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MacKinloch Clan #3
Sessiz Savaşçı
Callum MacKinloch, yedi yıl süren tutsaklığının ardından sesini yitirmiş bir İskoç savaşçıdır. Bir gece yediği kırbaçların ardından tutsak edildiği kalenin avlusunda ölüme terk edilmiştir. O anda karşısına çıkan yüzün bir meleğe ait olduğunu sanır.
Marguerite, soylu bir Fransız Dükü olan babasının en küçük kızı olarak ona her zaman itaat etmeye alışmıştır. Babası onu bir İngiliz Lorduyla nişanlanmaya zorlar. Lord zalimin biridir ve İskoç tutsaklara işkence etmektedir. Bir gece artık duyduğu çığlıklara dayanamaz ve neler olup bittiğini öğrenmek için odasından çıkar. İşte o an sessiz İskoç savaşçısıyla karşılaşır ve kalbini oracıkta ona kaptırır. Ancak kavuşmalarının arasında büyük engeller vardır.
Marguerite, soylu bir Fransız Dükü olan babasının en küçük kızı olarak ona her zaman itaat etmeye alışmıştır. Babası onu bir İngiliz Lorduyla nişanlanmaya zorlar. Lord zalimin biridir ve İskoç tutsaklara işkence etmektedir. Bir gece artık duyduğu çığlıklara dayanamaz ve neler olup bittiğini öğrenmek için odasından çıkar. İşte o an sessiz İskoç savaşçısıyla karşılaşır ve kalbini oracıkta ona kaptırır. Ancak kavuşmalarının arasında büyük engeller vardır.
222 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
152 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Willingham
195 books624 followersRita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 30, 2020
Soild 4 stars
If you're looking for a real sweet romance involving insta love and a perfect hero who will stop at nothing to be with the heroine, then this is for you.
The writing is pretty good although I wish it was a bit more detailed (showing more than telling) and the characters could have been more developed and given more background to make them fuller and three dimensional.
I loved the hero he was perfect. The heroine on the other hand I didn't care for. Or perhaps a better way to explain it is that I could not relate to her.
It is my personal preference to have a strong heroine. She was not, she was spineless and weak. I hated that
I also HATED how she
The story felt too repetitive and dragged a bit in places. I would have liked to have seen more tender moments between the two MC's instead of lust.
Happily, at about 60% is where the action finally picks up again and holds steady to the end.
It would have been nice to have more interaction with the secondary characters who came off flat. Margarite could have become close with Callums family, but we only get a second or two of his mother in the end.
I LOVE how the author didn't make the loving scenes stupid or awkward The love making was sensual and beautiful. Bravo for that!
Anyway overall it was a nice, sweet read.. much needed for me after coming off an emotional roller-coaster of a book just before.
I will certainly consider more books by this author in the future.
Safety issues:
If you're looking for a real sweet romance involving insta love and a perfect hero who will stop at nothing to be with the heroine, then this is for you.
The writing is pretty good although I wish it was a bit more detailed (showing more than telling) and the characters could have been more developed and given more background to make them fuller and three dimensional.
I loved the hero he was perfect. The heroine on the other hand I didn't care for. Or perhaps a better way to explain it is that I could not relate to her.
It is my personal preference to have a strong heroine. She was not, she was spineless and weak. I hated that
I also HATED how she
The story felt too repetitive and dragged a bit in places. I would have liked to have seen more tender moments between the two MC's instead of lust.
Happily, at about 60% is where the action finally picks up again and holds steady to the end.
It would have been nice to have more interaction with the secondary characters who came off flat. Margarite could have become close with Callums family, but we only get a second or two of his mother in the end.
I LOVE how the author didn't make the loving scenes stupid or awkward The love making was sensual and beautiful. Bravo for that!
Anyway overall it was a nice, sweet read.. much needed for me after coming off an emotional roller-coaster of a book just before.
I will certainly consider more books by this author in the future.
Safety issues:
December 22, 2025
The Warrior and the Noble Woman
Callum MacKinlock was a prisoner in the dungeon of the man Marguerite was to marry. She knew that unspeakable things were being done to the prisoners, so she risked sneaking into the dungeon to give aide. One man was dead, and another close to death from untold lashes on his back. He was ragged and weak, so she took water and bathed his wounds.
When the prisoners were rescued by their Scottish clan, Marguerite used that moment to escape her betrothed and was rescued by the same clan. Once at their stronghold it was found that the man she helped was in grave danger of dying, yet would accept no help. He was mute, but accepted the presence and aide of Marguerite.
Marguerite was an angel, sweet smelling and kind and Callum loved and desired her. Yet she was to be returned to her father, the wealthy Duc who had chosen another man to wed his daughter.
This was a frustrating, but well told story about a young woman who was devoted to her father and yet loved a man unsuitable to him. Both fight to be together, although she retreats as she feels is wise to safe Callum’s life.
The was probably a five star story, but I have a personal dislike of the kind of frustrations experienced by the main characters, so I deducted a star. This was a mildly spicy tale and worth a read.
Callum MacKinlock was a prisoner in the dungeon of the man Marguerite was to marry. She knew that unspeakable things were being done to the prisoners, so she risked sneaking into the dungeon to give aide. One man was dead, and another close to death from untold lashes on his back. He was ragged and weak, so she took water and bathed his wounds.
When the prisoners were rescued by their Scottish clan, Marguerite used that moment to escape her betrothed and was rescued by the same clan. Once at their stronghold it was found that the man she helped was in grave danger of dying, yet would accept no help. He was mute, but accepted the presence and aide of Marguerite.
Marguerite was an angel, sweet smelling and kind and Callum loved and desired her. Yet she was to be returned to her father, the wealthy Duc who had chosen another man to wed his daughter.
This was a frustrating, but well told story about a young woman who was devoted to her father and yet loved a man unsuitable to him. Both fight to be together, although she retreats as she feels is wise to safe Callum’s life.
The was probably a five star story, but I have a personal dislike of the kind of frustrations experienced by the main characters, so I deducted a star. This was a mildly spicy tale and worth a read.
November 1, 2020
4.5 stars - This was my favorite of the trilogy.
June 21, 2012
This is the best Highlander book I have read in a long time. It has such a fantastic tortured hero. Callum was taken prisoner when he was only 12 years old. For seven long years, he was tortured. It not only battered his body, but it stole his voice.
One night, Lady Marguerite sees his suffering firsthand. She is betrothed to his captor, but she takes care of Callum. She nurses his wounds and gives him the first comfort he has known in years. The two form a connection right away, and even after Callum is sent away to be tortured by someone else, his memories of Marguerite help him hold on to his fragile threads of sanity.
When Callum's brothers come to finally rescue him, he is gone. But Marguerite makes her escape from her wretched fiance with the MacKinlochs. So when they finally do track Callum down, the two are reunited. Their time together is brief, though, because her father comes for her quickly and has her engaged to someone else in a heartbeat. Callum goes after Marguerite, knowing he can't live without her.
I love Callum so much. He can't speak, but we hear his thoughts. Marguerite is his sun and moon... his savior. And she loves him too. They have so many things stacked against them, it seems impossible for them to make it work. But their stolen moments are so tender and so good. Callum has been through hell, but he will do anything to be with Marguerite. He is strong, but manages to be gentle with her.
Their obstacles are very real and my heart broke for them when they seemed insurmountable. I hated Marguerite's father and The sexual tension between Callum and Marguerite was good and I enjoyed the payoff, but it was more about the love there than anything else.
This is book three in MacKinloch series, but I think this would work easily as a standalone. There's not much in the way of a brogue, since our hero can't speak, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to anyone who loves a Highlander or a tortured hero story. I loved it.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
One night, Lady Marguerite sees his suffering firsthand. She is betrothed to his captor, but she takes care of Callum. She nurses his wounds and gives him the first comfort he has known in years. The two form a connection right away, and even after Callum is sent away to be tortured by someone else, his memories of Marguerite help him hold on to his fragile threads of sanity.
When Callum's brothers come to finally rescue him, he is gone. But Marguerite makes her escape from her wretched fiance with the MacKinlochs. So when they finally do track Callum down, the two are reunited. Their time together is brief, though, because her father comes for her quickly and has her engaged to someone else in a heartbeat. Callum goes after Marguerite, knowing he can't live without her.
I love Callum so much. He can't speak, but we hear his thoughts. Marguerite is his sun and moon... his savior. And she loves him too. They have so many things stacked against them, it seems impossible for them to make it work. But their stolen moments are so tender and so good. Callum has been through hell, but he will do anything to be with Marguerite. He is strong, but manages to be gentle with her.
Their obstacles are very real and my heart broke for them when they seemed insurmountable. I hated Marguerite's father and The sexual tension between Callum and Marguerite was good and I enjoyed the payoff, but it was more about the love there than anything else.
This is book three in MacKinloch series, but I think this would work easily as a standalone. There's not much in the way of a brogue, since our hero can't speak, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to anyone who loves a Highlander or a tortured hero story. I loved it.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
June 28, 2012
This was my first book by Michelle Willingham and I have to say I am impressed! I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book, I was a bit reserved after having seen it was a third book in a series. However, that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. I do not feel it was necessary to have read the previous two books to understand this title it easily stands up as a standalone. M. Willingham’s writing quickly swept me up in this tale starting from when Lady Marguerite is startled from her sleep by tortured screams and she finds herself tending to Callum’s tortured back. From their first meeting you feel the connection between these two kindred spirits. Both are locked in chains, but their chains are entirely different. Hers are of her title and gender and his are that of a prisoner of war.
From the age of 12 Callum has been held prisoner, tortured to the brink of death more times than he can remember, his voice gone after one especially vicious torture where he refused to let them hear him scream. His body eventually recovered but his voice never did, his flesh is yet again recovering from a whipping when Lady Marguerite is awakened and comes to his aid thinking it is him who screamed. There was something in the way she cared for him that gave him a renewed vigor for life, even for the possibility of seeing her once more before he dies. Callum, does not give up, even against insurmountable odds, he keeps on going, in chains or out of them. He is an inspiration and one of my favorite highland warriors to date. How can you not love a man that doesn’t give up on his woman even when facing his own death, you just can’t. There is no defense against that, his love just pours out of him and after the life he has led it is a miracle he can love at all. He is a proud, strong, intelligent, highland warrior and I too would have given up everything to be with this man.
With Marguerite, she is such a kind lady; when she tends to Callum’s wounds you immediately have a soft spot for her. She is so gentle with him and brings him back not just from the physical brink but from the mental too. When he is finally free and he is half out of his mind and she tends to him again with such caring and understanding, you just know these two belong. Then, she gets home and is locked back up into her invisible chains yet again and Callum comes for her, I about started to dislike her, but that was my modern woman coming out. I really had to set that aside and remember we are in the 1300’s and she is the daughter of a Duke, considered no more than mere property and then I’m ok, you go girl. These might be tiny rebellions in today’s standards but in 1300’s standards they were HUGE! She had some balls after all and I started liking her again. She had to work with what she could, how she could, it might not have been the best way but it was the only way she could figure at the time. And one huge thing to her credit is she doesn’t give up, if it meant her life or his, she’d do what she had to, to make sure he still had his. By the end she had some serious courage and did what a girl had to do, even if it meant plunging to her death, because even death was a better fate then what her father had planned for her…
I highly recommend this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I remembered why I loved highlanders so much, it’s been a while since I have read a highlander book that I enjoyed as much as this one. The characters leapt right off the page; their emotions felt real, the character development was well done. The scenes were rich and full of life. And oh how the sensuality smoldered as Callum and Marguerite discovered theirs together for the first time. I didn’t expect this historical to be as steamy as it was so I was in for a very pleasant surprise to find that the sexuality simmered and created a delicious tension between these two. I also found that in a strange way Callum’s inability to talk in a way increased their communication as they had to rely so much on the non-verbal, but from the beginning they had such a deep connection between them that Marguerite, never seemed to not know what Callum was thinking. I know as soon as I am able to find some time, I will be going back and reading the first two books in this series and finding any other books I can from Michelle Willingham, I believe she also has a series about an Irish family, I know I won’t be passing that up!
Rating: 4.5
From the age of 12 Callum has been held prisoner, tortured to the brink of death more times than he can remember, his voice gone after one especially vicious torture where he refused to let them hear him scream. His body eventually recovered but his voice never did, his flesh is yet again recovering from a whipping when Lady Marguerite is awakened and comes to his aid thinking it is him who screamed. There was something in the way she cared for him that gave him a renewed vigor for life, even for the possibility of seeing her once more before he dies. Callum, does not give up, even against insurmountable odds, he keeps on going, in chains or out of them. He is an inspiration and one of my favorite highland warriors to date. How can you not love a man that doesn’t give up on his woman even when facing his own death, you just can’t. There is no defense against that, his love just pours out of him and after the life he has led it is a miracle he can love at all. He is a proud, strong, intelligent, highland warrior and I too would have given up everything to be with this man.
With Marguerite, she is such a kind lady; when she tends to Callum’s wounds you immediately have a soft spot for her. She is so gentle with him and brings him back not just from the physical brink but from the mental too. When he is finally free and he is half out of his mind and she tends to him again with such caring and understanding, you just know these two belong. Then, she gets home and is locked back up into her invisible chains yet again and Callum comes for her, I about started to dislike her, but that was my modern woman coming out. I really had to set that aside and remember we are in the 1300’s and she is the daughter of a Duke, considered no more than mere property and then I’m ok, you go girl. These might be tiny rebellions in today’s standards but in 1300’s standards they were HUGE! She had some balls after all and I started liking her again. She had to work with what she could, how she could, it might not have been the best way but it was the only way she could figure at the time. And one huge thing to her credit is she doesn’t give up, if it meant her life or his, she’d do what she had to, to make sure he still had his. By the end she had some serious courage and did what a girl had to do, even if it meant plunging to her death, because even death was a better fate then what her father had planned for her…
I highly recommend this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I remembered why I loved highlanders so much, it’s been a while since I have read a highlander book that I enjoyed as much as this one. The characters leapt right off the page; their emotions felt real, the character development was well done. The scenes were rich and full of life. And oh how the sensuality smoldered as Callum and Marguerite discovered theirs together for the first time. I didn’t expect this historical to be as steamy as it was so I was in for a very pleasant surprise to find that the sexuality simmered and created a delicious tension between these two. I also found that in a strange way Callum’s inability to talk in a way increased their communication as they had to rely so much on the non-verbal, but from the beginning they had such a deep connection between them that Marguerite, never seemed to not know what Callum was thinking. I know as soon as I am able to find some time, I will be going back and reading the first two books in this series and finding any other books I can from Michelle Willingham, I believe she also has a series about an Irish family, I know I won’t be passing that up!
Rating: 4.5
May 17, 2016
I loved this. Review later.
January 4, 2026
I swear up until 80% or so of the book I thought these two are going to share the same fate like Romeo and Juliet!
This is a story about saving, healing, feel seen, accepted, loved.... so many emotions, so much angst.
In the last 1/4 of the book I was screaming in my head "just let them be together for the love of God!!" While sniffing, shedding a tear or two and clutching my heart figuratively.
Margueritte was so loyal to her father, her family and had such high moral values. She was obedient and willing to do anything and everything to make her dad proud and to be part of strengthening alliances with good connections, even being betrothed to a monster of a man. A man who had a prisoner who eventually put to test everything Margueritte believed in.
It was so heartbreaking to see first the torture and pain that Callum was put through. His PTSD. Feeling like a stranger in his own house. Missing his angel who has saved him from giving up...
These two have been put through the wringer more times than not! They kept gravitating towards each other when everyone around them just literally ripped them apart.
If there is any couple I've read that deserved to be together it's these two for sure!
The way the problem was resolved at the end though didn’t make much sense to me. Her father relented very easily. As much as I appreciate family values and family ties (for me family is the most important thing in life), but still in this case I would have preferred if her father actually believed she died.
I know these were different times and it was what it was but modern me wanted Margueritte to believe that she was finally free even if it weighed on her conscience her deception to her father.
Anyway, all was well at the end.
P.S: The whole Lord Penrith thing was out of place especially in 1308. Just saying 🤷♀️
2026 Bingo Challenge Game #1 🥳
#35 Highlander
01|21|36|46|12|40|50|23|
47|52|17|63|25|04|59|30|
08|26|55|33|64|16|08|44|
27|05|43|60|58|🟣|13|38|
37|57|29|15|09|61|22|19|
10|34|03|28|54|45|56|02|
42|14|51|07|62|24|32|53|
31|49|20|48|39|06|41|11|
This is a story about saving, healing, feel seen, accepted, loved.... so many emotions, so much angst.
In the last 1/4 of the book I was screaming in my head "just let them be together for the love of God!!" While sniffing, shedding a tear or two and clutching my heart figuratively.
Margueritte was so loyal to her father, her family and had such high moral values. She was obedient and willing to do anything and everything to make her dad proud and to be part of strengthening alliances with good connections, even being betrothed to a monster of a man. A man who had a prisoner who eventually put to test everything Margueritte believed in.
It was so heartbreaking to see first the torture and pain that Callum was put through. His PTSD. Feeling like a stranger in his own house. Missing his angel who has saved him from giving up...
These two have been put through the wringer more times than not! They kept gravitating towards each other when everyone around them just literally ripped them apart.
If there is any couple I've read that deserved to be together it's these two for sure!
The way the problem was resolved at the end though didn’t make much sense to me. Her father relented very easily. As much as I appreciate family values and family ties (for me family is the most important thing in life), but still in this case I would have preferred if her father actually believed she died.
I know these were different times and it was what it was but modern me wanted Margueritte to believe that she was finally free even if it weighed on her conscience her deception to her father.
Anyway, all was well at the end.
P.S: The whole Lord Penrith thing was out of place especially in 1308. Just saying 🤷♀️
2026 Bingo Challenge Game #1 🥳
#35 Highlander
01|21|36|46|12|40|50|23|
47|52|17|63|25|04|59|30|
08|26|55|33|64|16|08|44|
27|05|43|60|58|🟣|13|38|
37|57|29|15|09|61|22|19|
10|34|03|28|54|45|56|02|
42|14|51|07|62|24|32|53|
31|49|20|48|39|06|41|11|
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 8, 2013
01/07/2013 -- 3 Stars
I had forgotten about this book and found it as I was scanning my Kindle. It was an okay read. It started really good, but then kind of fizzled. It was the story of a warrior tortured to the point he lost his voice. Better in concept than in execution.
ARC provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
+++++++++++++++++++
ARC received on 07/20/2012.
Available 07/01/2012 .. $5 on Amazon and B&N.
New author but sounds very good.
I had forgotten about this book and found it as I was scanning my Kindle. It was an okay read. It started really good, but then kind of fizzled. It was the story of a warrior tortured to the point he lost his voice. Better in concept than in execution.
ARC provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
+++++++++++++++++++
ARC received on 07/20/2012.
Available 07/01/2012 .. $5 on Amazon and B&N.
New author but sounds very good.
November 1, 2016
From Book 1 of this series, I have been looking forward to Callum's story. It was heartbreaking what he went through and I was drawn to the attraction I could see burned between him and Marguerite, the daughter of a duke who gave him aid when he most needed it.
For a large portion of the book, there is limited dialogue. Callum suffered massive trauma during captivity and as a result, his words have been locked away and he is unable to speak. While he cannot speak, it does not mean he doesn't communicate. Callum was compelling in the way he used expression and touch to convey his feelings. I was as helpless as Marguerite was to resist Callum's determination to tell her how he felt.
This couple has virtually insurmountable odds to be together. To be honest, if this wasn't a romance, I'm not sure this story really would've ended the way it did. For most of the story, I was left thinking that "there is no way this can turn out well" and when everything is wrapped up, I still had my doubts. However, with what these two had to go through to be together, I was glad that they did get a happy ending.
Callum does most of the sacrificing and takes most of the risks for Marguerite. Marguerite is a bit timid and uncertain of how she can stand up for herself. While many readers may find this annoying, it was actually more historically accurate in my opinion. Marguerite did what she could, but women in medieval times did not have a lot of power and certainly faced immense risk or even death for reckless defiance.
Overall, I thought the beginning of the book was extremely compelling and the tension between the two was perfect. However, I felt that the obstacles keeping these two apart became so large that I had my doubts when the HEA came. Also, Marguerite's father does some pretty awful stuff so it was hard for me to accept the ending he got also (I won't go into more detail to avoid spoilers).
Still, a good read and one I enjoyed. If you've been reading the MacKinloch clan series, you won't be disappointed with this.
For a large portion of the book, there is limited dialogue. Callum suffered massive trauma during captivity and as a result, his words have been locked away and he is unable to speak. While he cannot speak, it does not mean he doesn't communicate. Callum was compelling in the way he used expression and touch to convey his feelings. I was as helpless as Marguerite was to resist Callum's determination to tell her how he felt.
This couple has virtually insurmountable odds to be together. To be honest, if this wasn't a romance, I'm not sure this story really would've ended the way it did. For most of the story, I was left thinking that "there is no way this can turn out well" and when everything is wrapped up, I still had my doubts. However, with what these two had to go through to be together, I was glad that they did get a happy ending.
Callum does most of the sacrificing and takes most of the risks for Marguerite. Marguerite is a bit timid and uncertain of how she can stand up for herself. While many readers may find this annoying, it was actually more historically accurate in my opinion. Marguerite did what she could, but women in medieval times did not have a lot of power and certainly faced immense risk or even death for reckless defiance.
Overall, I thought the beginning of the book was extremely compelling and the tension between the two was perfect. However, I felt that the obstacles keeping these two apart became so large that I had my doubts when the HEA came. Also, Marguerite's father does some pretty awful stuff so it was hard for me to accept the ending he got also (I won't go into more detail to avoid spoilers).
Still, a good read and one I enjoyed. If you've been reading the MacKinloch clan series, you won't be disappointed with this.
March 8, 2016
Contains spoilers!
4.5 stars!Wow I really enjoyed this! Not much to say but that Hero and heroine were great!I loved both very much.Heroine did frustrate me at times. I understood why she did what she thought was right. Especially in that day in age. but It was frustrating at times. She was a sweet, loving ,caring girl and I thought she was awesome most of the time:) Oh the hero I swear I love him so:)Perfect tortured hero!So beautiful how he would do anything for her! oh and the build up between them wow! I think it was so beautiful and hot. Her dad was an ass and i didn't like how easily they forgave him! I hated that damn Aunt of hers!!:/ I love the epilogue. I will definitely be re reading this one:)
safety: both were virgins.
When hero kisses her for the first time it is said that it wasn't her first kiss. I'm not sure if it was an open kiss she had before.She was betrothed. so I'm guessing that's why. yes I'm picky I didn't like it.lol even though you know she never felt or been kissed the way she did with hero:) So this man she is supposed to marry is mean and cruel(not to her)he ends up dying. Once again her father has her betrothed to another man. She in no way wants this but feels like she can't defy her father so she agrees. Yes I didnt like it but keep in mind the time period. this man she is supposed to wed is in no way a threat. he is actually a great guy. At one point he is trying to help her and he kisses her to distract guards. This didn't bother me because of the reason why. And it was not a passionate kiss. I really did like the guy. Hero was tortured for 7 years and it was sad to think about what happened to him but nothing is in great details!
4.5 stars!Wow I really enjoyed this! Not much to say but that Hero and heroine were great!I loved both very much.Heroine did frustrate me at times. I understood why she did what she thought was right. Especially in that day in age. but It was frustrating at times. She was a sweet, loving ,caring girl and I thought she was awesome most of the time:) Oh the hero I swear I love him so:)Perfect tortured hero!So beautiful how he would do anything for her! oh and the build up between them wow! I think it was so beautiful and hot. Her dad was an ass and i didn't like how easily they forgave him! I hated that damn Aunt of hers!!:/ I love the epilogue. I will definitely be re reading this one:)
safety: both were virgins.
When hero kisses her for the first time it is said that it wasn't her first kiss. I'm not sure if it was an open kiss she had before.She was betrothed. so I'm guessing that's why. yes I'm picky I didn't like it.lol even though you know she never felt or been kissed the way she did with hero:) So this man she is supposed to marry is mean and cruel(not to her)he ends up dying. Once again her father has her betrothed to another man. She in no way wants this but feels like she can't defy her father so she agrees. Yes I didnt like it but keep in mind the time period. this man she is supposed to wed is in no way a threat. he is actually a great guy. At one point he is trying to help her and he kisses her to distract guards. This didn't bother me because of the reason why. And it was not a passionate kiss. I really did like the guy. Hero was tortured for 7 years and it was sad to think about what happened to him but nothing is in great details!
August 1, 2020
Having enjoyed the first two books about the MacKinloch brothers. And following Callum in each book it was nice to see he got happiness, after all he went through. Marguerite Help's him, after he's been left to die from a terrible beating. This is the start of their love story.
July 10, 2024
A very unique forbidden romance
The yearning in this book was fantastic; the whole story was the tale of two tortured people healing each other's wounds. While Callum carries his wounds on his body, Marguerite carries them on her heart. The book was heartbreaking and lovely. However, I almost threw it across the room as I wanted Marguerite to take control of her life... I usually love when the FMC is not always strong, but she got on my nerve; thankfully, Marguerite did find her strength after all.
Tags:
Virgin FMC ♍🌮💦
Virgin MMC ♍🍆💦
Historical Romance⚔️🏰🐲
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Abuse (physical and mental)☠️😥 😓
Mental illness 🔺 ☣️⛔️
Grieff❤️🔥💔
Miscarriage/forced abortion 🏴 🏴 🏴
Forbidden love 💙 💜 🖤
Possessive MMC💞 💓 💗
Angst😐😑😬
Pregnacy🤰🤰🤰
HEA🔔👰🏼🌠
The yearning in this book was fantastic; the whole story was the tale of two tortured people healing each other's wounds. While Callum carries his wounds on his body, Marguerite carries them on her heart. The book was heartbreaking and lovely. However, I almost threw it across the room as I wanted Marguerite to take control of her life... I usually love when the FMC is not always strong, but she got on my nerve; thankfully, Marguerite did find her strength after all.
Tags:
Virgin FMC ♍🌮💦
Virgin MMC ♍🍆💦
Historical Romance⚔️🏰🐲
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Abuse (physical and mental)☠️😥 😓
Mental illness 🔺 ☣️⛔️
Grieff❤️🔥💔
Miscarriage/forced abortion 🏴 🏴 🏴
Forbidden love 💙 💜 🖤
Possessive MMC💞 💓 💗
Angst😐😑😬
Pregnacy🤰🤰🤰
HEA🔔👰🏼🌠
July 2, 2012
Callum MacKinloch has been a prisoner from a very young age. On a night of another bad beating he's tended to and saved by his capturer's young betrothed, Lady Marguerite de Montpierre. What she doesn't know is that by saving his life she's prolonging his captivity. His brothers are coming to free him, but he's not there. Marguerite is and she takes her opportunity to escape an unwanted marriage.
She ends up living with the MacKinloch clan for a time and gets to know Callum's family. She's there when they finally bring him home and she's the only one who can reach him through his silence. Callum struggles to adjust to life without chains and to loving a woman who is to be taken home to her father and found another husband. He finds himself unable to let her go.
I believe it was Joss Whedon who said that communication stops when people start to talk--or something to that effect. He was talking about Hush, the silent episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and he was right. Not having words to fall back on, forces people--and characters--to show what they mean, to communicate through action without the frivolous words to hide behind.
And that's where the magic of this book lies. Callum is a prisoner of his silence but it frees him to do what he feels he must. He goes after Marguerite and shows her his respect and love for her in countless ways. There are misunderstandings, but they're of Marguerite's making. She still her voice and all the binds come with it. She has her family, her station in life, her fears and insecurities, but being with Callum makes her challenge the norms.
It's a thing of beauty to read.
I was all set to give this book four stars and then the second half of the book happened. The plot was still going strong but I was sorely disappointed with the evolution of the romance. It seemed that the more Callum talked, the less I cared. Him finding his voice should have been a huge, monumental, moment for him and for everyone around him. His family should have been shown to feel ashamed for treating him like half-wit and his words should have carried more weight after such a long period of silence.
It didn't happen. His regained speech was par for the course and the things about his character I loved in the beginning simply disappeared. It wasn't about meaningful kisses and touches anymore, it wasn't about showing how important Marguerite was to him. It was about sex.
There was also a touch of unnecessary melodrama. Instead of picking the more believable course of action and marrying Lord Penrith--for not doing so I thought her very foolish--and keeping Callum as a lover, Marguerite and the author struggle to conform to the genre generated expectations. Callum and Marguerite must be each other's firsts in every sense of word.
I really thought the book poorer for it. Still, I loved the beginning.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
She ends up living with the MacKinloch clan for a time and gets to know Callum's family. She's there when they finally bring him home and she's the only one who can reach him through his silence. Callum struggles to adjust to life without chains and to loving a woman who is to be taken home to her father and found another husband. He finds himself unable to let her go.
I believe it was Joss Whedon who said that communication stops when people start to talk--or something to that effect. He was talking about Hush, the silent episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and he was right. Not having words to fall back on, forces people--and characters--to show what they mean, to communicate through action without the frivolous words to hide behind.
And that's where the magic of this book lies. Callum is a prisoner of his silence but it frees him to do what he feels he must. He goes after Marguerite and shows her his respect and love for her in countless ways. There are misunderstandings, but they're of Marguerite's making. She still her voice and all the binds come with it. She has her family, her station in life, her fears and insecurities, but being with Callum makes her challenge the norms.
It's a thing of beauty to read.
I was all set to give this book four stars and then the second half of the book happened. The plot was still going strong but I was sorely disappointed with the evolution of the romance. It seemed that the more Callum talked, the less I cared. Him finding his voice should have been a huge, monumental, moment for him and for everyone around him. His family should have been shown to feel ashamed for treating him like half-wit and his words should have carried more weight after such a long period of silence.
It didn't happen. His regained speech was par for the course and the things about his character I loved in the beginning simply disappeared. It wasn't about meaningful kisses and touches anymore, it wasn't about showing how important Marguerite was to him. It was about sex.
There was also a touch of unnecessary melodrama. Instead of picking the more believable course of action and marrying Lord Penrith--for not doing so I thought her very foolish--and keeping Callum as a lover, Marguerite and the author struggle to conform to the genre generated expectations. Callum and Marguerite must be each other's firsts in every sense of word.
I really thought the book poorer for it. Still, I loved the beginning.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 10, 2012
Delightfully surprising.
I don't read too many romance novels. Not that I have anything against them, but they are sometimes somewhat formualic. The hero and heroine have lots of amazing sex while not really liking one another until they suddenly realize that, oh yeah, they actually do. Again, not that I mind that, but I have to be in the frame of mind to just let it go. Please understand, if you are a lover of romance novels, I mean absolutely no disrespect and I do occasionally join in the fun of reading them.
So, imagine how happy I was to find a story here worth reading, with fully developed characters and a believable plot. Who knew, right?
Callum isn't the typical hero, not by a long shot. He isn't the thirty year old experienced knight riding in to either save the heroine or claim her. He is a broken young man, broken in body and spirit who is saved by the heroine, Marguerite. The bond that is immediately forged between them saves him and binds him to her in a way that is believable and heart-aching. (My one hint of criticism would be that he seems to be very sex-wise for an inexperienced man of nineteen or twenty, but I let that go. I know it's a romance novel so the sex is going to be all that. Just a little bit of unbelievablility on that particular issue for me.)
And in another change-up of the typical storyline, Marguerite is the one who is hesitant and unable to see what is right in front of her. Her choices and the consequences of them were very real for the time and place the story is set. Again, it was believable. The fact that she couldn't find a way out of her situation was well done. I think for many if not most young women of this time, at least women of the nobility and men, also, to some degree, their lives weren't lived by their own choice.
Additionally, the author has the time correct. Neither tartans or kilts were worn at this time so I was glad to see that she didn't have everyone running about in plaid kilts. I know that's a small thing, but it is in fact the small things that make a book better and this one is definitely on the better variety.
*edit* I should add that this is the third of a series, but you won't have any trouble enjoying it without having read the others. I haven't read them and everyone and everything was clear to me. Some of the secondary characters would be more rounded out, I'm sure, had I read the others, but there was enough that I knew who was who and their relationships. I may or may not read the others as this story is very complete.*end edit*
For something out of the ordinary, definitely give this one a try.
I don't read too many romance novels. Not that I have anything against them, but they are sometimes somewhat formualic. The hero and heroine have lots of amazing sex while not really liking one another until they suddenly realize that, oh yeah, they actually do. Again, not that I mind that, but I have to be in the frame of mind to just let it go. Please understand, if you are a lover of romance novels, I mean absolutely no disrespect and I do occasionally join in the fun of reading them.
So, imagine how happy I was to find a story here worth reading, with fully developed characters and a believable plot. Who knew, right?
Callum isn't the typical hero, not by a long shot. He isn't the thirty year old experienced knight riding in to either save the heroine or claim her. He is a broken young man, broken in body and spirit who is saved by the heroine, Marguerite. The bond that is immediately forged between them saves him and binds him to her in a way that is believable and heart-aching. (My one hint of criticism would be that he seems to be very sex-wise for an inexperienced man of nineteen or twenty, but I let that go. I know it's a romance novel so the sex is going to be all that. Just a little bit of unbelievablility on that particular issue for me.)
And in another change-up of the typical storyline, Marguerite is the one who is hesitant and unable to see what is right in front of her. Her choices and the consequences of them were very real for the time and place the story is set. Again, it was believable. The fact that she couldn't find a way out of her situation was well done. I think for many if not most young women of this time, at least women of the nobility and men, also, to some degree, their lives weren't lived by their own choice.
Additionally, the author has the time correct. Neither tartans or kilts were worn at this time so I was glad to see that she didn't have everyone running about in plaid kilts. I know that's a small thing, but it is in fact the small things that make a book better and this one is definitely on the better variety.
*edit* I should add that this is the third of a series, but you won't have any trouble enjoying it without having read the others. I haven't read them and everyone and everything was clear to me. Some of the secondary characters would be more rounded out, I'm sure, had I read the others, but there was enough that I knew who was who and their relationships. I may or may not read the others as this story is very complete.*end edit*
For something out of the ordinary, definitely give this one a try.
May 28, 2012
As I finished this book it brought a huge satisfied smile to my face. Tempted by the Highland Warrior is everything a love story should be in my opinion; Instant attraction, intrigue, rich history, gentle, loving, intimate moments stolen and desires fulfilled. With Marguerite and Callum's first encounter she feels an immediate attraction. She doesn't understand it other than he needs help and she can give it. From this beginning, with her first touch, the two have a soul connection that cannot be denied. Both are young and have led very different lives up till now. She, the daughter of Guy de’ Montpierre, the Duc D’Avignois of France, is betrothed to the Earl of Cairnross, a man she hardly knows and has a cruel determination to get what he wants. Callum, a Scotsman, has been a prisoner since the age of twelve as one of her betroths laborers. He has lost his voice due to earlier traumas. As the two resume their lives from this point on fate has plans for them and their paths cross in unforeseen circumstances and they will not be deprived of one another.
I love how Ms. Willingham has developed a character with limited means of communication. She brought to life a strong relentlessly unwavering man who has no pretense. He relays to Marguerite in delicious endearing ways from the very beginning his desire for her and his determination to have her no matter the cost. In the same way she has created a young woman that has no desire to be anything else other than what is true to herself even if it means relinquishing her heritage. It could even mean her death.
I love how Ms. Willingham has developed a character with limited means of communication. She brought to life a strong relentlessly unwavering man who has no pretense. He relays to Marguerite in delicious endearing ways from the very beginning his desire for her and his determination to have her no matter the cost. In the same way she has created a young woman that has no desire to be anything else other than what is true to herself even if it means relinquishing her heritage. It could even mean her death.
July 27, 2012
Callum and Marguerite's story was well worth the wait for those of you who, like me, have been waiting for Callum's happily ever after. Michelle Willingham has once again delivered a story that will grip your from the very first to the very last word. Her way with the written word will have you laughing, crying and hoping her characters will be able to overcome each and every obstacle that is thrown in their path. Whether you're struggling along with Callum as he tries to find his voice again, literally, after enduring years of torture or Marguerite trying to find her own voice by standing up to her father and fighting for the man she loves. Is the Duc, Marguerite's father really as hard hearted as we think? Will her betrothed, Peter, Lord Penrith, release her from their betrothal and follow his own heart? I love the little bit in the epilogue with Peter! It's great to revisit with Bram & Nairna (Claimed by the Highland Warrior) and Alex& Laren (Seduced by her Highland Warrior) also. Tempted By The Highland Warrior is one of those love stories that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. I know I'll be tempted to go back and read it over and over, just as I have with all of MW's previous books.
March 11, 2020
It was a really nice book. Actually the first I read in the series. But I just read Bram’s book so I had to come back to edit my review. It was a too sad for me. There were no playful or happy moments which sucked. I read it with an open heart cause of all the positive reviews... And while it truly was nice, it was too sad for my taste.
Apart from that you’ll really grow an emotional attachment to but characters. Both had depth and their connection was almost palpable.
Apart from that you’ll really grow an emotional attachment to but characters. Both had depth and their connection was almost palpable.
April 3, 2019
Dnf at 68%. This is not romance or love. Callum's character is written in a way that makes it feel like emotional codependence and sex. There is no building of the connection for him to the h beyond the fact she was nice to him while he was imprisoned and she touched him. There is also no explanation for her feelings for the H beyond sympathy. Honestly, it feels creepy rather than romantic.
I've read other books with a mute H in which the author still managed to convey a full range of emotion not limited to sexual desire. That doesn't happen here. Instead, he is childlike and emotionally dependent on her because she is the only one who doesn't treat him as a halfwit. When she can't stay with him, he reverts to immature moods of anger and frustration.
Maybe I'm the only one who gets the creepy vibe from this book. It seems other readers liked the book, so don't take my word for it. As for me, I'm tapping out.
I've read other books with a mute H in which the author still managed to convey a full range of emotion not limited to sexual desire. That doesn't happen here. Instead, he is childlike and emotionally dependent on her because she is the only one who doesn't treat him as a halfwit. When she can't stay with him, he reverts to immature moods of anger and frustration.
Maybe I'm the only one who gets the creepy vibe from this book. It seems other readers liked the book, so don't take my word for it. As for me, I'm tapping out.
July 21, 2019
3.5 Stars. Better than I had hoped for, but got a little draggy and repetitious to the end, and was harsher than I expected. But, I did enjoy that the couple was working against an outward conflict and you always felt that they cared for each other. That I really enjoyed and will continue to look for in other romances.
August 3, 2024
Dopo il finale del secondo volume ero convinta di leggere la storia dell’ex-lady Harkik e Finian, invece ho scoperto che c’è un romanzo breve mai uscito da noi. Sigh 😞 poco male, dei fratelli Mackinloch Callum il silenzioso era il più intrigante e Marguerite pur sempre un’inglese, anzi, la fidanzata del suo peggior nemico. Anche qui una trama ricca: prigionia, traumi e abusi, vergogna e timidezza, dolcezza e coraggio. Degno coronamento di questa saga scozzese.
May 7, 2018
Daha iyi çevrilmiş olsaydı muhtemelen 3 yıldız olurdu.
Açıkçası biraz hayal kırıklığına uğradım, çünkü hikaye çok durağan ilerledi beni tatmin etmedi 😕
Açıkçası biraz hayal kırıklığına uğradım, çünkü hikaye çok durağan ilerledi beni tatmin etmedi 😕
June 16, 2012
Tuesday night I started reading Michelle Willingham's Tempted by the Highland Warrior. I finished it Wednesday night. For me, a homeschooling mom who has only so many minutes to steal from a day for reading (never mind my writing), this is a rare thing! But I could not put this book down. Ladies and gentlemen, read this book and observe how a short historical romance should be written. Never once while reading this book did I wonder "Well, why can't the heroine just...?" Never once did I say, "Come on people, it's not that hard!" Willingham did a spectacular job at raising the stakes, and just when I thought things couldn't get worse, she raised them again. There were none of the ludicrous situations you see so often, no silly misunderstandings. There was believable and original conflict around every turn, and the characters were sympathetic with genuine plights. I fell in love with the hero, and I wanted to be the heroine. This hasn't happened to me in a while. Yes, I love historical romance. I really enjoy reading the genre. But this book made me feel like I was experiencing life in 1300s Scotland. The setting was convincing; I liked seeing the political backdrop playing so subtly into the story.
This is not the first of Michelle Willingham's books I've read, and while I have enjoyed the others (one of which, Her Warrior Slave, actually brought tears to my eyes. Her heroine's experience of losing a child is very convincing and the emotions are genuine), this one deserves 5 star placement on my shelf. I certainly hope this book gets RITA attention.
This is not the first of Michelle Willingham's books I've read, and while I have enjoyed the others (one of which, Her Warrior Slave, actually brought tears to my eyes. Her heroine's experience of losing a child is very convincing and the emotions are genuine), this one deserves 5 star placement on my shelf. I certainly hope this book gets RITA attention.
June 26, 2012
Just found out in Michelle's Facebook
- a glimpse of the Duc D'Avignois's fictional castle in Scotland where Callum found Marguerite (inspired by Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness).-
[image error]
He may not speak but he understand every words. Only Marguerite can make him speak, only Marguerite can teach him how to write. Only Marguerite can cure him and she's the only one who can heal the pain.
I read this book in 1 day. This story pulled me in from the beginning and held me till the end. It was a good story but its doesn't make me "WOW" or "what a story"
When I finished this book, I was thinking what rating should I give... 3 star or 4 star. The reason this book got 4 star rating is because of Callum. He can't speak at 1st but I can hear his thoughts.
- a glimpse of the Duc D'Avignois's fictional castle in Scotland where Callum found Marguerite (inspired by Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness).-
[image error]
He may not speak but he understand every words. Only Marguerite can make him speak, only Marguerite can teach him how to write. Only Marguerite can cure him and she's the only one who can heal the pain.
I read this book in 1 day. This story pulled me in from the beginning and held me till the end. It was a good story but its doesn't make me "WOW" or "what a story"
When I finished this book, I was thinking what rating should I give... 3 star or 4 star. The reason this book got 4 star rating is because of Callum. He can't speak at 1st but I can hear his thoughts.
July 16, 2017
Callum MacKinloch was imprisoned for seven years by the Earl of Cairnross. Following a particularly cruel beating where he was left for dead, the earl's betrothed, Lady Marguerite de Montpierre, was drawn to the young warrior and tended his wounds. Callum's reason for living was the vision of this lovely woman and gives him strength to hang on until he's rescued. Meanwhile, Marguerite, the daughter of a French duke who is anxious to see her married to English nobility to improve his standing in the country, is haunted by Callum and is loathe to marry the cruel Earl.
I broke one of my cardinal rules and read this book without reading the first two in the series. While it can stand on its on very well, I found myself craving the backstories of the MacKinloch family leading up to the current events. I highly recommend reading them in order because the characters in this story have depth and substance. The story itself was compelling, especially the conflict between Marguerite and her family and Callum's courage and doggedness.
It's a lovely romance and I plan to go back and read the first two books so that I can better savor and appreciate these characters. It's an excellent highlander tale, even though it lacks the traditional dialect of the region, which I've grown accustomed to seeing in these type stories. I will be reading any future books in the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley.)
I broke one of my cardinal rules and read this book without reading the first two in the series. While it can stand on its on very well, I found myself craving the backstories of the MacKinloch family leading up to the current events. I highly recommend reading them in order because the characters in this story have depth and substance. The story itself was compelling, especially the conflict between Marguerite and her family and Callum's courage and doggedness.
It's a lovely romance and I plan to go back and read the first two books so that I can better savor and appreciate these characters. It's an excellent highlander tale, even though it lacks the traditional dialect of the region, which I've grown accustomed to seeing in these type stories. I will be reading any future books in the series.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley.)
June 1, 2012
I was very lucky to get this book as an advanced copy and big thanks go to Michelle for it.
This was a roller coaster of a read. From start to finish, the storyline kept me on an eternal "will they, won't they?" Ooooh they are getting together...and then a huge NOOOOOOO!!!. Loved the ending and after reading this was buzzed, and immediately told husband about it.
I loved the characters and the setting took me back to the "Highlander" times. The fact that Callum cannot talk, and Marguerite is the key and for a lady of the nobility is still so gentle and humble with him, well its amazing. I especially loved Callum's determination to win the hand of this woman, and the twists and turns. Little secrets here and there just gave the story layers and it was a delight to read. What made things interesting was instead of claymores, Callum had a bow and arrow. So much more elegant and incredibly sexy.
I loved this book so much I have now bought ALL of the back list of Michelle's. Highly recommended!
This was a roller coaster of a read. From start to finish, the storyline kept me on an eternal "will they, won't they?" Ooooh they are getting together...and then a huge NOOOOOOO!!!. Loved the ending and after reading this was buzzed, and immediately told husband about it.
I loved the characters and the setting took me back to the "Highlander" times. The fact that Callum cannot talk, and Marguerite is the key and for a lady of the nobility is still so gentle and humble with him, well its amazing. I especially loved Callum's determination to win the hand of this woman, and the twists and turns. Little secrets here and there just gave the story layers and it was a delight to read. What made things interesting was instead of claymores, Callum had a bow and arrow. So much more elegant and incredibly sexy.
I loved this book so much I have now bought ALL of the back list of Michelle's. Highly recommended!
April 6, 2022
Le tome le plus intéressant de la trilogie de par son originalité pour le héros qui est muet mais qui n'en reste pas moins un highlander dans l'âme et donc un mâle alpha malgré les épreuves. L'héroïne peut être un peu agaçante par son manque de courage jusqu'à ce qu'elle se prenne en mains. D'autres touches d'originalité donne encore à cette histoire un goût particulier. Belle lecture.
July 9, 2012
Tempted by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham is part of the MacKinloch series of historical romances that can each stand alone, but offer more to the readers when read in order. I have only read one other book in the series, and am hoping to get my hands on a few more in the near future. In this book, Callum MacKinloch has suffered years of torture and is physically finally free, but his voice is still lost to him. Lady Marguerite de Montpierre's offered him aide and comfort one night of his captivity, but is captive to her position and father's expectations. They know that there is no future together, but both find it hard to accept and risk everything to treasure the moments, and memories. Marguerite can calm Callum's soul, but will she be able to stand up to her father, or walk away from everything and risk being hunted down, in order to have true love?
Tempted by the Highland Warrior is an enthralling read. Callum lost his voice, and still managed to communicate with Marguerite. The challenges of writing a character with his past and issues is not easy, but he is very much a three dimensional character that rings true, Marguerite is a good character, she demonstrates the troubles and struggles that women of her rank faced in the past. She cared about the servants are guards in the castle as people, rather than as those to be looked down on our used, with made me like her and hold some respect for her. However, there were several moments when I just wanted to yell at her and tell her to run off with Callum and forget her father. The conclusion was well done, and tied everything up nicely, although while reading there were a couple times when I thought it could have come a little sooner.
Tempted by the Highland Warrior is a good historical romance, and there are few heroes sexier that a highland warrior (in my opinion). I think fan's of the series and the author will enjoy the story, and readers that love a alpha man with a vulnerability will particularly enjoy the book. It was not my favorite of the era or the author's, but it will not stop me from reading more by Michelle Willingham. I look forward to reading more of her highland romances in the future, hopefully near future!
Tempted by the Highland Warrior is an enthralling read. Callum lost his voice, and still managed to communicate with Marguerite. The challenges of writing a character with his past and issues is not easy, but he is very much a three dimensional character that rings true, Marguerite is a good character, she demonstrates the troubles and struggles that women of her rank faced in the past. She cared about the servants are guards in the castle as people, rather than as those to be looked down on our used, with made me like her and hold some respect for her. However, there were several moments when I just wanted to yell at her and tell her to run off with Callum and forget her father. The conclusion was well done, and tied everything up nicely, although while reading there were a couple times when I thought it could have come a little sooner.
Tempted by the Highland Warrior is a good historical romance, and there are few heroes sexier that a highland warrior (in my opinion). I think fan's of the series and the author will enjoy the story, and readers that love a alpha man with a vulnerability will particularly enjoy the book. It was not my favorite of the era or the author's, but it will not stop me from reading more by Michelle Willingham. I look forward to reading more of her highland romances in the future, hopefully near future!
July 13, 2012
at best a 2, more like 1.5 tbh
since i apparently have this strange new affinity for these highland romances (i find them somehow cute/sweetish, oddly entertaining, and very amusing), i decided to give this book a go.
meh. it wasn't as fun as some of the others i've read.
- it's too long. and that's a weird thing for me to say since i like long books. but it just kind of goes on and on and on, and there's so much repetition.
- i kind of missed the amusing "patois" that some of these highland romance writers use. i missed all the "dinna"s, "canna"s, "braw"s, "wee"s, and "aye"s. they make me giggle, but at the same time make me hear the dialogue and accents in my head. not so much here. without that it was pretty boring, narration-wise.
- i have no idea why marguerite was so in love with callum. other than he was pretty. and that he didn't talk... i never really bought their chemistry beyond physical attraction and that she was nice to him this one time. but what was he to her?!?
- annoyingly weak female protag
- the never ending cycle of "yes, i'm yours and i'll come with you." --> "i love my father. i'll talk to him. maybe he'll come around." --> "he's making me marry this other guy! omg. but i won't let you die because of me, so i can't come with you after all. leave me!" yeah, that got old, especially since this so-called protagonist went back and forth like this like...the whole book, sometimes all within the span of two pages.
- lol @ the sex scenes.
so... doubt i'll be reading anymore of this series, which is a shame, because again i kinda like these silly little highland books and now i'll have to search some more.
since i apparently have this strange new affinity for these highland romances (i find them somehow cute/sweetish, oddly entertaining, and very amusing), i decided to give this book a go.
meh. it wasn't as fun as some of the others i've read.
- it's too long. and that's a weird thing for me to say since i like long books. but it just kind of goes on and on and on, and there's so much repetition.
- i kind of missed the amusing "patois" that some of these highland romance writers use. i missed all the "dinna"s, "canna"s, "braw"s, "wee"s, and "aye"s. they make me giggle, but at the same time make me hear the dialogue and accents in my head. not so much here. without that it was pretty boring, narration-wise.
- i have no idea why marguerite was so in love with callum. other than he was pretty. and that he didn't talk... i never really bought their chemistry beyond physical attraction and that she was nice to him this one time. but what was he to her?!?
- annoyingly weak female protag
- the never ending cycle of "yes, i'm yours and i'll come with you." --> "i love my father. i'll talk to him. maybe he'll come around." --> "he's making me marry this other guy! omg. but i won't let you die because of me, so i can't come with you after all. leave me!" yeah, that got old, especially since this so-called protagonist went back and forth like this like...the whole book, sometimes all within the span of two pages.
- lol @ the sex scenes.
so... doubt i'll be reading anymore of this series, which is a shame, because again i kinda like these silly little highland books and now i'll have to search some more.
July 28, 2012
You can find this review and more at Forever Book Lover.
I wasn't sure how the author was going to pull this off, writing for a character who couldn't not speak, but she did it and she did it in spades. Wonderful stretch of her writing ability, bravo to Ms Willingham.
Callum and Marguerite were kindered sprits, both imprisoned, she by the invisible chains of her father in arranging her marriage and Callum who has been imprisoned by chains since he was twelve.
Marguerite risks it all by coming to his aid, just that moment of kindness gives him the courage and the will to survive. Callum suffers ongoing beating, he stands strong throughout all of them, determined not to break, he conditions himself not to scream, although his wounds heal over time, he remains silent and his voice is still tucked away. No matter how hard he tried, his words were locked away, keeping him silent. Despite the silence and against all odds, these two fall in love. And in the end, will the sacrifices they make to be together be enough? Can Callum save her as she had saved him? And what a love story it is..
The characters were so well written, you could feel their emotions. This heartbreaking story is one not to miss. Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions, there is so much going on in this book so hang on tight. Can true love prevail after all the obstacles that is placed in front of them? You just need to read it to see how they face each obstacle head on..
I wasn't sure how the author was going to pull this off, writing for a character who couldn't not speak, but she did it and she did it in spades. Wonderful stretch of her writing ability, bravo to Ms Willingham.
Callum and Marguerite were kindered sprits, both imprisoned, she by the invisible chains of her father in arranging her marriage and Callum who has been imprisoned by chains since he was twelve.
Marguerite risks it all by coming to his aid, just that moment of kindness gives him the courage and the will to survive. Callum suffers ongoing beating, he stands strong throughout all of them, determined not to break, he conditions himself not to scream, although his wounds heal over time, he remains silent and his voice is still tucked away. No matter how hard he tried, his words were locked away, keeping him silent. Despite the silence and against all odds, these two fall in love. And in the end, will the sacrifices they make to be together be enough? Can Callum save her as she had saved him? And what a love story it is..
The characters were so well written, you could feel their emotions. This heartbreaking story is one not to miss. Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions, there is so much going on in this book so hang on tight. Can true love prevail after all the obstacles that is placed in front of them? You just need to read it to see how they face each obstacle head on..
June 29, 2012
I quite enjoyed this one, provided by netgalley, but felt it was missing something, and I struggled a bit to get emotionally engaged in it.
What did I like?
- The hero is one super-dreamy, wounded-warrior, alpha male, but stricken with the loss of his voice. He's also a Scottish Highlander, and is pretty handy with a bow and arrow. His inability to speak and his horrible life as a prisoner has made him an intriguingly patient man, which I really liked.
- The heroine is a young, demure, obedient aristocrat, and tries desperately to stay that way, whilst also wanting to be with the hero. It was rather nicely done.
- You don't have to read the others in the series to understand this one. It makes a good standalone.
What was I less sure of?
- The plot didn't really feel that new to me. The hero's silence, and how it was written, was really great, but nothing else felt particularly unique or different from quite a few other Scots/Highland genre romances. The heroine is trying to avoid an unwanted marriage (yawn), the hero wants to save her (yawn), the heroine's old man doesn't listen to her (yawn)... do you see what I mean? It wasn't that it was an unpleasant read, or that the characters were unattractive, but just that it didn't stand out for me.
So, if you like Scots/Highland genre romances, you'll love reading this one. I found it enjoyable, but not much more. 3 stars. Available now.
What did I like?
- The hero is one super-dreamy, wounded-warrior, alpha male, but stricken with the loss of his voice. He's also a Scottish Highlander, and is pretty handy with a bow and arrow. His inability to speak and his horrible life as a prisoner has made him an intriguingly patient man, which I really liked.
- The heroine is a young, demure, obedient aristocrat, and tries desperately to stay that way, whilst also wanting to be with the hero. It was rather nicely done.
- You don't have to read the others in the series to understand this one. It makes a good standalone.
What was I less sure of?
- The plot didn't really feel that new to me. The hero's silence, and how it was written, was really great, but nothing else felt particularly unique or different from quite a few other Scots/Highland genre romances. The heroine is trying to avoid an unwanted marriage (yawn), the hero wants to save her (yawn), the heroine's old man doesn't listen to her (yawn)... do you see what I mean? It wasn't that it was an unpleasant read, or that the characters were unattractive, but just that it didn't stand out for me.
So, if you like Scots/Highland genre romances, you'll love reading this one. I found it enjoyable, but not much more. 3 stars. Available now.
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