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McCabe Trilogy #1-3
The Highlander Series
From a rising star in Scottish romance comes a breathtaking trilogy of forbidden passion, legendary heroes, and sacred bonds. In Maya Banks’s Highlander series, collected here in one must-have eBook bundle, three unforgettable brothers risk everything to save their clan and their legacy—and to surrender their hearts to love. Contains a thrilling preview of Maya Banks’s sensual new novel, Never Seduce a Scot! IN BED WITH A HIGHLANDER Ewan McCabe is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust into his life. The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin is wary of love. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan—a man who dreams only of revenge—to confront his demons and conquer the strangest territory of his heart. SEDUCTION OF A HIGHLAND LASS Fiercely loyal to his family, Alaric McCabe is prepared to wed for duty as well. But on his way to claim the daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead—only to be saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel. An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald is drawn to the wounded warrior and his strong, lean body. As forbidden love draws them into pleasures of the flesh, conspiracy and danger circle closer. Alaric must make an impossible Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves? NEVER LOVE A HIGHLANDER Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan—now he must marry to salvage an uneasy alliance. But Caelen trusts no woman, especially not the beauty who torments him with white-hot longing. Rionna McDonald had vowed to protect her heart—until she finds herself craving the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. When the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna risks her life to prove to Caelen that their love is too precious to lose.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
205 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
246 books21.6k followersMaya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 2, 2016
Not surprisingly, this trilogy has virgin heroines and alpha heroes:/
But. but. but it has a seamless blend of highland romance, and strong characters who have hearts of gold. The storyline grabbed my attention from the start and I pretty much read these books in a row:D
But. but. but it has a seamless blend of highland romance, and strong characters who have hearts of gold. The storyline grabbed my attention from the start and I pretty much read these books in a row:D
November 16, 2025
One of the best Highland series written. The last book was my hands-down favorite.
March 15, 2018
One of the best highlander series!
October 15, 2015
Great box set, each of these stories were enjoyable and either a 4 or 5 star read
In Bed with a Highlander
Seduction of a Highland Lass
I was not prepared for what happened later on in the book, fair warning TISSUES are a MUST!!!
Alaric McCabe and Keeley McDonald are my favorite of all the couples. Alaric is brought to Keeley's cottage by his horse after he is ambushed and severely injured. I guess you could say that the horse was the matchmaker with this couple. ;) Alaric was bound to marriage with Rionna McDonald, their families binding together would hold them strong against those that want to conquer their king and take what isn't rightfully theirs but fate had other plans for him. Keeley is adorable, she is a healer and she was banished from the McDonald clan for something that she didn't do. I LOVED these two together!!! and you must remember to have tissues nearby I was crying like a baby towards the end of the book.
Never Love a Highlander
So close to a five star read for me. I have loved reading all three brothers stories but Alaric is still my favorite.
Caelen McCabe and Rionna McDonald are not a match made in heaven as they walk down the aisle. When Rionna was not married to Alaric McCabe Caelen stepped up and agreed to marry her to bond their families together. Rionna's father is a real piece of work, I know arranged marriages were the norm at that time but her dad was despicable with the way he leeched onto young women, he was so bad that Rionna took to binding her breasts, dressing like a man, and learned to fight just in case her dad ever came to her looking for unfatherly things. She is one tough cookie! I was pissed with her mother for not teaching her how a woman is suppose to carry herself and care for the home and such, all Rionna knew was how to act like a man.
Caelen had a lot to get over, he had his hart so broken he vowed that he would never let a woman get to him again. Rionna and Caelen each had a lot to over come and it was great watching them grow together.
In Bed with a Highlander
Seduction of a Highland Lass
I was not prepared for what happened later on in the book, fair warning TISSUES are a MUST!!!
Alaric McCabe and Keeley McDonald are my favorite of all the couples. Alaric is brought to Keeley's cottage by his horse after he is ambushed and severely injured. I guess you could say that the horse was the matchmaker with this couple. ;) Alaric was bound to marriage with Rionna McDonald, their families binding together would hold them strong against those that want to conquer their king and take what isn't rightfully theirs but fate had other plans for him. Keeley is adorable, she is a healer and she was banished from the McDonald clan for something that she didn't do. I LOVED these two together!!! and you must remember to have tissues nearby I was crying like a baby towards the end of the book.
Never Love a Highlander
So close to a five star read for me. I have loved reading all three brothers stories but Alaric is still my favorite.
Caelen McCabe and Rionna McDonald are not a match made in heaven as they walk down the aisle. When Rionna was not married to Alaric McCabe Caelen stepped up and agreed to marry her to bond their families together. Rionna's father is a real piece of work, I know arranged marriages were the norm at that time but her dad was despicable with the way he leeched onto young women, he was so bad that Rionna took to binding her breasts, dressing like a man, and learned to fight just in case her dad ever came to her looking for unfatherly things. She is one tough cookie! I was pissed with her mother for not teaching her how a woman is suppose to carry herself and care for the home and such, all Rionna knew was how to act like a man.
Caelen had a lot to get over, he had his hart so broken he vowed that he would never let a woman get to him again. Rionna and Caelen each had a lot to over come and it was great watching them grow together.
June 2, 2015
AMAZING!!! The entire series was great, thus this book was the best by far!!!
May 24, 2013
I've read all of Maya's KGI series, and I really enjoyed them, but I've avoided her historical romance ones (mainly I confess because they are a bit pricey, and with so many good romance books available free or for 77p my budget, or lack thereof, couldn't justify it!). But I got a price alert that this bundle was on sale, and having overdone it recently on samey types of contemporary romances I was looking for a change, so I went for it.
I have to say, I am glad I did. While I still think her contemporary books have the edge, I did really like this trilogy. It was hot and steamy enough to keep my interest and as always with this author it had good characters, good dialogue and was well written.
I'm not sure I loved them enough to splurge on the rest of her historical romances at full price, but if they come down at all then I'd definitely consider it.
I have to say, I am glad I did. While I still think her contemporary books have the edge, I did really like this trilogy. It was hot and steamy enough to keep my interest and as always with this author it had good characters, good dialogue and was well written.
I'm not sure I loved them enough to splurge on the rest of her historical romances at full price, but if they come down at all then I'd definitely consider it.
February 5, 2014
Excellent.
December 18, 2020
By and1515
Book 3#
Good weather, bad weather, and the same wedding dress but a different groom.
Rionna prayed that third time would be a charm because honestly there was no one else and frankly she was tired of being pushed aside for another lass.
She needed this marriage to rebuild her clan they deserved so much more after the damage her own father caused.
However when Caelen went to get his new wife he shocked when found her deep in her cups so yeah so much for a wonderful wedding night .
Rionna was never an fanciful miss she perferd male clothes to women and her sword.
But when she's convinced to show of her true beauty her new husband doesn't react as one would expect and instead insults her for the way she dressed.
And continued to make her feel foolish and when she'd had enough of him.
Rionna know the moment her father appeared he was up to no good and she'd been shocked that he would ever think to aline their clan with that horrible man.
The one thing Rionna could say about her new husband he'd been right kissing was a wonderful thing.
And then after their mad dash for her home Caelen showed her the best part of being married.
However life isn't as hunky dory as many had hoped it would be especially the fact her clansmen refuse to expect her new husband and disrespected him at almost every turn.
But he meant to win them over or at the very least beat them until they saw things his way.
Rionna about died when word reached them about the peril her husband was in trapped with their worst enemy and she intended to get him back no matter what she had to do she was getting her husband back.
Book 3#
Good weather, bad weather, and the same wedding dress but a different groom.
Rionna prayed that third time would be a charm because honestly there was no one else and frankly she was tired of being pushed aside for another lass.
She needed this marriage to rebuild her clan they deserved so much more after the damage her own father caused.
However when Caelen went to get his new wife he shocked when found her deep in her cups so yeah so much for a wonderful wedding night .
Rionna was never an fanciful miss she perferd male clothes to women and her sword.
But when she's convinced to show of her true beauty her new husband doesn't react as one would expect and instead insults her for the way she dressed.
And continued to make her feel foolish and when she'd had enough of him.
Rionna know the moment her father appeared he was up to no good and she'd been shocked that he would ever think to aline their clan with that horrible man.
The one thing Rionna could say about her new husband he'd been right kissing was a wonderful thing.
And then after their mad dash for her home Caelen showed her the best part of being married.
However life isn't as hunky dory as many had hoped it would be especially the fact her clansmen refuse to expect her new husband and disrespected him at almost every turn.
But he meant to win them over or at the very least beat them until they saw things his way.
Rionna about died when word reached them about the peril her husband was in trapped with their worst enemy and she intended to get him back no matter what she had to do she was getting her husband back.
May 21, 2017
This book includes all three books in the McCabe Trilogy.
In Bed with a Highlander is the story of Ewan McCabe, the eldest McCabe brother and laird of the McCabe clan, and Mairin, the illegitimate daughter of the king. Mairin has been hiding most of her life in order to avoid marriage with someone who is only after her inheritance. She marries Ewan after being abducted by and escaping from an abusive laird who wants to marry her to gain that inheritance.
Seduction of a Highland Lass is the story of middle brother Alaric McCabe and Keeley McDonald. Keeley was banished from her clan as a young girl and is taken in by the McCabe clan after caring for an injured Alaric. Fate conspires to keep the two apart, but that doesn't prevent them from falling in love with each other.
Never Love a Highlander is the story of youngest brother, Caelen McCabe, and Rionna McDonald, the daughter of the nearby McDonald clan's laird. Rionna and Caelen marry in order to ally their clans, but soon come to care for each other.
This was not my first time reading this series, I read it a few years ago, and loved it so much that I bought the e-book bundle recently so that I could re-read it.
All of the books are wonderful, with drama, intrigue, and steamy sex scenes.
I became very attached to the characters and found it difficult to put the books down. I loved that the female characters were strong, and stood up for themselves, and in some cases, even defended their men. But be prepared, I needed a box of tissues for book two, even though I had already read it.
In Bed with a Highlander is the story of Ewan McCabe, the eldest McCabe brother and laird of the McCabe clan, and Mairin, the illegitimate daughter of the king. Mairin has been hiding most of her life in order to avoid marriage with someone who is only after her inheritance. She marries Ewan after being abducted by and escaping from an abusive laird who wants to marry her to gain that inheritance.
Seduction of a Highland Lass is the story of middle brother Alaric McCabe and Keeley McDonald. Keeley was banished from her clan as a young girl and is taken in by the McCabe clan after caring for an injured Alaric. Fate conspires to keep the two apart, but that doesn't prevent them from falling in love with each other.
Never Love a Highlander is the story of youngest brother, Caelen McCabe, and Rionna McDonald, the daughter of the nearby McDonald clan's laird. Rionna and Caelen marry in order to ally their clans, but soon come to care for each other.
This was not my first time reading this series, I read it a few years ago, and loved it so much that I bought the e-book bundle recently so that I could re-read it.
All of the books are wonderful, with drama, intrigue, and steamy sex scenes.
I became very attached to the characters and found it difficult to put the books down. I loved that the female characters were strong, and stood up for themselves, and in some cases, even defended their men. But be prepared, I needed a box of tissues for book two, even though I had already read it.
February 5, 2018
The McCabes are Highlander brothers struggling to rebuilt their clan following a devastating slaughter 8 years ago, perpetrated by a woman, related to one of the nastiest men in the Highlands, who'd seduced the youngest brother. Each of the books dwells on one of the brothers and how they managed to stay strong warriors yet still manage to find equally strong women who actually made them even stronger and more human.
Others have said that the men degraded the women. Truth is, this is the way it was in that time, and through most of time until maybe the early 1900s. Women were considered second class citizens at the best, and when they married that became the man's property. These women -- Mairin, Keeley and Roinin -- deferred to the men when they had to, but they all had minds of their own and became pretty close to equals.
This is one series where it's very important to read in order. And be sure to have a lot of time, because it's hard to put down!
Others have said that the men degraded the women. Truth is, this is the way it was in that time, and through most of time until maybe the early 1900s. Women were considered second class citizens at the best, and when they married that became the man's property. These women -- Mairin, Keeley and Roinin -- deferred to the men when they had to, but they all had minds of their own and became pretty close to equals.
This is one series where it's very important to read in order. And be sure to have a lot of time, because it's hard to put down!
August 21, 2023
It has come to my attention that I somehow missed logging and reviewing this trilogy when I read it earlier this year.
I had read one other Maya Banks book prior to this and was unimpressed with the writing but I was on a highlander kick and decided to pick this up. The writing was much better, but I was not completely enamored with the first book. Ewan got on my nerves, but I liked Mairin and a lot of the supporting characters. I wanted to know more about their stories so I kept on reading and thank goodness I did because the next 2 were so much better. The best part of the series are the heroines. You really are rooting for them. Nothing against Alaric and Caelen; they are just not as good as their loves.
I had read one other Maya Banks book prior to this and was unimpressed with the writing but I was on a highlander kick and decided to pick this up. The writing was much better, but I was not completely enamored with the first book. Ewan got on my nerves, but I liked Mairin and a lot of the supporting characters. I wanted to know more about their stories so I kept on reading and thank goodness I did because the next 2 were so much better. The best part of the series are the heroines. You really are rooting for them. Nothing against Alaric and Caelen; they are just not as good as their loves.
January 22, 2019
I liked this trilogy a lot! The women were strong! The men highlander worthy 😉 and they were easy reads. (I didn’t feel a strong need to throw said book across the room because the characters were being completely stupid) I read all of these in just over a day (would’ve been less than 24 hrs if I didn’t sleep, eat, or work) but, alas! Life isn’t perfect. The audio version was also well done— I listened to part of it when working, and read it when I wasn’t! Overall I’d definitely recommend it!
December 5, 2022
The series as a whole was great. It came out in 2011 but it's really good for an older series. Maya Banks should write more Highlander books. I found reading about the McCabe bros and their women thoroughly entertaining. Doesn't hurt that it's also not a long series(only 3 books). I'd highly recommend this series if you like highlander books, protective alpha men and women with backbones who aren't afraid to voice their opinion or go to bat for people they care for. 4.7 overall rating for me.
July 8, 2019
These three brothers have another thing coming to them when they come across the paths of their ladies. Each lady is just what each brother needs to bring them great joy and happiness. Their clan gets completed and made while once more. After 8 years of uncertainty this is just what the doctor ordered.
August 13, 2019
Each of these 3 books is the story of one of three brothers. Each story tells a tale of danger, hard life of the times, and the finding of love. Each brother is a warrior to be reckoned with. Each woman is strong in her own way and stand by their men with courage and strength. I love all 3 of these stories and wish there were more. Good wins over evil yet again.
December 5, 2016
One of the best series EVER! Suspense, romance, drama, battle, intrigue, plot, love...all that and more. It's one of those you can read over and over. In fact, I wouldn't mind re-reading these this coming year. They were fantastic.
April 7, 2021
Love a good bundle
Sooo...this was my first time reading a Maya Banks novel. Recently came across a Highlander series and this series came up on my suggested readings. Having the bundle so that the stories flowed naturally was flawless to me. Overall, super cute reads 😊
Sooo...this was my first time reading a Maya Banks novel. Recently came across a Highlander series and this series came up on my suggested readings. Having the bundle so that the stories flowed naturally was flawless to me. Overall, super cute reads 😊
August 15, 2021
a fun and compelling series that is such a great distraction. yes, it's a series of historical romances so the patriarchy is strong, but the women are also rebellious as fuck. i liked this series very much.
December 9, 2020
Great read of the lives of 3 brothers!
July 12, 2021
v sketchy consent at times but overall your basic morally questionable but entertaining quick read hr LOL
January 7, 2024
So good 🥰
September 10, 2024
Read the books individually
May 5, 2025
This is my favorite of the three. A great ending and one that is full of determination and love.
February 11, 2017
first book was the best other ones were readable.
May 18, 2021
Nothing like a little bodice ripper palate cleanser. The third book in the series was my favorite by far, but they were all fun and steamy.
November 25, 2017
In Bed with a Highlander, the first installment from Maya Banks’ McCabe Trilogy, is the very first Scottish historical romance novel I’ve read, and consequently, also serves as an introduction to several more of the same genre that would burn my midnight oil thus far. I admit not being well-read about Scotland’s mores and history, although I have always been fascinated with the place and its castles and William Wallace (the latter thanks to Braveheart).
Somehow I’ve already surmised that the historical backdrop in this novel, as in the other novels filed under my “Highlander” book list, is but a flimsy excuse to sweeten the focus on graphic romance and wordy reruns of the characters’ many intimate moments—if the blurb, title and book cover weren’t evident enough. I’ve also predicted that this isn’t anything than another boy-meets-girl storyline: they fall in love, get past the hurdles that shroud that great love, and live happily ever after. However, since I was new to this fixation of Scottish-themed historical romance reads, it was somewhat refreshing to gain a little know-how of medieval fighting using claymores and axes, learn a few Gaelic words and clan names, and experience a virtual tour of the Scottish Highlands. Plus, the very fact that all the heroes in my “Highlander” list are handsome, strapping warrior lairds with thick Scottish brogue and a profound sense of right and wrong made it all the more easier for me to squeeze them into my bucket list, without hesitation (ha-ha).
This book (and genre) was an easy read, and I give credit to Maya Banks’ inventive streak in story-telling and in phrasing that witty imagination. It wasn’t altogether amazing for me, but it was worth passing the time with and having my hands full especially when I suffered from bouts of sleepless nights during those times. As if the other 60+ books of the same genre that I shelved weren’t proof enough. :-)
Somehow I’ve already surmised that the historical backdrop in this novel, as in the other novels filed under my “Highlander” book list, is but a flimsy excuse to sweeten the focus on graphic romance and wordy reruns of the characters’ many intimate moments—if the blurb, title and book cover weren’t evident enough. I’ve also predicted that this isn’t anything than another boy-meets-girl storyline: they fall in love, get past the hurdles that shroud that great love, and live happily ever after. However, since I was new to this fixation of Scottish-themed historical romance reads, it was somewhat refreshing to gain a little know-how of medieval fighting using claymores and axes, learn a few Gaelic words and clan names, and experience a virtual tour of the Scottish Highlands. Plus, the very fact that all the heroes in my “Highlander” list are handsome, strapping warrior lairds with thick Scottish brogue and a profound sense of right and wrong made it all the more easier for me to squeeze them into my bucket list, without hesitation (ha-ha).
This book (and genre) was an easy read, and I give credit to Maya Banks’ inventive streak in story-telling and in phrasing that witty imagination. It wasn’t altogether amazing for me, but it was worth passing the time with and having my hands full especially when I suffered from bouts of sleepless nights during those times. As if the other 60+ books of the same genre that I shelved weren’t proof enough. :-)
August 13, 2016
In Bed with a Highlander - Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior ready to take back what is his clan's—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin is the llegitimate daughter of the king and quite possibly the answer to his clan's survival.
Where can I find me a Highlander that wont mind the differences? I am so in love. I will continue to read much more.
Seduction of a Highland Lass - Alaric McCabe is in the fight for his clan's birthright by wedding for duty. An unforeseen incident happens while in route to the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain. Left for dead his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, Keeley McDonald.
I have found me another Highlander that I would be ooooooooooooo so satisfied with. Strong minded and strong willed. We would hit it off just fine.
Never Love a Highlander - Caelen McCabeis ready to put family loyalty above all else. To do this he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man and warrior that is not so welcomed by her family in general, but her new husband may have different views.
Rionna is a very strong lass, she has my full support to do whatever to protect her man. Caelen did have a pray on his side when he won the favor and love of a strong willed woman. There is nothing like protecting those you love.
Where can I find me a Highlander that wont mind the differences? I am so in love. I will continue to read much more.
Seduction of a Highland Lass - Alaric McCabe is in the fight for his clan's birthright by wedding for duty. An unforeseen incident happens while in route to the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain. Left for dead his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, Keeley McDonald.
I have found me another Highlander that I would be ooooooooooooo so satisfied with. Strong minded and strong willed. We would hit it off just fine.
Never Love a Highlander - Caelen McCabeis ready to put family loyalty above all else. To do this he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man and warrior that is not so welcomed by her family in general, but her new husband may have different views.
Rionna is a very strong lass, she has my full support to do whatever to protect her man. Caelen did have a pray on his side when he won the favor and love of a strong willed woman. There is nothing like protecting those you love.
July 10, 2019
I absolutely loved this series! The three leading female characters were wonderfully written. All three of them we're magnificently brave, fiercely loyal, incredibly strong, and passionate heroines. And they’ve found the perfect leading men to complement them. Men, whom after many trails and errors, have learned to open their hearts and find that missing piece of themselves...
all three novels had brilliant storylines! They were captivating!
all three novels had brilliant storylines! They were captivating!
November 2, 2014
Maya Banks has blown me away again with the three books all wrapped up in one book. Maya Banks weaves such an interesting tale that you literally find yourself transported to the highlands of Scotland. Impossible to put down. The books flowed so well and kept my attention. It made me laugh and cry during some parts. If you want to read a great story. Read this trilogy. At parts of different stories I laughed so hard I cried and at other parts I cried (but they were not tears of joy).
June 28, 2014
Highland or bust
I've read many a trilogy and really wasn't expecting much. Honestly I just picked the series because I needed something to read. And I'm so glad I did. Maya Banks weaves such an interesting tale that you literally find yourself transported to the highlands of Scotland. A must read!
I've read many a trilogy and really wasn't expecting much. Honestly I just picked the series because I needed something to read. And I'm so glad I did. Maya Banks weaves such an interesting tale that you literally find yourself transported to the highlands of Scotland. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews