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The Pict Wars #1
Warrior's Heart
Love and hate are but different sides of the same blade.
Fina is a fierce Pict warrior of The Eagle tribe upon Dark Ages Isle of Skye. Strong-willed and lethal with a knife or a long-bow, she kneels to no man ... until the day she falls in battle and finds herself captive of the enemy.
Varar mac Urcal is the arrogant, ruthless chieftain of The Boar tribe. Although his father had held the peace with the neighboring tribe, relations have swiftly deteriorated since his death. When Varar takes the only enemy survivor of a violent skirmish prisoner, he intends to use Fina as a weapon to keep his enemies in check. Only, his strong attraction to his fiery captive risks complicating his ambitions.
But the conflict between the two tribes isn't the only threat to peace. When a group of invaders cross from the mainland intent on taking The Winged Isle as their own, the four tribes of the island must make a decision. Do they continue their feuding and risk annihilation, or do they band together against the invaders?
Fina and Varar must also make a choice. Love or hate—they have to decide.
Fina is a fierce Pict warrior of The Eagle tribe upon Dark Ages Isle of Skye. Strong-willed and lethal with a knife or a long-bow, she kneels to no man ... until the day she falls in battle and finds herself captive of the enemy.
Varar mac Urcal is the arrogant, ruthless chieftain of The Boar tribe. Although his father had held the peace with the neighboring tribe, relations have swiftly deteriorated since his death. When Varar takes the only enemy survivor of a violent skirmish prisoner, he intends to use Fina as a weapon to keep his enemies in check. Only, his strong attraction to his fiery captive risks complicating his ambitions.
But the conflict between the two tribes isn't the only threat to peace. When a group of invaders cross from the mainland intent on taking The Winged Isle as their own, the four tribes of the island must make a decision. Do they continue their feuding and risk annihilation, or do they band together against the invaders?
Fina and Varar must also make a choice. Love or hate—they have to decide.
WARRIOR’S HEART is Book #1 in The Pict Wars series set in ancient Isle of Skye, Scotland. Readers who enjoy Diana Gabaldon, Hazel Hunter, and Kathryn Le Veque will love this high-action, emotional Scottish Historical Romance.
Preorder your copy now, and it will be delivered to your Kindle on 22 January 2019!
The Pict Wars series
1. Warrior's Heart (Jan 2019)
2. Warrior's Secret (mid-2019)
3. Warrior's Wrath (early 2020)
Get Jayne's FREE prequel novella to her first series, THE KINGDOM OF THE EAST ANGLES: jaynecastel.com/home/sign-up
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2019
About the author
Jayne Castel
83 books358 followersMulti-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She lives in New Zealand's beautiful South Island.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: [email protected]
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Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She lives in New Zealand's beautiful South Island.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: [email protected]
Connect with Jayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynecastel...
Connect with Jayne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayneCastelR...
Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 28, 2019
A fabulous action-packed start to what looks like another amazing series from Jayne Castel. I don't read much HR any more but for Jayne Castel I'll drop what I'm reading when she hits publish.
Loved catching up with Galan, Tarl and Donnell 20 years later.
4.5 stars
Loved catching up with Galan, Tarl and Donnell 20 years later.
4.5 stars
July 23, 2019
One of the most unique historical romance novels I've ever read. There's nothing soft or mushy in this high octane tale of the Picts. Most astounding is the egalitarian society depicted. Men and women are equal warriors and tacticians. Adult children and wives have a place at their leader's side during war counsel. There is no sex shaming for women or boasting for men. I could hardly believe I was reading about such a perfect culture. (outside of their warlike nature of course). It was so refreshing to read.
The romance aspect of the plot could have used more development, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't much care. I just wanted to live in that society. Maybe then I could figure out how women warriors lived and went into battle wearing short(er) skirts. LOL - That was something my thoughts kept snagging on as I read because I couldn't picture it or make sense of it.
Still - a wonderful, empowering read.
The romance aspect of the plot could have used more development, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't much care. I just wanted to live in that society. Maybe then I could figure out how women warriors lived and went into battle wearing short(er) skirts. LOL - That was something my thoughts kept snagging on as I read because I couldn't picture it or make sense of it.
Still - a wonderful, empowering read.
March 16, 2019
4 1/2 "Enemies to Lovers" Stars!
I loved this book! These ancient Pict guys have really caught my attention. This one is heavy on the war action a little low on the romance. But when it kicked in, it was very good!
