Unleashed

By: Kerrigan Byrne

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

Meet the MacLauchlan Berserkers...

Roderick

He's death for hire, cursed by a malicious enemy who left him unable to speak. She's a refugee with a dangerous secret that could cost her life. Outnumbered by thousands, he's fated to die in battle like so many Berserkers before him. Could the strength of their love defy destiny?

Connor

He's a mercenary Laird who fears nothing but the darkness inside him. She's a noble beauty, sold to the highest bidder. He mistakenly rescues her from a fate worse than death, but now she's his captive. They must battle their pride and their explosive attraction to each other in order to defeat a common enemy who threatens the clan's survival.

Finn

He's a nameless bastard, stalking the Highlands bent on revenge and murder when he stumbles on an infant deserted in the snow. She's a desperate woman who's lost everything, including her dignity. They are three of the world's Unwanted. On a snowy Solstice night, their tale becomes one of blood and vengeance, of love, redemption, and forging the bonds that make a family.

©2012 Natalie Ainge (P)2013 Natalie Ainge

3 PARANORMAL CELTIC HIGHLAND HEROES IN 1 BOOK

Anything with the words 'Historical Highland' together under the romance section and I just can't resist them but I thought this would be 1 book but it's actually 3 novellas about each of the MacLauchlan brothers who are PARANORMAL Berserkers.

To be honest, at the start I didn't think I was going to like this new series however I soon changed my mind - the Berserkers aren't the stereotypical alpha Highland hunks - they are also paranormal and turn into fighting machines at the sight or smell of blood and each have different abilities. In these novellas each of the brothers find their mates under tense and dangerous circumstances but once found they certainly don't waste any time claiming them in a very hot and passionate way.

Because they are each short they have to pack a lot in and I sometimes felt that they could have been more enjoyable if they were longer - but hey they weren't so - they were action packed, full of passion, sex and killing by likeable unforgettable characters. There's magic, mayhem, murder and a mystical ancient deity that's just starting to get in on the act.

Worth a credit? Yes, it was pure escapism, very pleasurable and I'll definitely download the next instalment.

20 of 21 people found this review helpful

An amazing story amazingly read!

I have to be honest, historical romance is not a genre I typically follow. In this case, I was looking for something new, and was intrigued by the promise of berserker mythology. I was hooked from the very first word. Derek Perkins could probably read a chinese take-out menu and have it sound like a Shakespearian sonnet. So much the better when the material he's reading is Byrne's excellent dialog and poetic prose. This trilogy was so much more than I expected, from the skillful weaving of history and mythology to the make-you-squee-all-alone-in-your-room paranormal romance. This story has it all, and Miss Byrne has a new fan! I can't wait to see (and hear) what she does next!

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

New favorite male narrator!

Excellent narration and great stories. Each story had different elements and were unique. I wish that they were all books in a series and were much longer because I didn't want them to end! Great character development despite being so short.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Don't Pass This Up!

Any additional comments?

Not just three great stories, but three well written stories that provide all the romance I want with something I've never encountered before--berserkers! Don't be fooled. These shorter stories are as well done as any novella from a well-known, long-standing series. Loved the characters enough to wish for full length novels. I thought the narrator did a good job, and I hope to find the next trilogy from this author on audio soon.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Great trio of short stories

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this set of three short stories about brothers who are also berserkers. I don't do a lot of highlander romances mostly because (IMHO) the narrators for those usually suck balls, but Derek Perkins has a great voice so I decided to take a chance on this one. Each story can be enjoyed on it's own, or all together. None feels too short, and all are well-developed from the romance perspective. I didn't see anything else by Kerrigan Byrne on Audible but I would absolutely pick up more from him or her should it be released.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

My new Favorite author

Would you listen to Unleashed again? Why?

I loved the stories about the Berserkers and how they meet there true mates. and I'm drawn to anything Scottish!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Roddrick was a Huge Alpha male with no voice, but really he didn't need to speak and Evelyn was so cute and perfect for him. I love how the author portrayed the Highlanders as they would have been back in the day. Some of them where womanizing pigs and rapist. Most books paint a pretty picture of the males of that day, I appreciate that tidbit of info included.

What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brought me to the for front I felt as though with every word I was watching a movie. I could see it all vividly in my mind right down to the cobwebs in the attic.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh a lot, The cocky males being put in there place by there mates. Evelyn was such a smarty and I loved that she had forsight as well.

Any additional comments?

I am now reading the Bandshee's now and I'm loving that too. As I said above, Kerrigan Bryne is my new favorite Author.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Simply irresistible.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

"Unleashed" provides three charmingly captivating stories which combine elements of myth explored in a uniquely clever style. Before this novel, I had never heard of Berserkers; now I can't wait to hear more. Byrne's prose reads like poetry, creating visual images and evoking powerful sentiments, giving readers a full range of emotional experience.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed all of the characters for different reasons with one reason outstanding; while many were supernatural beings, they all shared characteristics that show us human frailty in one way or another. Everybody can identify with this.

Have you listened to any of Derek Perkins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first experience listening to Derek Perkins's narration and while I am a stranger to his works; I am no stranger to excellent narration. With a library of over 400 audiobooks, I believe I'm qualified to make this distinction.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Even better in sound!

Would you listen to Unleashed again? Why?

I loved all these stories in print, but listening to them really brought them ALIVE! I will be listening over and over again as the narrator did a fabulous job turning Kerrigan's words to pure, seductive poetry.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

This trilogy will unleash your desire for more!!

Where does Unleashed rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my second audio book and I have to say I am loving it! Can't wait for the next from Kerrigan Byrnne .

What did you like best about this story?

All three are great stories. Historical & highlanders are two of my favorite things adding in the paranormal of beserkers is a great bonus. Looking forward to the next offerering from Kerrigan Byrnne I hope Derek Perkins will be joining in again.
My only wish is that they were longer!!

The last story was my favorite Finn & Rhona two souls lost and unwanted by the world around them find themselves drawn together by a tiny soul left to die in the cold night. Rhona whose already lost those she loved finds she has a chance to be a mother again and Finn whose just discovered the mission meant to end his life may have just given him a chance at a new life filled with love and family.

Have you listened to any of Derek Perkins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Its so easy to get wrapped up in his voice and become lost in the story.

Any additional comments?

Make sure you have your choice of E-Reader or other electronic device fully charged you absolutely do not want it to die on you! Great stories and the love scenes are hot enough to melt your earbuds!

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

loved the 3 brothers

Where does Unleashed rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Up in the top 10 . Great storyline and great narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unleashed?

The extreme care the men showed to their women.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the brother realize that they were brother and their acceptance .

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Sexy, sexy, sexy!

My goodness, what a revelation. This was a rare impulse buy for me. I came across this series and decided to buy it on the strength of the sample, without reading anything about it. Luckily I happened to download the first trilogy of the series. There are three sets of three novellas in the Highland Historical series:

Unleashed Trilogy: Unspoken, Unwilling, Unwanted- about The MacLachlan Berserkers
Reclaimed Trilogy: Released, Redeemed, Reluctant- about The MacKay Banshees
Invoked Trilogy: Insolent, Indecent, Incarnate- about The de Moray Druids

In the past I have not had a taste for magic in my historicals, I don't even do time travel. However, I have tried a couple recently, and found I am more tolerant if the magical elements are more subtle, and there are not magical creatures all over the place.

The first story in this trilogy, Unspoken, is just delicious. The only complaint I have is that it is way too short! Sensual and tender, with a hearty dose of blood and gore! Unwilling was not for me as exquisite, but Unwanted tied it all together nicely.

This is my first book read by Derek Perkins, and his reading was perfect.

Get ready to fall in love with this trio of berserkers, creatures of violence, vengeance, gentleness and passion. I'm jumping straight back in with Reclaimed...