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MacKinloch Clan #2
Seduced by Her Highland Warrior
BACK IN HER HUSBAND’S BED
Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these dark times of unrest, he has united his people. The void between him and his wife is proving a much harder challenge. When Alex discovers Laren has been keeping secrets from him, his thinly veiled frustration can no longer be contained.
The pleasures of the marital bed seem long forgotten to Laren. Yet her warrior husband is looking at her with increasingly hungry eyes... This powerful highlander has seduction on his mind and his wife in his sights!
Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these dark times of unrest, he has united his people. The void between him and his wife is proving a much harder challenge. When Alex discovers Laren has been keeping secrets from him, his thinly veiled frustration can no longer be contained.
The pleasures of the marital bed seem long forgotten to Laren. Yet her warrior husband is looking at her with increasingly hungry eyes... This powerful highlander has seduction on his mind and his wife in his sights!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
62 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Willingham
196 books624 followersRita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 19, 2015
I recently finished off Michelle Willingham’s MacEgan Brothers series and was wondering what I would read next, so I was very excited to find that she has a new series, and instead of Irish warriors, she’s writing about Highlanders!
Seduced by Her Highland Warrior is the second book the MacKinloch Clan series and picks up right where book one, Claimed by the Highland Warrior left off. The MacKinloch clan has come under attack by the English, with their keep and most of their homes having been burned to the ground. Now, once again, the clan must stand united and rebuild not only their buildings, but their lives. The Goodreads blurb -
This could have been an angsty story, but it wasn’t. I mean, yes, the clan was going through difficult times, and Laren had so much growing to do, but the relationship itself, that of husband and wife trying to regain what they'd lost… I thought it was very well written. This is definitely a romantic, inspirational story and Alex and Laren are a couple I could cheer for with a happily ever after I could believe in!
I can’t wait for the next installment of the MacKinloch Clan series, that quiet, tortured soul Callum’s story!
4.5/5 stars
This ARC was provided to me for review by netgalley.com.
Seduced by Her Highland Warrior is the second book the MacKinloch Clan series and picks up right where book one, Claimed by the Highland Warrior left off. The MacKinloch clan has come under attack by the English, with their keep and most of their homes having been burned to the ground. Now, once again, the clan must stand united and rebuild not only their buildings, but their lives. The Goodreads blurb -
Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these dark times of unrest, he has united his people.Now, that might sound like this is just another “seduce her ‘til she succumbs” caveman read, but that’s not at all the case. Seduced by her Highland Warrior is a touching story about two people who, though they’ve been through one of the most difficult times a couple can face – the loss of a child – realize that if they want their marriage to survive, they will have to fight for it. Through well written flashbacks we see Alex and Laren’s early years together, and get both points of views into the hows and whys their relationship fell apart.
The void between him and his wife is proving a much harder challenge. When Alex discovers Laren has been keeping secrets from him, his thinly veiled frustration can no longer be contained.
The pleasures of the marital bed seem long forgotten to Laren. Yet her warrior husband is looking at her with increasingly hungry eyes… This powerful highlander has seduction on his mind and his wife in his sights!
This could have been an angsty story, but it wasn’t. I mean, yes, the clan was going through difficult times, and Laren had so much growing to do, but the relationship itself, that of husband and wife trying to regain what they'd lost… I thought it was very well written. This is definitely a romantic, inspirational story and Alex and Laren are a couple I could cheer for with a happily ever after I could believe in!
I can’t wait for the next installment of the MacKinloch Clan series, that quiet, tortured soul Callum’s story!
4.5/5 stars
This ARC was provided to me for review by netgalley.com.
July 28, 2011
3.5
This is such a unique book. I've never read a story where the couple has been married for years, and well, life intervenes. This story is basically what comes after "And they all lived Happily Ever After." This story is more along the fact that they lived, they dealt with life, they dealt with loss, grief, and the real world.
It's also a very emotional book.
Laren is a very timid and shy woman. She married the love of her life Alex, who defied his mother to be with Laren, and supposedly they lived happily ever after, right?
Well, not really. During a battle, the English burnt down their keep. Alex is now laird, and Laren is trying to get their daughters to safety. She can't stand to leave without one last look at her husband, and she gets shot with an arrow. It's not a horrible wound-well, for her, for me I'd pass out and whine, but I'm not a medieval woman, I'm as girlie and modern as they come :) But she takes care not to show her injury thinking that Alex has enough on his plate without worrying about her.
Alex sees Laren, and after losing his home, he wants her to run to him, to kiss him, to let him see she cares he came back alive. But Laren is in so much pain, she can barely keep a brave face. Alex thinks she doesn't care, Laren thinks she's helping by not giving him something else to worry about...and so begins a book about a marriage where no one communicates.
At first I was really very emotionally vested in their story-I just hit my 9 year anniversary, and trust me, I'm married to the king of not communicating, so this felt very real to me.
Alex feels that as laird he needs to keep the clan together and to rebuild. Laren meanwhile has some secrets of her own. Three years before, they lost their infant son. As heartbreaking as this is for both of them, neither one talks to the other about the grief.
But as we see through some very heart-wrenching flashbacks, and through their day-to-day interaction, the two of them don't know how to be with each other anymore.
Right about here is where Laren began to lose the sympathy card with me. She comes from nothing. From the poorest of the poor. She felt that marrying a man who was so far above her was, well, she felt like he could do much better than someone like herself. Unfortunately she kept right on believing that she was very beneath him, and not good enough for him. What bothers me about her low self-esteem isn't that she felt that way about herself, but that after several happy years together she still had a hard time believing Alex loved her and she was worthy of him. At this point he's become laird, and they lost their son, but they lost each other at the same time.
It took Laren being hit with an arrow for Alex to see the problems, so he tried to fix it. It was Laren who constantly stopped any attempts, because she still felt unworthy of him.
Now in order to deal with her grief over her son, she began visiting the priest who made stained-glass windows. He taught Laren, and she became a master glassmaker. Instead of taking pride in her work, she hid away and it wasn't until she was forced to show her husband that she eventually did.
What bothered me here, is not that she wanted to make glass, but that it took precedence over everything. She refused to even attempt to speak with the women of the clan. She wouldn't even try! She was painfully shy, I get it, but she's been living with this clan, for what, 7 years? And Alex has been laird for most of that time, so how is it really taking that long for her to finally feel comfortable? It felt more like an excuse-Oh they'll judge me, so I won't get up there. I do feel the clan was judging her, but it was because she'd disappear all day and they just figured she was lounging about rather than tending to her duties. She never even tried to dissuade her people.
At around 80% in, she finally realized what it meant to be married to the laird.
"Being Lady of Glan Arrin wasn't about giving orders to the people or putting on a false confidence. It was about taking care of your loved ones."
Meanwhile, their toddler is kidnapped and held for ransom by a brutal man. I felt like all of their marital issues were left behind in order to rescue their daughter, but after they got her back, those issues just were cleared up. I then thought the epilogue would show how she's functioning now as lady of the keep. But nope, I thought the epilogue was pointless-a love scene and then a huge commission for her glasswork. An epilogue is supposed to add something to the story. This added nothing. We should have seen Laren as more of a lady of the clan, rather than getting a love scene with her husband.
So my final verdict is that it was good, and I would absolutely read this author again, but I did find it very hard to connect with Laren.
*arc provided by netgalley
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
This is such a unique book. I've never read a story where the couple has been married for years, and well, life intervenes. This story is basically what comes after "And they all lived Happily Ever After." This story is more along the fact that they lived, they dealt with life, they dealt with loss, grief, and the real world.
It's also a very emotional book.
Laren is a very timid and shy woman. She married the love of her life Alex, who defied his mother to be with Laren, and supposedly they lived happily ever after, right?
Well, not really. During a battle, the English burnt down their keep. Alex is now laird, and Laren is trying to get their daughters to safety. She can't stand to leave without one last look at her husband, and she gets shot with an arrow. It's not a horrible wound-well, for her, for me I'd pass out and whine, but I'm not a medieval woman, I'm as girlie and modern as they come :) But she takes care not to show her injury thinking that Alex has enough on his plate without worrying about her.
Alex sees Laren, and after losing his home, he wants her to run to him, to kiss him, to let him see she cares he came back alive. But Laren is in so much pain, she can barely keep a brave face. Alex thinks she doesn't care, Laren thinks she's helping by not giving him something else to worry about...and so begins a book about a marriage where no one communicates.
At first I was really very emotionally vested in their story-I just hit my 9 year anniversary, and trust me, I'm married to the king of not communicating, so this felt very real to me.
Alex feels that as laird he needs to keep the clan together and to rebuild. Laren meanwhile has some secrets of her own. Three years before, they lost their infant son. As heartbreaking as this is for both of them, neither one talks to the other about the grief.
But as we see through some very heart-wrenching flashbacks, and through their day-to-day interaction, the two of them don't know how to be with each other anymore.
Right about here is where Laren began to lose the sympathy card with me. She comes from nothing. From the poorest of the poor. She felt that marrying a man who was so far above her was, well, she felt like he could do much better than someone like herself. Unfortunately she kept right on believing that she was very beneath him, and not good enough for him. What bothers me about her low self-esteem isn't that she felt that way about herself, but that after several happy years together she still had a hard time believing Alex loved her and she was worthy of him. At this point he's become laird, and they lost their son, but they lost each other at the same time.
