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Devlin's Destiny
Gabby’s future is uncertain. Devlin’s is written in stone.
About to lose everything, Gabby Stone’s life is in shambles. Upon waking in a medieval castle owned by a sinfully sexy Scottish Laird, she believes she’s having an erotic dream and jumps right into the fantasy. But she quickly learns that this is no dream. Somehow she’s been transported into her favorite romance novel, Devlin’s Destiny, and is now starring as the heroine next to the scrumptious hero, Devlin McAlister, a character who puts all flesh-and-blood men to shame.
Deciding that living in this parallel universe is better than going back to her real life, Gabby plays it safe at first even though she hates the way the heroine in the book treats Devlin. As time passes, however, she finds herself wanting to become Devlin’s true heroine, to have him love her, not the woman he’s written to marry.
But how bound to the book is Devlin? With each turn of the page, obstacles are thrown in her path as a war between love and written words ensue. Can Gabby overcome a predetermined future to claim Devlin for her very own Happily Ever After?
REVIEWS
Vicky---Sizzling Hot Reviews--4 Stars
Devlin’s Destiny is a cool concept! May be short, but is very good and well done. It is a fast read of a clever idea. Being trapped in a story where the other characters have to act out their set roles until you change the script would challenge anyone. Esmerelda Bishop not only made this idea work, she even got me involved/concerned in Gabby’s struggle. And Devlin’s Destiny ends up being well worth our time as well as entertaining.
About to lose everything, Gabby Stone’s life is in shambles. Upon waking in a medieval castle owned by a sinfully sexy Scottish Laird, she believes she’s having an erotic dream and jumps right into the fantasy. But she quickly learns that this is no dream. Somehow she’s been transported into her favorite romance novel, Devlin’s Destiny, and is now starring as the heroine next to the scrumptious hero, Devlin McAlister, a character who puts all flesh-and-blood men to shame.
Deciding that living in this parallel universe is better than going back to her real life, Gabby plays it safe at first even though she hates the way the heroine in the book treats Devlin. As time passes, however, she finds herself wanting to become Devlin’s true heroine, to have him love her, not the woman he’s written to marry.
But how bound to the book is Devlin? With each turn of the page, obstacles are thrown in her path as a war between love and written words ensue. Can Gabby overcome a predetermined future to claim Devlin for her very own Happily Ever After?
REVIEWS
Vicky---Sizzling Hot Reviews--4 Stars
Devlin’s Destiny is a cool concept! May be short, but is very good and well done. It is a fast read of a clever idea. Being trapped in a story where the other characters have to act out their set roles until you change the script would challenge anyone. Esmerelda Bishop not only made this idea work, she even got me involved/concerned in Gabby’s struggle. And Devlin’s Destiny ends up being well worth our time as well as entertaining.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2011
14 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Esmerelda Bishop
6 books26 followersEsmerelda Bishop has always loved to read. After having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. The doodling soon became an obsession. Years later, she has an erotic paranormal titled The Panther’s Lair published with Carina Press and one with Lyrical Press titled The Feline Fugitive.
Keep a lookout for Esmerelda’s non-erotic counterpart, Abby Niles. Abby will make her debut in July 2011 with Defying Convention, a romantic comedy that adds a little geek to romance. The novel will be available at Carina Press.
Keep a lookout for Esmerelda’s non-erotic counterpart, Abby Niles. Abby will make her debut in July 2011 with Defying Convention, a romantic comedy that adds a little geek to romance. The novel will be available at Carina Press.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 23, 2014
I don't usually give out 5-stars to novellas, but this one felt complete to me. Yes, I probably would have enjoyed a full-length novel with these characters, but I finished it more than satisfied.
I've read a few books/novellas with the time-travel/alternate universe/sucked into-my-favorite-book theme and it's always a nice change from billionaires or firemen or MMA fighters. It's completely and totally unrealistic and gives the reader a different kind of fantasy--one all voracious romance readers have: To get our chance with our book-boyfriend--and do it better than the TSTL heroine ever could.
The conflict in this was original and a little unexpected (or maybe I haven't read enough of this type of romance, I don't know). It had my heart twisting for Devlin and Gabby. The problem wasn't that they were from two different worlds or even that she may have to return and leave him (though that was a concern), it was that Devlin was bound to his written character to the point of pain. He was unable to act on his feelings for Gabby if it deviated too far from the storyline. He realized that his automatic and powerful love for "Gabrielle" paled in comparison to his passion and connection to the new "Gabby". To find a future together, Devlin must overcome his compulsion to be the Devlin of the novel and work through the pain of becoming his own man.
In case you are wondering, in addition to the original and unexpectedly emotional storyline, this was hot Hot HOT!
His roguish smile caught her breath.
"I feel yer arousal. Allow me to ease the pain."
God help her, she'd deal with the consequences later. She needed him. Now.
To give him better access, she shifted her bottom closer to his side. Just as she took him into her mouth again, his fingers slipped inside and massaged her internal walls. A crooked finger fondled the hidden nub deep within. She gasped sharply around him. Pleasure ripped through her as she thrust down on his hand.
"Aye, lass, want it. Need it."
I've read a few books/novellas with the time-travel/alternate universe/sucked into-my-favorite-book theme and it's always a nice change from billionaires or firemen or MMA fighters. It's completely and totally unrealistic and gives the reader a different kind of fantasy--one all voracious romance readers have: To get our chance with our book-boyfriend--and do it better than the TSTL heroine ever could.
The conflict in this was original and a little unexpected (or maybe I haven't read enough of this type of romance, I don't know). It had my heart twisting for Devlin and Gabby. The problem wasn't that they were from two different worlds or even that she may have to return and leave him (though that was a concern), it was that Devlin was bound to his written character to the point of pain. He was unable to act on his feelings for Gabby if it deviated too far from the storyline. He realized that his automatic and powerful love for "Gabrielle" paled in comparison to his passion and connection to the new "Gabby". To find a future together, Devlin must overcome his compulsion to be the Devlin of the novel and work through the pain of becoming his own man.
In case you are wondering, in addition to the original and unexpectedly emotional storyline, this was hot Hot HOT!
His roguish smile caught her breath.
"I feel yer arousal. Allow me to ease the pain."
God help her, she'd deal with the consequences later. She needed him. Now.
To give him better access, she shifted her bottom closer to his side. Just as she took him into her mouth again, his fingers slipped inside and massaged her internal walls. A crooked finger fondled the hidden nub deep within. She gasped sharply around him. Pleasure ripped through her as she thrust down on his hand.
"Aye, lass, want it. Need it."
September 22, 2011
I liked it!
The story was interesting and the characters as well. You know, just few days ago while reviewing another book, I asked myself a question..What if I could meet a book character? Well that's exactly what this book is about. And yes, lot's of juicy scenes are included *blush*
Gabby Stone is struggling for the last few months to find a decent job and is almosty broke..but one day she wakes up and all of a sudden, she is a book heroine. Well, she didn't like Devlin's Destiny too much, though her coworker loved it and believed it to be the most romantic novella ever written. So, Gabby starts reading it, and then again..and then again..until she finally is almost in love with the male character in the book, lovely and sexy Devlin McAlister.
Well, when she finally wakes up in his house she is both freaked out and pleased to have him next to him. So, can this be possible? Could she be taken the role of Gabrielle Barboric, the book heroine in which Devlin is in love?
Could he see she is not that Gabby? Could she be his destiny?
This really was an amusing book and you can almost feel the "electricity" between Gabby and Devlin. Very passionate story!
Esmerelda Bishop is the pen name of Abby Niles, and I am very thankful to her and one of the GR book clubs around here (RRRC) for giving me a copy of this book. I will definitely want to read more from this author.
The story was interesting and the characters as well. You know, just few days ago while reviewing another book, I asked myself a question..What if I could meet a book character? Well that's exactly what this book is about. And yes, lot's of juicy scenes are included *blush*
Gabby Stone is struggling for the last few months to find a decent job and is almosty broke..but one day she wakes up and all of a sudden, she is a book heroine. Well, she didn't like Devlin's Destiny too much, though her coworker loved it and believed it to be the most romantic novella ever written. So, Gabby starts reading it, and then again..and then again..until she finally is almost in love with the male character in the book, lovely and sexy Devlin McAlister.
Well, when she finally wakes up in his house she is both freaked out and pleased to have him next to him. So, can this be possible? Could she be taken the role of Gabrielle Barboric, the book heroine in which Devlin is in love?
Could he see she is not that Gabby? Could she be his destiny?
This really was an amusing book and you can almost feel the "electricity" between Gabby and Devlin. Very passionate story!
Esmerelda Bishop is the pen name of Abby Niles, and I am very thankful to her and one of the GR book clubs around here (RRRC) for giving me a copy of this book. I will definitely want to read more from this author.
June 10, 2011
A nice little brogue and kilt fix. For a novella, there was enough meat for my basic enjoyment, not a love fest. I would read Ms. Bishop's work again provided she is writing about Highlanders and it's a novella. The characters were interesting enough to hold my attention and hope for their HEA. Devlin was tortured by his love for Gabrielle, a woman from his time. He is a fictional character in a book that Gabby, a modern woman, constatly reads over and over. She is in love with Devlin's character and feels he deserves better than the cold unloving arms of his Gabrielle. Her wish is granted when she wakes up in the Highlands in the role of Gabrielle. She must live through each scene of the book out of fear of what will happen to Devlin if he knew he was not real. Gabby is funny and determined making this a fun read overall.
