Book Blurb
Desperate to honor a life-long promise, Susanna MacEalan escapes her abusive clan with the fierce determination of never falling under the power of a man. Ever.
Aggravated by shallow-hearted pursuing lasses, Robert Brodie, commander of his clan’s elite guard, has foresworn scheming women. Forever.
When magick transforms Brodie Castle into a Christmas wonderland, the two despondent souls find solace in a most unexpected place . . . each other’s arms.
Amid a whirlwind of escalating events, Susanna’s traumatic past threatens Robert’s ability to protect the one woman meant for him. In a harrowing moment, as her fears and demons coalesce, will hope, faith, and love be enough to save them?
Toot's Review by Stacy Sabala
In this novella, it is Christmas time at the castle Brodie when we revisit Isobel, Iain, and the Brodie clan. Isobel has sent Robert, the commander of the guards, to cut down the tree she scouted earlier. She is determined to have a Christmas celebration for the clan and wants the best tree she can find. Robert and two of his clansmen have traveled to the edges of Brodie land to fetch the tree that Lady Isobel wants.
Just as they begin cutting the tree, Robert gets that feeling that something comes their way. Susanna MacEalan breaks threw the trees as she flees from her father. Robert is ready for her and grabs her from her horse, threatening her with his knife before he realizes she is a woman. He releases her and tries to calm her and find out what she is running from.
Susanna is scared and refuses to stop for her father to catch her. She has run away from the horrible man and she won’t let these men stop her. Her mother told her all men are bad and to never trust them. Going on her instinct, she holds a knife to Robert’s throat when his men approach her. She has to get away from them. She knows her father is coming for her and she can’t be caught. Her panic is high and Robert sees it. She is a danger and a flight risk as a result. So he ties her hands to keep her there. She is spitting mad and full of fire, which draws Robert like a moth to the flame. His reaction to her is nothing he has ever had. He decides to take her to castle Brodie. She fights him every step of the way, just as he knew she would. Her feistiness amuses him more. She fights her way under his skin. He decides that he is going to keep her. He just needs to convince her of that.
Castle Brodie is having its first Christmas celebration and the chaos is a bit much for Susanna. Her fear of her father clouds her mind and threatens to ruin her chance for happiness. Robert is determined to keep her safe and happy even if he has to leave the Brodie clan. He hopes it doesn’t come to that. However, her father comes for her and Robert must protect her at all costs.
This was a great story. I liked revisiting the characters from the first book. Susanna was a tortured character and the abuse she endured from her father really impacted her belief system. It messed with her mind to the point that she couldn’t trust her own feelings or the happiness she felt. The guilt and fear led her anxiety and thoughts. Robert is going to have to work hard to get her through it. I recommend reading the first book then this one, so you fully understand the storyline and the characters.
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