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Return to Me
Archaean bounty hunter Marek Coinnich isn't particularly fond of Engels. In fact, he prefers them dead. But to save his injured brother, he must enter the manor of an Engel enemy. Marek finds himself enthralled by the slave girl nursing his brother back to health. When his enchantment with her lands them in a compromising position, he refuses to let the young beauty pay for the misunderstanding with her life.
Brynn of Galhaven prefers to keep to the shadows. When she is ruined by an outsider, she barely escapes with her life and finds herself left alone in an unforgiving land. Through her struggles to survive, Brynn discovers a world she never imagined and never forgets the enemy Archaean who stole her heart.
Marek can’t deny his desire for Brynn, but these are wartimes, and she is the enemy. And though love knows no prejudice, the world in which he lives isn’t nearly as forgiving.
Brynn of Galhaven prefers to keep to the shadows. When she is ruined by an outsider, she barely escapes with her life and finds herself left alone in an unforgiving land. Through her struggles to survive, Brynn discovers a world she never imagined and never forgets the enemy Archaean who stole her heart.
Marek can’t deny his desire for Brynn, but these are wartimes, and she is the enemy. And though love knows no prejudice, the world in which he lives isn’t nearly as forgiving.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2014
About the author
Melissa MacKinnon
7 books34 followersMelissa spent her childhood exploring the coast of down east Maine without parental supervision and immersing herself in any book she could get her scrappy little hands on. Although she pursued a career in theater, the written word is her true calling. She leads a full life with her husband and six children traveling the country to wherever the Army sends them in her very large twelve passenger van, in what she lovingly deems “organized chaos”. She finds time to write in her “spare time”, somewhere in between soccer practices and nap time with coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. She loves creating unforgettable romance, and enjoys writing and reading everything from sexy, sword-toting heroes to spit-out-your-coffee funny romantic comedies… as long as she doesn’t get the book wet. She leaves that up to the characters.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 18, 2014
Oh, my heart. Debut author Melissa MacKinnon takes readers on a breathtaking journey where passion and danger posi-freaking-lutely explode. Yep, I said it. They 'SPLODE! Brynn and Marek can't even exchange glances without sparks flying, so when they get close you can count on your e-reader getting a little too hot to handle. MacKinnon's voice is unfailing, and her ability to convey these characters will have you so invested in the story that when you hit the end you're going to have a big sad when you blink your way back to reality and realize they're not real. Only...they ARE real. They MUST be, for they stay with you long after the book ends, and not just the main characters, but the secondaries as well. Marek's brothers-in-arms are perhaps the best deadpan humorists in all of historical fiction, with unparalleled comedic timing and flawless delivery. And when you're not laughing or shaking your head at their antics, you'll be positively swooning at the heat between the leads. Every bit of it is organic. It simmers and builds until you just can't breathe for the want of that moment when the characters give in, and then ERMAGERD. Amazing. *fans self* This is a long book, taking place in three parts, but it flies. To read it is to become immersed in this world that, while at times bitterly heartbreaking, is one from which you just cannot bear to walk away. And that is perhaps the greatest legacy of this author's debut: once you've read it, you've truly experienced it. So get in there. Be prepared to be glued to it until the very end (grab a tissue - you're going to need it) and to carry this heartfelt story with you long after you close the last page. With a book this good, you couldn't hope for a happier ending than that.
Copy provided for review, then I bought one anyway.
Copy provided for review, then I bought one anyway.
August 12, 2014
I love reading Historical Romance, and although this has a fantasy element which I wouldn't normally choose, I am so glad I read it. Melissa Mackinnon has skilfully woven an ancient time and place into the story so that it is totally believable. Brynn, a blonde haired blue eyed daughter of an Engel is mistreated in the home of her dark haired father and brothers. She sticks out as coming from the Archaean lands, their direct enemies. Abused and beaten, Brynn is rescued by Marek, a warrior bounty hunter and true Archaean. He finds himself compelled to rescue her, but with nary a plan as to what to do then. Slowly but surely he falls for her charms, but out of love and duty to his wife he leaves her at The Crossroads, a trading post marking the edge of Engel lands and the borderlands of the Archaeans. Truly believing he has done his best for her, Marek returns to his wife and village only to find his family murdered and the village ransacked. The perpetrator is Lord Westmore, the evil, violent warrior who is ravaging and ransacking his way north and south. Marek swears revenge and will not stop until he has it, but never guesses for one moment that Brynn is also caught up in it all. The story keeps you guessing all the way to the end, it tugs at the heartstrings, it has tender love scenes and also high tension in the midst of battle. Its a bit like Braveheart meets Game of Thrones. If you like a fierce celtic warrior, you'll love Marek, and have no fear, Brynn is no swooning lady, but fiesty, headstrong and very capable of looking after herself. Well worth a summer read.
January 10, 2015
Enemy to lovers is a beloved trope in the romance genre. With good reason, for it proves that love can overcome many obstacles.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 23, 2015
I adored everything about this book. I stayed up way too late reading it. It was beautifully written and an engaging book from page one to the very last page.
This is an adult novel recommended for 17+. I absolutely loved every minute of it. Recommended.
This is an adult novel recommended for 17+. I absolutely loved every minute of it. Recommended.
October 1, 2020
Could not put it down. Loved how Brynn, after a few flubs, becomes the heroine of the story
January 11, 2023
I loved this one!
January 24, 2015
This is one you don't want to miss
Melissa has mad a great start with her first book, her main characters as well as the secondary characters were well developed ,well thought out and will leave you hoping that she will bring them back in future books. There are two different type of people here the Archaean ,who are born and raised to be warriors (bounty hunters) and the Engel, who are people who have the titled rich,and the peasants. And their is a war going on.The Archaean Marek Coinnich ,on this way home where in a his brother was injured .When infection sat in he had to do one thing he hated, ask at a Engel manor for medical help. The young girl with yellow hair sent to care for his brother, he though the girl a slave. When he accidently he touched her by trying to catch her when a jealous girl pushed her down the stairs in the night.And he diid break her fall but she landed on him. An of course was caught. Her father threw a fit , denounced her and had her but in a cell, where her brother came to talk later and in the morning the young warrior came to see if she was alright before he left and found out she was to be whipped for her indecent behavior and shaming her father. The Archaean warrior could not believe a man would do this to a daughter,went to where he was told it would be. He tried to get though the crowd but he could see she was tied up and beat unconscious. He got though and cut her down and took her with them. The warriors didn't know what they would do with her but couldn't leave her to died because he had touched her. but another problem his he is drawn to Brynn like to know other, which he fought those feeling while still caring for her. Deciding that leaving her with a wealthy family as a nanny , he though that he had done it ,even making it plain she was not to be hurt or touched. But he was lied to there was no nanny job. Will Marek ever find out? What will happen to 17 year old Brynn? Brynn and Marek seemed like a love destined to be but he could not let it happen. He headed own home. Life wasn't easy but she survived . While you want to pull for them, with what you know it is hard. Melissa has even developed even the comedic timing that would come from a group who spend all their time together. It is a fast moving story that will keep you on the edge.You will hope that she will bring the characters to future book and you hope some of the other stories will be told.You have sword and knife fights, complete with a real bloody battle ,Hot chemistry and a love story.But there is also the love between Talon and Brynn, a love as real and genuine as you can think of. I can not wait to read more from this author.For a first book she has wrote a book that will grab you from beginning to the end. It will be the book you want to read more than once.
Melissa has mad a great start with her first book, her main characters as well as the secondary characters were well developed ,well thought out and will leave you hoping that she will bring them back in future books. There are two different type of people here the Archaean ,who are born and raised to be warriors (bounty hunters) and the Engel, who are people who have the titled rich,and the peasants. And their is a war going on.The Archaean Marek Coinnich ,on this way home where in a his brother was injured .When infection sat in he had to do one thing he hated, ask at a Engel manor for medical help. The young girl with yellow hair sent to care for his brother, he though the girl a slave. When he accidently he touched her by trying to catch her when a jealous girl pushed her down the stairs in the night.And he diid break her fall but she landed on him. An of course was caught. Her father threw a fit , denounced her and had her but in a cell, where her brother came to talk later and in the morning the young warrior came to see if she was alright before he left and found out she was to be whipped for her indecent behavior and shaming her father. The Archaean warrior could not believe a man would do this to a daughter,went to where he was told it would be. He tried to get though the crowd but he could see she was tied up and beat unconscious. He got though and cut her down and took her with them. The warriors didn't know what they would do with her but couldn't leave her to died because he had touched her. but another problem his he is drawn to Brynn like to know other, which he fought those feeling while still caring for her. Deciding that leaving her with a wealthy family as a nanny , he though that he had done it ,even making it plain she was not to be hurt or touched. But he was lied to there was no nanny job. Will Marek ever find out? What will happen to 17 year old Brynn? Brynn and Marek seemed like a love destined to be but he could not let it happen. He headed own home. Life wasn't easy but she survived . While you want to pull for them, with what you know it is hard. Melissa has even developed even the comedic timing that would come from a group who spend all their time together. It is a fast moving story that will keep you on the edge.You will hope that she will bring the characters to future book and you hope some of the other stories will be told.You have sword and knife fights, complete with a real bloody battle ,Hot chemistry and a love story.But there is also the love between Talon and Brynn, a love as real and genuine as you can think of. I can not wait to read more from this author.For a first book she has wrote a book that will grab you from beginning to the end. It will be the book you want to read more than once.
June 8, 2022
A very good historical romance with very interesting paranormal/mysical content. I found this book highly enjoyable and devoured it in just over one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down. I would rate it a 4 1/2stars mainly due to the editing. I found quite a few sentences throughout the book that I had to reread several times to understand the meaning due to the way it was worded. A good editor would've caught that and smoothed it out. I by know means have trouble reading and comprehending, very rarely do I find this type of issue. It really disrupts the flow of reading and breaks your concentration. Otherwise would've rated it a 5 star. I won't go into the story as the synopsis gives you that and I try and not do spoilers. The h/ h were both highly likeable characters. The supporting characters were also very well done, making the book easily be a start of a series. There is action, war, suspense, romance, hunky alpha warriors, and descriptive, steamy sex scenes. Marek, our hero, does his best to keep his honor and make thing's right while being the warrior he is. Brynn, our heroine, goes from being a mouse that hides in the shadows to the mouse that roared!!! I do think she could've made things easier on Marek at times, but understand some of her reasonings. The author did an excellent job on including "the Gods", though it would've been nice to know which Gods that were being talked about. We're they Norse Gods, Greek Gods, the Gods the pagans prayed to or some made up Gods? It would've added a better spin to the story. I also enjoyed how "the Gods" in this story were different than what was normally in historical fiction, such as Catholics, Protestants and such. That was a nice change. I thought the mystical/supernatural/ paranormal aspects included in this novel were highly unique and interesting to read about. I hope there are more books related to this novel. This is the first time I've read this author and thought she did a terrific job. I look forward to reading more of her books. I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy interesting, different, historical romances that have alpha warrior males in it. Those who are sensitive to books that have steamy sex scenes may not want to read this. Also those readers who find books that have religions that aren't Christian based offensive,may not want to read this. I found this book highly realistic, even with the paranormal/supernatural aspects included. During time period this took place, people were highly superstitious to the degree that suspected witches were burned. There was also many who believed in various Gods and also lived off of the earth. They worshipped many different Gods in a mother earth type of way. This will definitely be a book in will probably reread again, it was that enjoyable.
February 8, 2015
Let me begin by saying that this book is NOTHING like I was expecting. I was expecting a regular romance with some historical and paranormal twists. What I got was something so much more. To begin with - I was immediately pulled into this story. You couldn't help but feel sorry for Brynn as she is accused of things she did not do, and sentenced to a punishment (by her own father nonetheless) that would surely kill her. Marek establishes himself pretty early on as someone who protects others (especially those weaker than he). The chemistry between the two is apparent immediately - but there is that pesky problem of the fact that he is already married and cannot act on his feelings for Brynn. Instead, Marek does the next best thing - he brings her to a town and pays for her safety.
Then things happen. Things that I wish I could talk about, but that would mean revealing spoilers that would make it pointless for you to read yourself. And despite Marek's best efforts to protect Brynn - things do not go well for her. Nor do they go well for Marek when he finally makes it home.
The remainder of this story moves fairly quickly. You spend time with both Marek as well as Brynn (and their few friends) as they try to live their lives apart - and eventually as they cross paths time and again. There is wonderful character growth, as well as story development which thankfully includes enough detail that you don't find yourself confused as the story moves on (especially since it includes the points of view of both Marek as well as Brynn so you know what each is experiencing as the story progresses).
I will admit that the ending of this story kept me the most intrigued. Just when I thought one thing had happened, it was revealed to be something else entirely. It was a phenomenal ending to an engaging story and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review
Then things happen. Things that I wish I could talk about, but that would mean revealing spoilers that would make it pointless for you to read yourself. And despite Marek's best efforts to protect Brynn - things do not go well for her. Nor do they go well for Marek when he finally makes it home.
The remainder of this story moves fairly quickly. You spend time with both Marek as well as Brynn (and their few friends) as they try to live their lives apart - and eventually as they cross paths time and again. There is wonderful character growth, as well as story development which thankfully includes enough detail that you don't find yourself confused as the story moves on (especially since it includes the points of view of both Marek as well as Brynn so you know what each is experiencing as the story progresses).
I will admit that the ending of this story kept me the most intrigued. Just when I thought one thing had happened, it was revealed to be something else entirely. It was a phenomenal ending to an engaging story and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review
August 19, 2014
Beautifully written book from cover to cover. With the turning of each page, it left me wanting more. This historical romance was set in a time where warriors were out to get blood and this book has plenty of great battle scenes, intertwined with a truly magical romance. It was incredibly easy to place yourself in the story within the first few pages and read without wanting to stop. Brynn, a daughter of an Engel, is suddenly thrown into the arms of Marek, who is an Archaean warrior, and the story of romance and battle begins there, quickly learning the differences between these two distinct cultures—the Engels and the Archaeans. You cannot help to fall in love with the characters for they are witty, heroic and real. Character development is superb, I especially enjoyed the interaction between Marek and Brynn, two lovers destined for each other; as well as Talon and Brynn, a love as genuine and real as can be. It was refreshing to read a book with such interesting character and plot development; it left you guessing what their next move or thought would be, keeping you on your toes. Interactions between the many characters in this book was as real as could be--intense love between certain characters coupled with hatred towards other characters all on the same page, creating a page turning novel. If you enjoy historical romance, this book will surely satisfy you and lead you on a magical journey of love. I look forward to more great works from this author.
January 29, 2015
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK! Return to Me is a historical romance with a captivating plot. War, jealousy, unrequited love, passion, and a bit of magic all combine in this amazing tale. You will laugh, you will cry, you will curl your toes in anticipation! I almost instantly became immersed, and could not put this book down. The story features Brynn and Marek, forbidden lovers who are simply not meant to be… or are they? When these two enemies meet, the sparks fly- but they come from different worlds, and must part ways. The two never forget each other, and when they once again find themselves in the same place at the same time, the heat is almost too much to bear! But they still must fight to be together for good, and Ms. MacKinnon keeps the reader anxiously involved, wondering which will prevail- their love, or the evil that surrounds them.
I love the way this is written. The focus shifts between Brynn and Marek’s points of view throughout the book, filling in gaps and allowing the reader to know what each of them is thinking and experiencing. The secondary characters add depth and entertainment, further enhancing the plot. The intimate scenes were beautiful- exquisitely described, without being distasteful. Unexpected twists and turns abound, and you will find yourself losing sleep in order to continue the saga!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love the way this is written. The focus shifts between Brynn and Marek’s points of view throughout the book, filling in gaps and allowing the reader to know what each of them is thinking and experiencing. The secondary characters add depth and entertainment, further enhancing the plot. The intimate scenes were beautiful- exquisitely described, without being distasteful. Unexpected twists and turns abound, and you will find yourself losing sleep in order to continue the saga!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2014
Melissa MacKinnon's debut novel better not be her last.
Here's what you can expect:
A hot hero who isn't always able to do exactly what you would expect (or want, paired with a heroine who isn't afraid to be a woman but is spunky, headstrong and determined to survive.
Toss in a few endearing minor characters, a hint of magic, and a few twists you will never see coming and you have a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't expect an easy road for MacKinnon's couple, they have more to overcome than many a relationship could ever survive.
You won't be able to put this book down, and once it's done you will be wishing, much like I am, that we might see a few of these characters again in the future in some connected novels.
This book is no short story to say the least. We are given years of the characters lives, but are never bogged down and bored. MacKinnon takes us all over Scotland, and gives us glimpses into the worlds of slaves, taverns, war and peaceful living at the time.
I'm a lover all romance, historical romances will always have a special spot in my heart though. This book will be one of those that I can grab when I want to re-read something that gives me the feeling that though life isn't perfect it can have a happily ever after.
January 27, 2015
I have to say, I was surprised at how much i enjoyed reading this book. This was a first for me. with the setting being back in the old ages. I literally felt i was taken back in time, and watched a love story unfold. It was nerve racking to read what all the characters had to go through to find each other, but at the same time i was glad their love for each other prevailed when everything was working against them. I highly recommend reading this book. its a great read and i am looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 3, 2014
Return to me
I wasn't sure if this book is good but after reading the reviews I decide to give it a try....and wow! I couldn't put it down. love all the characters...especially Gavin so silly and funny...hoping the next book will be about him...but all in all its a must read!!!
I wasn't sure if this book is good but after reading the reviews I decide to give it a try....and wow! I couldn't put it down. love all the characters...especially Gavin so silly and funny...hoping the next book will be about him...but all in all its a must read!!!
October 20, 2014
Struggled with this book
wanted to give 2 1/2 stars...the last quarter of the book improved a lot. A dose of the paranormal helps this tale at the ending. Would not read the sequel.
wanted to give 2 1/2 stars...the last quarter of the book improved a lot. A dose of the paranormal helps this tale at the ending. Would not read the sequel.
February 14, 2015
Great reading
I enjoyed reading about Marek and Brynne and all the other characters that made a family and a love that wouldn't die. It had a lot of hope in it.....just what I needed.
I enjoyed reading about Marek and Brynne and all the other characters that made a family and a love that wouldn't die. It had a lot of hope in it.....just what I needed.
March 26, 2015
I loved this book. The storyline was pretty typical for a historical romance, but the weaving in and out with a fantasy theme was really skillfully done. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author
November 23, 2014
Loved IT!
Hot and Sizzling chemistry, sword and fighting. Historical Romance at its best.
Hot and Sizzling chemistry, sword and fighting. Historical Romance at its best.
October 29, 2015
Fans of historical romance will enjoy this (even if it not really historical), but fans of paranormal romance will find it lacking.
September 10, 2015
Started a bit slow, got crazy good, then strange. Overall a good read
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews