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Culloden's Fire #4
Crown of Mist
As war raged across the land, they rejoiced in a fierce and forbidden love.
She was Brianna Devlin, a golden-haired Irish lass, a creature of the wind and sea...as wild and beautiful as the land she loved. He was Creighton Wakefiefd, an elegant Lord with a heart of fire, loyal to the English King Charles II. Pursued by Cromwell's zealous armies, the lovers yielded to no man...yet surrendered to the sweet, searching hunger that alone could satisfy their passionate souls.
But in France, amidst the silken intrigues of Charles' exiled royal court, Brianna faced a menace more fearsome than the London Tower's dark terrors. Now she was entwined in Creighton's sumptuous world...and in a vengeful plot threatening the love that was their haven, their joy, their splendid, shining destiny.
She was Brianna Devlin, a golden-haired Irish lass, a creature of the wind and sea...as wild and beautiful as the land she loved. He was Creighton Wakefiefd, an elegant Lord with a heart of fire, loyal to the English King Charles II. Pursued by Cromwell's zealous armies, the lovers yielded to no man...yet surrendered to the sweet, searching hunger that alone could satisfy their passionate souls.
But in France, amidst the silken intrigues of Charles' exiled royal court, Brianna faced a menace more fearsome than the London Tower's dark terrors. Now she was entwined in Creighton's sumptuous world...and in a vengeful plot threatening the love that was their haven, their joy, their splendid, shining destiny.
364 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1988
327 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cates
58 books98 followersKimberly Cates lives in Illinois with her family.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 9, 2022
This book was absolutely thrilling! Although this book is the fourth in a series, I read it easily as a standalone. Brianna and Creigh's love story happened quickly but endured many tests of loyalty and strength; both physically and mentally. There are multiple villains and multiple characters to mourn but the characters are steadfast and strong. I would recommend this book,however, only for adult readers as there are strong themes of violence, abuse, sexual assault, imprisonment, and bullying.
February 29, 2016
Captivating Irish Historical Romance
Cates weaves a captivating tale of a love between an Irish peasant lass, Brianna Devlin, and a British lord, Creighton Wakefield, loyal to Charles II. It is set in Ireland, England and France in 1649, beginning with Cromwell’s terrible attack on Drogheda, north of Dublin at the mouth of the River Boyne, as a part of England’s attempt to subjugate Ireland.
Brianna, a fierce fighter, has lost her two older brothers in the battle. She and her younger brother are saved only because they were hidden in a well (over her objection). When the battle is over, she encounters Creigh who, having been a spy for Charles II, is trying to escape Ireland. One of Cromwell’s troops wounds him and Brianna, a healer, tends him and travels with him to the coast where he expects to join a ship. On the way, Creigh and Brie fall in love. Though they become lovers, they don’t expect to end up together because of their different classes, but events conspire to keep them together.
The story has a fair amount of brutal fighting and some really evil villains who do some ugly things. And there’s lots of angst as Brianna suffers one misfortune after another, not to mention the fact she is viewed by all as Creigh’s whore. Still, this is a compelling story and Cates paints vivid word pictures of the life of an Irish girl at the time. Brianna, though her beginnings were modest, has extraordinary intelligence, skill and courage. It was easy to see why a man with a noble heart like Creigh would fall in love with her.
I recommend it.
Cates weaves a captivating tale of a love between an Irish peasant lass, Brianna Devlin, and a British lord, Creighton Wakefield, loyal to Charles II. It is set in Ireland, England and France in 1649, beginning with Cromwell’s terrible attack on Drogheda, north of Dublin at the mouth of the River Boyne, as a part of England’s attempt to subjugate Ireland.
Brianna, a fierce fighter, has lost her two older brothers in the battle. She and her younger brother are saved only because they were hidden in a well (over her objection). When the battle is over, she encounters Creigh who, having been a spy for Charles II, is trying to escape Ireland. One of Cromwell’s troops wounds him and Brianna, a healer, tends him and travels with him to the coast where he expects to join a ship. On the way, Creigh and Brie fall in love. Though they become lovers, they don’t expect to end up together because of their different classes, but events conspire to keep them together.
The story has a fair amount of brutal fighting and some really evil villains who do some ugly things. And there’s lots of angst as Brianna suffers one misfortune after another, not to mention the fact she is viewed by all as Creigh’s whore. Still, this is a compelling story and Cates paints vivid word pictures of the life of an Irish girl at the time. Brianna, though her beginnings were modest, has extraordinary intelligence, skill and courage. It was easy to see why a man with a noble heart like Creigh would fall in love with her.
I recommend it.
June 13, 2019
From the very first page of Kimberly's book, you are transported vividly back to the Civil War, a time of death and destruction with innocent people caught up in this tragedy. Her vivid and descriptive writing has you sitting in the middle of a dark, blood thirsty and vile battle during the Civil War, in Drogheda Town.
The handsome, dashing, heroic and wildly passionate Lord Creighton Wakefield is a Cavalier Spy, caught in the middle of this carnage and over a sword fight, he meets the beautiful, wild, compassionate and very capable swordswoman, Brianna Devlin. Not only do they spar with swords, but also words, wit, jibes and sexual tension.
Creighton is exactly how you would expect a Cavalier to be, his accent, his conversation and words and his dress, Kimberly describes this beautifully.
Brianna is carrying a dark and dreadful secret and for someone so young, she has seen dreadful things and led a sorrowful life, losing many very close to her heart.
But it is the villains in this book that make your hairs stand on end. Some of the villains are clothed expensively, some not.
Saul Ogden is the type of evil villain that makes you hold your breath, vile, spiteful, vindictive and cruel, his behaviour is described so well, that it leaves you cold.
This is an extremely emotional book that twists and turns from one chapter to the next, with wonderful characters and humorous dialogue.
Kimberly really explains the horror of the times, how frightening it must have been to be imprisoned and threatened in The White Tower, the despair and loss of life, the suffocating fear that must have wrapped itself tightly around these prisoners, it certainly is a vivid but adventurous account.
There is also a lovely relationship bubbling between Juliet and Rogan, which adds to this wonderful tale.
I absolutely loved Crown of Mist and so will you. Enjoy!
The handsome, dashing, heroic and wildly passionate Lord Creighton Wakefield is a Cavalier Spy, caught in the middle of this carnage and over a sword fight, he meets the beautiful, wild, compassionate and very capable swordswoman, Brianna Devlin. Not only do they spar with swords, but also words, wit, jibes and sexual tension.
Creighton is exactly how you would expect a Cavalier to be, his accent, his conversation and words and his dress, Kimberly describes this beautifully.
Brianna is carrying a dark and dreadful secret and for someone so young, she has seen dreadful things and led a sorrowful life, losing many very close to her heart.
But it is the villains in this book that make your hairs stand on end. Some of the villains are clothed expensively, some not.
Saul Ogden is the type of evil villain that makes you hold your breath, vile, spiteful, vindictive and cruel, his behaviour is described so well, that it leaves you cold.
This is an extremely emotional book that twists and turns from one chapter to the next, with wonderful characters and humorous dialogue.
Kimberly really explains the horror of the times, how frightening it must have been to be imprisoned and threatened in The White Tower, the despair and loss of life, the suffocating fear that must have wrapped itself tightly around these prisoners, it certainly is a vivid but adventurous account.
There is also a lovely relationship bubbling between Juliet and Rogan, which adds to this wonderful tale.
I absolutely loved Crown of Mist and so will you. Enjoy!
January 27, 2021
A love born from war
A great read! This is the 4th book in the Culloden's Fire series, however, the time period takes place before books 1-3. It also ties in with book 3's main character "Devlin Chastain". Crown of Mist is about an ancestor of Devlin Chastain.
War is an ugly beast of mans doing! Ireland is being ravaged by the English. The English believe they are doing God's " work" by ridding the island of the papists. The English during this time basically believe Catholics were bad. Brianna, an Irish peasant, learns to fight the English alongside her brothers. When things are so bad they look for a way to escape the carnage by going into a well. Only Brianna and her younger brother makes it in the well before being over run. She knows her older brothers are fighting a losing battle and die. After things are quiet, she and her younger brother decide to climb out. It is then Brianna meets with the enemy who will eventually become her husband, however, not before a sinister plot interferes and almost destroys their future. I highly recommend this book.
A great read! This is the 4th book in the Culloden's Fire series, however, the time period takes place before books 1-3. It also ties in with book 3's main character "Devlin Chastain". Crown of Mist is about an ancestor of Devlin Chastain.
War is an ugly beast of mans doing! Ireland is being ravaged by the English. The English believe they are doing God's " work" by ridding the island of the papists. The English during this time basically believe Catholics were bad. Brianna, an Irish peasant, learns to fight the English alongside her brothers. When things are so bad they look for a way to escape the carnage by going into a well. Only Brianna and her younger brother makes it in the well before being over run. She knows her older brothers are fighting a losing battle and die. After things are quiet, she and her younger brother decide to climb out. It is then Brianna meets with the enemy who will eventually become her husband, however, not before a sinister plot interferes and almost destroys their future. I highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2022
Oh my stars, is this ever a historical romance that delivers on both counts. I remember I purchased this book when it first came out, but didn't get to read it, which was definitely my loss. Creigh and Brianna are exactly what I rave in a historical romance couple, and Kimberly Cates is mistress of her craft. From Ireland to England and France, the battlefields of the English Civil War, to the castles of nobility, and most points in between, this is a romance well worthy of history, and a love that can take on anything life throws at it. Also, the final boss battle, as it were, takes place in a bear pit, so there's that. Bonus points for a cameo by Charles II himself, and a truly heartwarming epilogue.
Though this is the fourth in the Culloden't Fire series, it is a prequel, taking place before the others by a century give or take, so readers who prefer to read in chronological ordder of story, may want to start with this. Absolutely loved it and will be rereading often.
Though this is the fourth in the Culloden't Fire series, it is a prequel, taking place before the others by a century give or take, so readers who prefer to read in chronological ordder of story, may want to start with this. Absolutely loved it and will be rereading often.
January 22, 2022
Wretched wartime romance
So many many wretched wartime scenes and plots that take place in this beautiful love story of Brianna Devlin's! Her strength and ability to fight her way through what would knock down even the strongest of men is what eventually leads her to love everlasting! Lord Creighton Wakefield is fighting the wrong battle and trying desperately to get himself out of a bad situation when he runs into the mighty force of Brianna Devlin! He is blown away by her fighting spirit and strength and has no idea how fortunate he is to be saddled with her rescue!
So many many wretched wartime scenes and plots that take place in this beautiful love story of Brianna Devlin's! Her strength and ability to fight her way through what would knock down even the strongest of men is what eventually leads her to love everlasting! Lord Creighton Wakefield is fighting the wrong battle and trying desperately to get himself out of a bad situation when he runs into the mighty force of Brianna Devlin! He is blown away by her fighting spirit and strength and has no idea how fortunate he is to be saddled with her rescue!
August 5, 2020
All 4 books -Amazing!
I read all 4 books in this series. I was drawn by the history, romance, and expert story telling. Her characters and story plots are engaging and full of surprises. Loved them all!
I read all 4 books in this series. I was drawn by the history, romance, and expert story telling. Her characters and story plots are engaging and full of surprises. Loved them all!
February 1, 2021
Great series
Love this series but still baffled as to why the story is told backward. I do love the history and the love, the sorrow and joy, the crazy things happening in these stories, but love that good and truth triumphs in the end!!
Love this series but still baffled as to why the story is told backward. I do love the history and the love, the sorrow and joy, the crazy things happening in these stories, but love that good and truth triumphs in the end!!
March 27, 2022
Could not put it down
I loved all the characters, the descriptions were so great I could see each of them. The story line was wonderful with the chases, captures, betrayals and romance throughout the book. Everyone should read it!
I loved all the characters, the descriptions were so great I could see each of them. The story line was wonderful with the chases, captures, betrayals and romance throughout the book. Everyone should read it!
June 15, 2022
I know this story has good reviews, but I just felt like it was going on forever. Sorry, maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this. I did skim through to the end. I really liked Brianna and Creigh. They went through a lot of loss and torture.
June 19, 2022
an historic romance
It took me a bit to get into this story, but one I did, I highly enjoyed it. Filled with war, treachery, intrigue, and a great love story. It is always nice when true love conquers every obstacle.
It took me a bit to get into this story, but one I did, I highly enjoyed it. Filled with war, treachery, intrigue, and a great love story. It is always nice when true love conquers every obstacle.
December 28, 2017
I read this when I was still a teenager and I am happy to report that it is a good and absorbing as I remember it. A little over-the-top but a wonderful adventure.
January 1, 2018
Brianna is a person to aspire to.
Want to read
September 17, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/17/2020)! 🎁
November 4, 2020
Creighton and Brianna
I enjoyed the story about the round heads and the Stewart trying to get back the crown . good story.
I enjoyed the story about the round heads and the Stewart trying to get back the crown . good story.
December 20, 2021
Historical
Italy's enjoy stories that incorporate history . though this one was a bit over the top with all the escapes it made for enjoyable reading.
Italy's enjoy stories that incorporate history . though this one was a bit over the top with all the escapes it made for enjoyable reading.
July 1, 2024
Terrific!
I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the characters and the plot. Very good writing. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the characters and the plot. Very good writing. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 6, 2017
Too overwrought! Far too complex a plot. It should have been 1,000 pages to develop the saga. Then it would have been a DNF. Some of the subplots were not even plausible, and contributed little to the tale.
May 6, 2023
DNF. Too much poetically descriptive landscape and such. Difficult for me to buy into a heroine who has just experienced her beloved brother dead body who died protecting her, a few days later sexually attracted to some man she barely knows and thought was the enemy.
July 23, 2022
A Gem
Kimberly Cates writes such interesting characters that grab your hearts. I love the journeys she writes about. I can't say in words the magic reading her novels give me. She is one of the best.
Kimberly Cates writes such interesting characters that grab your hearts. I love the journeys she writes about. I can't say in words the magic reading her novels give me. She is one of the best.
March 30, 2020
Brianna Devlin and Creighton Wakefiefd
An enjoyable read with a satisfying HEA
An enjoyable read with a satisfying HEA
April 9, 2017
I have just released myself from the obligation of finishing this book at page 222 (out of 364). I find it unreadable. Over-written, clunky, purple, unconvincing, and caricatural. If the theme of rape and sexual torture must find its way into a romance novel, then I believe that it should be handled delicately; here, it's simultaneously diminished and overly dramatized. Most of the faults of the book can be explained (but not excused) by the fact that it was written in 1988: making a novel longer than it needs to be by stuffing it with words, attempting to address serious women's issues, and staying within the traditional confines of heroic good v. rotten-toothed evil. Curiously, I read this book as a teenager and have saved it all these years, remembering it fondly. How times have changed! And how we change with them!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews