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The Talisman #5
Druid
A vengeful goddess demands a sacrifice...
Sloane MacIntosh isn't an ordinary talisman. Gifted with the skill of the Sight, she knows her warrior's fate. Powerless to stop him from flinging himself headlong into death, Sloane mourns a sacrifice demanded by the war goddess on her summer feast day. Having found-and lost-her warrior, her fated mate, in the same evening, she knows what it means when the goddess demands a sacrifice. Her talisman skills couldn't stop the goddess bent on evening the score.
A druid wishes for a sword arm...
Davy Sutherland is a storyteller whose incredible skills immortalize warriors for all time. But he yearns for the life of danger and adventure those warriors live. He also yearns for the special bond the fates give to talismans and warriors, a love at first touch that burns hot and intense, burnishing the iron of lust into the steel of everlasting devotion. The first time he sees Sloane MacIntosh, he wishes more than anything the fates had made him a warrior-her warrior.
Love hangs in the balance.
An unconventional love affair between a talisman and a druid could lead to disaster-for both of them. Sloane fears for Davy's life if she gives in to the intense attraction she feels for him. Yet she can't seem to help herself. Whenever he's near, heat and desire ripple through her. Davy's world is one of healing and storytelling-not actual battle. But when the goddess arrives, tempting and demanding in equal measure, Davy must find a way to compose a new story, one that allows him a chance at the warrior life he's always wanted and the love of a woman he never saw coming.
Sloane MacIntosh isn't an ordinary talisman. Gifted with the skill of the Sight, she knows her warrior's fate. Powerless to stop him from flinging himself headlong into death, Sloane mourns a sacrifice demanded by the war goddess on her summer feast day. Having found-and lost-her warrior, her fated mate, in the same evening, she knows what it means when the goddess demands a sacrifice. Her talisman skills couldn't stop the goddess bent on evening the score.
A druid wishes for a sword arm...
Davy Sutherland is a storyteller whose incredible skills immortalize warriors for all time. But he yearns for the life of danger and adventure those warriors live. He also yearns for the special bond the fates give to talismans and warriors, a love at first touch that burns hot and intense, burnishing the iron of lust into the steel of everlasting devotion. The first time he sees Sloane MacIntosh, he wishes more than anything the fates had made him a warrior-her warrior.
Love hangs in the balance.
An unconventional love affair between a talisman and a druid could lead to disaster-for both of them. Sloane fears for Davy's life if she gives in to the intense attraction she feels for him. Yet she can't seem to help herself. Whenever he's near, heat and desire ripple through her. Davy's world is one of healing and storytelling-not actual battle. But when the goddess arrives, tempting and demanding in equal measure, Davy must find a way to compose a new story, one that allows him a chance at the warrior life he's always wanted and the love of a woman he never saw coming.
342 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2020
About the author
Tam DeRudder Jackson
28 books299 followersTam DeRudder Jackson’s love of all things Celtic led her to write the Talisman Series. Steeped in Celtic mythology, these steamy, fated mates, paranormal romance adventures are set in the mountains of Tam’s native Montana and the Highlands of Scotland. Rogue, the most recent book in the series, was named a best romance of 2022 by the Independent Book Review.
An avid fan of rock music, Tam never misses a chance to see a live show, especially if it’s Shinedown, one of her favorite bands. Her love of rock music inspired her contemporary rock star Balefire Series, a sexy fun ride following the lives and loves of the members of a fictional mega-band. Readers of this series consistently give the books five-star reviews.
Tam earned her BA in English from Montana State University and her M.Ed. in literacy from Lesley University. After a short teaching stint in Bath, England, she settled in the wilds of Wyoming where she taught adolescents all about the Celts and a bit about writing before she stepped out of the classroom to pursue her writing career full time.
When she’s not writing, you can find her working her way through her mountainous TBR piles, alpine skiing, or traveling to some new place on her ever-expanding bucket list. To stay up to date on her adventures, connect with Tam on her website www.tamderudderjackson where you can subscribe to her newsletter.
An avid fan of rock music, Tam never misses a chance to see a live show, especially if it’s Shinedown, one of her favorite bands. Her love of rock music inspired her contemporary rock star Balefire Series, a sexy fun ride following the lives and loves of the members of a fictional mega-band. Readers of this series consistently give the books five-star reviews.
Tam earned her BA in English from Montana State University and her M.Ed. in literacy from Lesley University. After a short teaching stint in Bath, England, she settled in the wilds of Wyoming where she taught adolescents all about the Celts and a bit about writing before she stepped out of the classroom to pursue her writing career full time.
When she’s not writing, you can find her working her way through her mountainous TBR piles, alpine skiing, or traveling to some new place on her ever-expanding bucket list. To stay up to date on her adventures, connect with Tam on her website www.tamderudderjackson where you can subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 26, 2020
ARC received for review
This is my least favorite of the series. I liked Davy and Sloane and their relationship and chemistry, but the drama from the goddess and all the surrounding things was lacking. Plus Sloane annoyed me with how much she tried to push Davy away. Loved seeing all the previous peeps again, especially since they are back in Scotland, and there was a sweet epilogue.
She hints in the end notes that there maybe more books, but I don't know who since everyone we've been introduced to is now in a relationship.
This is my least favorite of the series. I liked Davy and Sloane and their relationship and chemistry, but the drama from the goddess and all the surrounding things was lacking. Plus Sloane annoyed me with how much she tried to push Davy away. Loved seeing all the previous peeps again, especially since they are back in Scotland, and there was a sweet epilogue.
She hints in the end notes that there maybe more books, but I don't know who since everyone we've been introduced to is now in a relationship.
dnf-abandonado
September 2, 202025% DNF
I give up. This is pretty boring, like watching strangers talking and talking and talking among themselves and you don't care about.
Serves me right, for choose wrongly the last book of a series to start.
I give up. This is pretty boring, like watching strangers talking and talking and talking among themselves and you don't care about.
Serves me right, for choose wrongly the last book of a series to start.
September 4, 2020
I think the (possibly last) book of this series is the best one of all! I liked Sloane so much - and really loved Davy. I am glad he got a really lovely story and happy ending! One of the things I've liked best about this this series is the deep dive into Celtic mythology. This book is no exception and adds in some gods and goddesses that we haven't encountered so far.
Sloane is a Talisman with a talent as a Seer. She met her warrior and lost him all within the space of an hour. Since that time she hasn't been herself - but she with her best friend getting married in Scotland, she is headed there to help prepare for the wedding. Davy is a Druid who has been apprenticed to Hamish for many years. He also trains with the local warriors and has gotten extremely skilled over the years. More so since Rio has been living in the area. For Davy - seeing Sloane is definitely love at first sight. Sloane sees the connection between them as well - but is hesitant to start anything because of her past.
This book is a great mix of romance, action, and mythology. I recommend it and the series to anyone who loves all of those things!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Sloane is a Talisman with a talent as a Seer. She met her warrior and lost him all within the space of an hour. Since that time she hasn't been herself - but she with her best friend getting married in Scotland, she is headed there to help prepare for the wedding. Davy is a Druid who has been apprenticed to Hamish for many years. He also trains with the local warriors and has gotten extremely skilled over the years. More so since Rio has been living in the area. For Davy - seeing Sloane is definitely love at first sight. Sloane sees the connection between them as well - but is hesitant to start anything because of her past.
This book is a great mix of romance, action, and mythology. I recommend it and the series to anyone who loves all of those things!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
September 13, 2020
DRUID is the fifth full-length instalment in Tam DeRudder Jackson’s contemporary, adult TALISMAN paranormal, fantasy, Celtic mythology series. This is Seer and Talisman Sloane MacIntosh, and Scottish Druid Davy Sutherland’s story line. DRUID can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order or book one TALISMAN for back ground and history.
SOME BACKGROUND: Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the descendants of the Sheridan family, a curse that has the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan and her sisters Macha and Maeve set into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested. Morrigan is part of Celtic mythology representing the cycle of birth and death, but is also the patron of magic and revenge, prophecy and night.
Told from several third person perspectives including Sloane and Davy DRUID focuses on the preparations for the wedding between Sloane’s best friend Fallon Graham and her Warrior Seamus Lochlann (Bard #4). With Sloane’s arrival in Scotland comes the memories of what our heroine had lost. Having only known her Warrior Gavin for less than an hour, the goddess Macha targeted our couple pulling Gavin across the river of blood into an eternity of battles and war. Believing love and her own happily ever after had been destroyed Sloane struggled with all of the happiness surrounding the wedding preparations until meeting Druid Davy Sutherland, a man who stirred something deep within our story line heroine. Davy knew Sloane was the woman that called to his heart. With each encounter Davy’s ‘tattoo’ burned with a need to claim Sloane MacIntosh but Sloane battled her memories and the continuous omens that threatened to pull her under. As a Seer, Sloane saw the future but with the help of her best friend Fallon, a woman with the ability to change the story, Sloane is able to protect the man with whom she is falling in love, a man who becomes fodder in a game of vengeance against our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sloane and Davy, and the potential fall-out as Davy find himself on the precipice of immortality, a choice he must make between love and enduring life.
DRUID is an infinitely detailed story line rich in Celtic mythology with tales of gods and goddesses, and the struggle to survive. There is a very large cast of secondary and supporting characters including Davy’s mentor Hamish; all of the previous story line couples, and their extended families, as well as Macha, Maeve, Morgan and the thunder god Taranis. As everyone prepares for the upcoming nuptials between Fallon and her fiancé Seamus Lochlann, something dark and ominous is on the horizon, taking aim at our story line couple. The premise is complex and intriguing; the romance is flirty and seductive; the characters are energetic and inspiring.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
SOME BACKGROUND: Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the descendants of the Sheridan family, a curse that has the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan and her sisters Macha and Maeve set into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested. Morrigan is part of Celtic mythology representing the cycle of birth and death, but is also the patron of magic and revenge, prophecy and night.
Told from several third person perspectives including Sloane and Davy DRUID focuses on the preparations for the wedding between Sloane’s best friend Fallon Graham and her Warrior Seamus Lochlann (Bard #4). With Sloane’s arrival in Scotland comes the memories of what our heroine had lost. Having only known her Warrior Gavin for less than an hour, the goddess Macha targeted our couple pulling Gavin across the river of blood into an eternity of battles and war. Believing love and her own happily ever after had been destroyed Sloane struggled with all of the happiness surrounding the wedding preparations until meeting Druid Davy Sutherland, a man who stirred something deep within our story line heroine. Davy knew Sloane was the woman that called to his heart. With each encounter Davy’s ‘tattoo’ burned with a need to claim Sloane MacIntosh but Sloane battled her memories and the continuous omens that threatened to pull her under. As a Seer, Sloane saw the future but with the help of her best friend Fallon, a woman with the ability to change the story, Sloane is able to protect the man with whom she is falling in love, a man who becomes fodder in a game of vengeance against our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sloane and Davy, and the potential fall-out as Davy find himself on the precipice of immortality, a choice he must make between love and enduring life.
DRUID is an infinitely detailed story line rich in Celtic mythology with tales of gods and goddesses, and the struggle to survive. There is a very large cast of secondary and supporting characters including Davy’s mentor Hamish; all of the previous story line couples, and their extended families, as well as Macha, Maeve, Morgan and the thunder god Taranis. As everyone prepares for the upcoming nuptials between Fallon and her fiancé Seamus Lochlann, something dark and ominous is on the horizon, taking aim at our story line couple. The premise is complex and intriguing; the romance is flirty and seductive; the characters are energetic and inspiring.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 10, 2020
The trifecta of Warriors, Druids, and Talismans are back with the final installment(?) of the Talisman series!
The crew are at it again as they fight against the full triple goddess trio Morrighan Macha, and Maeve this time as well as the thunder god, Taranis. Sloane has been living a half-life since she met and subsequently lost her Warrior. Gifted with the ability of a Seer, she KNEW the moment that the goddess Macha took her Warrior Gavin as a sacrifice. Now she is struggling with the guilt and misery of having failed and lost her other half. On arriving in Scottland to celebrate her best friend Fallon's marriage to her Warrior Seamus, she meets an enchanting Druid Davy who makes her tattoo, as well as her heart, do weird and wonderful things.
I liked this one almost as much as the first. Although I did find the 'evil plot' to be a lot underwhelming as far as all of the other books went. And well, I was left with a lot of questions still. The author's note stated that this was most likely the last in the series, and I guess I was just hoping for a lot more... closure.
Still, I felt like this book had a lot of action and romance and well, Scottland! So, Hello, good times! Again, I wish we got a bit more closure but this was a good finish to the series.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The crew are at it again as they fight against the full triple goddess trio Morrighan Macha, and Maeve this time as well as the thunder god, Taranis. Sloane has been living a half-life since she met and subsequently lost her Warrior. Gifted with the ability of a Seer, she KNEW the moment that the goddess Macha took her Warrior Gavin as a sacrifice. Now she is struggling with the guilt and misery of having failed and lost her other half. On arriving in Scottland to celebrate her best friend Fallon's marriage to her Warrior Seamus, she meets an enchanting Druid Davy who makes her tattoo, as well as her heart, do weird and wonderful things.
I liked this one almost as much as the first. Although I did find the 'evil plot' to be a lot underwhelming as far as all of the other books went. And well, I was left with a lot of questions still. The author's note stated that this was most likely the last in the series, and I guess I was just hoping for a lot more... closure.
Still, I felt like this book had a lot of action and romance and well, Scottland! So, Hello, good times! Again, I wish we got a bit more closure but this was a good finish to the series.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
December 6, 2020
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was unfortunately not my cup of tea. In addition to the fact that angsty romance really can only be maintained for so long, and in this case, I felt that it dragged a bit further than that, I struggle when English-speaking authors try to insert dialects of other cultures into their writing as it often feels a bit clunky, which was the case here in my opinion.
I also realize that part of the difficulty of getting into the story quickly can be attributed to the fact that it is the fifth in a series and I have read none of the others. I was eventually able to understand the general premises of the characters and world. This seemed to be a spinoff from another character's story. I personally like when series do that, so if you're familiar with the series then this is probably going to be a win for you.