I can't wait for the next book. Happy reading!
I loved this book! These ancient Pict guys have really caught my attention. This one is heavy on the war action a little low on the romance. But when it kicked in, it was very good!
I can't wait for the next book. Happy reading!
February 18, 2021
Welp. I will say this: This made it on my list when I was searching for m/f historicals whose heroines weren’t glaringly problematic, and it was a success in that regard.
I kinda liked the action plot, but the romance wasn’t completely successful. The author just did not do the work to establish the emotional connection, though we did get the attempt with a slow-burn timeframe. But there’s no real emotional depth to any of these plots. Makes for a super easy read, though. (Also, the long-awaited sex scenes were a bit of a letdown!)
I kinda liked the action plot, but the romance wasn’t completely successful. The author just did not do the work to establish the emotional connection, though we did get the attempt with a slow-burn timeframe. But there’s no real emotional depth to any of these plots. Makes for a super easy read, though. (Also, the long-awaited sex scenes were a bit of a letdown!)
December 9, 2020
3 to 3.5 stars. Although I did like the main characters (the hero especially), there was a bit too much violence in this one. I know it's part of the Pict Wars series, but the balance was a bit too bloodthirsty with too many battle scenes for my reading tastes. Not sure whether I'll read on with this series or not, although I do like this writer's other books I've read, and I do like the Dark Ages setting.
February 14, 2019
This woman is my new fav historical writer. This was a spinoff from a previous series. The heroine is the daughter of a couple from the previous series. Looks like she’s writing two more in this series. Looking forward to them.
Want to read
February 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/19/2020)! 🎁
May 9, 2019
This was a very good book. Characters were strong and memorable. The story was great, well balanced romance and action all through. The heroine was feisty and hero just wonderful. I will definitely look forward to the second book in this series. Recommended.
January 15, 2019
The Warrior’s Heart by Jayne Castel is one of the best books I’ve read in the past couple of years!
The storyline transports you to a medieval time and place with realistic and engaging characters. This is a emotional in-depth story of four Pict tribes that have warred against each other with little peace. Then deceit brings war between two of the tribes while an usurper tribe lands on the banks of the Isle to claim it all for themselves.
The author masterfully brings to life witty and engaging characters in this fast pace story. They will make you laugh and they will pull at your heart strings with their grief, all the while leaving you spellbound and rooted to the pages until the very last one.
This novel has some raw moments during battles scenes however, I personally did not find the scenes overly grotesque or excessive. I feel the author did an exceptional job with the war description to make it authentically real and emotional without being overly graphic. That’s what attracts readers to author’s books is their “authenticity”, right?! There are a couple four flame love scenes that are befitting the passionate characters and their situation and time!
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys great writing, excitement, emotional connection, and a passionate love story! I can’t wait for the next book!
What I didn’t like about this book is that book 2 is not done and I can’t wait for the next book!
Happy Reading!
The storyline transports you to a medieval time and place with realistic and engaging characters. This is a emotional in-depth story of four Pict tribes that have warred against each other with little peace. Then deceit brings war between two of the tribes while an usurper tribe lands on the banks of the Isle to claim it all for themselves.
The author masterfully brings to life witty and engaging characters in this fast pace story. They will make you laugh and they will pull at your heart strings with their grief, all the while leaving you spellbound and rooted to the pages until the very last one.
This novel has some raw moments during battles scenes however, I personally did not find the scenes overly grotesque or excessive. I feel the author did an exceptional job with the war description to make it authentically real and emotional without being overly graphic. That’s what attracts readers to author’s books is their “authenticity”, right?! There are a couple four flame love scenes that are befitting the passionate characters and their situation and time!
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys great writing, excitement, emotional connection, and a passionate love story! I can’t wait for the next book!
What I didn’t like about this book is that book 2 is not done and I can’t wait for the next book!
Happy Reading!
February 3, 2019
Wow, this was one very intense book, action-packed and gripping, Jayne Castel has worked magic with her words, not only did she provide us with two very strong and passionate characters in Varar and Fina, but she took their internal battle against each other and extended it to their tribes and then again on a massive scale with an epic battle between tribes and invaders to the Isle.
I enjoyed seeing the characters I loved from the Warrior Brothers of Skye trilogy appear as parental figures, and I loved the simmering attraction that underlined the fierce anger that Varar and Fina experienced for each other because of misunderstandings between their tribes. Their internal battles were just as powerful as the external.
I was kept on a blade's edge throughout the book, never knowing what was going to happen with a plot that offered yet again many unseen twists that held me riveted to the page. I had to read this in one go because it was impossible to put the book down. The internal battles and external battles worked to increase the tension for Varar and Fina, with the emotions pouring off the page, everything from anger and hate, sorrow and loss and onto love and hope, tenderness and passion.
Jayne Castel does a marvelous job of taking us back in time, the problems faced and the realities of life in this era are well demonstrated, it's a hard time, there is war, there are deaths and sadness, and yet she captures the human spirit of hope and celebration, the determination to survive and keep fighting for love and hope. I will be counting down until the next book is released.
I enjoyed seeing the characters I loved from the Warrior Brothers of Skye trilogy appear as parental figures, and I loved the simmering attraction that underlined the fierce anger that Varar and Fina experienced for each other because of misunderstandings between their tribes. Their internal battles were just as powerful as the external.
I was kept on a blade's edge throughout the book, never knowing what was going to happen with a plot that offered yet again many unseen twists that held me riveted to the page. I had to read this in one go because it was impossible to put the book down. The internal battles and external battles worked to increase the tension for Varar and Fina, with the emotions pouring off the page, everything from anger and hate, sorrow and loss and onto love and hope, tenderness and passion.
Jayne Castel does a marvelous job of taking us back in time, the problems faced and the realities of life in this era are well demonstrated, it's a hard time, there is war, there are deaths and sadness, and yet she captures the human spirit of hope and celebration, the determination to survive and keep fighting for love and hope. I will be counting down until the next book is released.
February 12, 2019
4.5 stars
Two enemy tribes unit to fight a common foe. Then the tribes are united by marriage. The foe is still waiting to strike again. Hope the future is a happy one for all but the foe.
Two enemy tribes unit to fight a common foe. Then the tribes are united by marriage. The foe is still waiting to strike again. Hope the future is a happy one for all but the foe.
January 27, 2019
Every book from Jayne Castel I have read has been amazing, this book may outshine the others.
Hated enemies become each others once in a lifetime love. After capturing his enemies niece Varcar spares her life to keep the Eagle Tribe from invading. When a new, more powerful enemy arrives he leaves Fina to face them. Fina escapes back to her tribe and warns them of the new invading force. Ultimately Varcar and Fina unite and their love unites their tribes.
I LOVED this book and read it in less than three hours simply because I couldn't put it down. It was amazing!!!!! I think it was even more special because we are able to see the children from characters we cared for in previous books. You feel for them and want their happiness more because you wanted for their parents to find everlasting love, which they did. Thank you Jayne Castel!
Hated enemies become each others once in a lifetime love. After capturing his enemies niece Varcar spares her life to keep the Eagle Tribe from invading. When a new, more powerful enemy arrives he leaves Fina to face them. Fina escapes back to her tribe and warns them of the new invading force. Ultimately Varcar and Fina unite and their love unites their tribes.
I LOVED this book and read it in less than three hours simply because I couldn't put it down. It was amazing!!!!! I think it was even more special because we are able to see the children from characters we cared for in previous books. You feel for them and want their happiness more because you wanted for their parents to find everlasting love, which they did. Thank you Jayne Castel!
August 5, 2020
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
The book is a quick, simple and all round lovely read. For the main part, you cannot see the proper development of the main characters', Fina and Varar, relationship. It is an enemies to lovers trope and we saw more of the enemies side. This was not due to the author's skills but it was the situation that the characters were set up. Though it might be disappointing to some as it may have seemed like a whirlwind love, I personally found it alright. The characters communicated with each other very well and I thought the book was a good blend of action and emotional scenes. Particularly the different rituals the tribes had was beautiful to read about.
Other than that, it was interesting to read about all the territory disputes and the book perfectly sets up for what is definitely going to be a more drawn out and bloody dispute.
New word/s: Cressets, Cairn, Furlongs
The book is a quick, simple and all round lovely read. For the main part, you cannot see the proper development of the main characters', Fina and Varar, relationship. It is an enemies to lovers trope and we saw more of the enemies side. This was not due to the author's skills but it was the situation that the characters were set up. Though it might be disappointing to some as it may have seemed like a whirlwind love, I personally found it alright. The characters communicated with each other very well and I thought the book was a good blend of action and emotional scenes. Particularly the different rituals the tribes had was beautiful to read about.
Other than that, it was interesting to read about all the territory disputes and the book perfectly sets up for what is definitely going to be a more drawn out and bloody dispute.
