The Devil of Dunakin Castle

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 11/18/17 ... This is my first book by Ms. McCollum and it definitely won’t be my last. I absolutely loved this book and the world within. Ms. McCollum took a somewhat familiar plot and then jumbled it all up to give it her own unique spin. I really enjoyed Grace and her uncommon departure from England; choosing instead to remain in Scotland with her sister and take up the craft of healing others. She’s a walking contradiction displaying fear in several instances, but strength in others. I don’t think even at the end, she realized just how strong she truly was. Keir is one of the most endearing characters I have come across in a while. He is the personification of strength – protector of all people and things Dunakin – enforcer of punishments handed down from their leader – a man who understand right and wrong versus necessity and survival – at war with his inner self, knowing his recent punishments have been unjust. He’s pretty much everything an alpha male should be. But his life isn’t his own; ruled by obligation and the decisions handed down from his older brother, Rabbie. Grace walking in to his life was exactly what he needed, having been questioning his role for some time, she helped him see things in a new light. Hard versus soft, They are seemingly opposite in every way, but for them, it works perfectly. This book does a fabulous job of combining two people from different worlds with a bit of mystery and a crazy amount of sexual tension. Grace knows what she wants despite her lack of experience. She’s got a foul mouth on her and every deliciously dirty thing that spills from her lips only makes Keir want her more. She is truly one of a kind with her wanton desires and she isn’t afraid to act on them. Neither is Keir opposed to showing her more about them. Probably my only complaint was the lack of knowledge surrounding Grace’s decision to leave England. There is a bit mentioned about abuse from her brother, but it is never really discussed at length about what happened, or why she didn’t return following his death. Her fear of water is a direct result from him, but she never even discusses that with Keir besides a casual mention about staying away from it. I did quite enjoy watching each character grow and morph into the person they wanted to be. And Keir’s cousin, Brodie is also a brilliant addition to the cast of characters. I’d very much like to see him with his own story; especially given his new responsibilities. Overall, this is a wonderful historical romance with charming characters and an engaging plot that I am thrilled to have been able to read. If all of Ms. Mcollum’s stories are this delightful, then I just might have a new go-to author on my hands. Lovers of HR with a Highland twist are sure to be pleased by this tale of a brooding hero in desperate need of rescuing by his one true match. Kindle version provided by Entangled/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book I have read by this author, but will definitely not be the last. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book. Englishwoman, Grace Ellington, has made a home for herself in Scotland. She has honed her skills and become proficient in defending herself but yearns for adventure. Everyone seems to be trying to get her married off, so to get away, she sets out to help a friend who is about to go into childbirth. On her way, she gets caught in a blizzard and ends up saving a a warrior, Keir MacKinnon. Keir , called the Devil of Dunakin, is known as one of the strongest warriors of his clan (or always has been until he meets Grace!) Grace is in trouble and becomes lost and in need of rescue but in trying to help her, Keir is knocked unconscious and Grace ends up saving him! They get to a deserted cabin nearby and Grace takes care of the warrior until he wakens. Needless to say, they become attracted to each other in such close quarters, how could they not? Keir ends up taking Grace to his home so that she can heal his deathly ill nephew. Along the way, they get to know each other and Grace becomes upset at how it seems his clan treats Keir Arriving at the castle, Grace is shocked to find out what is making the nephew ill. Secrets, mystery and intrigue are all woven together and a killer is on the loose. Can Grace and Keir find out what is happening before it is too late? The author is a master at making the characters come alive and keeping you turning the pages as fast as you can. The descriptions and emotions are deep and have you guessing until the end. This is a wonderful story that should not be missed

This book had great character development and way more sexual tension than her previous books in the series. It was super steamy and believable!