Adrian (Brotherhood of Fallen Angels #2) by Heather Grothaus

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In the medieval Holy Land, four brave Crusaders fight tyranny and betrayal. They are the Brotherhood of Fallen Angels—and one by one, they may discover that love is the greatest adventure of all…

From palaces and cathedrals to fortresses, Adrian Hailsworth’s engineering genius is evident across the land—including the castle of Chastellet. But a bloody siege has left the stronghold, and Adrian, in ruins. Now a wanted man, he is forced into hiding at The Brotherhood of Fallen Angels Abbey, his brilliant mind plagued with nightmares, his spirit broken—until Father Victor presents him with a fiery redhead in need of help only Adrian can give…

Maisie Lindsay is the lady-in-waiting to the Queen of Wyldonna, a small kingdom off the Scottish coast that is being blackmailed—by none other than the Brotherhood’s most treacherous enemy. The only chance of saving Wyldonna lies in unearthing its vast fortune, hidden within a labyrinth of deadly traps and secret passages. The challenge enlivens Adrian—as does the passion Maisie ignites. But she is far more than she appears, and the truth may force Adrian to sacrifice his heart’s longing to save her, before it’s too late for them all…

Heather Grothaus kicks things up a notch in this second installment of The Brotherhood of Fallen Angels. Adrian, a very sullen nobleman, is called upon an adventure that takes him from the quiet refuge of the monastery in Melk, to the mythical island of Wyldonna. Everything that he knows and believes comes into question as he is forced to face his demons.

Adrian is one of the survivors of a brutal attack that took place in the Holy Land. His wide-eyed curiosity and thirst for knowledge led him away from the safety of his English homeland to the far off Holy Land. When he was captured, he was tortured mercilessly. His scars – both mental and physical – have remained with him. Adrian would like nothing more than to quietly continue his scholarly pursuits at the monastery but when his help is needed, he goes.

Lady Maisie is desperate to save her home of Wyldonna and needs Adrian’s help to do so. She’s hasn’t fully disclosed all the details of their trip or what they will face when they arrive there. In fact, she’s not so certain that Adrian is even the one to help her people. But when she comes to know of the horrors he has endured and the scars and marks that have been left upon him, she realizes that their fates are entwined. They share a common enemy who has upended countless lives and who promises to do more damage. And Adrian has a personal vendetta against the very nemesis of the Brotherhood that he means to see through. He and Maisie can succeed only if she can bring the fact-checking, pragmatic, Adrian, and her numerous enemies around to her side.

The inclusion of magical elements along with Adrian’s torment elevated the story. This is a man who has lost faith and lives with the painful reminders of his torture. With Maisie, he is in uncharted territory. Once again, the love scenes are passionate while leaving plenty to the reader’s imagination. Believe me, picturing the guy on the cover during these scenes is not a bad way to pass the time! 

I've enjoyed both of my forays into this world that Grothaus has created. As I mentioned in my review for Valentine, I'm a sucker for this time period in history and now with the inclusion of magic and myths, it's become even more exciting! If you’re looking for a romance with a wounded hero who’s looking for his way back to redemption, Adrian is the guy or rather the book for you! 

~ Bel

Valentine (Brotherhood of Fallen Angels #1) by Heather Grothaus

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Introducing the Brotherhood of Fallen Angels—an epic new series set in the medieval Holy Land, where four heroic Crusaders find themselves caught in the crosshairs of revenge, devotion—and love…

He’s a man of passion and principle. But would he kill for his convictions? That’s the question that has Valentine Alesander fighting for his innocence. He’s been accused, along with three other Brothers, of orchestrating the horrific siege at the Christian fortification of Chastellet. Could this fatefully-named Crusader be a lover, a fighter, and a traitor? One woman from his past is about to find out.

Gorgeous, free-spirited Lady Mary Beckham has escaped her guardians in England to travel across the world—and find the notorious Valentine. Years ago, she was promised to him…and now she wants out of their marriage contract. Mary wants to wed another and requires Valentine’s blessing—until she discovers they share a tempestuous attraction. But with a vengeful band of sworn enemies at Valentine’s heels, is desire worth the risk of losing…everything?

I have a deep fondness for history but unfortunately, I don’t get to read too much of it because for me, it requires concentration and taking notes and research. Yes, folks, I am THAT particular when I read a history book. Coming across TheBrotherhood of Fallen Angels series allows me to dip my toes into a time period and region that I have always been fascinated about but without my usual seriousness.

Lady Mary Beckham is all that's left of her parents' legacy and they died during her infancy. She has been lovingly raised by her governess. She passes her days at her estate by dreaming up lives for the passerby outside her window. Now that she has come of age, she is to marry. Months before her nuptials she comes to learn that she has already been betrothed and will need to have that contract voided in order to marry her love. However, the man she was promised to is currently a criminal, evading his family and other parties who have much to gain from his demise. Mary has to go find him, bring him back to England so they can null their marriage contract. This is a risky undertaking on its own being that Mary has never traveled much beyond her village, let alone England.

With a price on his head, Valentine has had little choice but to go into hiding these past years as many believe him responsible for the siege and downfall of Chasellet where many lives were lost. Valentine wants to prove his innocence and bring the real traitors to justice but he has to be cautious. There’s more at stake that just his name. While in hiding, he has befriended a small circle of friends who know his story. Their tight bond is one of the few things in the world, besides his own instincts that he can trust.

I delighted in Mary and Valentine’s chemistry. When they first meet, Valentine is very much the charming, flirty rogue who enjoys a beautiful woman. He’s taken in by Mary's beauty and innocence. After spending time with her, he’s impressed by her courage and sass. Mary is not so easily dazzled by this Crusader’s rugged looks and womanizing ways, though she catches glimpses of the real him. The Valentine that cares about his family and friends, the one who would lay down his life for those he loves. Their high-stakes escapades unite them, forging a deep connection between them. I enjoyed how Grothaus described their sexual tension; how much of it was left to my imagination. Sometimes that’s all that’s needed.

Grothaus gave me all my loves in one: adventure, romance and intrigue, against one of the most fascinating historical backdrops. Valentine as the hero is educated, resourceful, shrewd, passionate and strong. He’s a man’s man. Mary is no dainty, helpless thing though. She’s equally smart and resourceful, developing a flare for adventure. I got exactly what I wanted and that was to be whisked away to some other time and place. Now I cannot wait to read, Adrian next. I mean, have you seen these covers?

~ Bel