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Highland Lairds Trilogy #3
Black Raven's Lady
This exciting conclusion to the popular Highland Lairds Trilogy features a runaway lass and the laird who will do anything to protect her.
Feisty Lady Raine Cameron has been surrounded her whole life by gossip claiming she is not her father's daughter. Determined to find her true heritage, the dark-haired beauty boards the Black Raven under false pretenses in search of the man who she believes is her father, a man who is also a traitor to Scotland. Only the Black Raven himself stands in her way…
Laird Keir MacNeil has a reputation for being a ruthless and powerful ship captain. On a mission to apprehend Scotland's most wanted traitor, he never expected to see Raine on his ship. Keir vows to keep Raine out of harm's way and return her to her family untarnished. But as his lust for her grows, he must choose between honor and the woman he never expected to desire.
Feisty Lady Raine Cameron has been surrounded her whole life by gossip claiming she is not her father's daughter. Determined to find her true heritage, the dark-haired beauty boards the Black Raven under false pretenses in search of the man who she believes is her father, a man who is also a traitor to Scotland. Only the Black Raven himself stands in her way…
Laird Keir MacNeil has a reputation for being a ruthless and powerful ship captain. On a mission to apprehend Scotland's most wanted traitor, he never expected to see Raine on his ship. Keir vows to keep Raine out of harm's way and return her to her family untarnished. But as his lust for her grows, he must choose between honor and the woman he never expected to desire.
416 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 21, 2014
29 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Harrington
19 books182 followersKathleen Harrington, winner of the Colorado Romance Writers' Award of Excellence, has touched the hearts of readers across the country with her sparkling tales of high adventure and unending love. Her historical romances have been finalists for Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice, Virginia Romance Writers' HOLT Medallion, and the Phoenix Desert Rose Golden Quill. Her fabulous heroes have garnered the K.I.S.S. (Knight in Shining Silver) Award. She lives in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 19, 2014
A highlander romance that I enjoyed, Black Raven's Lady was a lovely read. It had its flaws, but it was a great romance.
Raine was a likable heroine. Strong-willed and clever, she was definitely a force to be reckoned with. She could be frustratingly impulsive but, in general, she was a lovely character.
Keir was good as well. He put on a gruff face but he was really quite sweet. I liked him as well.
The romance was good. Keir had had feelings for Raine for a while but thought she deserved better and didn't act on them, while Raine finally realized that she felt more for him than exasperation. They were sweet together and definitely had chemistry.
I had a few minor problems with the book. First, I wish that I had seen more of Raine actually realizing the good qualities that Keir had and falling for him based on those. As it was, her feelings only flipped when she thought they had been spelled together by faeries. It took down the book a bit because I didn't get a sense that he loved him for him. Second, both of the issues that Raine and Keir had with their parents were a bit odd. Raine thought that a man she saw in a vision with her mother was her birth father and Keir believed the rumors that his father had kidnapped and raped his mother. It was strange because both issues could easily have been resolved if Raine an Keir had actually asked their mothers about it. They had their reasons but I just didn't buy them completely. These issues did bring the book down for me. I still liked it but I just didn't love it.
The plot moved steadily and I was kept interested the entire way through. There were plenty of thrills along the way as Raine got herself into one scrape or another. I enjoyed the story and the ending was great.
Black Raven's Lady was an enjoyable historical romance. It was a sweet read that I liked. Romance lovers, you might want to check this book out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Raine was a likable heroine. Strong-willed and clever, she was definitely a force to be reckoned with. She could be frustratingly impulsive but, in general, she was a lovely character.
Keir was good as well. He put on a gruff face but he was really quite sweet. I liked him as well.
The romance was good. Keir had had feelings for Raine for a while but thought she deserved better and didn't act on them, while Raine finally realized that she felt more for him than exasperation. They were sweet together and definitely had chemistry.
I had a few minor problems with the book. First, I wish that I had seen more of Raine actually realizing the good qualities that Keir had and falling for him based on those. As it was, her feelings only flipped when she thought they had been spelled together by faeries. It took down the book a bit because I didn't get a sense that he loved him for him. Second, both of the issues that Raine and Keir had with their parents were a bit odd. Raine thought that a man she saw in a vision with her mother was her birth father and Keir believed the rumors that his father had kidnapped and raped his mother. It was strange because both issues could easily have been resolved if Raine an Keir had actually asked their mothers about it. They had their reasons but I just didn't buy them completely. These issues did bring the book down for me. I still liked it but I just didn't love it.
The plot moved steadily and I was kept interested the entire way through. There were plenty of thrills along the way as Raine got herself into one scrape or another. I enjoyed the story and the ending was great.
Black Raven's Lady was an enjoyable historical romance. It was a sweet read that I liked. Romance lovers, you might want to check this book out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
October 26, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Wicked Reads.
I'd rated it between 3 and 4 stars
This was an interesting and adventurous historical read for me. The characters were unique and easy for me to like. I regret not reading the other books in the series before reading this one because there were times where I felt like I should have already know more about the story line or characters, but that is my own fault for beginning in the middle of a series.
The ship/ sea setting was intriguing and full of adventure. I loved the unique cast of shipmates. I don't know much about the ships or sea life of the era, so the detailed descriptions of navigating, ship areas, and battle scenes were a nice touch for the reader to "see" the bigger picture.
I really liked both lead characters. Keir is the fierce, stubborn, in charge, alpha-male who has a reputation. Raine is whimsical, bull-headed, and feisty. They both are strong, determined, and ready to give up everything for what they believe.
Their romance was nicely built up and not the instant head over heels love that we often see. They definitely faced many conflicts along the way, but they built a wonderfully sweet and loving bond along the way.
The only down points I can find are that the folklore was a little understated,the major conflicts could have been avoided by the main characters actually talking to their parents instead of assuming everything and that the situation with the traders wasn't resolved. I believe that resolution may take place in a future book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical romance filled with adventure and unique characters.
I'd rated it between 3 and 4 stars
This was an interesting and adventurous historical read for me. The characters were unique and easy for me to like. I regret not reading the other books in the series before reading this one because there were times where I felt like I should have already know more about the story line or characters, but that is my own fault for beginning in the middle of a series.
The ship/ sea setting was intriguing and full of adventure. I loved the unique cast of shipmates. I don't know much about the ships or sea life of the era, so the detailed descriptions of navigating, ship areas, and battle scenes were a nice touch for the reader to "see" the bigger picture.
I really liked both lead characters. Keir is the fierce, stubborn, in charge, alpha-male who has a reputation. Raine is whimsical, bull-headed, and feisty. They both are strong, determined, and ready to give up everything for what they believe.
Their romance was nicely built up and not the instant head over heels love that we often see. They definitely faced many conflicts along the way, but they built a wonderfully sweet and loving bond along the way.
The only down points I can find are that the folklore was a little understated,the major conflicts could have been avoided by the main characters actually talking to their parents instead of assuming everything and that the situation with the traders wasn't resolved. I believe that resolution may take place in a future book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical romance filled with adventure and unique characters.
October 25, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
Whilst I do not normally indulge in historical romance, I am such a fan of ships and sailing, that this attracted my attention immediately - and how glad I am that it did.
This is the third in the trilogy, and I recognise that I probably missed some of the nuance because of this, however it was a really good read in its own right. I am not an expert on the period in question, but I have visited many of the places mentioned, and have some school girl history, to support my feeling that it was done properly. I was very grateful that it was written in English with no speech in dialect - that can make reading very slow.
I liked the premise of the plot, I really liked the lead characters, a lot, and the supporting cast were wonderful. From the scimitar waving navigator to the young midshipmen, from Barrow to his Uncle, they became real parts of the adventure. The adventure elements were front and centre, just as much as the romance, and the changes in pace and issue made for interesting reading. That Lady Raine had a strong personality and a strong sense of self, made the way that she and Kier reacted when together much more appealing. There is no denying that the author gives us some seriously heated moments, and yet perfectly in context.
I was sorely disappointed when I reached the last page, especially as this is the last in a trilogy. I shall have to hope that the characters get a reprieve and appear in another series in the near future - they deserved their moment of glory too!
Whilst I do not normally indulge in historical romance, I am such a fan of ships and sailing, that this attracted my attention immediately - and how glad I am that it did.
This is the third in the trilogy, and I recognise that I probably missed some of the nuance because of this, however it was a really good read in its own right. I am not an expert on the period in question, but I have visited many of the places mentioned, and have some school girl history, to support my feeling that it was done properly. I was very grateful that it was written in English with no speech in dialect - that can make reading very slow.
I liked the premise of the plot, I really liked the lead characters, a lot, and the supporting cast were wonderful. From the scimitar waving navigator to the young midshipmen, from Barrow to his Uncle, they became real parts of the adventure. The adventure elements were front and centre, just as much as the romance, and the changes in pace and issue made for interesting reading. That Lady Raine had a strong personality and a strong sense of self, made the way that she and Kier reacted when together much more appealing. There is no denying that the author gives us some seriously heated moments, and yet perfectly in context.
I was sorely disappointed when I reached the last page, especially as this is the last in a trilogy. I shall have to hope that the characters get a reprieve and appear in another series in the near future - they deserved their moment of glory too!
December 19, 2018
3.5 stars
October 21, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team*
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I have not read the prior books in the series, receiving this title for reviewing purposes. I do suggest that readers read this series in order, as it was difficult at times to decipher the storyline. Also, in doing do, I believe the connection a reader has to the cast of characters is stronger if they had read about the cast from page one, book one. However, my rating and review do not reflect my poor decision. I'm merely heading those off at the pass who read reviews prior to choosing their next book. Read book #1 first.
I have only read a handful of Historical Romances from this era, so I am no expert in the historical facts, area, and the information from this period of time. I will be solely reviewing the storyline content and my overall enjoyment of the read.
Black Raven's Lady is a tale that takes place primarily on the High Seas. Vividly detailed, exciting scenes of the day-to-day going-ons of a ship: what it takes for navigation. What specific parts of the ship are called. Battles scenes taking place ship versus ship, and ship versus castle. The book had a large cast of shipmates, which often at times became difficult to remember who was whom. By far my favorite of these characters were the youngsters and the ship-daddy, and I'm intrigued to learn more about the 'exotic' men mentioned.
Black Raven's Lady's hero and heroine had the characteristic that draw a reader in and capture them. Hero: all alpha male, all the time, which lends to the fact that the ship's captain will NOT listen to anyone for any reason, even if it's to save his own life. Heroine: spunky, intelligent, bullheaded, who will also NOT listen to anyone for any reason, even if it's to save her own life. The pair's personalities played off of one another well, causing their banter to be quick-witted and amusing with a fiery spark of passion.
The romance was slow-building over a long period of time for the H/h, which was a nice change from the insta-love that plagues all genres. Even though we don't get the opportunity to read their first meeting and the events leading up to this story (within this book, I suspect it might have been in earlier books) we do receive background information from the characters within inner monologue. A real, lifelike connection was forged between the H/h.
I enjoyed the folklore angle of the storyline, wishing there was a bit more, believe it or not. Not in a paranormal way, but since the heroine and her aunt, as well as a main conflict, where connected to Gallic folklore, I would have liked to explore this more heavily. The Hero was not buying this, even after time after time where the heroine's second sight was confirmed. I wanted to shake Kier- shake him!
I'm still kicking myself for not preparing myself by reading book 1 & 2 prior to this read/review title. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and their story, and I do believe I would have enjoyed it more if I had been prepared. I read the book from page one to the end in one sitting, holding my interests through a complex storyline.
What I didn't enjoy:
Two of the main conflicts would have been resolved within seconds if the H/h spoke with their mothers. Neither conflict was a misunderstanding; they simply didn't communicate with their mothers. It they would have asked instead of assumed, this thread wouldn't have been as frustrating for the reader or as life threatening for all of the characters.
The main conflict for the entire book from the H's point of view, took the reader in an endless loop of riding the High Seas, trying to capture two traitors. By book's end, the traitors are still at large, with another ship captain doing the exact same thing (presumably for another book in this story arc), so I felt other than as a means of trapping the H/h on a ship together, this was pointless. Lost time, lost life, and no progress is made, leaving this thread to end exactly where it had been at the start of the book.
The Epilogue is in another character's point of view, with a large cast of characters spotlit, leaving me to sort out who was whom and why I was reading about them. It should have been the H/h's time to shine by showing their HEA. We read the pair for hundreds and hundreds of pages, traveling their journey, only to be dropped into someone else's head for their conclusion. The 'happy news' was overshadowed by mass confusion for me, leaving me feeling disconnected and anxiety filled with the chaos. It wasn't so much anything happening per se, simply too many characters in a scene (As an introvert, I don't even like reading about environments such as these) Again, this may have been an issue with not reading the prior books so I would have known the cast. But even if I had known who they all were, it wouldn't have taken away the fact that these pages should have solely belonged to the HEA of the main characters. I believe it was setting up the next book in the series, which is nice for the next book. But I wanted to feel good, happy for the couple, and enjoy their HEA with them, and I feel short-changed.
I enjoy a faster-paced read. While Black Raven's Lady was exciting, with a good pair of protagonists, it was drawn-out and slightly repetitive.
I highly recommend this title to historical fans who love adventuring and romance.
Even though I am no expert, I feel the research of the era, the political climate, and the inner workings of a ship were used correctly, and I give the author mad props.
I would read more from this author again, and I was thankful for the opportunity to read-and-review the Black Raven's Lady.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I have not read the prior books in the series, receiving this title for reviewing purposes. I do suggest that readers read this series in order, as it was difficult at times to decipher the storyline. Also, in doing do, I believe the connection a reader has to the cast of characters is stronger if they had read about the cast from page one, book one. However, my rating and review do not reflect my poor decision. I'm merely heading those off at the pass who read reviews prior to choosing their next book. Read book #1 first.
I have only read a handful of Historical Romances from this era, so I am no expert in the historical facts, area, and the information from this period of time. I will be solely reviewing the storyline content and my overall enjoyment of the read.
Black Raven's Lady is a tale that takes place primarily on the High Seas. Vividly detailed, exciting scenes of the day-to-day going-ons of a ship: what it takes for navigation. What specific parts of the ship are called. Battles scenes taking place ship versus ship, and ship versus castle. The book had a large cast of shipmates, which often at times became difficult to remember who was whom. By far my favorite of these characters were the youngsters and the ship-daddy, and I'm intrigued to learn more about the 'exotic' men mentioned.
Black Raven's Lady's hero and heroine had the characteristic that draw a reader in and capture them. Hero: all alpha male, all the time, which lends to the fact that the ship's captain will NOT listen to anyone for any reason, even if it's to save his own life. Heroine: spunky, intelligent, bullheaded, who will also NOT listen to anyone for any reason, even if it's to save her own life. The pair's personalities played off of one another well, causing their banter to be quick-witted and amusing with a fiery spark of passion.
The romance was slow-building over a long period of time for the H/h, which was a nice change from the insta-love that plagues all genres. Even though we don't get the opportunity to read their first meeting and the events leading up to this story (within this book, I suspect it might have been in earlier books) we do receive background information from the characters within inner monologue. A real, lifelike connection was forged between the H/h.
I enjoyed the folklore angle of the storyline, wishing there was a bit more, believe it or not. Not in a paranormal way, but since the heroine and her aunt, as well as a main conflict, where connected to Gallic folklore, I would have liked to explore this more heavily. The Hero was not buying this, even after time after time where the heroine's second sight was confirmed. I wanted to shake Kier- shake him!
I'm still kicking myself for not preparing myself by reading book 1 & 2 prior to this read/review title. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and their story, and I do believe I would have enjoyed it more if I had been prepared. I read the book from page one to the end in one sitting, holding my interests through a complex storyline.
What I didn't enjoy:
Two of the main conflicts would have been resolved within seconds if the H/h spoke with their mothers. Neither conflict was a misunderstanding; they simply didn't communicate with their mothers. It they would have asked instead of assumed, this thread wouldn't have been as frustrating for the reader or as life threatening for all of the characters.
The main conflict for the entire book from the H's point of view, took the reader in an endless loop of riding the High Seas, trying to capture two traitors. By book's end, the traitors are still at large, with another ship captain doing the exact same thing (presumably for another book in this story arc), so I felt other than as a means of trapping the H/h on a ship together, this was pointless. Lost time, lost life, and no progress is made, leaving this thread to end exactly where it had been at the start of the book.
The Epilogue is in another character's point of view, with a large cast of characters spotlit, leaving me to sort out who was whom and why I was reading about them. It should have been the H/h's time to shine by showing their HEA. We read the pair for hundreds and hundreds of pages, traveling their journey, only to be dropped into someone else's head for their conclusion. The 'happy news' was overshadowed by mass confusion for me, leaving me feeling disconnected and anxiety filled with the chaos. It wasn't so much anything happening per se, simply too many characters in a scene (As an introvert, I don't even like reading about environments such as these) Again, this may have been an issue with not reading the prior books so I would have known the cast. But even if I had known who they all were, it wouldn't have taken away the fact that these pages should have solely belonged to the HEA of the main characters. I believe it was setting up the next book in the series, which is nice for the next book. But I wanted to feel good, happy for the couple, and enjoy their HEA with them, and I feel short-changed.
I enjoy a faster-paced read. While Black Raven's Lady was exciting, with a good pair of protagonists, it was drawn-out and slightly repetitive.
I highly recommend this title to historical fans who love adventuring and romance.
Even though I am no expert, I feel the research of the era, the political climate, and the inner workings of a ship were used correctly, and I give the author mad props.
I would read more from this author again, and I was thankful for the opportunity to read-and-review the Black Raven's Lady.
October 24, 2014
****MY SYNOPSIS****
Raine Cameron has been gifted with visions--glimpses of the past and the future--for most of her life. What they mean is up for interpretation, which are sometimes easily distinguishable and other times easily misconstrued. She's been having one recurring vision which started shortly after her father's death when she was fourteen, In it, her mother is young and plotting to run off with a man who is not her father. Rumors have abound since her birth that she's not her father's daughter, for Raine looks nothing like her mother or father who were both fair haired. She believes the vision of the past is allowing her a glimpse of her true father, Torcall MacMurchaidh. With war breaking out in the Highlands and Torcall being part of a group of rebels that King Scotland has ordered to be captured, tried, and hanged (if found guilty which they undoubtedly will), she fears this may be her last chance to get to know the man who sired her.
To make a trip into dangerous enemy territory, Raine plans on tricking Laird Keir MacNeil, a formidable warrior and reputed womanizer, into escorting her into the thick of things. If anyone can get her in and out of the area safely, it's him.With a strong attraction between the two, however, is her life the only thing she has to worry about losing? For she has had a vision of the future, Keir was in it, and she's determined to never allow what she foresaw come to past.
****MY REVIEW****
This is the third and final book to the Highland Lairds trilogy, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll probably be tempted to read the previous two books. Raine was such a fun character. Her antics had me wholeheartedly laughing and grinning. I didn't realize how much I miss this type of heroine until I started reading the book. She's smart, cunning, and charming enough to wrap men around her little finger. Plus, she's extremely headstrong, which makes for a dangerously fun combination. I kept wondering to myself what she was thinking and shaking my head as she pressed forward with her plans--skirting one obstacle after another--till she got what she wanted. There are times when I wish I was more like that. *grin*
Laird Keir MacNeil was a surprising character that totally deserved Raine. She's one of the few women who's ever rejected the man. He's attempted to find another to distract him from what he feels for Raine, but has never accomplished the feat. For an intelligent captain who is used to being in charge and keeping his men in tow, a determined, misguided young woman seems to be his undoing. I found this a fun thing to watch. I loved seeing him struggle to keep his jealousy in check because he had no right to be jealous.
Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was fun and lighthearted read that made me smile. I liked how these two seemed to have so little in common at the beginning, but ended up having quite a bit by the end. I liked seeing these two grow into a couple, and Keir come to the realization there was something to the visions Raine saw. I enjoyed how everyone seemed to know before these two that they belonged together. On the romance rating scale, this one gets a STEAM rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
Raine Cameron has been gifted with visions--glimpses of the past and the future--for most of her life. What they mean is up for interpretation, which are sometimes easily distinguishable and other times easily misconstrued. She's been having one recurring vision which started shortly after her father's death when she was fourteen, In it, her mother is young and plotting to run off with a man who is not her father. Rumors have abound since her birth that she's not her father's daughter, for Raine looks nothing like her mother or father who were both fair haired. She believes the vision of the past is allowing her a glimpse of her true father, Torcall MacMurchaidh. With war breaking out in the Highlands and Torcall being part of a group of rebels that King Scotland has ordered to be captured, tried, and hanged (if found guilty which they undoubtedly will), she fears this may be her last chance to get to know the man who sired her.
To make a trip into dangerous enemy territory, Raine plans on tricking Laird Keir MacNeil, a formidable warrior and reputed womanizer, into escorting her into the thick of things. If anyone can get her in and out of the area safely, it's him.With a strong attraction between the two, however, is her life the only thing she has to worry about losing? For she has had a vision of the future, Keir was in it, and she's determined to never allow what she foresaw come to past.
****MY REVIEW****
This is the third and final book to the Highland Lairds trilogy, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll probably be tempted to read the previous two books. Raine was such a fun character. Her antics had me wholeheartedly laughing and grinning. I didn't realize how much I miss this type of heroine until I started reading the book. She's smart, cunning, and charming enough to wrap men around her little finger. Plus, she's extremely headstrong, which makes for a dangerously fun combination. I kept wondering to myself what she was thinking and shaking my head as she pressed forward with her plans--skirting one obstacle after another--till she got what she wanted. There are times when I wish I was more like that. *grin*
Laird Keir MacNeil was a surprising character that totally deserved Raine. She's one of the few women who's ever rejected the man. He's attempted to find another to distract him from what he feels for Raine, but has never accomplished the feat. For an intelligent captain who is used to being in charge and keeping his men in tow, a determined, misguided young woman seems to be his undoing. I found this a fun thing to watch. I loved seeing him struggle to keep his jealousy in check because he had no right to be jealous.
Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was fun and lighthearted read that made me smile. I liked how these two seemed to have so little in common at the beginning, but ended up having quite a bit by the end. I liked seeing these two grow into a couple, and Keir come to the realization there was something to the visions Raine saw. I enjoyed how everyone seemed to know before these two that they belonged together. On the romance rating scale, this one gets a STEAM rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
October 29, 2014
OH how I love my Scottish historicals: even better if they are set further back in time. This sixteenth century romance from Kathleen Harrington ticked all the boxes and was a fun, action-packed read.
Scotland at the time was a mass of warring clans and struggles for supremacy, and this story takes place mostly on the water surrounding the remote Hebrides Islands. (To this day, these islands are not tourist meccas or heavily populated). I had not read the earlier titles in this series, and while it wasn’t difficult to grasp the story or set characters into place, I do think readers will benefit from reading all of this series in order.
In this book, Laird Kier MacNeil is captain of his ship the Black Raven. Known as a fearsome and ruthless captain and warrior, he has his own plans and watching out for the young woman, no matter how beguiling, who hopped aboard his ship really isn’t high on his to do list. Fortunately for us, and for Raine, Kier is honorable and does plan to do the right thing by her, and keep her safe throughout the time it takes to conduct his own business before returning her to her family.
Raine is headstrong, occasionally thoughtless and heedless of the dangers of stowing away on a ship, no matter her intentions or desire for answers. Far from knowing or understanding the dangers she could face, Raine’s time on board seemed to push all of Kier’s buttons – intentionally and not so, and their interactions were wonderfully detailed and amusing. We do get a solid sense of their growing attraction as Harrington insets interior monologues and points of view from each to help us solidify the connection, and the romance does build slowly and with care.
Plenty of action, battles and chances to meet several secondary characters added depth and fullness to setting, action and tension, and the flavor of Scotland was maintained with small phrases and dialect that filled out the picture.
If you like kilted alpha men and not-so-distressed damsels, this is a great story for you – and I can only believe it would be better to retreat with the complete trilogy and start from the beginning. Harrington has a smooth writing style where each new element builds on to or establishes a start point that makes characters, settings and interactions richer and easier to visualize. It was not at all difficult to picture the characters, the setting or the action: and the time flew past as I read.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Scotland at the time was a mass of warring clans and struggles for supremacy, and this story takes place mostly on the water surrounding the remote Hebrides Islands. (To this day, these islands are not tourist meccas or heavily populated). I had not read the earlier titles in this series, and while it wasn’t difficult to grasp the story or set characters into place, I do think readers will benefit from reading all of this series in order.
In this book, Laird Kier MacNeil is captain of his ship the Black Raven. Known as a fearsome and ruthless captain and warrior, he has his own plans and watching out for the young woman, no matter how beguiling, who hopped aboard his ship really isn’t high on his to do list. Fortunately for us, and for Raine, Kier is honorable and does plan to do the right thing by her, and keep her safe throughout the time it takes to conduct his own business before returning her to her family.
Raine is headstrong, occasionally thoughtless and heedless of the dangers of stowing away on a ship, no matter her intentions or desire for answers. Far from knowing or understanding the dangers she could face, Raine’s time on board seemed to push all of Kier’s buttons – intentionally and not so, and their interactions were wonderfully detailed and amusing. We do get a solid sense of their growing attraction as Harrington insets interior monologues and points of view from each to help us solidify the connection, and the romance does build slowly and with care.
Plenty of action, battles and chances to meet several secondary characters added depth and fullness to setting, action and tension, and the flavor of Scotland was maintained with small phrases and dialect that filled out the picture.
If you like kilted alpha men and not-so-distressed damsels, this is a great story for you – and I can only believe it would be better to retreat with the complete trilogy and start from the beginning. Harrington has a smooth writing style where each new element builds on to or establishes a start point that makes characters, settings and interactions richer and easier to visualize. It was not at all difficult to picture the characters, the setting or the action: and the time flew past as I read.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 24, 2016
2.5/3
Lady Raine is convinced that her natural father is the same rebel that Laird Keir MacNeil is on his way to kill. So she stows away, claiming she's on this mission or that, so she can get to this guy before Keir does - so she can get to know her real father before it's too late. Keir is fairly exasperated at having Raine on board his ship. She's willful, disobedient and distracting - entirely too distracting for Keir, who has been in lust with her for two years but considers himself way out of her league. So he vows not to touch her. But Raine soon falls in lust as well, only she thinks they've been bound together by faeries and she must convince Keir that they belong together. But first, she has to find her father, even if it means betraying the man she has come to love.
So....Raine was an idiot. Not so much at first. Initially, she seemed quirky and a touch naive, but that kind of character that is irritatingly stubborn and willful, but you're so used to seeing it in other stories that it doesn't even faze you. Then, around the time that she I rolled my eyes and suddenly could not help but notice how incredibly TSTL this woman really was. Every action from there on out simply emphasized how colossally stupid she was...right down to believing in faeries. I took her somewhat seriously before that little action, but no so much afterwards. Afterwards it occurred to me that this girl was raised with a loving, doting man as a father, whether he was her biological father or not and she showed an incredible lack of loyalty to his memory by searching for a man she'd never met and hoping for some sort of loving reunion from him. RME & SMH. And I did facepalm at one point.
The rest of this isn't so bad really. I enjoyed the first part of the book before recognizing the heroine's stupidity. Keir and Raine struggle to figure each other out - he's pretty arrogant and sometimes mean to her, while she's stubborn and prone to dramatic tantrums. And yet their antics were amusing. Chemistry wasn't really strong though. And the characters had a tendency to get angry over something and then forget about it an hour later. But it was paced well and a decent story. Fair warning though, there is some flowery language within. There was at least one "tumescent manhood" and quite a few "swollen female tissues."
Lady Raine is convinced that her natural father is the same rebel that Laird Keir MacNeil is on his way to kill. So she stows away, claiming she's on this mission or that, so she can get to this guy before Keir does - so she can get to know her real father before it's too late. Keir is fairly exasperated at having Raine on board his ship. She's willful, disobedient and distracting - entirely too distracting for Keir, who has been in lust with her for two years but considers himself way out of her league. So he vows not to touch her. But Raine soon falls in lust as well, only she thinks they've been bound together by faeries and she must convince Keir that they belong together. But first, she has to find her father, even if it means betraying the man she has come to love.
So....Raine was an idiot. Not so much at first. Initially, she seemed quirky and a touch naive, but that kind of character that is irritatingly stubborn and willful, but you're so used to seeing it in other stories that it doesn't even faze you. Then, around the time that she I rolled my eyes and suddenly could not help but notice how incredibly TSTL this woman really was. Every action from there on out simply emphasized how colossally stupid she was...right down to believing in faeries. I took her somewhat seriously before that little action, but no so much afterwards. Afterwards it occurred to me that this girl was raised with a loving, doting man as a father, whether he was her biological father or not and she showed an incredible lack of loyalty to his memory by searching for a man she'd never met and hoping for some sort of loving reunion from him. RME & SMH. And I did facepalm at one point.
The rest of this isn't so bad really. I enjoyed the first part of the book before recognizing the heroine's stupidity. Keir and Raine struggle to figure each other out - he's pretty arrogant and sometimes mean to her, while she's stubborn and prone to dramatic tantrums. And yet their antics were amusing. Chemistry wasn't really strong though. And the characters had a tendency to get angry over something and then forget about it an hour later. But it was paced well and a decent story. Fair warning though, there is some flowery language within. There was at least one "tumescent manhood" and quite a few "swollen female tissues."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2014
An adventurous and romantic read of the high seas Black Raven's Lady I immensely enjoyed this book and I think most fans of historical novels will too!
The first thing I noticed about this book was the idea of a grand adventure. This book is every bit as thrilling as it is romantic and it has been a long time since an author has taken me on such a remarkable journey as Harrington has. This book is one of those that you cannot put down. It's impossible because the adventure is so good that it just stays within the boundaries of your mind and you have to carry it with you.
As for the romance it was beautiful and rugged like that of the sea. I am a fan of Keir, a Scottish captain who has quite the reputation, but beneath all that wickedness lays a true gentlemen and a hero that can certainly make readers like myself swoon. I liked how well Harrington balanced Keir's character out so that he was tough on the inside but willingly to love and protect Raine, the heroine of the tale.
With Raine I had a little bit of mixed emotions with her. At first she came off a little strong but then as the story continued I came to understand her character and admired the fact that she was so independent because this is a trait that you do not often see in historical romances. Together, she and Keir first perfectly.
I think I am really have to applaud both the story and its author. For so long I have been waiting for a novel like Black Raven's Lady to steal me away from the modern world and now I finally have discovered why I love tales of the sea and that of its captains so much. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone that is looking for a good Scottish romance because this book is it!
(This review was submitted to the publisher PRIOR to posting it on GoodReads.)
The first thing I noticed about this book was the idea of a grand adventure. This book is every bit as thrilling as it is romantic and it has been a long time since an author has taken me on such a remarkable journey as Harrington has. This book is one of those that you cannot put down. It's impossible because the adventure is so good that it just stays within the boundaries of your mind and you have to carry it with you.
As for the romance it was beautiful and rugged like that of the sea. I am a fan of Keir, a Scottish captain who has quite the reputation, but beneath all that wickedness lays a true gentlemen and a hero that can certainly make readers like myself swoon. I liked how well Harrington balanced Keir's character out so that he was tough on the inside but willingly to love and protect Raine, the heroine of the tale.
With Raine I had a little bit of mixed emotions with her. At first she came off a little strong but then as the story continued I came to understand her character and admired the fact that she was so independent because this is a trait that you do not often see in historical romances. Together, she and Keir first perfectly.
I think I am really have to applaud both the story and its author. For so long I have been waiting for a novel like Black Raven's Lady to steal me away from the modern world and now I finally have discovered why I love tales of the sea and that of its captains so much. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone that is looking for a good Scottish romance because this book is it!
(This review was submitted to the publisher PRIOR to posting it on GoodReads.)
January 14, 2017
A WHOOPING 3.5 STARS.
WHILE I ENJOY HIGHLAND ROMANCES FOR ITS CLICHE PLOTS, THIS ONE WAS GOOD BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. THERE WASNT ANY ANGST BUT CERTAINLY SWEETNESS AND PASSION.
OUR HERO believes himself unworthy of our heroine, and that's the reason he has kept away and gives her the cold shoulder for years since she turned 17. He thought that his father abducted his mother, raped her and then he arrived into this world. He has always been on the seas, and he hasn't been discreet about his sexual liasons as well. He comes off as a rather confident and sometimes arrogant but certainly stubborn man who finally cannot run away from fate anymore when she comes barging back into his life, on her own little mission that he has yet to figure out. However all those close encounters on his ship only fan the flames of their budding chemistry.
