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Murray Family #19
Highland Master
Lady Triona McKee's life is under desperate siege. The marriage she thought would answer her dreams has left her struggling alone to provide for her people, while an arrogant kinsman prepares to take her land. But one look into the cynical green eyes of her cousin's boldest knight warns Triona that even a promise of help is just as dangerous...
Betrayal taught Sir Brett Murray to make protecting others his only life. Still, the growing desire he can't help but feel for this entrancing widow makes him long to earn more than her trust. But in trying to save all she cherishes, he can't see how an honor-scarred knight can stay in her world and her heart... unless he risks everything to prove his love is now and forever always...
Betrayal taught Sir Brett Murray to make protecting others his only life. Still, the growing desire he can't help but feel for this entrancing widow makes him long to earn more than her trust. But in trying to save all she cherishes, he can't see how an honor-scarred knight can stay in her world and her heart... unless he risks everything to prove his love is now and forever always...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
113 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,644 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 89 reviews
January 5, 2014
read this review on Got Fiction? Book blog
This is definitely my favorite Hannah Howell book. It features one of the many Murrays, and a lady laird. Lady Triona has been having a bit of difficulty with her neighbor Sir John since her husband died leaving her the laird. Many in her village had been ill and died, those who survived were mostly women. Her dowry was spent updating the keep, and her people were starving. The men were offered an opportunity to fight in France for money to bring home to their families, so they took it.
But it’s been almost 2 years now, and they haven’t heard back from the men, have had no money, no letters, not even wounded or dead have been sent back. Even Triona is beginning to wonder if her men really went to France. But where else could they have gone?
Triona has been doing the best she can, which is actually pretty well. She has enough food and wool, great lands, and even though her neighbor Sir John has been asking for her to marry him, really she’s been fine. Until he ups the ante. He’s had his men setting fields on fire, letting livestock loose, things to force Triona to see that she needs a man to help her and to take care of her. Triona wants to never marry again.
Enter Brett Murray. When Sir Brett Murray comes to stay for a short time with his men and his friend’s wife (who has run off in a fit of anger to stay with her distant cousin Triona), he notices immediately the lack of warriors and the noticeable amount of women and children. He decides to stay and ferret out what’s going on with this small village, and it has absolutely nothing to do with a lovely laird named Triona.
In classic Hannah Howell style, there is a small intrigue, some humor, and a sweet romance.
Any fan of the Murrays will like this addition. Any new fans who haven’t started the series but see #19 as an intimidating prospect, don’t worry, this reads really well as a stand-alone.
***ARC courtesy of Zebra and Kensington Books
This is definitely my favorite Hannah Howell book. It features one of the many Murrays, and a lady laird. Lady Triona has been having a bit of difficulty with her neighbor Sir John since her husband died leaving her the laird. Many in her village had been ill and died, those who survived were mostly women. Her dowry was spent updating the keep, and her people were starving. The men were offered an opportunity to fight in France for money to bring home to their families, so they took it.
But it’s been almost 2 years now, and they haven’t heard back from the men, have had no money, no letters, not even wounded or dead have been sent back. Even Triona is beginning to wonder if her men really went to France. But where else could they have gone?
Triona has been doing the best she can, which is actually pretty well. She has enough food and wool, great lands, and even though her neighbor Sir John has been asking for her to marry him, really she’s been fine. Until he ups the ante. He’s had his men setting fields on fire, letting livestock loose, things to force Triona to see that she needs a man to help her and to take care of her. Triona wants to never marry again.
Enter Brett Murray. When Sir Brett Murray comes to stay for a short time with his men and his friend’s wife (who has run off in a fit of anger to stay with her distant cousin Triona), he notices immediately the lack of warriors and the noticeable amount of women and children. He decides to stay and ferret out what’s going on with this small village, and it has absolutely nothing to do with a lovely laird named Triona.
In classic Hannah Howell style, there is a small intrigue, some humor, and a sweet romance.
Any fan of the Murrays will like this addition. Any new fans who haven’t started the series but see #19 as an intimidating prospect, don’t worry, this reads really well as a stand-alone.
***ARC courtesy of Zebra and Kensington Books
December 29, 2013
My rating: 2 stars
I don’t even know where to begin with this book.
I noticed all the positive reviews for HIGHLAND MASTER on Goodreads and Amazon and so when I happened upon it at the local Walmart I decided to snatch it up. Plus, it’s written by Hannah Howell so it’s a win win all the way around, right?
*sigh*
This story just didn’t do it for me.
At all.
Not even a little bit.
Lady Triona McKee is a boring heroine & Sir Brett Murray even more so. I kept yawning every other page. One of the worst books I’ve read this whole year. So disappointed that I spent money on this baby.
Would I recommend it? Nope.
I felt like the hero and heroine just didn’t get to know each other well enough. Before I knew it, Sir Brett decides to kiss her after only several conversations with her. I was simply in a state of “What the...”
I know some of you have enjoyed it. I’m glad. Really. I just wish this story had captured my attention more.
I don’t even know where to begin with this book.
I noticed all the positive reviews for HIGHLAND MASTER on Goodreads and Amazon and so when I happened upon it at the local Walmart I decided to snatch it up. Plus, it’s written by Hannah Howell so it’s a win win all the way around, right?
*sigh*
This story just didn’t do it for me.
At all.
Not even a little bit.
Lady Triona McKee is a boring heroine & Sir Brett Murray even more so. I kept yawning every other page. One of the worst books I’ve read this whole year. So disappointed that I spent money on this baby.
Would I recommend it? Nope.
I felt like the hero and heroine just didn’t get to know each other well enough. Before I knew it, Sir Brett decides to kiss her after only several conversations with her. I was simply in a state of “What the...”
I know some of you have enjoyed it. I’m glad. Really. I just wish this story had captured my attention more.
July 2, 2021
Брет Мъри и Триона Макий
Лейди Триона Макий, става леърд след смъртта на съпруга си и сега се бори да опази клана си от набезите на съседа си. След като през селото минава болест покосяваща голяма част от мъжете във владението й, заедно със съпруга й, Триона се бори за своите хора. Когато единствените 30 воина, останали живи решават да заминат за франция, взимайки конете и оръжията от крепостта, за да намерят богатства, тя приема решението им. Но мъжете ги няма вече почти 2 години, клана се състои най-вече от жени, деца, млади момчета и няколко стари мъже. Знаейки колко е отслабена защитата на крепостта, съседа на Триона непрестанно кара хората си да нападат земите й, крадейки добитъка и палейки полетата, решен да остави клана без храна, за да може Триона да се съгласи да се омъжи за мъжа.
Всичко обаче се променя в деня в който в дома й не пристига далечната й братовчедка Арана Мъри Макфингал от
. Арана търси място на което да се скрие от съпруга си, на който е бясна, тъй като е научил, че е бил женен преди да се ожени за нея, но не й е казал, защото забравил. Честно казано, в предишната книга за Арана и Брайън се учудих, че не се спомена за това, защото от книгата на Грегор и Алана
помним, че Брайън избяга с Мейвис, момичето, чийто баща искаше да върже Грегор за зет. Сега чак след книгата на Брайън се разбра, че наистина са се венчали, ама след няколко месеца Мейвис е умряла. Май Хана е забравила за това и се е присетила в следващата книга. Та както и да е. Арана сърдита идва при братовчедка си, която така и не разбрах, точно каква братовчедка й е... по брак, ама много поколения назад, нещо такова... и води със себе си няколко от братовчедите си, като един от тях е Брет Мъри.
Още от първият миг Брет е привлечен силно от Триона, а научавайки за проблемите, които има със съседа си, той решава да остане в замъка, докато всичко се нормализира.
Омъжена за добър, но безстрастен мъж, сега Триона не разбира страстта, която Брет събужда в нея, но е на ясно, че няма да успее да му устои, затова се подготвя да изложи сърцето си на опасност.
Беше ми много интересна цялата история, около изчезналия гарнизон, който заминал за Франция и от който нямаше ни вест ни кост. Брет и Триона също бяха сладка двойка, но отново много ме подразни познатия рефрен, който Хана демонстрира в книгите си. Триона желае да е с Брет, но се мисли за обикновена и безлична, не вярва, че той би искал да я направи своя съпруга и не се бори за това, което иска, не си позволява да покаже чувствата си и да го попита в очите дали ще остане с нея. Брет от своя страна, както всеки път в книгите на Хана, се колебае дали да бъде с нея, защото има пари, но не и земя. Тук тъй като видите ли, първия й мъж се е оженил за нея заради голямата й зестра, а съседа й искаше да я принуди да се омъжи за него, за да заграби крепостта и земите й, той сметна, че не може да отиде при нея с празни ръце. Абе като цяло сам си усложни положението и ме подразни. Книгата не беше лоша, имаше си своите интересни моменти, но като цяло не ме грабна сериозно.
Лейди Триона Макий, става леърд след смъртта на съпруга си и сега се бори да опази клана си от набезите на съседа си. След като през селото минава болест покосяваща голяма част от мъжете във владението й, заедно със съпруга й, Триона се бори за своите хора. Когато единствените 30 воина, останали живи решават да заминат за франция, взимайки конете и оръжията от крепостта, за да намерят богатства, тя приема решението им. Но мъжете ги няма вече почти 2 години, клана се състои най-вече от жени, деца, млади момчета и няколко стари мъже. Знаейки колко е отслабена защитата на крепостта, съседа на Триона непрестанно кара хората си да нападат земите й, крадейки добитъка и палейки полетата, решен да остави клана без храна, за да може Триона да се съгласи да се омъжи за мъжа.
Всичко обаче се променя в деня в който в дома й не пристига далечната й братовчедка Арана Мъри Макфингал от
. Арана търси място на което да се скрие от съпруга си, на който е бясна, тъй като е научил, че е бил женен преди да се ожени за нея, но не й е казал, защото забравил. Честно казано, в предишната книга за Арана и Брайън се учудих, че не се спомена за това, защото от книгата на Грегор и Алана
помним, че Брайън избяга с Мейвис, момичето, чийто баща искаше да върже Грегор за зет. Сега чак след книгата на Брайън се разбра, че наистина са се венчали, ама след няколко месеца Мейвис е умряла. Май Хана е забравила за това и се е присетила в следващата книга. Та както и да е. Арана сърдита идва при братовчедка си, която така и не разбрах, точно каква братовчедка й е... по брак, ама много поколения назад, нещо такова... и води със себе си няколко от братовчедите си, като един от тях е Брет Мъри.Още от първият миг Брет е привлечен силно от Триона, а научавайки за проблемите, които има със съседа си, той решава да остане в замъка, докато всичко се нормализира.
Омъжена за добър, но безстрастен мъж, сега Триона не разбира страстта, която Брет събужда в нея, но е на ясно, че няма да успее да му устои, затова се подготвя да изложи сърцето си на опасност.
Беше ми много интересна цялата история, около изчезналия гарнизон, който заминал за Франция и от който нямаше ни вест ни кост. Брет и Триона също бяха сладка двойка, но отново много ме подразни познатия рефрен, който Хана демонстрира в книгите си. Триона желае да е с Брет, но се мисли за обикновена и безлична, не вярва, че той би искал да я направи своя съпруга и не се бори за това, което иска, не си позволява да покаже чувствата си и да го попита в очите дали ще остане с нея. Брет от своя страна, както всеки път в книгите на Хана, се колебае дали да бъде с нея, защото има пари, но не и земя. Тук тъй като видите ли, първия й мъж се е оженил за нея заради голямата й зестра, а съседа й искаше да я принуди да се омъжи за него, за да заграби крепостта и земите й, той сметна, че не може да отиде при нея с празни ръце. Абе като цяло сам си усложни положението и ме подразни. Книгата не беше лоша, имаше си своите интересни моменти, но като цяло не ме грабна сериозно.
November 9, 2013
Full of romance, schemes, and secrets, Highland Master was a fantastic historical romance. I totally loved it and enjoyed every bit of it.
I'm relatively new to Hannah Howell's books. I picked up one of her books in this series (the Murray Family series) by chance and totally loved it. Since then, I've read bits and pieces of this series and loved every one of them. It didn't take long for me to become a fan of this author. So, I had high expectations going into this book. And, it met every one of them.
Triona was a heroine not to be underestimated. She's been through a lot, from a horrible marriage to fighting off a neighbor that seeks to take her land, but she handles it all admirably. She was very devoted to taking care of her clan and nothing was going to harm them on her watch. I really liked her. She was a tough woman, not a simpering wimp. She handled everything life threw at her and gave as good as she got. I thought she was great.
Brett comes off as standoffish in the beginning. He was very reserved. But, it doesn't take long for us to see beneath his formidable mask. He was a wonderful character. Very clever, determined to care for his loved ones and do what was right, and super sweet. I loved how he was intent on making sure that, when he married Triona, it was for her only, not for her lands. She had too many men after her for what she could give them, so he wanted to make sure that he could give her something for a change. I thought that was really sweet. He was a perfect hero. I totally adored him.
The romance was lovely. It started off slow, with Triona and Brett becoming friends and getting to know each other. And, once they took it to the next level, their relationship skyrocketed from there. I thought they were very sweet together. There was never any doubt about their feelings for each other and neither of them bothered to deny them. And, the chemistry between them was steamy. Definitely a lot of chemistry going on there.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. There were definitely some secrets revealed in this book that took me by surprise. Especially the truth of what happened to the men in the garrison and how Triona's neighbor was involved. The constant threat of what that psycho would do had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
Highland Master was a wonderful historical romance. I really enjoyed reading this fantastic book. Lovers of romance, this is a book you don't want to miss.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Quotes:
"Nay. I had planned to be the one doing the seducing."
"Ah. So ye did. Ye were naked in your bath."
"That was nay all of it."
"All I needed." He laughed when she slapped him lightly on the back. "Nay, truly. It would probably be all any mon needed. Aha, says the mon as he steps into the room, naked woman in the bath. I must get my clothes off ere she changes her mind."
(I just thought that was so sweet and funny)
I'm relatively new to Hannah Howell's books. I picked up one of her books in this series (the Murray Family series) by chance and totally loved it. Since then, I've read bits and pieces of this series and loved every one of them. It didn't take long for me to become a fan of this author. So, I had high expectations going into this book. And, it met every one of them.
Triona was a heroine not to be underestimated. She's been through a lot, from a horrible marriage to fighting off a neighbor that seeks to take her land, but she handles it all admirably. She was very devoted to taking care of her clan and nothing was going to harm them on her watch. I really liked her. She was a tough woman, not a simpering wimp. She handled everything life threw at her and gave as good as she got. I thought she was great.
Brett comes off as standoffish in the beginning. He was very reserved. But, it doesn't take long for us to see beneath his formidable mask. He was a wonderful character. Very clever, determined to care for his loved ones and do what was right, and super sweet. I loved how he was intent on making sure that, when he married Triona, it was for her only, not for her lands. She had too many men after her for what she could give them, so he wanted to make sure that he could give her something for a change. I thought that was really sweet. He was a perfect hero. I totally adored him.
The romance was lovely. It started off slow, with Triona and Brett becoming friends and getting to know each other. And, once they took it to the next level, their relationship skyrocketed from there. I thought they were very sweet together. There was never any doubt about their feelings for each other and neither of them bothered to deny them. And, the chemistry between them was steamy. Definitely a lot of chemistry going on there.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. There were definitely some secrets revealed in this book that took me by surprise. Especially the truth of what happened to the men in the garrison and how Triona's neighbor was involved. The constant threat of what that psycho would do had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
Highland Master was a wonderful historical romance. I really enjoyed reading this fantastic book. Lovers of romance, this is a book you don't want to miss.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Quotes:
"Nay. I had planned to be the one doing the seducing."
"Ah. So ye did. Ye were naked in your bath."
"That was nay all of it."
"All I needed." He laughed when she slapped him lightly on the back. "Nay, truly. It would probably be all any mon needed. Aha, says the mon as he steps into the room, naked woman in the bath. I must get my clothes off ere she changes her mind."
(I just thought that was so sweet and funny)
November 13, 2013
When I had finished reading my favorite series of all time, Outlander many years ago. It left this love and need to read all things Highlander. Many other fans feel the same way. I stumbled upon Hannah Howell's Murray Family Series and was just lost in the stories of this fierce loyal family. Then while cruising Netgalley for books I find the newest Murray Family book and I just had to grab it...
I was thrown back into the same feelings that Howell's book gave me all those years ago. I loved strong and loving Triona McKee, protecting her daughter and clan. Her cousin shows up running from her husband but protected by his family. In walks Brett Murray and fast has other plans for Triona.
Howell takes us on a moving journey where a friendship is formed rooted in attraction. Brett is a man of action he does not take lightly to woman and children being abused and he cannot stand aside and let her clan be victimized.
In conclusion, I enjoyed reading Highland Master. It classic Howell style its fast paced, moving and packed with romance and strong woman.
ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was thrown back into the same feelings that Howell's book gave me all those years ago. I loved strong and loving Triona McKee, protecting her daughter and clan. Her cousin shows up running from her husband but protected by his family. In walks Brett Murray and fast has other plans for Triona.
“Ye shouldnae think ye need to hide these marks,” he said, releasing one of her hands to trace each mark with the tip of his finger. “They are the scars of a woman giving life to a child, scars as hard-won and honorable as any a noble warrior wears.”
Howell takes us on a moving journey where a friendship is formed rooted in attraction. Brett is a man of action he does not take lightly to woman and children being abused and he cannot stand aside and let her clan be victimized.
He did not wait for her to think long on what was about to happen but just kissed her. Brett brushed his lips over hers, savoring their soft warmth. He quickly recognized that she was not a woman well experienced in kissing, and silently cursed her husband. For her sake only, however, for a part of him was pleased that he might be able to give her something her husband never had. A woman married to a man for six years who did not know how to kiss was a woman who had suffered a cold bed, and he could show her heat, he was certain of it.
In conclusion, I enjoyed reading Highland Master. It classic Howell style its fast paced, moving and packed with romance and strong woman.
ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2013
This book is part of the Murray Family series, but in no way does it have to be read in order!
Triona is the acting Laird of her clan since her husband's & half of her clan's death due to fever. Many of the men left who survived the fever headed to France to sell their swords (mercenary work)to make money so their clan can survive. That was 18 months before & no word has come from any one of them. So Triona's clan is made up mostly of the elderly, women & the young. No fighting men etc.
On top of only having a few clan members, women moving in together to help each other out, leaving homes/cabins empty & falling apart, someone is setting small fires to crops, stealing provisions & cattle to make winter unbearable to the clan. Triona has a suspicion it is the neighboring clan Laird who wants her to marry him so he can have her & her lands.
Low and behold during all of this chaos her pregnant cousin comes to visit while fleeing her husband, because she's mad at him... with some knights as her guards. Brett in particular offers to stay to help train the young men to be able to fight the other laird, if he tries anything more aggressive. Instant attraction and all that of course between Triona & Brett... leaves you with another perfect Hannah Howell Highlander book!!
This was another perfect Hannah Howell book who writes realistically, yet entertaining historical novels! Not much more I can say! It was great!
Triona is the acting Laird of her clan since her husband's & half of her clan's death due to fever. Many of the men left who survived the fever headed to France to sell their swords (mercenary work)to make money so their clan can survive. That was 18 months before & no word has come from any one of them. So Triona's clan is made up mostly of the elderly, women & the young. No fighting men etc.
On top of only having a few clan members, women moving in together to help each other out, leaving homes/cabins empty & falling apart, someone is setting small fires to crops, stealing provisions & cattle to make winter unbearable to the clan. Triona has a suspicion it is the neighboring clan Laird who wants her to marry him so he can have her & her lands.
Low and behold during all of this chaos her pregnant cousin comes to visit while fleeing her husband, because she's mad at him... with some knights as her guards. Brett in particular offers to stay to help train the young men to be able to fight the other laird, if he tries anything more aggressive. Instant attraction and all that of course between Triona & Brett... leaves you with another perfect Hannah Howell Highlander book!!
This was another perfect Hannah Howell book who writes realistically, yet entertaining historical novels! Not much more I can say! It was great!
January 26, 2019
3.5 stars.
The question of Brian's first marriage not being mentioned in the previous book Highland Avenger is used as the vehicle to introduce our widowed heroine Triona to our hero Sir Brett Murray. Brian's wife Arianna was so upset at not being told that she left to visit her cousin Triona with Brett and his brothers acting as her escorts.
Being maliciously pestered by her neighbour to marry him and with her whole garrison missing, Brett and his brothers decided to help Triona against her neighbour as well as discovering what happened to her men....
A better than average read. At least both H/h didn't do anything too stupid and both characters acted quite reasonably. I still find the fact that Brian "forgot" to tell Arianna about his first marriage a bit of a stretch!
The question of Brian's first marriage not being mentioned in the previous book Highland Avenger is used as the vehicle to introduce our widowed heroine Triona to our hero Sir Brett Murray. Brian's wife Arianna was so upset at not being told that she left to visit her cousin Triona with Brett and his brothers acting as her escorts.
Being maliciously pestered by her neighbour to marry him and with her whole garrison missing, Brett and his brothers decided to help Triona against her neighbour as well as discovering what happened to her men....
A better than average read. At least both H/h didn't do anything too stupid and both characters acted quite reasonably. I still find the fact that Brian "forgot" to tell Arianna about his first marriage a bit of a stretch!
November 26, 2025
When you get that need for a strong dose of hottie highlanders in kilts, wenches that can hold their own and some hot sexual chemistry, you should definitely check out Highland Master.
Triona McKee has been holding her own for a few years now. Her clan was basically wiped out by an illness while the remaining men where led away to France in hopes to send income home. With little to no protection Triona, the women of the clan and the children are left to maintain and defend their lands. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for an over zealous Lord next door who wants Triona as his wife and take control of her lands. Hope comes with a surprise visit from her cousin and her guard.
The knights in her cousin's guard quickly see the lack of protection and Sir Brett Murray offers his protection as well as a williness training to the few men that remain.
When the village and keep start to show signs of more fortifications, attacks on the Triona's land and people escalate.
I adored this story. It was such a pleasure watching Brett's and Triona's relationship grow. Although there is sexual attraction and strong chemistry, they start with mutual respect which develops into friendship then love. It is a rocky road with scarred history and nefarious and demented actions from the Lord next door...but what a wonderful journey we get to imagine unfolding through the words created by Hannah Howell.
I received this ARC copy of Highland Master from Kensington Books - Zebra in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on November 26, 2013.
Triona McKee has been holding her own for a few years now. Her clan was basically wiped out by an illness while the remaining men where led away to France in hopes to send income home. With little to no protection Triona, the women of the clan and the children are left to maintain and defend their lands. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for an over zealous Lord next door who wants Triona as his wife and take control of her lands. Hope comes with a surprise visit from her cousin and her guard.
The knights in her cousin's guard quickly see the lack of protection and Sir Brett Murray offers his protection as well as a williness training to the few men that remain.
When the village and keep start to show signs of more fortifications, attacks on the Triona's land and people escalate.
I adored this story. It was such a pleasure watching Brett's and Triona's relationship grow. Although there is sexual attraction and strong chemistry, they start with mutual respect which develops into friendship then love. It is a rocky road with scarred history and nefarious and demented actions from the Lord next door...but what a wonderful journey we get to imagine unfolding through the words created by Hannah Howell.
I received this ARC copy of Highland Master from Kensington Books - Zebra in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on November 26, 2013.
January 9, 2015
Another fantastic entry into the saga of the Murray family. Triona is barely holding on to her land two years after the death of her husband. A neighboring laird is determined to take her lands by fair means or foul and she is running out of options. When her cousin Arianna arrives on her doorstep, escorted by several knights, she may be looking at salvation, but at what cost to her heart.
I love Hannah Howell's heroines. There isn't a wimp among them, and Triona is no exception. Her late husband had been a cold man, uninterested in anything having to do with the land itself, leaving her to do what was needed. Triona has no intention of tying herself to a man even worse than the one she'd had. Her cousin's arrival with five knights gives her the opportunity to get the help she so badly needs. She isn't sure how much of her trouble she should confess, as she doesn't know what their attitudes are toward women in her position. It doesn't help that she's attracted to Sir Brett, a distraction that she can't afford.
Sir Brett and the other knights can see that there is something very wrong going on at Banuilt. There is a definite lack of the men needed for a proper defense, and they are determined to find out why. As they pitch in to help Triona, the trouble that she's in only gets worse as her neighbor steps up his attempts to get the land and Triona herself. Brett finds himself attracted to her in a way he hasn't been attracted to a woman in years, ever since the death of the woman he loved and the child she carried.
Both Triona and Brett had issues that made them determined they would never marry. Triona had been married off to one man who only wanted her for the dowry she brought with her, and was being pursued by another who wanted her land. She wishes to remain independent. Brett has refused to consider the idea of marriage because of the guilt that he feels over the death of the woman he had loved. He blames himself because she was murdered on the way to meet him to elope. While he has no intention of marrying, he has no problem with the idea of seducing her into his bed.
Triona is intelligent and strong and has earned the loyalty of the people she leads. She has never experienced the passion that can happen between a man and a woman and at first is reluctant to risk losing the respect of her people for a brief affair. I loved seeing her embrace the idea of doing something for herself, even though she knew there was no chance of a future between herself and Brett. He had made it clear he would be leaving when her troubles were resolved.
Brett is an honorable man who will not allow himself to give false hope to Triona. He has given up the idea of happiness for himself, feeling that he doesn't deserve it. But the more time he spends with her, the more often he finds himself thinking of the possibility. Her strength and independence are attractive to him, and he develops great respect for her ability to care for her people. I loved the friendship that developed between them first, before they took the attraction that also grew and gave in to it.
As they got closer, Triona found that her heart was getting involved, even though she knew that Brett would be leaving. When it was all done, she wanted him to stay, but couldn't bring herself to ask, or tell him how she felt. She was heartbroken when he left as he said he would, because she had wanted to believe that he had feelings for her and would stay. Brett felt that he had nothing to offer her, and didn't want to be another man who would gain by marrying her. Instead of telling her of his plans, he walked away leaving her to think he didn't care. I loved that he was sensitive to the issue, but he sure messed up by not talking to her. He had some real work to do when he came back in order to get her to even listen to him. He still managed to leave out some important information, but finally managed to get it all right in the end.
I liked the fact that Brett and the other men didn't simply take over when they arrived and found out that there were problems. Triona was always completely involved, listened to, and her opinion and desires consulted. I think it helped that Brett and the others were accustomed to strong women, so listening to her was not something that felt odd to them. Of course, there are times when her independence creates problems, and the final confrontation comes about when she tackles a problem her own way. She knew that she was going against everything Brett had told her to do, but she had her reasons. She also had the intelligence and presence of mind to find a way to help with her own rescue.
I loved seeing the way that they all worked together to end the threat to Triona and her clan. The neighboring laird was definitely a piece of work and certainly deserved everything that happened to him. Some of the things he did were beyond terrible.
The dialog between Brett and Triona was great. The respect was there from the beginning, and the friendship grew quickly. But it was when they grew closer that the conversations turned really fun, with some great heat under the words. I loved the way that Brett was so clear with her about how much he wanted her, and how much he liked her as a person.
There were also plenty of fun parts involving other people. The conflict between Brian and Arianna was heated, but you could easily see the love they had for each other. I loved seeing Triona point out to each of them where they'd gone wrong. It was also fun to see the two of them as they worked their way back to each other. Triona's conversations/confrontations with various priests were hysterical, especially the one during the final confrontation.
One of my favorite characters was Triona's little girl, Ella. She can be very sweet and I loved seeing her wrap Brett around her tiny fingers. But she is also intelligent, curious and full of mischief. I loved her "research" into why pigs roll in mud. She also plays a big part in her mother's rescue at the end. I really hope that she eventually gets her own story, because I can see her leading some man on a wild adventure.
I love Hannah Howell's heroines. There isn't a wimp among them, and Triona is no exception. Her late husband had been a cold man, uninterested in anything having to do with the land itself, leaving her to do what was needed. Triona has no intention of tying herself to a man even worse than the one she'd had. Her cousin's arrival with five knights gives her the opportunity to get the help she so badly needs. She isn't sure how much of her trouble she should confess, as she doesn't know what their attitudes are toward women in her position. It doesn't help that she's attracted to Sir Brett, a distraction that she can't afford.
Sir Brett and the other knights can see that there is something very wrong going on at Banuilt. There is a definite lack of the men needed for a proper defense, and they are determined to find out why. As they pitch in to help Triona, the trouble that she's in only gets worse as her neighbor steps up his attempts to get the land and Triona herself. Brett finds himself attracted to her in a way he hasn't been attracted to a woman in years, ever since the death of the woman he loved and the child she carried.
Both Triona and Brett had issues that made them determined they would never marry. Triona had been married off to one man who only wanted her for the dowry she brought with her, and was being pursued by another who wanted her land. She wishes to remain independent. Brett has refused to consider the idea of marriage because of the guilt that he feels over the death of the woman he had loved. He blames himself because she was murdered on the way to meet him to elope. While he has no intention of marrying, he has no problem with the idea of seducing her into his bed.
Triona is intelligent and strong and has earned the loyalty of the people she leads. She has never experienced the passion that can happen between a man and a woman and at first is reluctant to risk losing the respect of her people for a brief affair. I loved seeing her embrace the idea of doing something for herself, even though she knew there was no chance of a future between herself and Brett. He had made it clear he would be leaving when her troubles were resolved.
Brett is an honorable man who will not allow himself to give false hope to Triona. He has given up the idea of happiness for himself, feeling that he doesn't deserve it. But the more time he spends with her, the more often he finds himself thinking of the possibility. Her strength and independence are attractive to him, and he develops great respect for her ability to care for her people. I loved the friendship that developed between them first, before they took the attraction that also grew and gave in to it.
As they got closer, Triona found that her heart was getting involved, even though she knew that Brett would be leaving. When it was all done, she wanted him to stay, but couldn't bring herself to ask, or tell him how she felt. She was heartbroken when he left as he said he would, because she had wanted to believe that he had feelings for her and would stay. Brett felt that he had nothing to offer her, and didn't want to be another man who would gain by marrying her. Instead of telling her of his plans, he walked away leaving her to think he didn't care. I loved that he was sensitive to the issue, but he sure messed up by not talking to her. He had some real work to do when he came back in order to get her to even listen to him. He still managed to leave out some important information, but finally managed to get it all right in the end.
I liked the fact that Brett and the other men didn't simply take over when they arrived and found out that there were problems. Triona was always completely involved, listened to, and her opinion and desires consulted. I think it helped that Brett and the others were accustomed to strong women, so listening to her was not something that felt odd to them. Of course, there are times when her independence creates problems, and the final confrontation comes about when she tackles a problem her own way. She knew that she was going against everything Brett had told her to do, but she had her reasons. She also had the intelligence and presence of mind to find a way to help with her own rescue.
I loved seeing the way that they all worked together to end the threat to Triona and her clan. The neighboring laird was definitely a piece of work and certainly deserved everything that happened to him. Some of the things he did were beyond terrible.
The dialog between Brett and Triona was great. The respect was there from the beginning, and the friendship grew quickly. But it was when they grew closer that the conversations turned really fun, with some great heat under the words. I loved the way that Brett was so clear with her about how much he wanted her, and how much he liked her as a person.
There were also plenty of fun parts involving other people. The conflict between Brian and Arianna was heated, but you could easily see the love they had for each other. I loved seeing Triona point out to each of them where they'd gone wrong. It was also fun to see the two of them as they worked their way back to each other. Triona's conversations/confrontations with various priests were hysterical, especially the one during the final confrontation.
One of my favorite characters was Triona's little girl, Ella. She can be very sweet and I loved seeing her wrap Brett around her tiny fingers. But she is also intelligent, curious and full of mischief. I loved her "research" into why pigs roll in mud. She also plays a big part in her mother's rescue at the end. I really hope that she eventually gets her own story, because I can see her leading some man on a wild adventure.
November 23, 2013
Rated 3.5 Stars. Posted at TBR Mountain Range along with more reviews and my photographs to go with them.
Two people with tragedy in their past find comfort in their attraction to each other. Lady Triona is in trouble and a knight may be exactly what she needs in more ways than one.
The Scottish Highlands are the backdrop for an intriguing story about a woman who fights for the right to care for her people without being forced to marry. Having earned that right through hard work and perseverance, what happens when her desires outweigh her need to be independent? Will the lady risk her people's respect and take a lover?
Recently widowed, Lady Triona McKee struggles as laird of Banuilt, not because she is inept, but because of Sir John Grant, the neighboring laird who wants her land and will go about any trickery to get it. She has worked hard to help her people recover from the fever that took the lives of many, including their laird, her husband, Sir Boyd McKee. A loveless marriage arranged for what her dowry could give Boyd, Triona is grateful for their child, Ella, and for her liege, who allows her to act in her husband's stead for her people. But how long will that last when Sir John continually insists that she wed him?
They have lost so many people, including the men in her garrison who went off to France to use their skills for pay, hoping to restore Banuilt with what they earn. After two years of waiting for these men to return, she's left with inexperienced lads and old men to protect the manor and village from their neighboring laird who has vengeance and greed in his heart. Sir John Grant cannot take her land outright or he threatens his goodwill with their liege who approves of Lady Triona continuing as laird after her husband's death. But Sir John can steal from them and starve them to force her hand for the sake of her people.
Upon the arrival of her cousin, Lady Arianna, with five knights as her escorts, Triona becomes more aware of her lack of protection. Anxious for the training these knights can provide her lads, Triona isn't quite sure how much she should tell them. It doesn't help that she's overly attracted to Sir Brett Murray, one of the knights, from the moment she sees him. It also doesn't help that Brett seems just as interested in her.
Sir Brett Murray and his brother, as well as his fellow knights, immediately discern that something is amiss in Banuilt. The overabundance of women and children at the manor home, as well as the lack of well-trained men to guard the village and its assets, makes them resolute to find out Banuilt's secrets. His attraction to Lady Triona surprises him because he hasn't yearned for a woman to share his bed since the murder of his intended and their unborn child. Two things are certain. The beguiling and brave Lady Triona needs their help and Brett is determined to seduce her.
Book nineteen of THE MURRAYS series kicks off with an intriguing scenario and is easy to follow without reading the prior books. I think this is what impressed me most, that I understood a book from a long-term series with a multitude of characters and didn't become confused about their relationships to one another. The dialogue is true to the times and setting, so I stumbled in my reading, trying to figure out what they were saying sometimes. If you're familiar with the series or books like it, you won't notice that as much because about halfway through the book, I didn't stumble any longer.
In the beginning, I felt like there was too much talk and not enough action, with phrases or plot points repeated in dialogue. But I read an advance uncorrected proof so all of that may have been remedied in the final version. Eventually, the plot picks up and the action increases for an enjoyable adventure.
The characters are likeable and individualized enough to make most of them memorable. I kept getting Brett and Brian mixed up, but that always happens to me when two main characters have similar names. I enjoyed the exchanges between Triona and Brett, as well as their interactions with the secondary characters. There is a full cast here and probably many that fans of the series will look forward to being reunited with in this book.
My favorite character was Lady Triona's five-year-old daughter from her first marriage, who is mischief personified. She's quirky and smart, and I'm willing to bet that many readers will yearn for her story to be told. If five-year-old Ella's childhood behavior is even close to what she'll be like as an adult, we'll all have fun watching her grow up, then fall in love, if given the chance.
Lady Triona is a heroine with intelligence and strength, laced with loyalty to her people and fierce protection of her daughter. Sir Brett Murray's intentions are truthful to Triona from the very beginning. He intends to seduce her and Triona wants to live in the moment, even though forever love is enviable. But can they succumb to their desires when another man is determined to make Triona his wife?
The end of the book sews up the plot points nicely and the epilogue gives us a pleasing glimpse a year later. HIGHLAND MASTER will satisfy those who enjoy a small town story within a historical setting.
Review written by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Two people with tragedy in their past find comfort in their attraction to each other. Lady Triona is in trouble and a knight may be exactly what she needs in more ways than one.
The Scottish Highlands are the backdrop for an intriguing story about a woman who fights for the right to care for her people without being forced to marry. Having earned that right through hard work and perseverance, what happens when her desires outweigh her need to be independent? Will the lady risk her people's respect and take a lover?
Recently widowed, Lady Triona McKee struggles as laird of Banuilt, not because she is inept, but because of Sir John Grant, the neighboring laird who wants her land and will go about any trickery to get it. She has worked hard to help her people recover from the fever that took the lives of many, including their laird, her husband, Sir Boyd McKee. A loveless marriage arranged for what her dowry could give Boyd, Triona is grateful for their child, Ella, and for her liege, who allows her to act in her husband's stead for her people. But how long will that last when Sir John continually insists that she wed him?
They have lost so many people, including the men in her garrison who went off to France to use their skills for pay, hoping to restore Banuilt with what they earn. After two years of waiting for these men to return, she's left with inexperienced lads and old men to protect the manor and village from their neighboring laird who has vengeance and greed in his heart. Sir John Grant cannot take her land outright or he threatens his goodwill with their liege who approves of Lady Triona continuing as laird after her husband's death. But Sir John can steal from them and starve them to force her hand for the sake of her people.
Upon the arrival of her cousin, Lady Arianna, with five knights as her escorts, Triona becomes more aware of her lack of protection. Anxious for the training these knights can provide her lads, Triona isn't quite sure how much she should tell them. It doesn't help that she's overly attracted to Sir Brett Murray, one of the knights, from the moment she sees him. It also doesn't help that Brett seems just as interested in her.
Sir Brett Murray and his brother, as well as his fellow knights, immediately discern that something is amiss in Banuilt. The overabundance of women and children at the manor home, as well as the lack of well-trained men to guard the village and its assets, makes them resolute to find out Banuilt's secrets. His attraction to Lady Triona surprises him because he hasn't yearned for a woman to share his bed since the murder of his intended and their unborn child. Two things are certain. The beguiling and brave Lady Triona needs their help and Brett is determined to seduce her.
Book nineteen of THE MURRAYS series kicks off with an intriguing scenario and is easy to follow without reading the prior books. I think this is what impressed me most, that I understood a book from a long-term series with a multitude of characters and didn't become confused about their relationships to one another. The dialogue is true to the times and setting, so I stumbled in my reading, trying to figure out what they were saying sometimes. If you're familiar with the series or books like it, you won't notice that as much because about halfway through the book, I didn't stumble any longer.
In the beginning, I felt like there was too much talk and not enough action, with phrases or plot points repeated in dialogue. But I read an advance uncorrected proof so all of that may have been remedied in the final version. Eventually, the plot picks up and the action increases for an enjoyable adventure.
The characters are likeable and individualized enough to make most of them memorable. I kept getting Brett and Brian mixed up, but that always happens to me when two main characters have similar names. I enjoyed the exchanges between Triona and Brett, as well as their interactions with the secondary characters. There is a full cast here and probably many that fans of the series will look forward to being reunited with in this book.
My favorite character was Lady Triona's five-year-old daughter from her first marriage, who is mischief personified. She's quirky and smart, and I'm willing to bet that many readers will yearn for her story to be told. If five-year-old Ella's childhood behavior is even close to what she'll be like as an adult, we'll all have fun watching her grow up, then fall in love, if given the chance.
Lady Triona is a heroine with intelligence and strength, laced with loyalty to her people and fierce protection of her daughter. Sir Brett Murray's intentions are truthful to Triona from the very beginning. He intends to seduce her and Triona wants to live in the moment, even though forever love is enviable. But can they succumb to their desires when another man is determined to make Triona his wife?
The end of the book sews up the plot points nicely and the epilogue gives us a pleasing glimpse a year later. HIGHLAND MASTER will satisfy those who enjoy a small town story within a historical setting.
Review written by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.
November 20, 2017
A great book in the Murray series. A stand alone in its own right. It moved at a great pace with enough intrigue mixed with romance.
June 24, 2014
Triona McKee is a widow, named heir to her fortunately dead husband's lairdship over a little fiefdom somewhere in Scotland. After a fever killed off half her clan, the menfolk all charged off (taking their horses and weapons) to make their fortunes in France. That was two years ago. Now her lands are guarded by green boys, old men, women and children—and this creepy neighbor is trying to force her to marry him by burning their crops, stealing their livestock, etc. Fortunately, he's not the type to get his hands dirty and his men don't have their hearts in the work. Still, it's bad enough that Tri might have to marry him. Until…
Her cousin arrives in a snit—seems her new hubby failed to mention a previous marriage. This rubs a sore spot with her, since her first hubby's previous wife wasn't quite dead. She won't be made a fool of twice, so she's left him. Her guard is headed by Sir Brett Murray, who gets the lay of the land (Yeah, that's Tri) and decides to help a gal out.
There's a pretty good mystery and a bit of danger/adventure here—a couple abductions that you see coming a mile away but that's OK. Tri's daughter Elle turns out to be a pretty smart little cookie, despite the fact that the first time we really meet her she's rolling in mud to find out what it feels like when pigs wallow (really).
Those are the good points that earn this as many stars as it gets. Now here's the bad news: The story gets bogged down with way too much exposition—long navel-gazing segments telling us what the characters are thinking—and conversations between the primary and minor characters, where he talks to his friends and she talks to hers about the same issue to the point where it's chewed to death before anything happens. That steals a lot of the emotional impact of the story and feels like it's just there to pad the page number. There's a decent story in the midst of all this but it gets buried now and then under the filler.
AND the hero's reason for acting like an ass in the last part of the book is pretty lame.
So, we have Scotties, it's Medieval-ish (not much historical detail but enough to get there), there is mystery, adventure and danger. OTOH the writing here isn't Howell's best—not by a long shot. I'm giving it (barely) 3 stars.
Her cousin arrives in a snit—seems her new hubby failed to mention a previous marriage. This rubs a sore spot with her, since her first hubby's previous wife wasn't quite dead. She won't be made a fool of twice, so she's left him. Her guard is headed by Sir Brett Murray, who gets the lay of the land (Yeah, that's Tri) and decides to help a gal out.
There's a pretty good mystery and a bit of danger/adventure here—a couple abductions that you see coming a mile away but that's OK. Tri's daughter Elle turns out to be a pretty smart little cookie, despite the fact that the first time we really meet her she's rolling in mud to find out what it feels like when pigs wallow (really).
Those are the good points that earn this as many stars as it gets. Now here's the bad news: The story gets bogged down with way too much exposition—long navel-gazing segments telling us what the characters are thinking—and conversations between the primary and minor characters, where he talks to his friends and she talks to hers about the same issue to the point where it's chewed to death before anything happens. That steals a lot of the emotional impact of the story and feels like it's just there to pad the page number. There's a decent story in the midst of all this but it gets buried now and then under the filler.
AND the hero's reason for acting like an ass in the last part of the book is pretty lame.
So, we have Scotties, it's Medieval-ish (not much historical detail but enough to get there), there is mystery, adventure and danger. OTOH the writing here isn't Howell's best—not by a long shot. I'm giving it (barely) 3 stars.
August 3, 2016
Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog
Lady Triona McKee's life has not quite turned out as she pictured it. After an illness killed half of her clan, including her husband the laird, Triona is dealing with a neighbor that wants her land and using the excuse that a woman shouldn't be laird.
Triona's cousin (Arianna from Highland Avenger) has run from her husband after hearing some unsettling news. With her comes some of her kinsmen including Sir Brett Murray.
There is an instant attraction between Triona and Brett, but neither is looking for romance and try to ignore it.
Brett and his companions can tell that something is not right in the household. The only people around are women, children and very old men. A fire is started in one of the fields and Triona can not withhold the truth any longer. She needs help keeping her neighbor from trying to get her land.
Brett has pledged to help Triona by staying on with his men even after Arianna might go home. As the two of them spend time together a friendship develops. They both soon realize that it is quickly becoming more than that. Triona is not about to be under the control of another man now that she has tasted the freedom of becoming laird and Brett is haunted by a past love. Can they overcome these obstacles to find love with one another?
I am a huge fan of Hannah Howell and have read the whole Murray series. Once again, she does not disappoint. As with most of her stories, you get to visit old friends and in this case it was Arianna and Brian from Highland Avenger.
I really liked that Triona and Brett were able to develop a friendship before they become lovers. That is not often done in romance stories. There was also an added element of mystery that kept me reading. I didn't want to put the book down because I wanted the mystery solved! I'm always laughing out loud when I read one of Hannah's books. I LOVE the banter between her characters. Even if you haven't read the other books in the series, you will still enjoy it immensely.
Thanks go to NetGalley and Kensington for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Lady Triona McKee's life has not quite turned out as she pictured it. After an illness killed half of her clan, including her husband the laird, Triona is dealing with a neighbor that wants her land and using the excuse that a woman shouldn't be laird.
Triona's cousin (Arianna from Highland Avenger) has run from her husband after hearing some unsettling news. With her comes some of her kinsmen including Sir Brett Murray.
There is an instant attraction between Triona and Brett, but neither is looking for romance and try to ignore it.
Brett and his companions can tell that something is not right in the household. The only people around are women, children and very old men. A fire is started in one of the fields and Triona can not withhold the truth any longer. She needs help keeping her neighbor from trying to get her land.
Brett has pledged to help Triona by staying on with his men even after Arianna might go home. As the two of them spend time together a friendship develops. They both soon realize that it is quickly becoming more than that. Triona is not about to be under the control of another man now that she has tasted the freedom of becoming laird and Brett is haunted by a past love. Can they overcome these obstacles to find love with one another?
I am a huge fan of Hannah Howell and have read the whole Murray series. Once again, she does not disappoint. As with most of her stories, you get to visit old friends and in this case it was Arianna and Brian from Highland Avenger.
I really liked that Triona and Brett were able to develop a friendship before they become lovers. That is not often done in romance stories. There was also an added element of mystery that kept me reading. I didn't want to put the book down because I wanted the mystery solved! I'm always laughing out loud when I read one of Hannah's books. I LOVE the banter between her characters. Even if you haven't read the other books in the series, you will still enjoy it immensely.
Thanks go to NetGalley and Kensington for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
November 26, 2013
4 1/2 Stars
Lady Triona McKee has been having a very hard time living up to being a successful laird to the clan she married into. When her older husband died and left the holding and his legacy to his wife, life became so much more difficult than she ever imagined, especially when she has Laird Grant stealing her livestock and burning her crops in an attempt to wear the lady down into an unsavory marriage with him that will mean his obtaining all of McKee land.
Triona's cousin Arianna appears on her doorstep with several highland warriors in tow, including a very broody but honorable Sir Brett Murray, the tides take an interesting turn when Murray takes on the task of seeing that Triona's holding of Banuilt become free of the issues standing in the way.
Sir Brett Murray has vowed to remain a single man. Blaming himself for the death of the woman he stole from his own brother, Brett does his penance daily by serving others and being alone. What he finds at Banuilt makes him wonder. Where are all the men? The holding is being run by a female Laird and women, children and old men. Although the people in this holding obviously adore their Laird, Lady McKee, there is only so much that can be done in these circumstances so Brett and his men set out to see what can be done to remove the threat looming over Lady McKee's shoulders. During this time, Brett comes to admire the Lady Triona and the attraction between the two becomes a fire that neither one wants to put out.
Once again Hannah Howell delivers with her engaging plot and her fascinating characters. I have been a fan of the Murray clan from the start and am so happy each book that Hannah Howell writes in this series is fresh and captivating, making me consistently want more. Highland Master is brimming with action and mystery as well as the romance between the young widow and the warrior. Reading the Murrays saga is like being with an old friend recalling all the good memories. I highly recommend Highland Master by Hannah Howell to readers, it's a fascinating journey.
~ KIMBERLY ~
Lady Triona McKee has been having a very hard time living up to being a successful laird to the clan she married into. When her older husband died and left the holding and his legacy to his wife, life became so much more difficult than she ever imagined, especially when she has Laird Grant stealing her livestock and burning her crops in an attempt to wear the lady down into an unsavory marriage with him that will mean his obtaining all of McKee land.
Triona's cousin Arianna appears on her doorstep with several highland warriors in tow, including a very broody but honorable Sir Brett Murray, the tides take an interesting turn when Murray takes on the task of seeing that Triona's holding of Banuilt become free of the issues standing in the way.
Sir Brett Murray has vowed to remain a single man. Blaming himself for the death of the woman he stole from his own brother, Brett does his penance daily by serving others and being alone. What he finds at Banuilt makes him wonder. Where are all the men? The holding is being run by a female Laird and women, children and old men. Although the people in this holding obviously adore their Laird, Lady McKee, there is only so much that can be done in these circumstances so Brett and his men set out to see what can be done to remove the threat looming over Lady McKee's shoulders. During this time, Brett comes to admire the Lady Triona and the attraction between the two becomes a fire that neither one wants to put out.
Once again Hannah Howell delivers with her engaging plot and her fascinating characters. I have been a fan of the Murray clan from the start and am so happy each book that Hannah Howell writes in this series is fresh and captivating, making me consistently want more. Highland Master is brimming with action and mystery as well as the romance between the young widow and the warrior. Reading the Murrays saga is like being with an old friend recalling all the good memories. I highly recommend Highland Master by Hannah Howell to readers, it's a fascinating journey.
~ KIMBERLY ~
January 1, 2014
Highland Master
Another great Highlander romp from Hannah Howell, who is a new-to-me author. That's right. I joined a series nineteen books in. Hark, is that the series reading order police I hear at my door? Heh. Normally I'd agree with their outrage, but I find it matters not one jot with Scottish romances since the stories are usually very self-contained, and the characters often secluded at one castle/keep or another. And, indeed, I can confirm that even having not met a single Murray before, this book reads perfectly well as a stand alone.
Overall I enjoyed Highland Master and don't really have any complaints about it writing-wise. Although, as you'll see from my rating, it didn't exactly knock my socks off either. I'd probably have been a lot more receptive to it had the heroine, Triona, not been a widower. I'm terribly archaic about this genre and prefer my heroines fresh faced and virginal. The widowers with their extra years and baggage don't seem to entertain me quite as well. Having said that, dear, sweet Brett made a valiant effort at overcoming this personal peeve. He was delightful and by far my favourite part of the story. I loved that he wasn't a laird for a change, but a knight, a soldier at arms. He was quite the braw man, and together, he and Triona certainly knew how to heat up the bed chamber.
The rest of the plot had a mystery to unfold which was also surprisingly entertaining. And as with many of these style of romances, there's a villain to gleefully jeer at. Quite a nasty one, too. It was all good fun and I'd definitely read from this author again.
3 Stars ★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Another great Highlander romp from Hannah Howell, who is a new-to-me author. That's right. I joined a series nineteen books in. Hark, is that the series reading order police I hear at my door? Heh. Normally I'd agree with their outrage, but I find it matters not one jot with Scottish romances since the stories are usually very self-contained, and the characters often secluded at one castle/keep or another. And, indeed, I can confirm that even having not met a single Murray before, this book reads perfectly well as a stand alone.
Overall I enjoyed Highland Master and don't really have any complaints about it writing-wise. Although, as you'll see from my rating, it didn't exactly knock my socks off either. I'd probably have been a lot more receptive to it had the heroine, Triona, not been a widower. I'm terribly archaic about this genre and prefer my heroines fresh faced and virginal. The widowers with their extra years and baggage don't seem to entertain me quite as well. Having said that, dear, sweet Brett made a valiant effort at overcoming this personal peeve. He was delightful and by far my favourite part of the story. I loved that he wasn't a laird for a change, but a knight, a soldier at arms. He was quite the braw man, and together, he and Triona certainly knew how to heat up the bed chamber.
The rest of the plot had a mystery to unfold which was also surprisingly entertaining. And as with many of these style of romances, there's a villain to gleefully jeer at. Quite a nasty one, too. It was all good fun and I'd definitely read from this author again.
3 Stars ★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2013
Triona McKee and Sir Brett Murray a great match!
Classic Murray romance. Hot highlander comes to the rescue of highland lass well in this case she is a highland Laird whose is being sabatoged at ever little turn bu Sir John Grant, the Laird of the Neighboring clan, who through field burning. Livestock stealing and the mysterious disappearance of a whole garrison of men fron Bannault wh went seeking fortunes as meet energies in France to help out the clan; everything done in a very subtle manner that itis difficult to prove .
sir Brett Murray, and the other Murray's that came visiting though will help solve her problems . Triona tries not to fall love with Brett but his seduction of her is so much more than she as ever had, more than she ever experienced with her dead husband Boyd; but she know she has to fight w feelings because once her problems are solved he will be leaving.
Will Brett solve her problems, will he leave and never come back . Will Brett fall in love? Ahhhhhgh so man questions to answer all wrapped up in a delightful story better get reading!
Classic Murray romance. Hot highlander comes to the rescue of highland lass well in this case she is a highland Laird whose is being sabatoged at ever little turn bu Sir John Grant, the Laird of the Neighboring clan, who through field burning. Livestock stealing and the mysterious disappearance of a whole garrison of men fron Bannault wh went seeking fortunes as meet energies in France to help out the clan; everything done in a very subtle manner that itis difficult to prove .
sir Brett Murray, and the other Murray's that came visiting though will help solve her problems . Triona tries not to fall love with Brett but his seduction of her is so much more than she as ever had, more than she ever experienced with her dead husband Boyd; but she know she has to fight w feelings because once her problems are solved he will be leaving.
Will Brett solve her problems, will he leave and never come back . Will Brett fall in love? Ahhhhhgh so man questions to answer all wrapped up in a delightful story better get reading!
October 24, 2016
It's hard to be the Laird when you are female and have no real claim to the land. But Triona McKee is doing her best even with her neighbor harassing her at every turn - setting fires and stealing cattle. When her pregnant cousin comes to visit bringing her men-at-arms, Triona is grateful for the additional "man" power. Especially the man named Brett Murray who is a stunning creature who finally makes her heart sing even from just the first sighting.
This is romance at it's best with a strong heroine who could use a man but doesn't need one to be Laird. And a hero who is a true knight with all the knightly trappings - honestly, loyalty and gallantry. The courtship isn't necessarily romantic but you can tell that someone is in denial about their feelings and things will work out just fine.
Another terrific entry in the Murray Family series.
This is romance at it's best with a strong heroine who could use a man but doesn't need one to be Laird. And a hero who is a true knight with all the knightly trappings - honestly, loyalty and gallantry. The courtship isn't necessarily romantic but you can tell that someone is in denial about their feelings and things will work out just fine.
Another terrific entry in the Murray Family series.
October 4, 2013
I love Hannah Howell's stories-----From the very first book, i just couldn't get enough---every time I read a new story of hers makes me want to go back and read all her other books. This was another great story from her. Keeping up with the Murray clan is always a joy---as well with all the clans that are friends or family with the Murray. Well done as always Hannah Howell. Thank you.
September 11, 2022
Lady Triona McKee's life is a struggle. Her neighbour is trying to have her marry him by sabotaging the keep, stealing the cattle, setting fires to her fields. Sir Brett Murray comes to her rescue.
November 29, 2013
Another fun Murray book! I LOVE the Murrays! It may be time to pull out the entire series for a another re-read. ;)
December 24, 2013
a great book by the historical romance author Hannah Howell! continuing to entertain us with the Murray clan and their expanding family! thanks Hannah!
May 9, 2017
Well that explains me remembering Brian being married before! Two close keeps have some serious issues that lead to some lingering problems that are settled by the arrival of a mad wife.
December 15, 2020
Lady Triona's hopes and dreams fell to the wayside when she married her husband and now with him gone she's trying to hold onto what's left for those who depend on her.
There was no way in the world she was ever going to say yes to that narcissistic fool who only wanted her for the lands she held.
Then out of nowhere her cousin who she thought was still living across the channel in France shows up at her gate looking for a place to hide and stew in anger.
Triona couldn't help but envy her cousin's escourt of gorgeous knights with there weapons and their fine horses.
Sir Brett could tell something wasn't quite right here the men were either very old or really to young to man a proper defense.
Lady Triona tried to help her cousin to see reason but she did have several valid points after all who forgets such a major event in one's life.
Sir Brett realized that Lady Triona's late husband obviously didn't know how to appreciate his wife as one should have.
But he intended in proving she was the most beautiful desirable woman in the world and he was the one truly blessed with just the mere chance at winning her heart.
Because in the end once they dispatch the evil neighbor he needed to prove he was different from everyone else.
That he truly want the Lady Triona for herself and no other reason.
There was no way in the world she was ever going to say yes to that narcissistic fool who only wanted her for the lands she held.
Then out of nowhere her cousin who she thought was still living across the channel in France shows up at her gate looking for a place to hide and stew in anger.
Triona couldn't help but envy her cousin's escourt of gorgeous knights with there weapons and their fine horses.
Sir Brett could tell something wasn't quite right here the men were either very old or really to young to man a proper defense.
Lady Triona tried to help her cousin to see reason but she did have several valid points after all who forgets such a major event in one's life.
Sir Brett realized that Lady Triona's late husband obviously didn't know how to appreciate his wife as one should have.
But he intended in proving she was the most beautiful desirable woman in the world and he was the one truly blessed with just the mere chance at winning her heart.
Because in the end once they dispatch the evil neighbor he needed to prove he was different from everyone else.
That he truly want the Lady Triona for herself and no other reason.
October 1, 2019
This is the 19th book of the Murray family series. Lady Triona is a widow for two years and is the laird of the hold she is living in. Not many women claim to be this. But after a violent fever that wiped out the hold she is left in charge. Her neighboring keep is wanting the land and is trying to get it by wedding her. Just when she begins to think that another loveless marriage is in the future for her she is given another chance. At love and holding onto what it hers by decree. Sir Brett Murray is the knight in shinning armor for her. He rides in with his and her cousin Arianna who has left her husband to pout over something she finds out. So while there he and his men decide to help her. More than what is believed is going on. Where did her garrison of knights go? And even if she knows who is destroying her crops she cannot prove it. He, Brett, has his own demons to contend with. A past that has haunted him for years.
March 13, 2023
3 stars. The plot was predictable. Highland Warrior meets woman, they become bed partners, she falls in love with him, he falls for her too but denies it to himself, then something happens that he has to leave and he doesn't feel like he's good enough for her, and she won't ask him to stay so it takes his leaving to decide that he loves her, so he comes back and she forgives him way too easily, and they live happily ever after... Oh, and she typically ends up pregnant after deciding it's worth being his mistress for however long he will have her.
It's pretty much the plot for every Highland book Howell has written, and even though I really like her style, it's just way too predictable after all these books. It also makes the woman weak and the man weaker. Getting old, sad to say.
It's pretty much the plot for every Highland book Howell has written, and even though I really like her style, it's just way too predictable after all these books. It also makes the woman weak and the man weaker. Getting old, sad to say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2018
Triona flaunts every single conventionality but she can't speak up and tell Brett Murray that she has feelings for him? Really? Brett Murray has almost no character development except his pride and risks losing Triona by not telling her that he intends to return. Spoiler alert: are we really supposed to believe that a 5 year old not only managed to leave a trail of rocks to lead the rescuers back to her mother, but that the men searching for Triona were able to follow a trail of pebbles dropped along a forest path? Sure, why not, there were probably no other pebbles or rocks in that forest.
February 5, 2020
Such a fabulous book. A little violent when you get near the end but it was good. One thing that I don't understand is that if the Murray's and the alliances, have all these gifts (which only the women have) why can't the men have some gifts too? Its too gender biased in my opinion.
March 24, 2021
3.5
This may not be the best book, but it was so much fun. I used to read Hannah Howell all the time when I was a teenager.
This may not be the best book, but it was so much fun. I used to read Hannah Howell all the time when I was a teenager.
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