A Kiss of Fate

A Kiss of Fate combines historical romance with fantasy elements, set in 1745 Scotland during the Jacobite Rising. The story centers on Gwynne Owens, a Guardian witch with powerful weather-control abilities, and Duncan MacRae, a Scottish laird with his own supernatural gifts. The political tensions between England and Scotland form the backdrop as Gwynne and Duncan navigate their growing connection while dealing with their conflicting loyalties. Their magical abilities both unite and complicate their relationship as they face mounting dangers from multiple directions. Against a blend of historical events and magical elements, the narrative explores how personal choices impact both individual lives and the course of history. The story examines themes of duty versus desire, the responsible use of power, and the cost of divided loyalties in times of conflict.

Readers describe this paranormal historical romance as an engaging blend of magic and Georgian-era romance, though some found the pacing uneven. Readers appreciated: - Historical accuracy and period details - The magic system's integration with real events - Complex characters, particularly the hero Duncan - The Scottish setting and folklore elements Common criticisms: - Slow start with heavy worldbuilding exposition - Romance develops late in the story - Secondary characters lack depth - Some plot points feel rushed in final chapters Several readers noted they expected more romance based on Putney's other works. One reviewer said "the magical elements overshadow the love story." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,824 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (82 reviews) Barnes & Noble: 3.8/5 (31 reviews) Most readers who enjoyed Putney's other historical romances rated this lower but praised her writing style and research. Romance readers seeking more fantasy elements rated it higher.

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🌟 The book blends historical romance with fantasy elements by incorporating "Guardians" - people with magical powers living secretly among the British aristocracy. ⚔️ Set against the backdrop of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, the novel weaves real historical events with supernatural elements, including weather magic. 📚 Author Mary Jo Putney has won multiple RITA Awards (romance fiction's highest honor) and is a member of the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. 🔮 The magical system in the book draws inspiration from Celtic mythology and traditional British folklore about weather workers and storm mages. 👑 The story takes place during the reign of George II of Great Britain, when Scottish supporters of the exiled Stuart dynasty attempted to restore Bonnie Prince Charlie to the throne.