MOONLIGHT WARRIOR by Janet Chapman

Moonlight Warrior by Janet Chapman (Published by Pocket Star Books, April 28, 2009)
Kenzie Gregor is a Highland warrior from the 11th century who, until recently, was a panther. Why was he a panther? Because a witch cursed him, made him immortal and turned him into a panther. He arrives in current day Maine accompanied by an 1,800 year old Druidh who has lost his powers, to establish a sanctuary for animals. Not just any animals, but other souls cursed by witches and/or wizards in ancient times and who need assistance breaking their curses to return them to their previously mortal, human forms. Kenzie's mission now is a "soul warrior." His latest rescue is a 9th Century Irish nobleman, William Kilkenney, who has been turned into a dragon by a powerful witch.

Eve Anderson is recently divorced and has returned home to Maine to care for her ailing mother, Mabel, while trying to keep the both of them financially afloat. Physically, Eve resembles a pixie. On the inside, however, she is tough as nails, bitter towards men after being abandoned by her husband, and in denial about her mother's dementia-like illness. Eve's mother's farm is literally sold out from under her without her knowledge and the person who purchases it is Kenzie. After meeting Eve and her mother, Kenzie feels guilty about purchasing their home without their knowledge and offers Eve a job as his housekeeper to allow them to remain on the farm.

Kenzie is very attracted to Eve, but he knows that his job as a "soul warrior" could potentially bring tremendous danger to her and her mother. Eve thinks he is the most gorgeous male specimen she has ever seen. However, she is so wrapped up in her fear for her mother, in her bitterness towards her two-timing ex-husband and in trying to figure out how to support she and her mom, that she does everything in her power to avoid and/or ignore the gorgeous hunk of man living in the same house. A witch, a stubborn dragon and the fates conspire against them.

MOONLIGHT WARRIOR is a continuation of Janet Chapman's "Highlander" series with many favorite characters from that series making an appearance. Daar, the once powerful, but crotchedy Druidh, Grace and Greylen McKeage from CHARMING THE HIGHLANDER, Robbie McBain, who is a Guardian, from TEMPTING THE HIGHLANDER, and Winter and Matt Gregor from ONLY WITH A HIGHLANDER. The entire series is a wonderful adventure of displaced Scottish clan members from the 11th Century. Each story has twists and turns, sensual and emotional love, humor, well-developed characters and rich and complex plots. Kenzie's character, in his panther form Gesader, appeared in Winter and Matt's story, ONLY WITH A HIGHLANDER.

It was wonderful to see Kenzie have his own book. His character is strong, yet sensitive and gentle, caring and wise. He is a bit old fashioned in his ways (geez, I wonder why), but his attempts to be more modern were endearing. Eve is frightened, vulnerable and wounded. But, she has strength of character and a will of iron which keeps her moving forward. They compliment each other very well. In addition, anyone who has suffered with a family member's dementia will find it handled here in a positive, inspiring manner. William, the dragon, and Maddy, Eve's friend, were wonderful supporting characters that only added to his tale of romance and magic.

Janet Chapman has written a delightful fantasy with this series and her latest book MOONLIGHT WARRIOR continues the series brilliantly and beautifully. I highly recommend the entire series. I really enjoyed it! ;)

MY SEDUCTION by Connie Brockway

My Seduction by Connie Brockway (Published by Pocket Books, 2004)
Three young men are driven by an oath they have taken unto themselves to pledge their service to the three surviving daughters of the man who gave his life to save theirs. As children, each of these young men had been saved from Scotland’s post Culloden destitution by monks to be honed and raised as warrior assassins. Bound together by their childhood horrors, raised as brothers, these three young men secretly assign themselves to one sister, telling the family that if ever they need assistance, the sisters should simply send a yellow rose to the Abbey at St. Bride’s in Scotland’s Highlands and they will be there as quickly as they can. Leaving behind a rare yellow rose bush with the family, they quietly leave and scatter to the four corners of the world.

MY SEDUCTION is the story of one of those warriors, Christian McNeill, and Lord Nash’s widowed daughter, Kate Nash Blackburn. Christian, or “Kit” as he is known, the son of a Scottish whore, a seasoned soldier who is hard, gruff and cynical and has never known softness or gentleness in his life. He is scarred in both body and soul. However, like all proud Highlanders, he is loyal and once his word is given, he will die rather than go back on it. He is also committed to discovering who betrayed him and his friends while on a secret mission in France. Kate Nash Blackburn was once one of the cosseted daughters of an English nobleman who loved dancing at balls, gossip and the latest fashions. She was married a year, when her dashing husband, a Lieutenant in his Majesty’s army, died on route to India. Six months later, the family received word that her father, who had been secretly meeting with France’s Louis XVI’s deposed government, traded his life for three Scottish spys. On the heels of this devastating news, comes word from her father’s solicitor that the annuity they had been living on had also died with their father. The once flighty Kate takes it upon herself to raise money by selling their belongings, settling unpaid bills and doing everything in her power to keep her sisters together and out of the poor house. Kate becomes the rock holding everyone and everything together.

Several years later, worn out, afraid and desperate, Kate accepts an invitation to a relative’s home in Scotland hoping to appeal to their good nature for monetary assistance. It is on the harrowing journey to Scotland, having been abandoned by her maid in a disreputable tavern and on the verge of being assaulted by ruffians that Kit McNeill steps out of the shadows and come to her assistance. He explains to a much surprised Kate that he has received her rose and will do all in his power to get her safely to her destination. And, thus begins a journey that will change both their lives.

MY SEDUCTION is the first of Connie Brockway’s Rose Hunters Trilogy. This is a wonderful book! I was totally engaged right from the first page. There are several interesting mysteries that are woven into Kate and Kit’s story. Betrayal of the foulest kind, murder, smugglers, danger and a dark secret are contained in this intricate plot. Connie Brockway’s descriptions of the Highland Moors are vivid and detailed. The romance is intense and lovely. I absolutely adored Kit’s character (what a hero!) and Kate was his perfect match.

Be warned. The great mystery is not solved in the end of this book. For it continues in MY PLEASURE, the second in Connie Brockway’s Rose Hunters trilogy. Needless to say, I highly recommend MY SEDUCTION and look forward to the continuing saga in MY PLEASURE! I have it and will be reading and reviewing it soon. ;)