Reviewette: Yuletide Enchantment by Sophie Renwick

Reviewette: A HIGHLANDER CHRISTMAS Anthology, "Yuletide Enchantment" by Sophie Renwick

The Immortals of Annwyn Series Introduction

Releases November 3, 2009

Sophie Renwick brings two strangers together with an unexpected Victorian Yuletide Enchantment. Isobel MacDonald is spending Christmas at her ancestral Highland estate when she loses her treasured clan pin in the woods. The enigmatic Price Daegan offers his help in finding it—but the stranger’s charms are more powerful than she imagines.

Genre: Historical/Paranormal Romance

Cover Thoughts: Who can resist a man in a kilt?? I think the cover is absolutely beautiful. The winter-like blue lends a cool feeling making you yearn for a soft blanket to cuddle in while reading its contents while the cover model makes your flesh a bit overheated. Hmm..quite the conundrum.

Single Title/Series: This is Sophie Renwick's introduction to her Immortals of Annwyn, but it can also be read as a stand alone.

Why I read it: I was offered an Advanced Review Copy by Sophie Renwick.

Since she was six, Isobel MacDonald has felt the presence of the White Hart upon the Scottish Highlands surrounding her home. He even saved her life once but unfortunately she'd been unable to deter her brother, Ewan, from trying to take his. Desperate to check on her hart and if he survived the an arrow hit, Isobel sneaks away from MacDonald Hall and into the woods despite the danger that surely lurks for to enter the woods at night invites the wrath of the Sidhe, inhabitants of Annwyn, the Celtic Otherworld.

For many years, Daegan, Prince of Annwyn, has been waiting for Isobel to grow up. He's known that she's fated to him and his beast of the White Hart growls possessively that the mortals would give what is rightfully his to another. Despite the warnings of the supreme goddess, his consort and co-ruler of Annwyn, Daegan seduces Isobel, binding her to him with his magic after she seeks him out.

Isobel, at first frightened by the knowledge that Daegan is not a man but a Sidhe, tries at first to deny her heart's yearnings but quickly learns that the Prince of Annwyn can't be discarded that easily. His sensual onslaught binds her with silken strands of desire, opening her heart and soul for Daegan's taking. She knows that he represents all that she's ever wanted of love and passion. But in order to fully become Daegan's, she must abandon her mortal life and her family, give up all she's ever known for a land that was heretofore closed to her. Is his love worth it? If she chooses to remain in the mortal world, will her family be enough to live the rest of her life without Daegan. Will it be worth all the love and happiness she could have in his arms?

"Yuletide Enchantment" was a beautiful story, one that whisked me magically into another world of winter snow, the glory of Christmas and enchanting forests. I loved that Daegan, a shapeshifter, changes into a white stag, also known as a hart. Isobel describes him at one point as being both strong and gentle. Her description is proven to be true for Daegan is wonderfully possessive but despite his primal urges, he's also incredibly gentle with Isobel. He's a man, a prince, who eventually sacrifices all for Isobel and for that, I fell in love.

Isobel was a wonderful heroine. She's bold, fearless and sassy and she loves her family, finding joy in the simple act of just being with them. Her trust in Daegan, despite her initial fright of his Sidhe heritage, is all encompassing just like her love. She doesn't hold back and ultimately, she has the courage to follow her heart.

There was only one thing that brought down my overall love of this novella and that was the Earl of St. Clair. He's contracted to marry Isobel, to her eternal chagrin of course, but I found him to be a good man. A man with a sad past and one who thought he could find happiness with Isobel. Perhaps if he was cruel than my heart wouldn't hurt at Isobel's desertion, but truly, I was saddened. I liked him, a lot really. Not as much as Daegan and of course he's who I wanted Isobel to end up with, but I felt really sorry for St. Clair. I was hoping for some kind of resolution where he was concerned but to no avail. Maybe Renwick has plans for him later...

Ultimately, this novella has me panting for VELVET HAVEN, Sophie Renwick's first full length novel in the Immortals of Annwyn series featuring Daegan's nephew, Bran. We're given quite a good glimpse of the dark, warrior-like being and the incredible sacrifices he's already made in life. He's deliciously cursed and tortured and I can't wait to read his story.

B+

VELVET HAVEN by Sophie Renwick

The Immortals of Annwyn Book One

Releases March 2, 2010

Hidden from mortals for all eternity, Annwyn, the Otherworld, is home to shapeshifters, wraiths and dragons. But in a nightclub called Velvet Haven, desire brings humans and immortals together…

Built atop the mystic passageway to Annwyn, the gothic nightclub Velvet Haven has seen its share of lost souls—both mortal and immortal. It is here that Bran, the shapeshifter king of the Sidhe, searches for his brother, who is ensnared by a centuries-old curse. When a vision foretells his own death, he knows his time to find Carden is running out.

For help he must turn to Mairi, a mortal woman with an unusual aura. Bran has never liked humans, other than using their sexual pleasure to restore his magic energy. But with Mairi everything is different. Her lush curves and teasing caresses enflame him like no Sidhe has ever done. He has no idea that the woman he’s falling for holds the key to his destruction – or his salvation.

Read an Excerpt HERE!