McClairen's Isle: The Passionate One: A Novel

While I love romance novels, I'm quite picky. I gobble up the familiar tropes and I don't mind rehashed stories, but they must be well-written. In my opinion, historical romance novels need real history and writers clever enough to manage the language patterns and imbue their characters with some actual wit. It's what sells the story. Anyone can write about two people falling in love or having sex, but there has to be <i>more</i> if it's to be considered decent fiction.I'm rambling, so here's the point: I have clicked and previewed more romance novels on Amazon than I care to admit and this was one of the rarer gems I've found.Why I recommend this book:1. Talented writing - Brockway has skill as a writer. There are romance novelists who have an idea but not the talent; I think Brockway has both. There are some beautiful turns of phrase in here, truly. Some educated banter that sets it apart from the pack.2. No pet names - Oh god, how I despise pet names. Instant frown-face on my end. Angel? Kit-kat? Kitty? No. Look elsewhere.3. No instant hero/heroine worshipping - It's a romance novel and you know how things will end, but that doesn't mean you have to have witless, inane characters that fall on their knees at first glance.Meh, I've said enough. I think the plot could have been tightened up (less time spent in certain locations, less time with side characters who push the plot along but rob us of time with the main characters, etc.), but it's worth your time. I'm interested to see what else she's written.

This story has a great plot and some very interesting twists but some very major flaws. Especially noted is a section that gives us the back story. Unfortunately it appears as though the story was rewritten a number of times and in the final editing this section was not corrected. So the major part to explain are hero and heroine's actions is WRONG. VERY IRRITATINGLY WRONG.In addition to the above - which almost makes the story unworthy of recommendation- is the ending. It is rushed and leaves some major gaps - huge pieces - unfinished ends flapping in the breeze. Then it wraps up with they smile - have lots of money - the perfect couple - and they sail off into the future without a care in the world - like Cinderella and Prince Charming - such an unworthy ending.So if you like flowery descriptions and unlikely, illogical characters who have amazing acting skills and minding reading abilities and a fair amount on description on early English decadence - then this book is for you.

I really love Brockway's novels and after seeing all the positive reviews, I was hoping this would be just as amazing. It's not.Ash Merrick arrives in Fair Badden, Rhiannon's home, claiming to be her guardian's son. Rhiannon is going to be married in three weeks so Rhiannon's adopted mom invites him to stay. This is where the confusion begins. Ash Merrick, son of an important man, just decides to stick around at some stranger's home until she's married. His reasons for staying aren't clear and after having the read the entire novel, I struggle to come up with a reason. It seemed like the author needed an excuse to throw the two together so decided on this.The chemistry between Rhiannon and Ash is nonexistent. Sometimes they like each other, sometimes they don't. There's no passion between them. Rhiannon is fascinated by Ash because he's a big city person, but that doesn't translate into love. At least not for me. Their first intimate encounter seems haphazard and very unrealistic.Rhiannon is 20 but she acts like she's 12. Some of her actions reflect complete immaturity and I struggle to find a reason an adult male would find such behavior attractive besides an easy lay. I attribute the lack of passion to poor writing.Rhiannon's interactions with her friends and her fiancé are also poorly written. The dialog is awkward and there's no real feeling behind them. Some of the scenes are equally as awkward. Ash and Rhiannon's male friends dress as gypsies and act before a crowd. Why? I don't really know...Then there are scenes that are meant to put Rhiannon in danger and should be exciting. Instead I was bored. And then there's the ending. It's meant to be a plot twist, but it ends too abruptly. That was, however, all right by me because by this time, I was eager for the book to be over.It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it's not worth reading. Read another of Brockway's novels and you'll be immensely more satisfied.

I really tried and Gave it a really good go read most of the book not for me pompous Shiite

I've not always been fond of reading historical fiction about Scotland but I'm glad I did. This is a very good read, nicely paced and with enough twists and turns to keep you interested right up to the end. I've ordered the other's in the series on the back of just reading this one. Hope I'm not disappointed...but somehow I don't think i will be.

Good

This is the first in the series and I couldn't wait to read the rest. Love to follow the characters through various storylines. The last in the series The Ravishing One has a great twist at the end - wholly unexpected.

If you love Scottish Romance and Historical Fiction marrying together with another brilliant author Diana Gabadol Outlander Series or you will love this book not to be missed.