Captured by Your Kiss: Brides of the Bloodstone

Jen Holling has written a wonderful story of love and intrigue, full of excitement. I found it hard to put down. She brought 16th century Scotland to life. The feud between the Graham's and Maxwell's was well plotted. I only wish there was a fourth book in the Brides of the Bloodstone Trilogy. I highly recommend this book.

After enjoying the first two books, TEMPTED BY YOUR TOUCH and TAMED BY YOUR DESIRE,in the BRIDES OF THE BLOODSTONE trilogy, I was pleasantly surprised that Holling's books just keep getting better! As I came to know and love the characters I dreaded the book coming to an end. The passion portrayed between Mona and Patrick kept me turning pages late into the night. I was on edge throughout the entire book waiting to see what evil Ridley would dish out next. I was thrilled with the conclusion, all of the details from the previoius novels were tied up beautifully. Holling writes the fantasy that romance readers are looking for; mystical and romantic, with evil in hot pursuit of the hero and heroines happiness. I look forward to more historical fantasy from this most talented author!

In 1542, as war threatens Scotland, the Bloodstone Keeper Mona Graham decides to retrieve the gem in an attempt to gain peace. She needs a protector on her quest to keep her safe from her son-in-law Ridley, who desires her almost as much as he covets the Bloodstone. Unlike his deceased father who forced Mona to marry him to gain possession of the magical artifact, Ridley plans simply to take the stone from his mother-in-law. Mona chooses Ridley's prisoner Patrick Maxwell to guide her.Mona frees Patrick and he reluctantly agrees to escort her even while Ridley's men pursue them. As Mona and Patrick fall in love, they find the Bloodstone, but Ridley takes it from them. He uses the stone to see into the future to insure his side slaughters his opponent in the upcoming war between England and Scotland. Only Mona has the remote chance of stopping his ascendancy, but she needs the extended family of her beloved to remotely hope to win.The conclusion of the Brides of Bloodstone trilogy, CAPTURED BY YOUR KISS, is an exciting wrap up to delightful tales. This novel ties up all the threads of the previous novels (see TEMPTED BY YOUR TOUCH and TAMED BY YOUR DESIRE) yet also can stand-alone. The story line contains fantasy elements such as a quest and magical powers inside a strong Scottish historical romance that will elate readers of the two genres. Though acceptance of how fast Ridley and his thugs seem to travel is needed, Jen Holling provides a terrific triad that requires more romantic fantasy from this awesome author.Harriet Klausner