Maxine Reigate discovers she is a Druid Priestess and as such is expected to help the Seelie Fae keep the Dark and monstrous Unseelie Fae behind their Prison Wall.
The partners with her in this effort, are two very different and absolutely mesmerizing males. One is a Prince of the Fae, and the other--a High Druid Priest just revived after a two hundred year coma. She travels to Scotland to stay at a warded castle belonging to the Druid, Julian MacTalbot.
During this time, an obsessed and blood-drinking beautiful, evil and ancient woman decides she wants Maxie dead, and has the magical powers to achieve her goal. As Maxie’s own magical mana develops, so does her love for one of her partners, and the question remains, will the one she chooses--choose her back?
It pulled me in from the first page. Claudy Conn has created a world of Fae and Earth where the Druids still have descendants working with the Fae. This is the first in Conn's Legend series where Fae, Dark Fae, Druids and 'vampire-like' creatures are out to protect, feed upon or ruthlessly rule over humans.
What would you do; how would you feel as a modern young woman of twenty-one, who, while you do have visions, thinks of yourself as a normal young woman, albeit with no love life to speak of, and then you're told some kind of mythical creature is out to get you? Well that's what Maxie is dealing with.
Maxie has visions and a legacy from 1814 hanging over her head, "Druids, Fae, and an evil vampire-type woman" as she thinks of it and now the "evil vampire-type woman" is going to be coming after her?
Julian Talbot’s been in a coma in Faery for the last 200 yrs since almost being turned into a blood sucking nightmare. Now he's cured and back in the present to kill Lamia before she can get to Maxine. He is stunned at how much she looks like his bride also killed by Lamia. Max is having a hard time with keeping her mind off the surly but sexy man who loved her namesake back in his time. Especially when she's had a crush on a painting of him hanging in her parent's home since her teens.
Breslyn, Fae prince and warrior, comes from the Fae realm to help Max. He calls her Lia, is gorgeous and "pure, primal sex" Although she is very attracted to him, Max knows he's Fae and will live virtually forever. She is continually reminded of the futility of getting into a relationship with him when he just poofs in and out all the time.
There is a lot of hot chemistry between Max and the two men even though Julian keeps putting out mixed signals. He pushes her away and then is very jealous when Breslyn pays special attention to her. And Bres does know how to treat a lady like she's the only thing that matters to him.
This has a very good story line, well developed characters, action, a couple of evil plots, chemistry and romance.
I think fans of the paranormal romance, fantasy and even urban fantasy genres should like this.
As people who know me or have followed my reviews know, I love all things Fae. I have since I was a child. I even have a fairy tattoo. I love reading books about fae, but lately I have not really found many good series to dive into. So many have just plain weird lore or are retelling of a fae falling in love with a human without really having much story around the world of fae. Yep, I am a fae snob.
Why do I bring all this up, because this book gave me what I was looking for. A new fae series to dive into. I adored the first book in this series and can not wait for more. I loved how the world of fae was intertwined with the world of Druids. I also loved how the characters from so many different places and times all convened together. The love story was good and the good vs. evil story arc was very well developed. I am really looking forward to where the story will go from here. While the book left the good vs. evil story arc at a place where I am sure it will continue, the main love arc ended in a very good place so I did not feel like I was only getting one book slit into pieces. I enjoyed the voice of the author's writing. It felt like we were actually listening to the different character's sides. I am so mad at myself for not starting these books earlier. I can only hope the next book is as good as this one!!!!
This is an 18 plus story for some violence and scenes of adult fun.
I believe that for anyone interested in a heart pounding, thought provoking, sexy as hell paranormal thriller, Spellbound-Legend is a fabulous read. I can't wait for more!
Spellbound – Legend is Smokin’ HOT! After a nine year hiatus [we won’t call it retirement,] Claudy Conn returns to the world of romance fiction writing with Spellbound – Legend. You might remember the author as Claudette Williams and think of her regency and historical romances. Claudy wrote over 40 mass market bestsellers in that field using the pen names Claudette Williams and Melanie Davis for Fawcett, Zebra and Doubleday book club. Claudy Conn is back and writing with a vengeance to bring us her first paranormal romance. Make no mistake this is top notch romance writing and Claudy embraces the paranormal aspects of her story with obvious enjoyment and ease. Paranormal and fantasy fictions are my absolute favorite reads and she has made the switch seem effortless. She has nailed the genre as if she was born to write it. No disrespect intended toward the historical and regency set . . . I cut my reading chops on those romances. Spellbound – Legend is a masterfully written tale that pits a contemporary young woman against ancient forces. Maxie Reigate descends from a long line of Druid priests and priestesses. She’s always been aware of the family legend but what she doesn’t know is that her fate is tied into the world of the Tuatha Dé, the fairy people, also known as the Fae, who are at the heart of Irish Myth and folklore. The wall of power, set up to separate the world of man from the Fae, is in danger of collapse; there is a blood sucking, evil and ancient beauty that wants her dead; the hero of her family’s legend, Julian, the High Druid Priest is about to wake up after a two hundred year coma and walk into her life; and then there is a Fae Prince who wants to protect and keep her for his own. There is danger at every turn and enough sexual tension to launch an arrow. Talk about steam . . . Spellbound – Legend has all the elements needed to get your heart racing and in a good way. Claudy Conn has stepped onto the stage of paranormal romance writing and is going to give Harris, Hamilton, and Feehan a fight for their audiences. Conn is a master story teller returned to give us more of what we want. I don't know which is hotter Breslyn, Prince of Dagda or Julian of Talbot?! I am so conflicted! Best of all, Spellbound is just the beginning of an incredible new series.
Book Title: Spellbound - Legend Author: Claudy Conn EBook ISBN: 978-1-59705-390-7 Paper ISBN: 978-1-59705-595-6 Publisher: Wings Press Reviewer: Vonnie Faroqui for WITS
This is my second read by Claudy Conn. I started by reading the prequel to the Legend series and was intrigued enough to buy this book as well. I was not disappointed. I loved the world of the Seelie Fae, and their beautiful faeries. I liked being drawn into the mythical world of magick and Druid priests. The intricacy of the plot kept me interested, although at times I felt the pace moved a little slowly.
I felt that this book had two heroes: Breslyn and Julian, two sides of a crazy love triangle. Breslyn is all sex and masculinity. He's very aggressive, but in a way that makes a girl want to fall at his feet in a puddle. Julian is dark and broody, and has looks to match. I liked these two men, even as different as their personalities were. The author did such a good job writing them, that I would have been happy had the heroine chose either of them!
Maxie, on the other hand struck me as kind of fickle. I mean, whichever man was in the room with her at the moment was the one she wanted. She was like a salivating schoolgirl, and of course was jealous when one of the heroes paid attention to the another woman. It aggravated me how she played one against the other, and even though she knew she was being childish at times, she continued acting in the same way. After awhile though, she grew on me and I started to like her. Without giving anything away I'd definitely say that the man she chose brought out the best in her.
The ending left things open for the next book in the series, which I look forward to reading very soon! I'll be interested to see what happens to the hero that was let hanging by the closing off of this triangle.
Spellbound by Claudy Conn Book 1 of the Legend Series Maxie Reigate’s world has just gone into overdrive. Her whole life she has been taught about the Legends of her bloodline. About the Fae and her Druid ancestors. Maxie and her Uncle Kennet head for Scotland to help destroy the woman who killed her namesake but she finds another battle, the battle of her heart. First there is Breslyn, Royal Fae Prince of Dagda, who exudes sensuality like the sun exudes light. Secondly is the man whose she fell in love with as a child as she would gaze upon his portrait, Julian Talbot.
Druid priest Julian Talbot wakes up from a two hundred year coma just to remember he was not able to save his new bride, Maxine, from the evil Lamia DuLaine. The Fae had saved his life and now he can only think of one thing. Revenge. As he goes to MacTalbot Castle he comes face to face with a mirror image of his dead bride and yet this woman is so different. Maybe he has found a reason to live again.
The author does an excellent job of letting you in the thoughts of many characters. Good and evil alike. The storyline pulled me in and kept me reading to the end and looking forward to the next book. The next story is Aaibhe Shee Queen which goes further into what happened with the Queen and another Talbot a few centuries before. Julian and Maxie’s story is complete but there are other stories that continue….mainly the war brewing between the different Fae sectors. Mainly those who want power to rule over the humans and those who want to continue to protect the humans and hold to the treaty. **Sexual situations and language http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
I am a fan of Claudy's alternative world where magic is accepted It brings in the thought that Fae(fairy) came to the world from 'somewhere else and lived for a time with humans but withdrew to live in their own dimension.
Druids are the human interface between Fae and humans and nature
Julian was a Druid priest and his love Maxine is killed by a mad crazy fairy bitch called DeLaune, who wants him to love only her Julian is placed into a coma by the Fae and 200 years pass
Modern Maxine is finally convinced that Julian loves her and they marry Uncle Kennett finds love with Julian's cook called Tally
WOW!!! This book grabbed me from page one. Claudy’s writing is so good. She has written a world with Fae, Druids, Humans, Dark Fae, and an evil vampire like creature who are either going to protect or rule over the humans.
Maxine is a Druid priestess with a legacy going back to 1814. But dealing with the visions she has had since a child and now trying to deal with the evil like vampire creature trying to kill her she must rely on the Fae Prince Breslyn (who exudes sex) and the brooding, sexy Druid Priest Julian Talbot with his own tortured past tied with Maxine’s legacy.
The chemistry between Maxine and the two leading men is HOT. But with an immortal Fae Prince who can pop in and out and a sexy Druid Priest who can’t let go of his past love who could be Maxine’s twin is enough of a reminder for her to stay away from both. But Maxine’s heart doesn’t know if she can.
Claudy Conn is an author to watch and I have now added her to my buy list. If you love books with sexy men, romance, action, and characters you can relate to and love than this book is for you. 5/5 stars
WOW!!! This book grabbed me from page one. Claudy��s writing is so good. She has written a world with Fae, Druids, Humans, Dark Fae, and an evil vampire like creature who are either going to protect or rule over the humans.
Maxine is a Druid priestess with a legacy going back to 1814. But dealing with the visions she has had since a child and now trying to deal with the evil like vampire creature trying to kill her she must rely on the Fae Prince Breslyn (who exudes sex) and the brooding, sexy Druid Priest Julian Talbot with his own tortured past tied with Maxine’s legacy.
The chemistry between Maxine and the two leading men is HOT. But with an immortal Fae Prince who can pop in and out and a sexy Druid Priest who can’t let go of his past love who could be Maxine’s twin is enough of a reminder for her to stay away from both. But Maxine’s heart doesn’t know if she can.
Claudy Conn is an author to watch and I have now added her to my buy list. If you love books with sexy men, romance, action, and characters you can relate to and love than this book is for you. 5/5 stars
I couldn't believe my luck when I found this one a "free book" search. Definite score!! I liked this one so much that I didn't take the time to rate it when I was finished. Nope, had to rush out and get the second in the series. The Legend series will take you away on page one. Ms. Conn pulls you right in and you don't want to leave this world. The characters are so vibrant that as a reader I could not helped but be pulled in by the story-I went willingly. Don't miss this while it's free and if you do-buy it anyway. Well worth the time and money.
Merged review:
Wow!! I did not expect this book to be so good as it was a free one. I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to read the next book in the series. I cannot recommend this book more, if you own a nook-download it today.
This book is true to it's title, because that's what I was reading this book, "Spellbound". Once I started I found it truly impossible to put it down. I would tell myself I would read one chapter, and then an hour of two later, realized I still couldn't put it down.
I found myself so inter-twined in the worlds created (both Fae & Human) that I didn't want to leave. The characters and story were both very well written. This story has everything: suspense, intrigue, passion, love, romance, deceit, action, heartbreak and is now considered to be one of my favorite series.
As soon as I finished this book, I was downloading the next book in the series so I could pick up where I left off. I absolutely fell in love with these characters and can't wait to see how their story unfolds.
Thanks Claudy Conn for another amazing story, you are a true talent.
My thoughts: Soooo once again Claudy Conn writes another amazing story full of twists and turns leaving you wondering how it's going to happen, when it's going to happen. There of course is a love triangle who to choose who to be with. Who's better. I'm happy to say she chose the one I thought she would. Feels smart! The Review: So the book starts out slowly then... BAM! You're thrown into the plot and the story sucks you right in. At point all the characters have their wow moments. One has a ever changing moods, nice and charming one second then GRRR rowr the next. The second one thinks he is high and mighty and has the stuck up air around him. Then the third just needed to choose one instead of leading them around.
What an exciting time I have spent experiencing stories within stories all to combine into a Love that any romantic would be swooning to have happen to them .
What can I say I am that romantic. Please join with me to meet and fall in love with characters that will make you giggle , cry , cheer with enthusiasum , and have your eyes bulging out at the impossibilities of such wonders .
My heart is still pounding and I am sure that is going to be a common occurance each time I revisit my memories of this wonderful Book.
I'm finished with Spellbound - Legend: Excellent paranormal romance. After a 10 year absence, Claudette Williams, author of 40 bestselling Regency romance novels has returned with her own unique vision of the Fae and their interactions with humans. Part one of a trilogy and well worth the time for anyone who likes the paranormal genre or romance. Note: Several very, but not overtly, descriptive bedroom scenes.
Druids? Check, Scotland? Check, Fae? Check. Romance? Check... You just got to love it! And I freaking LOVED IT! But then again I'm a total sucker for everything Scottish and some hunks in the mix. GOOD READ! I'm so total in love with this book, and can't wait to read more in the series!! So yeah, I recommend it to eeveryone who loves anything above !!!
I was given an e-copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Claudy for bringing this amazing world to life. You truly are an inspiration to me.
OMG!!! I Love this Claudy's writing style, as I was reading this story I was blown away by one of the characters within; John Talbot. After coming out of a 200 year coma to a world so different than the one he remembers. He had to be trained and taught about the world as it is now. All he can feel is numb as the memories of the past haunt him... numbness turn to guilt and pain; turns to anger; turns to revenge. Powerful emotions, especially when it comes to the loss of a loved one and the realization that they are forever gone. WOW!
This story grabbed me at page one, and was so hard to put down as real life brought me back to the land of the present. .multilayered and brilliant. OMG BreslynA I want one. LOL
The characters are so vivid and their backgrounds are poetic in their descriptions, at times, I had to stop and dry the tears that were falling as I experienced them.
Maxie a young girl just coming into her own as she discovers who she really is and what it is she is called to do, can she deal with all these changes and having two HAWT DAYUM SEXY HUNKS in her life.... Oh My .. What is a girl to do? I'll never tell.
Then there is the character that I LOVE TO HATE, she is pure evil and has intentions to reek havoc on all that get in her way by whatever means she deems appropriate.
This is an 18+ Read and absolutely enthralling.... It is always FREE on Smashwords, B&N, and Amazon, so treat yourself to a very steamy, passionate and intriguing read....
I’m a huge fan of Claudy Conn’s writing and each book is different and unique. I loved the world she created with the Fae and Druid practice. Once I started Spellbound I could not put it down. As soon as I finished I wanted the next one. I found myself drawn to the story as well as the characters. This book has it all suspense, love, romance, deceit, action, intrigue, passion and heartbreak everything you want in a great story and strong characters to boot. I can’t wait to read what is in store for them next.
Maxine Reigate’s father as always told her she has special powers but she never thought anything of it and never believed him. When she sees her parents off to Africa, on her way back she has a vision of their plane crashing and her father saying goodbye to her. Two months later she gets a visit from a very sexy Breslyn, Royal Fae Prince of Dagda who would defiantly have all the women swooning over him (I know I was).
Then we have Druid priest Julian Talbot wakes up from a two hundred year coma just to remember he was not able to save his new bride, Maxine, from the evil Lamia DuLaine. Julian is one well-built stubborn sexy god of a man who is tortured because his could not save his wife and all he can this about is revenge. Can Maxine and and Julian defeat Lamia and Keep the walls up between the Fae and earth? Whoever said saving the world and having to choose between a fae prince and a Druid priest was easy?
Very well written as are all of Claudy’s books. That is always a constant as well as a unique and superb story that she brings every time.
This magical tale starts off with a back story of the Fae so you do not feel lost at all.
Beautiful castles as a backdrop. Vivid details. After being introduced to Prince Breslin in a few other of Claudy’s books I had wanted to read more about him and we get more of him in this book YAY!
Julian Talbot is a powerful Druid Priest who suffered a great loss.
Maxie is a Druid Priestess. She gets premonitions/visions. After the sudden loss of her parents Maxie sets out to find out about herself.
Can Julian and Maxie work together with Prince Breslin to stop the evil that is coming? Can they get over their loss and find happiness?
You will have to read on to find out more :)
This story is a perfect start to the Legend Series and the ending was great! Amazing set up for the next book.
At first I wasn't sure about this book. I don't tend to be a fan of Fae. But I am open minded and if a book can draw me in then I am all for it and this book did. At first I was alittle slow reading it but after the first few pages I was hooked and would think about it while I was doing something else.
I enjoyed this Fae tale, lots of world building in this first in series book but I didn't feel overwhelmed with the info. I liked Julian, however I am really intrigued by Prince Breslyn and I'm looking forward to reading further books to find out what happens next.
Fair warning, for a start, this book is part of a series although it can be read as a standalone. It is also "sort of" the first book as there are actually 3 short stories that lay some groundwork for you if you want them before this! They are:
1) Aaibhe-Shee Queen (Legend 0) 2) Prince in the Mist (Legend .5) 3) Prince, Prelude-Legend (Legend .75)
Then comes Spellbound. In this book you meet Maxie Reigate, a descendant of Druids who have close links with the Tuatha De Danaan. She bears the same name and resemblance as one of her ancestors who was killed by a magical vampire who has just been released from a Seelie form of prison and who will undoubtedly come looking for Maxie and try to kill her. Add to the mix a Scottish Lord Druid and a Seelie Fae Prince, both of whom are interested in Maxie.
I was a bit dubious about reading this book at first, simply because I have read a few books on the Fae and the Seelie and UnSeelie Courts and, to be honest, have found them a bit lacking. I have to say though that I am glad that I have read this and hope to get the rest of the series as this book leaves you wanting more. I have loved reading about Maxie, Julian and Breslyn and now want to continue with the story, both the general one and the personal stories that are in there as well.
My view? Give this book (and series) a chance. You might just be pleasantly surprised as I was.
I bought this book for free on amazon. Spellbound by Claudy Conn 18+ Adult Read This is the first book I have read by this author. I loved the story and just fell in love with the characters especially Maxie and Julian. I love Breslyn also!! The writing style reminds me of Melissa Marr's book but with an adult twist to it. The reader is engaged in the story as soon as Maxie enters the scene, lol. I feel like I can relate to this modern day heroine since she is strong headed and independent. I really can't wait to read more of this series and the awesome characters in it.
Maxine Reigate's world gets turned upside down when she loses her parents in a airplane crash. Things start getting weird when she gets a surprise visit from Breslyn Prince of the Fae of Dagda. She is thrust into a world that she thought as fiction, but through her ancestors journals and the help of some new friends, she finds that she can overcome all obstacles. I give this book a four star review!!
Claudy Conn does it again with the first in the Legends series. This book is a page turner filled with twists and turns and lots of action.... in and out of the sheets.
The main characters are very well developed and completely loveable. Maxie is awesome and a very strong lead character. The far Prince..ohhhh my. Well he is everything you would expect in a sexy, hot alpha male. Let's not forget about Lord Julian back from his long trip (200) years on the Isle of Tyr.
Maxie girl will have to choose which of these hunks will be in her happily ever after!
Claudy is a wonderful Author. She writes books that keep you turning pages. Maxine is the herion of this book and she tries to find the evil woman that killed her namesake. With the help of Julian and Breslyn she keeps the action high. I do recommend the books in this series.
Did liked this one also, it may 1st in the series but .50 & .75 books tell the beginning of it all...it's really third in the series. 1st read nov. 25-27 2012
Very Good read, I am currently trying to read all the books in this edition. So far I am very happy with the stories and there ability to keep me reading throughout the end of the book.