Rating: 
Summary: Passionate start of a family saga...
Review: MCCLAIREN'S ISLE: THE PASSIONATE ONE has to be one of the darker novels I've read lately. It introduces the saga of the Merricks, two brothers and a sister whose English father betrayed his Scottish in-laws during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion in order to gain ownership of the castle then known as Maiden's Blush on the property called McClairen's Isle. Aside from betraying his in-laws, Lord Carr also, in all likelihood, murdered Janet, the mother of his children, as well as his second and third wives. In a nutshell, Carr is a horrid person and the perfect villain.Ashton, the eldest child, lives what appears to be a very dissolute life, gambling and scandalizing the peers in London. In reality, he is scrimping all his winnings to ransom his younger brother Raine from a French prison. Carr knows this and uses the young man mercilessly, blackmailing him into taking on menial tasks and humiliating ventures for coin to accomplish his quest - but never enough, so that he will have Ash at his disposal for a very long time. Ash's latest charge from his lamentable sire is to deliver a maiden by the name of Rhiannon Russell to (the renamed) Wanton's Blush. Ash assumes that Carr plans to make Rhiannon next in the long line of unfortunate brides. When he arrives in the village of Fair Badden to escort Rhiannon to Scotland, he finds she is just weeks away from getting married to someone else. Not only that, but there have been an alarming number of attempts on her life, a few of which he witnesses. Adding to his dilemma is the fact that he himself is drawn to Rhiannon, and she to him... The thing I loved the most about this book is that Ash has to be the most tormented hero ever: he is a walking, talking definition of suffering for love - love of family, love of a woman, love of honor. He puts himself through endless pursuits to save Raine, he almost steps away from Rhiannon when he believes she has left, wanting only her happiness, and he even offers to take Fia, his baby sister, away from Carr, even though they never really knew each other as siblings. Rhiannon herself is no slouch. She survived the Rebellion as a young child, is devoted to her adoptive family and her dog, and she has the courage to face her nightmares and fight for her life - and her love for Ash. Really, the chemistry and nobility between these two characters made me go through a whole box of tissues, they were so beautiful. THE PASSIONATE ONE is no lighthearted romp. Readers expecting a cheery Regency-era comedy of manners are not going to find it here. I highly recommend this work of Brockway's to anyone with an interest in Scottish settings and passionate, reckless, and ravishing stories. This is an intense tale of the meaning of family, honor, and devotion - and, hopefully, as the trilogy plays out, revenge. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the Merricks find their way to peace, and for Carr to get his due.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This book is brimming with interesting characters, witty dialogue, and passion. You'll have fun reading this one!
Rating: 
Summary: Not her best
Review: This book was a big disappointment for a big Connie Brockway fan. I love her work. But I did not like this book. It has none of the sparkle of My Dearest Enemy, and none of the longing found in All Through the Night. While I admire her prose and style, and will certainly continue to buy her books, I can't recommend this one. Dull overused plot. Two characters that did not really appear to fall in love. I hope the next two books in this trilogy are better. Just sign me disappointed but hopeful. Let's hope Brockway finds her way back to Egypt. As You Desire was her best book yet!
Rating:
Summary: Very good book!
Review: This is the first time I have read Connie Brockway, and you can bet that I will get some more of her work. The main people of Ash and Rhiannon are excellent! I thought the ending was rather abrupt, but I suppose a book can't go on forever. I can't wait for the story of Raine and Fia. It will prove to be very interesting!
Rating: 
Summary: IT WAS OK
Review: This is the first time I read Ms. Brockway and although I did like the two main characters in this story and the twists and turns were interesting. There was definately something missing. The spark of fire and passion was not there. It's not a stay-up-all-night reading type of book.
Rating:
Summary: McClairen's Isle, The Passionate One
Review: Well I liked this book enough to buy both the sequels because I always love finding out what happened to the other Characters in the book. This story was nice. I thought the story dragged a bit and that the hero was a bit too moody. I wish there had been more humor in the book. I really think that the last book in the series "The Ravishing One"will be the most enjoyable because the hero and heroine seem to be at odds with each other from day one, which makes for a stronger story.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting and Rewarding
Review: What an intriguing, passionate and utterly winning book! As usual, Connie Brockway is in top form in this smoldering romance between tormented rogue Ash and stunning Rhiannon. It is highly satisfying witnessing demure, obedient Rhiannon come into her own as a strong, independent and fiery presence as she reclaims her Scottish heritage. It is sweet torment watching Ash long for her with infinite ardor as her influence brings out the best in him. The story is riveting and very rewarding. For fascinating, complex and highly passionate characters, Connie Brockway can't be beat. Every one of her novels, beginning with her dazzling debut (Promise Me Heaven), is intelligent, sizzling and impossible to put down. Don't miss the ultimate romantic ride!
Rating:
Summary: Exceptional book with superb story telling
Review: Wonderful story with intriguing characters. I loved it
Rating:
Summary: How can I wait for the next one??!
Review: Wonderful, sexy book with really intense relationships! All the characters are three-d and unique and the story spun out fast and fascinating. I have only one problem--the next book isn't out until January
Rating:
Summary: What a POWERHOUSE of a book!
Review: Wow,wow,wow! I'm still reeling from The Passionate One, the story of Ash Merrick and Rhiannon Russell. I've never read Connie Brockway before, but boy! was this terrific! Ash was a wonderful, tortured hero and Rhiannon a lovely, insightful heroine. The whole novel was multilayered and complex - deceit and lies layered one over the other. A fabulous, exciting story, not just a beautiful love story. I'm so glad it's the beginning of a trilogy because I can hardly wait to carry on with the stories of Raine and Fia. One more thing about Ash - his character reminded me of two other wonderful "tortured heroes": Reggie Davenport from The Rake and Michael Kenyon from Shattered Rainbows, both books by Mary Jo Putney. Anyway, bravo Connie! You have a new true-blue fan in me.
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