Donegal

In Anne Leland’s Donegal, Vincente Balan has deliberately and methodically annihilated the descendants of the Connell Clan for centuries, in retaliation for his beloved’s death.

Alexandria Elizabeth O’Connell is the last remaining person of her lineage. Alone, except for her best friend Lisa, Alex is drawn to Vince’s magnetism and allure. With no contemplation for the aftermath, she rushes into a lustful, passionate affair with Vince before returning to Deerfield. Without warning her life is in peril and no one can help her. Who is behind the brutal attack on her? What does Vince want from Alex? Will Alex forever be alone?

Powerless to prevent Vincente’s death, Elisha of Connell relinquished her life essence that he may live. Instead he has roamed the Earth seeking vengeance against the descendants of Malecha for her death. At last, his lifework of retribution is nearing its conclusion; however, Alex is the living embodiment of Elisha. Perhaps his love has returned in the body of Alex? He must have Alex to know whether Elisha has been reborn or not. In the process, he consumes everyone who befriends Alex.

Anne Leland’s Donegal is a dark, pensive saga of vengeance, treachery, and longing. Vincente’s humanity was lost the day, Elisha gave her life essence to him. Elisha has returned to amend her error, only Vincente must die to perceive Elisha. Anne Leland ingeniously and deftly describes a man almost beyond redemption. Even though I desired to hate Vincente, I was drawn to his grief and yearning for Elisha. Therefore, I wished to see him reunited with his love. Still, his atonement lies in Alex’s acceptance of what lies dormant inside her.

I could not put Donegal down. I agonized with Alex over Vincente. Anne Leland captured me from the beginning with her in-depth tale of soul wrenching heart ache and devastating anger created by one man’s desire to revenge himself on his faithless wife.

Reviewed by: Dena