ARC Review: The Scottish Witch by Cathy Maxwell + GIVEAWAY

4.5 Feathers

The Scottish Witch

by Cathy Maxwell

(Chattan Curse # 2)

"Watchers of the threshold, Watch of the gate, open hell and seal Chattan's Fate.
When a Chattan male falls in love, strike his heart with fire from above.
Crush his heart, destroy his line; only then will justice be mine".
~Fenella, Lyon's Bride/The Scottish Witch

Fenella cursed the Chattan line to never find happiness. Her daughter Rose had committed suicide due to broken heart caused by Charles Chattan. True to her words, as soon as any of the Chattan men falls in love, death comes soon after.

The last of the Chattan’s; Lyon, Harry and Margaret had promised not to fall in love and to finally end the curse. But love will always find a way, as they say and it has found Lyon. Now, love will work its way to Harry’s heart.

Unfortunately, the Chattan curse continues to exist and now Lyon' health deteriorates. Harry is determined to find a way to save his brother. It is great to see him really come out of his “daze” of drinking and nights out gallivanting with women. Unlike in Lyon’s Bride, Harry is not just in limbo. He now has a purpose and swears to find a powerful witch that would break the curse.

Portia, this selfless heroine, is determined to support her self-centered, single mom and beautiful sister. After her father past away, she felt obligated to do the right thing by them. On a verge of eviction, she must do what she can to earn extra cash even if it means to pose as something she is not.

I was captivated in Harry’s journey to finding ways to break the Chattan Curse. Though the curse was not broken in this installment, Harry and Portia found their HEA, which was the least they had expected. The romance was moderate and there was a fair amount sexual tension between the lead characters.

The only thing is that I wish Harry realized he is in love with Portia sooner. It broke my heart that his proposal was initially due to obligation. I thought he was too comfortable with their status that commitment was the least of his intensions though it was obvious that he felt more for her.

There were two side stories that I thought was a sweet addition to this book. It’s Portia’s mom, Lady Mclean and sister, Minnie’s story to their HEA. Their love stories slowly brewed in the background but woven nicely into Harry and Portia’s Story. Ms. Maxwell also revealed Charles Chattan's POV and I thought that was an interesting treat.

Oh and I cannot forget a very mysterious, very cute cat named Owl. Ms Maxwell actually posted a picture of a "Scottish Cat" and it really looked like an owl, very cute! I have a feeling this feline will have quite an impact on what is to come of the Chattan Curse.

Ms. Maxwell is a talented storyteller and I cannot wait what she has in store for Margaret in The Devil’s Heart. Seems like she will be the very thing to finally break the tragic curse.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Avon Books is graciously giving away 2 print copies of THE SCOTTISH WITCH!  US only!

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Review: Lyon's Bride by Cathy Maxwell

4.5 Feathers

Lyon's Bride

by Cathy Maxwell

(The Chattan Curse # 1)

This is the first installment of the Chattan Curse series by Cathy Maxwell, and I must say, what a marvelous start! This book is *sigh* inducing and oh, so romantic. A great story of second chances and true love conquering all .

Neal Chattan aka Lord Lyon and his family are cursed. The Chattan Curse is to punish and prevent any of them from falling in love. For generations, his ancestors have been attempting to avoid or stop the curse only to wind up with the same fate, death. Lyon's brother and sister have made a pact that the curse will end with them, not continuing with their blood line. But Lyon has other plans.

Widowed with two young sons, Thea Martin has become the town’s successful match maker. Lord Lyon requested for her services but with specific requirements. Although Thea was against them, Thea accepts the job as her financial status has gone to a dwindle. The problem is Thea and Neal shared a past that will complicate their business arrangements.

I love second chances at love. Ms. Maxwell has given this couple a chance at a well deserved happiness despite their life struggles.

The world building was great and Ms Maxwell's writing flowed. The character buildup was also good even for the secondary characters. Thea was a great heroine, a kick ass single mom who knew her priorities. And Neal the honorable hero who makes the right decision in the end. I love that their romance was done in good timing and being acquainted in the past, their love only needed to grow. Some parts of this book were totally cliche but every bit as heart warming.

With that, I leave you with a quote:

"No woman had ever completely over powered him with desire. She was quicksilver and light. She was the stars, the moon, the sun. In this moment, she owned his entire being." 

* Review copy provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon