This is a time period that I haven't read much romances in-1555 scotland. Mary Wine is an excellent writer. I could feel the hardship of living simply as a puritan, and the joys of nature and traditions such as may day. I was so glad Sabine escaped and I was rooting for her and Ruben every step of the way.

I'm also glad we got a prologue to Temperance's book, because we sure were not leaving her in that house.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Ruben Lindsey Is just trying to pass a message on to the sister of a friend. He has his own issues that he will have to go home to,. He gives the note to Modesty and leaves. But does the wishing well has something special in store for them? He has no reason to return until his ailing and dyeing father requests a flower that he saw near a the well. that pesky well wont leave them alone…..
An intriguing book with responsibilities and action and love tha may not be fulfilled in the way that I thought it should. Bring in the “strict” Anabaptists and Catholics of that day and age and you are sure to have an interwoven tale with a bit of love and action.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

Mary Wine remains one of my go-to authors. I found the book entertaining. Set in the 1500s, the heroine’s family remains in the border lands between England & Scotland and continues to avoid forms of religious persecution – not easy as the reigning monarch has made a declaration - allowing them to follow their puritanical beliefs. The daughters, Modesty (not so puritanical) sneaks out to see the water of the well results in a series of consequences.

The gentleman seen in the waters and Modesty have chemistry. Of course, intrigue and deceit cause events that have far reaching outcomes. I liked the characters and felt they were well developed. An enjoyable read leaving me anticipating the next installment.

On a mission to deliver a letter to Modesty from her sister, Ruben Lindsey takes a moment to eat some fruit and water his horse in what the locals have called the enchanted well. Stopping to peer into the water, he sees the reflection of Modesty staring back at him. They're immediately enchanted with each other, but part ways as they know they should. Ruben can't stay away for long and finds an excuse to return to catch sight of her one last time. During a festival, she's secretly snuck away to, Modesty and Ruben reunite once more. When she leaves, tragedy strikes. In an effort to save her, her well-being is compromised, and she must leave her home, just as her sister did.

*****

This is the second installment in the Enchanted Well series. While it's set up very similar to the first, it's quite a bit shorter at around 150+ pages. The conflict and characters are interesting, and the growth is present. However, I did find that the relationship between the leads was lacking a bit. This relied far too heavily on the enchanted well being responsible for their draw and the reason they lost their heads around each other. It would have been nicer to have genuine interest and adoration for each other develop, instead of it all leading back to the pull of the magic. It made the leads seem like a surface level match instead of something that had you rooting for them.

Either way, the surrounding characters were well done, and the landscape was described beautifully. I would just have loved more scenes with both leads that weren't just intimacy, rescuing, or sleeping so we could see the bond they seemed to share in action.

*****

Thank you, NetGalley, and Dragonblade Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a strong sequel in the Enchanted Well series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. The plot had that historical setting that I was looking for and enjoyed overall. The characters worked overall and was engaged with what was happening. Mary Wine has a strong writing style and was glad everything worked together and left me wanting more.

This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it! The highland historical setting was great and just a touch of magic and superstition was a fun touch. There was some spice without being the focus of the book. Would read more from the series.

Religions, Fate, the Guild, Emotional Love Story:
Ruben meeting Modesty at the enchanting midnight well has set destiny into motion for two young people from completely different backgrounds. They will take us into their lives as they discover desirous passion, love, hatred, along with unknown danger that brings forth many terrifying situations they must overcome before they find their happy conclusion.
This story is very compelling with very charismatic characters. The plot takes the reader through many dynamic situations that kept my interest moving at a good pace.
I truly enjoyed this second book of the series and looking forward to more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

This book had such an interesting premise. This is a great combo of suspense and drama.

I was very intrigued by the enchanted well concept. I thought this was unique and a fun idea, especially for a historical romance. I also think it was a great addition to the tension between the English & Scottish people in the story. It creates a fated mates/soul mates scenario but the lovers are on opposing sides. I'm a big fan of forbidden romance since it always serves on angst and tension.

Sabine and Ruben were very well matched. They were both very determined characters. I liked how their relationship developed. The pacing was perfect and I liked their dynamic. Plus they had great chemistry.

A grand dramatic romance that I would recommend!

Master of Mayhem is a fun and relaxing read, a blend of historical fiction and romance.

I enjoyed Sabine and Ruben’s determined characters and chemistry. Playing on tensions between religions and the warring English and Scottish people, this novel moves at a satisfyingly fast pace, with splashes of suspense and drama throughout. The intrigue and character developments really held my attention, and I devoured this in a single sitting. Perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying escape into a historical romance.

Thank you Dragonblade Publishing for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

A clash of religions, a magic well, kilts and meddling guilds lead to Modesty not entirely living up to her second Puritan name. While Ruben only planned to deliver a letter for his friend he got more than he bargained for. A historical romance with some history woven in without being forced, was refreshing to read.