ARC Review: The Trouble with Highlanders by Mary Wine

The Trouble with Highlanders

by Mary Wine
(Highlander # 5)

Daphne MacLeod was once betrothed to Laird Broen MacNicols but for many reasons that wedding was never destined take place. In order to escape that would- be marriage, Daphne MacLeod lost her virtue to Norris Sutherland. Both Daphne and Norris ultimately returned to their perspective homes, both still single and both a bit altered with all that went on between them.

Being on the losing side after the Battle of Sauchieburn, MacLeod lands were raided and left nearly barren, leaving Daphne to pick up the pieces and gather her clan in some sort of unity. She is still held with some contempt by her clan since the marriage to MacNicols would have helped the clan's dire situation after the battle, but Daphne knew she did the right thing. Three months after their loss, the MacLeod clan is trying to get it together, with some difficulty, and Daphne still thinks often of Norris Sutherland.

In the three months since Norris Sutherland bedded Daphne, his mind also often drifts to thoughts of the lass. Things are no longer the same with him either as he finds himself uninterested with every other lass that throws herself in his path. Laird Lytge Sutherland watches his son ,Norris carefully and sees there is something amiss with his son's attitude. In a conversation with his son he suggests that Daphne may be a perfect match for Norris, providing the rumors of her elusive dowry are true. This sparks the interest of Norris who agrees that his father's suggestion might just be something to explore. So he sets out to the MacLeod holding with his bastard brother, Gahan and his loyal men in tow.

Trouble brews brightly when neighboring Comyn leader Morrell Comyn sets his sights on capturing and forcing Daphne to become his bride. Comyn does not realize the enemy he makes of Norris Sutherland once he sets a hand on Daphne, or what lengths Norris Sutherland will go to make sure Daphne is safe and secure, even if he has to drag her back to Sutherland lands. Which he ultimately does, in the process creating turmoil on every side. On top of all that another woman, Sandra Fraser, vying for Norris Sutherland's attentions arrives, wreaking havoc with every breath she takes. Daphne is a formidable lass, but is she enough to take on the evil-doings? Will the Sutherland clan back her up when things go awry? Or will they allow Daphne to hang? All these questions and more are answered when you read The Trouble with Highlanders by Mary Wine.

Oh how I loved this book. When an author and the story can get my emotions flowing, and I go from happy, to sad to angry ( where I wish I was part of the book and want to murder the evil wench), I know it's a winner. Then it has to have a strong female. I am so NOT for a whiny "woes me" chick. Daphne is in no way whiny. She is strong, she is sassy and she interesting. Norris is no slouch either, my ultimate male, tall, devilishly handsome and loyal. Mary Wine is a master or more appropriately the mistress when it comes to story-telling. I had just put down a book I could not get through to save my life, picked up The Trouble with Highlanders, and stayed up all night intrigued with this book. Reading it refreshed my memories of The Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine, where we meet Daphne and Norris. Yes, I loved that book too.

The Trouble with Highlanders is a roller-coaster of romance, suspense and history all wrapped up in a paperback novel for all to enjoy. I highly recommend this, or any read by Mary Wine for that matter. I am so looking forward to the next book in this Highlander saga!

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon  You can find more of Kimberly's reviews at Book Obsessed Chicks.

Review: Into the Dreaming by Karen Marie Moning

Into the Dreaming: With Bonus Material

by Karen Marie Moning

(Highlander # 8)

If you’re a massive fan of Karen Marie Moning like I am, then you may have squeed upon hearing about this rerelease. I love KMM’s Fever series (I really do), but for some reason I enjoy her Highlander series more. I love the passion in them, the darkness and also the hot alpha men who grace the pages of these books.

In INTO THE DREAMING, we get another bonus hottie in Aeden. Jane, a modern- day romance writer and Aeden, a hot Scot fall in love in between realms called the Dreaming. When Jane is transported back in time to save Aeden from the Unseelie King, we really get a glimpse of the undying love they have for one another. For a short story, it’s great and give new readers a chance to see what KMM’s writing was like before. You seriously cannot go wrong with a KMM Scottish highlander.

After this, Karen writes a great piece about her time as a writer. It’s heartfelt and worth the read if you are interested in the inner thoughts of your favorite author.

Karen also gifts her fans with GHOST OF A CHANCE, a formal proposal of a book that was never written. It’s interesting and would make some readers wish this did get written because it does sound like an interesting book.

The next two sections are the ones I was most looking forward to. As a big fan of her MacKelter brothers, I was excited to read about the deleted scene from KISS OF THE HIGHLANDER and the Dark Highlander Lite version. These are just little treats for her fans and I think it’s great to see them all in one book.

There is also a teaser for Darkfever for highlander fans who haven’t read her Fever series yet. Also, there is about 10 pages or so about FEVERMOON, the graphic novel adaptation of her Fever series. I’m not quite sure that this part was worth it. It contains both black and white and colored pictures, but not enough for me to say, “Oh my god, I need this now.”

In the end, I enjoyed this. If you’re a KMM fan, you’ll want to check this out. Indulge in your Moning Maniac side.   

Review: The Highlander's Heart by Amanda Forester

 

The Highlander's Heart

(Highlander #2)

by Amanda Forester

This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for so long. I had no idea what I was missing out on until I picked it out of my teetering shelf and opened it. There was a surprise waiting for me inside.

Before this, Amanda Forester was a new –to-me author and as a highlander romance fan, I knew I had to try her books out. Within the first ten pages, I knew this book was different. There was historical accuracy. There were great characters. And there was a handful of charm that went a long way.

Isabelle Tynsdale is running away from her abusive husband, who after the death of her uncle has the intention of killing her to gain inheritance to her lands. She escapes on her horse, fleeing her home and the man who has hurt her greatly. When her horse decides to leave her, letting her fend for herself alone, she stumbles upon three evil men with the intention of raping her. Scared beyond belief and wondering if she made the right decision running from her husband for more dangerous threats , she is rescued by a barbarian. Later, she finds out his name is Laird David Campbell.

Their chemistry is instant and palpable. What I loved about this book is the fact that Forester first develops strong character in the hero and heroine. David is the barbarian highlander while Isabelle is the English lass with some sass. Then, Forester puts them together and it’s absolute dynamite!

There is a mixture of adventure, passion, politics and charm. Perhaps my favourite parts of the book are the dialogue between David and Isabelle. Their banter is enough to keep me reading for days, as is the subplot of David’s sister, Cait. I can’t wait to see what is in store for her.

Overall, THE HIGHLANDER’S HEART kept me reading into the wee hours of the night, making me laugh and fall in love alongside the characters.

 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

 

 

The Immortal Highlander

(Highlander # 6)

by Karen Marie Moning

Stripped from his Fae powers and forced to live in the human world, Adam Black has never felt so vulnerable in his entire existence. With only the ability to sift in short distances and invisible to all humans and fae alike, his punishment from Aoibheal is one of pure torture. It isn’t until he realizes that only one other person can see him that he has some hope to become the immortal once again.

Gabrielle O’Callaghan is a woman who possesses a rare ability to see both realms: mortal and Faery. Plagued with this burden her entire life, Gabby finds herself hating the Fae and even more, hating her undeniable attraction for them.

When Adam seeks Gabby out to ask her to help him find his son Circenn in order to bring him back to face Aoibheal, sparks fly and the chemistry sizzles as Gabby tries to resist Adam’s charms. The Immortal Highlander is a fascinating, well-written story that questions if a Fae prince without a soul can give up his entire heart for a mere mortal.

Moning crafts amazingly well-paced stories in this series, but I have to say that the Immortal Highlander may be my favourite of the bunch. Though Adam Black can be seen as the bad guy, there is just something so darkly alluring about the bad ones that you can’t help but love. Black is no exception. He is enchanting, compelling, passionate and downright sexy.

Familiar faces are bought back into this book. The MacKelter twins, Drustan and Daegus and their wives Gwen and Chloe make appearances that make a reader like me grin from ear-to-ear. With such memorable characters with distinct personality traits and quirks, Moning makes me wish I were able to travel into their world and experience the magic myself.

With one last Highlander book left for me to read, I am a little saddened to know that the end is near. I’ve fallen hard for all the books in the series. Bringing sexual tension in spades, Moning certainly knows how to do a romance right. I just hope that she’ll one day return to this time and bring us more highlander heroes to die for.

 

 

 

Purchase Links:  Amazon

Review: The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

 

The Dark Highlander

(Highlander # 5)

by Karen Marie Moning

Thirteen Druids possess Daegus’s soul, cursing him with a darkness that no one else can bare to contain. Transforming him from the once flirty and easy-going Scot, Daegus’s life has now dimmed. His eyes, once the color of gold, are now dark. His mental shields keep the 13 at bay, but just barely and Daegus can only find relief when he is inside a woman.

Chloe, a self-proclaimed nerd and lover of antiques finds herself the victim of that old saying, “Curiosity killed the cat.” When sent to Mr. MacKeltar’s New York apartment to drop off a parcel, Chloe lets her curiosity get the best of her and she gets caught red-handed when Daegus comes home, finding a woman searching beneath his bed. Her punishment doesn’t seem all that terrible though, because the gorgeous hunk of manflesh ties her to his bed and feeds her delicious meals.

Chloe was an easy heroine to like. I loved her passion for her work. Anything old with a history sparked something inside of her. She’s someone who would rather spend time researching than anything else. She had many endearing qualities and characteristics. Her nervous hiccups, that stubborn lift of her chin, and the endless love she had for Daegus despite her not knowing everything about the mysterious Scot. She takes many leaps of faith, trusting Daegus only when she’s known him for such a short period of time.

Speaking of time, the time-travel in this one is perfect. Again. I wish Moning continued with this series. While she has made her name with her Fever series, she is a master at meshing two hearts together into one.

And there’s Daegus who, simply put, is sex. I swooned so much through this book, I grew faint. At least give me some time to recover between bated breaths.

Favourite Quote:

“I am going to love you now, slow and sweet, but when you come, I'm going to fuck you the way I need to. The way I've been dreaming about since the moment I saw you.”

 

 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

 

Kiss of the Highlander

(Highlander #4)

by Karen Marie Moning

Twenty-five year old Gwen Cassidy is on a mission: To find her cherry picker.

On an impulsive trip to Scotland to find said cherry picker, Gwen encounters a “cherry three chopper-downer” in the form a hulking Highlander who is stubborn as a mule and from the 14th century. Lovely.

After a little mishap retrieving her pack, Gwen takes a tumble and lands upon Drustan MacKeltar, straddling the slumbering Highland laird who has been enchanted by a powerful spell five centuries ago. With sunlight and her blood, Gwen awakens Drustan only to find that he still believes he is in his century. With a vow to help this confused man, Gwen follows Drustan to the place where his castle once stood...only to find it gone. Using Drustan’s Druid powers and stones, he goes back in time, taking Gwen along with him. But when he miscalculates, they find themselves in a time further back before he was enchanted.

While I liked the beginning of the book, it wasn’t until the dressing room scene that things started rolling for me. It was in this pivotal moment that I came to love Drustan and Gwen together:

“What have you stuffed in your pants, MacKelter?” she demanded.
“Nothing that wasn’t God-given,” he replied stiffly.
Gwen stared. “There’s no way that’s part of you. You must have gotten a sock or something stuck. Oh, my.”

Karen Marie Moning incorporates witty dialogue with a sensual miasma of words that any romance reader can appreciate. She may be popular with her urban fantasy books, but I don’t know if they could compare to the raw, erotic nature of her Highlander books. She does romance very, very well. And this book is no exception!

Countless times Moning pulls something that alters her characters lives so much that when you finally reach the end, their happy ending is definitely worth the wait. Gwen and Drustan fall in love twice in this book and each time was better than the last.

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning

The Highlander's Touch

(Highlanders # 3)

by Karen Marie Moning

If a cursed flask holding an immortal elixir is what it takes to travel back in time to find a Highlander hottie like Circenn, then I’m getting my butt on the next train to the museum!

Lisa Stone is twenty-three years old. Her mother, Catherine is sick with cancer and solely relies on her daughter to provide for her in her dying days. Instead of attending college with her friends, Lisa works two jobs, one of which is at a museum. Little does Lisa know that the ancient flask before her is cursed to be returned to its owner once it is found. Unfortunately, Circenn didn’t anticipate that the person who touches it will also be transported to him. Back to the 1300’s.

Circenn is an honourable man, driven by rules and vows. But when this woman tells him she is from the future, Circenn doesn’t know how to deal with her. He is obligated to kill her by his vow with Adam Black, but when he puts his blade to her throat, his steady hands shakes.

It is Lisa’s presence in Circenn’s world that causes him to question himself. I found that I instantly had a connection with Lisa. The life she leaves in the twenty-first century isn’t really hers. Instead, she lives for the benefit of others. Here, in the 1300’s she has a chance to be herself and live the life she had always dreamed of having.

“I can’t die now,” she whispered. “I haven’t even lived yet.”

Moning has a knack for writing witty dialogue. Not only was the bitter back-and-forth banter between Lisa and Circenn amusing, it worked in slowly building up sexual tension that was combustible by the end. I found myself grinning from ear-to-ear while reading this book and laughing out loud at other parts. A book that can evoke any kind of emotion is one that is special.

“The gown was too small,” she managed.
“I see. And you astutely concluded this would cover more of you?”
“I was just about to put my j-jeans back on,” she informed his chest.
“I think not.”

I wondered how Moning would overcome the obstacles she has placed before her heroine. With this time-travel romance, Lisa must choose to either go back to the twenty-first century to care for her mother or remain in medieval Scotland to be with Circenn. The question is, what can’t she live without? Her family or Circenn?

Moning drapes a rich background with the historical facts she has incorporated into this story and paired with a hero and heroine that are to die for, I found myself wishing the end never came.

Now I really must find a cursed flask!

 

 

 Purchase Links: Amazon