Cover Image: Shoulder the Skye

Shoulder the Skye

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⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Bronnwyn had a target painted in her back. She was a Druid before she used blood magic and became a drough to save a family member. She knows she’s going to face a painful death and so, doesn’t let anyone get close.

Elias is back on Skye since his sisters are in danger. He hasn’t been back since his father died and he had to keep his knowledge of the events a secret from those he is closest to. Unfortunately, someone has set him up as the prime suspect for killing druids. He’s trying to lay low but that changes when he stops Bronwyn from being attacked. He stays at her house while he and his friends try to clear his name.

Elias and his friends wear Bronwyn’s resistance down and she begins to trust them and falling in love with Elias. Eventually, sharing her deepest secret.

Are Druids all good and Droughs all bad? This book explores the possibility that there are many shades of grey between those two.

While I enjoyed aspects of the story, I didn’t feel the connection between the main characters nor did I connect with them as much as I did with Elias’s friends. The story dragged for me because of this. That being said, I’m looking forward to the next installment!

Thank you to Donna Grant for the arc.

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This is the second book by the Author in her Skye Druids series and whilst it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the first book to set the characters and worldbuilding in place .

This is Bronwyn and Elias's story - Elias has stayed away from his family for so long , returning might trigger a memory in his sister that could destroy all he has tried to protect . But return he must , Druid deaths are linked to the Isle .
Bronwyn , a "drough" Druid , has been living in the family home , ostracised and harassed by the Islanders , broke - she is almost at the end of her tether . When she is attacked by a 'mist' that seems magical in its evil intent , Elias comes to her aid - can she trust him ? can she trust anyone .?
When more Druid deaths occur Bronwyn comes under more scrutiny and accusations - who will believe in her innocence ?
Who is controlling the magical mist ?
As secrets and mysteries are revealed the danger increases , will their deaths be next ?

I really enjoy this Author's multi-connecting series and look forward to the next book

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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Elias MacLean came home to Skye to help protect his sisters. He’s been investigating the deaths of his kind with his friends. Elias has been implicated in the deaths and will have to fight to clear his name. Bronwyn Stewart is an outcast on Skye. Living in her family home and using a forbidden magic to protect someone she loves. Bronwyn’s life revolves around her graphic design business and keeping to herself. Their lives are on the line as Elias and Bronwyn Shoulder the Skye to save lives.

Donna Grant’s second book in the Skye Druids series Shoulder the Skye brings a druid back to his home after leaving to protect his family years ago. A woman who was devasted when she realized what her former boyfriend was really like came home to Skye to heal. Lives are put in danger as suspicion of murder and the use of forbidden magic come into play. Two people are brought back into each other’s lives when a place to hide is needed. Shoulder the Skye has passion, danger, suspense and a who did it storyline with the added benefit of magic. There are more than one bad guy vexing the good guys. The story continues the MacLean family stories with the return of the brother who left years ago to protect his family but when his sisters are in danger, he returns to protect them while trying to figure out who is behind the recent killing of druids. An outcast on Skye who started using forbidden magic as protection against a former love interest who moved on to her relative. Bronwyn is determined to protect at any cost. Elias and his friends must figure out why a woman is claiming he’s the killer. Donna Grant’s Shoulder the Skye is the second book in her Skye Druid series, and it continues her Dark World universe. She weaves passion, suspense and magic together for a story that keeps the reader engaged and hoping for a happy ending. You get introduced to new and see loved characters. A must for Donna Grant fans.

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With this book, Donna Grant starts new series of The Druid. Bronwyn and Elias are both with their troubled past and baggage but bound by faith. Bronwyn is used to being and doing all alone, so when Elias and his gang barge into her life everything changes. The first book starts whole new series with new good and bad guys.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

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Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

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This story grabbed me from the get go and refused to let me go! I knew this was a spin off series, but my goodness, Donna has found a niche that definitely fits her well!

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While I usually love Donna Grant and her books, Shoulder in the Sky was lacking something. I just didn’t feel connected to Bronwyn or Elias, nor did I feel the connection between them. With that said, I did enjoy the story. I just didn’t love it.

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Highland heat (yea, that kinda heat), druids, and non-stop adventure - Grant never disappoints and this is one of the best yet.

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Loved this book, but then I like this author. This is Bronwyn and Elias’s story. Bronwyn is a Druid with an unusual amount of power. Elias is a Druid who has come home to see his family. When he witnesses an attach he has no choice but to get involved. Together can they beat the evil coming and just maybe find something else they have been looking for?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This book was non-stop secrets and mysteries and revelations as secrets were revealed. Elias has gone back home to Skye after staying away for years so he doesn't trigger the real memories of a night that is shrouded in secrets which resulted in his mother going to jail for murder.

Bronwyn has her own secrets and regrets as she struggles to live on Skye while drough, and facing harassment every time she goes into town. Along the way, her worst nightmare, Sydney, shows up to cause more trouble.

Then, there is the seer George lying to the police, Kerry directing the mist, and more dead bodies.

Lots and lots of action, drama, and mystery as Bronwyn and Elias work with his Knights to figure out who is behind the mist, stopping Sydney, and staying ahead of the polices with the false murder accusations.

Through in Rhona and Balladyn and Elodie and Scott from previous books, and you can't put the book down!

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I love coming back to the worlds that Donna Grant has recreated. Rich in personalities and backstories, this is definitely a series that should be read in order. Grant loves to connect her multiple series together, so if you’re a loyal fan like me, it’s a joy to read her books and see how all the stories and characters interconnect.

With this latest installment in the series, there’s a darker tone to it all. I will warn readers that there is some reference to suicide, so if that is a trigger for you, please proceed with caution. I was a little surprised by this as Grant doesn’t normally focus on subjects like this, but it was fitting for the story and brought a wealth of intrigue to it as well.

I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances that are slow-burning and intricate. That’s one of the things that I love about Grant’s book. They are not too flashy but still pack a heavy punch. And this Skye Druids series has definitely got me interested in reading some more!

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Trouble is headed to Skye as a deadly mist is on the hunt for specific magically gifted druids. Are Elias and Bronwyn a part of the masterplan or a diversion from the main event? only time will tell.  
Now that his secrets can no longer protect his sister, Elias Maclean is back on his beloved isle of Skye. The compassionate teen has only grown into a compassionate and caring adult. He had once rescued Bronwyn Scott from her tormentors in school and is now ready to do the same thing again even at the cost of being framed for murder. 
Bronwyn is a very talented magic user, but she has enhanced her magic in ways not necessarily permitted by the laws of the Skye druids. Now she lives isolated and shunned until Elias forces himself into her life. Along with Elias come his friends the Knights pledged to safe Druids worldwide. Bronwyn is used to being the lone ranger and resists all attempts at help. 
The author's imagination will blow your mind away as the story evolves.  Clearly more trouble is headed the way of the Skye Druids as is evidenced by the ending. The person who's manipulating events is still hidden but it will be interesting.

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This is the 2nd book in the Skye Druids series and I would absolutely read the first book before reading this one. We met Elias towards the end of book 1, and I couldn't wait for his story as he seemed interesting to me. There is so much to this story, and a lot of it starts even before the first book, but with the Reapers. With that being said, Elias is back on Skye after he left years ago to protect his sisters. But not everyone is happy that he is back, and an accusation is thrown at him for murder. Bronwyn is a shut in on Skye. She knows she isn't welcome, but her family's home is the only place she feels safe from her ex. Elias steps in when there is a confrontation, and he is drawn to her and feels like he should be protecting her.

There is so much going on in this story beyond just with the hero and heroine. You have to pay attention, or you may miss something and be slightly confused. Elias and Bronwyn have so much more to them than what is shown to others, and I loved how that all plays out. But beyond that, the larger story arc is something that just keeps me wanting to know more. I really can't wait to see where this is going to take us!

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Donna Grant writes some wonderful worlds, so I was happy to dive back into the world already established by a few other series I’ve devoured. I missed book 1 but found it easy to settle back in to book 2 here.

Bronwyn is an outcast, even though she resides in an estate passed down for generations in the very protected world of Skye. She’s made some choices that she has to live with that made her “other.” Elias has been away from Skye for a while and is still trying to find his footing with his estranged family. While away, he made his own family in the form of a bunch of “Knights” who try to rescue those in need. This group of characters was definitely a highlight of the book - their camaraderie and genuine love for one another was wonderful to see play out.

Turns out, Elias and Bronwyn know each other from grade school and the sparks fly almost immediately when they encounter each other again. Yes, there is the pesky issue of Elias investigating the mysterious fog when he spies on her, but when he saves her from a run-in with an ex, they manage to work it out. I really enjoyed the unique twist of Bronwyn’s history, powers, and eventually how they end up conquering their big bad. I’m officially hooked on this series and may even go back to the start to catch up.

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I knew that Donna was creating a spin-off about the Druids, but I kind of missed out on the first one: Iron Ember. Maybe because the covers are very different (yet beautiful) from her Dark King and Reaper covers. But I caught Shoulder the Skye on Netgalley on time. And as always: Donna has created a gem. And although we have Balladyn as a Reaper present in this book, the Skye Druids series definitely has a different vibe than the Reaper’s series.

You can’t help but admire Donna for this. Bronwyn and Elias are wonderful characters. Both broken and flawed, but determined to make a difference. I loved how Bronwyn interacted with her manor and how they depend on each other to keep them safe. Never thought it would be possible to give a house a sort of character, but Donna did it.

As always, the story is perfectly readable as a standalone, but to understand the underlying story better, I would suggest you read the Dark king and the Reaper series as well. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

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Shoulder the Skye, the second book in the Skye Druid series leads us deeper into the Druid world on the Isle of Skye. Just when you think you know about all the Magiks, the Dragon Kings, the Reapers and Witches in Donna Grant’s worlds, there’s more! What an exciting and intricate addition to this series. The lives of Bronwyn and Elias become intertwined with complications, some mystery, heartbreak, and love and coming home. Really enjoyed this book, was a great read, and a wonderful installment to the series – so excited for more to come about the Skye Druids!

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The second book of Grant's new series. We see some familiar characters make an appearance from the Reaper series. Love when authors bring in characters from other series so they are not forgotten.

Loved Elias and Bronwyn together. They both have had bad experiences in their past that they need to resolve. Elias is fighting to clear his name after being accused of murdering Druids and Bronwyn is trying to keep her cousin safe and in order to do so, she becomes a drough.

There is plenty to keep your attention throughout this story.

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Grant has so much imagination. The worlds she creates are huge, magical (pun may be intentional), exciting and complete. While the Isle of Skye isn't made up, Grant has taken the real and the myths and created an entire world of fantastical paranormal characters and situations. She's also very good at spreading a story over many books. This book gives us a look at more of the big picture and more information we didn't have. We also get to know more about the characters. All of which makes for an enjoyable read.

Poor Bronwyn. She made one very poor decision and it's made her life hell. She's done the unthinkable more than once. But what if you do the wrong thing for the right reasons? The Druids, her townspeople, are hard on her. She's drough and that's to be shunned. But no one is harder on her than she is. She's alone and fighting so hard to prevent worse consequences.

Elias left Skye to protect his family's already horrible situation from getting worse. He's used the time to join Knights and fight evil. He's now being accused of multiple murders but no one knows his accuser's motive.

Sharing horrible pasts perhaps is a large part of why they're so compatible though the attraction starts before they know each other's stories. Elias is a natural protector and Bronwyn definitely needs someone on her side. Unfortunately, she doesn't want to admit she needs help. She's as determined to make sure he's safe.

The whole cast is in the fight of their lives. Well the continuation of the fight that started in Iron Ember. Druids are dying. The mist is attacking. No one knows who's behind everything or why.

The story is so full of action, feelings, relationships, and questions. Questions upon questions.

This story will have you turning pages late into the night.

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This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was action-packed, fun, steamy, and kept me reading. I wanted to find out what was going to happen. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 2 in the Skye Druids series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.

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Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal romance story. Bronwyn is used to solving her problems herself, but when Elias offers to help her and won't take no for an answer, Bronwyn accepts his help while fighting the attraction she feels for him. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, full of suspense and mystery, and a must read riveting love story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenal author, Donna Grant!

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