Well then, it seems that I have found a new favourite author in Ms Clare; she really can do no wrong. CARNAL GIFT is the 2nd book from the Blakewell/Kenleigh trilogy and another epic read. With adventures of a grand scale, passion, heartache, suspense and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished, this is how historical romances are meant to be.

I also just have to mention the detail paid to historical accuracy. The research involved here boggles my mind and is appreciated although if I’m being honest I did find the traditional Irish Gaelic names somewhat distracting (Brighid, Fionn Muirin, Ailis) as I paused often to figure out how to pronounce them (and I never did quite get Ruaidhri?)However kudos for traditional accuracy.

This is well written, intricate story, taking our couple through insurmountable trials before they’re finally allowed to reach their HEA and I loved the adventure. The romance aspect was believable, sigh worthy and slow building. I’d expected that due to the circumstances of their initial meeting (!) our heroine was going to be all bitter, angry (and annoying) but thankfully Clare never went there and I truly enjoyed Brighid.

And what a hero we’re given in Jamie, (after first meeting him as a boy in Sweet Release) he sure grew up to be one hell of a fine man. I also loved (to hate) the villain, Sheffield Tate wow, what a sick bastard he turned out to be, becoming more and more evil as his layers were peeled away. Well done.

Our story takes place in 1754 Ireland; Jamie Blackwell (of Virginia) is visiting his friend Sheff who he attended Oxford with before he travels to London. While out on a hunt their party comes across a small Catholic funeral procession, changing Jamie and Brighid’s lives forever.

Because the act of Catholicism is banned Sheff breaks up the funeral and orders the priest hung but not before he notices how Jamie is looking at the beautiful Irish girl. Sheff then kidnaps Brighid and since during that time the English (Sasanach) essentially owned the Irish he gives her to Jamie as a virginal gift, which he will then have once Jamie is finished with her. Jamie being the honourable sort soon realizes his friend is off his freaking rocker and rescues Brighid. This however places her two brothers in grave danger and Sheff on a trail of vengeance.

So my summery is pretty lame, and really only the first chapter, there are just so many more layers to this amazing story then I‘ve been able to express. Cheers