ARC Review: Shoulder the Skye (Skye Druids #2)

Shoulder the Skye (Skye Druids #2)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

Passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

Bronwyn Stewart knows heartache. Death and danger have haunted her every step, but she’s prepared for what’s hunting her. Or as prepared as she can be. There’s only one outcome—and she’s ready for it. But a wickedly handsome Druid from her past returns and refuses to let her face the oncoming battle alone. He stirs something long buried within her. For the first time in years, a spark ignites within her that soon turns into a blaze that can’t be extinguished.

Forced to leave his beloved isle years ago to protect his family, Elias MacLean fears he’ll never see his home again. But Fate has other ideas. When a mission leads him back to Skye to investigate a rash of Druid murders, he finds another mystery to unravel—that of a gorgeous, reclusive drough. With foes lurking around every corner and an undeniable hunger that grows with every kiss, Elias risks it all for the woman he’s fallen for. Together they unleash an all-consuming passion that won’t be denied.

Themes:  Paranormal, Magick, Druids

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

So I knew when this new spinoff series kick off that it would be immensely interesting, what I never imagined was we would get a whole new side of the story of these druids and the magic we have learned about from the very beginning of the Dark World. From the very beginning of this grand adventure Ms. Grant has taken us on, the drough, druids that have embraced dark magic, were shown as evil and always were the villains of the story, but in this latest installment when get a whole new view of the world of the druids.  Bronwyn Stewart is a woman that has secluded herself away on the Isle of Skye, in the heart of Druid magic, despite her newly hated status of drough and the fact that she is counting the days left of her life.  Elias MacLean has finally returned to the island after years of exile, when his sisters are in danger, and now is under suspicion of murders of other druids and has to defend his name. When he sees the quiet, peaceful, beautiful druid one day he doesn’t realize who or what she is, but is immediately drawn to her in a way he cannot deny.  When trouble comes to her front door, he steps in and saves her from a vicious and potentially deadly attack by her enemies and soon they find themselves entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.  With the help of Elias friends, Bronwyn and Elias might just stand the chance of defeating the bastard out to end her existence, but only if they can truly come to trust in one another. Filled with passion and drama, Shoulder the Skye is one of the greatest stories Donna has given us, and the love that develops between these two mistrustful and independent characters is remarkable.

Bronwyn’s life has spiraled out of her control in so many ways, that she has mostly given up on a future and has taken the only steps she thinks she can to protect herself and her loved ones.  She is brace in so many ways, despite knowing the odds and favor is stacked against her, showing the strength of her character and love.  I enjoyed watching her fighting and ultimately losing the battle against Elias and his friends as they slowly (and gently) pushed their way into her solitary existence and gave her a true reason to fight for the future.  Seeing her come to trust them and trust in herself and her abilities was one of the best parts of the story, despite all the heartbreak she had to suffer along the way.  Elias has his own reasons to be mistrustful to be sure, but I loved watching him interacting with his crew of friends, and even his family, though those were less fun and sadder.  He’s had a rough life too, since leaving the island, shouldering the pain and sadness of his family’s secrets, but having his family back together and being able to return home is healing for him and it’s apparent it makes him stronger.  His draw to Bronwyn his obvious from the beginning, even if he didn’t understand how deep it was, and I loved watching his obsession and how he refused to give her up or ultimately give her an inch as they fell in love.  The heat between these two was subtle until the trust built between them, but once that foundation of trust and friendship allowed their love to bloom, there was no denying the connection between them.  Despite our belief to this point, we learn that even those that are drough an love and be warriors for good, which was truly eye-opening and showed us that the even this world of magick is full of shades of grey.  I am dying to find out what comes net in this series as the bad-guys just keep stacking up, and maybe even teaming up, and the plots become more and more complicated.  I can see this series being one of my favorites from Donna. Congrats on another masterpiece, Donna!

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.