A surprise reunion
With the warrior from her past…
Part of Brothers and Rivals. It’s been years since Ruaidhri abandoned Sorcha, and she’s no longer the woman she once was. Now leader of the Suibhne clan, she must unite her people against invading forces. When rumours of Ruaidhri’s return to Ireland prove true, she’s unsettled at seeing him again. He offers to help her, but his past betrayal still burns—even if desire is as strong as ever. Should Sorcha trust her head…or her heart?
Kindle Edition
262 pages
Published 26th October 2023
(Mills & Boon/Harlequin Historical)
First Impression
Her Warrior’s Surprise Return is set in the 3rd person with the alternate viewpoints of Ruaidhri and Sorcha.
The reader is introduced to the action straight away by Sorcha in Ireland, 1177. Sorcha looked out at the small boat that could be seen on the horizon…she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was the man she had once loved, Ruaidhri…when rumours that the mercenary, Ruaidhri had been recruited by the clans enemies she struggled to believe that he had left her and the people who had raised him to seek his fortune else where…
I am looking forward to reading Her Warrior’s Surprise Return and can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Her Warrior’s Surprise Return is a detailed fast paced story.
Matthews has looked at the lifestyle, customs and society of the Medieval Era. The vivid description of the surroundings creates a vibrant image in the readers’ mind. The writing style is easy to follow with a mixture of description and dialogue.
The character development of Her Warrior’s Surprise Return gives the reader a brief background about the characters. The characters are relatable and realistic with their own personalities and mannerisms.
After 8 years away honing his skills as a fearless warrior, Mercenary Ruaidhri the ruthless returns to the Irish soil of his childhood, before he was brutally rejected. He is determined to try and complete his mission to prevent any bloodshed between the Anglo-Normans and his former clan. Ruaidhri becomes aware that he is being watched by someone…as the person comes closer he senses that it’s the only woman to bring him to his knees, Sorcha…he froze and felt a blade pressed against his back… slowly he turned around…
Bound by her duties and responsibilities Sorcha had no other choice than to treat the once loving, kind man, who had been her 1st love, and now enemy with a hardened resolve. Sorcha is the current leader of the Suibhne clan and has sacrificed much for the small independent group of fierce people. Being cool and practical she faces the life and choices she has to make for everyone’s survival….
Ruaidhri and Sorcha still held some longing and feelings for each other since their childhood romance had taken a different path. They have both changed over the years becoming tougher and determined not to be vulnerable again by building walls around their hearts…yet when they have little option than to confront their shared past…it meets them head on with an attraction and tension that is so thick that you could cut it with a knife.
Overall I feel that Her Warrior’s Surprise Return gives some twists and revelations that encourage you to read more. The clash of memories shared by Sorcha and Ruaidhri paint an interesting and enchanting tale of reconnection…
I would suggest reading Her Warrior’s Surprise Return to people who enjoy reading mills & boon/harlequin historicals and historical romance novels based around the medieval era, as it is a character driven story about reunion, hardships, family and love…
The next book in the Brothers and Rivals series is The Knight’s Substitute Bride…
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