OUR HEROINE believes in faeries and magick, having the second sight. Honestly the story doesn't confirm or deny if she really has powers but she has been raised that way. She thinks that her true father is out there, none other than a traitor to the crown and sort of runs away from home with an excuse and ends up on our hero's ship. He feels duty bound to protect her, seeing how their families are close. All this while, our heroine has foreseen their coupling and knows that this man is her fate to be.
OVERALL while the characters chemistry was enjoyable, plot wise....it was just okay. Nothing crazy, dramatic or angsty. It's just a miracle how it didn't bore me at all.
WHILE I ENJOY HIGHLAND ROMANCES FOR ITS CLICHE PLOTS, THIS ONE WAS GOOD BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. THERE WASNT ANY ANGST BUT CERTAINLY SWEETNESS AND PASSION.
OUR HERO believes himself unworthy of our heroine, and that's the reason he has kept away and gives her the cold shoulder for years since she turned 17. He thought that his father abducted his mother, raped her and then he arrived into this world. He has always been on the seas, and he hasn't been discreet about his sexual liasons as well. He comes off as a rather confident and sometimes arrogant but certainly stubborn man who finally cannot run away from fate anymore when she comes barging back into his life, on her own little mission that he has yet to figure out. However all those close encounters on his ship only fan the flames of their budding chemistry.
OUR HEROINE believes in faeries and magick, having the second sight. Honestly the story doesn't confirm or deny if she really has powers but she has been raised that way. She thinks that her true father is out there, none other than a traitor to the crown and sort of runs away from home with an excuse and ends up on our hero's ship. He feels duty bound to protect her, seeing how their families are close. All this while, our heroine has foreseen their coupling and knows that this man is her fate to be.
OVERALL while the characters chemistry was enjoyable, plot wise....it was just okay. Nothing crazy, dramatic or angsty. It's just a miracle how it didn't bore me at all.
October 22, 2014
"Black Raven's Lady" by Kathleen Harrington. This is an adventurous tale of Highlanders at sea. Raine cons her way onboard, needing Keir's protection as she journeys in search of the man she believes to be her birth father. Raine is young and full of life. She's spunky and strong willed but also sweet, kind and caring to all. Keir is a rough and tough Highlander that is annoyed at his tender feelings for the lass. I found it fun and endearing to watch Raine and Keir's love develop. I had to chuckle at Raine's antics and Keir's reactions. Ms. Harrington has done a good job of describing the scenes and battles, although not too graphic (i don't really like blood!). This is book three of the series - I have not read the first two and recommend that you do. I did find I was a bit lost as to all the different secondary characters and some of the Scottish terms used. However, I didn't let that influence me in my review as this book is about Raine and Keir and truly enjoyed their story! (received copy from Edelweiss for honest review)
October 18, 2014
#3 in the "Highland Lairds Triology". Set in 1504 Scotland. I have not read in order, and had no trouble following the storyline. But, I would suggest reading the other two in the series. Fast paced. Filled with danger, adventure, passion,love and romance. Well written with an interesting, exciting, and intriguing storyline. The characters are well cast with interesting and intriguing lives. My only complaint, the Scottish dialect of the era. I love the Scottish brogue. A wickedly delicious Scottish romp on the High Seas of the Scottish Hebrides. An enjoyable and satisfying read.
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 20, 2014
Sweet, charming book that will appeal to those suffering from Outlander withdrawal. The spunky heroine is reminiscent of old Julie Garwood Scottish lasses with sass and the swashbuckling laird, Keir is tall, dark, brooding and rakish.
The pace is a bit slower than some of the historicals I've been reading lately and the heroine, Raine's naïveté and unflinching beliefs were at times annoying, but the overall effect was enjoyable. If you need a good sea-faring romance this might just do the trick.
The pace is a bit slower than some of the historicals I've been reading lately and the heroine, Raine's naïveté and unflinching beliefs were at times annoying, but the overall effect was enjoyable. If you need a good sea-faring romance this might just do the trick.
November 25, 2014
It's either I'm very much into Highlander series right now or this author is a great storyteller but...this author is a great storyteller! I can't wait to read more of her books!
Follow me!
Follow me!
May 4, 2015
The last of the highland. Trilogy
I absolutely enjoyed the last book of the highland trilogy. Keir and Raine were great characters and enjoyed reading their story. Both have strong and stubborn personalities and but heads quite often. They fight the attraction for each other but love always wins.
I absolutely enjoyed the last book of the highland trilogy. Keir and Raine were great characters and enjoyed reading their story. Both have strong and stubborn personalities and but heads quite often. They fight the attraction for each other but love always wins.
October 29, 2014
This is a good story that at times drags, but because of the likable characters you don't seem to mind that much.
September 29, 2015
A great conclusion to the series, well worth the wait.
I couldn't put it down.
I couldn't put it down.
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