It took Laren being hit with an arrow for Alex to see the problems, so he tried to fix it. It was Laren who constantly stopped any attempts, because she still felt unworthy of him.
Now in order to deal with her grief over her son, she began visiting the priest who made stained-glass windows. He taught Laren, and she became a master glassmaker. Instead of taking pride in her work, she hid away and it wasn't until she was forced to show her husband that she eventually did.
What bothered me here, is not that she wanted to make glass, but that it took precedence over everything. She refused to even attempt to speak with the women of the clan. She wouldn't even try! She was painfully shy, I get it, but she's been living with this clan, for what, 7 years? And Alex has been laird for most of that time, so how is it really taking that long for her to finally feel comfortable? It felt more like an excuse-Oh they'll judge me, so I won't get up there. I do feel the clan was judging her, but it was because she'd disappear all day and they just figured she was lounging about rather than tending to her duties. She never even tried to dissuade her people.
At around 80% in, she finally realized what it meant to be married to the laird.
"Being Lady of Glan Arrin wasn't about giving orders to the people or putting on a false confidence. It was about taking care of your loved ones."
Meanwhile, their toddler is kidnapped and held for ransom by a brutal man. I felt like all of their marital issues were left behind in order to rescue their daughter, but after they got her back, those issues just were cleared up. I then thought the epilogue would show how she's functioning now as lady of the keep. But nope, I thought the epilogue was pointless-a love scene and then a huge commission for her glasswork. An epilogue is supposed to add something to the story. This added nothing. We should have seen Laren as more of a lady of the clan, rather than getting a love scene with her husband.
So my final verdict is that it was good, and I would absolutely read this author again, but I did find it very hard to connect with Laren.
*arc provided by netgalley
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
December 2, 2016
++SPOILERS++
3.5 stars
Not as good as #1 or #3 but still enjoyable.
I was frustrated with the heroine and didn't understand her whole glass making deal. In fact I thought it a bit exasperating to read so much about it.
I think the author missed the mark with trying to show why the H & h stayed apart emotionally. Yes they both were grieved and devastated about the loss of their child, but I just didn't feel the reasons for avoiding each other justified. They both loved each other and remained faithful.. they needed each other..yet their lack of communication for such a long time was beyond reason IMHO.
There were many times I felt the H & h's actions and thought processes were inconsistant and illogical...but all in all it was okay.
I started to grow weary of the h's "shyness" and wanted to throttle her for being weak and insecure. So I was glad when she finally grew a pair of balls and asserted herself.
Overall it was enjoyable, I just don't think it was worth the price.
Safety:
Hero- No past women ever mentioned. He is already married to the h in the story.
Heroine-Was a virgin until she married the H.
Cheating-no. They remained faithful during their marital hardship
OM/OW-No
Sex-Yes. Steamy and detailed.. and someone please tell the author "hooded flesh" is not a turn on
Cursing-Not that I can remember
Violence-Yes, mild
Torture - Mention of it
Abuse-Mention of it regarding secondary characters.
Marriage-already married
Baby- they have 2 already, they lost one, and had a set of twins in the end
HEA-ILY's - yes to both
3.5 stars
Not as good as #1 or #3 but still enjoyable.
I was frustrated with the heroine and didn't understand her whole glass making deal. In fact I thought it a bit exasperating to read so much about it.
I think the author missed the mark with trying to show why the H & h stayed apart emotionally. Yes they both were grieved and devastated about the loss of their child, but I just didn't feel the reasons for avoiding each other justified. They both loved each other and remained faithful.. they needed each other..yet their lack of communication for such a long time was beyond reason IMHO.
There were many times I felt the H & h's actions and thought processes were inconsistant and illogical...but all in all it was okay.
I started to grow weary of the h's "shyness" and wanted to throttle her for being weak and insecure. So I was glad when she finally grew a pair of balls and asserted herself.
Overall it was enjoyable, I just don't think it was worth the price.
Safety:
Hero- No past women ever mentioned. He is already married to the h in the story.
Heroine-Was a virgin until she married the H.
Cheating-no. They remained faithful during their marital hardship
OM/OW-No
Sex-Yes. Steamy and detailed.. and someone please tell the author "hooded flesh" is not a turn on
Cursing-Not that I can remember
Violence-Yes, mild
Torture - Mention of it
Abuse-Mention of it regarding secondary characters.
Marriage-already married
Baby- they have 2 already, they lost one, and had a set of twins in the end
HEA-ILY's - yes to both
August 29, 2025
3 Estrellitas. Muy a la par con el primero, me ha gustado bastante pero aquí el conflicto se ha visto de otra manera, básicamente porque los protagonistas han tenido un problema de comunicación.
"Olvidada por su esposo" es el segundo libro de la trilogía de los MacKinloch, unos hermanos highlanders con un poderoso enemigo entre los ingleses. Seguimos en plena guerra contra Eduardo Plantagenet, los MacKinloch vieron su castillo reducido a cenizas y ahora es responsabilidad de Alex reconstruirlo, pero no será fácil con pocos hombres, sin dinero y con una esposa que apenas le habla.
Laren MacKinloch se casó muy enamorada de Alex. Le dio dos hijas, pero algo sucedió hace apenas tres años, cuando su hijo, el único varón que habían tenido, murió inesperadamente. Esto los sumió en la pena, y cada uno llevó el luto distanciándose de una manera; él con los asuntos del clan ahora que es el laird, y ella, en la cueva donde hace y diseña cristales.
El libro empieza donde acaba el anterior. Los MacKinloch deben levantar un nuevo castillo para defenderse de lord Harkirk, de quien esperan un inminente ataque. El mayor problema lo tendrá Alex con su esposa, distanciados desde que murió su hijo. Desde entonces Laren va y viene a su antojo sin apenas hablar con su esposo, hasta el punto de que Alex no conoce su mayor secreto, los cristales que ella crea en su cueva.
En el anterior libro y gracias a la ayuda de Nairna, Laren se convenció de que su cristal valía para vender y gracias a ello podría ayudar al clan. Laren siempre se ha visto en inferioridad respecto a otras mujeres del clan, nunca quiso la notoriedad ni que Alex fuese el laird, y dista mucho de ser la esposa perfecta que el laird necesita, pero esta vez, cuando tan necesitados están, Laren se armará de valor para ser de ayuda.
La suya es una historia complicada porque el mayor conflicto es la falta de confianza de Laren y la falta de comunicación. Es verdad que Alex no se implicó en mejorar las cosas, al tener mucho en qué pensar. Alex dejaba que Laren hiciese su vida y cuidase de sus hijas sin preguntarle sus idas y venidas. Ahora es cuando Laren necesita un empujón y hablar con su esposo, aunque él no se lo ponga fácil.
La historia está bien, aunque es bastante sencillita, muy harlequinera, pero está bien llevada y bien narrada. Es verdad que habría cambiado algunas cosas, sobre todo la manera como se enfrentan los protagonistas, porque a veces no entiendes ni por qué discuten. Pero la acción es correcta y como se resuelve el conflicto también.
En el fondo me ha gustado y tengo ganas de continuar la serie, sobre todo por conocer el libro de Connor, el tercer hermano, que fue torturado junto con Bram, y Marguerite. Su historia pinta bien.
"Olvidada por su esposo" es el segundo libro de la trilogía de los MacKinloch, unos hermanos highlanders con un poderoso enemigo entre los ingleses. Seguimos en plena guerra contra Eduardo Plantagenet, los MacKinloch vieron su castillo reducido a cenizas y ahora es responsabilidad de Alex reconstruirlo, pero no será fácil con pocos hombres, sin dinero y con una esposa que apenas le habla.
Laren MacKinloch se casó muy enamorada de Alex. Le dio dos hijas, pero algo sucedió hace apenas tres años, cuando su hijo, el único varón que habían tenido, murió inesperadamente. Esto los sumió en la pena, y cada uno llevó el luto distanciándose de una manera; él con los asuntos del clan ahora que es el laird, y ella, en la cueva donde hace y diseña cristales.
El libro empieza donde acaba el anterior. Los MacKinloch deben levantar un nuevo castillo para defenderse de lord Harkirk, de quien esperan un inminente ataque. El mayor problema lo tendrá Alex con su esposa, distanciados desde que murió su hijo. Desde entonces Laren va y viene a su antojo sin apenas hablar con su esposo, hasta el punto de que Alex no conoce su mayor secreto, los cristales que ella crea en su cueva.
En el anterior libro y gracias a la ayuda de Nairna, Laren se convenció de que su cristal valía para vender y gracias a ello podría ayudar al clan. Laren siempre se ha visto en inferioridad respecto a otras mujeres del clan, nunca quiso la notoriedad ni que Alex fuese el laird, y dista mucho de ser la esposa perfecta que el laird necesita, pero esta vez, cuando tan necesitados están, Laren se armará de valor para ser de ayuda.
La suya es una historia complicada porque el mayor conflicto es la falta de confianza de Laren y la falta de comunicación. Es verdad que Alex no se implicó en mejorar las cosas, al tener mucho en qué pensar. Alex dejaba que Laren hiciese su vida y cuidase de sus hijas sin preguntarle sus idas y venidas. Ahora es cuando Laren necesita un empujón y hablar con su esposo, aunque él no se lo ponga fácil.
La historia está bien, aunque es bastante sencillita, muy harlequinera, pero está bien llevada y bien narrada. Es verdad que habría cambiado algunas cosas, sobre todo la manera como se enfrentan los protagonistas, porque a veces no entiendes ni por qué discuten. Pero la acción es correcta y como se resuelve el conflicto también.
En el fondo me ha gustado y tengo ganas de continuar la serie, sobre todo por conocer el libro de Connor, el tercer hermano, que fue torturado junto con Bram, y Marguerite. Su historia pinta bien.
October 23, 2016
Like other Michelle Willingham books, I read this one quickly. This is an impressive feat because lately it has been taking me forever to get through books, but I found myself making time for this one because I couldn't leave Loren and Alex in their agony.
Like book 1 in this series, this story had some deeper, darker notes. The story opens right after Book 1 ends and even has a little overlap. The MacKinloch clan has just narrowly survived an attack by the English Baron Harkirk and is now struggling to hold their clan together and rebuild before there is another attack. While you could read this as a stand-alone, I found it much easier to follow along because I read the first book in this series. Book 1 was gripping also and I recommend it anyway. As it happens, I am not ready to leave the MacKinloch clan behind and plan to keep reading the series :)
This story was interesting because for Loren and Alex, their happily ever after had happened already. But then, different life paths and the loss of a child turned them into strangers. It was emotionally gripping and one of the few books I've read where the misunderstanding really made sense and was believable. Despite the threat of the English, most of the story focused on Loren and Alex's private struggle to repair their relationship. There were times I would get frustrated with Loren for her timidity and Alex for his stubbornness, but still, what they went through really made their pain real. They had become two very different people and they had to slowly understand how the other had changed before they could be a true couple again. It took a lot of crazy experiences to crack through their shells, but overall, I thought the story was well-paced and I was pleased with the ending.
I felt like the most of the resolution came through external experiences instead of a more personal confrontation which was a little jarring since most of the book was so emotional, but when I considered all the bits and pieces of discussion throughout the story, I decided it was enough for them to start again. One other note: I thought Willingham also did a good job of showing how a marriage has both emotional and physical intimacy and how it can be painful for a couple to have physical intimacy while still struggling with emotional turmoil.
I have really enjoyed the MacKinloch clan, who were all in attendance in this story, and plan to keep reading the series starting now :) 4 stars.
Like book 1 in this series, this story had some deeper, darker notes. The story opens right after Book 1 ends and even has a little overlap. The MacKinloch clan has just narrowly survived an attack by the English Baron Harkirk and is now struggling to hold their clan together and rebuild before there is another attack. While you could read this as a stand-alone, I found it much easier to follow along because I read the first book in this series. Book 1 was gripping also and I recommend it anyway. As it happens, I am not ready to leave the MacKinloch clan behind and plan to keep reading the series :)
This story was interesting because for Loren and Alex, their happily ever after had happened already. But then, different life paths and the loss of a child turned them into strangers. It was emotionally gripping and one of the few books I've read where the misunderstanding really made sense and was believable. Despite the threat of the English, most of the story focused on Loren and Alex's private struggle to repair their relationship. There were times I would get frustrated with Loren for her timidity and Alex for his stubbornness, but still, what they went through really made their pain real. They had become two very different people and they had to slowly understand how the other had changed before they could be a true couple again. It took a lot of crazy experiences to crack through their shells, but overall, I thought the story was well-paced and I was pleased with the ending.
I felt like the most of the resolution came through external experiences instead of a more personal confrontation which was a little jarring since most of the book was so emotional, but when I considered all the bits and pieces of discussion throughout the story, I decided it was enough for them to start again. One other note: I thought Willingham also did a good job of showing how a marriage has both emotional and physical intimacy and how it can be painful for a couple to have physical intimacy while still struggling with emotional turmoil.
I have really enjoyed the MacKinloch clan, who were all in attendance in this story, and plan to keep reading the series starting now :) 4 stars.
March 22, 2017
‘Seduced by her Highland Warrior’ was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Harlequin.
I’m typically a sucker for a good Highlander romance so I quickly snagged this one up. I went into this with the impression that it would be your typical romance story but this novel really surprised me with how heartfelt and touching it was.
‘Seduced by her Highland Warrior’ is the second installment in the MacKinloch Clan series. I did not read the first novel and even though it did kind of feel like in the beginning I had walked into the story halfway through, the author did a fine job in still making it work as a stand-alone novel.
Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and is trying to get everyone to work together to rebuild their keep that was recently destroyed by the English. His wife, Laren, is an intensely shy woman who has difficulty adjusting to her roles and responsibilities when her husband becomes chief. Born to a poor family, she is looked down upon by other members of the clan and is treated unfairly because of their beliefs that Alex should not have married her.
Alex and Laren haven’t been close for almost 3 years now after the loss of their newborn son causes them to drift apart when they don’t know how to comfort each other from the pain it caused them both. I loved how the story shows glimpses of the past back when the two of them first met, fell in love, and also tells what happened between them after the death of their son.
This story while sad and touching was also hopeful because even though they had drifted apart they did still love each other and were doing all they could to work on things between them. Watching the story progress and seeing the two become closer was very moving, yet also extremely believable. I really enjoyed this one.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
I’m typically a sucker for a good Highlander romance so I quickly snagged this one up. I went into this with the impression that it would be your typical romance story but this novel really surprised me with how heartfelt and touching it was.
‘Seduced by her Highland Warrior’ is the second installment in the MacKinloch Clan series. I did not read the first novel and even though it did kind of feel like in the beginning I had walked into the story halfway through, the author did a fine job in still making it work as a stand-alone novel.
Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and is trying to get everyone to work together to rebuild their keep that was recently destroyed by the English. His wife, Laren, is an intensely shy woman who has difficulty adjusting to her roles and responsibilities when her husband becomes chief. Born to a poor family, she is looked down upon by other members of the clan and is treated unfairly because of their beliefs that Alex should not have married her.
Alex and Laren haven’t been close for almost 3 years now after the loss of their newborn son causes them to drift apart when they don’t know how to comfort each other from the pain it caused them both. I loved how the story shows glimpses of the past back when the two of them first met, fell in love, and also tells what happened between them after the death of their son.
This story while sad and touching was also hopeful because even though they had drifted apart they did still love each other and were doing all they could to work on things between them. Watching the story progress and seeing the two become closer was very moving, yet also extremely believable. I really enjoyed this one.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
June 11, 2011
Alex MacKinloch and his wife Laren had grown distant after the death of their newborn son three years ago. They have been leading separate lives within their marriage since the tragedy.
Alex is torn between his duties as clan leader, son, brother, father and husband. His wife and children come second after his clan just ignites Laren's resentment towards him.
And this is their story of starting over and rekindling their love amid the attack to their home by the English.
A truly heart-wrenching story.
Alex is torn between his duties as clan leader, son, brother, father and husband. His wife and children come second after his clan just ignites Laren's resentment towards him.
And this is their story of starting over and rekindling their love amid the attack to their home by the English.
A truly heart-wrenching story.
August 10, 2024
4 stelle piene. C’è tutto: un matrimonio in crisi, il lutto per un figlio mai superato, un uomo che non voleva diventare capoclan e si trova costretto dagli eventi a farlo, una donna che detesta essere al centro dell’attenzione e vuole sole dedicarsi alla sua arte, una suocera intrigante ma non malvagia, la Scozia del 1305 messa a ferro e fuoco dagli inglesi (siamo ai tempi di Robert Bruce, per intenderci).
Un amore e una seconda occasione trattati con delicatezza.
Un amore e una seconda occasione trattati con delicatezza.
July 18, 2011
I wasn't sure how I would feel about a romance featuring a married couple. But for the most part, I enjoyed it. Of course, this isn't a story about the first blush of love or the first stirrings of passion. Laren and Alex have been married for about five years. They were wonderfully in love when they exchanged their vows, but the crushing loss of a baby three years ago drove a wedge between them that they have not been able to overcome.
The book opens with the MacKinloch clan under attack. Their homes are burned to the ground and Laren is injured. Despite her wounds, she doesn't turn to her husband. And it's his fear of her death coupled with the realization of her distance that wakes Alex up to the serious chasm between them. He vows to fix things, but watching the two of them try to reconcile is frustrating and sad. Alex is the chief of the tribe and he expects Laren to be the lady of his people. But she is terribly shy and her childhood as a poor outcast makes her feel unable and unworthy to be what her husband wants her to be. Instead, she finds her solace in glassmaking. It's a skill she learned from an old priest after her son's death. She finds beauty and purpose in her art and she has done it for years in secret.
