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Children of the Mist #3
Tamed by a Highlander
A LOVER'S PROMISE
Connor Grant left his first love in the Highlands, vowing to return after serving in the king's army. Seven years later, he is still fighting for the crown, and his victories are legendary-both in the battlefield and in the bedroom. Yet he's never forgotten his bonnie lass. And he certainly never expected to see her amidst the splendor of the British royal court: beautiful, breathtaking, and tempting him past the point of no return.
A LADY'S DESTINY
The night he left, Mairi MacGregor banished Connor from her life forever. Now her heart belongs only to Scotland. As part of a secret alliance, she journeys to London in search of information . . . only to find herself face to face with the one man she swore she'd never trust again. Though Mairi's body still craves Connor's touch, she can't forgive his betrayal. But a traitor lurks in their midst and to protect her beloved Highlands, Mairi must make a leap of faith and join forces with Connor-even if it means losing her heart to him again.
Connor Grant left his first love in the Highlands, vowing to return after serving in the king's army. Seven years later, he is still fighting for the crown, and his victories are legendary-both in the battlefield and in the bedroom. Yet he's never forgotten his bonnie lass. And he certainly never expected to see her amidst the splendor of the British royal court: beautiful, breathtaking, and tempting him past the point of no return.
A LADY'S DESTINY
The night he left, Mairi MacGregor banished Connor from her life forever. Now her heart belongs only to Scotland. As part of a secret alliance, she journeys to London in search of information . . . only to find herself face to face with the one man she swore she'd never trust again. Though Mairi's body still craves Connor's touch, she can't forgive his betrayal. But a traitor lurks in their midst and to protect her beloved Highlands, Mairi must make a leap of faith and join forces with Connor-even if it means losing her heart to him again.
383 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
91 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read
About the author
Paula Quinn
60 books1,392 followersPaula Quinn is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of medieval, Scottish historical, and paranormal romance. To date, four of her books have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated for Storyteller of the year by RT Book Reviews and every one of her books from the Children of the Mist series have garnered Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Check out her series, Hearts of the Highlands featuring the brave, romantic MacPhersons on Amazon now!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!
Also, look for her new time-travel series Echoes In Time coming soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
August 24, 2011
You know something’s wrong when you’re 39 pages from the end and you seriously contemplate DNF’ing the book because you just wish it was over. The heroine was already killing the book for me, but then the last 100 or so pages were drawn out for no reason. It was so frustrating!
The book was pretty cute in the beginning. The heroine and hero were childhood sweethearts, but Connor abandoned her to fight for the English and Mairi never forgave him. They’re forced into each other’s company when Mairi and her brother are temporarily left behind in England while their family traveled home. I was anticipating some lovely frenemy sparring and was eager to see the charm that was so apparent in the last book in the series, Seduced by a Highlander. Unfortunately, I didn’t get that.
The more I got to know the heroine, the less I liked her—especially when I found out that although the hero did leave her to go to fight for England, it wasn’t as black and white as she would have liked to imagine, and she was hardly a victim. The hero asked her to go with him! He wrote to her again and again asking for her to join him, telling her that he was going to build a house for them. He didn’t callously abandon her. He wanted to marry her and was only leaving for England because it was a family duty that he was obligated by honor to fulfill! She claimed that he gave up too easily—even though it was four years later before he admitted defeat—and that he wasn’t sincere because he didn’t beg her. She criticized him for expecting her to be willing to leave her home and blamed him for choosing England over her. All I can say to that is what was she doing if not choosing Scotland over him?
In addition to that, her bloodthirsty attitude toward getting rid of the Protestants really rubbed me the wrong way. I know that the tension between the Catholics and the Protestants was real, but it made the heroine hard to like. It’s not that I don’t like historically accurate religious attitudes in my romances—I loved Flowers from the Storm after all—it’s that I was extremely turned off by heroine’s genuine bewilderment over the hero’s tolerance toward the Protestants. After talking to the hero about his remorse over the Protestant massacres she did eventually agree that wiping out whole shires of people was wrong, but I wouldn’t be lying if I said that she ever really learned any tolerance. She was always freaking out on the hero and accusing him of betraying Scotland.
The hero is the only thing that kept me from rating this as an F. He was practically a saint with how patient and forgiving he was of Mairi’s spaz attacks. She would make wild accusations and fly off the handle constantly, but he always ended up forgiving her for doubting his devotion. Mairi was the only one keeping them apart. The minute Connor saw Mairi again he was desperate for another chance. He had finally given up hope three years before and had moved on, but nothing could keep him from trying again now that she was close enough for him to make her listen.
A driving force for this plot—beyond Mairi being Catholic and disliking the Protestants—was her determination to fight. I didn’t mind her desire to battle, but I did dislike the modern attitude she was given. At one point she said
Connor and Mairi finally get back together and admit their love and their desire to stay together, but that was page 235 and I was baffled over what the author was going to do with the next 116 pages. As it turns out, there was a whole lot of nothing and the extra pages existed for no other reason than to throw ridiculous roadblocks in their path to keep the relationship from being resolved. At that point my patience was spent and it was a chore to finish. I just wanted it to be over.
Favorite Quote:
Review posted on Fiction Vixen.
The book was pretty cute in the beginning. The heroine and hero were childhood sweethearts, but Connor abandoned her to fight for the English and Mairi never forgave him. They’re forced into each other’s company when Mairi and her brother are temporarily left behind in England while their family traveled home. I was anticipating some lovely frenemy sparring and was eager to see the charm that was so apparent in the last book in the series, Seduced by a Highlander. Unfortunately, I didn’t get that.
The more I got to know the heroine, the less I liked her—especially when I found out that although the hero did leave her to go to fight for England, it wasn’t as black and white as she would have liked to imagine, and she was hardly a victim. The hero asked her to go with him! He wrote to her again and again asking for her to join him, telling her that he was going to build a house for them. He didn’t callously abandon her. He wanted to marry her and was only leaving for England because it was a family duty that he was obligated by honor to fulfill! She claimed that he gave up too easily—even though it was four years later before he admitted defeat—and that he wasn’t sincere because he didn’t beg her. She criticized him for expecting her to be willing to leave her home and blamed him for choosing England over her. All I can say to that is what was she doing if not choosing Scotland over him?
In addition to that, her bloodthirsty attitude toward getting rid of the Protestants really rubbed me the wrong way. I know that the tension between the Catholics and the Protestants was real, but it made the heroine hard to like. It’s not that I don’t like historically accurate religious attitudes in my romances—I loved Flowers from the Storm after all—it’s that I was extremely turned off by heroine’s genuine bewilderment over the hero’s tolerance toward the Protestants. After talking to the hero about his remorse over the Protestant massacres she did eventually agree that wiping out whole shires of people was wrong, but I wouldn’t be lying if I said that she ever really learned any tolerance. She was always freaking out on the hero and accusing him of betraying Scotland.
