Review: The Witch and the Gatekeeper (Daughters of the Witches of Time, Book 1) by Leigh Ann Edwards

Ancient Celtic magic, forbidden longing, and destiny bind a healer and a guardian in ways neither can deny…

Eilis O’Brien has always found purpose as her village’s healer, a calling that helps quiet her secret love for Cian Rafferty—the low-born guard she can never hope to marry. But when she’s threatened, her overprotective father, the chieftain, forbids her to work. Retreating to a forgotten wing of their castle, Eilis discovers a hidden chamber and magical mirror, linking her across time to three young witches, descendants from the legendary Witches of Time. Together with the witches, Eilis must awaken her magic to fight the dark forces hunting her.

Cian Rafferty has fought his whole life the cursed burden of gatekeeper. His birthright destroyed his family, but under Chieftain O’Brien’s guidance, he finally has stability and a future—even though it cannot include Eilis, despite their deep love.

But when a demon captures Eilis and drags her into the realm that claimed his mother, Cian embraces the destiny he fought to save her. Together they challenge an ancient evil with only their love to protect them.

 

My Review: 

A magical love story. 

I was drawn to the book right from the start and struggled putting it down.  It is full of passion, romance, magic and family matters.  But most of all, it is filled with love, a secret love between a healer, Eilis O’Brien and guard/gatekeeper Cian Rafferty.  This is an amazing book and the perfect start to a new series.

 

 

 

Review: The Love Feud (Love is in the Air, Book 3) by Janine Amesta

It’s all part of the marketing game—fake hate—unless she falls for her ex again….

Hailey Moreno has many regrets about letting her family down since her father’s death. But breaking up with her secret boyfriend years ago after his father underhandedly tried to buy her family’s hot-air balloon business, isn’t one. The Selene family is her enemy until she’s charged with creating a Central Oregon hot-air balloon festival. Now she needs her ex’s cooperation and perhaps more.

Ryland Selene always had it bad for Hailey. She’s the one who got away. When she reaches out with an opportunity, Ryland knows he should be cautious but he jumps in, determined to win a second chance with Hailey.

When Ryland proposes planning the festival together, Hailey’s reluctant. Then she hits on what sounds like a fun scheme. Create a fake family feud for social media buzz. Too bad Ryland can’t follow a script…and neither can her heart. But all the pretend drama allows them to be vulnerable and connect in a way they didn’t before. Can faux hate turn to real love?

 

My Review:

A fun secret love story. 

A fake hate scheme and a secret relationship make this an unforgettably fun book and the perfect way to end the Love is in the Air series.  I couldn’t wait to see how exes, from rival hot air balloon companies, Hailey Moreno and Ryland Selene, pull off their feud on social media to get publicity for the festival they are working on together.  

But there is more to this story, once they get working together, they renew their relationship.  Now they have to keep it a secret from everyone, including their families.  This book was so much fun to read, I just couldn’t get enough of it. 

 

Review: A Soldier’s Promise (The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch #3) by Jane Porter

 

 

Country singer Savannah Webb enjoyed some success in Nashville before her career plateaued. Today, thanks to some decisions she’d like to do over, she’s single, pregnant, and alone. Yet she’s determined to survive the holidays and safely deliver her baby girl and then place her in a loving, secure home—something she never had.

Former Army Ranger Finn Campbell has signed on for a stint as a contract soldier while investing in a new tech startup that could be his future, but there are never guarantees for a soldier in the Middle East. Before he’s due to fly out on his mission, Finn decides to spend his leave at the Campbell family’s Montana ranch.

Finn is shocked to instead meet Savannah, housesitting for his family so late in her pregnancy. Their bond surprises them, and he promises to be her support until she no longer needs him. But their growing attraction complicates their short-term agreement to share the ranch for Christmas, and opposing commitments are tugging them apart. Can they find a compromise—and more?

 

My Review: 

A must read for romance fans. 

This is a beautifully written story about fate bringing two people together, who probably never would have crossed paths.  

Savannah and Finn were total opposites, but brought out the best in each other.  Savannah was set in her ways and refused to love another military man, but Finn proved he was different and could be counted on to be around forever.  I couldn’t wait to see how this book turned out.  I went through quite a few emotions while reading it too.  This is a book that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good romance and a great storyline and memorable characters that feel real.