Synopsis
Joshua Sinclair, second brother of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland, has been raised by his father to love war above all else. Frustrated with the way his older brother, the new chief, is bringing peace to the land, he strikes out on his own as a mercenary on Orkney Island and spends months helping a powerful Norse chief beat back threats to his rule.
Kristin Muir, the daughter of a fallen Viking chief, is determined to help her exiled people survive and grow in number on the northern isle. As a young widow in her broken clan, she must find a man to help her start the next generation of warriors by getting her with child. When she watches the massive Sinclair warrior defeat four thieves bent on taking his life, she chooses him.
Joshua doesn't question his good fortune when the beautiful warrior woman brings him back to a cottage sitting on the windswept land. Stormbound for days, they come together in explosive passion. But he's furious when she disappears as soon as the storm dies out. When he arrives back at the Norse Chief's castle to find Kristin a prisoner, being forced to wed the man who killed her father and stole their clan castle, his strategies put Kristin's people and her very life at risk. Joshua begins to question the need for war and the basis of his entire life.
Review
So this is an intense read, but I enjoyed it. The story flows beautifully, full of action, romance, and drama; there isn't a single boring moment. I also loved the characters and ending was really well done. Totally expected, but in a completely unexpected way. I think that the last few chapters are the highlight of this book. I recommend this to every historical fiction fan out there, and if you love the books about fierce and loyal highlanders, then this is definitely for you.
Joshua Sinclair is a famous warrior. Everyone is afraid of him. There is a reason they call him Horseman of War. He kills without remorse so for the people of the small isle fighting for their freedom he seems like an ideal leader. Unfortunately, he refuses to fight. All he talks about is peace. In this situation, Kara decides to concoct a plan. She must keep him on the northern isle and somehow convince him to not only train her people but also lead them in a fight against their oppressor.
Joshua likes Kara, and he wants her and her people to survive. But he also can't break his oath and fight a war they are sure to lose. In the end, he must convince these people to find new homes, far from here, and live peacefully. However, fate has other things in mind and what is in store for him and for Kara is yet to be determined.
A very well-written and intense read. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed every moment of it. I hope others do too.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my opinion and has nothing to do with the author or the publisher.