This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Regan Walker will be awarding one new cashmere red tartan scarf made in Scotland (US ONLY. For a non-US winner, the prize will be a $10 Amazon GC) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The Norman Conqueror robbed Steinar of Talisand of his noble father and his lands, forcing him to flee to Scotland while still recovering from a devastating wound. At the royal court, Steinar becomes scribe to the unlettered King of Scots while secretly regaining his skill with a sword.
The first time Steinar glimpses the flame-haired maiden, Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, he is drawn to her spirited beauty. She does not fit among the ladies who serve the devout queen. Not pious, not obedient and not given to stitchery, the firebrand flies a falcon! Though Catrìona captures Steinar’s attention, he is only a scribe and she is promised to another.
Catrìona has come to Malcolm’s court wounded in spirit from the vicious attack on her home by Northmen who slayed her parents and her people. But that is not all she will suffer. The man she thought to wed will soon betray her.
When all is lost, what hope is there for love? Can a broken heart be mended? Can a damaged soul be healed?
A few years ago I had the chance to read one of Regan Walker's regency romances and enjoyed it thoroughly! You can read that review here. When I heard she was touring book three of a Scottish medieval series, Rebel Warrior from the Medieval Warriors series, I was excited to get the chance to review it as well!
Even though this was the third book in the series, I had no trouble reading it as each book is standalone-- they may have characters in common (for example, the hero in this book, Steinar, is the brother of the heroine from the first book in the series, The Red Wolf). The books also have other characters in common (I loved Rhodri and the revelation of who he is... I do hope that Ms. Walker has his backstory simmering on her back burner). I'm finishiing book 1 now and will post another review for that and book 2 soon.
Ms. Walker's prose just pulled me into the time period ...and the fact that she supplies more information about the area and the time period is an added bonus. The characters are vibrant and believable, with a well-balanced amount of conflict--not so much between the characters themselves, but on external pressures.
Great job! With this book, Ms. Walker has won a place on my auto-buy list! 5 stars.
An animal’s low growl brought the forest to a sudden silence. She froze, her heart racing, then slowly raised her head to the source of the sound. Above her, a giant cat, gray with black stripes, bared its teeth and hissed sharply while sinking its claws into the thick branch on which it was perched. Its pale green eyes narrowed on her as it spit furiously, poised as if to attack.
Catrìona screamed and reared back just as the wild cat stamped forward, hissing and spitting. She reached for her knife sheathed at her hip.
Strong arms surrounded her, pulling her away from the cat. “I will protect you, my lady.” Even without turning, she recognized the voice of the king’s captain. Turning her in his arms, he held her to his hard chest. “Do not fear the beast. My sword is yours to command.”
She gazed into his brown eyes, seeing concern. “I am grateful, sir.” Behind her, the huge cat hissed and growled. She pressed closer to the king’s captain. His tunic smelled of an unfamiliar man’s sweat but she was too afraid to care. Never had she seen an enormous feline like this one baring its knife-like teeth and claws in such a menacing manner.
Colbán bent his head to bring his lips down on hers, kissing her most forcefully. Jerking her head back, she protested, “Nay, sir. Do not. I may fear the teeth of the wild animal but you are not without teeth yourself.”
She looked behind her and, seeing the animal had gone, pushed away from the tall captain. In truth, she feared him as much as the beast.
From the woods came a familiar chuckle. “’Twas only a wee cat, more afraid of you than you were of it.”
“Steinar?” Her eyes searched the thick growth of trees for a head of golden hair. She spotted him standing against a tree, his arms crossed over his chest. “’Twas no wee cat!” she insisted. “The beast was wild and fierce. It scared me.”
Steinar left the tree to indolently stroll toward her. A glance at Colbán told her the captain was not pleased.
“Tell her, Colbán,” said Steinar.
“Tell me what?” she asked, her gaze darting from one man to the other.
“Well,” Colbán said, shooting Steinar a harsh glare, “mayhap ’twas not so fierce a beast as you thought, but ’twas still wild.”
“You mean not as fierce as you wanted me to believe?” she said, feeling anger rising within her.
Colbán said nothing, but Steinar laughed. “Anything to steal the lady’s kiss, eh Captain?”
Colbán let out a sigh and bowed. “My pardon, my lady. I was sorely tempted.”
Regan writes historically authentic novels with real history and real historic figures where her readers can experience history, adventure and love. She lives in San Diego with her Golden Retriever who she says helps her to smell the roses every day.
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The cover quote:
“Master storytelling transports you to medieval Scotland!” – Paula Quinn, NY Times Bestselling Author
Other Review Quotes:
“Rebel Warrior is beautifully layered with true historic figures, facts and authentic history of Scotland woven into a creative and intriguing fictional story. A spectacular, riveting adventure … 5 Stars!” –Tartan Book Reviews
“Touching and well written and my favorite by any author. The storytelling and world building are phenomenal and the romance between Steinar and Catrìona will have you cheering as well as shedding a few tears. Very well done!” – The Reading Cafe
“Ms. Walker has written another WOW, Medieval Romance. Fast paced, action packed story of betrayal, passion, destiny, fate, healing, romance and finding peace and a HEA. Walker is a talented storyteller, who pulls readers into the story and holds them transfixed. A page turning Medieval Romance!” – My Book Addiction
“Spellbinding and Expertly Crafted"… “The path to true love is never easy, yet Regan Walker leads the reader to an entertaining, realistic and worthy HEA. Walker’s characters are complex and well-rounded and in her hands real historical figures merge seamlessly with those from her imagination.” – A Reader’s Review
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like Rebel Warrior, Judith. It means much to have your praise for my work. I look forward to seeing your reviews of books 1 & 2. Do let me know when they are posted!
ReplyDeleteI liked the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy Rebel Warrior, too, Rita!
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