History and romance capture the extraordinary drama of the North Berwick witch trialsAs witch hunt fervor sweeps across Scotland, it is even more challenging for Vivian Sinclair to hide her gifts of precognition and healing—and more dangerous. Her guardian, King James, betroths Vivian to one of his most loyal warriors thinking the powerful Douglas clan can keep her safe, but when Quinn Douglas … when Quinn Douglas arrives to take Vivian to his twin brother as a bride, he barely thwarts a mob calling to burn the witch. He rescues Vivian, and they begin the perilous journey to her new home.
When a powerful man wants Vivian dead, their escape across Scotland places Quinn and Vivian in daily peril and is besieged by the attraction sizzling between them. With each day and each mile, he finds himself falling more deeply in love with his twin’s betrothed. He cannot betray his brother, and he’s pledged to serve his king, but Quinn cannot imagine letting Vivian go.
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A great first book in the All the Kings Men series! This story is filled with interesting historical information about Scotland and the witch trials there. Gerri is one of my favorite authors because she always teaches me new things about history. I also love the romance she includes in her stories. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
An exciting adventure across Scotland that will hold you enthralled until you turn the last page. History comes alive as the author sets the scene of the times full of unrest and of people looking to blame those they accused of witchery. Lady Vivian Sinclair had been a ward of the King of Scotland since the passing of her parents. She was a great healer but also had the gift of seeing the future. A blessing but also a curse for those would accuse her of being a witch.
The King sends her to be married to an older friend of his, who would protect her, but that only lasted a short time due to the man’s death. Fearing for her life, she is rescued by Quinn Douglas who is to take her to his twin brother to wed by order of the King.
Their treacherous journey begins to her new home, but there is a powerful man who wants her dead. In danger every day as they travel, an attraction begins to form between Vivian and Quinn. But she is meant for his brother? What can they do?
This is a new author to me and I am so glad I found her! Looking forward to reading more of this new series and I highly recommend you do not miss this one!
Vivian Sinclair is the ward of King James of Scotland and to save her life, he marries her off to his old friend Dugald Campbell. Vivian is a gifted healer and the king believes she will be able to help Dugald. And Dugald will help her, keeping her safe from the witch trials that have reached a frenzied peak. The king doesn’t believe Vivian is a witch, but he knows that her gift of healing and her visons of the future would have her condemned. He knows she is not happy with his decision, but it is the only way he can help her.
Six months later, Vivian’s husband is dying and has called for his son Rupert. Rupert is King James’ “witch hunter” Dugald tells him that Vivian is not a witch – but innocently betrays her by telling Rupert of her visions. Rupert declares her a witch and promises to destroy her once his father passes. Frantic, Vivian tries to escape, she stays with Dugald until he passes and then sneaks out of the castle. She makes her way to the village and has a vision – a child will be killed by a horse – she knows she should keep going, but cannot leave a child to die. She saves the child and is injured in the process.
Quinn Douglas is one of the King’s Elite Guard – he has been sent by his brother to collect Vivian. The king betrothed her to Reid Douglas when he learned Dugald was dying. As Reid is on a mission for the king, he sends his twin and fellow guard to bring Vivian to his castle. Quinn tends to her injuries and tells her of the king’s decree – she is not happy, but knows with Rupert following her, she is safer with Quinn than on her own.
They set off and it soon becomes clear that Vivian is being hunted and they will not be safe until they reach Reid’s home. As they run for their lives, Quinn falls in love with her – but knows that they can never be, she is promised to his brother. Vivian feels the same and when she has several visions, she tries to distance herself from Quinn. But when she has a vision that includes Quinn and the rest of their party being trapped by Rupert, she takes a leap of faith and trusts him with her biggest, most dangerous secret – her ability to see the future.
But even knowing the future might not be enough to save her when Rupert catches them.
This was a very exciting read, with lots of action, suspense, sexual tension and a very evil villain. I enjoyed the fast paced flow of the book, especially the end, when there are several nail-biting moments, unexpected twists and an ending that must be read to be believed. I am not sure if the copy I read is the final version, but there were some minor title errors and a fair bit of modern verbiage – nothing that really detracted from the story, but definitely were not period correct. Even with those small details, I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading about the rest of the “King’s Men”
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Seven Nights with a Scot (All The King’s Men, #1) by Gerri Russell
1500s Story starts out with Vivian and she’s helped King James with her visions, keeping him and others safe.
He’s ailing and wants her wed and knows just who. It’s an elderly man and she takes care of him and within months he dies.
She leaves before his son Rupert takes over. She’s a witch and knows about the bounty over her head. She’s now been promised to Reed. Quinn almost runs her over and he is able to save her life.
He tends to her wounds and tells her of the plans for his brother Reid to wed her.
On their journey they are held up with a bunch of men who want the witch. Hand fights occur with his two riding partners.
They decide to go through the mountains where her maid approaches them, Gillis who joins their group.
While they hide out at Vivian’s friends convent they are able to catch up on eating, sleep and healing. Love the herbs and gardening talk and what herbs will cure which ailments, so cool!
Sister is trying to talk her into going after what she wants-Quinn rather than waiting for his brother Reid.
Love all the secret passageways that were there from time of the Templars and druids. Some history in those walls!
Like it when she trusts him with her secrets and they maneuver to different areas to keep away from harm.
Kidnapped again…. so much action and adventure and mystery.
Love this book because of the travel, history, romance, learning new words and explanations of herbs used and for what ailment, so educational, Templar mentioned.
So much to this story and hate to see it end, taking my time reading it…
Never imagined book ending as it does, wow! Series listing of next books and excerpt from the next are included.
Endnotes are included where there is reearch material shared with reader about the time period and witches. Few sex scenes.
About the author is included at the end. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Won this at Tule #8 birthday party from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Great read
I read this book so fast because it was intriguing and unpredictable! So, I read it again, a slower pace and enjoyed it much more the second time around! I was able to pick up on several nuances on the plot that I missed the first time. Enjoyable!
Predictable, but fun
Award-winning and bestselling author Gerri Russell sends you roamin’ in the gloamin’ on an exhilarating Seven Nights With A Scot, in this historical romance novel. These are the days of the North Berham witch trials in Scotland, with atrocities inflicted on anyone accused of sorcery. The lovely Vivian Sinclair, who is quietly practicing her gifts of healing and precognition, is surrounded by grave threats despite the protection of her guardian King James. So, His Majesty betroths her to one of his most powerful warriors, thinking she will be safe with him. His home is a dangerous seven night’s journey away, and his handsome brother Quinn Douglas is charged with getting Vivian there — a mission that he accepts with all his heart.
Villainous Rupert pledges with a vengeance to personally find and purge Scotland of all witches, in the most grisly manner. He decides in particular to launch a terrifying crusade against Vivian, and he is in hot pursuit of both Vivian and Quinn, and the few friends who have joined to help them. Rupert is described in the novel in an ominous way. “’Twas the drawback of hunting his prey. He always caught what he sought.”
Sharing close quarters and a passionate attraction, Vivian and Quinn are on the run from Rupert but also from their own heartfelt feelings for each other. It’s a different kind of torment, for Vivian daring to love for the very first time, alongside Quinn who is falling deeply in love but struggles to stop himself from betraying his brother.
Writing adventurous and emotionally intense novels set in the 12th to 17th century Scotland, as well as flirty contemporary novels set in the Pacific Northwest, author Gerri Russell is a two-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. Her writing is breathtaking and vivid, with thought-provoking characters and engaging dialogue. Historical insights are deftly planted throughout, the action is ongoing, and the sizzling romance is palpable. Nothing is guaranteed in this story — not liberty, not love, not life. Will Vivian be caught and accused of witchery? What will be her fate? Will Quinn find any solace? Will love prevail after Seven Nights With A Scot?
Gerri Russell has worked as a broadcast journalist, newspaper reporter, magazine columnist, technical writer and editor, which all finally led her to romance author of 13 novels and one novella. Hear more from the author herself on YouTube podcast episode with co-hosts Wendy Kendall and Carl Lee – A Novel Talk with Gerri Russell.
Great world buiding in this full of action book.
Very descritive of terrible times, when everybody who didn’t like somebody could be accuse of witchcraft an burn.
I enjoyed this book so much. Love the characters and the romantic twist. Love when writers give us strong female characters. Love it.
A great story of how the girl can help save the day.
I wish we could use more than one adjective above, because it wasn’t just twisted; it was also action-packed, unpredictable, had wonderful characters, and was happily ever after. I enjoyed the plot — hope the author writes more and more.
As the war of King James VI of Scotland, Lady Vivian Sinclair spent much of her youth at his court in Edinburgh. During a turbulent and superstitious time when many were eager to blame the ills that had befallen the country on witchcraft Vivian struggles to hide her visions of the future. Even her learned skills at healing make her vulnerable. The hypocritical king betroths Vivian to an old laird, his friend, thinking to keep her safe from the witch hunt hysteria he has started, but also keep her well away from himself and his new bride. This plan fails when the old laird soon dies, leaving Vivian at the mercy of his son and heir — who happens to be the crown’s Witch Hunter. Desperate to escape, Vivian is rescued by Quinn Douglas, who has come on the king’s orders to retrieve Vivian and take her to his home where she is to marry his twin brother, Reid.
As they travel their party faces extreme danger and attraction begins to bloom between Vivian and Quinn. Quinn has fought side by side with his war-eager twin for years and now he is tired of fighting and ready to settle down. Unfortunately, now he is imagining that settled future with his brother’s bride. Vivian is tired of being used as a pawn and longs to live quietly and use her healing skills to help others. If she were to ever marry again, she’d prefer it to be on her own terms, but after watching her demanding father crush her mother’s spirit she would rather have her freedom. What she finds most odd is the frisson of…something she feels at Quinn’s touch.
Despite the uncertainty of the future, the peril they are in is what draws these two closer together. Vivian is grateful to Quinn for all the times he has already saved her life, but she knows it isn’t gratitude that causes these new feelings he provokes in her. As this connection develops Quinn wonders how he will ever give Vivian into the care of his brother, but with their enemies rapidly closing in on them, that may be a moot point.
This book surprised me. I was hesitant about reading it because of the whole witchcraft plot point; I didn’t really feel like reading anything fantastical or whimsical at the moment. However, this book is neither of those things. Rather, it explores a dark part of history that most books of this genre tend to avoid or gloss over. This book features a truly evil villain who is not only deranged, but ruthless in his use of his totally unchecked power. Here we have action, suspense, danger, and intrigue almost from the very first page. Our hero is a warrior who longs for peace and our heroine is a very strong woman who, although she craves independence and doesn’t wish to be tied to any man, acknowledges a connection when she feels it.
This is a first for me from this author and I think it is a fantastic start to a new series for her. I love love loved Quinn and in Vivian we have the elusive strong heroine who knows her own mind and yet doesn’t come across as hateful, waspish, overly dramatic, or annoying. The villain of this story was over-the-top evil but in a way that was totally fitting for a time of hysteria featuring a king who was contraversially indecisive and superstitious. There were some scenes I struggled to get through because the villain was just so evil and the king, who is supposed to care for the heroine, was so useless, selfish and stupid. But all that just made Quinn and his amazingness as a hero shine through more.
I absolutely devoured this book and couldn’t put it down, even despite the disturbing parts. Don’t worry though; there is a happy ending, albeit a very hard-won one. This was an extremely well-written and well-researched book. I can’t believe how close I came to missing this one and would highly recommend y’all not overlook it either.
I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the author/publisher and chose to submit a review. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Seven nights with a scot
By Gerri Russell
Series: All the Kings Men, #1
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts
Scotland, 1591
Lady Vivian Sinclair had been the ward of King James VI since parents death. She is a healer and clairvoyant, even though Rupert Campbell, her now step-son is the King’s witch hunter. The King doesn’t believe she’s a witch. He marries Vivian to Rupert’s elderly father Dugald, thinking it will save her life and possibly save his, unfortunately it only endangers it. As her dying husband of six months innocently deceives her, by revealing her clairvoyant visions, but insisting she is not a witch to his witch hunter son. Rupert threatens her that once his father is dead he will slaughter her being burned as a witch. After her husbands death she escapes the castle only to have another vision of a child being fatally wounded by a horse. As she rescues this child from a premature death, she is wounded in the child’s place.
Meanwhile when the King realized Dugald was dying he arranged another marriage for Vivian. This time it was to one of his elite warriors Reid Douglas, of one of the strongest and bravest families in the realm. People were already asking for Vivian’s blood due to Rupert’s treachery. Reid who was out on an assignment by the King, so his twin brother Quinn was given the responsibility of bringing her to his brothers home. On top of so much he rescues Vivian from a deadly mob demanding she be burned a witch. Quinn helps heal her from her injuries from the horse and starts falling in love with her. Vivian feels the same plus her visions show they might act on these feelings. Quinn knows he must not betray his brother or King. Yet how can he let the woman he loves go. Vivian kept Quinn at arms length until she has a vision of Quinn and his men are cornered by Rupert. She now trusts Quinn with her big secret but will it be enough?
Again Gerri Russell one of my favorite authors-pens another masterpiece from start to finish. It has all the elements romance readers love. Plus my favorite ingredient of factual history with an incredible fictional romance and iconic people in true Scottish history like King James VI and women being burned for witchcraft was very prominent during his reign as King. He even wrote a book on his reflections and how to deal with witchcraft in 1591 called Daemonologie. So bravo Ms. Russell this book is absolutely amazing. I am so happy you have returned to Scottish historical romance! As I have been reading your books since your Stones of Destiny and Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars series. They were all brilliant books as well.
Seven Nights with a Scot is a riveting fast paced, action packed, nail-biting adventure, with sexual tension, treachery, passion and love. The specialty for many readers including myself is the weaving of true history with a fictional romance. The setting was breathtaking, dialogue was brilliant and the plotting was phenomenal. Plus characters that are both awe inspiring and unforgettable. A book many readers will want to read again and again, a definite for your keeper shelf. I can’t recommend this book enough as I can’t wait to read Romancing the Laird book #2 in this phenomenal series All the King’s Men by Gerri Russell.
Buy Links:
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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy from the publisher through Netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advance copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own
The characters are emotional and realistic. It is easy to identify with their feelings of love, loyalty, fear, trust and the terror when running from danger. It was never explained why the witch hunter had so much hatred. It alluded that his mother wanted him dead and he had scars inside and outwardly. But it did not go into depth. It almost seemed that he took great pleasure in terrorizing and torturing those accused of witchcraft. The lead female character was kind, thoughtful, respectful and had a good loving heart. She was taught in the healing arts using herbs and such to help people who were ill. She also kept her gift of precognition a secret lest people thought she was a witch. When she received a vision, she only used it for good, to protect others or to help others. The lead male character is one of the King’s inner circle of warriors. He is assigned to retrieve our heroine for his brother as they are betrothed. But one thing leads to another and our heroine is betrayed by those who accepted her kindness of healing. The hero did not believe in witchcraft but realized that plenty of people did. It was going to be a hard-fought journey to get our heroine to her betrothed. A very good story. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.