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Murray Family #18
Highland Avenger
Once, Arianna Murray Lucette believed she’d met the man she could always rely on. She was wrong. Now she is fleeing for her life, and when her enemies attack a ship bound for her only refuge, she believes all hope is lost. Until she awakens on Scotland’s shore to a pair of the most entrancing blue eyes she has ever seen.
When Sir Brian MacFingal first spots the sun-streaked beauty on the beach, he mistakes her for dead. Soon, however, he discovers a woman more full of life and vitality than he ever dreamed possible. But though he knows he is fit to defend her life—even at risk of losing his own—can such a raw warrior as he ever be worthy of her love?
When Sir Brian MacFingal first spots the sun-streaked beauty on the beach, he mistakes her for dead. Soon, however, he discovers a woman more full of life and vitality than he ever dreamed possible. But though he knows he is fit to defend her life—even at risk of losing his own—can such a raw warrior as he ever be worthy of her love?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
232 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
117 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 119 reviews
September 23, 2014
Major faux pas! Did the author forgot her previous plotline???
This is the first review I've written on Amazon--I just couldn't believe the author made such a major mistake and none of her editors or proofreaders caught it! At the end of "Highland Lover" she had Gregory and Ewan's brother Brian MacFingal elope with and marry Mavis Kerr. She had a rich dowry and he was a poor younger son so he pursued her boldly. Mavis had wanted to marry Gregory, but he loved Alana Murray instead. Later in "Highland Avenger", Brian (who'd remained single???) became the main character who fell in love with Arianna Murray but tried to give her up because he didn't want to marry for a rich dowry. Even his basic character changed! I've read almost everything Hannah Howell has written over the years and I've thoroughly enjoyed her books. They're imaginative, funny, and full of adventure and romance. Unfortunately, some of her later books lack chemistry, like this one. That's one of the reasons I gave it a low score. Sorry, Hannah!
This is the first review I've written on Amazon--I just couldn't believe the author made such a major mistake and none of her editors or proofreaders caught it! At the end of "Highland Lover" she had Gregory and Ewan's brother Brian MacFingal elope with and marry Mavis Kerr. She had a rich dowry and he was a poor younger son so he pursued her boldly. Mavis had wanted to marry Gregory, but he loved Alana Murray instead. Later in "Highland Avenger", Brian (who'd remained single???) became the main character who fell in love with Arianna Murray but tried to give her up because he didn't want to marry for a rich dowry. Even his basic character changed! I've read almost everything Hannah Howell has written over the years and I've thoroughly enjoyed her books. They're imaginative, funny, and full of adventure and romance. Unfortunately, some of her later books lack chemistry, like this one. That's one of the reasons I gave it a low score. Sorry, Hannah!
July 2, 2021
Арана Мъри Лусет и Брайън Макфингал
Арана Мъри Лусет (за която така и не разбрах, кои точно от Мъри са нейните родители) бяга от Франция в опит да спаси своя живот и този на двете деца, които е отгледала и обича като свои. Когато преди пет години, решава да приеме предложението за брак на мъж от фамилията Лусет, далечно свързан с клана Мъри, Арана очаква да има брак изпълнен с любов, разбирателство и деца. В мига в който обаче брака е консумиран новият съпруг на Арана показва истинското си лице. Вечно недоволен и затрупващ я с какви ли не изисквания и обиди, новият съпруг на Арана очаква от нея освен да се грижи за дома му, да отглежда и двете му незаконни деца, докато в същото време, той се забавлява с любовницата си. Арана се старае всячески да угоди на съпруга си и ужасните му роднини, но тази издънка на фамилията Лусет явно гледа на нея само като не нужно зло, за да се доберат до богатата й зестра и никой не се свени да я тъпче по най-грозен начин. Щом научава, че съпругът й си има любовница, Арана дори прави опит да го откъсне от жената, само за да разбере, че всъщност, години преди да се омъжи за нея, съпруга й се е оженил за любовницата си, и нейният брак всъщност е невалиден. Откъсната от роднините си, обградена от врагове, след ненадейната смърт на съпруга й, и истинската му жена, Арана взима двете деца, за които се е грижила цели пет години, и които са единствените истински наследници на мнимият й съпруг и прави опи да се върне в Шотландия при семейството си.
Брайън Макфингал, брат на леърда на клана Макфингал от
е най-малкият от 11те законни деца на Фингал Макфингал и знае, че сам трябва да изкове бъдещето си, тъй като клана му не е достатъчно богат, че да осигури земи за всеки от законните, и ордата от незаконни деца на баща му. Затова той се заема с търговия, като поръча стоки от Франция. Това, което Брайън никога не е подозирал , че когато тръгне по брега в търсене на отломки след бурята, която според него е виновна за потапянето на кораба, натоварен със стоката му, е че там ще открие две малки момчета и една прелестна жена, която ще плени сърцето му още от първият миг. Щом научава коя е Арана и какво я е сполетяло, той изпраща децата в дома си заедно с двама от братята си, а Арана взима със себе си, решен да я отведе далеч от малката армия по петите й, решена да убие както нея, така и децата.