The hero is the only thing that kept me from rating this as an F. He was practically a saint with how patient and forgiving he was of Mairi’s spaz attacks. She would make wild accusations and fly off the handle constantly, but he always ended up forgiving her for doubting his devotion. Mairi was the only one keeping them apart. The minute Connor saw Mairi again he was desperate for another chance. He had finally given up hope three years before and had moved on, but nothing could keep him from trying again now that she was close enough for him to make her listen.
A driving force for this plot—beyond Mairi being Catholic and disliking the Protestants—was her determination to fight. I didn’t mind her desire to battle, but I did dislike the modern attitude she was given. At one point she said
"Mayhap I would mind being a lass less if I spent more time around a man who was at least aware of his knuckles when he tripped over them."Seriously?
Connor and Mairi finally get back together and admit their love and their desire to stay together, but that was page 235 and I was baffled over what the author was going to do with the next 116 pages. As it turns out, there was a whole lot of nothing and the extra pages existed for no other reason than to throw ridiculous roadblocks in their path to keep the relationship from being resolved. At that point my patience was spent and it was a chore to finish. I just wanted it to be over.
Favorite Quote:
”How did I ever survive ye, woman? Do ye remember that time when we were babes—ye were barely five summers old, I think. I had snatched the doll ye had been playing with and ye chased me and then began to cry when ye couldn’t catch me.”
Och, damn him to Hades, why was he bringing up their childhood? “If ye dinna’ mind, Connor, I would prefer not—“
“Feeling terrible fer what I had done, I walked back to ye and handed ye yer treasured doll. Ye took it gently, kissed its head and then whirled it around yer shoulder and smashed it into my face.”
“I never struck ye with a doll,” she insisted, refusing to drift off into the past with him. “You are a liar and have always been one.”
“I lost two teeth.”
“So? Ye grew more, didna’ ye? I was sent to bed with no supper because of ye.”
Review posted on Fiction Vixen.
August 3, 2013
2 1/2 to 3 Hum-drum Stars
Well...I didn't really care for this book. The narration was pretty much its only saving grace. I loved the hero and heroine, but the plot fell short. Big time! Basically...I was bored throughout much of this story. Still, Paula Quinn is one fantastic author. Tamed by a Highlander, unfortunately, IS NOT romance at its best. Not for me, anyway.
Well...I didn't really care for this book. The narration was pretty much its only saving grace. I loved the hero and heroine, but the plot fell short. Big time! Basically...I was bored throughout much of this story. Still, Paula Quinn is one fantastic author. Tamed by a Highlander, unfortunately, IS NOT romance at its best. Not for me, anyway.
March 30, 2013
My favorite quote from all of Paula Quinn's luscious Highland books?
Makes me laugh EVERY TIME!!! Okay, casting for Connor and Mary, direct from Paula's brain...
Connor Grant:
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Mairi MacGregor:
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Connor Grant and Mairi MacGregor have lived with their unrequited love for seven years. Mairi was six and Connor was nine when they first knew that they would mean the world to each other. But when Connor voluntarily joins the English army when Mairi is fifteen, and she is left broken and alone, despite Connor's repeated attempts at persuading her to come to him in England. Mairi's loyalties lie to staunchly with her beloved Highlands of Scotland.
When Mairi and Connor meet again seven years later, Connor is a decorated Captain in the English Army, and Mairi still refused him...only now, she isn't broken, but seemingly indifferent. And she has joined her own kind of army against the traitorous Cameronians, who are bent on dethroning the true King.
Once again, Paula Quinn manages to capture me in the beautiful love story of two people who think that they are enemies. Each must learn to compromise and communicate...but first they have to re-discover their passion for each other and realize that their childish love never died. I was captured by the romantic nature of these two people...I could tell how they pined for years and years for their other half, and it was evident that they simply functioned without each other, never really living until they found the other.
Mairi is an aggressive, tough Scottish lass and she takes no crap from anyone. But she melts when Connor touches her, and especially when she finds out the lengths he went to to get her to come to him. Connor is both honorable, yet torn between the love of his youth and his life, and his loyalty to his cousin the king.
Though there was a bit much political intrigue for my tastes, Quinn kept it interesting with her cast of secondary characters...some returning from her previous books, and some that you can tell have yet to tell their story.
Of course, I've come to know by now that while Quinn writes a limited quantity of scenes of a sexual nature, the quality is superb. Both erotic, yet tasteful, the passion she infuses into her sex has a certain wow factor for me. If you've ever known true passion, she can bring back that feeling with a few well placed words and touches from her brawny, sexy as hell Highlanders!
(I listened to the audiobook of this and Carrington MacDuffie is still one of my favorite narrators, especially of Highland Historicals...I swear, Connor was crooning in my ear in his masculine Scottish brogue....shivers!!!!)
...........just one more pic, cuz I want to ;).........
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Satan's balls!
Makes me laugh EVERY TIME!!! Okay, casting for Connor and Mary, direct from Paula's brain...
Connor Grant:
[image error]
Mairi MacGregor:
[image error]
Connor Grant and Mairi MacGregor have lived with their unrequited love for seven years. Mairi was six and Connor was nine when they first knew that they would mean the world to each other. But when Connor voluntarily joins the English army when Mairi is fifteen, and she is left broken and alone, despite Connor's repeated attempts at persuading her to come to him in England. Mairi's loyalties lie to staunchly with her beloved Highlands of Scotland.
When Mairi and Connor meet again seven years later, Connor is a decorated Captain in the English Army, and Mairi still refused him...only now, she isn't broken, but seemingly indifferent. And she has joined her own kind of army against the traitorous Cameronians, who are bent on dethroning the true King.
Once again, Paula Quinn manages to capture me in the beautiful love story of two people who think that they are enemies. Each must learn to compromise and communicate...but first they have to re-discover their passion for each other and realize that their childish love never died. I was captured by the romantic nature of these two people...I could tell how they pined for years and years for their other half, and it was evident that they simply functioned without each other, never really living until they found the other.
Mairi is an aggressive, tough Scottish lass and she takes no crap from anyone. But she melts when Connor touches her, and especially when she finds out the lengths he went to to get her to come to him. Connor is both honorable, yet torn between the love of his youth and his life, and his loyalty to his cousin the king.
Though there was a bit much political intrigue for my tastes, Quinn kept it interesting with her cast of secondary characters...some returning from her previous books, and some that you can tell have yet to tell their story.
Of course, I've come to know by now that while Quinn writes a limited quantity of scenes of a sexual nature, the quality is superb. Both erotic, yet tasteful, the passion she infuses into her sex has a certain wow factor for me. If you've ever known true passion, she can bring back that feeling with a few well placed words and touches from her brawny, sexy as hell Highlanders!
(I listened to the audiobook of this and Carrington MacDuffie is still one of my favorite narrators, especially of Highland Historicals...I swear, Connor was crooning in my ear in his masculine Scottish brogue....shivers!!!!)
...........just one more pic, cuz I want to ;).........
[image error]
March 27, 2020
Dopo aver letto e apprezzato STREGATA DA UN HIGHLANDER, ero pronta a leggere la storia di un altro membro del clan, ovvero la misteriosa Mairi.
Purtroppo non è andata affatto bene.
Lo dico subito, a scanso di equivoci: questo è stato uno degli HR più barbosi letti in quest'ultimo periodo.
Se nei volumi precedenti, la Storia scorreva in sottofondo alle vicende, dando un corretto inquadramento a corredo della lettura, qui la Quinn si perde in decine e decine di dialoghi sulle lotte cattoliche/protestanti all'epoca di Giacomo II. Per carità, avrà voluto essere corretta e precisa, ma non è che fossi così impaziente di capire quale dei singoli nobili rientrava nell'una e nell'altra fazione...
Soprattutto la vicenda si dilunga su dettagli minori, su un sacco di colloqui, balli e cene, dove Mairi e Connor s'incontrano e puntualmente litigano.
Di solito i battibecchi mi piacciono, ma qui sono artificiosi, anche perchè da subito si sa bene come andrà a finire tra i due ex-fidanzati: l'unico ostacolo al lieto fine, oltre al carattere di Mairi, cordiale come carta vetrata, è rappresentato dal Conte di Oxford, che è stato pure rovinato in faccia da un colpo di lama, indossa un parruccone ridicolo ed è descritto come uno "da cui rifuggono tutte le dame".
Ma seriamente dobbiamo sorbirci ben un centinaio di pagine dove lei stuzzica Connor sfruttando la sua gelosia per quest'uomo? Qualcuno ci crede?
Oltretutto va detto che, per quanto antagonista, il conte ha goduto della mia simpatia, perchè tra una sorella bisbetica e il suo amore (nonostante tutto) per Mairi, non riesce neppure a rivalersi, pur avendone in qualche modo un certo diritto.
Ma è proprio la ragazza che rovina tutto, contraddittoria oltre ogni ragionevole sopportazione: ipocrita come non mai, sospetta gli altri cortigiani di essere spie quando lei stessa conduce una doppia vita e invoca lealtà al re cattolico, quando lei è la prima a provare pregiudizi per protestanti e alleati del precedente sovrano. Insomma, non una bella persona.
Connor fa come può, ma è sostanzialmente un santo a cui è stata rifilata questa come comprimaria e la subisce...
A ciò si aggiunge appunto la straordinaria lentezza del romanzo: gli ultimi capitoli sono veramente frutto di acrobazie per trascinare il tutto per le lunghe.
Ovviamente il mio resta un giudizio personale, però nel complesso sono tanti sbadigli: come rovinare una serie gradevole.
Purtroppo non è andata affatto bene.
Lo dico subito, a scanso di equivoci: questo è stato uno degli HR più barbosi letti in quest'ultimo periodo.
Se nei volumi precedenti, la Storia scorreva in sottofondo alle vicende, dando un corretto inquadramento a corredo della lettura, qui la Quinn si perde in decine e decine di dialoghi sulle lotte cattoliche/protestanti all'epoca di Giacomo II. Per carità, avrà voluto essere corretta e precisa, ma non è che fossi così impaziente di capire quale dei singoli nobili rientrava nell'una e nell'altra fazione...
Soprattutto la vicenda si dilunga su dettagli minori, su un sacco di colloqui, balli e cene, dove Mairi e Connor s'incontrano e puntualmente litigano.
Di solito i battibecchi mi piacciono, ma qui sono artificiosi, anche perchè da subito si sa bene come andrà a finire tra i due ex-fidanzati: l'unico ostacolo al lieto fine, oltre al carattere di Mairi, cordiale come carta vetrata, è rappresentato dal Conte di Oxford, che è stato pure rovinato in faccia da un colpo di lama, indossa un parruccone ridicolo ed è descritto come uno "da cui rifuggono tutte le dame".
Ma seriamente dobbiamo sorbirci ben un centinaio di pagine dove lei stuzzica Connor sfruttando la sua gelosia per quest'uomo? Qualcuno ci crede?
Oltretutto va detto che, per quanto antagonista, il conte ha goduto della mia simpatia, perchè tra una sorella bisbetica e il suo amore (nonostante tutto) per Mairi, non riesce neppure a rivalersi, pur avendone in qualche modo un certo diritto.
Ma è proprio la ragazza che rovina tutto, contraddittoria oltre ogni ragionevole sopportazione: ipocrita come non mai, sospetta gli altri cortigiani di essere spie quando lei stessa conduce una doppia vita e invoca lealtà al re cattolico, quando lei è la prima a provare pregiudizi per protestanti e alleati del precedente sovrano. Insomma, non una bella persona.
Connor fa come può, ma è sostanzialmente un santo a cui è stata rifilata questa come comprimaria e la subisce...
A ciò si aggiunge appunto la straordinaria lentezza del romanzo: gli ultimi capitoli sono veramente frutto di acrobazie per trascinare il tutto per le lunghe.
Ovviamente il mio resta un giudizio personale, però nel complesso sono tanti sbadigli: come rovinare una serie gradevole.
March 2, 2016
Tamed by a Highlander took me 4 days to read, which doesn't bode well for a story. Thus 2 stars review. We have a very annoying heroine Mairi MacGregor. Mairi has been in love with Connor Grant since she was 6 years old and he was 11 and he loved her too. You could call them soul mates and the backstory indicates that with there childhood attachments. There childhood love grows into an intimate love when Mairi is just 15 years. which is acceptable for the time period. Connor is called away to fight for his cousin king Charles and now must live in England. Mairi takes this as some kind of rejection even though Connor tries to get her to follow him so they can be wed and continue there lives together. The idiot girl refuses to leave her home, because she can't bare to leave Camlochlin. This made no sense!! It was not a good enough reason for Mairi to stay separated from Connor and despise him for 7 years. They meet again 7 years later at Whitehall and the English court of King James. Mairi acts foolish and is childish with her contempt and temper tantrums around Connor.. I just wanted to slap her. By the time the couple reconciles I really didn't care. As far as I am concerned it was a one sided love far to long into the story.
There are plots and suspense aplenty but the annoying Mairi ruined most of the story for me.
There are plots and suspense aplenty but the annoying Mairi ruined most of the story for me.
July 25, 2011
Cynthia's review below
Mairi MacGregor grew up in the shadow of her three brothers and Connor Grant. As a young girl, she was right there with them, getting into trouble. As the years passed, the relationship between Mairi and Connor blossomed into love. The night Connor leaves Scotland to serve in the king’s army, Mairi feels betrayed and vows never to trust him again. Connor had sent letters to Mairi asking her to join him in England, only for a short while, but she had refused.
It’s been seven long years since Mairi last saw Connor and now she finds herself stuck in London amid the lords and ladies, a guest at the court of the king and queen. The last thing she wants to do is run in to Connor. To make matters worse, Connor’s parents are among the guests. It doesn’t take long before Connor and Mairi are at each other’s throats. At times, Mairi’s tongue is as sharp as the blades she keeps hidden under her skirts, but Connor is no push-over either. Now, Connor is a different story. Of course, he is alpha all the way and he never stopped loving Mairi, but won’t admit it. And he does not want anyone else to have her. (The scene where the Queen summons Connor to her chambers to discuss Mairi’s “future” is fabulous!)
Mairi is a very strong, independent heroine, and she doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do. Unfortunately, this shrew was getting tiresome. Thankfully, her attitude gets an adjustment. Connor was wonderful! He would claim one minute Mairi was his, and then deny it with his next breath. He would want to pummel someone for looking at her the wrong way. (He does get his chance, but the repercussions are unexpected.) Yet, he doesn’t give-in that easily to Mairi.
Throw into the mix a real slime ball, Lord Oxford, who is courting Mairi and his equally creepy sister Lady Elizabeth. The Queen and Lady Claire (Connor’s Mom) add their two-cents to get Mairi and Connor moving along in the right direction. Of course, all entwined within the intrigue of politics and religion. TAMED BY A HIGHLANDER is a very appropriate title as the bonnie lass Mairi is indeed tamed by Connor!
Mairi MacGregor grew up in the shadow of her three brothers and Connor Grant. As a young girl, she was right there with them, getting into trouble. As the years passed, the relationship between Mairi and Connor blossomed into love. The night Connor leaves Scotland to serve in the king’s army, Mairi feels betrayed and vows never to trust him again. Connor had sent letters to Mairi asking her to join him in England, only for a short while, but she had refused.
It’s been seven long years since Mairi last saw Connor and now she finds herself stuck in London amid the lords and ladies, a guest at the court of the king and queen. The last thing she wants to do is run in to Connor. To make matters worse, Connor’s parents are among the guests. It doesn’t take long before Connor and Mairi are at each other’s throats. At times, Mairi’s tongue is as sharp as the blades she keeps hidden under her skirts, but Connor is no push-over either. Now, Connor is a different story. Of course, he is alpha all the way and he never stopped loving Mairi, but won’t admit it. And he does not want anyone else to have her. (The scene where the Queen summons Connor to her chambers to discuss Mairi’s “future” is fabulous!)
Mairi is a very strong, independent heroine, and she doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do. Unfortunately, this shrew was getting tiresome. Thankfully, her attitude gets an adjustment. Connor was wonderful! He would claim one minute Mairi was his, and then deny it with his next breath. He would want to pummel someone for looking at her the wrong way. (He does get his chance, but the repercussions are unexpected.) Yet, he doesn’t give-in that easily to Mairi.
Throw into the mix a real slime ball, Lord Oxford, who is courting Mairi and his equally creepy sister Lady Elizabeth. The Queen and Lady Claire (Connor’s Mom) add their two-cents to get Mairi and Connor moving along in the right direction. Of course, all entwined within the intrigue of politics and religion. TAMED BY A HIGHLANDER is a very appropriate title as the bonnie lass Mairi is indeed tamed by Connor!
August 11, 2017
hm... I can't decide if I liked this book or not.. I really can't stand the reason they stopped talking. I can't stand that Mairi gave up on the love of her life because he wanted to fight for his king. Connor even asked her to go to England and she refused and yet somehow it was all his fault that they "broke up". I hated Mairi. I like highland books with strong willed heroines but Mairi was just obnoxious. There is a time to be outspoken and crazy and then there's a time to act like a freaking lady. You have to have balance and she didn't. She was all crazy.
March 2, 2012
If you like highlander series, this one is a really good one to try. I have found it much more interesting and better written than some of the new highlander series I have runs across lately. It does have some good historical detail which took a little bit of focus to figure out who the characters were and how they were connected. The stories are really good though I loved the romance between the hot highlander and their strong heroines.
June 10, 2015
Finally!!! Great book, but blasted, it took me many fortnights to finish it.
June 22, 2018
The story line was ok, but it didn't have enough men actually wearing kilts which is a major part of my attraction to the highlander genre.
I felt that the sex scenes dragged on for too long and detracted from the story.
I felt that the sex scenes dragged on for too long and detracted from the story.
September 14, 2015
I really like Paula Quinn's style but the last 3 books I read from her "Mist" series were rather disappointing. None of which lived up to the first book Laird of the Mist. However, Tamed by a Highlander convinced me again that this is one writer to follow.
The story is about 2 childhood sweethearts who fell in love with each other early in life. Connor, left Scotland at 18 to serve in the King's army. By that time Connor and Mairi had already known that they were for each other. Mairi being the headstrong, occassionaly pig-headed girl, never forgave Connor for leaving her. Connor wrote letters after letters for 4 years, begging Mairi to come to England to be with him. Never getting any response from Mairi, Connor finally gave up and stopped trying. Another 3 years later, they met again in London. Both were too proud to admit their feelings but the circumstances forced them to spend time together.
I think with me the characterization always comes first. I need to be able to establish some kind of connection with the lead characters for me to begin to like a book. Connor and Mairi are 2 characters with whom I had a strong connection with. Their personalities are well defined, feelings tangible, interactions fierce. I almost pitied Mairi because I am so like her, slow in forgiving because of pride, asking Connor to "try for as long as it takes" to win her back. She is lucky that Connor did. Isn't what is so great about romance novels? The hero does not give up and everything happens just so that they could spend time in each other's company. :D
Like most of Paula Quinn's books, history plays an important role. Religion conflicts, the fight for the throne, loyalty and betrayal. I could have done with less of that, really. But in this book Connor and Mairi's relationship is well developed and as a reader I did not mind all the political intrigue.
I want to say a little more about Connor and Mairi. Connor is a great hero. He is tough, sexy, condident, a little boyish, so in love with Mairi but is so so manly with his feelings. I am saying this because this is one hero who has always known his feelings and does not shy away from admitting them. But he doesn't act like a ninny when he professes his love (think heros in Maya Bank's highland romances, so sweet that I think I would vomit). Mairi is not my usual type. She is very very stubborn, too emotional and impulsive at times. She wields a sword and wants to fight like a man. All my major turnoffs. But Paula Quinn wrote her to have a even stronger soft side, which really made her pig-headedness easier to tolerate. All the writers who want to write a hero who is not an asshole but just as dashing and a heroine who is not a weeping damsel in distress but just as enticing, take a lesson from Paula Quinn.
I also think this book is more on the kinky side for Paula Quinn? lol With strong characters such as Connor and Mairi, both full of fire and will, tender sex just won't do.
I must say though, as much as I like Connor and Mairi, the plots were not as strong as the characterization, which is why I cannot say that this is a 5 star read. As usual, I am not generous with my stars.I think 4 stars are more than what the book deserves in terms of plot development. But the characters are just my cup of tea, which is the main reason why I enjoyed the book.
The story is about 2 childhood sweethearts who fell in love with each other early in life. Connor, left Scotland at 18 to serve in the King's army. By that time Connor and Mairi had already known that they were for each other. Mairi being the headstrong, occassionaly pig-headed girl, never forgave Connor for leaving her. Connor wrote letters after letters for 4 years, begging Mairi to come to England to be with him. Never getting any response from Mairi, Connor finally gave up and stopped trying. Another 3 years later, they met again in London. Both were too proud to admit their feelings but the circumstances forced them to spend time together.
I think with me the characterization always comes first. I need to be able to establish some kind of connection with the lead characters for me to begin to like a book. Connor and Mairi are 2 characters with whom I had a strong connection with. Their personalities are well defined, feelings tangible, interactions fierce. I almost pitied Mairi because I am so like her, slow in forgiving because of pride, asking Connor to "try for as long as it takes" to win her back. She is lucky that Connor did. Isn't what is so great about romance novels? The hero does not give up and everything happens just so that they could spend time in each other's company. :D
Like most of Paula Quinn's books, history plays an important role. Religion conflicts, the fight for the throne, loyalty and betrayal. I could have done with less of that, really. But in this book Connor and Mairi's relationship is well developed and as a reader I did not mind all the political intrigue.
I want to say a little more about Connor and Mairi. Connor is a great hero. He is tough, sexy, condident, a little boyish, so in love with Mairi but is so so manly with his feelings. I am saying this because this is one hero who has always known his feelings and does not shy away from admitting them. But he doesn't act like a ninny when he professes his love (think heros in Maya Bank's highland romances, so sweet that I think I would vomit). Mairi is not my usual type. She is very very stubborn, too emotional and impulsive at times. She wields a sword and wants to fight like a man. All my major turnoffs. But Paula Quinn wrote her to have a even stronger soft side, which really made her pig-headedness easier to tolerate. All the writers who want to write a hero who is not an asshole but just as dashing and a heroine who is not a weeping damsel in distress but just as enticing, take a lesson from Paula Quinn.
I also think this book is more on the kinky side for Paula Quinn? lol With strong characters such as Connor and Mairi, both full of fire and will, tender sex just won't do.
I must say though, as much as I like Connor and Mairi, the plots were not as strong as the characterization, which is why I cannot say that this is a 5 star read. As usual, I am not generous with my stars.I think 4 stars are more than what the book deserves in terms of plot development. But the characters are just my cup of tea, which is the main reason why I enjoyed the book.
May 28, 2011
TAMED BY A HIGHLANDER written by Paula Quinn
Book #3 in the Children of the Mist Series
07/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Do we have to sacrifice everything for the love?
Mairi MacGregor is a feisty, sword-wielding lass used to fighting for her life and her way of live. She may have been in love with Connor Grant since she was six years old but it did not mean she liked him and would love to use one of the swords strapped to her body against him, again. Connor had left her seven years ago living up to his family name to be a soldier for a Protestant King of England never looking back at the Catholic Scottish life where he came from. Mairi now finds herself standing next to Connor on his new home turf and she is not a happy lass at all.
Connor begged Mairi to come with him, wrote her letter after letter begging for her hand in marriage, yet she refused to leave the highland hills. Connor never gave up on their love and spent the last seven years staying alive so that they he could show her the life he had built and try to be reunited with his only love. Mairi is not falling for the looks of seduction or whispered words of passion because she felt betrayed and deserted by this man and cannot forgive him regardless of anything he does. But once danger looms and violence erupts the walls of contention go down for both of them and the united force of figuring out where the King went, who tried to kill Connor and who really needs protecting and from whom.
The King’s court is full of spies, secrets, betrayals, too much family for Mairi but this is what Connor is accustomed to everyday, and he knows that no one can really be trusted and has started to wonder if that is the life, he still wants to live. At some point Connor and Mairi will both have to choose if their love is strong enough for one of them to give up the land they love for this life they could build together. That is just not going to happen today because the sun is shining and the scent of heather is in the air and two people that have a better way to spend an afternoon alone.
This series is one hit after another and I enjoy it more with each book. Connor and Mairi are fascinating because they spare with each other as much as with the enemy. Strong women add so much to the story and when paired with a bossy highlander nothing was fireworks happen after that. Paula Quinn keeps her books historically accurate which adds to the depth of the story and challenges the reader to pay attention or you will miss some important clue.
Book #3 in the Children of the Mist Series
07/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages
Do we have to sacrifice everything for the love?
Mairi MacGregor is a feisty, sword-wielding lass used to fighting for her life and her way of live. She may have been in love with Connor Grant since she was six years old but it did not mean she liked him and would love to use one of the swords strapped to her body against him, again. Connor had left her seven years ago living up to his family name to be a soldier for a Protestant King of England never looking back at the Catholic Scottish life where he came from. Mairi now finds herself standing next to Connor on his new home turf and she is not a happy lass at all.
Connor begged Mairi to come with him, wrote her letter after letter begging for her hand in marriage, yet she refused to leave the highland hills. Connor never gave up on their love and spent the last seven years staying alive so that they he could show her the life he had built and try to be reunited with his only love. Mairi is not falling for the looks of seduction or whispered words of passion because she felt betrayed and deserted by this man and cannot forgive him regardless of anything he does. But once danger looms and violence erupts the walls of contention go down for both of them and the united force of figuring out where the King went, who tried to kill Connor and who really needs protecting and from whom.
The King’s court is full of spies, secrets, betrayals, too much family for Mairi but this is what Connor is accustomed to everyday, and he knows that no one can really be trusted and has started to wonder if that is the life, he still wants to live. At some point Connor and Mairi will both have to choose if their love is strong enough for one of them to give up the land they love for this life they could build together. That is just not going to happen today because the sun is shining and the scent of heather is in the air and two people that have a better way to spend an afternoon alone.
This series is one hit after another and I enjoy it more with each book. Connor and Mairi are fascinating because they spare with each other as much as with the enemy. Strong women add so much to the story and when paired with a bossy highlander nothing was fireworks happen after that. Paula Quinn keeps her books historically accurate which adds to the depth of the story and challenges the reader to pay attention or you will miss some important clue.
July 22, 2011
I really love this series, I think these books are what historical romance is all about. While this installment isn't my favorite of the series, it's still an excellent highland story, all about the romance.
I'm a big fan of couples who are reunited after years apart and childhood sweetheart stories, and this book was both! I think it really added to the depth and intensity of their feelings for each other.
One thing I loved about the story was that both characters were so jealous! And honestly, they had good reason to be so jealous. Mairi was pretty much dating another man and Connor had a mean socialite practically attached to his side. I loved that Connor really beat himself up over acting like a jealous schoolboy, but he couldn't help it. Their jealousy really fired up their romance I think.
I really liked the beginning and middle of the book, it was just the end that slowed down for me. I think I missed a lot of the recurring characters from the story. We didn't get to spend much time with any of the supporting characters, and a full cast of characters was one of the things I enjoyed most about the other books. I am looking forward to Colin's story next, though.
This is a great installment in one of my favorite historical romance series.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I'm a big fan of couples who are reunited after years apart and childhood sweetheart stories, and this book was both! I think it really added to the depth and intensity of their feelings for each other.
One thing I loved about the story was that both characters were so jealous! And honestly, they had good reason to be so jealous. Mairi was pretty much dating another man and Connor had a mean socialite practically attached to his side. I loved that Connor really beat himself up over acting like a jealous schoolboy, but he couldn't help it. Their jealousy really fired up their romance I think.
I really liked the beginning and middle of the book, it was just the end that slowed down for me. I think I missed a lot of the recurring characters from the story. We didn't get to spend much time with any of the supporting characters, and a full cast of characters was one of the things I enjoyed most about the other books. I am looking forward to Colin's story next, though.
This is a great installment in one of my favorite historical romance series.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
November 8, 2013
Connor and Mairi were childhood sweethearts. Connor was asked to be in the English army and left the Highlands and Mairi behind. Seven years later, and Connor finds himself face to face with Mairi. Both Connor and Mairi are the most stubborn people and don't want to get their feelings hurt again, but the love they shared is still there. With the help of the Queen and Connor's mother, they plot to put these two together again. Of course, when they do realize that they love each other still and want to be together, their is an obstacle that is in their way. They have to find a way to get through it so that they can be together. I found the book a little annoying with all the stubborness between both Connor and Mairi and wanted to shake them at times and that is why I gave this book three stars instead of four. I adored the Epilogue and I'm looking forward to Colon's story.
July 11, 2013
The story completely flowed and the elements really kept me intrigued. The one thing that was getting on my nerves because was the back and forth between Mairi MacGregor and Connor Grant. He had left her a long time ago and they were childhood sweethearts. Blah, blah, blah, get over it already. He went off to fight in the King's army and she went to fight in the militia. She was brash, tough, über sassy, and spirited. He was brave, courageous and a great soldier. They make a formidable couple. I was happy once the bickering ended and she finally admitted her feelings for him. Their romance was ok but, it was not heart-tugging or tear jerking. Paula Quinn writes a great historical romance and I love this series.
January 7, 2015
I give this one four starts because of Mairi. Good Lord was she ever frustrating. A little brat that needed a good romp to shut her the hell up. The man asked you to come to England with him, chased you for four years, and you have the nerve to be upset because he didn't come home and chase you down?! Really?!
Then poor Oxford, I felt it for the guy, like really felt it for him. He was a nice man and truly started to like her. Was he a bad guy? Depends on what religious side you are on I guess. And why was Lady Elizabeth let go when she was going to kill Mairi?!
The story however was a great one, I for one enjoyed the goings on in the castle, some stated it dragged on at the end, I think not, the last half of the book was needed.
Good read, great story on to Colin's story!!
Then poor Oxford, I felt it for the guy, like really felt it for him. He was a nice man and truly started to like her. Was he a bad guy? Depends on what religious side you are on I guess. And why was Lady Elizabeth let go when she was going to kill Mairi?!
The story however was a great one, I for one enjoyed the goings on in the castle, some stated it dragged on at the end, I think not, the last half of the book was needed.
Good read, great story on to Colin's story!!
September 26, 2012
I loved this book the most of this series. Knowing all the characters already, this story was a fantastic addition to the series. I was a bit annoyed with Mairi. She is a tomboy who loves to fight and wants to be treated like one of the boys. It was disconcerting in the beginning, but she grew on me.
Quinn does an amazing job of developing her plots and characters through the series. I believe her male characters are more irresistible than her heroines. I haven't loved any of the heroines, until Mairi, and even she had to grow on me.
I am sad to finish this book. Highly recommended series.
Carrington MacDuffie is the finest narrator I've come across in highland stories.
Quinn does an amazing job of developing her plots and characters through the series. I believe her male characters are more irresistible than her heroines. I haven't loved any of the heroines, until Mairi, and even she had to grow on me.
I am sad to finish this book. Highly recommended series.
Carrington MacDuffie is the finest narrator I've come across in highland stories.
July 22, 2014
This book was not my favorite in the series. I was pleased by seeing where the characters have developed, but I think I would have given this a 2 star if I had not read the previous in the series. I found the story line filled with too much of the H/H disecting "what happened" in thier failed relationship and took forever for them to "get over it" and move on. Could have used a little more action.
January 19, 2015
Angst what more can I say <3
I still don't have a clear idea about the villains and their alliances. I don't know is it me or is it difficult to keep up in general ?! even when I finished the last book of children of mist I'm still confused !!
Speaking of children of mist why is Kate (their mother) is not mentioned as frequently as Claire ?!
Currently I love highlander stories :)
I love it more when its an english lass and highlander chief ;)
Paula Quinn *Thumbs Up*
I still don't have a clear idea about the villains and their alliances. I don't know is it me or is it difficult to keep up in general ?! even when I finished the last book of children of mist I'm still confused !!
Speaking of children of mist why is Kate (their mother) is not mentioned as frequently as Claire ?!
Currently I love highlander stories :)
I love it more when its an english lass and highlander chief ;)
Paula Quinn *Thumbs Up*
October 7, 2015
Enjoyed this book as an eAudio book.
The narration was very well done and easy to understand, even though there was plenty of Scottish accented dialog.
This was book 3 in the series and it just gets better. Be sure to read the books in order and meet all the characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
The narration was very well done and easy to understand, even though there was plenty of Scottish accented dialog.
This was book 3 in the series and it just gets better. Be sure to read the books in order and meet all the characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 4, 2018
Misunderstanding and long hurts makes their reunion filled with lots of tension. I prefer a little less denying the obvious but it was well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2021
First off, the concept of conquering or taming the heroine was mentioned like 20 times, which is at least 18 more than I’d care for. It’s not the end of the world, but rein it in a little. (As one might do a heroine... =D just kidding). This is a second chance love story, with a bit of childhood sweethearts and enemies to lovers tropes mixed in. The heroine was a tad more immature than I would like, but she wasn’t a total brat and was otherwise generally likable. Their separation ultimately felt kind of unnecessary and a waste, but, that sort of thing does happen sometimes, so it might just depend on how much you typically enjoy second chance romances. The hero was decent, and there were some creative aspects, so overall 3 stars.
July 25, 2025
3.0. 🏴⚔️⚜️
⚔️"Yer mother taught me how to wield a blade and ye taught me not to lower my shield.”
🏴"She had breathed him for so long that when he left, she could not breathe anymore."
⚜️“I know ye loathe being a woman, Mairi, but, hell, ye’re good at it.”
⚔️"Yer mother taught me how to wield a blade and ye taught me not to lower my shield.”
🏴"She had breathed him for so long that when he left, she could not breathe anymore."
⚜️“I know ye loathe being a woman, Mairi, but, hell, ye’re good at it.”
January 11, 2014
I'm reading the series slightly out of order…I jumped to this book after reading the 1st one because I really wanted to know more about Connor Grant & Mairi McGregor's love story & pronto!
This series has provided such a wonderful cast of characters--families who are renown from generations for their courage, leadership and passion. This series gives you the fierce McGregor warriors (including Mairi) from the Highlands, the Grants (who are the combination of royal English and Highland families) and entrance into King James' tumultuous court.
I admired Connor from the beginning as he was raised in the Highlands, but was serving as a Captain of the Guard in England due to the connections on his mother's side as a Stewart. Gorgeous, golden, level-headed Connor is like a brother to the McGregor's and comfortable in the King's court, as a protector of the Crown. Now, his love interest--the only McGregor daughter holds a strong character (as one would expect from such a fierce Highland family). She is as sharp-tongued, capable and determined as she is beautiful. Both Connor and Mairi share a love that is deeply rooted in childhood. However, this love was interrupted as Connor took on the mantle of his service to the Crown, a move Mairi internalized as a personal insult.---Talk about a bad break up!!! For this reason, both Connor and Mairi have a lot of ground to cover and many years of hurt and misunderstandings to resolve.
In this book there is intrigue, mystery, definite betrayal and a constant pursuit of love. There are parts in this book that were very slow, and dragged, while other parts were just fabulous. Most of the book, Connor is chasing the very stubborn-headed Mairi. My goodness!! The woman is impulsive with her anger, and seems to believe the worst, at times. It was funny how Connor responded to this side of her by man-handling her a bit which totally melted her defense mechanisms. Yes, Connor definitely has a tiger by the tail with Mairi, but it just works for both of them. They express their love differently, but at the heart of it, they were both so madly in love with one another.
I liked the ending and the epilogue was a plus because you get a glimpse of how the other couples in the series are doing….what a happy family!!! Great read/listen!
The narrator was good, although some parts her voicing was somewhat indistinguishable for some of the characters, yet it did not detract from the story…overall a good listening experience!
This series has provided such a wonderful cast of characters--families who are renown from generations for their courage, leadership and passion. This series gives you the fierce McGregor warriors (including Mairi) from the Highlands, the Grants (who are the combination of royal English and Highland families) and entrance into King James' tumultuous court.
I admired Connor from the beginning as he was raised in the Highlands, but was serving as a Captain of the Guard in England due to the connections on his mother's side as a Stewart. Gorgeous, golden, level-headed Connor is like a brother to the McGregor's and comfortable in the King's court, as a protector of the Crown. Now, his love interest--the only McGregor daughter holds a strong character (as one would expect from such a fierce Highland family). She is as sharp-tongued, capable and determined as she is beautiful. Both Connor and Mairi share a love that is deeply rooted in childhood. However, this love was interrupted as Connor took on the mantle of his service to the Crown, a move Mairi internalized as a personal insult.---Talk about a bad break up!!! For this reason, both Connor and Mairi have a lot of ground to cover and many years of hurt and misunderstandings to resolve.
In this book there is intrigue, mystery, definite betrayal and a constant pursuit of love. There are parts in this book that were very slow, and dragged, while other parts were just fabulous. Most of the book, Connor is chasing the very stubborn-headed Mairi. My goodness!! The woman is impulsive with her anger, and seems to believe the worst, at times. It was funny how Connor responded to this side of her by man-handling her a bit which totally melted her defense mechanisms. Yes, Connor definitely has a tiger by the tail with Mairi, but it just works for both of them. They express their love differently, but at the heart of it, they were both so madly in love with one another.
I liked the ending and the epilogue was a plus because you get a glimpse of how the other couples in the series are doing….what a happy family!!! Great read/listen!
The narrator was good, although some parts her voicing was somewhat indistinguishable for some of the characters, yet it did not detract from the story…overall a good listening experience!
September 1, 2011
I am reviewing this book for Net Galley.
Tamed by the Highlander is the third book in the Children of the Mist series by Paula Quinn. I absolutely loved this book! It is the first book that I have read by this author and it won’t be the last. I will have to find all the previous books that lead up to this trilogy (MacGregor series) and the first two in the trilogy.
This story is about Mairi MacGregor and Connor Grant who have been friends since childhood. At the tender age of six years, Mairi fell in love with her brother Colin’s ten year old friend, Connor. Mairi followed along behind wherever the pair went and got into as much mischief as the boys, thereby forming a strong bond with Connor. When she was eleven years old, Connor promised to marry her. But when she is fifteen, Connor sets off to England to join the English Royal Army, since his heritage is half-English and half-Highlander. Mairi is broken hearted that Connor plans to leave their beautiful Highland mountains and go to England, leaving her behind with a broken heart.
Seven years later, Mairi sees Connor on English soil and all her feelings that she has suppressed all these years wage war in her troubled heart. During their time apart, Mairi has joined a rebel militia with her brother Colin the only one who knows of her participation. While she is in the court of King James, she is still trying to find information that will help the rebel’s cause. Connor is also torn at seeing Mairi again. He had begged her to join him in England, but she refused to come. Now, after all this time, he still feels the same love as he always has for Mairi.
After secrets unfold in a fast-paced, heart-touching story, you will be pleased with the end of the story. You will want to read the other connected books by this author—even though this is a great stand-alone—and see what other great stories you have missed. I know I do.
Tamed by the Highlander is the third book in the Children of the Mist series by Paula Quinn. I absolutely loved this book! It is the first book that I have read by this author and it won’t be the last. I will have to find all the previous books that lead up to this trilogy (MacGregor series) and the first two in the trilogy.
This story is about Mairi MacGregor and Connor Grant who have been friends since childhood. At the tender age of six years, Mairi fell in love with her brother Colin’s ten year old friend, Connor. Mairi followed along behind wherever the pair went and got into as much mischief as the boys, thereby forming a strong bond with Connor. When she was eleven years old, Connor promised to marry her. But when she is fifteen, Connor sets off to England to join the English Royal Army, since his heritage is half-English and half-Highlander. Mairi is broken hearted that Connor plans to leave their beautiful Highland mountains and go to England, leaving her behind with a broken heart.
Seven years later, Mairi sees Connor on English soil and all her feelings that she has suppressed all these years wage war in her troubled heart. During their time apart, Mairi has joined a rebel militia with her brother Colin the only one who knows of her participation. While she is in the court of King James, she is still trying to find information that will help the rebel’s cause. Connor is also torn at seeing Mairi again. He had begged her to join him in England, but she refused to come. Now, after all this time, he still feels the same love as he always has for Mairi.
After secrets unfold in a fast-paced, heart-touching story, you will be pleased with the end of the story. You will want to read the other connected books by this author—even though this is a great stand-alone—and see what other great stories you have missed. I know I do.
July 3, 2011
So I have loved every book by Paula Quinn. Love the H's love the h's, the secondary characters that do not seem secondary at all, love the details, and the stories, and the passion... She rocks my world. I knew I was going to love this book, even if I went into to it thinking that Connor was a jerk...
A problem very quickly rectified. I just cannot help but sigh over the relationship that Mairi and Connor have. They were childhood sweethearts and loves of each other's lives when Connor had to leave and Mairi would not forgive him and refused to follow. When Connor and Mairi meet up again, I just could not help but sigh again when the sparks really started flying and both were hurting and longing for one another. The intrigue got more intriguing because the setting is in an English court divided by religion and an upcoming revolt against the new crown. Assassination attempts, dueling, arguments, betrayals, passion, love, duty, honor... you name it, this book has it. I loved loved loved Connor and Mairi's story and I am very much looking forward to Colin's book (even though I will have to suffer until next summer for it )
You canNOT miss Tamed by a Highlander, becuase it just may be her best yet. I wish her highlander stories could go on and on, especially after the peek into the MacGregor family in the end... that made me a little weepy. Damn it. :D
A problem very quickly rectified. I just cannot help but sigh over the relationship that Mairi and Connor have. They were childhood sweethearts and loves of each other's lives when Connor had to leave and Mairi would not forgive him and refused to follow. When Connor and Mairi meet up again, I just could not help but sigh again when the sparks really started flying and both were hurting and longing for one another. The intrigue got more intriguing because the setting is in an English court divided by religion and an upcoming revolt against the new crown. Assassination attempts, dueling, arguments, betrayals, passion, love, duty, honor... you name it, this book has it. I loved loved loved Connor and Mairi's story and I am very much looking forward to Colin's book (even though I will have to suffer until next summer for it )
You canNOT miss Tamed by a Highlander, becuase it just may be her best yet. I wish her highlander stories could go on and on, especially after the peek into the MacGregor family in the end... that made me a little weepy. Damn it. :D
June 27, 2011
I looked forward to reading Paula Quinn’s Tamed by a Highlander with great anticipation and was lucky to receive an ARC. I was not disappointed.
Paula Quinn has a unique ability to transport her readers back in time, where you, for a few hours, become a participant in the splendors of the court of the English king and a member of Clan MacGregor.
Mairi and Connor’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. At times you giggle your way through passages, while minutes later you are sobbing into boxes and boxes of tissues...or cursing the stupidity of men, and wanting nothing more than to throw things across the room.
While all of the books in the series have great male protagonists, I find that her female characters are my favourites. Paula Quinn’s female characters, Mairi especially, are assertive and intelligent. Nothing will get in the way of what they want or protecting their families.
There were times, while reading Tamed by a Highlander, where I did not know how the story would end up. In no way is that a bad thing, it just made me want to keep reading the book. The only negative thing about this book is that it ended.
If Tamed by a Highlander is not on top of your summer reading list, you are missing out on a great few hours in the company of the MacGregors.
Paula Quinn has a unique ability to transport her readers back in time, where you, for a few hours, become a participant in the splendors of the court of the English king and a member of Clan MacGregor.
Mairi and Connor’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. At times you giggle your way through passages, while minutes later you are sobbing into boxes and boxes of tissues...or cursing the stupidity of men, and wanting nothing more than to throw things across the room.
While all of the books in the series have great male protagonists, I find that her female characters are my favourites. Paula Quinn’s female characters, Mairi especially, are assertive and intelligent. Nothing will get in the way of what they want or protecting their families.
There were times, while reading Tamed by a Highlander, where I did not know how the story would end up. In no way is that a bad thing, it just made me want to keep reading the book. The only negative thing about this book is that it ended.
If Tamed by a Highlander is not on top of your summer reading list, you are missing out on a great few hours in the company of the MacGregors.
June 4, 2011
In Tamed by a Highlander, Paula Quinn weaves romance, suspense, and history into a story that unleashes a smoldering desire within the heart of the reader. Her characters, Connor and Mairi, exemplify the fiery passion of Highland pride as they struggle to live in a time of subterfuge and political unrest between the two countries and the two lovers. Both are warriors of Scotland and their relationship invokes the spirit of a Highlander’s fierce passion for country and clan. When Connor and Mairi are together sparks fly and swords clash, but it’s the undeniable bond between them that unleashes the sizzling passion to enrapture the reader with a romance you will not soon forget. Connor and Mairi’s relationship began as children, built into love as youths, and suffered from betrayal and separation.
Tamed by a Highlander is a breathtaking romance full of history and heart-melting Highlanders. Paula Quinn not only brings her characters to life and full of passion but also delves into one of the turbulent times in history between England and Scotland. This is a great novel and one that I will add to my shelves along with the other fantastic novels by Paula Quinn. Whoop, high fives for this must read!
Tamed by a Highlander is a breathtaking romance full of history and heart-melting Highlanders. Paula Quinn not only brings her characters to life and full of passion but also delves into one of the turbulent times in history between England and Scotland. This is a great novel and one that I will add to my shelves along with the other fantastic novels by Paula Quinn. Whoop, high fives for this must read!
November 27, 2011
I super loved the first two books in this series, which is why I was disappointed that this book wasn't as good. The heroine, Mairi, is honestly TSTL, going over the same tired arguments over and over. Yes, we get it, he broke your heart seven years ago. Got it. You've cried your last tears for him. Understood. No, shut up, he's proved that he not only still loves your stupid ass (for some reason) and never meant to "betray" you (melodramatic much), he'll even tolerate you being a dumb, jumping-to-hasty-conclusions bitch who flies off the handle and storms off without all the facts at every act of "betrayal". I found myself arguing back at her and wanting to shake this idiot who has somehow landed this saint of a man.
Nonetheless, this book still gets four stars because of Connor. He's super romantic (though some of his lines lay it on a bit thick), he is obviously head over heels for this simpleton, and he's hunky as hell (duh, highlander!) :3 The romance is deliciously steamy and pretty well written, not many overused phrases or the like. The villain was creepy (though obvious from the beginning) but the last couple scenes with him were really good.
Unfortunately Mairi ruined everything. *shake*
Nonetheless, this book still gets four stars because of Connor. He's super romantic (though some of his lines lay it on a bit thick), he is obviously head over heels for this simpleton, and he's hunky as hell (duh, highlander!) :3 The romance is deliciously steamy and pretty well written, not many overused phrases or the like. The villain was creepy (though obvious from the beginning) but the last couple scenes with him were really good.
Unfortunately Mairi ruined everything. *shake*
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