March 25, 2012

Review: Callum by Melissa Schroeder



March 24, 2012
Callum (The Cursed Clan series, Book #1)
by Michelle Schroeder
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Self
Release Date: February 5th, 2012



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Author Summary
Will desire be the answer or the ruin of an entire clan?

As Laird, Callum Lennon feels he has always failed to protect his cousins. Callum’s impulsiveness caused the death of his father and the experience has scarred not only his body, but his soul. From that point on, he made sure to always go with the more logical choice in every matter. When his younger cousin Angus finds clues that might help break the curse, Callum begrudgingly hires Phoebe Chilton to investigate. Callum doesn’t like bringing outsiders into their family affairs. Their life would become fodder for the tabloids if anyone were to find out about the curse. It doesn’t help that the instant he meets Dr. Chilton he’s attracted. But, he doesn’t really have a choice because she might be their last hope.

An expert in archeology, Phoebe has always been dwarfed by her parents’ shadow. Their high standards had her in college by thirteen and earning a second PhD by twenty-two. But her career and her broken marriage have left her needing something more than just diplomas and degrees. She wants to prove that her interest in legends, especially Celtic legends, is as important as her parents’ work. When the Lennon family contacts her, she sees the opportunity to win a massive research grant. With a long-time rival breathing down her back, she jumps at the Lennons’ offer, hoping it will ensure her the grant. But uncovering the Lennon family secrets, and her attraction to Callum, could prove more than she can handle.

Forces outside the family are determined to ensure that they fail. When an old enemy threatens both the well being of the clan and the fragile new love, Callum will have to choose between believing his mind or his heart.


My Thoughts

This novel is on fire!  Hot Scottish man, fiery heroine, intense attraction, fabulous clan dynamic, riveting plot and perfect delivery.  As you can tell, I absolutely loved this story!

Intrigued by the plot, invested in the characters and thrilled with the pace of the storytelling, I was immediately drawn in.  The author doesn’t spill all the secrets at the beginning.  She keeps us guessing as to what the curse is for a while.  Effectively drawing out the suspense.  

A little lite on the paranormal side for some of us hardcore paranormal readers, however, it’s a great read. 

This first novel sets the stage for the adventures to come in the series. The premise is fantastic, and I can’t wait to see where the author will take the story.


So about the story…
Grieved by the loss of her family, Lady Donedella McWalton swore vengeance against those responsible.  She sought out a witch that could place a curse on the McLennan clan to make them suffer terribly for what they did to her family.

For almost 270 years, the McLennan clan has lived with the curse.  Desperate to break it, they have been searching endlessly for a cure.  Recently they have come into possession of a witch’s diary that may contain a clue.  Unfortunately, it’s written in several languages and in some sort of code.  The family hires an esteemed archaeologist and language specialist, Phoebe Chilton, to interpret the diary hopefully giving them a clue to breaking the curse.  Problem is the clan leader, Callum, isn’t too trusting when it comes to Sassenachs (outsiders). Especially English outsiders. 

Phoebe jumps at the chance to work on this project as Celtic legends is her passion.  A peculiar benefactor that would provide a grant for her work approached her. She has always lived under the shadow of her famous archaeologist parents and she’s sure this is her chance to make a name for herself in a field of her choosing. She agrees to the project.

Even through her excitement, her intuition tells her that the sponsor of the grant is hiding something but she doesn't know what it is.  The McLennans tell her they need the diary translated but don't tell her why or give her any additional background.  They won’t even let her have the diary without the supervision of a family member.  All the secrecy makes for interesting times at the McLennan castle. 


Callum and Phoebe are like gasoline and fire. Their relationship is tumultuous and from the moment they meet, sparks fly off the pages.  Callum is thrown that someone actually stands up to him.  Being a clan ruler, he is certainly not used to it!  He’s quick-tempered and touchy when it comes to Phoebe.  She is used to being around overbearing men so she isn’t the least bit intimidated by the powerful clan chief.   She can certainly hold her own.  Callum’s overwhelming trust issues and Phoebe’s feelings of guilt about her secret agenda lead to overwhelming obstacles in their relationship.


Bottom Line
This is a great Paranormal Romance novel!  The dynamics of the McLennan clan are remarkable, the characters are impassioned and compelling, the plot is riveting and the delivery is faultless. The next in the series is Angus’ story (Callum’s brother) and is due out this summer.  I’m really looking forward to reading more in this series!

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!!



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3 comments:

  1. You had me at hot Scottish man. Thanks, that is all I needed to know LMAO! Awesome review hon. This sounds like my kind of story. Even if it is a little light on the Paranormal, it still sounds very exciting and sexy. Thank you so much hon.

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    1. LOL! Those Scottish hunks get us every time... Its a quick read if you're in the mood for something like that. She's a very good writer. Most of her stuff is erotica but she veered in a different direction this time. Check it out!

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    2. How can you not love a sexy Scot? They get me every time. I would love get a quick read in. She sounds like a great author, I can't wait to start this. Thanks a million hon.

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