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.
Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks
McCabe Trilogy #2
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Release Date: May 17, 2012 (audio)
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Audible
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove 2015
Goodreads
Synopsis
A warrior is caught between family loyalty and forbidden love in book two of Maya's sensual new trilogy featuring three indomitable Highlanders.
Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now, he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires, to the test.
An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric's keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice. Will be betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?
I went into Seducing a Highland Lass thinking I knew who the heroine would be. And I was anxious for her story, honestly. So I was surprised when Banks threw a curve ball by switching heroines on me! However, I couldn't be more pleased with Keeley. She was everything I could have hoped for in a MC and in a match for Alaric.
Going into Seducing a Highland Lass, things are set for a wedding between Alaric and Rionna McDonald, forging an alliance in Scotland that would allow the McCabe's to pursue Duncan Cameron. Alaric falls upon some trouble on his way to McDonald lands, ends up injured, and on Keeley's doorstep.
Keeley - oh what a strong, brave young woman! And so resilient. She was thrown out of her clan for something she didn't do. Despite being so close to the laird's family - his daughter, Rionna - she was left to fend for herself. Using her healing abilities, she's done just that. And then Alaric McCabe appears at her door.
I love these two together. Their relationship is doomed from the start with Alaric's impending marriage but their feelings would not be denied. I enjoyed watching Alaric, the mighty warrior fall. The interactions between them were exciting in their charged banter and the steam of the chemistry. I also enjoyed the compassion that shown from within each of them.
Spending more time with Ewan and Mairin, who's nearing the end of her pregnancy, was a pleasure, as was seeing other favorite clan members. It was particularly a pleasure to become better acquainted with Caelen McCabe. He's the prickliest of the brothers, so seeing him warm to Keeley as his respect for her grew was a real delight.
Of course, there is still danger afoot with Duncan Cameron being on the loose - looking for a way to take Mairin and power in the Highlands. But there was also danger much closer to home. Banks continues to deliver a riveting story around the Highlanders' romance. And Kirsten Potter continues to wow me with her narration. She keeps distinct voices for her characters as well as delivering the action in a way that is perfectly paced and compelling.
I can't wait for Caelen's story!
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!
