A Highland Moon Enchantment

Although this is the first one I've read in the series I had no trouble following the story. A few things were a little confusing, like the time travel and such, but didn't interfere with the love story of Desmond and Ailsa. When Ailsa and her father are attacked by King John's men, while traveling in Scotland, they are rescued by Desmond and his brother-in-law. Mystical, romantic, and charming are ways to describe this story. Fun read, and although not long, it was complete. High recommend this Christmas read.

What a wonderful novella from Mary Morgan. An addition to her Dragon Knights series, this one brings Desmond O'Quintan and Alisa MacDuff together, who have been mentioned in other books .Desmond has always been a fierce warrior and has no plans to give his heart to any woman. But as fate often steps in, he is enchanted with Alisa when he sees her. Alisa on the other hand is a warrior in her own clan and have no desire for a man. These two are destined for each other but the journey is not an easy one. The author brings such richness to this story with her strong character building and descriptions of the beauty of Scotland. Magic is woven into this story and a battle ensures for good and evil. You will be pulled into the story until the last page. But know that there may be more great books to come! This novella can be read as a standalone so prepare to be entertained!

A Highland Moon Enchantment is strongly connected to the Order of the Dragon Knights. I loved catching up with the Dragon Knights, as well as seeing Fiona’s brother find a love to last all times. If you have followed this enchanting series, then you will know that Fiona is married to Alastair MacKay. If this is the first of the series that you read, then you are in for a real treat.

Mary Morgan has the wonderful ability to combine life in 13th century Ireland with a fantasy world of dragons, fae, druids and characters with special abilities. Always believable and always entertaining. The women are strong, sensible and when needed crafty. The men honorable, loyal if stubborn and hardheaded (hence the need for the women to be crafty). Desmond has all of those male characteristics in spades but still he is so endearing. I loved Ailsa, the warrior woman that Ms. Morgan pairs him with in this story.

The writing is masterful, the story riveting and the outcome a thrilling success. Loved my return visit to the land of the last living dragon. That it takes place at Christmas, is icing on the cake.

A Highland Moon Enchantment has all the enchantment needed for Desmond and Ailsa to grow to love each other. He a warrior and she a female warrior who will rule her island upon her father’s death. Connect this to the Dragon Knights and you have a book to delight you from beginning to end. Although not very long, it is still powerful and full of mystery and romance.

Desmond O’Quinlan has no wish to have his soul tortured by love and marriage. Desmond and his brother-in law Alastair, a Dragon Knight are returning home when his destiny is changed forever and fate steps in when he first sees the woman warrior, Ailsa MacDuff. Ailsa is injured desperately in need or rescuing and help for her father and his men. Alisa knows it’s time she wed a man after all she’s twenty five years old, but no man has stirred her interest or passions yet. She knows her father will soon pick out a warrior who will take over as Clan chief when he dies, but she doesn’t want to be controlled by her husband, she wants to be an equal. Desmond is unlike any warrior she knows, she yearns for his touch, his kisses and will she risk letting this warrior into her heart. Will the magic of the Highland Moon draw them together? An enchanting story of two strong warriors fighting the battle of good and evil and finding their own heart’s desire.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book of anthologies that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Desmond O’Quinlan is a fierce warrior who’s shut himself off from love. He’s seen what it’s done to his sister, Fiona, and he wants no part of it. He’s content to be with his family and bearing a grudge to his brother-in-law who’s a Dragon Knight. But all that changes the moment he meets Ailsa. His soul races every time she’s near and that perplexes him.



Ailsa, her father and their men are making the long journey to bury her mother’s remains when they’re attacked. Many are killed, and several are wounded. Ailsa, a warrior of her tribe and future leader when her father steps down, finds Desmond and a Dragon Knight in the forest who immediately come to her aid. Together they make the journey to safety. She’s drawn to Desmond yet their paths are sure to fracture once her father is well and she’s healed. The more she’s around Desmond, the greater her feelings grow. Could this be the love her mother told her was waiting for her or is it nothing more than a Highland Moon Enchantment?



I love Mary Morgan’s Dragon Knight series, but I believe this is the best she’s ever written. Weaving mythical lore within a historical romance, blending both Irish and Scottish storylines, I was swept away. Morgan’s lush illustrative narration struck a chord deep within me (and my roots). Both Desmond and Ailsa (love that name, by the way) are flawed characters and yet, find perfection in each other. You’ll swoon, you’ll be carried away on the wings of romance and you’ll want a mate as caring and tender as Desmond. Highly recommend!



Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher (The Wild Rose Press) via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.



My Rating: 5+ stars

I just love the Order of the Dragon Knight series so much. I loved Fiona's brothers from book 3 and was so excited to not only get to dive back into the magical world of the Dragon Knights but to see Desmond get his story. I loved both Desmond and Ailsa. Both were warriors and protectors. Both respected each other for who they truly were. They had a great connection and lots of steamy passion. I also loved getting to catch up with some of the past Dragon Knight couples. I will say that I still hope that Mary Morgan gives Brigid and Duncan a miracle baby. I know Brigid can't have babies and they adopted Nell and Finn but I really would love to see them have a little baby. That being said I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read Fiona's other two brothers books and maybe Finn will get a book too.

Desmond O’Quinlan has always felt some animosity and doubt towards the Dragon Knights especially Alastair married his sister Fiona. Desmond fights Alastair every chance he gets never letting Alastair see his weakness in everything even when training or practicing. Fiona has tried to help Desmond accept Alastair and the rest of the Dragon Knights but the rage Desmond holds for them will make an interesting family holiday. That is until Ailsa MacDuff’s father and warriors are attacked by the English. Desmond and Alastair find Ailsa and agree to help her, her father and her warriors bring her mother’s ashes where the Great Dragon resides. Can Desmond help Ailsa fulfill her mother’s last request or the burgeoning love between put them in more danger?
I just loved Ms. Mary Morgan’s stories of the Dragon Knights and couldn’t resist reading all the stories so it was sad when I thought that all of the characters stories were told. Sure the Dragon Knights had their stories and love fulfilled but it kind of made me wonder about some of the minor characters. Still I wasn’t too worried because I knew in their world everything would work out and they all had a happy life. Still I did hope that Ms. Morgan would write another story about the Dragon Knights and she sure didn’t disappoint me in this. Ms. Morgan just has a way of telling an enchanting story filled with larger than life characters and magic that I really did wish the world existed.
In the beginning I was a little apprehensive to even like Desmond he had a lot of rage towards Alastair sure I understand his reasoning but for the sake of his sister he really needed to let it go. Still with his grouchiness, stern behavior and his love for his sister he still was a hero worth liking. He eventually learned to work with Alastair begrudgingly and admit his mistakes. I liked how he and Ailsa slowly fell for each other. Ailsa was a great heroine strong, feisty and courageous. She was not only a good warrior but still was enough of a lady to hang out with the Dragon knight wives. I loved her quick wit and sense of humor. After reading this book I was a little sad to see it end and hope there is more than just Desmond story maybe there will be more. I can’t wait for another story from Ms. Morgan no matter what it will be!

Revisit the World of the Dragon Knights in this tale with Desmond and Ailsa. This author spins stories that take the reader to another time with excellent story lines and page turners.

I loved this book and the chemistry between Characters. I enjoyed the magic , the mystery and the romance. Great story. Thanks to Netgalley for this free copy.

Irish warrior, Desmond O’Quinlan has never surrendered his heart to any woman. He has no wish to have his soul tortured by love. Yet, the moment he locks gazes with Ailsa, his fate is destined for an adventure he never fathomed. He may have battled alongside a Dragon Knight, but his greatest challenge will come from within his own heart. Ailsa MacDuff, a warrior among her clan, has no desire to have a man chain her to a life of obedience. However, that is before she meets Desmond. The temptation to allow this warrior inside her heart is a risk she dares to take, but one that could lead to a future of emptiness and sorrow. When betrayal looms from within, the battleground of love is no match for these two warriors. Can the power of a Highland full moon be strong enough to unite or destroy them?
This was the first time I’ve read this author. That said, I really liked the book. It flowed really well. I liked both characters and their story. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Prologue
When the ancient bards wove the tale of the great O’Quinlan clan in Navan, Eire, they foretold of destinies that would forever change the lives of these noble warriors.
One might deem that it all began with the eldest male, yet, the story began with the youngest – a daughter. To protect Fiona O’Quinlan from the enemy of their clan, her brother, Desmond, sought out a Fenian Fae Warrior to escort her to safety during a fierce battle.
However, as with any request to the Fae, all did not go as Desmond wished. The Fae had already set in motion their own plan, and their sister was sent to another time.
The O’Quinlan clan would not be reunited with Fiona for many years. When they were, they were told her fate was destined with another – Alastair MacKay, a feared, and battle-scarred Dragon Knight. Though Desmond and his brothers eventually accepted their sister’s love for the MacKay, Desmond harbored lingering doubts over the match.
And as one year bled into the next, Desmond’s anger at the MacKay grew.
Unbeknown to Desmond, his time had come to fulfill the bardic prophecy and take his place as a ruling warrior. Furthermore, in order to step forward on his journey, he must relinquish the fury of the past and open his heart and mind to only one emotion.
Love.

