Review ~ Outlander ~ Diana Gabaldon #2017HW #ShelfLove

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Release Date: July 26, 2005
Genre: Adult, Historical, Romance, Time Travel
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017HW, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenack --an "outlander"-- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire - and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

So, Outlander has been on my TBR - at my friend Diana's request - for something like 12 years. I think I put it off mostly because...it's a big book. :) And it intimidated me somehow. Now that I've finished it I'm kicking myself for having waited and bowing to Diana's prowess with book recommendations. Diana, I should have known. :)

Since you'd have to live under a rock not to have heard of, read, or watched Outlander, I'm not going to cover what happens in the book so much as how it affected me. And it affected me greatly. Here are a few reasons why:

• Claire - I love her. Her spirit, humor, strength...it all combines to make her this feisty, spit-fire of a woman who speaks her mind and acts according to her conscience no matter that it's 1743. As someone who has, on occasion, daydreamed of living in 1700 Scotland, Claire handles everything with grace (Claire grace, anyway) and aplomb.
• And then there's Jamie. I'm not sure I've "met" a Highlander her - or any her - as brave and compassionate as he. On top of that he's intelligent and open-minded, both valuable assets considering he ends up attached to Claire.
• The romance between Claire and Jamie is... I can't come up with the proper word. Their love is real, true and will stand the test of time. They quarrel but never stop fighting for each other. It's heartening to have been a part of them falling in love.
• The history and detail made for an even more affecting story. The brutality of life during this time period, the clan dynamics and politics, the intrigue and suspense created between the Scots and the English, the imagery of the heather-lined hills and even the thief hole - it was all incredible. Gabaldon wove all these details - even antiquated language - into and around this amazing story.
• Humor. I was grateful for the humor injected throughout the story as it was sorely needed at times. It was typically issued via Claire - speaking her mind - and Jamie more often than not.

I was seriously blown away by Outlander. I'm sorry not to have read it sooner and eager to continue the series. Oh and Dragonfly in Amber, the next in the series, became the first physical book I purchased in 2017!

This is now my favorite #2017HW read so far!

Review ~ The Thorn & the Thistle ~ Julie Moffett #BloggerShame

The Thorn & the Thistle by Julie Moffett
Release Date: January 28, 2013
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #BookishResolutions, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Scotland, 1751

The MacLeods are a strong clan, united with their fellow Scots to resist English rule. But when their leader, the Black Wolf, is struck down in battle, it is up to his daughter to keep the rebellion alive. Megan knows she must act quickly or risk losing the fight for their ancestral lands. Desperate, she secretly assumes the Black Wolf's mantle, fooling their enemies into thinking he's still alive. If she can keep going for a bit longer, the clan's future will be secure...

Rolf St. James has been sent by the king to settle the Scottish lands once and for all. He's not about to let a woman get in his way, no matter how desirable he finds her. He must put aside his attraction and fulfill his duty to permanently quell the rebellion, regardless of the cost.

Rolf represents everything her father hated, everything she's been fighting against. But as the days pass and Rolf's code of honor reveals itself, Megan finds it's not so easy to hate him anymore. Can she risk her people's future for a chance at personal happiness?

This little gem has been sitting on my nook since 2013. I'm happy I finally read it as it was a compelling and satisfying read.

When the British defeated the Highlanders at Culloden, the MacLeod clan was removed from their lands - forced to live in the forest of Gairloch. Megan MacLeod, a smart, witty, cunning, and courageous young woman, tkaes over as laird when her father is killed. She carries on his legend as the Black Wolf, stealing food and supplies from the English until a new Englishman comes. One tasked with capturing the Black Wolf and bringing about peace between the English and the Scottish. When he captures Megan, they both begin to re-think their ideas and perceptions about one another and the possibility of peace between their people.

What I enjoyed most was seeing a woman in power - how brilliantly she negotiated and used her mind in aiding and protecting her people. And how the men, particularly the English, underestimated her because she was a woman. Over the course of the story, Rolf came to see Megan as his equal and that was a feat for the time period.

I also liked how living among the Scots changed Rolf's view of them. He'd heard rumors of their savagery but just as others had formed ideas about him due to rumors, he came to see the reality very differently - just as the Scots, and Megan specifically - came to view him as quite different from all they'd heard.

The Thorn & the Thistle was more a story of lessons than a romance, although there is that as well. The characters were complex and the story compelling. My only issue is the inconsistency in the use of the Scottish language. For example, "dinna" and "don't" were used interchangeably but I'd have preferred a consistent use of one. However, the writing was well-done overall and I'll certainly look for more of Moffett's backlist.

Audio Review ~ My Heart's in the Highlands ~ Angeline Fortin

My Heart's in the Highlands by Angeline Fortin
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Release Date: May 24, 2016 (audio)
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sixty-eight seconds. Can a life be lived in sixty-eight seconds? Can the love of a lifetime be discovered and lost in just a minute? Mikah Bauer stepped into the street in front of the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art and found herself lost in a nightmare that became a dream come true when Ian Conagham, the Marquis of Ayr, appeared before her. Mikah found herself living another life, a fairy tale of love and passion such as she never imagined. Then came the nightmare that tore it all away as quickly as fate had handed it to her. Contains mature themes.