New word/s: Cressets, Cairn, Furlongs
February 12, 2019
Varar mac Urcal is the chief of the Boars, handsome, strong, and alone. Fina, the daughter of an Eagle, another group on the isle of skye. The Boars and Eagles are not friends. They are both warriors and have been in some battles. She hates Varar with her whole being. This story has lots of action and the battle scenes are just like you thought they would be. I was riveted to the book as I read every page in one day. I loved the romance between Varar and Fina. The trials of their life and of their families life. A tribe from the mainland got kicked out of their homes and came to Skye to try to do the same to the four tribes. This proably is for the older set because of the sex. But it is a worthwhile read. Jayne Castel has woven a wonderful tale, it is smooth, flows evenly and the excitment keeps the book interesting.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
January 22, 2022
Castel has a way of immersing her readers into the world of her characters. She did this extremely well in Warrior's Heart. The book was fast-paced and full of action. The love story between Fina and Varar at times took a back seat to the action, but this was to be expected. And their growing attraction for one another was realistic as they began to fight on the same side rather than against each other when invaders threatened the existence of the four resident clans. Since I'd read The Warrior Brothers of Skye series, I was familiar with Fina's family--parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins--and to a lesser extent, some of Varar's. This book picks up about 20 years after that series ended, so it was nice seeing what had happened to these characters in the intervening years. It's not necessary to read the other series first, but it does help to identify the many characters and their relationships with each other.
February 6, 2022
3-3.5 stars. I actually thought this was great and I loved the time period. Reading about a pre-Christian society in the romance context is interesting. I didn’t notice any huge anachronisms but the nice thing is that we only know so much about these people and this period, so the author gets a lot of latitude. (And I’m sure a lot is taken from our understanding of Celtic and Germanic tribes from this time period, such as from Roman records.) My biggest complaint is that the romance happened too quickly, considering that there’s also a big non-romance plot happening. I would have liked more relationship development. more!!! This was fun though. Will definitely read the rest of the series and by this author.
March 10, 2022
4.5 Stars
I love a good historical read but don’t normally go this far back in time. I am reading this author for the first time on a recommendation (thanks Bev) and I am pleased to say I am definitely not disappointed. I think I might have started on the wrong series tho as I’ve just learned this is a second generation series but hay-ho I am already sucked in so I’ll have to continue and read the other series another time ☺
I really enjoyed this one it was action packed with a handsome warrior hero Varar #swoon and a feisty warrior heroin Fina ♥
Looking forward to Muin and Ailene
I love a good historical read but don’t normally go this far back in time. I am reading this author for the first time on a recommendation (thanks Bev) and I am pleased to say I am definitely not disappointed. I think I might have started on the wrong series tho as I’ve just learned this is a second generation series but hay-ho I am already sucked in so I’ll have to continue and read the other series another time ☺
I really enjoyed this one it was action packed with a handsome warrior hero Varar #swoon and a feisty warrior heroin Fina ♥
Looking forward to Muin and Ailene
February 23, 2020
A great read ♥️
Loved this book,set in grim times, tribe against tribe. A love that sweeps you away , an enemy that means to conquer , kill and enslave, tribes have to unite to survive even though they mistrust each other..two people fall in love against the odds ..will they trust their instincts and forge a trust? No spoilers, you will have to read it.. a good ending ,but its not all over yet,they still have to face their greatest enemie . Five stars from me, off to get the next book.
Loved this book,set in grim times, tribe against tribe. A love that sweeps you away , an enemy that means to conquer , kill and enslave, tribes have to unite to survive even though they mistrust each other..two people fall in love against the odds ..will they trust their instincts and forge a trust? No spoilers, you will have to read it.. a good ending ,but its not all over yet,they still have to face their greatest enemie . Five stars from me, off to get the next book.
February 23, 2020
Awesome!
This book is the kind of book that is hard to put down. This is a series that connects in with The Warrior Brothers of Skye. While it is not necessary to read that series first, I do recommend you read it at some point because it is wonderful. This book was awesome! It was hard to put down and I have already downloaded book 2. The characters are well-written and likable. Fina and Varar was a great story about enemies to lovers. Nothing better than two fierce warriors finding love. thank goodness this book and the series is on KU.
This book is the kind of book that is hard to put down. This is a series that connects in with The Warrior Brothers of Skye. While it is not necessary to read that series first, I do recommend you read it at some point because it is wonderful. This book was awesome! It was hard to put down and I have already downloaded book 2. The characters are well-written and likable. Fina and Varar was a great story about enemies to lovers. Nothing better than two fierce warriors finding love. thank goodness this book and the series is on KU.
May 23, 2020
Varar and fina
Great story and well written a lot happening in this book with the the serpent to be coming into the picture and wanting to take over every broch avatar and finally started off on the wrong foot so to speak but came to love each other deeply is glad they got their HEA during this time and to bring peace between the eagle and boar tribes would highly recommend and waiting to see where this journey will take us
Great story and well written a lot happening in this book with the the serpent to be coming into the picture and wanting to take over every broch avatar and finally started off on the wrong foot so to speak but came to love each other deeply is glad they got their HEA during this time and to bring peace between the eagle and boar tribes would highly recommend and waiting to see where this journey will take us
March 16, 2022
I always find this author’s books a quick and enjoyable read. Most of the time she finds the right balance between the overall story arc and the relationship of the hero and heroine. Fina was such a strong character and it interesting to see her relationship with Varar develop. This is a brutal setting, but the author is able to show that along with the more tender moments. I’ll definitely be continuing with this series.
February 19, 2019
Loved
Really enjoyed this book. The characters come alive in these stories, and you feel like you’re right there with them. Don’t have to read the Warrior Brothers first, but you will know who a lot of them are if you do. Also enjoyed catching up with those characters. Looking forward to reading more of this authors works.
Really enjoyed this book. The characters come alive in these stories, and you feel like you’re right there with them. Don’t have to read the Warrior Brothers first, but you will know who a lot of them are if you do. Also enjoyed catching up with those characters. Looking forward to reading more of this authors works.
March 19, 2019
The first book in the Pict War series a well-written story and I know I want to read the next book. Fina is a fierce Pict warrior of The Eagle tribe and Varar mac Urcal is the arrogant, ruthless chieftain of The Boar tribe their story kept me turning pages. A story that held my interest from the start.
February 25, 2020
Action packed enemies to lovers story
Quite a focus on action in this series but I still feel the love story was realistic and plausible. I loved the H/h from their earliest interaction to the ending. This time period in history is very interesting and made me do a little extra research on my own. Well told story.
Quite a focus on action in this series but I still feel the love story was realistic and plausible. I loved the H/h from their earliest interaction to the ending. This time period in history is very interesting and made me do a little extra research on my own. Well told story.
May 30, 2020
Lot of action
This book has much action and warfare. In the midst of it all eventually blooms a romance that starts out anything but romance as Fina is captured by the Boar as the only survivor of a battle between the Eagles and the Boars. I personally am not much of a reader of this type story
This book has much action and warfare. In the midst of it all eventually blooms a romance that starts out anything but romance as Fina is captured by the Boar as the only survivor of a battle between the Eagles and the Boars. I personally am not much of a reader of this type story
April 10, 2019
Another great story.
I read the Warrior Brothers of Skye series and couldn't put them down, now I've moved on to the next generation and the same thing is happening again. If you like historical Scottish romance, you will love these books. Give them a try.
I read the Warrior Brothers of Skye series and couldn't put them down, now I've moved on to the next generation and the same thing is happening again. If you like historical Scottish romance, you will love these books. Give them a try.
October 9, 2020
Really good!
This author is new to me. Book 1 was a freebie through Amazon. I like the detail and fast moving pace; the story line is good, characters well defined and easy to follow. Needless to say, I purchased the rest of the series!! Off to the continued saga.
This author is new to me. Book 1 was a freebie through Amazon. I like the detail and fast moving pace; the story line is good, characters well defined and easy to follow. Needless to say, I purchased the rest of the series!! Off to the continued saga.
November 23, 2020
I like Scottish historical romance, but this was a little too medieval for me. More battle scenes and war than romance so it seemed a little rush and forced at the end. This was just not by type of book.
January 7, 2021
Jayne Castel can put it all together: romance, action, characters. She builds tension really well in a battle scene and in forecasting danger at the same time she deepens connections between characters. Very good read, as always with her books.
February 2, 2021
Loved this book! Most historical romance, romances begins in the beginning, halfway, and rarely in the ends. So this is excellent read for me!
I have one peeve....she didn't said, "I love you" back.
"I breathe for you". I guess means the same thing.
Varar♥️Fina
I have one peeve....she didn't said, "I love you" back.
"I breathe for you". I guess means the same thing.
Varar♥️Fina
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews