THE PROTECTORCassandra Thomas is the youngest born daughter in a line of powerful woman, destined to have a great gift. Just as she is giving up hope on ever receiving her powers, a mark appears on her hip and her purpose looms on the horizon. But she is not the only one seeking the stone to protect Scotland, as a mysterious dark-haired man is as determined to get at it, one who is strong, … get at it, one who is strong, sinfully handsome and arouses many wicked longings.
THE UNDEFEATED
Sir Fergus the Undefeated is desperate to save his son. In order to do so, he must bring the Heart of Scotland to the King, as well as its Protector. But no amount of training could prepare Fergus for the woman he is up against or the passion she reawakens within him.
THE CHOICE
Cassandra and Fergus work together in hopes to succeed in protecting Scotland and reuniting Fergus with his son. But when the power of the stone beckons, will their love be strong enough to banish the evil or will betrayal tear them apart?
——
Previously released as CASSANDRA in the LADIES OF THE STONE anthology
more
Cassandra Beaumont is born the youngest daughter and the clans elder mother the seer sees many great things for her, she’s the chosen one. Cassandra waits her whole life to be called and she’s finally called to the Fairy pool by the stone. Fergus the Undefeated is out to catch the protector of the stone and the stone itself to save his son. The evil King has kept him from his father and will only exchange him for the stone. Casandra and Fergus are at odds, neither wants to trust the other in this story of how to protect the stone and rescue his son. In the end they make the ultimate sacrifice for love.
Durham England 1086.
Cassandra, daughter of the Special Beaumont Bloodlines, was born with the power granted only to the last born daughter of each generation. Magic. It took time for her to find the stone that would bring her the power she needed. But she also found Fergus, the Undefeated with power of his own searching for the stone to bargain for a life with it’s possession. A story wrought with the magic of life and strength that brought two people together. But would it also tear them apart?
What a wonderful tale that will grab you from the first and not let go until the journey ends.
Madeline Martin has such a gift as a storyteller nad always makes me lose myself in her stories. She creates characters and storylines that are fabulous and always leaves me ready to read another!
This novella was part of The Sisters of the Stone Anthology with three other amazing authors just like her
I received this novella in exchange for an honest review.
I have read many books and some novellas written by Madeline Martin. This one, I had no doubt, would be just as good. It did not fail me and it was more. At a time when I was looking for a story with something slightly different than a typical love story, it delivered. Cassandra and Fergus were more. I liked that the tables were turned. The female was the strong determined one and the man was so unsure. It combined magic, troubled events and love.
Fergus with his sad and guilty heart was afraid to love again and Cassandra with her determination to not fail in life or love. Together they worked to help each other no matter the cost. Learning new abilities brought out by each other and trying to best a king who has held a huge bargaining chip just out of Fergus’s reach, was enough push these characters to an end to a decade full of lies and saddness and into a life of new beginnings. I know life doesn’t always work out in the end but it is nice to be able to escape to a story where the good guys win in the end and a little magic doesn’t hurt.
As the last born daughter in a line of women blessed with special gifts, Cassandra Thomas has begun to give up hope of ever discovering her powers, until a mark randomly appears on her hip. She has been chosen to be a Protector and after years of disappointing her family when her powers did not manifest, Cassandra has a strong resentment of the legacy she never wanted. When her powers and her connection to the earth reveal a vision, she knows she must leave at once to retrieve the stone that will protect Scotland and fulfill her purpose. Only she’s not the only one seeking it.
Sir Fergus the Undefeated is also gifted with the powers of a Protector and he immediately senses the awakening of a new Protector and with it his chance to claim the stone, the Heart of Scotland, as his and bring it to the king so he can save the son he’s never had a chance to meet. He loathes the mocking moniker of undefeated bestowed upon him by the weaselly king but he is totally unprepared for Cassandra.
Neither is prepared for their reaction to the other. Though they are meant to be enemies in a lifelong battle for the stone, that doesn’t stop explosive passion from welling between them. The two team up in an effort to protect Scotland and still save Fergus’ son, but their growing bond may not be strong enough to overcome the evil that comes with the stone’s power.
This book had some paranormal elements that made it a very different read from the norm for me and because of that sense of fantasy and whimsy I felt like the main character’s interactions and insta-lust fit in well with the story. I would’ve liked a bit more backstory on Cassandra’s powers as well as Fergus’; why does he have the powers of a Protector? But since this is a novella, those lingering questions are to be expected. There was magic, steam, an unexpected twist and a happy ending; just about all you can ask for and I enjoyed this quick read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fergus needs to take the stone to King Edgar so that he can be reunited with the son he’s never seen. Cassandra has travelled from Durham to get the stone as she’s the new Protector. I loved this novella & again was left wanting more, there were twists & turns & the pages flew over at times leaving me almost breathless.I first read this in the Ladies of the Stone anthology