew they wanted as men. As a series goes, this one offers a lot of fun, romance, charm, silliness, sexiness, alpha males, strong independent heroines, twist, fairy tale fantasy, hilarious and outrageous supporting character (especially the fun silly animals), and an overall HEA feel that leaves a romance reader feeling complete. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Very enjoyable and enchanting. Plus, each book is a quick, light hearted read that offers rest after one of those complex and exhausting books that we sometimes enjoy but feel taxed after completing. Series = 4 stars.

Book Review:
Riding the Thunder is one of the lighter books in the series. Jago offers more of the sweet side than either of his brothers. As Mershan boys go this is the tender hearted, sensitive, 'in touch with his feelings' brother from the family. He is not afraid of love or expressing how he feels and he does so often in the book, which just melts my heart to pieces. However, if Jago is the more loving and sensitive male from the Mershan clan; then Asha is likely the more stubborn and cynical of the Montgomeries sisters. She is judgmental, hot headed, passionate, protective, and determined. She offers no excuses for her choices and wants nothing more than to be independent and take care of her responsibilities in Wilmore. She doesnt need a man to do this and actually isnt even sure she wants one. Then enters Jago "Fitzgerald" (Mershan). He comes with all of his sex appeal, sensitivity and gentle loving ways; and she finds he can be more determined and stubborn than her in a charming way. Jago has know from the minute he saw Asha that she was meant to be his (and that was long before he went to Wilmore, Kentucky to claim her). Of the 3 brothers he is the only one in touch with himself enough to know these 3 sisters will change everything for the brothers and offer them the closure they are looking for but in a very different way than his big brother Desmond has schemed. Now he just has to win over Asha's heart while trying to save his family, her family and her endearing world in Wilmore. Book = 4 stars.

[Tammie King · Rating 4 out of 5]

www.nightowlromance.com - Deborah MacGillivray has beautifully penned a hauntingly romantic story of timeless love and breathtaking passion with Riding the Thunder. This is the second novel in her Sisters of Colford Hall series and Jago Mershan and Asha Montgomerie’s story of love, betrayal and redemption. Jago is one of the brothers out to avenge his father’s death with the downfall of the Montgomerie family. His desires for Asha complicate his plans. Will he find a way to honor his plans and hold on to the one woman who could fill his heart and complete him? Asha cannot resist the temptation of desire that pulls her into Jago’s arms or the fear of risking her heart to a man who has intentions of buying out some of her family’s holdings. Magic and betrayal are in the air of this small Kentucky town. Will Jago and Asha survive the coming storm to find their happy ever after?

Deborah MacGillivray weaves a heart-wrenching story of love and passion with paranormal twists that are sure to captivate the reader. This is an emotionally touching story with characters you’ll fall in love with. The story is enhanced with the paranormal events and the interesting secondary characters. Riding the Thunder will make you laugh, make you cry, and then leave you feeling nostalgic with an endless love that will touch the reader’s heart. This is a great romantic story and a delight to read. I look forward to reading Deborah’s next novel in this series with Jago’s twin brother Trevelyn and Asha’s twin sister Raven.

Reviewer: Susan of Night Owl Romance
© Night Owl Romance 2007-2008

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jago Mershan comes to town to do mischief to Asha Montgomerie's business as part of a family plot to destroy the Montgomeries as their father was destroyed by Ahsa's grandfather. One look at Asha, however, and he has a change of heart. Asha Montgomerie is a young woman who takes care of her own--namely the people who live and work in her tiny community. Rather reclusive when it comes to men, keeping herself to herself is no longer an option when Jago Mershan walks through the door of her café, The Windmill. The instant attraction between the pair gives rise to much speculation by the locals, a comical crew of folks--signature characters that enhance Ms. MacGillivray's work--whose antics keep the reader entertained. Not to mention the juke box that plays oldies from 1964 over and over again. It seems The Windmill has a pair of ghostly lovers who 'hang out' in their favorite booth on occasion. And there is, of course, a nameless cat--a stray who adopted Jago, though the man refutes ownership until the cat gets under his skin. A story by Ms. MacGillivray without a cat is not complete. Ms MacGillivray has once again proven her prolific and undeniable talent as a story teller. Brava! This is the 2nd installment of the Sisters of Colford Hall Series! Can't wait for the next book!

Also recommended: In Her Bed, A Restless Knight, Invasion of Falgannon Isle, Highland Wishes, Faery Special Romances

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jago Mershan comes to town to do mischief to Asha Montgomerie's business as part of a family plot to destroy the Montgomeries as their father was destroyed by Ahsa's grandfather. One look at Asha, however, and he has a change of heart. Asha Montgomerie is a young woman who takes care of her own--namely the people who live and work in her tiny community. Rather reclusive when it comes to men, keeping herself to herself is no longer an option when Jago Mershan walks through the door of her café, The Windmill. The instant attraction between the pair gives rise to much speculation by the locals, a comical crew of folks--signature characters that enhance Ms. MacGillivray's work--whose antics keep the reader entertained. Not to mention the juke box that plays oldies from 1964 over and over again. It seems The Windmill has a pair of ghostly lovers who 'hang out' in their favorite booth on occasion. And there is, of course, a nameless cat--a stray who adopted Jago, though the man refutes ownership until the cat gets under his skin. A story by Ms. MacGillivray without a cat is not complete. Ms MacGillivray has once again proven her prolific and undeniable talent as a story teller. Brava! This is the 2nd installment of the Sisters of Colford Hall Series! Can't wait for the next book!

Also recommended: In Her Bed, A Restless Knight, Invasion of Falgannon Isle, Highland Wishes, Faery Special Romances

[Irrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this better than the first book in the series. Its a good read like the first but the heroine was a bit more spunkier than her older sister--therefore more likable. She was still wayyyy too trusting especially considering how she's portrayed in the book. I don't get why Macgillivray would make sure to somehow insert that these women are warriors but turn out to be sooooo naive about certain things. Especially when certain aspects of Jago's business activities were practically staring at her. Plus if a man up and leave me for a month with only 2 vague phone calls I'd be a lot more peeved than how she reacted. Another thing that gets to me is that, do these women know birth control? Sheesh the first sister was the same. It was like her brains flew out the window when her panties came off. I mean come on, yes..you love the guy..but you haven't even known him for that long. Both sisters didnt even know the brother's pasts. It was just so out there that she'd just forget something that important. Anyways, I'm still going to read the next book--these annoyances are just minor things. I just hope Macgillivray deviates from how she portrayed the first 2 sisters. It'll be maddening to find annoying similarities.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think deborah macGillivray is an amazing writer. She always writes an intriguing story that I can't put down. This one was good, but I think I like her historicals way better.
Oh, but the intertwined story of the ghosts who wanted justice and the love story between Jago and Asha (Jago is in with his bros to bring down Asha's family...but the boys fall in love with the girls in the 3 Sisters of Colford Hall books : the Invasion of Falgannon Isle, riding the thunder, and A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing).
I enjoyed the story, and the way Asha handled being engaged to the guy who was trying to take over Montgomerie industries thus bringing about the finacial ruin of the girls. Ha ha, boys, you all fell in love with the objects of your evil plot! :)
What I really liked though, was the way all three books take place at the same time, rather than one after another...and she does that really well without being repetative.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah MacGillivray weaves a heart wrenching story of love and passion with paranormal twists that are sure to captivate the reader. This is an emotionally touching story with characters you’ll fall in love with. The story is enhanced with the paranormal events and the interesting secondary characters. Riding the Thunder will make you laugh, make you cry, and then leave you feeling nostalgic with an endless love that will touch the reader’s heart. This is a great romantic story and a delight to read. I look forward to reading Deborah’s next novel in this series with Jago’s twin brother Trevelyn and Asha’s twin sister Raven.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I noted in other reviews, I think I read these books too close together. It was was just too much sweetness. They probably would have been better had I spaced them more.
Jago Mershan is working with his two brothers to seduce three of the Montgomerie sisters and use them to wreak revenge on their family. Their grandfather ruined their father so, of course, it makes perfect sense to use them to bring down his kingdom.
So this is dramatic enough, but there are ghosts too? Yep. I wish I could have given this 2.5 stars but goodreads doesn't do that yet. Maybe someday.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Invasion of Falgannon Isle, the first in the series, but still an enjoyable, fun story. Asha tries not to fall for Jago Mersham, whose family is after her family's wealth. Some suspense too.

[Sassy Sipe]

this book is so awesome. I don't want it to end.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic sequel to "Invasion of Falgannon Isle". Deborah has a great writing style which absorbs you into the book. Couldn't put it down!

[Gin Tadvick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really as good as the first book in the series.

[Violet90 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this especially the story that was told from the past.