The Highlander Series 7-Book Bundle

By Karen Marie Moning

With her signature blend of sensual fantasy, thrilling adventure, and breathtaking magic, Karen Marie Moning—the #1 New York Times bestselling author of such novels as Shadowfever and Dreamfever—is the reigning queen of paranormal romance. Now in a convenient eBook bundle, here are the seven novels in her spellbinding Highlander series, featuring passionate love stories with a time-travel twist: Beyond the Highland Mist, To Tame a Highland Warrior, The Highlander’s Touch, Kiss of the Highlander, The Dark Highlander, The Immortal Highlander, and Spell of the Highlander.
 
“Highly original . . . sensual, hard-to-put-down romance. Karen Marie Moning is destined to make her mark on the genre.”—Romantic Times, on Beyond the Highland Mist
 
Beyond the Highland Mist
 
He is known throughout medieval Scotland as Hawk. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart—until Adrienne de Simone tumbles out of modern-day Seattle and into Hawk’s legendary bed.
 
To Tame a Highland Warrior
 
He was born to a clan of Highland warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Yet even from afar, he watches over Jillian St. Clair. She is the only woman who can tame the beast within him—even as deadly enemies plot to destroy them both.
 
The Highlander’s Touch
 
A trick of fate has sent Lisa seven hundred years back in time and into Scottish warrior Circenn Brodie’s chamber to tempt him with an all-consuming desire. For this woman he burns to possess is also the woman he has foresworn to destroy.
 
Kiss of the Highlander
 
Enchanted by a powerful spell, Highland laird Drustan MacKeltar has slumbered for nearly five centuries, until an unlikely savior, Gwen Cassidy, awakens him. Bound to Drustan, Gwen is swept back to sixteenth-century Scotland where a warrior with the power to change history will defy time itself for the woman he loves.
 
The Dark Highlander
 
Dageus MacKeltar is a sixteenth-century Scot trapped between worlds, battling with the thirteen Druids who possess his soul. When Chloe Zanders is drawn into his world, she will face the challenge of a lifetime: fighting thirteen evil spirits for the heart of one irresistible man.
 
The Immortal Highlander
 
Adam Black is free to roam across time in pursuit of his insatiable desires, until a curse strips him of his immortality and makes him invisible. The only woman who can see him is Gabrielle O’Callaghan. It is the beginning of a long, dangerous seduction, the price of which could be their very lives.
 
Spell of the Highlander
 
Jessi St. James first sees the gorgeous man staring out at her from the glass of an ancient mirror. Heir to the arcane magic of his Druid ancestors, Cian MacKeltar was trapped centuries ago inside the Dark Glass, and now an enemy will stop at nothing to reclaim it. And Cian will stop at nothing to protect Jessi from a deadly fate.
 
“[Moning’s] storytelling skills are impressive, her voice and pacing dynamic, and her plot as tight as a cask of good Scotch whisky.”—Contra Costa Times, on Kiss of the Highlander
 
Includes a tantalizing excerpt from Karen Marie Moning’s beloved novella Into the Dreaming.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Apr 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9780345538260

Karen Marie Moning

Karen Marie Moning is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fever series, featuring MacKayla Lane, and the award-winning Highlander series. She has a bachelor’s degree in society and law from Purdue University.

Reviews for The Highlander Series 7-Book Bundle

[ladypembroke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked the OTP in this book. Their romance blossomed from a pragmatic arrangement to true love with an ease that felt good to witness. Banks is a good writer, and she really pulled me into the story. In fact, I was completely moved by the way the heroine felt like an outsider at one point, running off and crying. I could not put the book down because I had to know that everything turned out all right. There are definitely loose ends for the next book to handle, but within this novel, the characters were strong, funny, emotional, and easy to relate to.

[conkie_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I finished reading this book a couple of days ago. While at a local library branch, I realized that I enjoyed the storyline enough to look for it's sequel, and... I was a little surprised. Why? Because I rarely pick up historical romances any more. I burned myself out after years of devouring them. Only the occasional is added to my "library;" usually in audio format to help stave off those laundry-room blues AND when no new contemporary stories can be found at the library!Rarely do I disclose the story's details in a review, as they are too easily obtainable from other reviews, Amazon.com, or the back cover. In reviewing this story, I continue that discipline, hopefully leaving the reader the chance at making a fresh read of it. However, in the spirit of a review's purpose, a few of observations are made.One reason I enjoyed this story (the first I've read written by Ms. Banks) was that it took a different turn from some standard romance formulas. Typically, romance story-lines don't allow for the Hero and Heroine to experience measurable amounts of sustained happiness. Not so here. Formulaic romance novels generally rely on grand epiphanies happening to both/either H&H. Often the divide between "neanderthal" and "intelligent man" behaviors are greater in the Hero, and likewise, between "simpleton" and "intelligent woman" behaviors in the Heroine. Another commonality not showing up in this storyline, is detail ad nauseam being provided as the H&H "find" each other. I guess I'm trying to convey that Ms. Banks tries harder to stay away from "tried and true and BORING" story line twists, and does it successfully enough that I'm interested in knowing how the other 2 brothers will fair in their story lines. Few historical romance writers do that for me nowadays.I am looking forward to 2012 when newer author Sherry Thomas (an LT Author) introduces a trio of new historical romance books. But in the meantime, Ms. Banks will more than adequately fill that empty space.

[beth_german-590755 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tis a book with a title which t'would lead one to believe this is a tale filled with sex but twas not the case a'tall.

I audio read this book and was impressed with the reader. She read in a regular, non-accented voice but when she gave voice to the characters, she did so with an amazing Scottish accent which made this very enjoyable to read. I have read another book by Ms. Banks that was shall we say, quite trashy, and that was not so much the case with this one. A sweet, historical fiction story really with some sex but only between a married couple. I happened upon this when trying to find something on my library's download site to listen to on a long ride and will likely now look for its sequels. With all the Scottish brogue that was in the audio version, I'm not sure how exactly the written version would be for reading though.

[azurestrawberry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A simple story but sweet.

[rosetyper9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really feel that I gave this a 4/5 because I just don't feel the same about this series as I do her contemporary erotica. I know it's not in the same league but I wanted to fall head over heels in love with this and I did not. That is not to say the book is bad, not at all but...it wasn't as amazing.



First let me go into the ONE HUGE THING I hated about this book. They get married, he runs her up the stairs and proceeds to almost rape (ALMOST, she was willing, and there were extenuating circumstances) but it last five seconds and she is upset and crying when it's over. I didn't like this part one bit...I even said so in my Goodreads update something along the lines of "I did NOT like that AT ALL. WTF?" So yeah...hated that part. It did fit with the time period of the story but...NOPE, HATED IT.



The rest of the sensual scenes were pretty good. Not up to the usual feel I get with Ms. Banks but not horrible either. I didn't feel as strong a connection to Mairin as I would have liked. I love that she is headstrong and willful but we wouldn't get along if she were a real person.



I did heart Ewan until the whole "marriage bed" thing and the villian is pretty loathsome. Other than that I just really want to read more about Rionna, she is awesome and I can't wait to see her kick some more butt.

[dawn772 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable historical romance with plenty of action that moves right along. I liked the young boy and the whole loyalty aspect with sense of family. Mairin is valued for her dowry because of her relationship to the king. With a young boy, she escapes an evil warrior to the protection of the boys father Ewan.

[jkgrage · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the characters and some of the historical context of this story. Looking forward to book 2.

[kybunnies · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is not my first Maya Banks book and it will not be the last. I like her work and style of writing. Please be aware that there is a lot of sex scenes in this book.

This book is set in one of my favorite periods of time to read about. The medieval or middle ages time period from the 5th through 15th century's.

While this book did not go into a lot of detail about the time period it was still an interesting read.

Mairin is suppose to be the bastard child of King Alexander of Scotland. King Alexander bequested a place called Neamh Alainn to Mairin's first child. From my understanding of this book this must be a place of great wealth and power. All of the power, greedy Laird in Scotland want Mairin and the land.

Mairin is found in an Abby as a novice. She is kidnapped by men of Lord Cameron. Lord Cameron wants to marry Mairin so he can have control of Neamh Alainn. Directly after Mairin is kidnapped a young child, Crispen, tries to steal a horse that belongs to her kidnappers. Mairin protects the child.

Mairin learns that the child is son to Lord Ewan McCabe. The McCabe family has been hit 8 years ago by Lord Cameron. Lord Cameron killed the Ewan wife and parents trying to either take there land or just through malice.

