Series: MacKinloch Clan (Book 3)
After years of brutal torture, Callum MacKinloch
is finally free of his captors—but his voice is still held prisoner.
He'd never let anyone hear him scream.
Although Lady Marguerite de Montpierre's chains may be invisible, they threaten to tie her to a loveless and cruel marriage.
When
Marguerite discovers Callum waiting to die, her heart aches for the
warrior beneath the suffering—but they can have no future. Yet she is
the one woman with the power to tame the rage locked inside him. Maybe
he can find another reason to live…for her.
Fantastic book. I have been waiting for Callum's story and it kept me turning the pages. After seven years of captivity and torture, Callum was found by Marguerite, his captor's fiancee. She treated his wounds and her kindness gave Callum the will to go on. When he was finally rescued, he found her at his family's home, waiting for the arrival of her father. He was coming to get her for a new betrothal. Callum was in bad shape, unable to speak and having a hard time adjusting to his freedom. Marguerite was the only one who could reach him, when his family thought he had lost his mind. As the story goes on Callum and Marguerite fall in love, but don't expect to be able to be together. But Callum refuses to give up, even when faced with death. Marguerite is a compassionate woman who has been sheltered all her life. When faced with the prospect of having to give up her love for Callum and marry someone else, she finds a depth of character and strength she didn't know she had. I loved the way that Callum was able to communicate with Marguerite even though he couldn't speak. It made their connection seem so much more intense. I also loved that her care and patience helped Callum find his voice again. Her escape from her father was well done, and the concluding scenes were fantastic. I also loved the epilogue. I sure hope we get to see Dougal's story soon.
Series: Highland - Murray Clan (Book 21)
Once, Arianna Murray Lucette believed she'd met
the man she could always rely on. She was wrong. Now she is fleeing for
her life, and when her enemies attack a ship bound for her only refuge,
she believes all hope is lost. Until she awakens on Scotland's shore to a
pair of the most entrancing blue eyes she has ever seen.
When Sir Brian MacFingal first spots the sun-streaked beauty on the
beach, he mistakes her for dead. Soon, however, he discovers a woman
more full of life and vitality than he ever dreamed possible. But though
he knows he is fit to defend her life -- even at risk of losing his own
-- can such a raw warrior as he ever be worthy of her love?
Loved the book. Arianna had brought her two young wards back to Scotland with her to protect them from their uncle, who wanted them dead. When the ship they were on is sunk, they wash up on shore near the MacFingal castle. They are discovered by Sir Brian and some of his brothers, who vow to protect them once they hear Arianna's story. When Brian sees how many men are after them, he splits them up and sends each boy with a different group to his family's castle. He takes Arianna himself and heads for his cousin's castle, hoping to draw the majority after him. During their travels, Brian discovers that her late husband had subjected her to terrible emotional abuse, absolutely draining her self-worth. Over their days of travel, Brian works to show Arianna that Claud had been an idiot, and that she was a wonderful, beautiful woman. He also found himself thinking about how much he would like to have her as part of his life. But she is a member of the powerful Murray clan, and he is a younger son with no land, no home of his own, and very little money, and he is sure that there is no way he could have her. So he convinces himself that the best thing to do is give her up. Meanwhile, Arianna finds it hard to believe that this wonderful, handsome man thinks she is beautiful. The more time she spends with him, the more she comes to care for him. As much as she cares though, she doesn't feel that she can hope for marriage, as she believes she cannot have children. In five years of marriage, she had no children of her own, and refuses to condemn Brian to a life without children. Also during their flight, we find out more about why they are being pursued. I really enjoyed seeing Arianna stand up for herself against her brother-in-law's cruelty. I also loved seeing some of the characters from previous books, and watch them as they try to talk sense to Brian. My favorite part of the book came near the end, when Arianna lets Brian have it for making decisions for her without even consulting her. Classic Hannah Howell - I love it!
Series: Highland Warriors (Book 2)
Despite an official peace, old conflicts smolder in the Glen of Many Legends. Kendrew Mackintosh, Chieftain of his clan, is famed as both a bold and hot-blooded warrior and a sensual lover. He has no intention of settling down . . . until he kisses a forbidden beauty whose passion matches his own.
Highborn and gently raised, Lady Isobel Cameron has long harbored a secret fascination for the fearless, charismatic Mackintosh—even though her brother is his sworn enemy. When destiny draws them together for one night, she can’t resist him. But what begins as a flirtation soon becomes a fight for survival. A deadly new threat has come to the glen, and Kendrew and Isobel must learn to trust and protect one another—or pay the ultimate price.
Very good book. Isobel, Catriona and Marjory (the three sisters of the lairds) had sworn to marry into the other to help cement the truce. Isobel had always been drawn to Kendrew. His land is somewhat bleak, rocky and rather harsh. His people tend more toward the Viking ways. He has felt that there is no way a lady would be able to handle life at his home. Isobel loves the wild, untamed feel of Nought, and would love to live there. She tries several times to show Kendrew how she feels, but he fights it. He is drawn to her also, but refuses to subject her to life at Nought. When circumstances create a betrothal between them, she accompanies Kendrew home. On the way they are attacked and must work together to overcome the threat. I really enjoyed the way that Isobel worked to get what she wanted. I also enjoyed the presence of the ghost of Daine and the dreagans and their assistance. I'm really looking forward to the final book in the series.
Series: Cynster (Book 21)
We joyfully request your attendance at the wedding of Miss Angelica
Cynster ... but not until she and her hero lay to rest an ancient grudge
in the Scottish Highlands!
Headstrong Angelica Cynster is certain she'll recognize her fated
husband at first sight. And when her eyes meet those of a mysterious
nobleman, she knows beyond a doubt that he's the one. But her heart is
soon pounding for an entirely different reason -- when her hero abducts
her!
The eighth Earl of Glencrae has no choice but to kidnap Angelica, the
one Cynster sister with whom he hadn't wanted to tangle. But to save his
castle and his clan, he must persuade her to assist him -- and he's
prepared to offer marriage to seal the deal!
Fantastic book. I love Stephanie Laurens' books, and this was another terrific Cynster book. Angelica knew as soon as she saw him that she wanted the man that she saw across the ballroom. And being a Cynster woman, she went after him - only to find out that he was the mysterious Scotsman who had kidnapped her sisters. This time, Dominic explains the problem to Angelica who consents to help him. He has stated his intention to marry her at the end of the process. That is her wish also, but she refuses to consent immediately, as she intends to make sure he loves her first. I love Angelica, as she has the intelligence and determination to give him the assistance he needs. She is also able to assist him in avoiding her family. I love the parts where we see the Cynsters - men and women - as they try to figure out what is going on in their own ways. Watching as Angelica got to know Dominic's people, and they got to know her, showed how perfect she was for him. I also loved watching Dominic's confusion as he tried to understand her - he had no personal experience with Cynster women and he didn't know what to do. I loved the scene in Edinburgh with the purchase of her horse - it had me laughing out loud. Their trip to his home went pretty smoothly, then it was on to their attempts to get what they needed from his mother. Dominic was completely blown away by Angelica's acting abilities. The conclusion was classic Stephanie Laurens, and the epilogue was great.