Laren's glass can generate the money the clan needs to rebuild. But Alex feels betrayed that she has kept this secret all these years. The two of them clearly love each other. However, it's difficult to watch them blunder through their relationship. Alex lords over Laren the same way he rules the clan. He tries to bend her to his will. Though admittedly, his intentions are good, he does real damage to her spirit and makes her feel that he doesn't value her for who she is. At the same time, Laren is guilty of being a martyr. She hides her feelings and keeps her secrets by telling herself Alex doesn't need to be burdened by them. I wanted to just shake them both, especially during the first half of the book.
Things do get better, though, as our couple begins to understand and accept each other. And watching them finally come together is quite lovely. There is deep loss and sadness in their relationship, but there is real love there, which makes their journey worth watching... especially once they begin to communicate.
An external threat does hover over Laren and Alex, in the form of the clan's enemy... who is trying to crush the MacKinlochs once and for all. Also, we've got some strong secondary characters (like Alex's brothers) which give the book more depth. I'm really interested to read poor Callum's story --and I hope it comes next.
Overall, I found that I did enjoy this, especially once our couple started actually talking to each other. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
The book opens with the MacKinloch clan under attack. Their homes are burned to the ground and Laren is injured. Despite her wounds, she doesn't turn to her husband. And it's his fear of her death coupled with the realization of her distance that wakes Alex up to the serious chasm between them. He vows to fix things, but watching the two of them try to reconcile is frustrating and sad. Alex is the chief of the tribe and he expects Laren to be the lady of his people. But she is terribly shy and her childhood as a poor outcast makes her feel unable and unworthy to be what her husband wants her to be. Instead, she finds her solace in glassmaking. It's a skill she learned from an old priest after her son's death. She finds beauty and purpose in her art and she has done it for years in secret.
Laren's glass can generate the money the clan needs to rebuild. But Alex feels betrayed that she has kept this secret all these years. The two of them clearly love each other. However, it's difficult to watch them blunder through their relationship. Alex lords over Laren the same way he rules the clan. He tries to bend her to his will. Though admittedly, his intentions are good, he does real damage to her spirit and makes her feel that he doesn't value her for who she is. At the same time, Laren is guilty of being a martyr. She hides her feelings and keeps her secrets by telling herself Alex doesn't need to be burdened by them. I wanted to just shake them both, especially during the first half of the book.
Things do get better, though, as our couple begins to understand and accept each other. And watching them finally come together is quite lovely. There is deep loss and sadness in their relationship, but there is real love there, which makes their journey worth watching... especially once they begin to communicate.
An external threat does hover over Laren and Alex, in the form of the clan's enemy... who is trying to crush the MacKinlochs once and for all. Also, we've got some strong secondary characters (like Alex's brothers) which give the book more depth. I'm really interested to read poor Callum's story --and I hope it comes next.
Overall, I found that I did enjoy this, especially once our couple started actually talking to each other. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
October 1, 2016
I thought the plot really interesting. This is not the first time that we read about couples having a difficult time. But usually they lived away from each other. They hit a rough patch on the road and decided to live away from each other. In this book Alex and Laren lived together but led separate lives. They were both mourning for their dead son, just in different ways. What made this book different and interesting was that Alex and Laren lived together with their daughters but were suffering in their own sorrow alone.
But I must admit that Michelle Willingham's style is not my cup of tea. I have read her books before and never was I very impressed. I have found her characters interesting before, like I did Alex and Laren in this book. But somehow the way she tells her stories puts me off. Her characters seem "stuffy" to me. Laren was such a whiny heroine, feeling sorry for herself, blaming Alex for wanting her to be someone she was not. I couldn't like her and found it hard to believe that Alex loved her. I never like a whiny heroine who had something to prove. Alex was the better character for me.
I will think 3 times before I pick up another Willingham book again.
But I must admit that Michelle Willingham's style is not my cup of tea. I have read her books before and never was I very impressed. I have found her characters interesting before, like I did Alex and Laren in this book. But somehow the way she tells her stories puts me off. Her characters seem "stuffy" to me. Laren was such a whiny heroine, feeling sorry for herself, blaming Alex for wanting her to be someone she was not. I couldn't like her and found it hard to believe that Alex loved her. I never like a whiny heroine who had something to prove. Alex was the better character for me.
I will think 3 times before I pick up another Willingham book again.
June 20, 2011
Notes: I read the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book. Book will be released on July 19, 2011.
Somethings in life are worth fighting for- your home, your family, your marriage. The latter is what Michelle Willingham explores in 'Seduced by Her Highland Warrior'. Alex's and Laren's marriage hasn't been the same since their son died. We each deal with our grief in different ways, and sometimes the way we deal with our personal agony can drive a wedge between us and the ones we love. Lauren deals with her grief by throwing herself in to her glass making. Alex deals with his grief by throwing himself into the duties of being the chief of his clan. Each still loves the other, but sometimes one wonders if love is enough? This is the journey of Laren and Alex as they deal with the grief of the son they lost nearly three years ago, of the misunderstandings that can develop from not communicating with each other, and the insecurities that develop when things are not seemingly working.
This is a beautiful and touching romance that delves into a realm most romance authors rarely dare to touch upon. What happens after the "I dos" are said? Is it truly a happily ever after? Does the couple ever experience bumps in the road? Can a couple rekindle the love they once had? I loved that Laren's talent was both the making of glass and the art of creating exquisite windows to be used in a church. While Willingham didn't go too deep into the art of stained glass window making, I feel an analogy could be made between that portion of her craft and Laren's and Alex's marriage. I've worked with stained glass and the process can be a little like that of life. Sometimes things don't fit together smoothly and you need to reshape them to fit. Other times a piece of glass may break and you need to replace it or the whole thing looks ruined, but it's salvageable. Sometimes you get cut by the glass and the edges need to be smoothed. To get the window to be the way you wish it to be takes time and effort, just like a marriage. Torn between 4 and 5 roses, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses.
Order to be read:
1. Claimed by the Highland Warrior
2. Seduced by Her Highland Warrior (Coming July 19th)
To see more of my reviews visit my blog at:
www.seducedbyabook.com
Somethings in life are worth fighting for- your home, your family, your marriage. The latter is what Michelle Willingham explores in 'Seduced by Her Highland Warrior'. Alex's and Laren's marriage hasn't been the same since their son died. We each deal with our grief in different ways, and sometimes the way we deal with our personal agony can drive a wedge between us and the ones we love. Lauren deals with her grief by throwing herself in to her glass making. Alex deals with his grief by throwing himself into the duties of being the chief of his clan. Each still loves the other, but sometimes one wonders if love is enough? This is the journey of Laren and Alex as they deal with the grief of the son they lost nearly three years ago, of the misunderstandings that can develop from not communicating with each other, and the insecurities that develop when things are not seemingly working.
This is a beautiful and touching romance that delves into a realm most romance authors rarely dare to touch upon. What happens after the "I dos" are said? Is it truly a happily ever after? Does the couple ever experience bumps in the road? Can a couple rekindle the love they once had? I loved that Laren's talent was both the making of glass and the art of creating exquisite windows to be used in a church. While Willingham didn't go too deep into the art of stained glass window making, I feel an analogy could be made between that portion of her craft and Laren's and Alex's marriage. I've worked with stained glass and the process can be a little like that of life. Sometimes things don't fit together smoothly and you need to reshape them to fit. Other times a piece of glass may break and you need to replace it or the whole thing looks ruined, but it's salvageable. Sometimes you get cut by the glass and the edges need to be smoothed. To get the window to be the way you wish it to be takes time and effort, just like a marriage. Torn between 4 and 5 roses, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses.
Order to be read:
1. Claimed by the Highland Warrior
2. Seduced by Her Highland Warrior (Coming July 19th)
To see more of my reviews visit my blog at:
www.seducedbyabook.com
October 30, 2014
Necesitaba un libro que hiciera que desconectara de tanta fantasía/paranormal. La historia no tiene muchas pretensiones, pero la parte romántica es lo mejor del libro.
just-not-for-me-stay-away-hell-no
March 30, 2016self note: just not for me
July 17, 2012
About 2/3 finished and I must say, Laren is freaking annoying. Her constant play at being the martyr is a bit tiring. After being attacked and almost kidnapped, I cannot fathom how SHE can't see that by Alex telling her to stay close to home and not run off to her cave, just screams "I'm trying to keep you safe!" (oh, sorry, he did tell her that, didn't he?). But no, all she sees is him taking her glass making away from her (only until the threat is gone!).
There has been miscommunication by both, but Laren's "reading" into Alex's actions leads to most of their problems. I see Alex trying harder than Laren by making the first move, initiating the changes that need to be done, trying to talk to her (yet she clams up and says nothing in return, until her had is forced).
But as Chief of the Clan, whenever he has to do something to secure the clan's safety and health, Laren only sees it as abandonment on his part. HELLO - you run away to your cave everyday for hours on end, even after he starts trying to fix things.
So sorry that your feelings were hurt as Alex tries to make their home secure following a raid by another clan looking to kidnap him and his family (ie, your daughters). You're right, Laren, the castle should not be rebuilt, your daughters should be put in harms way, and the clan should go about their merry way with the heads buried in the sand like you, so when the next raid comes, everyone can die knowing that you were at least happy because your husband had paid attention to you rather than protecting you and his people.
Can you tell I really don't like her?
Pg 189 - now she wants to ease the burden of his leadership???? REALLY??? The girl runs aways and hides whenever anyone comes near her. How in the world can she "ease the burden of leadership" when she wants nothing to do with keeping the house, the books, talking to her own people because she is way to shy and timid? Easing the burden of his leadership by what, giving him her body? How about growing up and sucking it up for the betterment of your family and people? That's what Alex needs.
In the end, she finds her backbone. For me, her actions at the end are a complet 180 from her personality. I realize that when your child is in danger you will do anything to protect them (eh hem, cough, cough - Alex, rebuilding the castle), but Laren's total transformation from a weak, timid, painfully shy woman to someone who goes around speaking with other clans and hiring soliders to help her husband (doing this all by herself) was just too much, IMO. The only reason I keep reading, is because I'm looking forward to Callum's book.
There has been miscommunication by both, but Laren's "reading" into Alex's actions leads to most of their problems. I see Alex trying harder than Laren by making the first move, initiating the changes that need to be done, trying to talk to her (yet she clams up and says nothing in return, until her had is forced).
But as Chief of the Clan, whenever he has to do something to secure the clan's safety and health, Laren only sees it as abandonment on his part. HELLO - you run away to your cave everyday for hours on end, even after he starts trying to fix things.
So sorry that your feelings were hurt as Alex tries to make their home secure following a raid by another clan looking to kidnap him and his family (ie, your daughters). You're right, Laren, the castle should not be rebuilt, your daughters should be put in harms way, and the clan should go about their merry way with the heads buried in the sand like you, so when the next raid comes, everyone can die knowing that you were at least happy because your husband had paid attention to you rather than protecting you and his people.
Can you tell I really don't like her?
Pg 189 - now she wants to ease the burden of his leadership???? REALLY??? The girl runs aways and hides whenever anyone comes near her. How in the world can she "ease the burden of leadership" when she wants nothing to do with keeping the house, the books, talking to her own people because she is way to shy and timid? Easing the burden of his leadership by what, giving him her body? How about growing up and sucking it up for the betterment of your family and people? That's what Alex needs.
In the end, she finds her backbone. For me, her actions at the end are a complet 180 from her personality. I realize that when your child is in danger you will do anything to protect them (eh hem, cough, cough - Alex, rebuilding the castle), but Laren's total transformation from a weak, timid, painfully shy woman to someone who goes around speaking with other clans and hiring soliders to help her husband (doing this all by herself) was just too much, IMO. The only reason I keep reading, is because I'm looking forward to Callum's book.
June 16, 2011
I am a fan of Michelle Willingham's and lord knows, I love me some highlanders in kilts, but this was a sad and frustrating book. Alex and Laren MacKinloch had a strained and distant relationship ever since the death of their infant son three years ago. The English had just burned their clan's keep, what was left of the clan wanted to leave before they were attacked again, it was just not a good situation all around. What made me sooooo very miserable though was the fact that Alex and Laren .....NEVER talked. They just assumed and drew conclusions. Everything could have been fixed with just a few uttered words. Laren was EXTREMELY insecure and timid, which I have a very hard time identifying with. The story did have quite a few elements to recommend it. The writing was excellent, Alex was pretty decent as a hero and the supporting cast as well as the plot were very well conceived. Based on past books, I will read the next book in this series. I just hope it has a little happier tone.
August 1, 2012
I loved this story. I originally picked it up to read because I was interested in the question the author posed as to why she wrote the book in her author's note. It intrigued me. MIchelle impressed me with the way she wove so many things seamlessly together: a clan, young kids and a complicated emotional journey for the hero and heroine. Its a heartfelt emotional read and I definitely recommend this story!
August 31, 2021
Un Harlequin Internacional que no acabó de cuajar para mi. Olvidada por su esposo se titula en original Seduced by Her Highland Warrior (2011). Alex y Laren se han ido distanciando, después de perder a un hijo. Entre ellos se instala un vacío de palabras no dichas y sentimientos no expresados. Acaban siendo dos desconocidos que comparten el lecho a última hora de la noche. Lo mejor de la novela es la autenticidad a la hora de transmitir los sentimientos (desolación, tristeza, inseguridad, angustia...). Sí, todo bastante deprimente, aunque bien contado. La historia en sí reconozco que no me atrapó. Los personajes resultaban modernos, usando conceptos y expresiones ajenos, me parece a mi, a la mentalidad medieval como "tengo derecho a" o "le parecerá muy romántico". Creo que a ese planteamiento le habría ido mejor una ambientación contemporánea y un estilo sentimental, women's fiction, no una supuesta Escocia medieval. En su momento me pareció «aceptable» y le di un 5 sobre 10. Ahora lo dejo en dos estrellas porque no, no es ninguna novela que yo recomendaría a un aficionado al género romántico.
August 27, 2021
No, no, no, no, no!!!
I read other readers' comments regarding the heroine and
decided to disregard and see for myself.
They were right.
The heroine was SUPER ANNOYING!
She had super low self esteem. She had great talents making glass but refused to share that knowledge with her husband.
After that, she was so scared telling the clan about this, ensuring their misconception that she's idle and of no use to the clan. Come on.
Why?
Enough is enough. I stopped reading.
I didn't say the hero was without faults. But as there are no formula to a great marriage, especially after the death of their son, and everyone griefs in their own way, I could see to reason the hero's actions. But his wife's?
Errr ... no thanks.
I read other readers' comments regarding the heroine and
decided to disregard and see for myself.
They were right.
The heroine was SUPER ANNOYING!
She had super low self esteem. She had great talents making glass but refused to share that knowledge with her husband.
After that, she was so scared telling the clan about this, ensuring their misconception that she's idle and of no use to the clan. Come on.
Why?
Enough is enough. I stopped reading.
I didn't say the hero was without faults. But as there are no formula to a great marriage, especially after the death of their son, and everyone griefs in their own way, I could see to reason the hero's actions. But his wife's?
Errr ... no thanks.
December 6, 2021
Une romance sur la reconstruction d'un couple après un drame sur fond de lutte contre la menace anglaise. Une histoire qui se lit, même si j'ai eu parfois du mal avec les incompréhensions et non dits entre le couple principal. Si l'arc final permet aux héros de se révéler, le récit souffre de quelques longueurs et peu paraître frustrant. Un second tome un peu meilleur que le premier.
June 12, 2011
Alex was destined to be the clan chieftain.
Laren was born to a poor and struggling family.
A simple, comforting hand on the shoulder brought Alex and Laren together and began their love story.
Early fourteenth century Scotland was riddled with battle and loss for the MacKinloch Clan. Targeted by the English, they lost good men & good warriors. They also lost their keep when the Baron of Harkirk set it ablaze. Now the MacKinloch Clan is faced with the weary task of rebuilding.
It is during this time that Alex realizes that not only must he rebuild the MacKinloch keep, but he must also rekindle the relationship with his wife, Laren. The keep and his marriage each had a sturdy foundation once, but time and loss have taken their respective toll on both. Being the clan chieftain divides Alex's focus and he finds that the years he spent dedicating his every waking minute to his people has left his relationship with his wife in shambles. Will he have the strength to construct a stronger keep while reestablishing the relationship he yearns for with this wife?
Laren fears she never will be of value to the clan, let alone her husband. The daughter of a begger, she found it was best to blend into the background rather than be a strong presence. The years of shunning and disrespectful words she has endured from her mother-in-law has only reinforced her shy and cautious nature. When Laren and Alex lost their son only days after his birth, she retreated into herself and felt Alex do the same, abandoning her. Her despair of the loss led her to the art of glass blowing. The glass blowing was her private penance turn joy and she shared it with only a few on a must-know basis. But after the raids and battles, which resulted in the keeps burning, Laren discovers that her glasswork could be the saving grace that the clan needs, earning them the silver needed for reconstruction and the respect of the clan. But will her talents also earn her the much needed respect of her husband? And will she, at last, realize that she is worthy of the clan chieftain's love?
The opening scene of Seduced by Her Highland Warrior was filled with dramatic action; my heart was beating like a war drum... It, like the remaining story, was told from both Alex and Laren's point of view and had me sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation on how the the battle would end. I was rooting for both Alex and Laren in those beginning pages - hoping they would find each other and embrace the love that they obviously had for each other.
The book's finale was also well scripted with action and drama and had me holding on until the very end. My hoping and rooting at the beginning was finally realized, claimed, and held at the end of Ms. Willingham's story.
It was the middle or the meat of Seduced by Her Highland Warrior that I did not mesh well with.
What I didn't like:
1) Being the strong leader and speaker, it surprised me when Alex did not bite the arrow and speak frankly to his wife - he instead spoke vaguely and never explained his intent or let her see the love he held so dearly for her. It surprised me more that this was the recurring theme during his attempts to talk to Laren.
2) Laren, for loving her husband so much and wanting to be the wife she felt he deserved, made no move to change her behavior - she was so timid and self punishing. She listened to Alex's words but let her doubt translate the meaning. Laren spent more time looking at the ground, her feet, or her hands - if she looked into Alex's face or eyes more, maybe she could have calmed her nerved and doubts sooner.
3) The title of this book is Seduced by Her Highland Warrior - but I think I missed the seduction portion... Was there some love? Yes. Were there scenes showing their physical attraction? Yes. Was there any wooing? No. Did I find anything in the story that I would consider Alex persuading or tempting Laren? No. Vice verse? No. Maybe during the memories of their early love or early marriage, but nothing that would classify as such in the current state of their relationship.
4) There was action in the very beginning and action in the end, but the meat of the book was littered with so much doubt, fear, paralysis, and mis/missed communication that it just frustrated me.
5) Alex and Laren's POVs were not the only ones in the story and I'm not quite on board with whether or not the other POVs were necessary. I think the actions and interactions during the other POVs could have been introduced and dealt with some other way - they were just distractions for me.
Overall - I would rate this book a 2 out of 5 stars. It wasn't the Scottish Highland romantic tale I was looking for, though I hope it rates as the plaid in another woman's kilt - meaning I hope Ms. Willingham's characters and story find loving and doting homes in many women's imaginations. Good luck!
Laren was born to a poor and struggling family.
A simple, comforting hand on the shoulder brought Alex and Laren together and began their love story.
Early fourteenth century Scotland was riddled with battle and loss for the MacKinloch Clan. Targeted by the English, they lost good men & good warriors. They also lost their keep when the Baron of Harkirk set it ablaze. Now the MacKinloch Clan is faced with the weary task of rebuilding.
It is during this time that Alex realizes that not only must he rebuild the MacKinloch keep, but he must also rekindle the relationship with his wife, Laren. The keep and his marriage each had a sturdy foundation once, but time and loss have taken their respective toll on both. Being the clan chieftain divides Alex's focus and he finds that the years he spent dedicating his every waking minute to his people has left his relationship with his wife in shambles. Will he have the strength to construct a stronger keep while reestablishing the relationship he yearns for with this wife?
Laren fears she never will be of value to the clan, let alone her husband. The daughter of a begger, she found it was best to blend into the background rather than be a strong presence. The years of shunning and disrespectful words she has endured from her mother-in-law has only reinforced her shy and cautious nature. When Laren and Alex lost their son only days after his birth, she retreated into herself and felt Alex do the same, abandoning her. Her despair of the loss led her to the art of glass blowing. The glass blowing was her private penance turn joy and she shared it with only a few on a must-know basis. But after the raids and battles, which resulted in the keeps burning, Laren discovers that her glasswork could be the saving grace that the clan needs, earning them the silver needed for reconstruction and the respect of the clan. But will her talents also earn her the much needed respect of her husband? And will she, at last, realize that she is worthy of the clan chieftain's love?
The opening scene of Seduced by Her Highland Warrior was filled with dramatic action; my heart was beating like a war drum... It, like the remaining story, was told from both Alex and Laren's point of view and had me sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation on how the the battle would end. I was rooting for both Alex and Laren in those beginning pages - hoping they would find each other and embrace the love that they obviously had for each other.
The book's finale was also well scripted with action and drama and had me holding on until the very end. My hoping and rooting at the beginning was finally realized, claimed, and held at the end of Ms. Willingham's story.
It was the middle or the meat of Seduced by Her Highland Warrior that I did not mesh well with.
What I didn't like:
1) Being the strong leader and speaker, it surprised me when Alex did not bite the arrow and speak frankly to his wife - he instead spoke vaguely and never explained his intent or let her see the love he held so dearly for her. It surprised me more that this was the recurring theme during his attempts to talk to Laren.
2) Laren, for loving her husband so much and wanting to be the wife she felt he deserved, made no move to change her behavior - she was so timid and self punishing. She listened to Alex's words but let her doubt translate the meaning. Laren spent more time looking at the ground, her feet, or her hands - if she looked into Alex's face or eyes more, maybe she could have calmed her nerved and doubts sooner.
3) The title of this book is Seduced by Her Highland Warrior - but I think I missed the seduction portion... Was there some love? Yes. Were there scenes showing their physical attraction? Yes. Was there any wooing? No. Did I find anything in the story that I would consider Alex persuading or tempting Laren? No. Vice verse? No. Maybe during the memories of their early love or early marriage, but nothing that would classify as such in the current state of their relationship.
4) There was action in the very beginning and action in the end, but the meat of the book was littered with so much doubt, fear, paralysis, and mis/missed communication that it just frustrated me.
5) Alex and Laren's POVs were not the only ones in the story and I'm not quite on board with whether or not the other POVs were necessary. I think the actions and interactions during the other POVs could have been introduced and dealt with some other way - they were just distractions for me.
Overall - I would rate this book a 2 out of 5 stars. It wasn't the Scottish Highland romantic tale I was looking for, though I hope it rates as the plaid in another woman's kilt - meaning I hope Ms. Willingham's characters and story find loving and doting homes in many women's imaginations. Good luck!
February 8, 2019
Confesso que o enredo desse livro me chamou bastante a atenção, pois é o segundo livro de romance de época que leio em que os mocinhos já eram casados. Para além do romance, o livro revela a dor dos personagens ao perder um filho, bem como o afastamento entre eles por não conseguirem consolar a dor um ao outro. O livro, para além das cenas de ações e conflitos, aborda a importância do diálogo entre um casal em um relacionamento, onde nem sempre a paixão sustenta um casamento. Uma história interessante e emocionante pelos seus pormenores.
August 6, 2011
Survival in the rugged world of warring clans and the Scottish highlands is cleverly juxtaposed to the delicate beauty of glassmaking around which, this novel is wrapped.
In ‘Seduced by Her Highland Warrior ‘ Michelle Willingham has woven such a unique tale in a crowded fictional world of Duke, Lords, and Countesses across the pond, that even with the much-written about Scotland , this novel is a standout and a refreshing tale.
The story of Alex and Laren MacKinloch rates unique for several reasons. Among them: the couple is married, topped by the fact that they are semi-estranged following the death of their son though they share a love for their two daughters.
It was wonderful to read a book that begins with a married couple who have a family yet, while clearly loyal to each other and bound by love, are separated by pain but not distracted by other pleasures or rivals.
A reluctant Lady to Alex’s chieftainship of the Mackinloch clan, the well-paced action opens with the destruction of the clan’s keep which sets the backdrop for all action and plot to revolve around. Willingham has created a rich cast of characters that support Alex and Laren including his many brothers and their wives, his formidable mother Grizel and Laren’s friends, Vanora and Nairna and Alex’s tormented brother Callum and fellow highlander Hamisch MacPherson.
Since the death of her baby, Laren has thrown herself into learning the craft of glassmaking to keep it alive while Alex, has struggled to keep the Mackinloch a viable tribe. As Alex rises to his position, Laren becomes a talented stained glass artist relishing the beauty she creates from the pain she keeps at bay. The loss of their son and her husband’s sudden rise to chieftain have estranged them as Alex seeks to win back Laren and she in turn tries to become the ‘lady’ of the clan he needs.
Following the sacking of their castle, Laren, eager to do her part in helping the clan rebuild and survive, is commissioned by an abbey to create stained glass windows which become her therapy and focus. This exacting craft whose enduring beauty is a marvel to all, is thoughtfully shared through scenes and the transformation of the sand to glass and spectacular colors evoke the conversion Alex and Laren experience in their journey back to one another.
Desperately shy and painfully aware of her familial status, Laren locks herself away in the furnaces near the keep with her apprentice Ramsey whom she has sheltered from an abusive father. With the help and encouragement of friends Nairna and Vanora, Laren slowly works to meet Alex half way.
I loved how Wilingham brings readers deep into the character’s point of view allowing us to see through their eyes, feel their emotions and understand these rustic highlanders. Through Laren’s exquisite glass making, readers come to comprehend the distress of her lowly upbringing, challenges of marrying ‘up’ and the raw loss of her baby son.
Alex’s relentless re-building of the fortress to defend his dwindling clan is symbolic of his determination to rescue his marriage and protect the lands and people over which he now resides as chief.
The lifestyle, love, loyalty and hardships a medieval Scottish clan suffer are portrayed with grace through kidnappings, destroyed homes, betrayals and war and the very fine characters Willingham has breathed life into.
As Laren and Alex bridge their way to one another, their youngest daughter is kidnapped and together with a rival clan, they must battle the evil English Lord who would destroy all chieftainships. The action is riveting and unforgiving as medieval battles can be, but this particular fight produces many unexpected results and survival.
A compelling and fulfilling story that will keep readers eagerly anticipating more as it beautifully unfolds to reveal layers of depth through characters, action and emotions. This novel speaks to the heart on many levels.
This story of love – between Alex and Laren and for Scottish clans - loyalty and belief in fellows is a powerful one which wraps around you like the mist around the Scottish lochs. I eagerly anticipate Willngham’s next novel!
In ‘Seduced by Her Highland Warrior ‘ Michelle Willingham has woven such a unique tale in a crowded fictional world of Duke, Lords, and Countesses across the pond, that even with the much-written about Scotland , this novel is a standout and a refreshing tale.
The story of Alex and Laren MacKinloch rates unique for several reasons. Among them: the couple is married, topped by the fact that they are semi-estranged following the death of their son though they share a love for their two daughters.
It was wonderful to read a book that begins with a married couple who have a family yet, while clearly loyal to each other and bound by love, are separated by pain but not distracted by other pleasures or rivals.
A reluctant Lady to Alex’s chieftainship of the Mackinloch clan, the well-paced action opens with the destruction of the clan’s keep which sets the backdrop for all action and plot to revolve around. Willingham has created a rich cast of characters that support Alex and Laren including his many brothers and their wives, his formidable mother Grizel and Laren’s friends, Vanora and Nairna and Alex’s tormented brother Callum and fellow highlander Hamisch MacPherson.
Since the death of her baby, Laren has thrown herself into learning the craft of glassmaking to keep it alive while Alex, has struggled to keep the Mackinloch a viable tribe. As Alex rises to his position, Laren becomes a talented stained glass artist relishing the beauty she creates from the pain she keeps at bay. The loss of their son and her husband’s sudden rise to chieftain have estranged them as Alex seeks to win back Laren and she in turn tries to become the ‘lady’ of the clan he needs.
Following the sacking of their castle, Laren, eager to do her part in helping the clan rebuild and survive, is commissioned by an abbey to create stained glass windows which become her therapy and focus. This exacting craft whose enduring beauty is a marvel to all, is thoughtfully shared through scenes and the transformation of the sand to glass and spectacular colors evoke the conversion Alex and Laren experience in their journey back to one another.
Desperately shy and painfully aware of her familial status, Laren locks herself away in the furnaces near the keep with her apprentice Ramsey whom she has sheltered from an abusive father. With the help and encouragement of friends Nairna and Vanora, Laren slowly works to meet Alex half way.
I loved how Wilingham brings readers deep into the character’s point of view allowing us to see through their eyes, feel their emotions and understand these rustic highlanders. Through Laren’s exquisite glass making, readers come to comprehend the distress of her lowly upbringing, challenges of marrying ‘up’ and the raw loss of her baby son.
Alex’s relentless re-building of the fortress to defend his dwindling clan is symbolic of his determination to rescue his marriage and protect the lands and people over which he now resides as chief.
The lifestyle, love, loyalty and hardships a medieval Scottish clan suffer are portrayed with grace through kidnappings, destroyed homes, betrayals and war and the very fine characters Willingham has breathed life into.
As Laren and Alex bridge their way to one another, their youngest daughter is kidnapped and together with a rival clan, they must battle the evil English Lord who would destroy all chieftainships. The action is riveting and unforgiving as medieval battles can be, but this particular fight produces many unexpected results and survival.
A compelling and fulfilling story that will keep readers eagerly anticipating more as it beautifully unfolds to reveal layers of depth through characters, action and emotions. This novel speaks to the heart on many levels.
This story of love – between Alex and Laren and for Scottish clans - loyalty and belief in fellows is a powerful one which wraps around you like the mist around the Scottish lochs. I eagerly anticipate Willngham’s next novel!
June 21, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Historical
Author’s Website: http://www.michellewillingham.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, The MacKinloch Clan
Series Best Read In Order: Worked Well As A Standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Alex and Laren have never quite had the approval of their clan as a couple. Laren is the daughter of a beggar, and as such her family was barely tolerated by the clan. Alex was in line for the position of chief, and refused to enter into a political marriage and instead wed the love of his life, Laren.
Shortly after the death of their infant son, however, both retreated from the other in their grief, and somewhere along the way they’ve lost the partnership they once shared. Alex, having to maintain a strong appearance for the sake of his clan, has never grieved openly for the death of his son, and instead pours his efforts into protecting and shaping the clan. Laren, being shy and having never found true acceptance within the clan, turned to the local priest, who secretly taught her the art of glassmaking. Keeping her skills from both her husband and the rest of the clan, she has begun to perfect her art, creating gorgeous stained-glass windows in secret.
When an attack on the clan turns everyone on their head, and at the encouragement of one of the few people who know of her work, decides to sell some of her work as a commission to the Church, knowing that if she can bring money into the clan with her own skills, that she will finally have earned the respect of her clan, and hopefully, of her husband.
When Alex appears to still want Laren to change into someone she isn’t — a woman who can help him to lead the clan — she’s heartbroken. Refusing to give up her craft, she slowly begins to regain the attention and affection of her husband.
However, when their young daughter is kidnapped by their enemies, will their newly rediscovered love be enough?
Overall, I found this one a lot more enjoyable than I’d anticipated. I’m not overly fond of “estrangement” stories as a rule, but the gulf between Alex and Laren wasn’t the result of callousness or insensitivity, but rather the result of a deep grief that neither knew how to properly express. Laren’s skill with stained glass was very interesting to read about, as was her journey to both rediscover her love for her husband and to become the leader that her clan needed her to be.
While this is the second book in the series, I do feel that it worked well as a standalone, which was also a plus.
Recommended for fans of a marriage stretched to its breaking point by fear and grief, of two lovers finding each other again despite their differences, and of breathing life into glass to create something of both beauty and value, and all smothered with a healthy dose of Highland Plaid ;)
4/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Historical
Author’s Website: http://www.michellewillingham.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, The MacKinloch Clan
Series Best Read In Order: Worked Well As A Standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Alex and Laren have never quite had the approval of their clan as a couple. Laren is the daughter of a beggar, and as such her family was barely tolerated by the clan. Alex was in line for the position of chief, and refused to enter into a political marriage and instead wed the love of his life, Laren.
Shortly after the death of their infant son, however, both retreated from the other in their grief, and somewhere along the way they’ve lost the partnership they once shared. Alex, having to maintain a strong appearance for the sake of his clan, has never grieved openly for the death of his son, and instead pours his efforts into protecting and shaping the clan. Laren, being shy and having never found true acceptance within the clan, turned to the local priest, who secretly taught her the art of glassmaking. Keeping her skills from both her husband and the rest of the clan, she has begun to perfect her art, creating gorgeous stained-glass windows in secret.
When an attack on the clan turns everyone on their head, and at the encouragement of one of the few people who know of her work, decides to sell some of her work as a commission to the Church, knowing that if she can bring money into the clan with her own skills, that she will finally have earned the respect of her clan, and hopefully, of her husband.
When Alex appears to still want Laren to change into someone she isn’t — a woman who can help him to lead the clan — she’s heartbroken. Refusing to give up her craft, she slowly begins to regain the attention and affection of her husband.
However, when their young daughter is kidnapped by their enemies, will their newly rediscovered love be enough?
Overall, I found this one a lot more enjoyable than I’d anticipated. I’m not overly fond of “estrangement” stories as a rule, but the gulf between Alex and Laren wasn’t the result of callousness or insensitivity, but rather the result of a deep grief that neither knew how to properly express. Laren’s skill with stained glass was very interesting to read about, as was her journey to both rediscover her love for her husband and to become the leader that her clan needed her to be.
While this is the second book in the series, I do feel that it worked well as a standalone, which was also a plus.
Recommended for fans of a marriage stretched to its breaking point by fear and grief, of two lovers finding each other again despite their differences, and of breathing life into glass to create something of both beauty and value, and all smothered with a healthy dose of Highland Plaid ;)
4/5 Stars
July 22, 2011
Redonk Nutshell: Ravaged by grief, a married couple struggles to rekindle their connection amidst a threatening British presence
This was my first read by Michelle Willingham. Highlander themes aren't necessarily my cup-o-tea, but I decided to give this one a try to spice things up a bit.
Clan chief Alex MacKinloch has managed to unite his people during the trying times of British threats along their borders. His personal life, however, is in dire need of repair. His wife, Laren, harbors grief over the loss of their infant son several years prior, and has been distancing herself from him ever since.
Coming from poor, humble beginnings, Laren has always carried a burdened worry that she was never "good enough" for her husband, especially since he became the chieftan. Besides caring for their two daughters, Laren has poured herself into her art of glassmaking. It's become her saving grace, a place for her to fully put aside her grief and self doubt. When their lands are attacked and their people are forced to figure a way to raise funds to rebuild, Laren finds a way to use her glass making to make money. Never one for wanting the limelight, Laren keeps it a secret from all but a few, including her husband.
This book was more or less the story of a ravaged couple trying to pick up the pieces of their marriage. We experience both sides of their story, following them through their insecurities and burdens. I thought it was an interesting journey, though at times I wanted to smack both of them for being so ignorant of one another. Then again, the loss of a child can render the strongest of us completely senseless. Alex & Laren lost their infant son a few days after his birth, and the two of them never truly recovered. When the novel begins, they're at the point where they seem like strangers to one another.
I won't ruin it for you and tell you how it ends. That's the whole point of the book. It's a satisfactory ending, I tell you that much. I enjoyed this book, if only because the premise was intriguing. I liked that this was a married couple, and that the courting process went a bit differently because of their history. While I enjoyed the read, there wasn't much else entirely remarkable about it. One of those..."oh, that was nice now on to something else" kind of books.