November 6, 2015
Not sure why, but I bought this book for my phone kindle and it was called, "Her Forbidden Highlander".
Gabby and Devlin. An odd little story about Gabby, whose life is imploding until she wakes up 'in' her favourite romance book as the heroine. The hero of the book, Devlin is drawn to her but finds it very difficult to stray from the script. I felt like this must be an early work by the author as it has an immature feel to it. Not much detail is given and there a VERY few characters. It was OK. A nice idea, but not really fleshed out. More like the bare outlines.
Gabby and Devlin. An odd little story about Gabby, whose life is imploding until she wakes up 'in' her favourite romance book as the heroine. The hero of the book, Devlin is drawn to her but finds it very difficult to stray from the script. I felt like this must be an early work by the author as it has an immature feel to it. Not much detail is given and there a VERY few characters. It was OK. A nice idea, but not really fleshed out. More like the bare outlines.
May 15, 2020
Fantastic Story 5+*
A fascinating Scottish Time Travel Romance. Gabby awakens to find herself in the very highlander romance book she loves to read. Laird Devlin believes her to be Gabrielle the woman he plans to wed. Thinking Gabrielle has lost her memory he starts to fall in love with Gabby. Unlike the real Gabrielle, Devlin and Gabby develop a loving sexual relationship. Gabby's world falls apart after she witnesses Devlin offering marriage to Gabrielle, while the original pages continue as written. Read for yourself and discover the outcome.
A fascinating Scottish Time Travel Romance. Gabby awakens to find herself in the very highlander romance book she loves to read. Laird Devlin believes her to be Gabrielle the woman he plans to wed. Thinking Gabrielle has lost her memory he starts to fall in love with Gabby. Unlike the real Gabrielle, Devlin and Gabby develop a loving sexual relationship. Gabby's world falls apart after she witnesses Devlin offering marriage to Gabrielle, while the original pages continue as written. Read for yourself and discover the outcome.
October 18, 2024
amazing quick read
Read this in less than an hour. I love her books and I like that this was a shorter one since I like to read a few books at a time. Can’t wait to open another one of here
Read this in less than an hour. I love her books and I like that this was a shorter one since I like to read a few books at a time. Can’t wait to open another one of here
February 19, 2017
Imaginative!
A hero found in the pages of a novel. A heroine so in love with the character that she makes him come alive...a lot of love and some really hot sex. Wowsa!
A hero found in the pages of a novel. A heroine so in love with the character that she makes him come alive...a lot of love and some really hot sex. Wowsa!
April 18, 2014
Currently free at Amazon under the author's real name (Abby Niles). Funny enough I've had this version in my TBR queue for a while. Very sweet and quick read.
How would you like to be transported to the plot and into the arms of the hero in your favorite historical romance book (who wouldn't!)?
That's what happens to Gabby. She wakes up in the castle of Laird Devlin (a sexy highlander, to boot) and he believes she's his Gabrielle (who has consistently refused his suit). Now she has amnesia and she seems to be affected by him in the way he's always dreamed.
The thing is, Gabby never felt Gabrielle, truly loved Devlin the way he deserved in the book(again, sounds like me, I'm always finding fault with the h's:). Here's Gabby's chance to live out a fantasy, but she isn't sure she should risk changing the plot not knowing when she could be sent back to her own time/world.
Will there be an HEA for Gabby or will Devlin live out his one-sided fools paradise with his fictional Gabrielle? I think you can guess, but it's still a very sweet story and worth the read.
How would you like to be transported to the plot and into the arms of the hero in your favorite historical romance book (who wouldn't!)?
That's what happens to Gabby. She wakes up in the castle of Laird Devlin (a sexy highlander, to boot) and he believes she's his Gabrielle (who has consistently refused his suit). Now she has amnesia and she seems to be affected by him in the way he's always dreamed.
The thing is, Gabby never felt Gabrielle, truly loved Devlin the way he deserved in the book(again, sounds like me, I'm always finding fault with the h's:). Here's Gabby's chance to live out a fantasy, but she isn't sure she should risk changing the plot not knowing when she could be sent back to her own time/world.
Will there be an HEA for Gabby or will Devlin live out his one-sided fools paradise with his fictional Gabrielle? I think you can guess, but it's still a very sweet story and worth the read.
June 27, 2015
A quick and pleasurably meta read.
