Melpomene, muse of Tragedy, has loved before, but not like this. Not so thoroughly it blinds her, tears her from her path, her obligation to mankind. A warrior of Scotland, one she watched grow from a boy to a man, claims her heart with his self-sacrifice, courage. She’ll not let him perish, die defending another. Stepping in, defying fate, defying her father, Zeus, Melpomene risks all.

Rowan Stewart, of the royal house, is immersed within a whirlwind of disbelief, struggling to understand the woman responsible for his odd outcome, his misplaced life. But promises were made, destiny yet sealed, and Ares, God of War, seeks him. Caught within a vortex of Scottish politics, Greek Gods, and newfound desire, Rowan and Melpomene are doomed to separate, wallow in eternal despair. Will love surpass? Give them each other? Or will tragedy reign without its muse and rip them apart forever?

REVIEW

Rowan Stewart never expected to meet the love of his life in such an unconventional manner. A warrior in Mary Queen of Scots’ army, he spent his days serving her with loyalty and honor. A man who would do anything to protect his Queen, he discovers her without protection during battle. He is a hero willing to pay the ultimate price. Death on the battlefield is not uncommon. Until 13 May 1568, Battle of Langside, Scotland. Valiant to the end, Rowan saves his Queen"only to discover a meddlesome woman in the afterlife. Or does he?

I love a story with unexpected twists, striking dialogue and happily ever after endings. Sky Purington’s Highland Muse kept me guessing toward that happy ending. A pleasure to read, I enjoyed revisiting the Greek gods and Muses. I laughed, worried and pondered over Rowan’s experiences with his muse, Melpomene. Ms. Purington wove together the greatness of Scottish highlanders and Greek gods with seamless believability.

Muse Melpomene’s persistence in wooing Rowan endeared her to me. I enjoyed their escapades; fighting the hell hound, cliff climbing, all interlaced with great sexual tension. I highly recommend anyone interested in the magic of fantasy to read Highland Muse.

Rating: 5 Hearts

Reviewed by: Reviews by Aithne
aithne-jarretta.blogspot.com

EXCERPT

Her violet gaze darkened but stayed strong. She showed nothing of feminine emotion only that of a tigress. Her plaid, his colors, worn despite her earlier misgivings, mocked him. Her slim arms and feminine muscles, ready to attack, intrigued him. She dressed for war, his war. "I don't need to earn your love, you'll give it willingly. When you're ready, you'll let your past go. When you do, I'll be here."

With her statement she twisted the blade away. Her eyes scorned, entreated him with a brief side sweep of thick red lashes. "And your battle with Ares has become mine. I am a goddess, he is a god. You are mortal. You're powerless. Your obligations are now mine."

All of a sudden, though she was a goddess, he wanted to hide her away in a corner of the castle. Keep her fiery, rebellious and prideful spirit hidden and safe. Away from obligations made. Obligations she had nothing to do with. His thoughts brought a chuckle to his lips. His chuckle incited more fury from her.

The tips of her cheeks reddened and her freckles became pronounced. She stepped closer; her head tilted back, eyes venomous. "You laugh!"

His heart stopped. Time froze. How perfect she appeared at this moment, hair aflame and eyes direct, the blade in hand. He'd never met another like her. The light and courage behind her powerful regard was truth. More valiant than he'd seen in his best warrior. And in a woman!

He knew naught what to do with the moment. Fight her? Cut her down with words? Bring her to the floor and ravish her? Aye, that's what he'd like to do.