I really enjoyed this book. The fact that it had a few of my favorite tropes in one book made it all the better. The storyline was interesting and very well written and the chemistry between the characters was amazingly done. I am so glad I was chosen to have an ARC of this book and can't wait to read more from this Author!

Medieval, Scottish Historical Romance

They said he killed his best friend, and now, he must pay the price. He must serve his friend's family. Ardahl did not remember how the knife entered his friend's heart, but a witness claimed Ardahl was a killer.

Liadan has had her eye on her brother's friend for quite some time. However, now that he killed her brother, how can she harbor any good feelings towards him? Everything points to him as the killer, but everything he does shows him as an honorable man. During battle, he ensures that his clan is victorious. Liadan can no longer push her feelings aside.

What happened on that dark day? Could Ardahl prove his innocence? Could Ardahl and Liadan's love find a way to flourish? For the answers, you must read this riveting tale. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like Scottish historical romance with mystery, treachery, and a dash of the paranormal.

Thankfully this book had a happy ending. The characters had to go through a heck of A LOT to get there through. That was a tough book to read.

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

A true warrior’s heart

Ardahl MacCormac is accused of killing his best and closest friend Conall. His punishment is to take over the protection and service to Conall’s family. He doesn’t know how it happened but he knows he would not ever take the life of one who he considers his brother. Liadan, Conall’s sister has enough on her hands with her grieving mother, and younger sister to take care of, she doesn’t need the man who is accused of killing her brother, a man she liked, but not more, in her life.

I loved the way this story is told. Starting with the song of a bard in a great hall of a Scottish Chief signing of honor and great warriors of old in Erin. I was pulled into the story immediately. The characters were well developed and I loved the attention to detail of the time period. The thrilling and riveting battles and the exquisite intimate scenes of a forbidden relationship kept me glued to their story. A love for and through all time. Bringing us back to the great hall and the bard recognizing his fate made for a beautiful ending. A beautiful, emotional, and engaging story.

The first of a new series, this is one book that you will need time to read. It's super long, yet very fulfilling as it takes you back to the first century through a storyteller. Filled with deceit, death, lies, mystery, druids and more, it will capture your time and imagination as well as your heart.

Ardahl kills his best friend, but why you ask? Liadan loves him inspite of the loss, why?
Conall is driven to anger and jealousy, why?
These are just some of the questions you will ask yourself so obtain all the answers and delve into a uniquely crafted story of all time.

I enjoyed the way in which this romance, set in the mists of time, opened with the song of Finley the Bard and comes full circle, closing on the last notes of the ballad in the closing chapter. In between is a story that is heartbreaking, of lies, deceit, and betrayal at the hands of those who should be friends. The quest for power can drive a person to despicable acts, and Ardahl suffers the brunt of the punishment handed down by the druids. Liadan's heart is tender towards Ardahl, and she finds it difficult to believe that he would have carried out such a dreadful act of betrayal. Both main characters struggle under the weight of Ardahl's sentence, but when it counts most, the truth emerges bringing the story full circle. I received a copy of this mystic romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Actual Rating: 3.75 stars

Thank you @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to explore this e-arc.

Objectively, Laura’s writing is wonderful and compelling to read. The first half was so strong, I was shedding tears. It spoke to my fears as a mother. The atmosphere and the emotions she invoked was amazing to me. I love how beautifully structured her sentences were, despite it not being lyrical.

I thought this was going to be another five star reads. Unfortunately, the second half did not really do it for me. I suppose it is more of a personal issue. I was not satisfied with the conflict and resolution.

Other than that though, I enjoyed reading this. I love Ardahl. My heart cried for him. How I wished I could have just hugged him. I also loved his mentor. I loved how supportive he is, Liadan has my heart. Her resilience and kindness shone through. I enjoyed reading and following along these characters.

This was a sweet romance with 2 people who lost one person come together for forbidden love. Murder, lies and treachery add flavor to story.

Fast paced and well written

#netgalley #ForaWarriorsHeart

I received an advance reader copy of For a Warrior’s Heart and want to thank NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest review!

For a Warrior’s Heart is a historical romance set in the highlands of Scotland. Ardahl MacCormac, a fearless warrior in his clan, finds himself accused of killing his best friend, Conall MacAert, in a bizarre turn of events during training. As punishment, his clan orders him to take Conall’s place in the MacAert household, forcing him to replace his best friend and provide for and protect Conall’s grieving mother and sisters. Liadan MacAert, one of Conall’s sisters, once harbored feelings for Ardahl, but he never noticed her, too focused on becoming a fearsome warrior. Now, the man she once admired is the one she blames for her brother’s death, and she grapples with her conflicting past and present emotions about him. But with Ardahl unable to remember killing his best friend, the mystery surrounding Conall’s death constantly weighs on him. Can he uncover the truth and prove his innocence to his clan and his fallen brother’s family?

This was my first foray into historical romance, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure if the genre would be for me, but this book won me over. It delivers some of my favorite romance tropes: forced proximity, a bit of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, a strong FMC, and a hero MMC. I know some readers might find these tropes overdone, but if you love romance, chances are you’ll enjoy at least one of them. They’re popular for a reason! Beyond the romance, the story also weaves in a bit of mystery and an ongoing clan war, keeping the suspense high throughout.
This was a quick, engaging read—I finished it within 24 hours. It’s clear that Strickland has experience writing romance, making for a well-paced narrative. The story never drags, nor does it rush, keeping a balanced rhythm that had me hooked from start to finish.

I’m happily five stars out of five. The swoon factor is also a five out of five. The second half of the book had played my heartstrings like a bard sharing an epic tale. As for spice, I’d rate it a two out of five—there are a few spicy moments, but I’m used to more explicit scenes. This would be a perfect read for someone who loves romance and a little bit of spice, but doesn’t want to venture into erotica territory. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and am eager for updates on the second book in the series. In the meantime, I’ll be checking out Strickland’s other works!

Once again, thank you to Laura Strickland, NetGalley, and Dragonblade Publishing for allowing me to read this incredible ARC!

Absolutely Epic Wonderful Romance Story Not to Miss:

A tragic beginning sets the plot of this gripping, gut wrenching all-consuming love story.
Liadan and Ardahl two wonderful characters that captured my heart and took me on a journey I will likely never forget.
Discovering love was not easy as I followed them through heart aches, deaths, lies, jealousy, depression, clan laws, escaping rescue and to top it all off a reoccurring mystery that comes to light for a very rewarding ending.
A Bravo! to the author for giving us an extremely well written dramatic romance story that has one of the most terrifying edge of my seat battle scenes I have ever read. Who doesn't like a chariot battle?
💖Favorite Character: Conal who added so much to this gripping tale.