Book Review-Warrior's Redemption

Warrior's Redemption
Warrior (1)
Melissa Mayhue
Pocket Star Books
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2012
372 Pages
Time Travel/Medieval Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4516-4087-8
Author's Website

Synopsis 
Will the magic of modern romance help him defeat an evil ancient power?

MALCOLM MACDOWYLT sees himself a failed warrior, haunted by the death of the woman he married to become laird of Clan MacGahan. Neither his Viking heritage nor his claim to descend from Norse gods can restore his confidence in his ability to protect his people. His sister is held captive, her life in jeopardy, and his Magically powerful half brother wants him dead. The last thing he needs is more responsibility, but that's exactly what he gets when his Faerie mother-in-law arrives seeking justice for her daughter in the form of an enticing woman from seven hundred years in the future.

DANIELLE DEARMON has waited fifteen years to discover the life she is supposed to live. She just never dreamed she'd end up in the thirteenth century with a handsome Scot bent on saving everyone but himself.

With the lives of those most dear to him hanging in the balance, Malcolm sets out to battle a powerful evil Magic, only to learn that the redemption he seeks exists only in the arms of the woman he loves.

My Review
Summary 
Malcolm, has recently lost his wife, and blames himself for her death. Along with that, he is Laird of the Clan of MacGahan, and his sisters life is in danger from his older brother and he plans on rescuing her as soon as he can. Even though he is a descendant of Norse gods, he doesn't know how he will be able to protect his family and his clan from harm. Danielle has always believed in fairies. Ever since she was a little girl and read a book about fairies, she has, every day, for the past fifteen years, brought out some milk for them, no matter what is going on in the day, or the weather, she has remained constant in her belief in them. Dani believes that there is a purpose in her life, and that one day it will be revealed to her. She just has no idea what that purpose is. When Malcolm's mother in law comes for a visit, he questions why she would, since she is considered to be a fairy. But when she comes to the mortal world wanting to know the true reason of her daughter's death, she realizes how much Malcolm loved her daughter and tried to protect her. So as a reward to him, she decides to bring his soul mate to his side. On the evening of Halloween, which is the one moment you can commune with fairies Dani, goes through a ritual which lands her 700 years in the past and being rescued by Malcolm, who is determined that he doesn't fail Dani. At fist he wants to deny their attraction and the strong connection that only gets stronger. However he has certain obligations but he can't deny the true love he feels for Dani, but will he be strong enough to keep her from danger and at his side forever?

My Thoughts 
Over the past couple of years I have enjoyed reading from this author, my local library has only a few of her books, so I haven't read much of her. But when I was browsing the shelves this past week, I saw that they had both of her newest books, and I just had to snatch them up. Melissa Mayhue has such a talent to bring out such beautifully written stories where the reader can't help but be swept away in the magical tales she writes. I fell in love with this from the beginning and it didn't take me very long to read it, and when that happens, you know its amazing!! Definitely easy to get into, and a quick read that is a bunch of fun and adventure.

Warrior's Redemption starts out with this reader seeing both worlds of Malcolm and Dani. We see Malcolm trying his best to protect those he is over as best he can. But with the death of his wife, he blames himself and bears a whole world of weight of guilt on his shoulders. With worrying over his sister's welfare, and knowing he will have to marry a woman he doesn't know for a alliance that will bring justice for his older brother's wrong doings, he feels like his hands are tied. Then we go to Dani's side of things, who has been faithful in her devotion to the fairies no matter how many people ridicule or criticize her. She is a cook and works long hours that puts a roof over her head, but she wants more for her life. What she doesn't expect is to be brought in the past 700 years and to a medieval dominant man who makes her blood stir with passion. I enjoyed seeing these two develop into a relationship. I have always adored time travel romances, and this one is by far one of my favorites. I loved seeing the conflicts and how true love does conquer all. In this story, this couple are known as soul mates, which is the strongest union, and I also enjoyed the sense of magic that was played out in the story. It wasn't overly strong where it was the focus of the story, it was more like cream on top of a dessert, only added more flavor and deliciousness.

Now lets talk about my favorite aspect of the story....the characters. Now I just adored all the characters in this story, there was so much depth to them (even the evil ones). Malcolm, is very alpha type but not too overly much either. He is from the late 1200's, so very medieval, but the honorable type. Pure yumminess, I just wanted to gobble him up. Where can I find my own fairy right? There was so much that I liked about him.A Warrior, has a tattoo( and a beautiful one at that), but has a few weaknesses that made him so real to me. I just wanted to kiss away all the sadness from him. Dani, hasn't exactly had the best luck in her life. Her aunt was her mother and raised her, but when she grows up she still believes in magic and fairies, and I found Dani to be a bit predictable at times, but I loved how she would fight for Malcolm. She doesn't ever back down from a fight, and risks her own life for him. I really admired her tenacity and devotion. She was a very likable character.

Overall I found the story to be heart wrenching, and yet a beautiful tale of true love that bring two people that can't be more opposite and from two entirely different worlds. A riveting story from beginning to end, that made it a MUST NOT PUT DOWN read. Mixed with great humor, adventure, magic, and endearing characters that were deeply moving to the point that you can't help but fall in love all over again. A captivating love story that will take you on a adventure of a lifetime. A Magnificent start to the most recent series from this stellar author. A WINNER!!

First Line 
Howls echoed through the forest of Wyddecol, so protracted and pain ridden they tortured Elesyria's eardrums.

Favorite Quote 
With his thumb, he gently stroked the fine dust from her cheek, his fingers resting at the bast at her jaw where her pulse beat against his skin like a drummer in the heat of battle. Before he knew it, he was on his knees, his mouth lightly covering hers. She made no move to pull away and he deepened the kiss, his tongue running across the contours of her lips, sampling the taste of her. She might have groaned, but he couldn't be sure; the rhythmic pounding of his own blood echoed in his ears, driving out all sound.
Oh yes, at this very moment he could think of many things worse than spending his life with a woman like this.

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books in The Series 
Warrior's Last Gift
Warrior Reborn
Warrior Untamed