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MacNachton Vampires #1
The Eternal Highlander
Reprinted Edition
Writing together for the first time, New York Times bestselling authors Lynsay Sands and Hannah Howell present the darkly passionate story of two men sworn to conquer the hunger that pounds in their blood--and the women who may be their only salvation. . .
When Darkness Falls. . .
Cathal MacNachton and Connall MacAdie are cousins bound by far more than blood ties and the rugged Highland landscape their clan calls home. The ancient curse of their ancestry has fated them to live by night with an unquenchable thirst that neither can tame. The only thing that can save their souls is marriage to Outsiders--mortals whose untainted blood will weaken the curse in their children and break the chains of fear that have made their clan a breed apart.
Bridget Callan and Eva Caxton are the women who will shape the clan's destiny. Marriage to these strange and mysterious men will rescue each of them from desperate circumstances--and draw them into a web of danger, desire, and intrigue. . .
324 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2004
243 people are currently reading
4690 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 - 30 of 187 reviews
October 7, 2010
"Nightriders" by Hannah Howell-2.5 stars
This is my first introduction to Hannah Howell's vampires. I love Highlanders, I love vampires, so her series seemed perfect for me.
I'm not completely sure if I liked it or not.
I know that sounds completely stupid, but I liked the idea of it, and I liked the storyline-
a girl leaves to visit a cousin and her camp is slaughtered by thieves, she escapes and runs like the wind. Some of the Nightriders help her by killing the bad guys, and take her to their laird. He marries her for several reasons, but has troubles of his own to deal with.
What bothers me is this: we are never told outright what the MacNachton's are. They are constantly compared to wolves, but are vampiric in all else. Her site lists them as vampires, but it's not really clear in the story. Maybe it is just suggested so often that she didn't feel the need to address it. Bridget's cat-like ancestors were discussed in depth, so I just felt cheated.
I might re-write this review as I'm going to read 2 more of the Hannah Howell Highland/Vampire stories this week, but for the most part I liked it. I think I just need to get used to the world built here.
Ooh, only one part I didn't like-the heroine Bridget sees her husband drinking from another female, and it makes her so mad she faints (she'd been hit over the head too). But that was never addressed. She was fighting mad, and never spoke up! Her personality was such that she could have addressed it and it wouldn't have been out of place.
Oh, and btw, I felt like all the MacNachton's were Edward from Twilight with the amount of times Bridget called them beautiful or strangely beautiful. lol
"The Highland Bride" by Lynsay Sands-3 stars
I liked this story better than the first, but it at the same time reminded me of why I quit reading LS-her heroines are all painfully innocent, and overly-naive.
She is of course, perfect in looks, but thinks she's plain. She's kind and generous and never complains. She's a bit clumsy and saves the day by not only accepting her husband's vampirism and helping to defeat the bad guy who is of course, a close friend who we never see as the villain. Typical LS.
If you like LS, then you'll love this. I actually enjoyed it up to a point. Then the girl's naive personality became stupid, rather than naive.
It wasn't bad, not by any means, I like the story, and if I'd never read anything by LS before I would have rated it higher, but it seemed too similar to other hisoricals she's written.
This is my first introduction to Hannah Howell's vampires. I love Highlanders, I love vampires, so her series seemed perfect for me.
I'm not completely sure if I liked it or not.
I know that sounds completely stupid, but I liked the idea of it, and I liked the storyline-
a girl leaves to visit a cousin and her camp is slaughtered by thieves, she escapes and runs like the wind. Some of the Nightriders help her by killing the bad guys, and take her to their laird. He marries her for several reasons, but has troubles of his own to deal with.
What bothers me is this: we are never told outright what the MacNachton's are. They are constantly compared to wolves, but are vampiric in all else. Her site lists them as vampires, but it's not really clear in the story. Maybe it is just suggested so often that she didn't feel the need to address it. Bridget's cat-like ancestors were discussed in depth, so I just felt cheated.
I might re-write this review as I'm going to read 2 more of the Hannah Howell Highland/Vampire stories this week, but for the most part I liked it. I think I just need to get used to the world built here.
Ooh, only one part I didn't like-the heroine Bridget sees her husband drinking from another female, and it makes her so mad she faints (she'd been hit over the head too). But that was never addressed. She was fighting mad, and never spoke up! Her personality was such that she could have addressed it and it wouldn't have been out of place.
Oh, and btw, I felt like all the MacNachton's were Edward from Twilight with the amount of times Bridget called them beautiful or strangely beautiful. lol
"The Highland Bride" by Lynsay Sands-3 stars
I liked this story better than the first, but it at the same time reminded me of why I quit reading LS-her heroines are all painfully innocent, and overly-naive.
She is of course, perfect in looks, but thinks she's plain. She's kind and generous and never complains. She's a bit clumsy and saves the day by not only accepting her husband's vampirism and helping to defeat the bad guy who is of course, a close friend who we never see as the villain. Typical LS.
If you like LS, then you'll love this. I actually enjoyed it up to a point. Then the girl's naive personality became stupid, rather than naive.
It wasn't bad, not by any means, I like the story, and if I'd never read anything by LS before I would have rated it higher, but it seemed too similar to other hisoricals she's written.
July 19, 2009
The Eternal Highlander is a collection of two stories- 1 by Hannah Howell, and the other by Lynsay Sands. As I am on my paranormal romance kick, and have liked Sands' other stories, I thought I would give it a try. And ended up liking the book, and it's stories verra much! The stories focus on two Scottish lairds whose clans have a dark secret; and the women who not only give them hope, but become their lifemates. I thought both stories were well written, and the characters were intesting and well matched. I also liked how the stories weren't predictable, and included some interesting and unexpected twists. One of the things that suprised me, though, was that Sands' story had less humor than some of her other books. I would definately recommend this book to other readers; and look forward to reading other collaborations by these authors.
December 31, 2017
I think I would have liked both of these stories had they been full length novels. As is was, they were too short with not enough back story to make them noteworthy.
October 10, 2024
Libro que contiene 2 historias de 2 autoras distintas. Ambas inician la saga familiar Vampiros McNachton.
"Jinetes nocturnos" de Hannah Howell nos introduce en la idiosincrasia de este universo y las particularidades vampíricas de la familia McNachton. Sus limitaciones, sus hándicap, sus peculiaridades de apareamiento, etc. También nos presenta a sus personajes principales, sus enemigos y las distintas facciones políticas e ideológicas de estos vampiros con tartán. Se trata de una historia ágil y entretenida con secuestros y el conocimiento de que los vampiros no son la única "subespecie peculiar" que habita las Highlands. Me gustó bastante.
"La novia del Highlander" de Lynsay Sands es comparativamente menos original que la anterior pero lo contrarresta con creces con un humor que en algunos momentos me hizo hasta carcajearme. En este sentido recomiendo la traducción no oficial, que contra todo pronóstico explicaba mejor los gags que la traducción Independiente. Yo me reí mucho más con esa. Da la sensación de que a los de la traducción Independiente se les escaparon cosas. En cualquier caso, una lectura ágil y divertida. Amantes de la lectura y Autores en GL (Bis)
"Jinetes nocturnos" de Hannah Howell nos introduce en la idiosincrasia de este universo y las particularidades vampíricas de la familia McNachton. Sus limitaciones, sus hándicap, sus peculiaridades de apareamiento, etc. También nos presenta a sus personajes principales, sus enemigos y las distintas facciones políticas e ideológicas de estos vampiros con tartán. Se trata de una historia ágil y entretenida con secuestros y el conocimiento de que los vampiros no son la única "subespecie peculiar" que habita las Highlands. Me gustó bastante.
"La novia del Highlander" de Lynsay Sands es comparativamente menos original que la anterior pero lo contrarresta con creces con un humor que en algunos momentos me hizo hasta carcajearme. En este sentido recomiendo la traducción no oficial, que contra todo pronóstico explicaba mejor los gags que la traducción Independiente. Yo me reí mucho más con esa. Da la sensación de que a los de la traducción Independiente se les escaparon cosas. En cualquier caso, una lectura ágil y divertida. Amantes de la lectura y Autores en GL (Bis)
November 23, 2023
I bought this book because I adore Lynsay Sands, but I'd never read anything by Hannah Howell. Ms. Howell's story, Nightriders, is the first of the two stories, and I went into it with anticipation.
I enjoyed the story. I did. It was a little bit of a different take on vampires. In fact, the word "vampire" is never used. Cathal MacNachton, the hero, is a laird who is a "halfling" - his father, a Nightrider, married an Outsider, as normal mortal people are called. The Nightriders no longer feed off humans, and Cathal wants to breed out the undesirable traits. But more importantly, he wants to breed, period. There hasn't been a child born to his clan in twenty years, due to excessive inbreeding. So when Bridget Callan, an Outsider, falls into his life, he decides she will be a suitable bride. Though she, of course, is not at first convinced.
Bridget has secrets of her own, which we, the reader, are not privy too, though it was fairly easy to figure out, long before Cathal did. But their banter and eventual coming together was enjoyable.
It was the dialogue that about did me in. Not what the characters said, but the way they said it. I realize that the author was striving for authenticity in her characters. But there were just too many verras, and dinaes, and willnaes, and kens, and weels and the like. It interrupted the flow of the story for me. An example of the dialogue:
"Ye dinnae belong here"
"Nay? Why shouldnae I be here? I am nay upsetting the horses."
"Dinnae play the fool. Ye ken what I mean. Ye should leave Cambrun."
I did love this line though: "I recently decided that I best take ye as I dinnae seem to want anyone else to have ye."
I finished the second story in this book, The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands, yesterday, and I enjoyed it much more. The dialogue was much easier to take, but then the heroine, Eva, is English, not Scottish.
Eva has been a “burden” to her brother since the death of their parents when she was nine years old. With no money for a dowry, he has been unable to find a husband for her, and made plans to send her to a convent. The night before she is to leave, six Scotsmen arrive, with an offer from their laird, who is willing to pay for Eva’s hand in marriage. So Eva finds herself married in a quick proxy ceremony and riding to Scotland to meet her husband.
Eva is a fun and likeable character. On the ride to her new husband’s home, the men accompanying her become worried that she is “mad”, because she keeps talking to herself. In actuality, she’s talking to her horse, and doesn’t understand why that should upset them. While she’s a little apprehensive about her new life, she’s also eager to meet her husband, and hopeful that her life will be better than it was in her brother’s home, where she was treated like a poor relation.
One reason I probably liked this story better is because Lynsay Sands always infuses her writing with humor. And four pages into the story, she actually uses the word “vampire”, and several more times throughout. Eva has been told by a maid at her brother’s home about the rumors that the MacAdie clan are vampires, but she is skeptical. I think partly because she is so happy to be leaving her brother and not to be going to a convent.
Connall MacAdie, who is a cousin to Cathal, the hero from the first story, is not thrilled about his marriage, but can understand the reasoning behind Cathal’s plan to weaken their bloodlines with mortal wives. He had met Eva very briefly at court, when Eva’s brother had taken her there to attempt to find a husband. Knowing her brother was desperate to rid himself of Eva, Connall felt that he probably wouldn’t care about the rumors and would be eager to accept. In other words, Eva was an easy and convenient solution for Connall.
You know they will get their HEA of course, and as usual with Lynsay Sands, it is a very satisfying one.
I enjoyed the story. I did. It was a little bit of a different take on vampires. In fact, the word "vampire" is never used. Cathal MacNachton, the hero, is a laird who is a "halfling" - his father, a Nightrider, married an Outsider, as normal mortal people are called. The Nightriders no longer feed off humans, and Cathal wants to breed out the undesirable traits. But more importantly, he wants to breed, period. There hasn't been a child born to his clan in twenty years, due to excessive inbreeding. So when Bridget Callan, an Outsider, falls into his life, he decides she will be a suitable bride. Though she, of course, is not at first convinced.
Bridget has secrets of her own, which we, the reader, are not privy too, though it was fairly easy to figure out, long before Cathal did. But their banter and eventual coming together was enjoyable.
It was the dialogue that about did me in. Not what the characters said, but the way they said it. I realize that the author was striving for authenticity in her characters. But there were just too many verras, and dinaes, and willnaes, and kens, and weels and the like. It interrupted the flow of the story for me. An example of the dialogue:
"Ye dinnae belong here"
"Nay? Why shouldnae I be here? I am nay upsetting the horses."
"Dinnae play the fool. Ye ken what I mean. Ye should leave Cambrun."
I did love this line though: "I recently decided that I best take ye as I dinnae seem to want anyone else to have ye."
I finished the second story in this book, The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands, yesterday, and I enjoyed it much more. The dialogue was much easier to take, but then the heroine, Eva, is English, not Scottish.
Eva has been a “burden” to her brother since the death of their parents when she was nine years old. With no money for a dowry, he has been unable to find a husband for her, and made plans to send her to a convent. The night before she is to leave, six Scotsmen arrive, with an offer from their laird, who is willing to pay for Eva’s hand in marriage. So Eva finds herself married in a quick proxy ceremony and riding to Scotland to meet her husband.
Eva is a fun and likeable character. On the ride to her new husband’s home, the men accompanying her become worried that she is “mad”, because she keeps talking to herself. In actuality, she’s talking to her horse, and doesn’t understand why that should upset them. While she’s a little apprehensive about her new life, she’s also eager to meet her husband, and hopeful that her life will be better than it was in her brother’s home, where she was treated like a poor relation.
One reason I probably liked this story better is because Lynsay Sands always infuses her writing with humor. And four pages into the story, she actually uses the word “vampire”, and several more times throughout. Eva has been told by a maid at her brother’s home about the rumors that the MacAdie clan are vampires, but she is skeptical. I think partly because she is so happy to be leaving her brother and not to be going to a convent.
Connall MacAdie, who is a cousin to Cathal, the hero from the first story, is not thrilled about his marriage, but can understand the reasoning behind Cathal’s plan to weaken their bloodlines with mortal wives. He had met Eva very briefly at court, when Eva’s brother had taken her there to attempt to find a husband. Knowing her brother was desperate to rid himself of Eva, Connall felt that he probably wouldn’t care about the rumors and would be eager to accept. In other words, Eva was an easy and convenient solution for Connall.
You know they will get their HEA of course, and as usual with Lynsay Sands, it is a very satisfying one.
November 18, 2016
I liked the first book, the second one not so much. I thought Eva was pretty stupid to waltz into the house of the husband that married you by proxy and completely redecorate, who does. That alone almost spoilt the entire book for me, not that she was redeemable in any way.
January 6, 2011
These stories are about 2 cousins who are Nightwalkers but have decided to take mortal wives, so they can have children to weaken the curse. They are doing this as there have been no bairns born to their clans for over 20 years plus the rumors of the McNachtons & MacAdies have people trying to kill them.
In Cathal McNachton’s keep there are purebloods who do not like the idea of him marrying an outsider. Bridget Callan is bought to his keep after the people she was travelling with were killed, she had been injured. Cathal decided she would make a good wife so decides to woo her.
I really enjoyed this story with it very Scottish accents and words.
Connall MacAdie bought his bride, he had met her when she had been presented at court looking for a husband, he decided she would do for him.
This story was not as good as Hannah’s but still a good read.
I was thinking as I read these stories that it looks like the authors were given an idea to work with, it was interesting to see how different each story was.
In Cathal McNachton’s keep there are purebloods who do not like the idea of him marrying an outsider. Bridget Callan is bought to his keep after the people she was travelling with were killed, she had been injured. Cathal decided she would make a good wife so decides to woo her.
I really enjoyed this story with it very Scottish accents and words.
Connall MacAdie bought his bride, he had met her when she had been presented at court looking for a husband, he decided she would do for him.
This story was not as good as Hannah’s but still a good read.
I was thinking as I read these stories that it looks like the authors were given an idea to work with, it was interesting to see how different each story was.
Read
June 24, 2022book I. Nightriders by Hannah Howell:
I was looking for a mystical romance series similar to Outlander and since i spend like 1 euro for the copy, i wasn't expecting much from the book and it was also the perfect book to read on the train.
It's entertaining, the characters are funny and I don't take it too seriously because the story hasn't much depth and (character) development.
if you hate the whole mating/ alpha-male-thing, then you will despise this or laugh on every second sentence, but Cathal is not that bad, i guess. ( i'm looking at you Rhys and Tamlin)
Although Cathal promised to get his girl through a lot of wooing, there weren't many romantic attemps happening between this two, but in the end it's okay, since the book has not much page time.
book II. The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands:
maybe I'm giving it a try towards the end of the year, but not now.
January 28, 2020
Its fun to start a new fantasy series, and I can't wait to start the rest in the series!!
February 24, 2021
Both were great stories! I'm not sure which one I enjoyed more. Maybe the second one. Overall, they were both entertaining and engaging.
January 26, 2019
Enjoyable stories featuring hot Scottish vampires. Both were equally good, and will have you craving more.
November 13, 2021
I liked it!
The story was kinda what I expected and I was not disappointed in that aspect.
I loved the characters here. Eva , Connall , Cathal, Bridget and all the other supporting characters were likeable and made this book fun to read..
I was a little sad that it was kinda short.. I would have liked to know more about each of the clans and the people in it. It took me a while to get used to the language spoken by everyone, but as soon as I did, it was smooth sailing..
The story was kinda what I expected and I was not disappointed in that aspect.
I loved the characters here. Eva , Connall , Cathal, Bridget and all the other supporting characters were likeable and made this book fun to read..
I was a little sad that it was kinda short.. I would have liked to know more about each of the clans and the people in it. It took me a while to get used to the language spoken by everyone, but as soon as I did, it was smooth sailing..
October 26, 2010
This book features the stories of Hannah Howell and Lynsay Sands.
Nightriders by Hannah Howell:
In the Winter of 1474 Cathal and Connall decide the family bloodline must be thinned in order for their "species" to survive. Not quite human, but not quite fitting the full definition of Vampire, the MacNachtons decide they must to to assimilate in order to survive. The only way to do this is to attempt to breed out some of their family traits with new blood.
While on the way to her cousin's Bridget's carriage is attacked and her guards are killed. She escapes with the help of the Connall and his clan. While being held at Cathal's home he tells her she will marry him. While Cathal may be pleased with his decision not everyone is okay with an "outsider" joining the clan. Very fun read and the twist about Bridget's family was a nice touch.
The Highland Bride by Lysay Sands:
Saved at the last minute from going into a convent, Eva marries by proxy Connal. Not sure who he is, she is relieved to find out she knows him by sight when she arrives at her new home. Rumors fly about her new husband and his family. They say he is one of the undead. She is sure the rumors are untrue, but as she starts to get to know him she realizes some rumors are based on fact. Now she must separate the true from the untrue and decide if she can live with what she finds. Very fun read.
Nightriders by Hannah Howell:
In the Winter of 1474 Cathal and Connall decide the family bloodline must be thinned in order for their "species" to survive. Not quite human, but not quite fitting the full definition of Vampire, the MacNachtons decide they must to to assimilate in order to survive. The only way to do this is to attempt to breed out some of their family traits with new blood.
While on the way to her cousin's Bridget's carriage is attacked and her guards are killed. She escapes with the help of the Connall and his clan. While being held at Cathal's home he tells her she will marry him. While Cathal may be pleased with his decision not everyone is okay with an "outsider" joining the clan. Very fun read and the twist about Bridget's family was a nice touch.
The Highland Bride by Lysay Sands:
Saved at the last minute from going into a convent, Eva marries by proxy Connal. Not sure who he is, she is relieved to find out she knows him by sight when she arrives at her new home. Rumors fly about her new husband and his family. They say he is one of the undead. She is sure the rumors are untrue, but as she starts to get to know him she realizes some rumors are based on fact. Now she must separate the true from the untrue and decide if she can live with what she finds. Very fun read.
March 4, 2021
This book literally made no sense to me and there was absolutely no build up in either relationship in the story. It was literally just wham bam thank you ma’am. Also, I did not understand why we needed to have two different stories in one book when the author didn’t even make a direct connection between the two?
October 13, 2024
This is two novellas, one by Hannah Howell and one by Lynsay Sands.
Nightriders by Hannah Howell - 3.5 stars
1475 Scotland. Cathal MacNachton is ready to take a bride. The bloodlines of his clan seem to be failing, and he'll need an outside woman. Bridget is the sister of a laird of another clan, and she's captured by MacNachton men on her way to visit her aunt. Cathal won't take her against her will, but he'll do everything to convince her to wed him. And while he's keeping his vampiric self hidden, she's hiding her own heritage too.
The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands - 3 stars
There's no dowry for Eva, whose penny pinching brother has kept her in near poverty to preserve the family wealth. But instead of going to an Abbey like her next older sister, Eva finds herself married by proxy to Connall MacAdie, a man who hides his true nature from her. He largely ignores Eva when she arrives at his keep, but as she gets injured frequently, he becomes more and more protective of her. (For those who have read a lot of Sands historicals, you'll recognize the characteristic multiple concussions and lacerations of a woman who can't quite take care of herself....) not my favorite Sands, but I will still take a kilt-wearing vampire laird.
Nightriders by Hannah Howell - 3.5 stars
1475 Scotland. Cathal MacNachton is ready to take a bride. The bloodlines of his clan seem to be failing, and he'll need an outside woman. Bridget is the sister of a laird of another clan, and she's captured by MacNachton men on her way to visit her aunt. Cathal won't take her against her will, but he'll do everything to convince her to wed him. And while he's keeping his vampiric self hidden, she's hiding her own heritage too.
The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands - 3 stars
There's no dowry for Eva, whose penny pinching brother has kept her in near poverty to preserve the family wealth. But instead of going to an Abbey like her next older sister, Eva finds herself married by proxy to Connall MacAdie, a man who hides his true nature from her. He largely ignores Eva when she arrives at his keep, but as she gets injured frequently, he becomes more and more protective of her. (For those who have read a lot of Sands historicals, you'll recognize the characteristic multiple concussions and lacerations of a woman who can't quite take care of herself....) not my favorite Sands, but I will still take a kilt-wearing vampire laird.
April 13, 2021
True Rating: 3.5 Stars
On this one, I preferred the style of writing for the Lyndsay Sands story. The Brogue that Hannah Howell used was a little more difficult to physically read, but would lend well to an audio format if you can find it.
Story wise, we are in the same situation. I preferred the Sands story over the Hannah Howell story just slightly better. This may have just been because it was easier for me to consume overall, so just know that.
Not a bad bind up, and I would try another by this duo to see if it was just this story for Howell.
On this one, I preferred the style of writing for the Lyndsay Sands story. The Brogue that Hannah Howell used was a little more difficult to physically read, but would lend well to an audio format if you can find it.
Story wise, we are in the same situation. I preferred the Sands story over the Hannah Howell story just slightly better. This may have just been because it was easier for me to consume overall, so just know that.
Not a bad bind up, and I would try another by this duo to see if it was just this story for Howell.
November 4, 2025
3.5 ☆
i think both would have been better if they were full length BUT having brynna read the dialogue in her scottish accent was beautiful <3 i’m still not over jankyn being perched like a bird at the edge of the bed…or the whole cat thing
i think both would have been better if they were full length BUT having brynna read the dialogue in her scottish accent was beautiful <3 i’m still not over jankyn being perched like a bird at the edge of the bed…or the whole cat thing
July 27, 2021
3.5 stars. Only read the Sands story and it was enjoyable and interesting. Might go back and read the other at some point
December 20, 2023
Vampires in Scotland? I'm into it! I was getting Braveheart vibes through this and I love that movie. This was an interesting take but it doesn't stand out against other vampire books. Honestly, you wouldn't know the characters were vampires based on their behavior other shying away from the sun.
January 28, 2024
They were hardly vampires.
July 10, 2022
Highlanders, medieval times, vampires and the like! What more does one need? Oh and a new to me series. Great!
May 8, 2024
There are two stories that are connected with each other in one book. It was interesting. A little bit of a different take on a vampire. I enjoyed listening to it and the narrator did a nice job.
July 2, 2015
~ 4 Eternal Highlander Stars ~
I don’t usually go for Historical Romances of any kind, but I like Lynsay Sands, so I had to try this novel out. I actually read this novel a couple of years ago and have been wanting to re-read the series. I enjoyed the writing and unique spine on the vampires for this series.
In The Eternal Highlander we get two stories in this novel. One deals with the MacNachton clan and the other the MacAdie clan. They are family, bounded far more then by blood ties.
Nightrider by Hannah Howell
Nightrider takes place in 1475.
Bridget is a young maiden who is on her first trip away from home. She is also a little more then human, but we don’t learn what until much later in the story. I sometimes feel women in the past have no spunk or wit, but Bridget is feisty, spunky, and witty which made her enjoyable to read.
Cathal MacNachton is lord of his clan. The MacNachton’s are a different kind of human, with superior strength, good night vision, live longer, but can’t go out in the sun and must drink blood. He is loyal to his clan, family, and sees a need to keep his people alive/well.
The MacNachton’s are not only being hunted by humans, but their are those in the clan who do not want to see the pureblood diluted with outsiders. Cathal and Bridget are a good couple. It was enjoyable to see the wowing. How Bridget tries to fight her feelings and how Cathal finally falls in love with his women. I like both Bridget and Cathal as characters and the unique spin on the humans/vampires/more. I also enjoyed that Bridget has an open heart and accepts all his brethren/clan even when several scorn and reject her. She thinks of their well being and how to bring light into their lives, when they must avoid the sun.
The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands
The Highland Bride takes place about a year after Bridget and Cathal hook up and is about Connall MacAdie who is cousin to Cathal MacNachton.
Eve is a plain human who is witty, adorable ,and amusing plus a little clumsy. Which made her kind of funny to read about.
Connall is clan chief, stubborn, strong-willed, and a different kind of human.
This one was a little harder for me to read, because Eve and Connall don’t know each other before marriage. Then when Eve shows up at the MacAdie clan’s home, well her husband Connall does not spend much time with her, so how are they to get to know each other and grow to love?
It was an interesting arrangement and amusing to see how the relationship developed. Eve feels this need to find her place especially with her husband avoiding her and not knowing anyone. It was fascinating to watch Eve accept and figure out what her new clan are. She does not see them as soulless blood suckers, but the kind people they are. As for the danger the clan chief faces, well it is not just from the outside, but also inside as well. Which makes for an intriguing mystery adventure.
The Eternal Highlander gives us a unique spine on vampires, some mystery, adventure, and a sweet romance. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series.
I don’t usually go for Historical Romances of any kind, but I like Lynsay Sands, so I had to try this novel out. I actually read this novel a couple of years ago and have been wanting to re-read the series. I enjoyed the writing and unique spine on the vampires for this series.
In The Eternal Highlander we get two stories in this novel. One deals with the MacNachton clan and the other the MacAdie clan. They are family, bounded far more then by blood ties.
Nightrider by Hannah Howell
Nightrider takes place in 1475.
Bridget is a young maiden who is on her first trip away from home. She is also a little more then human, but we don’t learn what until much later in the story. I sometimes feel women in the past have no spunk or wit, but Bridget is feisty, spunky, and witty which made her enjoyable to read.
Cathal MacNachton is lord of his clan. The MacNachton’s are a different kind of human, with superior strength, good night vision, live longer, but can’t go out in the sun and must drink blood. He is loyal to his clan, family, and sees a need to keep his people alive/well.
The MacNachton’s are not only being hunted by humans, but their are those in the clan who do not want to see the pureblood diluted with outsiders. Cathal and Bridget are a good couple. It was enjoyable to see the wowing. How Bridget tries to fight her feelings and how Cathal finally falls in love with his women. I like both Bridget and Cathal as characters and the unique spin on the humans/vampires/more. I also enjoyed that Bridget has an open heart and accepts all his brethren/clan even when several scorn and reject her. She thinks of their well being and how to bring light into their lives, when they must avoid the sun.
The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands
The Highland Bride takes place about a year after Bridget and Cathal hook up and is about Connall MacAdie who is cousin to Cathal MacNachton.
Eve is a plain human who is witty, adorable ,and amusing plus a little clumsy. Which made her kind of funny to read about.
Connall is clan chief, stubborn, strong-willed, and a different kind of human.
This one was a little harder for me to read, because Eve and Connall don’t know each other before marriage. Then when Eve shows up at the MacAdie clan’s home, well her husband Connall does not spend much time with her, so how are they to get to know each other and grow to love?
It was an interesting arrangement and amusing to see how the relationship developed. Eve feels this need to find her place especially with her husband avoiding her and not knowing anyone. It was fascinating to watch Eve accept and figure out what her new clan are. She does not see them as soulless blood suckers, but the kind people they are. As for the danger the clan chief faces, well it is not just from the outside, but also inside as well. Which makes for an intriguing mystery adventure.
The Eternal Highlander gives us a unique spine on vampires, some mystery, adventure, and a sweet romance. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series.
May 9, 2020
First read: Super great. It has everything and grabs you from the beginning. Emotions, plenty of humor, great personalities, a little suspense, and great endings. This is definitely a series I would like to read more in and get to know the other characters. Couldn't put down and was getting 'looks' for laughing out of nowhere. ;) Totally Enjoy!
Second read: This book was really good. The humor and understanding as well as courage and difficulties was really good. I like paranormal books and this was one of the good ones. I would read this agian, actually I think this was the second time but I didn't really remember all of it. Enjoy
Second read: This book was really good. The humor and understanding as well as courage and difficulties was really good. I like paranormal books and this was one of the good ones. I would read this agian, actually I think this was the second time but I didn't really remember all of it. Enjoy
June 18, 2010
The 1st story by Hannah Howell was great it drew me in and kept me reading and wanting more but when I got to the second story by Lynsay Sands, whose historical novels I dearly love, I felt let down. There was none of the humor that I look for in her stories and the the writing was just bland. Oh well I guess you can't like them all :o) For this reason this book only got 3 stars from me.
June 6, 2023
DNF pg 43
It’s set up that they have to find brides along Outsiders. It’s hard to find help for things to get done by trustworthy Outsiders and they want to breed there weaknesses out of them. There’s also no females to mate with inside the walls that he’s not related to. Cathal and his cousin don’t believe in killing humans.
Bridget was on the way to her family’s home, in a carriage with her stereotypical overprotective maid, and a group of men as guards. Bridget went to bathe in the woods and heard an attack. A thief came upon her and she hissed in fury like an animal.
The author seemed to be trying to make her strong but it didn’t work. She had Bridget curse and throw rocks at the thieves and vow to take down as many of them as she could and it didn’t make me like her any more. She also wanted to howl and fight the men with nails and teeth. Again, like an animal.
Cathal’s cousin comes upon the scene and of course Bridget immediately falls into darkness—gosh I am so sick of heroines passing out like this, Omg authors stop doing it!—and he takes her home. He encouraged Cathal to give her no choice in marrying him. A big step for feminism!
Cathal mentally listed all the reasons why this would work out. He didn’t have to leave home for a bride; it would save his reputation, and she wouldn’t tell anyone about the supernatural bit she saw. As soon as she woke up, she reverted to more animal behavior and was totally out of character. As soon as she saw them she hissed and crouched on the bed. Her hands were up and fingers curled like she wanted to claw eyes out. There was even something catlike in her face. She acted exactly like one of them and I couldn’t stand it.
He was planning to marry her quickly before the dark rumors about his clan reached her family and they could protest. Once the marriage was consummated they’d have to accept it.
She was going to get a bath and asked where and he replied in his chamber; she’d better get used to the room. The other conceit, the high handed, controlling domination. He declared that she would stay in this chamber. She wondered if because he’d saved her life that he assumed she would warm his bed, and felt a stirring in her blood. She dropped even further at my estimation at feeling moved by him ordering her around and possibly expecting sex in return. Have some damn respect.
He said it was good that she was the sister of a laird, that it’s best if husband and wife are on equal standing. When she asked what bride and groom, he informed her that they’re to be married. Which sealed his fate. This was gross.
She slept alone in his bed and when she woke up and noticed no one had slept on the pillow beside her and felt vaguely insulted. Wtf.
A woman came to court and was touching Cathal and Bridget was annoyed. Getting jealous the day after meeting someone. I was so freaking annoyed.
Bridget was afraid of the pair and ran her long fingernails along the table, which of course was noted by Cathal and cousin. The pair were mad that Cathal wanted to cause such trouble by marrying an Outsider. And the point was made that they can’t reproduce and need Outsiders to procreate. Give me a break with the infertility on supernaturals please. Been there done that a million times.
I couldn’t take it anymore and had to quit. This book is too stupid to continue and the plot is awful. I disliked the hero and the heroine for being affected this soon. She acted just like 1 of them and I couldn’t stomach the fact that she was going to be a prisoner there and was ordered to marry him. Revolting. Are we supposed to like a hero like that??
It’s set up that they have to find brides along Outsiders. It’s hard to find help for things to get done by trustworthy Outsiders and they want to breed there weaknesses out of them. There’s also no females to mate with inside the walls that he’s not related to. Cathal and his cousin don’t believe in killing humans.
Bridget was on the way to her family’s home, in a carriage with her stereotypical overprotective maid, and a group of men as guards. Bridget went to bathe in the woods and heard an attack. A thief came upon her and she hissed in fury like an animal.
The author seemed to be trying to make her strong but it didn’t work. She had Bridget curse and throw rocks at the thieves and vow to take down as many of them as she could and it didn’t make me like her any more. She also wanted to howl and fight the men with nails and teeth. Again, like an animal.
Cathal’s cousin comes upon the scene and of course Bridget immediately falls into darkness—gosh I am so sick of heroines passing out like this, Omg authors stop doing it!—and he takes her home. He encouraged Cathal to give her no choice in marrying him. A big step for feminism!
Cathal mentally listed all the reasons why this would work out. He didn’t have to leave home for a bride; it would save his reputation, and she wouldn’t tell anyone about the supernatural bit she saw. As soon as she woke up, she reverted to more animal behavior and was totally out of character. As soon as she saw them she hissed and crouched on the bed. Her hands were up and fingers curled like she wanted to claw eyes out. There was even something catlike in her face. She acted exactly like one of them and I couldn’t stand it.
He was planning to marry her quickly before the dark rumors about his clan reached her family and they could protest. Once the marriage was consummated they’d have to accept it.
She was going to get a bath and asked where and he replied in his chamber; she’d better get used to the room. The other conceit, the high handed, controlling domination. He declared that she would stay in this chamber. She wondered if because he’d saved her life that he assumed she would warm his bed, and felt a stirring in her blood. She dropped even further at my estimation at feeling moved by him ordering her around and possibly expecting sex in return. Have some damn respect.
He said it was good that she was the sister of a laird, that it’s best if husband and wife are on equal standing. When she asked what bride and groom, he informed her that they’re to be married. Which sealed his fate. This was gross.
She slept alone in his bed and when she woke up and noticed no one had slept on the pillow beside her and felt vaguely insulted. Wtf.
A woman came to court and was touching Cathal and Bridget was annoyed. Getting jealous the day after meeting someone. I was so freaking annoyed.
Bridget was afraid of the pair and ran her long fingernails along the table, which of course was noted by Cathal and cousin. The pair were mad that Cathal wanted to cause such trouble by marrying an Outsider. And the point was made that they can’t reproduce and need Outsiders to procreate. Give me a break with the infertility on supernaturals please. Been there done that a million times.
I couldn’t take it anymore and had to quit. This book is too stupid to continue and the plot is awful. I disliked the hero and the heroine for being affected this soon. She acted just like 1 of them and I couldn’t stomach the fact that she was going to be a prisoner there and was ordered to marry him. Revolting. Are we supposed to like a hero like that??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
Eh, maybe a little north of 3 for both with Hannah Howell's being a better storyline and characters.
I would call this very standard fare old school, which at times can be really good but these are just passable good. A quick entertainment to be forgotten tomorrow, and for me that is quite possible. With the number of books I read, they really need to make an impression either really good or bad and this one just doesn't have that. Hannah Howell's has the "nightriders", who are night bound blood drinkers but not cursed or turned, dying out because of infertility, thought to be because of inbreeding but many, so when they come across a young high born lady of Scotland that has been set upon by ruffians, they save her and bring her back to the keep and their laird. He then decides that she must marry him because her reputation would be ruined after the time in the castle, at least that is what he tells her. She doesn't agree right away and there are forces that don't want to breed out of their pure blood lines. This danger becomes deadly by the end.
In Linsay Sands we have an agreed upon marriage of the other nightrider laird, who is inbred with the first family, with a young lady that is treated horribly by her brother. Her brother decides to shirk his responsibility to her in finding a good marriage with her dowry and instead sells her to the laird Connall. By the time she knows the truth about her new family, she is all in with the much better life and the man she has come to care for. When his life is threatened several times, she will do whatever she can, even if it is stumbling to a solution. This has a couple of laughs but it didn't make up for the many many trips and accidents our lady has. None were humorous and didn't add to her character or the story so was just annoying in the end. Oh well, most of Linsay's old HR usually have some better humor but the plot line is about the same. Without the humor this was just slightly entertaining.
So 3 for Sands' and 3.2 for Howell, both can do better and I've read better from both. I've had this on my shelf along with 4 more of this "series" of anthologies, and I'll probably read a couple more and see if they get better with time.
I would call this very standard fare old school, which at times can be really good but these are just passable good. A quick entertainment to be forgotten tomorrow, and for me that is quite possible. With the number of books I read, they really need to make an impression either really good or bad and this one just doesn't have that. Hannah Howell's has the "nightriders", who are night bound blood drinkers but not cursed or turned, dying out because of infertility, thought to be because of inbreeding but many, so when they come across a young high born lady of Scotland that has been set upon by ruffians, they save her and bring her back to the keep and their laird. He then decides that she must marry him because her reputation would be ruined after the time in the castle, at least that is what he tells her. She doesn't agree right away and there are forces that don't want to breed out of their pure blood lines. This danger becomes deadly by the end.
In Linsay Sands we have an agreed upon marriage of the other nightrider laird, who is inbred with the first family, with a young lady that is treated horribly by her brother. Her brother decides to shirk his responsibility to her in finding a good marriage with her dowry and instead sells her to the laird Connall. By the time she knows the truth about her new family, she is all in with the much better life and the man she has come to care for. When his life is threatened several times, she will do whatever she can, even if it is stumbling to a solution. This has a couple of laughs but it didn't make up for the many many trips and accidents our lady has. None were humorous and didn't add to her character or the story so was just annoying in the end. Oh well, most of Linsay's old HR usually have some better humor but the plot line is about the same. Without the humor this was just slightly entertaining.
So 3 for Sands' and 3.2 for Howell, both can do better and I've read better from both. I've had this on my shelf along with 4 more of this "series" of anthologies, and I'll probably read a couple more and see if they get better with time.
January 20, 2020
Nightriders
The Eternal Highlander is the first book in the MacNachton Vampires. While I LOVE highlanders and all things Scottish, I wouldn't say I liked this story. It was slow, repetitive, and quite honestly, boring. Maybe it's because it was wintertime in 1474 and pretty dark. Or it's the obvious; I'm not a fan of vampires (free read on Kindle Unlimited). Throw in a were or two, and we're talking.
On her way from Dunsmuir to her cousin's and then hopefully to Court to find a husband, Bridget Callan stumbles into trouble along the route. Everyone in her riding party is murdered, leaving her to fend for herself. Enter Jankyn MacNahton to rescue her from her fate and steal her away to his clan to marry...his cousin, Laird Cathal MacNachton.
Jankyn is always smiling or smirking about some inside joke for which I never caught on. All humor is lost on me. Anyway, Bridget and Cathal do have good chemistry, how little of it is included. Most of the story is spent on setting up the books to follow.
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.
Connall MacAdie, a cousin of Cathal MacNachton, follows Cathal's lead by taking a wife to weaken the course of his clan as well. Connall pays a dowery to wed the unsuspecting Eva Caxton. Nothing about Eva's arrival at the castle is simple. A series of mishaps (removing the furs from the windows) and multiple falls (downstairs--even on her wedding day) are the least of her problems. Her husband seems to be avoiding her on top of everything else. Once Connall and Eva spend time together, Eva is pleased with Connall as a husband. Surprisingly to no one but himself, Connall is equally happy about Eva.
The Highland Bride is a humorous read as Eva always finds some way to keep this story light and entertaining. A much better read than Nightriders. Although there is still the strangeness and the avoidance of what is in the clan's bloodline, the description of the clan's traits is not as confusing in this story as it is in Nightriders, who could be both vampires and wolves.
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.
The Highland Bride
The Eternal Highlander is the first book in the MacNachton Vampires. While I LOVE highlanders and all things Scottish, I wouldn't say I liked this story. It was slow, repetitive, and quite honestly, boring. Maybe it's because it was wintertime in 1474 and pretty dark. Or it's the obvious; I'm not a fan of vampires (free read on Kindle Unlimited). Throw in a were or two, and we're talking.
On her way from Dunsmuir to her cousin's and then hopefully to Court to find a husband, Bridget Callan stumbles into trouble along the route. Everyone in her riding party is murdered, leaving her to fend for herself. Enter Jankyn MacNahton to rescue her from her fate and steal her away to his clan to marry...his cousin, Laird Cathal MacNachton.
Jankyn is always smiling or smirking about some inside joke for which I never caught on. All humor is lost on me. Anyway, Bridget and Cathal do have good chemistry, how little of it is included. Most of the story is spent on setting up the books to follow.
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.
Connall MacAdie, a cousin of Cathal MacNachton, follows Cathal's lead by taking a wife to weaken the course of his clan as well. Connall pays a dowery to wed the unsuspecting Eva Caxton. Nothing about Eva's arrival at the castle is simple. A series of mishaps (removing the furs from the windows) and multiple falls (downstairs--even on her wedding day) are the least of her problems. Her husband seems to be avoiding her on top of everything else. Once Connall and Eva spend time together, Eva is pleased with Connall as a husband. Surprisingly to no one but himself, Connall is equally happy about Eva.
The Highland Bride is a humorous read as Eva always finds some way to keep this story light and entertaining. A much better read than Nightriders. Although there is still the strangeness and the avoidance of what is in the clan's bloodline, the description of the clan's traits is not as confusing in this story as it is in Nightriders, who could be both vampires and wolves.
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.
The Highland Bride
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March 9, 2021This is 2 story book, one by an author I absolutely love, another by an author I was unfamiliar with. I now have another author to read. Hannah Howell writes a wonderful story, here rescuing a young woman attacked by bandits and putting her in the hands of the Laird Cathal MacNachton. He lives a very long time, due to an ancient curse on his clan, keeping them out of the sun and having to eat raw meat and drink blood tinged wine. But don't call them vampires! Cathal decides he wants to marry Bridget Callan after she's rescued, and sets about to woo her. Bridget finds herself drawn to Cathal, but she's not sure why. She has secrets of her own family she isn't sure she can share, but she finds the ideas her husband has aren't shared by all his subjects! Can they figure it all out before either of them end up dead? Great fun.
Linsay Sands, one of my favorite authors, wrote the second story, about Cathal's cousin, Connall MacAdie. He brings a wife to his keep, because he can not survive the sun. His Bride, Eva, is an orphan whose brother saw her as nothing but a burden. She had met Connall at a court function, which her brother had made her go to to try and find her a husband. Connall had been kind to her, so there was a start there. Eva was accident prone, and whenever Connall awoke, his First, Ewan was there to report what injuries she had sustained while he slept in a dark room. Is she really that accident prone, or was someone out to hurt her and keep Connall and Eva apart? I really love Linsay Sands' books, and this one didn't disappoint.
Linsay Sands, one of my favorite authors, wrote the second story, about Cathal's cousin, Connall MacAdie. He brings a wife to his keep, because he can not survive the sun. His Bride, Eva, is an orphan whose brother saw her as nothing but a burden. She had met Connall at a court function, which her brother had made her go to to try and find her a husband. Connall had been kind to her, so there was a start there. Eva was accident prone, and whenever Connall awoke, his First, Ewan was there to report what injuries she had sustained while he slept in a dark room. Is she really that accident prone, or was someone out to hurt her and keep Connall and Eva apart? I really love Linsay Sands' books, and this one didn't disappoint.
May 26, 2025
Nightriders by Hannah Howell 3.5 Stars!This was an interesting intro to this world/the Nightriders.
I will admit to wishing this had been a bit longer. It would have been interesting to get more background on Cathal/the MacNachton's. I also thought it was interesting that while we kind of got a specific explanation on Bridget's family secret, the story almost went out of its way to not call the MacNachton's vampires. I mean, obviously they are but I just thought it was interesting how things were circled about. The whole thing with Sycmynd and Edmee was interesting, especially their thought processes and I did roll my eyes at how Sycmynd thought he could blame Bridget for anything. I liked the way Bridget and Cathal got to know each other and I will admit to laughing at the epilogue and how confused Cathal was about the twins purring.
The Highland Bride by Lynsay Sands 4 Stars!This one was interesting. I did like that this one flat out called them vampire rather than talking around it. Eva's rationalizations were interesting, before she knew, but I also liked her defending the MacAdie's to Father MacLure and calling him out on trying to convince her to run. I did think Eva's clumsiness was a little overdone because good lord was the woman a walking fall down the stairs waiting to happen. Eva had spirit though, I'll give her that, and I liked that she called Connall out on a couple things and then basically moved into his room because husbands and wives sleep together.
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