Highland Sunrise: Christine Young

In Highland Sunrise: Life has thrown Christel McClellan some experiences that could have devastated a less determined woman. Beautiful, self-assured and fiercely independent, she is trying to forget the loss of her stillborn child.

Highland Sunrise Genre: Historical Romance with a hint of the paranormal

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REVIEW: Highland Sunrise

Highland Sunrise by Christine Young
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (174 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rated: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Dandelion

I loved the rapport between the two main characters. Although at times they both struggled to find the right words to explain their feelings for each other, somehow they managed. They both loved the other and so over time it became easier. Both were also very independent and that caused a little friction between them. However, Ryder would typically just shake his head and go with the flow. There were a huge number of sex scenes, and I think this story would have stood alone quite well without so many (there were times they did nothing to forward the plot, but seemed added just to have a sex scene), but they didn’t detract from the plot either.

There were so many other fascinating and fun characters in the story: her sister, her cousins, their husbands, her aunt, the Duchess. Reading about all the things they attempted and succeeded in doing was really fun. They were not the typical regency “tonnish” people of the days. This made this story much more fun.

And of course, although there was a lot of fighting, terror, murder and mayhem, the story has a very satisfying ending.

EXCERPT: Highland Sunrise

But Christel pushed away from him and pointing, “There, do you see her. She is sitting on the wall.”

Ryder strained to see the apparition Christel pointed toward but he saw nothing. “No, but I think I hear her.”

“Yes, she is crying, not weeping as usual. Do you know anything about her story?” Christel turned to him, hope shining in her soft blue eyes.

“I’ve heard her lover died. But that was a long time ago.”

“How?”

Ryder pulled her back into his embrace, not ever wanting her to leave. He would hold fast to her for as long as she would allow him. “At war… I don’t recall which one. The clans seem to have always been at war with someone, especially the English.”

He felt the nod of her head against his chest. “Does anyone know the legend? I would seek them out.”

Her breathing was slow and she seemed relaxed. But Ryder feared for her. If she started asking questions, would this ghost come to harm her? He didn’t know anything about apparitions. But he also knew he would have to give her a chance to discover the truth. “Only if you let me go with you. I would be honored. There is a woman, older than time. She wanders the castle grounds. Most see her in the late evening and early morning.”

“Old as time, no older?”

A shimmering silver light hung over the castle and floated above the turrets. Ryder pointed toward the light. “Is that her?”

“She’s a bit reclusive.” Christel turned in Ryder’s arms. “Yes, that’s her.”

“One might say that about her.” His hands rested at the small of Christel’s back. He wanted to kiss her but didn’t want to frighten her again. Maybe a lazy gentle kiss would be accepted. The thought made him grin.

He traced her neck with the tip of his finger, hoping she would find his attentions acceptable then bent close to her. “I want to kiss you. Will you let me?” She shivered in his arms but turned her face up to him.

“Yes.” She breathed softly. Her words gentle yet hesitant.

Her reticence bothered him. What had happened in her past? His thoughts shot to Lord Rathen and her hasty departure from London. Every part of him tightened with disgust. He would discover the truth and make the despicable rake pay for any injustice committed against Christel.

Watching her eyes for signs of fear, Ryder lowered his mouth to hers. He touched her gently, molded his lips against her, thrilled to hear the sigh of pleasure emanate from her. He ran one hand up her back, pulling her closer, reveling in the feel of her softness against his hard planes. Her breasts pushed against him. The need to feel every inch of her pulsed through him but he didn’t dare.

He moved back and once again looking into her eyes. She lowered her lashes then returned his gaze.

“Don’t think, little one, just feel and know that I would never hurt you. I want more but I won’t rush you.”

She touched his cheek with one slender fingertip. “Kiss me again.”

Also by Christine Young

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REVIEW: Storm’s Passion

Reviewed by Kinky Vanilla

http://www.kinkyvanillaromance.blogspot.com/

By all accounts, Storm Graham is brazen, strong-willed, and beautiful. She despises her father and loves her horses. So when Storm discovers that her father has signed a contract that forces her (and her horses) into the hands of one of the region’s wealthiest and most despicable bachelors, she does not take it lying down.

After evaluating her options, she determines that her best bet is to convince the region’s wealthiest bachelor to marry her. She believes that Hadden Johnston’s money and power can protect her from the evil clutches of Charles Robertson (and his father). In return, she can offer her interest in the family’s horse and brewery businesses. The problem? Hadden and Storm are merely business acquaintances and neither is really interested in getting married.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Storm has nothing to lose by proposing marriage. Well, maybe a little pride. And Hadden knows all too well the ugliness that lurks in Charles’ mind. How could he not try to intervene on her behalf? Combine that with the sparks of attraction between Hadden and Storm, and you’ll end up with a marriage of convenience that had me wanting my own Hadden.

“This is an outrageous game you’re playing Miss Graham. But I do understand how loathsome marrying Charles would be. I wouldn’t wish it on my best friend and for some reason I’ve a need to protect you.” – Hadden Johnston

Rich, powerful, and cruel, Charles is also not one to take things lying down…

Storm’s Passion is a fast-paced, easy-to-read novel. I read it over a weekend. Luckily for us readers, the marriage turns out to be more than Hadden and Storm bargained for. They have a chemistry that is fun to read and watch grow. Storm isn’t the stereotypical damsel in distress. She is a heroine that you really get behind and pull for as the story plays out.

I think that Storm’s Passion is a great choice for people who enjoy historical romance stories. I must admit, I was a little thrown off by the book cover at first. It didn’t really scream historical romance to me. But don’t let all that hunkiness fool you. The book is set in England in 1818.

I look forward to reading more of Christine Young’s work.

SHE MADE A PROPOSAL…

Life strikes Storm Graham a shattering blow when she learns her father has bartered her to a man she detests. Storm is beautiful, self–assured and fiercely independent, and refuses to be a pawn in her father’s schemes, yet she can find no way out of this bargain made in hell. Going on the offensive she asks the wealthiest man on the eastern coast of England to marry her, never believing she might fall in love.

HE TRIED TO REFUSE…

For Hadden Johnston life has provided everything he ever wanted, including a sanctuary for homeless children. He is wealthy, handsome and happily unencumbered…until stunning Storm Graham marches into his life and proposes a marriage of convenience. Yet this type of marriage to a woman who inflames his senses is far from acceptable. If he’s going to be tied down, he will move heaven and earth to have this woman warming his bed.

Check out The Wager