Customer Reviews

The Border Bride (Highland Fling)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The time-honored reiving tradition of the Scottish and English border clans takes a deadly turn when one heir is murdered and another is captured in Elizabeth English's debut historical romance, THE BORDER BRIDE. As echoes of revenge are heard from some in the Scottish Kirallen Clan, across the border in England a scheming plot to foil the tenuous peace is hatched by the Darnleys. The price of peace is to be paid by a young couple who have lived as outsiders from their respective family's fold for a long time. Through this marriage our couple must pay the price of each of their father's sins; sins sure to drive Jemmy from his family and Alyson to another she knew nothing about. For this very special couple, by agreeing to this bargain each enters a fragile game of trust and acceptance, which neither has been able to obtain in their short lives.

As the premier book in Jove's new historical line, "A Highland Fling Romance", Ms English has created a plot of remarkable depth, rich with character angst and some interesting twists to a common theme, something often missing in these themed series from Jove.

What makes THE BORDER BRIDE an exceptional read is the depth of her characters; both primary and secondary. Jemmy and Alyson are characters readers will care about as she weaves them through a series of conflicts both internal and external with a surprising depth not often seen in these tales from Jove. Her deft ability to create characters with passion makes this an enjoyable read on a number of levels. Added to this, Ms English effectively offers a well crafted paranormal element, albeit minor, adding further to the reader's enjoyment of the journey through this tale of mistrust and revenge. Ms English's ability to make the reader feel the same frustration and anger Jemmy and Alyson feel and their own feelings towards each other is not often done so well in a debut book.

For those readers who been complaining about the quality of historical reads of late, Elizabeth English is a rising star to be read and talked about. If THE BORDER BRIDE is an any indication of the quality of stories chosen for this new Jove series, readers are going to be devouring them like a bag full of M&M's after weigh-in night at a Weight Watchers.

The Darnleys and the Kirallens have been feuding as long as anyone alive can remember, but the feelings between Laird Darnley and Kirallen's eldest son Ian escalated into a loathing so fierce that Ian is killed. This so devastated Laird Kirallen that all he wants now is for the killings to stop. Thus, when Laird Darnley is captured, Kirallen demands a marriage take place between Jemmy, his youngest son and Darnley's daughter. Darnley agrees to the marriage, but still filled with hatred, he plots a devious plan. He has his brother Robert train his bastard daughter Alyson in the ways of a noble in order to masquerade as Maude.

Alyson was never acknowledged by her father and worked as a lowly servant, and she doesn't want to be a part of his plan, but when Darnley holds a knife to her younger brother Robin's throat she reluctantly agrees. Her half-sister Maude is a haughty, spoiled girl who treats everyone with contempt and is disliked by the servants, while Alyson is a small, delicate, sweet natured young woman. Knowing about her father's deceitful plan, she walks into the church to utter marriage vows with much trepidation. It's only thinking of Robin's safety that gives her the courage to face what is to come. The wedding feast is torture enough, but how will she ever get through the night?

Jemmy Kirallen grew up in the shadow of his older brother Ian and their foster brother Alistair, an inseparable duo. Jemmy dreamed of other lands, and sailed away to find his own home. He has his own ship and crew now and loves the rolling seas, but when he learns of Ian's murder, he immediately sails for Scotland. He knew his father would be devastated, but he wasn't expecting the frail, aged man he meets upon his return. Neither is he expecting to be forced into marrying the daughter of the clan's enemy. However, he agrees with his father and will do whatever is necessary to bring peace to the clans. He isn't looking forward to the marriage, but when his lips briefly touch his brides to seal their vows, he's shocked by the sensation the kiss brings.

Elizabeth English weaves a tale with the mastery of an experienced writer, yet this is just her debut title. She introduces conflict between her characters, and a well-worn plotline takes on a fresh look. The romance element between Jemmy and Alyson is brought about slowly. While there is a `misunderstanding' between the couple, it's done in a way that the reader can accept, being more like `circumstance' rather than misunderstanding. Ms. English also introduces an element of the paranormal as a ghost is present. I was left wondering about the ghost's story, and would liked to have known a little more of his resolution before he found his rest.

I truly believe Elizabeth English will be a voice to reckon with in the medieval genre. THE BORDER BRIDE captivated me and I am looking forward to the sequel of Alistair Kirallen's story. I've found a new author to put on my automatic buy list and believe you, too, will fall in love with the magic of her storytelling.

Carol Carter, as written for Romance Reviews Today

The Border Bride is the best romance I've read in years. It has everything--history, adventure, and of course, a wonderful romance between the main characters, Alison and Jemmy, set in 14Century Scotland. Liz English is a bold, exciting new voice in the romance genre. I couldn't put this one down.

Elizabeth English is a wonderful writer and certainly someone to watch. Her characters sparkle, her plotting is wonderful and I love the ghostly element in the book. Romance at its finest.

In 1375 Borderlands, the Scottish Kirallen Clan captures English neighbor Lord Haddon Darnley when he tries to pilfer some of their cattle. Haddon's father negotiates for the release of his son. However, the English border lord laughs at the last Scottish requirement that Lord Kirallen's son Jemmy marry the daughter of Lord Darnley so after several generations of feuding peace will finally arrive.

Though agreeing to all the Scottish terms, Lord Darnley refuses to send his legitimate daughter Maude so he dispatches his other female child, Alyson, born on the wrong side of the sheets. He uses her brother as a prisoner-pawn to insure that Alyson adheres to his demands of masquerading as Maude and spying on his enemies. As Alyson and Jemmy fall in love, she worries about the future once her beloved learns the truth of her deception.

Though a typical borders romance, THE BORDER BRIDE will delight historical romance readers. The story line furnishes the audience with a feel for the intrigue of the fourteenth century through a strong cast especially the heroine. Energetic Elizabeth English demonstrates to her her audience that if her debut is any indication, she has quite a long career ahead of her.

Harriet Klausner

A very entertaining and engaging read that is sure to please romance fans. Lots of intrique, action, a hero to die for, what more do I need to say? I was very impressed with the historical accuracy and the research that grounds the writing. This author is permanently on my watch list. Can't believe I'll have to wait until early next year for the second book.

For generations along the border of England and Scotland, the Darnleys and the Kirallens have fought a bloody feud that has brought nothing but death and destruction to both families. But finally, there is hope for peace. Laird Kirallen has proposed that his only surviving son, Jemmy, marry Darnley's daughter, Maude. Darnley has no choice but to accept, or watch his own son die. But he won't send his beloved Maude to live with the savage, bloodthirsty Kirallens. Instead, he blackmails Alyson, his illegitimate daughter, into taking Maude's place, by holding Alyson's little brother hostage. Neither Jemmy nor Alyson enters into this marriage willingly. Jemmy wishes to return to the sea he loves. Alyson is forced to betray her values and live a lie to save her brother. Against her better judgment, Alyson falls in love with Jemmy, but must hide her feelings to keep up the pretense of being spoiled, haughty Maude. I highly recommend this wonderful Medieval Scottish romance, set in 1375. I can't wait to read the author's other book, which is a sequel to this one.

I don't even know where to begin other than to say do not pass this magic by. This one will stir your soul.

This breath-taking story has everything we want from a romance and more. The drama and conflict are heart-wrenching and yet never created by the overdone bitterness & cruelty we often see between our H\H...and when the conflict IS between them it is utterly believable & understandable (as is the love), not some overexaggerated miscommunication. Even the ending has just the right kiss of realism to make us scream for more, and the secondary characters in this story are distinct and 'real', not just room decoration. The touch of the 'otherworld', in my opinion, just puts Ms. English at the head of the class for this effort.

Ahhh, please bring us Malcolm's story and a chance to revisit Jemmy and alyson. This story is not finished yet...

They had been feuding for years - the Darnley's and the Kirallens. So, when the Kirallen clan captured the heir of the Darnley family the ransom terms would be steep - especially since it was Lord Darnley who had murdered the Kirallen heir, Ian some months back.

Hoping to end the feud, heartsick over the loss of all the innocent lives, the laird of the Kirallen clan negotiated sheep, money, and the hand of Lord Darnley's daughter in marriage to the second Kirallen son, Jemmy.

Lord Darnley agreed to this but deviously would substitute a [different] 'daughter' rather than his beloved daughter Lady Maude. Holding hostage the 8 year old brother of Alyson McClarn, Lord Darnley forced Alyson to pose as Lady Maude for the wedding ceremony, spy on the clan Kirallen until he could effect a massive strike against the Kirallen's.

This was an outstanding story with great writing by this new author. I was so impressed I have ordered the sequel 'Laird of the Mist'. She has fleshed out the characters so very well you really feel kinship with them. I loved the addition of a little paranormal ghost as well. This is a SOLID five star read! This will go on my keeper shelf.

The time-honored reiving tradition of the Scottish and English border clans takes a deadly turn when one heir is murdered and another is captured in Elizabeth English's debut historical romance, THE BORDER BRIDE. As echoes of revenge are heard from some in the Scottish Kirallen Clan, across the border in England a scheming plot to foil the tenuous peace is hatched by the Darnleys. The price of peace is to be paid by a young couple who have lived as outsiders from their respective family's fold for a long time. Through this marriage our couple must pay the price of each of their father's sins; sins sure to drive Jemmy from his family and Alyson to another she knew nothing about. For this very special couple, by agreeing to this bargain each enters a fragile game of trust and acceptance, which neither has been able to obtain in their short lives.

As the premier book in Jove's new historical line, "A Highland Fling Romance", Ms English has created a plot of remarkable depth, rich with character angst and some interesting twists to a common theme, something often missing in these themed series from Jove.

What makes THE BORDER BRIDE an exceptional read is the depth of her characters; both primary and secondary. Jemmy and Alyson are characters readers will care about as she weaves them through a series of conflicts both internal and external with a surprising depth not often seen in these tales from Jove. Her deft ability to create characters with passion makes this an enjoyable read on a number of levels. Added to this, Ms English effectively offers a well crafted paranormal element, albeit minor, adding further to the reader's enjoyment of the journey through this tale of mistrust and revenge. Ms English's ability to make the reader feel the same frustration and anger Jemmy and Alyson feel and their own feelings towards each other is not often done so well in a debut book.

For those readers who been complaining about the quality of historical reads of late, Elizabeth English is a rising star to be read and talked about. If THE BORDER BRIDE is an any indication of the quality of stories chosen for this new Jove series, readers are going to be devouring them like a bag full of M&M's after weigh-in night at a Weight Watchers.