After Mairin and Crispen reach Lord Cameron he tried to marry her. Mairin refused to marry the Laird. After refusing Lord Cameron beats Mairin. She is then thrown into a room where Crispen is at. Sometime during the night after the beating Mairin and Crispen receive help in escaping.

Several days after escaping Mairin and Crispen are found by Crispen's Uncle Alaric.

Okay enough spoilers for now.

This is a good book to start reading if you have not ready anything by Maya Banks. The book has strong characters and is well developed.

The bunnies and I give this book 4-Carrots.

[aryadragon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really liked this book lived that there is a strong heroine even during the time period when women had little rights. I really liked how she acted around crispen and ewan too. Ewan' s brothers stories are next and I am looking forward to their stories in the next two books.

[aliterarylion · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At first, I didn't care for the female protagonist because she was very headstrong. She was slightly annoying and the male protagonist was overbearing. The book picked up and the characters got better. I just really enjoyed this author. Her writing style and her character development was very refreshing. I became very involved with the characters and was infuriated at a particular scene, just like the characters were. I'm glad I discovered this author and already have two of her books coming in the mail.

[cranberrytarts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I heard quite a bit of buzz about this series being very similar to some of Julie Garwood's early medieval novels. Since those are some of my favorite books, of course I had to read these. While I would agree there's much about this book that's reminiscent of early Garwood, there are also many differences. I felt like a lot of the humor from Garwood was missing. About halfway through the novel I stopped comparing the two and took this book on it's own merits. Once I did that I really fell into the story.

Both Mairin and Ewan were very well written. Mairin is young and innocent, but she isn't stupid. She knows she must marry a strong man with a large fighting force, because he'll forever be defending her land and dowry. She'd been working with the abbess to find an acceptable husband, but hadn't settled on one when she was abducted. I liked that she wasn't silly or naive, thinking she'd hold out for love. She just wanted a place she could call her own, with a man who would protect her, her future children and offer her respect. Her practicality appealed to me.

I think too often romance novels focus too much on the word love. The angst the couple goes through over one or the other of them not saying that four letter word can be kind of over the top. Banks did an excellent job of showing us that they were falling in love, instead of just having them obsess over the other not saying it.

[bea_writer · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I have read most of Ms. Bank's books and I have liked/loved most. I went into this book looking forward to her style in the historical genre. This book was perhaps one of the worse books I have read. At first I honestly thought I had read it before, but as a Julie Garwood book. Scene after scene I called based on other books I had read.

I finally just could not finish the book, thus the one star. If I wanted to have read a Julie Garwood book (who I love) I would have read one.

Other people seem to have liked this book, so maybe it was just a case of different tastes.

[mlleehreen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

IN BED WITH A HIGHLANDER is an excellent example of a certain kind of book. It felt old school to me; the hero, Ewan, is a straightforward, honorable warrior-type and the heroine, Mairin, is a sweet lady who just wants to feel loved. They've got some obstacles to overcome on the way to a Happily Ever After but the biggest one is straightforward and very domestic: how will Mairin fit into this new household? What kind of responsibilities and freedoms will she be allowed?

My biggest problem with it stems from a word I've already mentioned twice in relation to IN BED WITH A HIGHLANDER: straightforward. If some books are like twisty turny mountain roads, IN BED WITH A HIGHLANDER is more like a long straight drive through the desert. When Mairin shows up amongst the McCabes, she's wearing the colors of their arch-enemy, Cameron. That's bad! OK, well, the solution is to convince Ewan that she was actually a victim of Cameron, that she'd been kidnapped and nearly forced into marrying the guy. OK, that's not a problem anymore. The next problem is that she's an heiress and Ewan is in dire need of cash. He gives her an ultimatum: she can marry him, or she can marry evil Cameron who kidnapped and beat her. What a jerk Ewan can be! But after Mairin decides to marry Ewan, she commits to the relationship wholeheartedly and it's never an issue that she was forced into it. This is a good choice on her part, by the way, but contributes to the very linear, straightforward feel of IN BED WITH A HIGHLANDER. Problem, solution, problem, solution. There's no momentum. No buildup. No ratcheting tension.

Here's another thing that will make some people love IN BED WITH A HIGHLANDER but left me indifferent: children. I can get really attached children in books, I can think that they're adorable or precocious or charming, but reading about the hero and heroine bonding over child rearing just isn't sexy or romantic to me. Ewan has a child from his first marriage, an eight-year-old named Crispen, and Crispen gets a looooooooot of pagetime. He gives Mairin an opportunity to show what a wonderful, nurturing mother she'll be. He sleeps in Mairin and Ewan's bed as often as not, too. I like my romances sizzling with sexual tension and all the children here really dial down the heat factor to like, warmish. Just above lukewarm.

And lastly...another old school aspect to IN BED WITH A HIGHLANDER. Ewan is a man well into the prime of his life, on his second marriage, the leader of his clan. Mairin is a naive girl fresh out of a convent. They're not equals. In any sense of the word. Ewan spends a lot of time humoring Mairin, and she kind of deserves it. This is not my favorite scenario, although it will appeal to many others.

[booklovre6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this historical romance. Not sure what year it was supposed to be set in, but other than that, it was wonderful. Looking forward to reading the next!

[bkluvr4evr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic story, lots of wit lots of love and a happy ending. Lairds, warriors, blade battles and strong women. absolutely wonderful book. Highly recommend

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In Bed with a Highlander
4.5 Stars

Synopsis:
The illegitimate daughter of a King, Mairin Stuart is nothing but a pawn to most men. When she is forced to marry the powerful and enigmatic Ewan McCabe, Mairin is fears that her worst nightmare may have come true. However, as they grow closer and danger lurks around every corner, Ewan and Mairin are surprised to discover that she is not only the salvation of his clan but also the woman who conquers his heart.

Review:
An enjoyable story with engaging characters.

The characters are the strong point in the book. Mairin is feisty and adorable and, despite his bluster, Ewan is sexy, sweet and possessive of those he loves. They have great chemistry and their dialogue is very appealing.
The secondary characters are intriguing, especially Ewan’s youngest brother, Caelen, who develops very quickly into my favorite – tortured - type of hero. Mairin’s interaction with Ewan’s son, Crispen, and the other women of the clan provide some exceedingly funny and memorable moments. Finally, the villain is suitable nasty and makes you want to cringe.
The plot is the weak point, however, as it is predictable and lacks originality. The climax feels rushed and events are tied up a little too neatly at the end. Nevertheless, the action is well-paced and the narrative flows nicely.

Overall, this is an entertaining historical romance, which I can easily recommend for those with a passion for highlanders. Personally, I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[addictofromance · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mairin has been in fear for over ten years ever since she was hidden away in a convent since she was a child, but then the convent is attacked and she is kidnapped and on the way to the Laird Cameron who wants to marry her to get access to her land, she saves a young boy, and they are later rescued by his father Laird McCabe, who scares her at first but when she knows she has no choice but to marry him and soon she will start to realize that there is nothing to fear from Ewan. There is a powerful desire that sweeps them both into a sweet world of ecstasy and soon only with their love for one another will they be able to withstand the dangerous tides that may sweep them both into danger...In Bed With A Highlander is the first in the series and I would have to say my absolute favorite book in the trilogy. I normally don't read many books from Maya Banks but I am so glad that I picked this trilogy up....definitely well worth the reading and and I just have the greatest weakness for Highland romances, but I would say this book is at the top of the list. I just loved how feisty Mairin was in the book and how Ewan could be so hilarious in his stubborn and protective nature. There were so many instances throughout the novel here that I just laughed harder than I have in a long time. The story plot was so full of surprises and twists and turns that almost could make one's head spin. There was such substance and a sense of fun throughout the plot and the characters. The romance and the love scenes were definitely at the top and full of heat and sensuality. I absolutely loved In Bed With A Highlander and one I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a romance that is full of delight and beautiful and tender scenes that will pull at the strings of your heart.

[elissa_kay_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is Book 1 of the McCabe Brothers trilogy, and it is a good one. The story involves Ewan, the oldest McCabe brother who is trying to rebuild his clan from a terrible ambush 8 years prior, and Mairin, the bastard niece of the king who has hidden from the world because her massive dowry causes bad men to want her for all the wrong reasons. She rescues Ewan's son (from his first marriage) after being abducted herself and he takes her to McCabe lands. Ewan marries her in part because her dowry will help rebuild his lands--never expecting to fall in love with her. For her part, Mairin agrees to the marriage to protect herself and because she finds Ewan to be an honorable man...who, it turns out, can melt her resistance with a kiss.I enjoy Maya Banks writing quite a lot. She manages to give you enough of a hint of Scotland in dialogue without burdening the reader with too many "och", "nays" and "bonnie lasses". I also enjoy her books because she stays away from the most common romance novel drama-inducing plot points. I hate when a lack of communication is used as a reason for later turmoil--and Maya Banks doesn't do that. All in all, I can't wait for Book 2!

[lost_lenore · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I fell in love with Mairin since the first chapter. She's sassy, brave, loving and caring and she just want to be happy while following the guide of Mother Superior....until meeting Ewan McCabe, who proved her that she's wrong in the way things work.What starts as a promise made by a child, ends in the survival of the McCabe clan and a fierce love.This book is hot, sweet and sassy and I loved it.

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author: Maya BanksPublished By: Ballantine Books Age Recommended: AdultReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: 5Review:"In Bed With a Highlander" by Maya Banks was a good historical fiction and interesting romance read. This was the beginning of a new highlander series by this author. Only Ms. Banks can write these kind of novels that simply keep us on the edge of our seats. All the characters were well presented and developed. For Mairin (heroine) and Ewan (Laird) ...hero... were just off the chart good. Let me not forget the two McCabe brothers(Alaric and Caelen) and (Ewan son)....Crispen. The novel was very enjoyable with enough tension and humor that simply couldn't put the novel down until I had finished it. Only Ms. Banks can present such erotica...sex scenes that you just call romance that will keep your attention. Be prepared for a lots of action packed, steamy and even a suspenseful read. I was kept guessing just what was going to happen next. This is where I say you must pick up the well written novel and see what is in store for this highlander. If you are looking for a good fantastic Scottish highlander romantic novel...you have come to the right place...for "In Bed With a Highlander" I would recommend this novel as a excellent read.

[thebooknerd · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a fun, heartwarming fluff novel. This is a good choice if you're looking for that typical historical romance with damsels in need of rescue, heroes that like to wave a big sword, and a quirky bunch of Scottish side characters for some local color.

[erinhill01 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Sizzling romance, political corruption, family drama, this book has it all! Marian is a spunky, fierce, and passionate heroine that will grab your heart from the very first scene. Definitely a MUST read for all historical romance fans!

[hoosgracie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable romance. There was great chemistry between Maren and Ewen, the main characters. I enjoyed the supporting characters and the set-up for the trilogy featuring the three McCabe brothers was done well. The narrator of the audio was quite good.

[annejhoyce · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Honestly, even after reading a pretty promising synopsis, I don't know what took over me to jump on reading it right away. I even dropped the book I'm currently reading to see what it's all about. I actually don't know what I was in for, I only read couple of books dated in a historical setting or era. I guess, that was part of the pull, because it was different.Okay, immediately, the story was in full throttle and I found myself flipping through pages like a maniac. Honestly, I couldn't read fast enough!I guess you can call this a fluffy read despite the really hot sex scenes. I really thought this was under the genre of comedy because I burst out laughing more than I usually do with adult books. The dialogues we're very different, so that added more humor to it. I don't know how many times I've face-palmed myself over the things that Mairin did or said because I really did lost count. She was so... innocent but acts like she knows what she's doing. Truly, I was laughing my ass off! It's not hard to like a character when she's just a warm soul yet ever so spirited. I immediately liked her character from the beginning. She does have the sense of royalty in her character with the way she takes care of things but she also snorts like a normal woman. Pay in mind that this was in the times of castles and dungeons where unladylike behavior was frowned upon but the woman didn't care either. Ewan. I have a hard time saying his name without incessant giggling but I don't know, it just sounds funny to me because in my language, Tagalog, "Ewan" means "I don't know". Anywho, his character wasn't one I warmed up to right away because he was cold but I can't deny the spark he gives to the dialogues. He was as witty as Mairin, so the two find themselves squaring off more than usual. Not to mention, he was a king and she didn't cower on his feet. But I eventually liked him when he showed the other side of him. Shoot, I like my men protective and loving. Ewan became just that.The romance was not abrupt, even though they we're married initially, it only escalated and gave way to genuine romantic tension. Their relationship had mature roles and needs but sweet all the same, I found myself sighing and awwing. I liked the other sub-characters. As much as I immediately warmed up to Mairin, I also did with Ewan's son, Crispen. His brothers, Alaric and Caelen. They we're not focused on but I liked them anyway. As well as the others who served their kingdom. They were, as they said, a clan. A family. It really did felt like that.I was impressed by how much I liked the characters despite the little hateful ones. I wasn't expecting much with this book. To my surprise It did give me enough and more! The story wasn't mind-blowing but it was thoroughly enjoyable. I have to admit, I was hesitant at point to continue but when I did, I wasn't disappointed. This is my first book from Ms. Maya Banks and I'm for sure going to read more of her work. I think I'll have to read the other one of the McCabe series next because I'm looking forward to Alaric's story!

[thehistorychic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Won from Library Thing's Early Reviewer ProgramOverall Rating 4.5Story Rating 4.5Character Rating 4.5NOTE: Totally irked over cover---don't describe a guy as long black hair (which I totally pictured) and then have a guy with short hair on the front. Sorry that is just a cover pet peeve of mine.What I Loved: The McCabe brothers---seriously these are some h-a-w-t highlanders. Actually, the thing I loved the most about In Bed with A Highlander was that it reminded me of why I wanted to time travel, visit the highlands, and fall in love with a laird. It took me back to reading as a teenager and have all those fantasies. FANTASTICALLY done Maya Banks!What I Liked: The detail in this book was done brilliantly. Maya gave you just enough description to feel like you were there but left enough of up to your imagination to insert your own scenery.Complaints: See the Note above---cover, cover, cover!

[froggykm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a great book! I am not a big historical reader, especially medievals but I love Ms Banks so had to try this one. I was not disappointed. The characters were great and the storyline kept me going and wanting to read more. If you like a good romance with a great storyline and hot love scenes, then you should definitely check this out :)

[ikeyjamehoward · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In Bed with a Highlander had an interesting story, was well written, had a good romance--all the things a great historical romance novel needs. If I hadn't read SO many highlander romance novels over the years i would say that is an excellent book.

[mstx_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First book by Maya that I have read and I have to admit after reading this book I went and bought the rest in the series!!!! Plenty of romance and the interactions between the main charactors keep you on your toes the whole time. If you like historical romance this is a must read!!

[dotland101 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the first of Maya Banks' series I've ever read, at first I wasn't sure if I'd like it. Well, it turns out, I've found 'tis a delightful read. Cute love story with chuckles. Maya Banks was bold and not holding back in the areas of passion and romance, don't think fans of historical romance will be disappointed, I wasn't. Plenty of sizzling erotica in kilt to satisfy the readers, I'm sure. Rich in cultures and customs of the Scottish Highlands, Banks did a good job at giving us the insight into the ancient time long gone of the "clan" societies and their ways of life, even the language usage. There's something to be said about highlands lasses and warriors, they're not only "fierce" in battles, it seems. You'll just have to read all three books in this trilogy because like me, once started I just couldn't stop at book -1. I like both characters, Ewan & Mairin, met under odd circumstances, one looks all rough, tough, intimidating from the outside, the other all fragile, small, innocent and seems helpless, but both are passionate, determine and fierce in their own ways. I ended up read all three books... nonstop, hard to put down, it was worth those sleepless nights. Think I'll add Maya Banks to my "Fav" HR writer list, and add this trilogy to my favorite collection.

[tmommy4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was most pleasantly suprised by this book. I went through a phase where all I read were Historical romances set in the Highlands and England. I became pretty burned out on them as they all seemed to be the same plot and same characters rewrittten by different authors. Ms. Banks has renewed my interest with this book. I found both Ewan and Mirian to be absolutely delightful. They grew up in two very different worlds, Ewan in the Highlands and Mirian hidden in an abby for most of her life. Ewan is a typical highland warrior grows into a well rounded man through his relationship wih Mirian. Mirian is a sheltered young woman in many ways however she has a strong will. The interact very well and there were many humorous moments. I was truly relieved that there were no "separations for their own good, separations because of lack of communications etc" chapter. There was one separation but it was one that was caused by people outside of their relationship and one in which they wereboth unwilling to have. The one note I will make was I did find the ending to be a bit rushed, however that did not effect my overall enjoyment of the book. This is my first read by this author and I can not wait to start reading the next book in this trilogy.