What a terrific, unusual concept! A delightful read for every reader who ever kinda wished they could trade places with the heroine of their favorite romance novel.
While it's by no means perfect, I thought that HER FORBIDDEN HIGHLANDER was a great story. My only big complaint was that I wish it had been twice as long so I could have had more connection with Gabby before she finds herself thrust back in time living in her favorite book. Even still it was enjoyably escapist and not so brooding that it felt melodramatic. I've read many of Niles' previous books and if you know her work you know she can write a fantastic love scene and this is no exception.
If you love highlander romances and would love a brief but fun palate cleansing read that tweaks the genre a little I would definitely recommend picking it up. I spread it out over a few nights but it could easily be read in one sitting making it a perfect read for summer travel. Enjoy!
Notes: Review copy received via author.
What a terrific, unusual concept! A delightful read for every reader who ever kinda wished they could trade places with the heroine of their favorite romance novel.
While it's by no means perfect, I thought that HER FORBIDDEN HIGHLANDER was a great story. My only big complaint was that I wish it had been twice as long so I could have had more connection with Gabby before she finds herself thrust back in time living in her favorite book. Even still it was enjoyably escapist and not so brooding that it felt melodramatic. I've read many of Niles' previous books and if you know her work you know she can write a fantastic love scene and this is no exception.
If you love highlander romances and would love a brief but fun palate cleansing read that tweaks the genre a little I would definitely recommend picking it up. I spread it out over a few nights but it could easily be read in one sitting making it a perfect read for summer travel. Enjoy!
Notes: Review copy received via author.
January 29, 2015
I only read this book because I needed a scottish book for a challenge. I needed a scottish book and this one was cheap (maybe even free) and not a full length novel. Score.
I did enjoy the premise. Girl wakes up in her favorite romance novel and is the object of desire for the handsome (RICH!) hero that she has secretly lusted after for quite some time. The PROBLEM is that he is confined to the script of the book. I liked that she figures out how to control him and make it her own story and happily ever after.
And that is NOT a spoiler because COME ON... you knew they were going to get together before you picked up the book!
I did enjoy the premise. Girl wakes up in her favorite romance novel and is the object of desire for the handsome (RICH!) hero that she has secretly lusted after for quite some time. The PROBLEM is that he is confined to the script of the book. I liked that she figures out how to control him and make it her own story and happily ever after.
And that is NOT a spoiler because COME ON... you knew they were going to get together before you picked up the book!
March 28, 2012
Loved it! This short and steamy read kept me interested and surpassed my expectations. Very original storyline where the Heroine, Gabby wakes up inside her favorite romance novel, literally. Talk about diving into a good book! The characters have fantastic chemistry and the story flows from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down! I will definitely be adding Esmerelda Bishop to my list of favorites!
August 6, 2014
Okay wow! What a story idea. Going into your favorite book and becoming the heroine!!!! I so wanna do that, but then which book do I choose!?!?!? I loved Abby's MMA books, and this one was awesome as well! I wish it would have been longer, and more in depth with each character, but still I loved it! Gabby was a bit irritating at first, but it still worked! Seriously I can't imagine going into a book, it would be epic!
March 21, 2011
I absolutely adored this story. The love scenes revved me up, and at times even made me cry. Like the other reader, I wasn't sure how the author was going to wrap this story up, but she did so perfectly. I would suggest this book to everyone! Grab a glass of wine to enjoy with this romantic tale, but don't be surprised if you end up needing a cold shower.
March 8, 2011
This was a free book from Smashwords.
I enjoyed this twist on the Classic "bodice ripper" Romance. Very clever idea since everyone has dreamed of stepping into a story and replacing the heroine. Now we find out it might not be so easy to get the story to go the way we'd like.
I enjoyed this twist on the Classic "bodice ripper" Romance. Very clever idea since everyone has dreamed of stepping into a story and replacing the heroine. Now we find out it might not be so easy to get the story to go the way we'd like.
Want to read
April 12, 2014Free on Amazon today, 04-12-14.
PNR/Fantasy; Heroine becomes a character in her favorite Medieval Highland Romance novel.
http://www.amazon.com/Devlins-Destiny...
PNR/Fantasy; Heroine becomes a character in her favorite Medieval Highland Romance novel.
http://www.amazon.com/Devlins-Destiny...
September 27, 2015
Oh my.
I have only one criticism of this book and that is it was too short. I'm loved the characters and the questions in the story, but would have loved it being a bit longer.
I have only one criticism of this book and that is it was too short. I'm loved the characters and the questions in the story, but would have loved it being a bit longer.
November 8, 2016
I am giving this book 5 stars for originality! I'm very stingy with my 5 stars, so that is saying a lot. Good job!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews