Genre: Historical
Fiction/Historical Romance
Description:
“This enemies-to-lovers romance opens in the winter of 1798, when
Ireland is on the verge of rebellion against British rule. Colin Wainwright is
a son of Anglo-Irish aristocrats and a former captain in the British Army. He
deplores how the native Irish are treated yet feels a grudging loyalty to the
crown.
Brenna O’Hanlon is a daughter of tenant farmers. As a young girl
living on the Wainwright estate, she adored Colin from afar. Until her brothers
attempted to kill his father, Squire Wainwright, for seducing their older
sister. The family fled to Dublin, where Brenna became a housemaid.
Ten years later, Colin meets the new housekeeper, none other than
Brenna—hired under a false name by his father. Judging her far too young for
such a post, he accuses her of being his father’s latest doxy. Her temper
flares, but she convinces him she is no such thing. Colin hatches a plan,
making it appear that the two are lovers in order to thwart the squire’s wicked
plans for Brenna. Although she hates this shameful deception, it inevitably
feeds the growing attraction between her and Colin.
However, Brenna has a secret. She’s a spy for the United Irishmen, a
society dedicated to Irish liberty. She means to intercept messages between
Squire Wainwright and a high-placed militia officer. Her brothers, Rory and
Kevin, followed her north to pass on any information she obtains. She has
little success, but takes guilty pleasure in romantic, sometimes humorous
interludes with Colin.
Their story takes a dark turn when an incident involving loyalist
bullies infuriates Colin. Upon discovering Brenna’s true identity and mission,
he comes to a decision that changes both of their lives. Intrigue and violence
dog their steps as the country rushes toward war. In spite of such harrowing
circumstances, or perhaps because of them, the flames of desire and a deepening
love bind the unlikely pair tighter and tighter.
Rebellion breaks out on May 23rd. Brenna and Colin are caught up in
the fighting. Will they attain a very personal victory in the midst of war?”
Author:
Lyn Horner resides in Texas with her husband
and several beloved cats. Trained in the visual arts, Horner worked as a
fashion illustrator and later as an art instructor for Art Instruction Schools
(famous for their "Draw Me" heads.) After quitting work to raise her
children, she took up writing as a creative outlet. This hobby grew into a love
of historical research and the crafting of passionate romances based upon that
research. She is a member of Romance
Writers of America, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, and Celtic Hearts Romance
Writers.
To learn more about Lyn Horner visit her
website, or Facebook page.
Appraisal:
This book has a relationship that fits what you’d expect from a book
in the romance genre. Throw in the historical setting and you could call it a
historical romance or historical fiction and it would be tough to argue with
either description. If you’re into historical romance or Irish history this is
a good fit. If you’re into both, it’s a no-brainer. I found both aspects drew
me in, but there is also lots of adventure as a rebellion for Irish
independence kicks off, drawing our two main characters into this conflict. It
all made for an engaging adventure that kept me hanging on every word.
Buy now
from: Amazon US Amazon UK
FYI:
Some mild adult content.
Format/Typo
Issues:
No significant issues.
Rating: *****
Five Stars
Reviewed
by: BigAl
Approximate word count: 95-100,000 words
