Review: Love me some Grim!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 9, 2013
Scottish Highlands - Winter 1398Duncreag, home of the MacNabs. The clan had been brought low by a bunch of rogue warriors who were looking for gold they thought hidden at Duncreag. A clan who once boasted the best celebrations were now at an all time low and it became known that no Yuletide celebrations would be held. Archibald had called them off. Everyone was unhappy but quiet about it except for Grim and Breena. They were determined to bring Duncreag, and the clan, back to life.Breena was taken captive when her entire family and village in Ireland were killed by the rogue warriors who then took her to Scotland with them with plans on selling her as a slave. When the warriors had been beaten, Archie took her in as seneschal and treated her as a daughter. She is in love with Grim and has been from the beginning. Grim, Duncreag's captain of the guard, is a huge, fierce warrior with a big heart and a weakness for animals, always watching out for the weaker ones making sure they are comfortable. He is a master at wielding his war ax and he wears beard rings made from the steel off the swords of conquered foes. It's his way of honoring the brave dead.Breena is trying to decorate the castle with Yuletide greenery against Archie's wishes and the decorations keep disappearing. They suspect Archie of snatching them away. Grim takes advantage of some mistletoe and kisses Breena under it while getting caught by Archie. Many men have tried to catch her eye but she tells them all her heart is taken by another. Grim thinks it's someone in Ireland. It bothers him why this one woman makes him feel this way over a simple kiss. He wants her badly but how can he win a heart that's given elsewhere? Breena, meanwhile, feels she isn't worthy of him and his status. Grim is always calling her "Lady Breena" and she keeps telling him she's no lady!He has a plan to bring Yuletide to the castle and tells Breena that in order for it to work, she has to make a journey with him. Archie does not like this one bit but they go anyway. They set off toward Greer MacGregor's castle who is an enemy of Archie. They plan on making stops along the way gathering people to go to Duncreag for the Yuletide. They travel as a betrothed couple and Grim decides he wants it to become reality and he asks Breena to handfast with him."I have wanted Breena since I first set eyes upon her," he admitted, the truth putting wings to his heart, freeing his soul. "Ne're have I loved a woman more. Indeed, I ne're even believed in love. Leastways, no' for me."Later that night, they wed by the old ways.... speaking their heart to each other and promising forever to each other. Soon they would be wed by a priest so no one could question their marriage.They arrive back at the castle to find it full to bursting with everyone celebrating Christmastide. Archie and Greer are bantering back and forth. Breena sees her Uncle Dermot in the crowd and can't believe her eyes. She thought all of her family had been killed in the raid. She soon finds that his appearance has a meaning that will change her life forever. Secrets will be revealed and promises made.A wonderful story smack full of Yuletide feeling. I loved visiting with old friends whom I've missed and was thrilled to see love abounding everywhere including places that it's been a long time coming! Grim is special to me. I was thrilled to see him find his Happily Ever After and wouldn't be surprised if I ever found myself out in the mist one day squinting my eyes and seeing him through the thin barrier between here and there. :)As always, Sue-Ellen has taken me into another time and place and set me firmly down. You just cannot go wrong when you pick up one of her stories!ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review. I also received a copy from the author for an honest review.