Recommended for fans of supernatural and travel romance.
This was unfortunately not my cup of tea. In addition to the fact that angsty romance really can only be maintained for so long, and in this case, I felt that it dragged a bit further than that, I struggle when English-speaking authors try to insert dialects of other cultures into their writing as it often feels a bit clunky, which was the case here in my opinion.
I also realize that part of the difficulty of getting into the story quickly can be attributed to the fact that it is the fifth in a series and I have read none of the others. I was eventually able to understand the general premises of the characters and world. This seemed to be a spinoff from another character's story. I personally like when series do that, so if you're familiar with the series then this is probably going to be a win for you.
Recommended for fans of supernatural and travel romance.
February 14, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Another great book from one of my favorite authors. Highly recommend to friends and family.
September 5, 2020
Celtic Mythology at its Best!!
You know how something is so good you want to savor it that’s how I felt about this book. Especially knowing this is the 5th and final book in the Talisman series.
Sloan Macintosh was deviated when she lost her warrior as soon as she found him.
Davy Sutherland is a Druid that has been trained as a warrior. The wedding of her best friend takes her to Scotland and to Davy.
“Sloane, lass. Ye’re mine. Ye’ve always been mine.”
“We belong tae each other Sloane.”
A slow lazy smile, wicked in its heat, spread over his features, and a squadron of butterflies took flight in her belly. Curiously, she felt a pleasurable throbbing on the tattoo on her thigh.
All of my favorite characters are back one last time. I can’t say enough good things about this series. I love everything about it. I’m glad we ended up back at Conlan Manor.
Sloane and Davy reached for their drams simultaneously, and he brushed her wrist with the back of his hand. A sizzle of awareness shot up her arm at the contact, and she blinked in surprise.
The Epilogue brought tears to my eyes. Hamish will always be my favorite Druid.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
You know how something is so good you want to savor it that’s how I felt about this book. Especially knowing this is the 5th and final book in the Talisman series.
Sloan Macintosh was deviated when she lost her warrior as soon as she found him.
Davy Sutherland is a Druid that has been trained as a warrior. The wedding of her best friend takes her to Scotland and to Davy.
“Sloane, lass. Ye’re mine. Ye’ve always been mine.”
“We belong tae each other Sloane.”
A slow lazy smile, wicked in its heat, spread over his features, and a squadron of butterflies took flight in her belly. Curiously, she felt a pleasurable throbbing on the tattoo on her thigh.
All of my favorite characters are back one last time. I can’t say enough good things about this series. I love everything about it. I’m glad we ended up back at Conlan Manor.
Sloane and Davy reached for their drams simultaneously, and he brushed her wrist with the back of his hand. A sizzle of awareness shot up her arm at the contact, and she blinked in surprise.
The Epilogue brought tears to my eyes. Hamish will always be my favorite Druid.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
September 14, 2020
I believe this may be the last book in this wonderful series and I believe the best was left till last Sloan and Davy's story is both uplifting and sad at the same time Once again we are drawn into the world of the mystic Celts and we get to meet even more gods and goddesses than before.
Davy is a born druid and has been apprenticed to Hamish for many years but he has also dreamed of been a warrior a lot of that time after all a warrior has a talisman and that wonderful connection that they have between them something that he would love for himself, because of this he has trained with many of the warriors over the years especially since the warrior Rowan and his talisman Alyssa have moved into the big house. Then he meets Sloan she has come for the wedding she is a talisman but she lost her warrior on the same day that she met him and as a seer she knew what was going to happen and couldn't stop it. The attraction between them is instant but Sloane has no intention of ever giving her heart again even if she can feel a connection Will Davy's love be enough for him to convince her that love isn't always about hurt and that they can have a future together even though the final battle is about to happen between the warriors their talismans and Morrigan
Davy is a born druid and has been apprenticed to Hamish for many years but he has also dreamed of been a warrior a lot of that time after all a warrior has a talisman and that wonderful connection that they have between them something that he would love for himself, because of this he has trained with many of the warriors over the years especially since the warrior Rowan and his talisman Alyssa have moved into the big house. Then he meets Sloan she has come for the wedding she is a talisman but she lost her warrior on the same day that she met him and as a seer she knew what was going to happen and couldn't stop it. The attraction between them is instant but Sloane has no intention of ever giving her heart again even if she can feel a connection Will Davy's love be enough for him to convince her that love isn't always about hurt and that they can have a future together even though the final battle is about to happen between the warriors their talismans and Morrigan
December 1, 2020
I’m a fan of the Talisman series and this one is no exception. Sloane lost her fated warrior and mourns his memory. When friends gather for a wedding, she meets Davy, a druid with the heart of a warrior. Readers will get to catch up with characters previously introduced and will embrace new romance and adventure. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews