Warrior's Bride

Stones of Destiny #2

by Gerri Russell

“Warrior’s Bride is a poignant, powerful read. Don’t miss it!” — New York Times Bestselling Author, Sabrina Jefferies “A captivating, heartfelt love story born of strength, survival and eternal trust. Ms. Russell gifts us with a remarkable story that touches the heart. The ending is nothing short of exhilarating… You don’t want to miss this one!” — Fresh Fiction The Seer’s Stone. Locked away in a tower, young Isobel had watched its power slowly drive her mother mad. And now, years later, the Stone’s secrets threatened to be the death of Isobel as well. Douglas Stewart, known as the Black Wolf of Scotland, had no intention of taking a wife, despite his father’s demands. But the moment he saw Isobel, he was spellbound by her fiery defiance and delicate beauty. They were united by destiny yet beset by betrayal. Only by opening her heart to love and living up to her legacy could Isobel become a Warrior's Bride.

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

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Gerri Russell is the award-winning author of historical and contemporary novels including the Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars series and Flirting with Felicity. A two-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and winner of the American Title II competition sponsored by RT Book Reviews magazine, she is best known for her adventurous and emotionally intense novels set in the thirteenth- and eighteenth-century Scottish Highlands. Before Gerri followed her passion for writing romance novels, she worked as a broadcast journalist, a newspaper reporter, a magazine columnist, a technical writer and editor, and an instructional designer. She lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband and three black cats.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful romantic story. Both hero and heroine were strong and memorable and the story was excellent. Well recommended if you love a highlander romance.

[Willow Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice little romance with a touch of paranormal to it. My heart went out to Isobel. She was sweet, loving, and a fierce protector of anything that meant something to her.

I don't know why stories with plots based on non communication where people keep secrets always seem to bother me. This one bothered me but not as bad as most. I loves Wolf in this story and the ending was a trip! I just have one word for you, Stallion! Read the story if you want to know what I'm talking about.

Although this story takes place in Scotland, it does not seem to have much of a Scottish feel to it. This book is fiction that is based on a true story. Please read the history the author gives at the end about what really happened; it's quite interesting and very sad.

Happy reading.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first by this author I've read, butr I know I will read more. Set in Scotland, one of my favorite places for historicals, a young girl is born is a tower where her mother has been shut by her evil husband who did not know she was pregnant. After her mother dies, she is released and is put in a cofter family nearby where she is seen by a Laird who is not really looking for a bride, but decided he wants this one. The union brings problems, especially when her father finds out about her, and the two must work to preserve their every growing feelings for each other. Recommended.

[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two proud and lonely people, who are both pawns in the powerful demands of both of their fathers. The moment Douglas meets Isobel, they are spellbound by each other.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I was looking for when I downloaded it. I was in the mood for a sweet historical romance where the couple didn’t argue the entire time.

I loved this story, mainly because of the female lead Isobel She was such a dynamic and powerful character, not for her strengths but for her faults. Isobel had been abused in her past and it definitely showed in her quirks and certain behaviors. She is such a great character because she is not perfect, she has weakness but she doesn’t allow it to stop her life. It was a nice change from the romance novels I read where the only issue with the “strong” female lead is that she has emotions over some man.

Her husband, Wolf, was just as deep and complex as she was. He too seemed to break the mold that usually shapes historical romance male leads. The rest of the cast was just as interesting and complimented the story well.

But it wasn’t just about the great leads, the story was fairly interesting, too. While not technically a fantasy novel, I enjoyed the magical and mythology that Russell created. The storyline was involved without being overwhelming or drowning out the romance aspect.

If you want a lovely read to warm your heart with complex characters who are realistic with faults and strength, this is definitely for you and I highly recommend it.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, can I just say that I LOVE this book? I like it much better than the 1st book, and that one was good.

But I have to also admit that I'm racing through a couple of Highlander series right now and I might get my stories and H/Hs mixed up.

So I *will* say that I LOVE Wolf! I LOVE Isobel! I had a tough time, at first, figuring out what this story has to do with the first; I surmised it's just about the STONES - like, duh! The series is called "Stones of Destiny", and this story is about the Seer Stone of Destiny.

Lots of good alpha male Hero/Warrior stuff - gruff man "does the right thing" and falls in love... age-old romance formula, but Russell really works it with Wolf. Isobel's fears and abuses make her especially fragile, which is why watching her overcome those fears is so wonderful. Love, love, love that Wolf is a glass-master, even though it seems odd. (But what do I know?)

Not too hard to figure out who's behind what, or who the traitor is in their midst. But there's good resolution, when even Wolf must learn to stand up for what HE knows is right and true, even if it means his own death.

Good read!

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some twists and turns but was predictable at best. I loved the rich historical background, the senses, the guy meets girl, saves girl, enchantment of both and the love that was developed between them. I liked that they were both similar in the relationships of their parents and the gutsiness of the girl. We are all surveyors of our environment and these two seemed to have a better handle on that particular side of life which many of us do not.

I liked the trustworthiness of Wolf's band of followers and their total respect for him. I especially liked the Brahan character and the seers stone. I especial liked the way Gerri Russel used historical background to create her likable characters: Wolf, Isobel and Brahan to bring her book to light and giving it a better ending to their lives. When you bring a little fact to a fiction book it makes the book seem and appears to be more realistic.

There is enough sadness in the world and for an author to take real history add some extra fiction to bring about a better ending was well done. Since I am a justice freak, meaning I believe in justice Gerri weaved that justice into her book Warriors Bride.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. A little better than the 1st book. I still think the antagonists dialouge is still too clique but there was a significant improvement from the last book. Another improvement from the last book is that there is more detail regarding the stone and it's power. I like the hero, but became frustrated with the heroine at her stupitity at times.

The love scenes were also meh, but better than the first. I don't think I will read the last in this series.

This is a stand alone.

[Nomnivor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 Sterne

[Toni Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was well-written, even though the publication has many errors including missing periods at the ends of sentences and some typos. While those distract from the overall reading experience, they don’t affect the overall story arc.

Isobel is a young girl who was held prisoner with her mother in a tower until her mother died. Then, she was used as a servant. When a dark haired stranger shows up with orders from the king that say she must marry him, she is taken away on a ship to his castle.

Wolf, the dark haired stranger, has secrets, but finds himself falling in love with his new bride. Isobel also has secrets, and she’s afraid they will destroy the new life she is surprised to find she loves.

Reading about the real life inspirations this author used to create this story was quite interesting. An enjoyable read.

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again in the 1300’s, the fear, brutality, abuse against your own families and clans in Scotland is amazing.
Douglas and Isobal are 2 pawns between the Stewart and Granger fathers. The King orders Douglas to marry Isobel.
They have no idea it is over the control of the 2 halves of the seer stone which brings power to the person who has both halves.
Isobel , who was chained in a tower for the first 7 years of her life, becomes the Warrior Bride and out smarts the King to save her love. Read on.

[Helen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warrior's Bride

A cruel husband and father created a lovely and brave bride to a brave and handsome bastard son of an unfeeling and brutal King Robert Bruce II who would use this son for his an gain and to do all the mayhem that he demanded of him . The demanded the two marry not knowing thy would be destined to fall in love against all odds forever.

[Patsy Gazaleh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great love story

I love how Gerri Russell mixes history and fiction in a fantastic blend that draws you in and doesn't let you go until finish the story. Isobel and Wolf story is not unique, but has a timeless appeal.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and predictable. The romance here was rather fast paced, in the sense that despite being a marriage before lovers troupe, the characters warmed up easily to each other. I'm not a fan of seers and witchcraft type of stories but this one was still ok. Fluffy and light.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very readable, but read the Afterward before the 📖book.
Thank you for the read.

[Danielle Book Boss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a historical in a while. They have become rare for me now that I'm solidly a PNR/UF reader. I chose this book strictly because the cover met the requirement for this week and because I got it for free and I like using freebies for BSB.

So I started reading without reading the blurb and was pleasantly surprised to find a book that was historical but has pnr elements. This story features our couple, the Seer's Stone, and antagonists that are trying to get a hold of the stone which can predict the future.

This book featured one of my favorite themes: a hero who is determined to do the bare minimum for a forced marriage and eventually succumbs to love by the little things. In this case there are little things, there are multiple attempts on our heroine's life because she has half of the seer's stone.

Speaking of our heroine, I really like Izzy. She was a bit youngish but that's commonplace in historicals. She has an interesting history of really bad things happening to her and it was good to see that she still had some sass without becoming one of those heroines that are super mean. She has her defiant moments but she is still smart and resourceful.

Since Wolf's personality fell under one of my favorite motifs, I really enjoyed him too. He was fierce and loyal and tried to be hardhearted but hey it's romance we all know where that was going to go.

While I enjoyed the story, the plot was decent, nothing spectacular. I just have to deduct half a star for the pages of inner dialog. I mean you can tell me that Izzy chose not to dine with Wolf. You can show me why. What I don't need is a page and a half of random tangent stuff that leads back to the fact that she chose not to dine with him. It slowed the story down for me. Other than that, I would continue the series. I think have another book in the series free so it'll be a click away!

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secluded on an island to hide from her abusive father, the heroine is suddenly besieged by a fearsome man who demands she come away with him and be his bride.

The hero has lived his life under the oppressive rule of his father the King and in order to save his brothers life, he's forced to marry against his will.

They start their relationship together completely without trust, both bitter about their pending marriage. The hero, knowing nothing other than war and bloodshed finds it hard to show the heroine his softer side but once he does, she comes out of her shell bit by bit and when the time comes, she fights tooth and nail for her husband. The story circles around a magical stone that allows a seer to view the future but the heroine wants nothing to do with it. She and her mother suffered unimaginable horrors at the hand of her father because of it and she vows to never lose her virginity as doing so will awaken her powers. The heroine is timid and untrusting but fiercely loyal when loyalty is given. The hero goes by the name Wolf as it signals his fighting spirit but he's more than that. He's an artist, a good man and a good laird to his people.

I really liked this story.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

5***** Great historical highlander. Isabel was raised in secret by a mother losing her sanity. To keep her hidden from a father who would destroy her. When someone tells of her existence Wolf is sent to force her into marriage. This story has a lot of heartache, and deception. Both fathers are really cruel and manipulative men. Wolf has a very interesting hobby. So much happening in this book. How such brave thoughtful people came from such fathers is amazing. I look forward to reading plenty more from this author.

[Nanette Littlestone · Rating 4 out of 5]

From trembling to defiant

Warrior's Bride was a captivating story from start to finish. I was intrigued by the abysmal captivity of the woman in the tower and her heart-wrenching experiences with the Seer's Stone. That tension and fear was beautifully forwarded through the two characters of Wolf and Isobel. I felt their distress, I felt their joy, and that is the hallmark of good writing. I wish the story had lasted longer, and I so look forward to reading another book in the series.

[Laurie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets to be placed on my "wow" shelf. It's been quite a while since I read a book in so short a time (only a few days). I hated to put it down. It has it all. Romance, angst, and some amazing power struggles thrown in for good measure. While reading this story, I was privvy to a deep emotional attachment between Isobel and Wolf. As well, there were times when I wanted to raise my own sword in battle. Well, if I had one, that is. Thank you, Ms. Russell, for a very enjoyable read.

[Stacie]

Douglas Stewart has been ordered by his father to take a wife. He has not intention of doing that until he meets his intended - Isobel. They both have secrets and have to learn to trust each other. Then they realize that someone is trying to kill Isobel and they both have to reveal their secrets in order to survive and be together.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every little girl's dream...being whisked away and falling in love. I was enamored with this book from the first page. Gerri Russell allows the reader to feel the detailed emotions the characters feel. This makes it very hard to put this book down. I enjoyed being carried away and pampered; being torn between love and loyalty. Definitely one of my favorites!

[TL Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story line. In a lot that I read the hero often doesn't believe his heroin but Wolf loved her enough to believe in her. I love how the author took some history and added to it. It made it more interesting. I didn't used to read historicals as much but I am liking them more and more and I intend to read more from this author.

[Suchita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would not write much about the story line as for me it was just another seesaw love story of a prince & his princess which has been spiced up with suspense, thrill & adventure. The good thing is that you would have an easy ride till end because of its gravitating narration.

So over all my read was fine enough to rate it a 3 star. Just the denouement dint sink well with rest of the story.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this would be another cheesy romance but it had a lot of adventure and excitement to keep me going. I enjoyed seeing the two main characters develop their relationship. A nice historical romance.

[Jennette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story, plenty of turns and twists to keep me wanting to read. The characters are strong and well developed but there is bit too much secret keeping. All the secrets and the repeated interpretations when the try to be honest were annoying. I just wanted to shake them both.

[Claire Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Castles and intrigue and treachery- oh my. Castles and intrigue and treachery- oh my! Thin on plot and story line but extremely well written. The pace was quick and interesting. I'm leaving the Highlands of Scotland with an ahhhhhhh!

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book!

If you enjoy Scottish romances then you will enjoy this one I enjoyed the writing, the intrigue in the story, and the HEA. Pats of the story were intense but the love Isobel and Wolf had for each other never wavered. A really enjoyable book.

[Gina Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warrior's Bride a good storyline.

I enjoyed this book. I wish I would have read the first in the series before this so I'd have a better understanding as to how the stones worked. Very well defined Characters.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to stop reading

13th century story of family betrayal in Scotland between a son of a stewart and a daughter of a balliol both of whom were tortured by there fathers, forced to wed and how their perseverance won out.