Seduced by Her Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham, 228 pgs, avail July 2011
Rating: C
Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 2/5
This was my first read by Michelle Willingham. Highlander themes aren't necessarily my cup-o-tea, but I decided to give this one a try to spice things up a bit.
Clan chief Alex MacKinloch has managed to unite his people during the trying times of British threats along their borders. His personal life, however, is in dire need of repair. His wife, Laren, harbors grief over the loss of their infant son several years prior, and has been distancing herself from him ever since.
Coming from poor, humble beginnings, Laren has always carried a burdened worry that she was never "good enough" for her husband, especially since he became the chieftan. Besides caring for their two daughters, Laren has poured herself into her art of glassmaking. It's become her saving grace, a place for her to fully put aside her grief and self doubt. When their lands are attacked and their people are forced to figure a way to raise funds to rebuild, Laren finds a way to use her glass making to make money. Never one for wanting the limelight, Laren keeps it a secret from all but a few, including her husband.
This book was more or less the story of a ravaged couple trying to pick up the pieces of their marriage. We experience both sides of their story, following them through their insecurities and burdens. I thought it was an interesting journey, though at times I wanted to smack both of them for being so ignorant of one another. Then again, the loss of a child can render the strongest of us completely senseless. Alex & Laren lost their infant son a few days after his birth, and the two of them never truly recovered. When the novel begins, they're at the point where they seem like strangers to one another.
I won't ruin it for you and tell you how it ends. That's the whole point of the book. It's a satisfactory ending, I tell you that much. I enjoyed this book, if only because the premise was intriguing. I liked that this was a married couple, and that the courting process went a bit differently because of their history. While I enjoyed the read, there wasn't much else entirely remarkable about it. One of those..."oh, that was nice now on to something else" kind of books.
Seduced by Her Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham, 228 pgs, avail July 2011
Rating: C
Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 2/5
June 18, 2011
Alex is the chief of his clan, a role he was never really suppose to have, and he and his wife Laren have been distant the last few years. Laren came from poverty and married Alex for love even though she knew she shouldn't have, she could never be the wife of a chief. Laren hated being in the spotlight and having the attention of others. After the clans strongehold is attacked and demolished Alex must rebuild his home and his marriage, because he has realized how far apart he and Laren have become. They used to love each other with such passion that he does not understand why she has become so distant, and what secrets she is keeping from him. Laren escapes everyday and Alex has no idea where she goes.
Laren has found a passion in glassblowing but she is fearful of telling Alex because she has been keeping this secret for so long that revealing it could damage their already strained marriage. Laren still loves Alex but so many things have changed and come between them she doesn't know if there is anything that can fix this marriage. Throughout this book each character has flashbacks to pivotal points in their relationship where things deteriorated. They each had their reasons from shying from the other person but the other person never knows they just believed they were pulling away.
This was a good story. It was very entertaining and enjoyable read. Some things that I did not particularly care for was Alex's attitude towards Laren's dislike for public speaking and leading. This was something he knew about when he married her, she didn't just suddenly become that way. Yet he chose to believe she would change and accept it, yet he never helped her or talked to her about it. That was just something that he expected her to do. On the other hand Laren never really did try. She knew what Alex would be when she married him and yet she never really tried to push her boundaries, or even discuss things that she had done to help the tribe. With the glassblowing no one knew how much she was helping they all thought she did nothing and she allowed them to believe that even though it hurt Alex's standing as chief.
Laren has found a passion in glassblowing but she is fearful of telling Alex because she has been keeping this secret for so long that revealing it could damage their already strained marriage. Laren still loves Alex but so many things have changed and come between them she doesn't know if there is anything that can fix this marriage. Throughout this book each character has flashbacks to pivotal points in their relationship where things deteriorated. They each had their reasons from shying from the other person but the other person never knows they just believed they were pulling away.
This was a good story. It was very entertaining and enjoyable read. Some things that I did not particularly care for was Alex's attitude towards Laren's dislike for public speaking and leading. This was something he knew about when he married her, she didn't just suddenly become that way. Yet he chose to believe she would change and accept it, yet he never helped her or talked to her about it. That was just something that he expected her to do. On the other hand Laren never really did try. She knew what Alex would be when she married him and yet she never really tried to push her boundaries, or even discuss things that she had done to help the tribe. With the glassblowing no one knew how much she was helping they all thought she did nothing and she allowed them to believe that even though it hurt Alex's standing as chief.
July 23, 2011
Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by NetGalley
I'm a sucker for a good medieval romance. There's just something about the primitive culture (at least by our standards, they were actually pretty advanced if you think about it) and the uber alpha males. And if you put that medieval story in the Scottish highlands... well, be still my heart. Seduced by Her Highland Warrior has all the ingredients I need for a winning read.
I found that I really enjoyed this book, the first I've ever read from Michelle Willingham. The premise was one that is not normally seen in a romance, but more often in chick-lit. The main characters, in this case Alex and Laren, are already married, but have drifted apart. The romance comes from them trying to repair the rift that separates them. Alex is that alpha male, but also feels deeply for his family and clan and will do anything for them. Laren isn't your normal chieftain's wife. She's shy and withdrawn and is carrying a secret. Following an attack on their home, Alex realizes how much he and his wife have drifted and while rebuilding their home, he decides to rebuild their relationship as well. Laren wants to repair the rift, but isn't sure she's able to trust Alex again after he inadvertently broke her heart and isn't sure how he will react about her secret.
This book has it all -- an interesting premise, notable characters, romance and such descriptive scenes that made it feel like I was watching them on a screen. After finishing the book, I realized that it's the second in a series. Now I need to go hunt down book one.
Book provided by NetGalley
I'm a sucker for a good medieval romance. There's just something about the primitive culture (at least by our standards, they were actually pretty advanced if you think about it) and the uber alpha males. And if you put that medieval story in the Scottish highlands... well, be still my heart. Seduced by Her Highland Warrior has all the ingredients I need for a winning read.
I found that I really enjoyed this book, the first I've ever read from Michelle Willingham. The premise was one that is not normally seen in a romance, but more often in chick-lit. The main characters, in this case Alex and Laren, are already married, but have drifted apart. The romance comes from them trying to repair the rift that separates them. Alex is that alpha male, but also feels deeply for his family and clan and will do anything for them. Laren isn't your normal chieftain's wife. She's shy and withdrawn and is carrying a secret. Following an attack on their home, Alex realizes how much he and his wife have drifted and while rebuilding their home, he decides to rebuild their relationship as well. Laren wants to repair the rift, but isn't sure she's able to trust Alex again after he inadvertently broke her heart and isn't sure how he will react about her secret.
This book has it all -- an interesting premise, notable characters, romance and such descriptive scenes that made it feel like I was watching them on a screen. After finishing the book, I realized that it's the second in a series. Now I need to go hunt down book one.
December 9, 2011
I loved this book. You don't often read stories of a husband and wife finding love again. This was a nice change of pace. Alex and Lauren have lost their way with each other through no fault of their own and misunderstandings due to life's circumstances. I love the way Michelle Willingham weaves this beautiful love story of renewing love between husband and wife. She truly uses the gold strands of love and caring along with silver strands of devotion to create a beautiful tapestry I could not put down until complete. I have a soft spot for artist and Lauren is a glass blower. I could really connect with her and her struggles. Along with having a handsome highland warrior and some wonderfully hot sex this book is a winner.
July 8, 2015
3.5 Stars
Like others, I got tired of Laren and her internal whining. I also thought Alex a gallant hero but quite dense as far as understanding women. The warrior method of using force (or a louder voice) when wanting to enforce ones will does not work on anyone. Even those with low self-esteem find ways to rebel. There were times when one or both would think and talk rationally only to fall back on old assumptions. It was tedious. I wish I could say that I learned how such a situation between two people is worked out but, no, a miracle happened and they decided enough was enough. The story picked up with the kidnapping and rescue and I'm glad I kept reading. There's no cliffhanger ending but I'm certainly ready to read Callum's story which is next.
Like others, I got tired of Laren and her internal whining. I also thought Alex a gallant hero but quite dense as far as understanding women. The warrior method of using force (or a louder voice) when wanting to enforce ones will does not work on anyone. Even those with low self-esteem find ways to rebel. There were times when one or both would think and talk rationally only to fall back on old assumptions. It was tedious. I wish I could say that I learned how such a situation between two people is worked out but, no, a miracle happened and they decided enough was enough. The story picked up with the kidnapping and rescue and I'm glad I kept reading. There's no cliffhanger ending but I'm certainly ready to read Callum's story which is next.
December 28, 2012
3.5 stars
I'm very glad I finished this book. The ending was wonderful and kept my attention so much more than the first half of the story. The beginning seemed really slow for me. I liked the characters. The heroine wasn't the tough, in-your-face kinda character. She was quiet and not outspoken at all. I found I really liked her. It was a nice change to most heroines I always read about.
I'm very glad I finished this book. The ending was wonderful and kept my attention so much more than the first half of the story. The beginning seemed really slow for me. I liked the characters. The heroine wasn't the tough, in-your-face kinda character. She was quiet and not outspoken at all. I found I really liked her. It was a nice change to most heroines I always read about.
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: The MacKinloch Clan
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