I have to admit to choosing this book for two reasons:

1. Highlands = Highlanders
2. Kirsten Potter

Yep. Luckily, in Fortin I've found an author whose storytelling I like. My Heart's in the Highlands is a little difficult to categorize - it's kinda time-travel, it's sort of historical romance, and it's a little contemporary. But it is 100% entertaining.

Do you believe that two souls so deeply in love in one lifetime could meet again in another? I do now.

I love how Fortin had the story unfold - a young woman finding herself in the body of another woman, in the past. I adored seeing Hero and Ian fall for one another. They found a love so deep and profound. I felt it acutely. I liked Fortin's use of reincarnation and the allusions to Mikah experiencing a past life. I liked the subterfuge and the suspense it created in Hero and Ian's life. And I liked how Fortin brought everything back to the present as well as the resolution.

Yes, this is all rather vague. But I think My Heart's in the Highlands is a book to be experienced. Particularly with the excellent narration of Kirsten Potter. Potter excels at expressing the emotion and pacing of a novel. She never fails to have me gasping, experiencing butterflies or goosebumps, or making me bawl my eyes out. Yes, I know the story must be impressive as well but I've not listened to a book yet narrated by Potter that I didn't love. I'm eager to continue this series - I don't believe the stories are linked but I know I'll enjoy the story as well as the narration.

1. Highlands = Highlanders
2. Potter = Excellent Narration
3. Fortin = Fantastic story

Audio Review ~ Never Love a Highlander ~ Maya Banks

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks
McCabe Trilogy #3
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Release Date: July 23, 2012
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Audible Credit
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
In a tale of strong ties and true love, Maya's trilogy comes to its stunning conclusion, as the youngest McCabe brother uses sword and seduction to save his clan--and seal his heart.

Caelen McCabe's young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but protect her heart and her pride from another man's humiliation. Despite everything, the heat in Caelen's touch melts her defenses and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna's true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife's love is too precious to lose.

Despite the fact I felt the final battle was a tad anti-climatic, I was well pleased with this final installment in the McCabe trilogy.

One thing I adore about Banks' Highlander heroines is their strength. Rionna McDonald is the strongest, most courageous of them all. I admire her for her determination to live life as she dictates - not cow to her clan's or Caelen's ideas of what makes a proper laird's wife. I'd been so anxious for Rionna's story. And honestly, Caelen was the best match for her.

It was a pleasure to listen as Caelen tried to shape Rionna into what he thought she should be and see them both learn that being true to themselves was the best foundation on which to build their relationship. I also enjoy the clan dynamics and it was interesting to witness how the McDonalds took having a McCabe at the helm. To say they were resistant is an understatement. I liked how Caelen went about making Rionna's clan his own. It was important not only because he wanted to blend the clans and make them stronger, but also because the needed a united front against Duncan Cameron.

I missed seeing Ewan and Mairin, and Alaric and Keeley but I understood the necessity. I was happy that Gannon accompanied Caelen to McDonald lands because it was nice for Caelen, and me, to have a familiar face in his new home.

Even though I thought the final battle was a bit too easy, I understood this was a romance, not historical fiction. I also didn't quite understand the explanation for Duncan Cameron's quest for vengeance against the McCabes. However, I adored Rionna for her cunning in the face of danger. She put Caelen first and showed her bravery using her wits and skills. Caelen was well-served in his choice of wife.

As usual, Kirsten Potter delivered an excellent narration. She truly brings the story to life, ensuring the pacing is perfect, and the dialog exciting. She also sets the tone for scenes so well that I'm gasping, crying, or experiencing goose bumps. I'm sad that this story has come to an end. I'll miss the McCabe brothers and their lady-wives.

Historical Romance Review ~ The Guardian ~ Margaret Mallory

The Guardian by Margaret Mallory
Return of the Highlanders #1
Release Date: May 1, 2011
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Purchased on nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Historical Romance Challenge 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

After years of fighting abroad. Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past...and claim the bride he's long resisted.

As a young lass, Sileas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sileas has grown from awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sileas--and he won't take no for an answer.

Oh, but Highlanders are a bloodthirsty bunch!

The introduction to Ian, Connor, Duncan, Alex, and Sileas was cleverly done. Seeing how close they were as children solidified their bond and my connection to them as adults. And knowing their futures as told to them by the village seer grew my anticipation for the story.

Ian and Sileas were forced to marry for several reasons. Ian, no wanting to have his bride forced upon him, leaves the day after the wedding and doesn't return for five long years. Five years in which Sileas has to endure the gossip and taunting from their clan over the fact that Ian didn't want to be with his wife. Now Ian and his cousins have returned to see to it the rightful heir to the Chieftanship takes his place.

The Guardian was an exciting read with much intrigue. There are some wily Highlanders who would stop at nothing to get what they want. Ian and his cousins face danger from all directions. And while trying to do right by his clan, Ian finds himself wanting to do right by his wife.

Mallory did well in creating fascinating characters. Sileas was fiery-tempered, head-strong, and brave - just as a Highlander woman should be. Ian, while pig-headed at times, was a good man and a courageous warrior. I'm eager to get Connor's, Duncan's, and Alex's stories as well, as they all have very distinct personalities.

I wouldn't have wanted to live during this tumultuous time in history though. It was very bloody and I'm certain you could never quite be sure whom to trust. Mallory does inject humor into the story. And it was welcome. With a well-constructed historical setting and robust characters, I look forward to continuing this series.

Audio Review ~ In Bed with a Highlander ~ Maya Banks

In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks
McCabe Trilogy #1
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Release Date: March 22, 2012
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Audible Credit
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Historical Romance 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his--until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan's clan, but for a man who dreams only of revent, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn--and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons--and embrace a love that means more than revenge or land.

I'd already fallen for Banks' highlanders, via Potter's narration, with the Montgomery's & Armstrong's series so I was eager to become acquainted with the McCabe's. I was not disappointed!

Mairin Stewart is a young woman who's lived hidden due to her parentage and birthright. However, an evil man, who's been tirelessly searching for her, found her. With some luck, Mairin and a young charge, are able to escape and she finds herself at the McCabe Keep, under their protection.

It takes Ewan McCabe some time to get the pieces of Mairin's story and put them together, but he realizes that Mairin could change the circumstances for his clan in a huge way. And lucky for them both, they've already begun falling for one another once Ewan has this realization.

Mairin is such a feisty, headstrong lass. She doesn't filter her thoughts or words and it made for a lot of fun even while it drove Ewan a bit crazy. Ewan is everything strong and noble you'd expect from a laird. He's a good man and he and Mairin made for a good match.

Banks' addition of Crispin to their story, Ewan's son and the young charge that led Mairin to Ewan, was a delight. He's a well-developed character and added much to the story. Duncan Cameron is a brilliant villain. He's crafty and determined to take Mairin and her inheritance, which would ensure him great power in Scotland. It may sound awful, but I'll be glad to see him run through.

I was also delighted in my introduction to the other McCabe brothers, Alaric and Caelen, as well as the warriors and other members of the McCabe clan. I enjoy a story with a well-developed supporting cast and in a story set in the Highlands, a large supporting cast makes sense. The secondary characters are colorful and reflected the type of leader Ewan was in the actions and interactions. Banks also wove in some intrigue and suspense which left me gasping at times.

Kirsten Potter did a fantastic job of narrating. She rocks a Scottish accent and her delivery not only kept me riveted, but she also has the ability to raise goosebumps during particularly intense scenes. I find that impressive.

I'm loving this series and I can't wait to read more!

Audio Review ~ Highlander Most Wanted ~ Maya Banks

Highlander Most Wanted
The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2
Release Date: April 15, 2013
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Format: Audio
Source: Audible Credit
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Genevieve McInnis is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen's rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress--something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy's keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He's enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer's skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her--even if it means losing her forever.

I wouldn't have thought it possible for Banks to move me more, to wring more emotion from me, than she did with Never Seduce a Scot. I was wrong. Bowen and Genevieve's story was even more compelling, more evocative - and I found every reason I could to listen. (by the way, I finished it in 2 days!)

Bowen Montgomery has been installed as the laird of McHugh Keep, following the rescue of Eveline from her McHugh captor, until Graeme decides what to do with it. Upon his arrival, he's impressed by a young woman - not only by her courage, but also by her beauty. As he gets settled, he learns this woman, Genevieve, was responsible for helping Graeme locate Eveline. In getting to know Genevieve, he learns many things about her - some he wishes not to know.

Genevieve is not a McHugh - she was brought into their keep against her will by Iain McHugh. However, no one in the clan has shown her a bit of kindness - in fact, they not only shun her but also revile her for something not her fault. That Genevieve can stand proud against their taunts and actions - even championing the remaining members of the clan - is a testament to her character.

Bowen and Genevieve's dubious early acquaintance is prickly as Bowen makes a judgement without knowing all the facts and Genevieve feels she's deserving of his punishment for her role in Iain's actions. However, Bowen is a fair and just man - just like his brother, Graeme - and he listens to Genevieve's story and takes it all into account. Genevieve makes her true character known in all she does - taking up her bow in defense of the keep when they're attacked, fighting for people who'd just as soon turn her out. She endured much at Iain's hands yet she survived.

I adore the pluck of these Scottish heroines. Banks created the perfect complements for these Highland warriors - women with courage, ingenuity, resourcefulness - and although I love Eveline, Genevieve is my favorite at present. Banks also draws an incredible supporting cast of characters in the Montgomery siblings Teague and Rory, as well as Brody Armstrong. Rory is a true delight - living in each moment with gusto. Oh, and I mustn't forget Taliesin, the only McHugh to befriend Genevieve. She has quite the spirit.

I was once again enthralled with Kirsten Potter's narration. She is adept with giving characters their own voice, and she really does an amazing Scottish accent. I'm beginning to think that enjoyment of a narrator is a very subjective thing - and I'm enchanted with Potter.

Highlander Most Wanted is a rich story, brought to life by robust characters. I'm taken with these Highlanders and am eager to know what will happen next for them. And, of course, I won't hesitate to listen. :)