A Highland Moon Enchantment by Mary Morgan is a lovely historical time travel romance novella in the author’s Dragon Knights series. This tale relates the story of Irish warrior Desmond O'Quinlan and warrior Ailsa MacDuff. The time for the fulfillment of the bardic prophecy has come…

You should know that A Highland Moon Enchantment works well as a stand alone if that is your preference. Mary relates just enough of past history that newbies are never lost. That said, fans of the series will recognize Desmond and the other O’Quinlan brothers as they were previously introduced in Dragon Knight’s Axe, the third book in the series. Dragon Knight’s Axe told the story of Desmond’s sister, Fiona and Dragon Knight Alastair, who are now husband and wife. That book also made it clear that Desmond does not get along with Alastair. As this novella opens, it’s apparent that there’s been no relief for Fiona with that aspect as she has her hands full mediating between her husband and brother.

Ailsa is the heir to the Ailsa Craig tribe. We first meet Ailsa when she, her bodyguard, her father and some of their tribe have made the long journey to bury Ailsa’s mother’s remains when they’re attacked by the English. Desmond and Alastair are out together in the forest when they come upon Lady Alisa MacDuff and her remaining party. Desmond and Alastair quickly offer their aid and hospitality. She is a woman who can take care of herself, but in this situation, she’s thankful for their assistance. There are sparks between Aisla and Desmond from the start and the pull between them strengthens as they spend more time together. Her mother had foretold that a great love was in Aisla’s destiny. Yet she and Desmond come from different tribes, so there can be no future for them. Could this be what her mother foretold or is their attraction only A Highland Moon Enchantment?

I knew once I read that Desmond didn’t believe in love that he’d soon find himself besotted. Sure enough. Besides his feud with his sister’s husband, Desmond is dealing with a further challenge – his unwanted attraction to the independent Ailsa. Desmond’s heart races every time he’s near Ailsa and he doesn’t know how to deal with these strange feelings. When the times comes, will Desmond let Ailsa go or will he realize that their love is worth fighting for?

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from A Highland Moon Enchantment:

Ailsa had made up her mind that the man she would marry must steal the breath from her lungs, make her skin tingle with his touch, and consider her an equal when it came time for her to rule the island. Her heart yearned for love, and she would settle for nothing less.
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“Have nae fear. I am not a knight, nor do I seek to rescue any damsels.”
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“Let me show ye how a kiss can burn the blood in your body. And how a touch can send tremors coursing through your skin.”

Mary’s writing is flowing and vividly descriptive. The storyline is well-plotted and teeming with twists and unexpected surprises. This delightful magical adventure weaves Irish and Scottish mythical lore, the Fae, Warriors and Knights into a passionate historical romance. If you enjoy romances that mix fantasy with sexy, brawny heroes, strong, gifted women, and a good measure of danger, I’d encourage you to check out A Highland Moon Enchantment. It’s actually a great way to dive into this series if you haven’t yet done so.

Desmond O'Quinlan and Ailsa's story is very captivating! It is a great read! Desmond was always intriguing to me and I am so happy his story was written. Desmond is on his way to visit his sister who is married to one of the Dragon Knights he comes across a lass who needs assistance. A beautiful Warrior lass! She ends up going to his sister's castle. He has not been interested in finding a lass for himself, but she intrigues him.

There is also tension in the air because Desmond and his Dragon Knight brother-in-law have a past he has not been able to get over.