Книгата беше интересна, и все пак пълна с дразнители. Дразнеше ме как Брайън постоянно се смяташе за недостоен да бъде с Арана, че не може да й даде богатства и собствена крепост и че вършеше всичко все едно е за последно. С мисълта, че това може да е последният им път заедно. Арана от своя страна беше изстрадала много от злият си мним съпруг, който не е пропускал да я стъпче и дори не осъзнаваше колко й е промит мозъка. Факта, че се смяташе през цялата книга за ялова, само защото е пометнала веднъж и повече не е забременяла за петте години брак, без дори да се замисли, че вината може да е в онова говедо мнимият й съпруг, беше много дразнещ. И това, че седеше и чакаше Брайън да направи първата крачка, а той нямаше намерение да го стори, също беше адски изнервящо. Изнерви ме и факта, че нито веднъж не се спомена кои са й родителите. Имаше препратка за това, че майка й е незаконно родена, и че е дъщеря на разгонен леърд и дъщерята на жената приготвяща пиво в селото, но така и не казаха имената на родителите й. Вярно клана Мъри е пълен с народ, ама малко насока нямаше да е излишна. Подозирам, че може би родителите й са Балфор и Малди от
тъй като Малди беше незаконно родена. Но май се връщам много назад и не съм сигурна. Другото, което ми хрумна, че може да е дете на Торманд и Морийн от
, защото Морийн отново е незаконна дъщеря на лорд и освен това вареше пиво... ама майка й беше обявена за вещица и не пишеше дали е пивоварка, а и книгата 16та от поредицата, само 2 книги преди тази, тъй че мисля, че Торманд и Морийн няма да са родителите й. Ох, пълна каша.
Хареса ми, че на края главната се стегна и буквално изкрещя на главния какво мисли и какво чувства, че да ги не се повтори както винаги раздяла от няколко месеца в които ще седят всеки един от тях ще е нещастен докато на главния му дойде акъла в главата и иде да я моли да се върне. Освен това тук видяхме и Калъм, който помним от книгата на Пейтън и който вече е пораснал и възмъжал. Скоро ще видя и неговата книга.
За звездите на тази много се колебах, но нека бъдем щедри, слагам 4 **** при реални 3,50.
Арана Мъри Лусет (за която така и не разбрах, кои точно от Мъри са нейните родители) бяга от Франция в опит да спаси своя живот и този на двете деца, които е отгледала и обича като свои. Когато преди пет години, решава да приеме предложението за брак на мъж от фамилията Лусет, далечно свързан с клана Мъри, Арана очаква да има брак изпълнен с любов, разбирателство и деца. В мига в който обаче брака е консумиран новият съпруг на Арана показва истинското си лице. Вечно недоволен и затрупващ я с какви ли не изисквания и обиди, новият съпруг на Арана очаква от нея освен да се грижи за дома му, да отглежда и двете му незаконни деца, докато в същото време, той се забавлява с любовницата си. Арана се старае всячески да угоди на съпруга си и ужасните му роднини, но тази издънка на фамилията Лусет явно гледа на нея само като не нужно зло, за да се доберат до богатата й зестра и никой не се свени да я тъпче по най-грозен начин. Щом научава, че съпругът й си има любовница, Арана дори прави опит да го откъсне от жената, само за да разбере, че всъщност, години преди да се омъжи за нея, съпруга й се е оженил за любовницата си, и нейният брак всъщност е невалиден. Откъсната от роднините си, обградена от врагове, след ненадейната смърт на съпруга й, и истинската му жена, Арана взима двете деца, за които се е грижила цели пет години, и които са единствените истински наследници на мнимият й съпруг и прави опи да се върне в Шотландия при семейството си.
Брайън Макфингал, брат на леърда на клана Макфингал от
е най-малкият от 11те законни деца на Фингал Макфингал и знае, че сам трябва да изкове бъдещето си, тъй като клана му не е достатъчно богат, че да осигури земи за всеки от законните, и ордата от незаконни деца на баща му. Затова той се заема с търговия, като поръча стоки от Франция. Това, което Брайън никога не е подозирал , че когато тръгне по брега в търсене на отломки след бурята, която според него е виновна за потапянето на кораба, натоварен със стоката му, е че там ще открие две малки момчета и една прелестна жена, която ще плени сърцето му още от първият миг. Щом научава коя е Арана и какво я е сполетяло, той изпраща децата в дома си заедно с двама от братята си, а Арана взима със себе си, решен да я отведе далеч от малката армия по петите й, решена да убие както нея, така и децата.Книгата беше интересна, и все пак пълна с дразнители. Дразнеше ме как Брайън постоянно се смяташе за недостоен да бъде с Арана, че не може да й даде богатства и собствена крепост и че вършеше всичко все едно е за последно. С мисълта, че това може да е последният им път заедно. Арана от своя страна беше изстрадала много от злият си мним съпруг, който не е пропускал да я стъпче и дори не осъзнаваше колко й е промит мозъка. Факта, че се смяташе през цялата книга за ялова, само защото е пометнала веднъж и повече не е забременяла за петте години брак, без дори да се замисли, че вината може да е в онова говедо мнимият й съпруг, беше много дразнещ. И това, че седеше и чакаше Брайън да направи първата крачка, а той нямаше намерение да го стори, също беше адски изнервящо. Изнерви ме и факта, че нито веднъж не се спомена кои са й родителите. Имаше препратка за това, че майка й е незаконно родена, и че е дъщеря на разгонен леърд и дъщерята на жената приготвяща пиво в селото, но така и не казаха имената на родителите й. Вярно клана Мъри е пълен с народ, ама малко насока нямаше да е излишна. Подозирам, че може би родителите й са Балфор и Малди от
тъй като Малди беше незаконно родена. Но май се връщам много назад и не съм сигурна. Другото, което ми хрумна, че може да е дете на Торманд и Морийн от
, защото Морийн отново е незаконна дъщеря на лорд и освен това вареше пиво... ама майка й беше обявена за вещица и не пишеше дали е пивоварка, а и книгата 16та от поредицата, само 2 книги преди тази, тъй че мисля, че Торманд и Морийн няма да са родителите й. Ох, пълна каша.Хареса ми, че на края главната се стегна и буквално изкрещя на главния какво мисли и какво чувства, че да ги не се повтори както винаги раздяла от няколко месеца в които ще седят всеки един от тях ще е нещастен докато на главния му дойде акъла в главата и иде да я моли да се върне. Освен това тук видяхме и Калъм, който помним от книгата на Пейтън и който вече е пораснал и възмъжал. Скоро ще видя и неговата книга.
За звездите на тази много се колебах, но нека бъдем щедри, слагам 4 **** при реални 3,50.
September 20, 2016
My first book from this series and my first book from Hannah Howell. I knew that this series is quite popular and I had expected something more from this book.
Arianna is running away from her late husband's family who wants the death of the two young boys she has raised as her own. When the ship they are sailing is sunk, they are saved by Brian and his brothers. There starts a race to protect her and the boys against her husband's brother Amiel and his allies. It is also an opportunity for Arianna to lay some ghosts of her unsuccessful marriage.
Unfortunately, I found this book quite boring. Arianna and Brian are running away being chased most of the time but still it's somehow monotonous. I have started this book and lost the interest after about 1/3. Then forced myself to finish it.
I generally liked the characters. I could see that Brian deeply cares about Arianna and though the love appears a bit too quickly that part was okay. But it wasn't grabbing. Nor were sex scenes. While numerous they are rather repetitive.
The whole story is rather middling and I'm not looking forward to read the other books in this series very soon. I would give this story 2.5 star.
Arianna is running away from her late husband's family who wants the death of the two young boys she has raised as her own. When the ship they are sailing is sunk, they are saved by Brian and his brothers. There starts a race to protect her and the boys against her husband's brother Amiel and his allies. It is also an opportunity for Arianna to lay some ghosts of her unsuccessful marriage.
Unfortunately, I found this book quite boring. Arianna and Brian are running away being chased most of the time but still it's somehow monotonous. I have started this book and lost the interest after about 1/3. Then forced myself to finish it.
I generally liked the characters. I could see that Brian deeply cares about Arianna and though the love appears a bit too quickly that part was okay. But it wasn't grabbing. Nor were sex scenes. While numerous they are rather repetitive.
The whole story is rather middling and I'm not looking forward to read the other books in this series very soon. I would give this story 2.5 star.
January 24, 2019
3 stars.
Heroine Arianna is a Murray daughter who married one of her French connections, but discovered she was duped and her husband was already married with two boys. When the husband was murdered, she escaped to Scotland with the boys who are being hunted by their uncle. Their ship capsized and they were rescued by our hero Brian, one of the MacFingal brothers.
Arianna suffered from spousal abuse throughout her 5 years of "marriage" and I did find the fact that she wasn't able to connect with her Murray family that whole period a bit hard to swallow, given that the Murrays are supposed to be very close-knitted. So Brian has the task of coaxing her out of her timidity and building up her confidence as an attractive female. In that sense, she's not your typical Murray "lass".
I found the whole backstory with the boys a bit confusing and I'm not sure I actually understood it... but I don't think it matters if you're wanting a good Highlander romance. And I do recommend these audiobooks narrated by Angela Dawe if you are sick of reading the Scottish burr. I think she's done a very good job with the accents.
The match-ups in this series do get slightly incestuous with the Murrays being connected to pretty much all the highland clans. And there are so many siblings!!
Another solid instalment to the series.
Heroine Arianna is a Murray daughter who married one of her French connections, but discovered she was duped and her husband was already married with two boys. When the husband was murdered, she escaped to Scotland with the boys who are being hunted by their uncle. Their ship capsized and they were rescued by our hero Brian, one of the MacFingal brothers.
Arianna suffered from spousal abuse throughout her 5 years of "marriage" and I did find the fact that she wasn't able to connect with her Murray family that whole period a bit hard to swallow, given that the Murrays are supposed to be very close-knitted. So Brian has the task of coaxing her out of her timidity and building up her confidence as an attractive female. In that sense, she's not your typical Murray "lass".
I found the whole backstory with the boys a bit confusing and I'm not sure I actually understood it... but I don't think it matters if you're wanting a good Highlander romance. And I do recommend these audiobooks narrated by Angela Dawe if you are sick of reading the Scottish burr. I think she's done a very good job with the accents.
The match-ups in this series do get slightly incestuous with the Murrays being connected to pretty much all the highland clans. And there are so many siblings!!
Another solid instalment to the series.
August 24, 2012
First I have to say that I loved the feel of this book! It was heavier with better quality paper than a normal pocket paperback. Kind of like Maya Banks Highlander series when they first cam out. The pages rolled open instead of the stiff cheap paper...
Second... The dude on the cover is HOT! A+++ on the cover art!
Third... normal print made for a faster read. None of this micro print!
This was a great book! I am not reading all the Murray books in order. This was like the last one. I'm not sure though.
Anyway, this is one of those journey books that I hate, but it was actually better than any of the other traveling to a safer place books than most I've read. At least they got somewhere a few times.
Ya knowwww... I did notice that she's gotten a lot less graphic in her romance lately. That may be good for some, but not for others. Its like over in 2 pages... Just saying...
Second... The dude on the cover is HOT! A+++ on the cover art!
Third... normal print made for a faster read. None of this micro print!
This was a great book! I am not reading all the Murray books in order. This was like the last one. I'm not sure though.
Anyway, this is one of those journey books that I hate, but it was actually better than any of the other traveling to a safer place books than most I've read. At least they got somewhere a few times.
Ya knowwww... I did notice that she's gotten a lot less graphic in her romance lately. That may be good for some, but not for others. Its like over in 2 pages... Just saying...
October 7, 2013
Author: Hannah Howell
First published: 2012
Length: 343 pages, 3998 locations
Setting: Scotland, 1480.
Sex: sometimes explicit, not frequent.
Heroine: emotionally abused by a distant and guilt rdden husband plus rote and perfunctory sex
Hero: younger son with few prospects
Series: Book 18 of Howell's Murray series.
What makes this book special? Howell's exploration of emotional abuse.
It's relatively easy to demonstrate and discuss physical abuse. She will cringe, she will fear and he will have a reason to fight. But to explore the "constant insults and quiet cruelties" loc.1014, and how she has been "wounded in heart and mind" loc.1185 is more difficult. Arianna is a strong woman with tough, strong female role-models. And yet she was so completely down-trodden by Claud. How could this happen?
And can others understand it?
An interesting story of emotional growth and love that is more than worthy of Howell's talents.
---
Having read through the Murray's in rather quick succession i am left feeling... sad the next book, Brett's story, is not due until November. Their stories have been nice and easy and of a solid quality. The reader knows there will be a well written, well edited, firmly medieval romance with a definite HEA and comfortably fulfilling story line.
And putting that to one side is like leaving a good friend's home. I've enjoyed gossiping with you, but it's time to face the Real World.
*sigh*
Murray Family:
Grandsons:
Book 13 Highland Barbarian - Artan Murray (brother to heir of Donncoill) and Cecily Donaldson (heir to ) (1480)
Book 14 Highland Savage - Lucas Murray (heir to Donncoill) and Katerina Haldane (heir to Dunlochan) (1481)
Book 15 Highland Wolf - Annora MacKay and James Drummond (Laird of Dunncraig) (1477)
Book 16 Highland Sinner - Tormand Murray (son of Eric) and Morainn Ross (1478)
Book 17 Highland Protector - Ilsabeth Murray Armstrong (Cormac's daughter) and Simon Innes (1479)
Book 18 Highland Avenger - Arianna Murray Lucette (Balfour's granddaughter) and Brian MacFingal (Ewan's brother) (1480)
Book 19 Highland Master - Triona McKee and Brett Murray
References:
Author's website: http://hannahhowell.com/
(ISBN 9781420127935)
-CR-
First published: 2012
Length: 343 pages, 3998 locations
Setting: Scotland, 1480.
Sex: sometimes explicit, not frequent.
Heroine: emotionally abused by a distant and guilt rdden husband plus rote and perfunctory sex
Hero: younger son with few prospects
Series: Book 18 of Howell's Murray series.
What makes this book special? Howell's exploration of emotional abuse.
It's relatively easy to demonstrate and discuss physical abuse. She will cringe, she will fear and he will have a reason to fight. But to explore the "constant insults and quiet cruelties" loc.1014, and how she has been "wounded in heart and mind" loc.1185 is more difficult. Arianna is a strong woman with tough, strong female role-models. And yet she was so completely down-trodden by Claud. How could this happen?
And can others understand it?
An interesting story of emotional growth and love that is more than worthy of Howell's talents.
---
Having read through the Murray's in rather quick succession i am left feeling... sad the next book, Brett's story, is not due until November. Their stories have been nice and easy and of a solid quality. The reader knows there will be a well written, well edited, firmly medieval romance with a definite HEA and comfortably fulfilling story line.
And putting that to one side is like leaving a good friend's home. I've enjoyed gossiping with you, but it's time to face the Real World.
*sigh*
Murray Family:
Grandsons:
Book 13 Highland Barbarian - Artan Murray (brother to heir of Donncoill) and Cecily Donaldson (heir to ) (1480)
Book 14 Highland Savage - Lucas Murray (heir to Donncoill) and Katerina Haldane (heir to Dunlochan) (1481)
Book 15 Highland Wolf - Annora MacKay and James Drummond (Laird of Dunncraig) (1477)
Book 16 Highland Sinner - Tormand Murray (son of Eric) and Morainn Ross (1478)
Book 17 Highland Protector - Ilsabeth Murray Armstrong (Cormac's daughter) and Simon Innes (1479)
Book 18 Highland Avenger - Arianna Murray Lucette (Balfour's granddaughter) and Brian MacFingal (Ewan's brother) (1480)
Book 19 Highland Master - Triona McKee and Brett Murray
References:
Author's website: http://hannahhowell.com/
(ISBN 9781420127935)
-CR-
January 24, 2020
This was a good book! Many twists and turns to this book. What I really liked about it was that no matter who you are, there is always love that seems to find its way. Loved this book a lot!
August 15, 2023
Decent flow. Almost too much hanky panky. Not bad.
May 1, 2012
Favorite Lines: "Explanations were needed but Arianna heartily wished she did not have to give them. It meant revealing her humiliation, her shame. Unfortunately, the man not only deserved the answers he wanted, he might need them to better protect her and the children. She had learned enough from her family, and from ruling over her husband's lands as he spent much of his time dallying with another woman, to know that even the smallest piece of information could make a difference between life and death." (p. 29, ARC)
I am a Hannah Howell fan. Granted I enjoy her early books best, but I always seem to pick up Howell's newest releases. That said, I appreciate her attempt to take the Murray series in different directions while maintaining the premise of two people falling in love in Scotland. However, I didn't love Highland Avenger the way I thought I would. I liked it, but I won't re-read it.
The heroine (Arianna) has been verbally and emotionally beaten down by her "false" husband for five years. He is now dead, but his family wants his bastard children killed and she refuses to let that happen. When each boy was born, her husband gave the child to Arianna for her to raise. Arianna's desire to save the children carries her away from France and back to her Scottish home.
In Scotland she lucks out and is found by allies of her clan. One of those allies makes her feel warm, gooey...and safe. He helps her rebuild her confidence in herself and a bond slowly forms. But she is a Lady and he is a poor man. Can Arianna help Brian realize that love can be found in many places and is worth fighting for?
The cover art is magnificent; it's striking and I love looking at it. Too bad the 18th book in Howell's Murray series was so-so. Highland Avenger gave me a couple and created a happily ever after for them. It never managed to excite me or make me feel any connection with the characters. As a matter of fact what I remember most is getting irritated at the number of times I was told about the verbal abuse the heroine suffered. The hero keeps reminding her that it's not her fault that she feels different ways or put up with X Y and Z, because her husband used words to keep her down. I get that it's an important aspect of the story, but I feel like I was beat over the head with the information.
Hero and Heroine: Brian is a likeable hero who comes across as the "boy next door." Despite his handsome face and built body, he is very average. He has a calm disposition and is knowledgeable about women--pleasing them and understanding their moods. I kind of think of him as the man who a girl overlooks for the bad boy or the alpha male. It's not to say that the alpha is better, but he's more exciting. In this case, Brian is just the type of man Arianna needs. Arianna did nothing for me. I felt absolutely zero for her. I didn't wish her ill. She was more of a place holder for me.
I am a Hannah Howell fan. Granted I enjoy her early books best, but I always seem to pick up Howell's newest releases. That said, I appreciate her attempt to take the Murray series in different directions while maintaining the premise of two people falling in love in Scotland. However, I didn't love Highland Avenger the way I thought I would. I liked it, but I won't re-read it.
The heroine (Arianna) has been verbally and emotionally beaten down by her "false" husband for five years. He is now dead, but his family wants his bastard children killed and she refuses to let that happen. When each boy was born, her husband gave the child to Arianna for her to raise. Arianna's desire to save the children carries her away from France and back to her Scottish home.
In Scotland she lucks out and is found by allies of her clan. One of those allies makes her feel warm, gooey...and safe. He helps her rebuild her confidence in herself and a bond slowly forms. But she is a Lady and he is a poor man. Can Arianna help Brian realize that love can be found in many places and is worth fighting for?
The cover art is magnificent; it's striking and I love looking at it. Too bad the 18th book in Howell's Murray series was so-so. Highland Avenger gave me a couple and created a happily ever after for them. It never managed to excite me or make me feel any connection with the characters. As a matter of fact what I remember most is getting irritated at the number of times I was told about the verbal abuse the heroine suffered. The hero keeps reminding her that it's not her fault that she feels different ways or put up with X Y and Z, because her husband used words to keep her down. I get that it's an important aspect of the story, but I feel like I was beat over the head with the information.
Hero and Heroine: Brian is a likeable hero who comes across as the "boy next door." Despite his handsome face and built body, he is very average. He has a calm disposition and is knowledgeable about women--pleasing them and understanding their moods. I kind of think of him as the man who a girl overlooks for the bad boy or the alpha male. It's not to say that the alpha is better, but he's more exciting. In this case, Brian is just the type of man Arianna needs. Arianna did nothing for me. I felt absolutely zero for her. I didn't wish her ill. She was more of a place holder for me.
January 21, 2015
Loved the book. Arianna had brought her two young wards back to Scotland with her to protect them from their uncle, who wanted them dead. When the ship they were on is sunk, they wash up on shore near the MacFingal castle. They are discovered by Sir Brian and some of his brothers, who vow to protect them once they hear Arianna's story. When Brian sees how many men are after them, he splits them up and sends each boy with a different group to his family's castle. He takes Arianna himself and heads for his cousin's castle, hoping to draw the majority after him. During their travels, Brian discovers that her late husband had subjected her to terrible emotional abuse, absolutely draining her self-worth. Over their days of travel, Brian works to show Arianna that Claud had been an idiot, and that she was a wonderful, beautiful woman. He also found himself thinking about how much he would like to have her as part of his life. But she is a member of the powerful Murray clan, and he is a younger son with no land, no home of his own, and very little money, and he is sure that there is no way he could have her. So he convinces himself that the best thing to do is give her up. Meanwhile, Arianna finds it hard to believe that this wonderful, handsome man thinks she is beautiful. The more time she spends with him, the more she comes to care for him. As much as she cares though, she doesn't feel that she can hope for marriage, as she believes she cannot have children. In five years of marriage, she had no children of her own, and refuses to condemn Brian to a life without children. Also during their flight, we find out more about why they are being pursued. I really enjoyed seeing Arianna stand up for herself against her brother-in-law's cruelty. I also loved seeing some of the characters from previous books, and watch them as they try to talk sense to Brian. My favorite part of the book came near the end, when Arianna lets Brian have it for making decisions for her without even consulting her. Classic Hannah Howell - I love it!
May 2, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
Hannah Howell delivers yet another dramatic story filled with passion and adventure. In this one, Arianna Murray Lucette is running for her life from a man who has done her wrong. In the first chapter, our heroine is attacked on a ship by her enemies and already the action is there, picking up the book and never quite relenting until the very end.
When Arianna and two young boys are washed up to a shore, Sir Brian MacFingal finds them and is quick to determine Arianna’s soaked form as dead. However, it takes more than an attack and a harsh battering of water to break her.
I thought that the character development for Arianna and Brian were excellent. It’s clear that Howell is a master storyteller. She is damn good at what she does and the world she has built with the Murrays and MacFingals grow with each book.
I think perhaps the best part of the book is the details that Howell puts in. Everything is so vividly described, it almost feels as if you are living in the moment. This is a true testament to the quality work Howell does. I’m not surprised that there this series is still going strong. Howell continues to grab readers attentions with a world that keeps them guessing and falling in love. HIGHLAND AVENGER is no exception. This book is the perfect escape for historical romance fans.
*Review Copy provided by publisher
Hannah Howell delivers yet another dramatic story filled with passion and adventure. In this one, Arianna Murray Lucette is running for her life from a man who has done her wrong. In the first chapter, our heroine is attacked on a ship by her enemies and already the action is there, picking up the book and never quite relenting until the very end.
When Arianna and two young boys are washed up to a shore, Sir Brian MacFingal finds them and is quick to determine Arianna’s soaked form as dead. However, it takes more than an attack and a harsh battering of water to break her.
I thought that the character development for Arianna and Brian were excellent. It’s clear that Howell is a master storyteller. She is damn good at what she does and the world she has built with the Murrays and MacFingals grow with each book.
I think perhaps the best part of the book is the details that Howell puts in. Everything is so vividly described, it almost feels as if you are living in the moment. This is a true testament to the quality work Howell does. I’m not surprised that there this series is still going strong. Howell continues to grab readers attentions with a world that keeps them guessing and falling in love. HIGHLAND AVENGER is no exception. This book is the perfect escape for historical romance fans.
*Review Copy provided by publisher
October 28, 2012
Since I first discovered the Murray series several years ago I look forward to the release of each book. And this book was no different. I love getting to know the characters as they grow over the years and I love when characters who were children and previous books are grown up and you get to see them all over again. I also love when a character you knew as a child gets his or her own book so I hope we have that to look forward to as well. I really enjoyed this book it was typical Hannah Howell I didn't have a problem with that. I laughed quite a bit with this one. It's right up there with one of my favorite Murray books. I hope this is not the last of the series. And I look forward to the next one as always.
April 17, 2012
This book had an original start. Our h. saves her two wards from one ship crashing into another. H. of course is waiting on shore to meet her and then to save her. You are quickly into a chase senerio. Soon after that however, if you have read many of Howell's books, you begin to recognize a cookie cutter plot line. It all sounds so familiar and predictable. I was very disappointed. I had had high hopes for this book. I am sorry to say that for me it was just another Howell book much like all the rest.
May 24, 2012
This was too much. Too much "wee" and too much "nay" and wayyyy too much self reflection. The only part I enjoyed was a brief visit with Sigimor and Jolene from a previous book.
June 10, 2012
Great book! wonderful mix of charachters,Murray's,Mac Fingals and Cameron's all abound in this Highland romance/ adventure, As always Hannah Howell does not disappoint!
December 20, 2020
By and1515
Arianna was desperate to reach her family as she was trying to deal with the devastating reality that with the death of her husband to find out the cruel trick he'd played on her.
All she could think of now was saving two little boys who were innocent of their father's actions and she promised they would always be safe with her.
Brian had been shocked at the scene in front of him and his brothers and at first he honestly thought the poor lass was gone.
However he was glad to be wrong the lass was more concerned about the boys then herself.
Murray... She was a Murray lass and his family was well familiar with them.
Arianna hadn't wanted to let them go but she could see the needed to cause as much confusion as possible and hopefully they'd follow them and not the others.
Brian was well aware of how close they were getting to them as they made a mad dash for his Cameron cousins' Sigimor had become to soft due to overindulging wedding bliss.He knew they'd enjoy the workout.
She even dropped that man's name taking back her more honorable one.
Arianna had never meet a family quite like his; he had more brothers than any man should.
At least he'd kept his word an wow he definitely showed her how a man truly worships a woman leaving her thinking about more.
Arianna had never meet a more stubborn man who thought she deserved more than him and she knew she honestly had her work cut out for her because she was determined to prove him wrong.
Arianna was desperate to reach her family as she was trying to deal with the devastating reality that with the death of her husband to find out the cruel trick he'd played on her.
All she could think of now was saving two little boys who were innocent of their father's actions and she promised they would always be safe with her.
Brian had been shocked at the scene in front of him and his brothers and at first he honestly thought the poor lass was gone.
However he was glad to be wrong the lass was more concerned about the boys then herself.
Murray... She was a Murray lass and his family was well familiar with them.
Arianna hadn't wanted to let them go but she could see the needed to cause as much confusion as possible and hopefully they'd follow them and not the others.
Brian was well aware of how close they were getting to them as they made a mad dash for his Cameron cousins' Sigimor had become to soft due to overindulging wedding bliss.He knew they'd enjoy the workout.
She even dropped that man's name taking back her more honorable one.
Arianna had never meet a family quite like his; he had more brothers than any man should.
At least he'd kept his word an wow he definitely showed her how a man truly worships a woman leaving her thinking about more.
Arianna had never meet a more stubborn man who thought she deserved more than him and she knew she honestly had her work cut out for her because she was determined to prove him wrong.
January 1, 2018
After her husband died, Arianna Murray Lucette took his "bastard" sons whose mother died also but she had been raising in truth and fled to her home in Scotland. When the ship they were on was deliberately rammed, she realized that all three of them were marked for death and devised a way for them to jump ship and save themselves before it sank. Sir Brian MacFingal was on the beach to receive the goods from the sinking ship when he spotted the beauty there surrounded by two little boys with swords protecting her. Quickly assessing the situation, he convinces them that he's there to save them and then convinces all three of them to split up and go separate ways to their destination in order to elude their pursuers. Brian takes Arianna with him and soon the enforced closeness brings them together. When the pursers catch Arianna, Brian will stop at nothing to free her!
I have read many of Hannah Howell's books and many of the Murray Family series. This one is different because of the beginning of the book with attack and escape from Arianna's late husband's French family's pursuers. Also, this book deals with emotional and verbal abuse which I know is equally/more so destructive than physical abuse because it lives in your mind for years.
I have read many of Hannah Howell's books and many of the Murray Family series. This one is different because of the beginning of the book with attack and escape from Arianna's late husband's French family's pursuers. Also, this book deals with emotional and verbal abuse which I know is equally/more so destructive than physical abuse because it lives in your mind for years.
November 14, 2022
This was a disappointment in many ways. The story feels recycled from earlier installments in this series and a poor imitation at that. Running and hiding for your life from a French madmon? Been done. Terrible French husband that abused wife? Been done. It felt all too much like Nigel and Giselle story but as an added bonus it contains the unlikely plot that the powerful wealthy Murray’s sent one of their own daughters to France with a man she wasn’t in love with and never check on her? And nobody in this massive close knit clan thinks that strange? And upon arriving on Scottish soil again the heroine is magically close to her family instantly?! Old enemies and women being captured and beaten is becoming a theme for this series. Not sure I’ll finish the rest of this is what is in store
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2019
This is the 18th book in the Murray family series. Arianna is on the run for her life. With her false husbands two boys she must get to her family in Scotland or die. When the ship she was on is rammed by those who want her dead she has little hope left. But luck is on her side when she is rescued by Sir Brian MacFingal. If you have been reading previous books in the series you don't kneed to know any more. Insert laughing moments with the rest of the family. But with her ex brother in law hot on her trail will they make it to his stronghold/family keep in time to out the killer? And will he, Brian, every figure out that he is the man she needs in her life?
November 14, 2017
I liked this book because it was a part of a series and past characters were revisited in this one. But as a stand alone it was rather slow. It was another story of two people on the run, & it was completely unbelievable in some areas.
They are on the run but he leaves here for hours to make sure they are safe, & she falls asleep in the great wide open 🙄.
Again, some strange plot twist, but I'm a fan of the series.
They are on the run but he leaves here for hours to make sure they are safe, & she falls asleep in the great wide open 🙄.
Again, some strange plot twist, but I'm a fan of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2023
Confusing if you have read the series
Love all Hannah's books but this one bothered me. In highland lover Brian runs off with Mavis but it is never mentioned in this book as to why that didn't work out. It is not mentioned in any other books either. Maybe she forgot he ran off to get married in the other book? Also Calum as a child is said to have the family blue eyes in a former book but in here they are green.
Love all Hannah's books but this one bothered me. In highland lover Brian runs off with Mavis but it is never mentioned in this book as to why that didn't work out. It is not mentioned in any other books either. Maybe she forgot he ran off to get married in the other book? Also Calum as a child is said to have the family blue eyes in a former book but in here they are green.
November 20, 2023
4 stars, I did really enjoy the book, if you're curious this is the first book I've read from the series, and it didn't affect the reading experience. I got into it without a problem or feeling the need to read the other books. It dragged on a bit for me and took too long for the characters to admit their feelings and be together but I liked how the author did it. I liked the resolution. I do really want to read Fiona's book, but after that, I think I will just start at the beginning.
November 24, 2022
Never a bad Murray read
I have read plenty of HH highlander romance books with the Murray family, which is my favorite, the storytelling of this family always makes me laugh and cry. Never a bad read with this family. I have re-read several of these books because of the laughter.
I have read plenty of HH highlander romance books with the Murray family, which is my favorite, the storytelling of this family always makes me laugh and cry. Never a bad read with this family. I have re-read several of these books because of the laughter.
July 5, 2018
For me this book was over rated in goodreads. It isn’t bad but over four stars means to me that it had something above normal. A bit of magic. This was good but not more. Only liked the hero and heroine and didn’t feel much of their chemistry.
October 19, 2018
Loved this book
Absolutely wonderful storyline,with intriguing,exciting and romantic characters. Hannah Howell writes such awesome characters from that time. The storyline was fantastic.
Absolutely wonderful storyline,with intriguing,exciting and romantic characters. Hannah Howell writes such awesome characters from that time. The storyline was fantastic.
December 17, 2022
Superb yet confusing... I was confused by Brian MacFingal's identity in this novel, for I'm pretty sure, he was mentioned marrying Mavis Kerr after they run away in the previous novel Highland Lover.....? Well, is there another McFingal bastard whose name is also Brian?
November 2, 2023
I love the Murray family series. I enjoyed the twist, turns, and reveals in this story. Some humorous moments as well. The story was engaging, and the narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters and story to life.
July 14, 2017
Just loved this story.
May 25, 2018
Fleeing France with her
July 28, 2018
Not one of my favorites. Same plot beats though
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